The Catalyzers: Recent Episodes
Mark Russell
Every original thinker, entrepreneur, and innovator can pinpoint it – the exact moment they changed things forever. But how did it happen? And why?
Each month, digital transformation expert, Mark Russell, speaks with true Catalyzers – the people who drive change in positive, profound and meaningful ways.
If you aspire to be courageous, to do things differently, or to change things for the better, this must-hear podcast will inspire you with stories and actionable takeaways so you, too, can become a Catalyzer.
Wendy Walker, best selling author of psychological suspense novels, shares her life journey of pivots in pursuit of striking the right balance between fulfillment and success. Discover how she went from figure skater to investment banker to corporate lawyer to full-time mom before ever making a name for herself as a bestselling author.
Wendy’s story is one of resilience and life changing realizations.
In this episode we discuss:
- Being a feminist in a male dominated industry (investment banking in the 1980s)
- The art of writing and the path to becoming a best selling, published author
- Connections between young athletes and top, career performers
- Pursuing feedback advice from mentors when assessing your dreams
Guest Bio:
Wendy Walker is the best selling author of psychological suspense novels. Her books have been published in over 23 foreign languages and optioned for film and television. Prior to writing, she worked as a family lawyer and an investment banker. Her latest novels include Don’t Look for Me and the Audible Original, American Girl, which was an instant #1 bestseller.
About this Show:
Digital transformation expert, Mark Russell, speaks with true Catalyzers – the people who drive change in positive, profound and meaningful ways. If you aspire to be courageous, to do things differently, or to change things for the better, this must-hear podcast will inspire you with stories and actionable takeaways so you, too, can become a Catalyzer.
Hosted by: Mark Russell
Josh Linkner, Serial Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author and Chairman of Platypus Labs, shares stories of innovators who have taken small everyday ideas and turned them into clever solutions that made a meaningful impact. He also shares how we all have the potential to be inventive and how to build creative solutions to problems we encounter in the world.
In this episode we also discuss:
- Tips for writing your first book and the process Josh followed for his latest best seller
- What Josh looks for in companies and startup leaders his VC firm invests in
- Why “mentors” can extend further than just being positive role models
Guest Bio:
Josh Linkner passionately believes that all human beings have incredible creative capacity, and he’s on a mission to unlock inventive thinking and creative problem solving.
Josh has been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which sold for a combined value of over $200 million and is the author of four books including the New York Times Best Sellers, Disciplined Dreaming and The Road to Reinvention. He has helped launch over 100 startups and is the Founding Partner of Detroit Venture Partners.
Today, Josh serves as Chairman and co-founder of Platypus Labs, an innovation research, training, and consulting firm. He has twice been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and is the recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award.
About this Show:
Digital transformation expert, Mark Russell, speaks with true Catalyzers – the people who drive change in positive, profound and meaningful ways. If you aspire to be courageous, to do things differently, or to change things for the better, this must-hear podcast will inspire you with stories and actionable takeaways so you, too, can become a Catalyzer.
Hosted by: Mark Russell
Joseph Jaffe, seasoned marketer, content creator and public speaker, shares the countless times he’s pivoted and reinvented himself along his journey. As part of his progression, Joseph keeps a pulse on emerging technologies and mediums. He’s known for quickly leveraging new opportunities, including his latest work in the crypto space.
In this episode we also discuss:
- Growing up in South Africa and the role Nelson Mandela, a world-stage public figure and agent of change, played in changing his perspective on life
- His profound contributions to emerging tech, staying relevant, and the importance of teaching others
- Unique applications of NFTs and how Joseph is leveraging opportunities in crypto, a.k.a. the here and now of always being present
Guest Bio:
Joseph Jaffe is a world renowned keynote speaker who has spoken in close to 50 countries. But when COVID hit, he was forced to pivot and reinvent himself, and focus on what he knew best: creating content and teaching people. The “Joseph Jaffe is not Famous” show was born and has had over 300 guests, including Seth Godin and Tom Peters.
- Get $JAFEE Coin Here
- Subscribe to Jaffe Is Not Famous (YouTube) Here
About this Show:
Digital transformation expert, Mark Russell, speaks with true Catalyzers – the people who drive change in positive, profound and meaningful ways. If you aspire to be courageous, to do things differently, or to change things for the better, this must-hear podcast will inspire you with stories and actionable takeaways so you, too, can become a Catalyzer.
Hosted by: Mark Russell
Butch Vig, the 9th most successful music producer of all time, discusses his journey from starting a music recording studio in his friend’s basement, charging musicians virtually nothing as an indie producer, to creating albums for major music labels. He shares what it was like producing the world’s #1 top selling album of all time, Nirvana’s Nevermind.
In this episode we also discuss:
- What it's like to wear two hats (producer and a musician), what his job is with each role, and how he context switches between both
- The moment he knew an album which he produced, Nirvana’s Nevermind, was going to become one of the most iconic albums of all time, and how it changed his life
- What it was like working with the Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl while producing their Sonic Highways album
- How they found and recruited the female artist, Shirley Manson, for their own band, Garbage
Guest Bio: "Artist" is the single word that best describes producer, mixer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Butch Vig. His work with Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, and the Foo Fighters has been hailed by music critics and fans for both critical and commercial success. He was recently ranked #9 on NME's Top 50 Greatest Producers Ever. He is also a member of the multi-platinum, Grammy Nominated band Garbage, who released their critically acclaimed NO GODS, NO MASTERS in 2021.
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About this Show:
Digital transformation expert, Mark Russell, speaks with true Catalyzers – the people who drive change in positive, profound, and meaningful ways. If you aspire to be courageous, to do things differently, or to change things for the better, this must-hear podcast will inspire you with stories and actionable takeaways so you, too, can become a Catalyzer.
Hosted by: Mark Russell
Sponsored by: CatalystXL, creators of Cardware™, the ALL-IN-ONE do-it-yourself platform that easily, quickly, and affordably builds, launches, and manages state-of-the-art “apps” that work on all connected devices in real-time. Their clients include The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Gold’s Gym and more.
All five sisters behind FIVE SISTERS PRODUCTIONS discuss how they’re leveraging the art of storytelling in film to create the change they want to see in the world. They share how they’ve been successful working together under one, shared mission and tips for the next generation of changemakers looking to make a positive impact.
In this episode we discuss:
- Creating companies that promote a culture of mentorship and paying it forward
- The role storytelling plays in shaping society and ways to tell your story
- Living your life fully and throwing away expectations of timelines
- They also shared with us brave pivots they made during the pandemic that paid off
Guest Bio:
Maria, Jennifer, Ursula, Gabrielle, & Charity Burton helm the indie film production company FIVE SISTERS PRODUCTIONS, which is committed to making movies that are entertaining and also contribute to a sense of hope on a personal and social level.
Together they have made 6 feature films and numerous shorts, commercials and award-winning documentaries.
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About this Show:
Digital transformation expert, Mark Russell, speaks with true Catalyzers – the people who drive change in positive, profound and meaningful ways. If you aspire to be courageous, to do things differently, or to change things for the better, this must-hear podcast will inspire you with stories and actionable takeaways so you, too, can become a Catalyzer.
Hosted by: Mark Russell
Ted Cannis reflects on his 30+ years serving in various leadership roles at Ford, along with the bold moments that led him to being appointed to Ford Pro CEO earlier this year.
In this episode we also discuss:
- How to deal with objections when you’re trying to make change.
- How to decide whether a no should really be a no?
- How to be who you are and focusing on your strengths to make your impact in the world.
Guest Bio:
Ted Cannis began his career at Ford in 1989 as a profit analyst at the company’s headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. He worked 11 years in Finance, including assignments around the world and in June of 2021, Ted was appointed CEO of Ford Pro.
In this role, Ted is redefining customer value through the auto industry’s first standalone commercial-vehicle services and distribution business inside Ford – a key part of Ford+, the Blue Oval’s plan for growth.
Ford Pro leverages technology to deliver a revolutionary range of electric and gas commercial vans, trucks and connected services, helping business and government customers improve productivity, and lower their total cost of vehicle ownership.
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About this Show:
Digital transformation expert, Mark Russell, speaks with true Catalyzers – the people who drive change in positive, profound and meaningful ways. If you aspire to be courageous, to do things differently, or to change things for the better, this must-hear podcast will inspire you with stories and actionable takeaways so you, too, can become a Catalyzer.
Hosted by: Mark Russell
Every original thinker, entrepreneur, and innovator can pinpoint it – the exact moment they changed things forever. But how did it happen? And why?
Each month, digital transformation expert, Mark Russell, speaks with true Catalyzers – the people who drive change in positive, profound and meaningful ways.
If you aspire to be courageous, to do things differently, or to change things for the better, this must-hear podcast will inspire you with stories and actionable takeaways so you, too, can become a Catalyzer.
- Visit CatalystXL to watch a demo on digital transformation.
- Follow us on Instagram to learn more about the people who make change.