Afleveringen

  • What happens after you’ve lost everything—status, stability, and even your sense of self?

    In Part Two, Sihame El Kaouakibi goes deeper into her journey of rebuilding: not just her career, but her core identity. From leaving toxic environments to redefining ambition, Sihame breaks down how Women Leaders OS came from her own healing, and how she now helps high-achieving women across cultures do the same.

    She also opens up about why global coaching requires cultural fluency, why some success stories are just polished pain, and what it really means to be “enough” in a world obsessed with more. Whether you’re stuck in a golden cage or preparing for your next chapter, this episode is a lifeline—and a mirror.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Rock Bottom Was the Starting Line

    “When you lose everything, the first thing to rebuild is belief—especially in yourself.”

    Rejection = Redirection

    “If you’re surviving instead of thriving, it’s time to quit. The environment shapes the outcome.”

    You’re Not Too Emotional—You’re Just Not in the Right Room

    “I was labeled difficult for being passionate. Turns out, I just needed a different tribe.”

    What Women Leaders OS Really Means

    “It’s not software—it’s a full system for healing, repurposing, and thriving after the fall.”

    Building a Global Sisterhood, Not a One-Size-Fits-All Program

    “My clients are from Belgium, the U.S., India, Singapore. Their pain is personal, but the patterns are universal.”

    The Persona She Works With

    “High-performing women who feel stuck, confused, or secretly miserable—those are my people.”

    Career Pivots With Purpose

    “Whether it’s closing a chapter or launching a new venture, I help women transition with clarity—not burnout.”

    What Success Really Looks Like

    “It’s not Instagram-perfect. It’s stumbling, growing, and showing up—again and again.”

    Three Pieces of Advice for the Lost, Burnt Out, or Confused

    “You don’t have to be perfect. The learning is in the doing. And no matter what—you are enough.”

    _____________________

    Connect with Us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Sihame El Kaouakibi

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • What happens when a rising political star crashes—publicly, painfully, and all at once?

    In Part One, Sihame El Kaouakibi, Moroccan-born former Belgian MP and five-time founder, shares the deeply personal story behind her public unraveling. Once a celebrated social entrepreneur and national leader, Sihame faced burnout, betrayal, and bankruptcy—all while navigating racism, politics, and impossible expectations.

    But instead of disappearing, she rebuilt. This episode is a raw look at what it means to hit rock bottom, question your worth, and slowly rise again—stronger, clearer, and more committed to purpose than ever. If you’ve ever felt stuck, silenced, or lost in your own ambition, this one’s for you.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Burnout, Bankruptcy, and the Breakthrough

    “I lost everything—my energy, my confidence, even my bank account. But it became fertile ground.”

    When Validation Becomes Addiction

    “I built my identity on achievements. Without them, I felt like nobody.”

    Politics Was a Zero-Sum Game. So She Quit.

    “Entrepreneurship was about creation. Politics was about survival—and I was dying inside.”

    The Messiah Complex Trap

    “I believed I could change everything. I was wrong—and I paid the price.”

    The Privilege of Slowing Down

    “I had to let go of control, ego, and my former self. Healing took three years—but it gave me my life back.”

    The Environment You Choose Shapes the Outcome You Get

    “You’re not stuck—you’re just in the wrong pot. Rejection can be redirection.”

    Women Leaders OS: Built From Her Own Scars

    “I help women go from burnout to breakthrough—not with hustle, but with internal belief and system-level support.”

    The Ugly Side of Glamour

    “People you envy might be drowning. Success isn’t always Instagram-pretty.”

    _____________________

    Connect with Us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Sihame El Kaouakibi

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

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  • Starting a franchise isn’t just a business move—it’s a mindset shift.

    In Part Two, James Hilovsky—former athlete turned franchise consultant—goes beyond playbooks and into the real psychology of success. He explores why some athletes stumble when they let ego overtake strategy, how corporate professionals can regain control after layoffs, and why betting on yourself only works when you’re honest about what kind of help you need.

    From risk tolerance to leadership, coachability to due diligence, this episode is packed with reality checks and real encouragement for anyone eyeing a second career through franchising. Whether you’re leaving the field or the boardroom, this is your roadmap for moving forward without going it alone.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    When Ego Derails the Dream

    “Some athletes think, ‘I can do it better than the franchisor.’ That mindset usually ends badly.”

    Coachable or Combative? Know the Difference

    “If you hated taking advice on the field, franchising might not be for you. Try entrepreneurship instead.”

    From Control to Chaos: Managing the Transition

    “Athletes are used to structure. Business is messy. That gap has to be managed with education and support.”

    Risk Is a Feature, Not a Bug

    “Franchising reduces risk—but it doesn’t remove it. You still have to lead, decide, and adapt.”

    Franchisor as Business Partner, Not Boss

    “The best franchisors act like coaches. They’ll guide you—but they won’t run the plays for you.”

    Red Flags in the Franchise World

    “If someone tells you it’s a ‘hands-off’ business or dodges your due diligence questions—run.”

    Advice for Non-Athletes

    “If fear is stopping you, ask yourself: what’s the real cost of staying stuck?”

    Doing the Homework Before the Leap

    “Talk to existing franchisees. Read the FDD. And never skip the financials.”

    The Impact That Keeps Him Going

    “I love helping people find a franchise they didn’t even know existed—and watching it change their lives.”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: James Hilovsky

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • What happens after the cheering stops?

    For James Hilovsky, it meant trading his baseball uniform for business ownership—and helping other athletes do the same. In Part One, James shares how his short-lived pro sports career led to 25 years in restaurant franchising, including scaling Pieology from one store to over 100.

    Now, as a franchise consultant, James works with NFL and NBA players looking to invest wisely, build generational wealth, and transition from the field to the franchise world. He explains how the mindset of elite athletes—structured, coachable, and risk-tolerant—makes them natural fits for franchise success. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to make the leap from sports to business, this episode is your playbook.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    From Dugout to Dining Room

    “My playing career ended fast—but the restaurant world gave me a new team and a new game to master.”

    Scaling Pieology: A Fast-Casual Success Story

    “We went from one location to over 100 franchises. That’s where I really learned what franchisees need.”

    Helping Athletes Avoid Bad Deals

    “I saw too many players get pitched sketchy investments. I wanted to be a safe, informed resource.”

    What COVID Taught Us About Franchising

    “People were stuck at home, rethinking their jobs—and ready to bet on themselves.”

    Sports Teams and Franchise Systems: More Alike Than You Think

    “Both have playbooks. Both have coaches. And success comes from following the system.”

    Why Athletes Thrive in Business

    “They’re used to risk, coaching, and performance pressure. That’s the foundation of good franchisees.”

    Case Study: From NFL to Mental Health Franchise

    “A retired Super Bowl winner found purpose building a clinic network for athletes dealing with post-concussion trauma.”

    Case Study: A Family Franchise Plan in Atlanta

    “A former MLB player launched a dog grooming business—with his wife and kids running the first store.”

    The Top 3 Qualities That Make Athletes Business-Ready

    “Risk tolerance, coachability, and natural leadership. That’s the winning combo.”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: James Hilovsky

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • If students are graduating into a broken job market, can we really call that success?

    In Part Two, Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, zooms out to expose the cracks between graduation and employment—and shares what it actually takes to close them. From outdated career services buried in basement offices to siloed AI initiatives happening in secret, Bridget makes the case for a total redesign of higher education’s operating system.

    With a blend of empathy and systems thinking, she outlines how her team redesigned career prep using design sprints, empathy interviews, and playbooks adopted across campuses. If you care about mobility, modern learning, or making education work for today’s students, this conversation goes beyond policy—it gets personal.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Nobody Likes Change—Unless It’s Theirs

    “Everyone who says they like change is a liar. You only like the change you helped create.”

    Empathy Is a Skill, Not a Soft Word

    “People are walking around with broken hearts—because leaders shelved the thing they built or made them feel disposable.”

    AI in Higher Ed: Same Problems, New Arms Race

    “Thousands of staff are working on the same AI problem in silos. What a waste.”

    The Risk of Reinventing the Wheel—Again and Again

    “Everyone’s designing alone, heads down. Students lose while schools compete.”

    Career Services, Reimagined from Scratch

    “We mapped the mess, interviewed students, and redesigned career prep as part of the classroom—not just a résumé workshop in the basement.”

    Faculty as Career Coaches? Yes, and Here’s How

    “We embedded career activities into every course, starting from day one.”

    From Data Deserts to Playbooks

    “Most schools didn’t even track career services usage. That’s not strategy—that’s hiding the scoreboard.”

    The Real Measure of Value: Social Mobility at Scale

    “We’re done with ‘graduate and goodbye.’ Now we’re building systems that track—and improve—students’ lives after college.”

    Designing a Smart Future, Not Just Smart Classrooms

    “Higher ed wasn’t built for today’s students. We’re fixing that—with urgency, alignment, and a new North Star: mobility.”

    ______________________

    Connect with Us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Bridget Burns

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • If higher education feels like the Hunger Games, Dr. Bridget Burns is building the resistance.

    In Part One, Bridget shares her journey from growing up in rural Montana to becoming CEO of the University Innovation Alliance—a national coalition of public research universities working together (yes, together) to improve outcomes for low-income and first-generation students.

    She pulls back the curtain on the real problem in academia: a culture of competition, hierarchy, and duplicated failure masked as innovation. Instead, she offers a new model: universities learning from each other, mapping broken processes, and holding themselves accountable to real results. This episode is for anyone tired of hearing that higher ed can’t change—and ready to hear from someone who’s actually changing it.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Out of the Cul-De-Sac: Bridget’s Escape from Rural Isolation

    “I grew up surrounded by racism, misogyny, and homophobia. Getting out was everything.”

    From Student Leader to System Architect

    “At 22, I went from student government to hiring university presidents. That’s when I saw how broken the system really was.”

    The Problem Isn’t Resistance to Change—It’s Bad Design

    “No one resists change when it’s their idea. We resist top-down mandates that ignore lived experience.”

    Why Higher Ed Feels Like a Zero-Sum Game

    “Presidents are rewarded for beating each other in rankings, not for helping more students graduate.”

    Building the University Innovation Alliance

    “I wasn’t trying to form a club. I wanted to create a working lab for collaborative problem-solving.”

    The Trust-Building Work No One Sees

    “I flew to 11 campuses, built real relationships, and got them to sign off on data sharing and joint accountability.”

    How Process Mapping Saved 450 Emails and 50 Student Holds

    “Michigan State found it was overwhelming new students with hundreds of emails and dozens of unknown account blocks—just by putting everyone in the same room.”

    From Bureaucrat to Entrepreneur

    “Michael Crow told me I’d need to break out of my bureaucratic mindset. He was right. I had to become a builder.”

    Innovation Isn’t Flashy—It’s Often Inconvenient

    “We glamorize innovation, but it’s messy. Slower. More painful. That’s why it needs to be built around people, not power.”

    ______________________

    Connect with Us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Bridget Burns

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • Let’s be honest—today’s job search often feels like shouting into the void.

    In Part Three, Mary Shea—former General Manager at HireQuotient and co-CEO at Mediafly—tackles the modern job market from both sides of the table. She pulls back the curtain on how AI is reshaping recruitment: from sourcing passive candidates to fighting unconscious bias, automating outreach, and uncovering overlooked talent. But this isn’t a tech sales pitch—Mary gets real about what AI can’t do (like fix a broken candidate experience) and why human empathy still matters most.

    Whether you’re a recruiter overwhelmed by applications or a job seeker ghosted by someone half your age, this episode is your career compass for a chaotic hiring landscape.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    AI That Actually Helps Recruiters Breathe

    “We offload 75% of the workload—so recruiters can stop drowning in admin and start connecting again.”

    Talent Hiding in Plain Sight

    “Using multiple data sources, we find candidates others miss—especially underrepresented voices skipped by bots.”

    When the Résumé Lies—or Leaves Too Much Out

    “Some of the best candidates don’t list everything. That’s where smart prompting and human judgment must align.”

    Automation ≠ Apathy

    “Done right, AI doesn’t depersonalize the process—it gives recruiters more time to be human.”

    Recruiting for the C-Suite? Yes, AI Can Help There Too

    “I used it to hire my Chief Customer Officer. Diverse candidates, faster process, better outcome.”

    The Real Human Cost of Getting It Wrong

    “First impressions matter. A bad recruiting experience damages more than the candidate—it hurts your brand.”

    Vince Shares His Story—And It Hits Home

    A real-life example of age bias, HR tech gone wrong, and why leadership still requires presence and respect.

    Mary’s Advice to Job Seekers

    “Be granular. Use LinkedIn wisely. But never forget—every opportunity still starts with a relationship.”

    Networking Isn’t Dead—You’re Just Doing It Wrong

    “In-person, virtual, or omnichannel—connect deeply, not just digitally. That’s how humans hire.”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Mary Shea PhD

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • Is two better than one?

    In Part Two of this series, Mary Shea—former co-CEO of Mediafly and former General Manager at Hire Quotient—shares how she navigated one of the most unconventional leadership models in business: co-CEOship. From building trust with her co-leader to balancing responsibilities across time zones and product lines, Mary unpacks the human side of shared power—and why mutual respect beats ego every time.

    She also explores how AI is transforming sales effectiveness, not just efficiency, and why today’s revenue teams need to look more like collaborative ecosystems than traditional hierarchies. Plus: what every leader can learn from marriage, tennis, and the occasional business referee.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    AI for Sales: More Than Speed, It’s Strategy

    “We’re not replacing reps—we’re freeing them up for high-impact work. That’s the real ROI of AI.”

    The Death of the 80/20 Rule?

    “With smarter tools, smaller teams can do more. We’re heading toward 80% of sellers driving 100% of revenue.”

    AI as a Coach, Not a Crutch

    “Think of AI as a coach on your shoulder. Helpful, but never a substitute for personalization or judgment.”

    Behind the Scenes of Co-CEO Life

    “It works because we trust each other. We split duties, share a vision, and treat decisions like a dialogue—not a turf war.”

    The Marriage Metaphor (Yes, It Fits)

    “Being a co-CEO is like a professional marriage. You need communication, shared values—and sometimes an executive coach.”

    Slower Decisions, Stronger Outcomes

    “We may debate more than solo CEOs. But those debates lead to smarter, more resilient choices.”

    When the Umpire Steps In

    “If we hit an impasse, we turn to our board and investors. Every partnership needs a higher court.”

    Scaling Without Silos

    “We empower leaders as mini-CEOs—but only if we keep the org aligned. Otherwise, remote work just breeds islands.”

    The Bigger Game: Building Equity Through Leadership

    “AI, revenue, strategy—it all comes back to who gets to lead. And how we help more people rise.”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Mary Shea PhD

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • Mary Shea didn’t follow a traditional path. She composed her own.

    In Part One of this three-part series, Mary walks us through the bold decisions that took her from professional oboist to PhD to sales analyst—and eventually to co-CEO of Mediafly. Along the way, she’s picked up more than titles: she’s developed a philosophy that blends intellectual rigor, creative play, and social equity.

    She opens up about what it’s like to enter the business world a decade “behind” her peers, the financial freedom sales can offer underrepresented leaders, and how she’s helping build not just tech products—but leadership pipelines that reflect the real world.

    This episode is for anyone thinking of switching lanes, catching up, or starting over.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    From Mexico to Management: Her Unlikely Start

    “I played oboe in symphonies, earned a PhD in musicology—and then started over in sales.”

    Sales as a Social Equalizer

    “If you’re good at it, you can rewrite your life. It gave me the power to fund causes, uplift others, and lead on my own terms.”

    Behind, But Not for Long

    “I came into business 10 years behind my peers. That lit a fire—I moved fast, and I moved with purpose.”

    Creating the Playbook, Not Just Following It

    “I need intellectual stimulation. Managing is fine, but building strategy? That’s what lights me up.”

    Enabling Others Is the New Power Move

    “My role now is to empower my team like mini-CEOs. Their wins are my metric.”

    Scaling With a Human Lens

    “We acquired five companies in under two years—not to show off, but to build something smarter, faster, and more inclusive.”

    Pushing for True Diversity in Sales

    “Only one-third of B2B sellers are women. That has to change—and I’m using my platform to help drive it.”

    Mediafly’s Mission: More Than Sales Enablement

    “From revenue intelligence to buyer engagement, we’re building the full tech stack—without losing sight of people.”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Mary Shea PhD

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • Becoming Singapore’s youngest parliamentarian was just the beginning.

    In Part Two of this conversation, Tin Pei Ling reflects on how she’s evolved as a leader, mother, policymaker, and public voice. From walking the campaign trail just days after giving birth, to pursuing an MBA mid-term while managing a constituency, her path isn’t about having it all—it’s about knowing what to give, and when.

    She opens up about the guilt of missing milestones, the value of learning from older peers, and the real cost of public service. She also shares her ongoing fight for women’s empowerment, elderly inclusion, mental wellness, and Singapore’s digital future. For anyone navigating multiple roles at once, Pei Ling’s story is a case study in conviction—and quiet strength.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Why She Chose an MBA—After Already Getting Elected

    “Politics was public. But I needed something personal—to grow, stretch, and see the world differently.”

    What Booth Taught Her (Besides Economics)

    “I wasn’t just learning frameworks. I was building a new lens through which to see leadership.”

    Motherhood, Duty, and the Election That Didn’t Wait

    “Two weeks after giving birth, I was out campaigning. I came home to a baby who’d grown before my eyes.”

    There’s No Perfect Balance—Only Trade-Offs

    “As an MP, an employee, and a mother, I’ve had to make hard choices. But I’ve never walked alone.”

    Why Support Systems Are Everything

    “Behind every successful woman is an ecosystem. Mine includes teammates, voters, bosses, and family.”

    From Guilt to Advocacy: Fighting for Women’s Aspirations

    “Not everyone has what I had. That’s why I fight for better policies—for every woman with a dream.”

    Mental Health, Aging, and the Power of Policy

    “Youth need tools. Seniors need dignity. My job is to speak for both.”

    Why Digital Fluency Is a Women’s Issue Too

    “Tech can empower women—if we help them unlock it. That’s what smart nations really need: smart, supported women.”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Tin Pei Ling

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • What happens when your first job in politics comes with public ridicule, online harassment, and sky-high expectations?

    At 27, Tin Pei Ling became Singapore’s youngest female Member of Parliament. But what looked like a bold milestone from the outside was also the darkest chapter of her life. In Part One of this candid conversation, Pei Ling opens up about walking away from a stable consulting job, the backlash she faced as a “too young” candidate, and why she chose to fight for trust instead of attention.

    This is not a story about instant triumph. It’s a story about resilience in public, self-doubt in private, and choosing to grow anyway. Whether you’re 22 or 52, this episode redefines what it means to earn your place—without needing to shout for it.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    From Psychology to Politics: A Career Rerouted by Life

    “My dream was to be a clinical psychologist—but when my father had a heart attack, everything changed.”

    The Consulting Detour That Built Her Backbone

    “Ernst & Young taught me structure, speed, and how to handle steep learning curves. I still use that training today.”

    The Election That Changed Everything

    “I was the youngest, the newest, the most criticized—and it nearly broke me.”

    A Sacred Duty, Not Just a Title

    “Once I got elected, I quit my job. If people trusted me with their votes, I had to give them my full time.”

    No Days Off: What Real Ground Work Looks Like

    “Parliament, emails, grassroots events—being an MP means being on call, always.”

    How She Faced Ageism—and Turned It Into Strength

    “People looked at me and asked, ‘Who are you to understand my life?’ I answered with presence, not perfection.”

    Silence, Cynicism, and Social Media Attacks

    “People made up stories about my personal life. Every night I cried, every morning I showed up again.”

    Why She’s Still Grateful for the Pain

    “That period shaped my emotional growth. Today, I’m more resilient—and I have a story that might help someone else.”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Tin Pei Ling

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • Would you leave a powerful career in global banking, pack up your family, and start over in a developing country?

    That’s exactly what Fatou Sagna Sow did. Born and raised in Paris, she built a high-flying legal career at some of the world’s top banks—leading teams, managing billion-dollar deals, and thriving in the French system. But it wasn’t enough. In 2016, she returned to Senegal to write a new playbook—one rooted in identity, impact, and intercontinental connection.

    In this episode, Fatou shares how she navigated fear, culture shifts, and politics to become a driving force in Senegal’s economic development. From banana-fiber sanitary pads to Japan-Africa tech exchanges, she’s creating a cross-border entrepreneurship model that blends French precision with Senegalese ambition.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    From Paris to Dakar: Why She Left It All Behind

    “I had a great career in France—but I wasn’t challenging myself anymore. Senegal was calling.”

    Motherhood as Motivation

    “I wanted my kids to know their roots. To grow up understanding both cultures, without borders.”

    Building Power Through Politics

    “Politics helped me understand Senegal’s real economy—and gave me a network I still rely on today.”

    Becoming a Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister

    “Just two years after I moved, I was advising on blue economy, green economy, and industrial policy. It changed how I saw my role.”

    Banana Fiber Meets Social Innovation: The Luna Na Project

    “We’re turning banana waste into sanitary pads. It’s never been done before in Senegal—and it’s changing lives.”

    Creating Bridges, Not Borders

    “I bring together young talent from France and Senegal. They collaborate, co-create, and even co-own the ventures they launch here.”

    From France to Monaco, Then Japan: Global Partnerships for Local Growth

    “I’m working with embassies, economic councils, and corporate leaders to connect young Africans with opportunity around the world.”

    The Hardest Part: Letting Go of Stability

    “I left a stable job with great pay. The fear was real. But so was the mission.”

    New Deal Consulting: Writing Her Own Law Book for Change

    “As a lawyer, I followed rules. Now I create new ones—for impact, for equity, and for the next generation.”
    _________________________

    Connect with Us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Fatou Sagna Sow

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • Hybrid work was supposed to be the future—but it’s feeling more like a tug-of-war.

    Wayne Turmel, co-author of The Long-Distance Leader, has spent two decades studying how we lead across distance—and what falls apart when we don’t. In this episode, Wayne explains why most return-to-office plans are more negotiation than strategy, how unexamined proximity bias silently shapes promotions, and why hybrid leadership isn’t about place—it’s about intentionality.

    Whether you’re managing global teams or trying to avoid burnout-by-Zoom, this conversation will help you rethink what modern leadership actually requires—and how to do it without micromanaging or burning people out.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Leadership Before Location: The First Rule of Remote Work

    “If you’re a weak leader in person, remote will make it worse. Hybrid just exposes the cracks faster.”

    Genghis Khan Didn’t Need WebEx—You Don’t Need Chaos

    “Leading from afar isn’t new. But today, we confuse tech tools with leadership itself.”

    Proximity Bias: The Promotion No One Talks About

    “People in the office get more attention—whether we mean to favor them or not. That’s not strategy. That’s inertia.”

    Why Hybrid Isn’t Really Hybrid

    “Three-day compromises aren’t hybrid strategies. Most companies are just seeing how far they can push before people quit.”

    Deep Work, Loud Offices, and Cake in the Break Room

    “Don’t bring people back just to distract them. Save the office for coaching, collaboration, and trust-building.”

    Synchronous vs. Asynchronous: It’s About Time (Literally)

    “If you’re clocking in remotely on someone else’s schedule, you’re not working hybrid—you’re just working differently.”

    Amazon, Turnover, and the Future of Micromanagement

    “With 150% annual churn, maybe it’s not a location problem. Maybe it’s a leadership one.”

    High Finance vs. High Flexibility

    “Jamie Dimon’s playbook may work for Wall Street. But others are asking: does it have to be that way?”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Wayne Turmel

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • The way we communicate is changing—but what does that mean for the humans doing the talking?

    Dr. Juliana Schroeder, associate professor at UC Berkeley Haas, has spent her career unpacking how we perceive other minds—both human and machine. In this episode, she breaks down how AI isn’t just reshaping tech—it’s reshaping the psychology of communication itself. From virtual assistants to algorithmic bias, and from voice cues to power dynamics, Juliana offers a grounded look at what we gain (and risk losing) as AI enters our social and professional lives.

    For executives, educators, and anyone raising kids in a world of voice bots and Zoom calls, Juliana’s insights are both sobering and empowering: technology may evolve, but the need for mindful, human-centered interaction is here to stay.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    The Mind Behind the Mind: Why She Studies Perception

    “Humans can’t read minds—but we act like we can. I study how we form beliefs about others’ thoughts and feelings—and where those beliefs go wrong.”

    From Hard Science to Human Behavior

    A former physics student, Juliana fell in love with psychology’s messier questions: persuasion, power, and decision-making.

    Alexa, Am I in Charge?

    “When we treat virtual assistants like humans, we start to feel powerful. That shift can change how we act—sometimes for the worse.”

    The Confirmation Bias Trap of AI

    “LLMs like ChatGPT often reflect what we say, not what we need. They’re agreeable by design—and that creates a unique kind of echo chamber.”

    Medium Matters: Why Voice Beats Text

    “Text strips out nuance. Voice restores it. If you want to be seen as warm, competent, or persuasive—don’t rely on email.”

    Hiring, Algorithms, and the Need for Transparency

    “When high-stakes decisions get outsourced to black-box AI, people rebel. We still want a human in the loop.”

    Designing Better Conversations—With Humans and Machines

    What if your AI pushed back? Juliana imagines future assistants with ‘sass’ to counteract human overconfidence.

    What Leaders Should (Still) Master

    “Great communicators don’t just speak—they switch modalities when needed. They know when to email, when to Zoom, and when to step away.”

    More Tech ≠ Better Talk

    “Too many tools can backfire. The best leaders know how to reduce distraction and amplify meaning—whether talking to humans or machines.”
    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Juliana Schroeder, PHD

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • Confidence might be the most overused word in leadership—but Lucy Gernon is here to give it teeth.

    After two decades in the pharmaceutical world, Lucy faced a moment of reckoning when a family tragedy pushed her to stop waiting and start living on her own terms. Now, as a multi-award-winning executive coach and founder of the Executive Presence Blueprint, she helps high-achieving women get out of their own heads—and into positions of power.

    In this episode, Lucy opens up about overcoming self-doubt, people-pleasing, and the inner critic that once held her back. From side hustle strategies to emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership, she shares what it really takes to build confidence that lasts—not the kind that sounds good on Pinterest, but the kind that actually gets you promoted.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    From Science to Stage: A Career Rewired by Purpose

    “Even as a microbiologist, I always loved people more than Petri dishes.”

    The Wake-Up Call: When Life Says ‘Go Now’

    “When my father-in-law died suddenly, I realized: I was living to please others, not myself.”

    Why She Stopped Quoting Gurus and Started Trusting Herself

    “I used to borrow quotes—until a coach said, ‘What about your frameworks?’ That changed everything.”

    The Confidence Myth, Debunked

    “It’s not about being loud. It’s about being certain—in your voice, your value, your vision.”

    Motherhood, Mortgages, and Making It Work

    “I didn’t leap blindly—I side-hustled, saved, tested, and built. Strategy beats spontaneity.”

    What Executive Presence Looks Like Now (Hint: Not a Guy in a Suit)

    Harvard data, leadership shifts, and why charisma, inclusion, and vision matter more than ever.

    Her Signature Framework for Female Leaders

    Gravitas, communication, appearance—and the one trait that still tops them all: confidence.

    Learning to Let Go: Why Clients Must Do the Work

    “It’s not my job to fix someone. The right clients are ready to act, not just listen.”

    AI and Coaching: Collaborators, Not Competitors

    “I use AI every day—to refine frameworks, spark ideas, and scale tools. But human connection? That’s irreplaceable.”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Lucy Gernon

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • What happens when the dream job turns into a corporate casualty?

    Benedikt Oehmen spent nearly two decades at Blizzard—first as a support staffer, then a beloved team leader—only to watch the company’s gamer-first culture erode after its merger with Activision. When layoffs came, it wasn’t just a paycheck he lost. It was identity, community, and certainty.

    But Benedikt didn’t stay stuck. He pivoted from game development to career redevelopment—first coaching his own team through grief and transition, then launching a business to guide others through the same.

    In this episode, he shares his powerful “Big Three” framework—Be Kind, Be Present, Be Open—along with practical tools for anyone facing layoffs, career upheaval, or a post-corporate identity crisis. It’s not just theory—it’s lived wisdom from someone who’s been there.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Blizzard Beginnings: From Physics to Warcraft

    “I took a semester off physics to try working at Blizzard… 17 years later, I was still there.”

    When Work Feels Like Family—Until It Doesn’t

    “It wasn’t just a job. We played together, worked together, partied together. And then came the layoffs.”

    Culture Clash: When Epic Games Turn Into Earnings Reports

    “After the Activision merger, all we heard was: how do we make more money?”

    Career Plot Twist: Coaching Instead of Collapsing

    “I stayed to help my team transition. That’s when I discovered coaching—and myself.”

    No More Overlords: Why He Chose Life After Layoffs

    “I didn’t want to keep making rich people richer. I wanted to help geeks like me take back control.”

    The Big Three: A Framework for Reinvention

    Be Kind. Be Present. Be Open. Simple words, real results.

    Mistakes = Learning in Disguise

    “Writing a book felt impossible—until I reframed it. Not ‘write a book.’ Just ‘become a person who writes daily.’”

    From Grief to Growth: Why Change Can Still Be Kind

    “It’s okay to mourn the past. But if you listen to your future self, you’ll start moving again.”

    ______________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Benedikt Oehmen

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • Ian Myers isn’t here to give you startup hacks—he’s here to tell the truth.

    At just 26, he became a CEO. By 30, he’d built Oceans, a $10 million agency connecting skilled professionals in Sri Lanka with U.S. startups. But his story isn’t a straight line—it’s an open map. From literature to venture capital, Japan to New York, success and failure, Ian has treated life like a Tintin adventure: follow the clues, embrace the chaos, and keep going.

    In this conversation, we dig into what really fuels a global entrepreneur—from Buddhist philosophy to a bias for action—and how Ian’s building a future-of-work company that’s human-first, not hype-driven. For anyone rethinking college, career paths, or the AI takeover, Ian offers something rarer than advice: perspective.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Tintin Over Tech Bros: Why Curiosity Beats Calculation

    “My role model isn’t Musk or Zuck—it’s Tintin. He’s fearless, inquisitive, and always exploring something new.”

    Zen and the Founder’s Mind

    “Buddhism taught me how to stay grounded through chaos. That mindset shaped how I lead.”

    LinkedIn Paralysis Is Real. Here’s What to Do Instead.

    “People tell me, ‘My classmate’s a VP already—I’ve failed.’ That thinking’s toxic. Just follow what’s interesting.”

    Ageism, Across Borders

    “In Japan, your age trumps your ideas. It pushed me toward entrepreneurship.”

    Oceans: Talent Without Borders

    “We embed Sri Lankan professionals into U.S. startups—not as temps, but as core team members.”

    AI, Hype, and the Reality Check

    “Yes, AI is impressive. But like every tech wave, adoption will take longer than people think.”

    The Diversity Dilemma: Who Gets a Seat at the (Remote) Table?

    “We’ve turned down clients who wanted ‘an attractive female EA.’ We hire for skill, not stereotypes.”

    Don’t Overplot Your Life.

    “The world’s chaotic. You won’t chart a perfect course. Just keep moving—and recalibrate as you go.”

    ___________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Ian Myers

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • For the first time, the Chief Change Officer podcast returns to its birthplace—Hong Kong—to spotlight local artist and community builder May Yeung.

    From doodling on walls at age two to sculpting giant dim sum steamers for public exhibitions, May’s journey is anything but typical. She swapped Goldman Sachs for gallery spaces, battled cancer with faith (and clay), and now leads Art of My Family, a charity that brings art, healing, and heritage to underprivileged youth across Hong Kong. Whether it’s mental wellness programs, intergenerational education, or marine-themed installations made from recycled shells, May turns every life experience into a canvas for good. Bonus: her baby son Archer makes a surprise guest appearance—arguably stealing the show.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Draw First, Write Later: A Childhood in Color

    “I drew on walls before I could write my name… by twelve, I knew I’d be an artist.”

    When Music Shapes the Clay

    From piano lessons with Hong Kong’s top musicians to dance-sculpture mashups, May’s art listens before it speaks.

    The Goldman Pivot: Finding Purpose Through CSR

    “I helped organize community art after Hurricane Sandy. That’s when the impact bug bit.”

    From Cancer to Conviction: The ALT of Art

    “Faith, feeling alive, touching lives—cancer gave me a new mission, not just new scars.”

    Archer Joins the Show: A Toddler-Sized Shift in Artistic Purpose

    “Motherhood made me realize: my art must nourish the next generation—his and others’.”

    Dim Sum, Ping Pong, and Bamboo Dreams

    From Chinese checkers to handmade steamers, May’s art honors Hong Kong’s everyday beauty.

    ‘What If’ and ‘Blossom Love’: Sculpting Global Conversations

    “What If” made her the first Asian sculptor to exhibit at Rockefeller Chapel; “Blossom Love” built a cultural bridge between Hong Kong and the Netherlands.

    Why ‘Art of My Family’ Isn’t Just a Name

    May’s nonprofit uses art to serve mental health, sustainability, and inclusion—with the three C’s: co-design, co-create, co-learn.

    Mission: Teaching Artists Who Teach From Life

    “I’m not just instructing—I’m modeling the mess, joy, and resilience of the creative path.”
    ______________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: May Yeung

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • Vince Jeong isn’t your typical edtech founder—and this isn’t your typical training conversation.

    After immigrating to Canada at 12 and learning English from scratch, Vince chased uncertainty across five continents and a dozen careers—from McKinsey to NGOs in Tanzania to Latin American startups. That winding path led him to one insight: real learning happens when real people engage together, not alone.

    Now as CEO of Sparkwise, he’s scaling live group learning in ways that mirror the best of Harvard and McKinsey—without the tuition price tag or talent filters. In this episode, we unpack how Vince is reimagining adult learning for corporations, creators, and communities alike. If you’re bored to tears by lifeless courses and stale corporate training, tune in for a vision that makes learning social again.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Immigrant Experience 101: Rebuilding Myself at Age 12

    “Moving from Korea to Canada without speaking English forced me to rediscover who I was.”

    Curiosity Beats Certainty: The Career Built by Exploration

    “I chased the unknown—Tanzania, Colombia, consulting—because experience is the only way to find what matters.”

    Why Group Learning Beats Solo Slides

    “Learning isn’t about dumping information. It’s about building shared understanding in real time.”

    From Stage to Startup: Live Group Dynamics Are in My DNA

    “I hosted live shows on Korean TV, emceed weddings, and ran workshops—I’ve always brought people together.”

    Scaling Harvard-Style Learning Without the Harvard Price

    “We’re making elite-level training experiences accessible to more people—without compromising quality.”

    Human > Hashtag: Rebuilding Community That’s More Than Skin Deep

    “Social media gave us networks, not connection. We’re creating the space for meaningful group interaction again.”

    Partners in Impact: Who Sparkwise Was Built For

    “Our tools are for those who want richer learning—or want to scale what they offer without losing touch.”

    The Content Wake-Up Call: AI Can’t Replace Real Dialogue

    “Content’s getting commoditized. The future lies in how we apply, discuss, and activate it together.”

    __________________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Vince Jeong

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

  • Sienna Jackson, the CEO of Nortera.io, walks us through her unexpected shift from entertainment executive to impact strategist. Rather than chasing a title, she followed a thread—registering an LLC, collecting ideas, and finally stepping into work that aligned with her values. Now, she’s helping professionalize the field of social impact by focusing on measurable outcomes, not slogans. From impact modeling to cross-sector coalitions, Sienna shows how complex change starts behind the scenes—with better systems, shared language, and a refusal to settle for surface-level good.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    When Pivoting Isn’t a Plan—but a Pattern

    “I just said, ‘I’m doing social impact now.’ But it was a pattern—an arc I had been on for a while.”

    She slowly started buying domains, registering an LLC, and collecting ideas. By 2020, she sent one email—“I’m doing social impact now”—and launched into a new chapter that was already quietly in motion.

    Why ‘Impact’ Needs More Than Good Intentions

    “Impact is the net positive change rendered as a direct and material result of your actions.”

    She calls out the performative fluff in corporate social messaging—empty slogans with no metrics behind them.

    Building the Back-End of Good

    “I learned about logic models, stakeholder analysis, systems mapping… It’s data modeling, it’s survey design.”

    Armed with two master’s degrees, Sienna dove deep into IMM—impact management and measurement. She joined Social Value US to help professionalize the field with standards, surveys, and frameworks.

    Coalitions, Not Silos

    “The left hand often doesn’t know what the right hand is doing. I see my role as making connections.”

    Sienna flags a recurring problem: siloed thinking. Her strength lies in speaking both, creating coalitions where collaboration and systems alignment make real change possible.

    Everyone Has a Piece of the Puzzle

    “Go find the people who are already doing the work—and support them. That’s where the results come from.”

    You don’t have to start the movement; just roll up your sleeves and help those already in it.

    ___________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Sienna Jackson

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
    for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
    Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

    EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
    17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    80+ Countries Reached Daily.
    Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<