Afleveringen
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Fear plays a bigger role in leadership than most of us want to admit. In this episode, Mike Konrad shares the conversation that revealed his fear-based decision making â and how that moment became the turning point that reshaped his leadership, his business, and ultimately, his life.
From being dismissed by his employer to building a company that has lasted more than 30 years, Mike opens up about the internal shifts behind his external success. He talks candidly about ego, bravado, revenge, approval, self-awareness, and the uncomfortable process of learning to lead differently.
If youâre navigating growth, change, or the uncomfortable realisation that what once worked no longer does, this conversation will speak to you.
What We ExploreThe surprising ways fear shows up in leadership decisionsThe mentor conversation that changed everythingHow fear-based thinking shapes cash flow, choices, and cultureMaking peace with the worst-case scenarioWhy early leadership traits often become later limitationsThe âstarter fluidâ analogy for ego, bravado, and urgencyHow Mike shifted from proving himself to serving othersWhy true leadership requires self-awareness and humilityThe mindset shift from doing everything yourself to trusting a teamRedefining success as freedom â not validationWhat leaders at the early, frantic stage need to hear
Key Moments01:26 The fear-based decisions hiding in plain sight
03:49 Becoming aware of the âlensesâ shaping choices
09:50 Making peace with the worst to break decision paralysis
12:24 The conversation that sparked his business
19:50 How rejection triggered motivation and identity
23:54 The complicated emotional mix behind early leadership
30:39 When your strengths become your liabilities
33:06 The âstarter fluidâ metaphor for the early years
36:57 From smartest in the room to âstupidest in the roomâ
38:42 Redefining success as freedom
45:26 Leading less from proving, more from serving
47:03 Advice for leaders in survival mode
About MikeMike Konrad is the founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, a global leader in electronics reliability solutions, and the host of two podcasts:
Reliability MattersThe Reluctant EntrepreneurHe writes and speaks widely on leadership, business growth, and the mistakes that shape us.
Connect with MikeWebsite: mikekonrad.comPodcast: reluctantentrepreneurpodcast.comAqueous Technologies: aqueoustech.com
If you enjoyed this episodePlease follow Conversations That Grow, share this episode with someone whoâd love it, or leave a review â it helps more people find conversations that spark growth.
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In todayâs episode, Iâm joined by Nigel Cumberland â leadership coach, co-founder of The Silk Road Partnership, and author of several bestselling books including 100 Things Successful Leaders Do.
Nigel and I get into:
The pivotal conversation that helped him redefine who he wasHis early career as a very young finance directorWhy mistakes became his greatest teachersImposter syndrome & how he learned to handle itCulture clashes and the importance of understanding differencesThe evolution of leadership across decadesWhy leadership starts with self-awarenessLeadership beyond titles â influencing in everyday lifeWhy leaders today are more overwhelmed than everHis framework: Grounded âą Connected âą PurposefulThe biggest thing leaders need to unlearnThe one leadership principle he believes changes everythingThe hidden cost of poor leadershipHow leaders can stay human in a very digital worldThis is an honest, insightful, deeply human conversation about leadership â the kind that helps you rethink the way you show up in your work and life.
Links from the EpisodeNigelâs Website
đ https://nigelcumberland.com/
Nigelâs Books
đ https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nigel-Cumberland/author/B0034P71X2
LinkedIn Learning Courses
đ https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/nigel-cumberland
Speaking Enquiries
đ https://www.wsb.com/speakers/nigel-cumberland/
00:00 Intro
01:04 The conversation that changed Nigelâs life
04:30 Resetting your identity after a big career shift
05:53 Mistakes that shaped him as a young leader
09:10 Imposter syndrome in early leadership roles
10:50 Culture clashes and understanding differences
14:05 Why self-awareness matters more than ever
16:40 Leadership beyond titles and formal roles
18:50 Role modelling at home and at work
19:22 The rise of empowerment in leadership
20:00 Helping people see themselves as leaders
23:00 Leadership in a disrupted, digital world
24:30 Grounded, Connected, Purposeful framework
29:44 What leaders struggle with most today
30:50 What people crave in leaders
34:21 Leading with a full tank: self-care and burnout
38:09 The most important principle healthy leaders live by
41:20 When bad leaders survive â and why they shouldn't
42:26 Closing thoughts
The best growth often starts with a meaningful conversation â thank you for being part of this one.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode of Conversations That Grow, Sadaf Beynon sits down with Anastasia Ristovska, co-founder of Next Generation and Books At Ease, to explore the deeper conversations that helped her shift from control to trustâand from doing everything herself to building high-performing, empowered teams.
Anastasia shares two pivotal conversations: one that forced her to stop thinking like an employee and start thinking like a business owner, and another with a team member who challenged her to trust more and let go. These moments reshaped her leadership, led her to create a 90-day training system, and helped her grow two companies without burning out.
If youâve ever struggled with delegation, micromanaging, or trusting your team, this episode will speak directly to you.
In This Episode Youâll Learn:Why micromanaging is rooted in fear, not egoThe conversation that shifted Anastasiaâs identity from doer to leaderHow trusting your team creates long-term growthWhat it takes to train your team to work independentlyHow to lead without knowing all the answersWhy leadership isnât a destinationâbut a daily practiceThe mindset shift that stops you from being the bottleneck
Connect With Anastasiabooksease.comnextgeneration.eulinkedin.com/in/anastasia-ristovska
About Conversations That GrowThis is the podcast where we explore the conversations that shape who we become as leaders and people. Because growth starts with the conversations weâre willing to haveâespecially the ones we have with ourselves.Companies mentioned in this episode:
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In this episode, Sadaf Beynon is joined by Shelley Rosetta, a sales and business development leader with more than 30 years of experience. Shelley opens up about the mentors, conversations, and experiences that shaped her leadership â the good, the painful, and the transformative.
We explore:
The leaders who believed in her when she didnâtWhy great performers often struggle as new leadersThe mindset shift from âdoingâ to âdeveloping othersâHow accountability begins at the topWhy mentorship has quietly disappeared in many workplacesHow identity, empathy, and self-awareness shape the way we leadWhy leadership is about showing up, not titlesHow to lead from wherever you areThis conversation is a reminder that leadership isnât about being the star of the show â itâs about creating space for others to grow.
Connect with Shelley:
Email: [email protected]
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Guest: Mike Kelly | Executive Coach & Founder of Right Path Enterprises
In this episode, Mike Kelly shares the kinds of leadership conversations that have shaped his life and work â and why the best leaders often do their most important work behind the scenes. From his early days in corporate to founding two mission-driven businesses, Mike brings wisdom, warmth, and clarity to what it means to lead yourself first.
We talk about:
The conversation that changed how he sees growthLetting go of performance culture and embracing restLeading with values and aligning your inner and outer lifeWhat financial planning can learn from coaching (and vice versa)Whether you're in leadership, transition, or simply learning to grow with intention â this conversation will meet you there.
Links & Resources:
Right Path EnterprisesKelly Financial PlanningConnect with Mike on LinkedInđ§ For more episodes, visit conversationsgrowpodcast.com
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Weâre back! After a short pause to rebuild Conversations That Grow with more intention, this episode sets the tone for everything ahead.
In this deeply reflective conversation, David Lapin shares:
The pivotal conversation he had with Nelson MandelaThe surprising insight that dignity is something you giveWhat your âSpiritual Fingerprintâ isâand why it matters more than personality testsHow to lead without losing your identityWhy curiosity and humility are the secret ingredients to meaningful dialogueđ§ Iâve since taken the Spiritual Fingerprint assessment myself, and I found it incredibly clarifying. It helped me see what truly drives meâand what I wonât compromise on.
đ Take the Spiritual Fingerprint (affiliate link): https://fingerprint.lapininternational.com/login?via=sadaf
More from David Lapin
Website: https://lapininternational.comBook: Lead by GreatnessLinkedIn (David): https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlapinLinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/lapin-international
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Iâm taking a short break from publishing new episodes of Conversations That Grow, but itâs not goodbye.
This podcast has become a personal passion project, and Iâm using this time to reset, record new conversations, and shape the next chapter with fresh intention.
If youâve been listening, thank you. Truly!
And if youâd like to be a guest or know someone with a story to share about leadership, growth, or influence through conversation, Iâd love to hear from you.
New episodes will be back soon.
đ§ Explore past conversations: www.conversationsthatgrowpodcast.com
đŹ Connect or pitch a guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/
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What if the critical voice telling you "you're not good enough" isn't actually yours? In this raw and transformative conversation, emotional mastery coach Lenora Edwards reveals how she discovered that her decades-long eating disorder and crippling self-doubt were driven by inherited voices from her past - not her authentic self. She shares her breakthrough moment in a dentist's chair that led to developing the SHIFT Protocol, a practical method for identifying whose voice is really speaking in your head and trading limiting thoughts for empowering ones. If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome, emotional overwhelm, or feeling stuck despite your success, this episode offers a powerful roadmap for reclaiming control of your inner dialogue and, ultimately, your life.ï»ż
What You'll LearnWhy the limiting beliefs holding you back aren't actually "yours" and where they really come fromThe 5-step SHIFT Protocol for transforming negative thoughts in real-timeHow to distinguish between inherited shame voices and your authentic inner wisdomWhy trading thoughts works better than trying to transform them completelyThe difference between confidence and certainty in leadership situationsPractical strategies for setting boundaries without people-pleasing or emotional overwhelm
ResourcesGuest Links:
Lenora's Website: https://driventobebetter.com/Lenora's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenora-edwards-m-s-941b1452/Conversations that Grow Ecosystem:
Conversations that Grow Home: https://conversationsthatgrowpodcast.com/Podjunction: https://podjunction.com/
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One conversation changed everything for Jim Carlough. Fresh out of college and newly elected to city council, he expected the usual political favours. Instead, he got life-changing advice that would shape his entire leadership philosophy. In this episode, Jim shares how a simple question asked every night for over 40 years became his compass through challenging business turnarounds, difficult decisions, and building high-performing teams. From transforming struggling sales teams to navigating integrity challenges in corporate America, Jim reveals why some pillars of leadership are simply non-negotiable.
ResourcesGuest Links:
Jim's Website: https://www.jimcarlough.com/Jim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcarlough/mPulse: https://mpulse.com/Jim's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Six-Pillars-Effective-Leadership-Roadmap/dp/B0DQWT93V7Conversations that Grow Ecosystem:
Conversations that Grow Home: https://conversationsthatgrowpodcast.com/Podjunction Home: https://podjunction.com/
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Carly Pepin thought moving from LA to Australia would solve her problems. She was wrong. In this raw conversation, she reveals the moment she realised geography wasn't the issue â her internal world was.
From blaming her environment to discovering authentic leadership, Carly shares how facing personal trauma unlocked massive business growth. We explore why some people will always hate your leadership (and why that's actually good), the dangerous "should" trap that kills entrepreneurial growth, and how your deepest personal roadblocks are secretly limiting your business scaling.
Links referenced in this episode:
westcoastgrowthadvisors.comWant help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/
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The principal theme of this podcast episode centres on the notion that mere job performance is insufficient for career advancement. I engage in a dialogue with Andrea Wasserman, founder of Executive Express, who elucidates the invisible rules that govern professional progression, particularly for new graduates. Andrea emphasizes the critical importance of communication and executive presence, asserting that individuals must actively showcase their achievements to cultivate recognition in increasingly competitive environments. Furthermore, we explore the concept of "style flexing," which entails adapting one's approach based on the dynamics of the workplace. This conversation serves as a vital resource for listeners seeking to enhance their influence and navigate the complexities of career development effectively.
Links referenced in this episode:
theexecutiveexpress.comlinkedin.com/in/andreawassermaninstagram.com/theexecutiveexpresstiktok.com/@theexecutiveexpresssubstack.com/@theexecutiveexpressWant help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/
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This podcast episode revolves around the crucial distinction between one's identity and the business they operate, with a particular emphasis on the necessity of dissociating personal worth from business performance. I elucidate the pivotal realisation that many entrepreneurs conflate their self-esteem with their business success, leading to emotional turmoil during challenging times. By learning to view the business as an independent entity, we foster a healthier mindset that enables more rational decision-making and mitigates emotional distress. Throughout the discussion, I share personal anecdotes that illustrate the evolution of my entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the support of mentors and loved ones in navigating the complexities of business leadership. Ultimately, we explore how embracing uncertainty and prioritising personal well-being can lead to sustained growth and fulfillment in both business and life.
Links referenced in this episode:
www.cjammarketing.comlinkedin.com/in/bedadjamshidiWant help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/
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In this revealing episode of Conversations That Grow, serial entrepreneur Jose Berlanga shares 40 years of hard-won business wisdom. From surviving a childhood accident that left him with third-degree burns to building and losing multi-million dollar companies, Jose's candid insights on leadership, growth pains, and finding purpose will change how you think about business success.
Connect with JoseFind Jose's books on Amazon:
The Business of Home BuildingDirt RichLook out for "Quantum Entrepreneurship" coming soon
Ready to grow your business through conversations?If you're thinking about using conversations to grow your own business through podcasting but don't have time to handle all the moving parts, we can help! Visit podjunction.com to learn more.
đ± CONNECT WITH SADAF: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/
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In this episode of Conversations That Grow, we speak with Meredith Walker, founder of Fortifying Roots and strategic consultant. Meredith shares her extraordinary journey from becoming a caregiver at 23 for her quadriplegic mother to developing leadership expertise that transforms businesses.
Meredith reveals how this profound personal experience shaped her approach to authentic communication and decision-making. She explains her philosophy that "80% of people's day-to-day work is controllable, but the 20% is where you unlock their true creativity potential that drives your business forward."
We explore how leaders can set clear expectations while leaving room for creativity, why focusing on controllable factors during challenging times builds resilience, and how understanding what motivates each team member creates alignment with company goals.
Meredith also shares her passionate commitment to mentoring youth, helping them see their potential beyond current circumstances. Her inspiring message reminds us that our circumstances don't define success - our decisions do.
Links referenced in this episode:
fortifyingroots.commwalkerthetalker.compodjunction.comđ± CONNECT WITH SADAF: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/
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In this episode of Conversations That Grow, Chris Vaughan shares how his father's simple adviceâ"happiness is the goal"âtransformed his entire approach to business and life. After climbing the corporate ladder and "flying high" in consulting, Chris realized he was achieving everyone else's goals but his own.
This powerful conversation explores how Chris applied his philosophy background to create a purpose-driven consulting firm that helps nonprofit associations rediscover their authentic mission. He reveals the surprising blind spots organizations have (most have never experienced their own member journey!), why "we've always done it this way" blocks transformation, and how leaders create organizations in their own imageâfor better or worse.
Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or seeking more meaning in your work, Chris's insights on aligning success with happiness will challenge how you measure achievement. Perfect for entrepreneurs, consultants, and leaders who want to grow without losing their soul in the process.
Links referenced in this episode:
sequenceconsulting.compodjunction.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:
Sequence ConsultingWant help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/
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In this conversation with Michael Davis, founder of Speaking CPR, we explore how truly listening can transform your business and leadership. Michael reveals how he discovered that clients valued him most for his listening skills, not his expertise, changing his entire approach to business.
We dive into practical techniques for becoming a better listener, including the power of seeking clarity, embracing silence, and using storytelling to create "mental movies" that engage emotions, not just intellect. In a world where everyone is rushing to speak, Michael shares why slowing down to understand others makes you stand out "like a magnet."
Whether you're leading a team, building client relationships, or simply wanting to communicate more effectively, this episode offers valuable insights that can immediately improve how people respond to you.
Links referenced in this episode:
speakingcpr.compodjunction.com52storytellinginsights.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:
Speaking cprWant help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn.
Connect with Sadaf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/
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This episode centers on the essential role of meaningful dialogue in leadership and the impact of personal experiences on professional development. We delve into the insights shared by Mike Schentrup, a retired police captain and founder of Advanced Police Concepts, who reflects on his extensive career in law enforcement and the lessons learned throughout his journey. Notably, Mike emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior as a leader, highlighting that true leadership extends beyond mere authority and requires genuine engagement with others. We also explore how effective communication, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, fosters trust and cohesion within teams. Ultimately, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how our conversations shape not only our careers but also the communities we serve.
Links referenced in this episode:
AdvancedPoliceConcepts.compodjunction.comlinkedin.com/in/mikeschentrupCompanies mentioned in this episode:
Advanced Police Concepts University of Florida Gainesville Police DepartmentConnect with Sadaf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon
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In this powerful episode of Conversations That Grow, we speak with Terry Tucker, a former SWAT team hostage negotiator, cancer warrior, author, and speaker whose life is a masterclass in resilience and leadership.
Terry shares his extraordinary 13-year journey battling a rare form of melanoma after being told he had just two years to live. He reveals how finding "meaning in misery" has helped him persevere through multiple amputations and experimental treatments.
Drawing from his unique background in law enforcement and his ongoing cancer battle, Terry offers profound insights on building trust, influencing others during crisis, and leading with empathy. He explains why "leaders eat last" and how shifting focus away from ourselves during hardship can provide unexpected purpose.
Whether you're navigating business challenges or personal setbacks, Terry's wisdom on resilience, trust-building, and meaningful connections will transform how you approach leadership when everything feels like it's falling apart.
Links MentionedTerry's website: motivationalcheck.comSadaf Beynon's Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/
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In this eye-opening conversation, host Sadaf Beynon sits down with Christina Langdon, a former media executive who spent two decades climbing the corporate ladder, including 19 years at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and as CRO at Fast Company.
After facing a life-changing leukemia diagnosis just as she was pivoting to a new career path, Christina's perspective on success underwent a dramatic transformation. Now, as a coach and consultant, she helps leaders tap into what she calls "human AI" â awareness and imagination â to create more meaningful success and avoid burnout.
Links mentioned:
LinkedIn: Christina Langdon
Instagram: @christinalangdonbosslady
Website: kite-labs.com or christinalangdon.com
Sadaf Beynon's Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/
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In this episode of Conversations That Grow, we chat with Drew Donaldson, strategist and founder of GroHaus.
Drew shares why building relationships trumps talking business, revealing his unconventional sales approach that lets clients speak uninterrupted for the first 15 minutes. He takes us through buying out his business partners while his wife was six months pregnant, and how he immediately turned the company profitable by cutting unnecessary expenses.
Drew offers fresh perspectives on contentment versus complacency, meaningful happiness versus status symbols, and why truly understanding your customers drives business success.
Links Mentioned:
GroHaus.org
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