Leadership Development News

Katie McCleary is the co-author of BRIDGE THE GAP: Breakthrough Communication Tools to Transform Work Relationships from Challenging to Collaborative with Jennifer Edwards. They show how to use the social psychology of human connection and curiosity to drive meaningful communication and collaboration at work. Packed with practical and replicable techniques, the book reveals how to: • Master your biological reactions to connect, even amid pressure, anxiety, and stress • Lead with curiosity and engage more authentically • Embrace diverse opinions and cultural backgrounds • Communicate and collaborate more effectively • Converse with others and reap the rewards of better communication Katie is the host of “The Drive” podcast on NPR’s CapRadio. She is also is an entrepreneur and storyteller who trains leaders, creatives, and humanitarians to launch big ideas by leveraging their social and cultural capital. Katie is the founder of 916 Ink, a nonprofit that has transformed over 4,000 vulnerable youth into confident

Tevis Trower is a Leadership Futurist and innovator in optimizing corporations through fostering greatness in leaders. Heralded in bestselling Megatrends 2010 as “corporate mindfulness guru for the new millennium”, Tevis has assisted powerful organizations ranging from Disney to Morgan Stanley in optimizing their most precious assets: human beings. She has created and facilitated global executive immersions for prestigious organizations including Harvard Business Review Events, Young Presidents Organization, PWC, Bloomberg LP, Viacom, Google, and The Economist on issues including executive alignment, legacy and impact, conscious leadership, imposter syndrome, innovation, and the role of corporate culture in fostering radical success and ubiquitous engagement. You can find profiles and expert advice from Tevis featured in respected media outlets including Forbes, Fortune, BusinessWeek, Glamour, YogaJournal, CIO, Pink, RealSimple, Crain’s, New York Post, Financial Times, WWD, New York Observer, MSNBC, FoxBusine

Joseph O’Connor is an author, International Executive Coach, Coach Trainer, Founder of the Neuroscience Coaching Centre. His Key Focus is Helping coaches, executives, managers, and other professionals to be more successful in work and happier in life. Joseph is also the co-founder of the International Coaching Community (ICC), and one of the best known and respected coaches and coach trainers in the world. Joseph was a professional musician where it is clear that success is much more than just being good at what you do. You had to give your best at the right moment. Author of nineteen books in thirty languages on coaching, training, and neuroscience that have sold half a million copies worldwide. He follows his two great interests, giving coaching training and courses on creative nonfiction writing. Beyond his writing and coaching work, Joseph enjoys enlightening audiences with fascinating insights about how our brains actually work as opposed to how we hope they do. More info at: https://www.coachingthebrain

Raul Rivas grew up in the Orlando area. After graduating high school, he attended college and obtained an Associate Degree in business. Raul then enlisted in the Army Reserve and served overseas during Desert Storm. Raul was sworn into the Orlando Police Department in 1992. He was first assigned to midnight patrol. Then he had stints on the bicycle squad and gang unit, before moving on to a multi-agency undercover drug task force named the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI). Raul was a field training officer and developed an interest in investigations and SWAT. Raul spent 12 years in the robbery unit with cross sworn duties with FBI Safe Streets and ATF Violent Crimes task forces. At the same time, Raul was an assault team member on the SWAT team. Raul moved to the Fugitive Investigations unit and was cross sworn with the U.S.Marshal's. Raul has received numerous awards and accolades to include the Award of Valor, Field Training Officer of the Year, and SWAT Operator of the Year, and Florida Governors

Christian Espinosa is the bestselling author of “The Smartest Person in the Room”, an entrepreneur, the founder of Alpine Security, a white hat hacker, certified high-performance coach, professor, and lover of heavy metal music and spicy food. He’s also an Air Force veteran and Ironman triathlete. He used to value being the “smartest person in the room,” only to realize that his greatest contribution to humanity, leadership and the fight against cybercrime is his ability to bring awareness and solutions to challenges associated with high IQ/low EQ people. Christian is a speaker, coach, and trainer in the Secure Methodology, helping to make the smartest people in the room the best leaders in the field. christian@christianespinosa.com www.christianespinosa.com

Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. Ryan is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. Vertical development is enhancing our ability to make meaning of our world in more cognitively and emotionally sophisticated ways. The concept comes with two assumptions: 1. People vary in their cognitive and emotional sophistication 2. Those with higher altitudes of cognitive and emotional sophistication will navigate life more effectively, be better leaders, and be more positive influences within their sphere of influence. There are different levels or altitudes or levels of vertical development/cognitive and emotional sophistication. I call

Bill Leider is a seasoned, highly respected executive leader, advisor, and consultant. He is the co-founder and managing partner of Axies Group, a consulting company. He works with growth-minded leaders and organizations that want to propel their performance from acceptable to exceptional. His more than 35 years of experience include being the CEO of both publicly traded and privately-owned companies and advising and consulting to companies ranging from ambitious start-ups to Fortune 500s in a wide variety of industries. He and his partner, Jason Thompson, have recently published their book (released in March 2021), “Mastering Your Balance – a guide to leading and living at your full potential.” It ranked #1 on Amazon for new releases. Bill also serves as the Vice President of the governing board of INI (Institute of Neuro Innovation), a neuroscience research organization involved in improving brain health in the area of depression. He is a regular lecturer at the Sol Price School of Public Policy at USC, whe

An award-winning leadership expert in human behavior, Lisa Marie Platske has received accolades from the White House, the United States Small Business Administration, and The International Alliance for Women, recognized as one of the top 100 women making a difference in the world. She left her Federal law enforcement career to be the CEO of an international leadership development company, Upside Thinking, Inc. Lisa Marie delivers presentations worldwide sharing research on how vulnerability and forgiveness are critical to exceptional leadership as well as her proven 7-step leadership model centered on connection, positioning, and executive presence. An international best-selling author in 5 countries, Lisa Marie has written or co-authored 7 books. She has trained or coached over 100,000 leaders around the globe since 2005 to be the most optimal version of who they’re designed to be in order to make a bigger positive impact on the planet. www.upsidethinking.com

Ron is co-founder and managing partner at Navalent, working with CEOs and executives pursuing transformational change for their organizations, leaders, and industries. He has a thirty-year track record helping executives tackle challenges of strategy, organization, and leadership. He has worked with start-ups to Fortune 10’s companies. Ron has helped organizations articulate strategies that lead to accelerated growth, and design organizations that can execute those strategies. He has worked in more than 25 countries on 4 continents. He is the author of 9 books, including the recent Amazon #1 Rising to Power and the forthcoming To Be Honest, Lead with the Power of Truth, Justice & Purpose. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes, and a two-time TEDx speaker. His work’s been featured in Fortune, CEO Magazine, Inc., MSNBC, Business Week, Inc., and Fast Company. https://tobehonest.net/#moments-of-truth

Robert Brzenchek is the founder/owner of the Delaware-based non-profit organization The Brzenchek Foundation Corp, where the mission is to be a global change agent to empower communities through advocacy, training, consulting, and philanthropy. Mr.Brzenchek currently hosts a podcast with a focus on social justice and criminal justice reform entitled Injustice Anywhere Is a Threat to Justice Everywhere. Mr.Brzenchek has two published gang books The Gang Life Laugh Now Cry Later Suppression and Prevention (2017) and Transnational Organized Crime and Gangs: Intervention, Prevention, and Suppression of Cybersecurity (2020) and multiple articles on gangs, emergency management, homeland, and international security, and cybersecurity. Currently, he pursuing a Ph.D. with research on gang unit officers’ experiences. Mr. Brzenchek has intervened with various gangs ranging from MS-13, Bloods, Crips, and Latin Kings in his capacity as a law enforcement official. Website: www.robertbrzenchek.com

Steve Cunningham is the owner and founder of Readitfor.me. They turn the world’s best business and personal books into beautiful 12-minute videos and workshops for organizations around the world. He also created Growitfor.me which he’ll talk about today too. Here’s are some of the top things about him he shared with us. Steve loves being an entrepreneur. He started his first business in grade 4 selling baseball and hockey trading cards. He used to run a digital marketing agency called Three Thirty, where he helped clients make more money using a blend of content marketing, a deep understanding of human behavior, and the scientific method. Steve practiced law for one full week. 9 years later says he is still recovering. Steve is filled with gratitude to wake up every morning to a loving family and group of friends that make my life worth living. Tune in to hear more and get access to a free year of Readitfor.me.

Dr. Diana Hill is a clinical psychologist and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a cutting-edge, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps people develop psychological flexibility. Diana co-hosts the Psychologists Off the Clock Podcast where she has interviewed many leaders in the field of psychology, mindfulness, and wellness. She is the co-author with Dr. Debbie Sorensen of ACT Daily Journal: Get Unstuck and Live Fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, in which she teaches about the importance of being psychologically flexible as a way to untangle ourselves from unhealthy patterns that can leave us battling ourselves and the present moment. Her journal gives you daily exercises and strategies for a full 8 weeks. Diana's work integrates everything she's learned thus far about what it takes to thrive as a human and build a rich and meaningful life. https://drdianahill.com/.

In our fast-paced, high-tech, ever-evolving world the speed of change, decision-making is getting faster, the level of competition fiercer, and adversity, ambiguity are striking harder than ever. As this is the current and future state of our world, it is imperative that people stay level-headed and focused to effectively function at optimal capacity. The ability to be that stabilizing influence in a world of constant disruption can provide a true competitive advantage and determine the long-term success of any individual and company. This topic provides insights on facing, overcoming, and learning from obstacles, while also realizing that failure, change, and adversity can be leveraged as positive catalysts for growth…and to not only help you survive in the face of adversity but to thrive in it. Steve Gavatorta, the owner of the Steve Gavatorta Group, specializes in empowering individuals and organizations in exceeding performance goals. Steve has coached and trained thousands of high performers from small b

Dr. Katrina Burrus, CEO/founder of Excellent Executive Coaching LLC, is known for “Fast-tracking leaders to the C-Suite and Beyond” and for “Transforming Brilliant Jerks into Inspiring Leaders.” Clients often comment that working with Katrina enlightens leaders to empower co-workers to walk the extra mile. She is a keynote speaker and published, “Managing Brilliant Jerks” and “Global Leadership” a body of work used by Nestle, Novartis, the World Health Organization, the International Labor Organization, the United Nations, and many more. She was most recently featured in Mexico, India, the U.S., Kazakhstan, and Russia. Dr. Burrus has 18 years of experience as the first Master Certified Coach and Founding Board Member from the (ICF) International Coaching Federation in Switzerland. You can find out more about her at www.excellentexecutivecoaching.com. You can find us at www.emotionalbrilliance.com.

Bill Eckstrom is the CEO and founder of EcSell Institute. Bill’s professional career path has encompassed sales, sales leadership, executive leadership with both private and publicly traded companies. He established EcSell Institute to fill a void he witnessed in the coaching and leadership profession. EcSell’s research and improvement programming has been utilized in the athletic and academic worlds, spawning new start-ups EcSell Sports and EcSell Education in 2019. Bill’s TED talk titled Why Comfort Will Ruin Your Life, has been heard by live audiences of over 1,700 people, and 4 million more online, his now-famous words: “…what makes you comfortable can ruin you, and what makes you uncomfortable is the only way to grow.” Bill co-authored the book The Coaching Effect: What great Leaders do to Increase Sales, Enhance Performance, and Sustain Growth, has been a best-seller since its release in 2019.

Tim Spiker is the founder of The Aperio and the Who* Not What Principle, a profound research-based truth that has powered 15 years of leadership development success. Tim’s book, The Only Leaders Worth* Following, reveals that 77% of leadership effectiveness comes from who a leader is and not what they do. Using this principle, Tim helps people become, be, and stay leaders who are actually worth following. In short, it means becoming Inwardly Sound and Others Focused. Who our leaders are, rather than what they do, ultimately determines if we will follow them over the long haul. Tim’s work includes delivering keynote talks, creating unique and customized learning experiences, and guiding long-term development journeys. Tim has worked with leadership teams in North America, Australia, and Asia. He currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and four children. You can find more about Tim at: https://www.theaperio.com/tim-spiker

How Strategic Relationships Can Power Your Non-Linear Growth in The Future of Work David Nour – CEO, The Nour Group, Inc. Senior Leadership/Board Innovation Advisor | International Speaker | Best-Selling Author | Forbes Leadership Contributor A senior leadership/board advisor, researcher, executive educator, and best-selling author, David is internationally recognized as the leading expert on applications of strategic relationships in profitable growth, sustained innovation, and lasting change. The author of ten books, including best-sellers Relationship Economics® and Co-Create as well as the forthcoming Curve Benders Nour serves as a trusted advisor to global clients and coaches corporate leaders. He was named to the Global Gurus Top 30 Leadership Professionals and the Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2021 lists. Nour's has been featured in publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fast Company, Huffington Post Business, and Entrepreneur Learn more at www.NourGroup.com. Find us at www.em

EB Sanders is a sought-after coach and staffing consultant serving creative individuals, companies, and organizations. She believes that great leaders have extraordinary careers and her mission is to convince everyone that they don’t have to choose between happiness and success. EB spent 12 years as a college professor teaching courses like ‘The History of Creativity.’ But education budgets being what they are, she found her course load shrinking year after year. She fully pivoted into creative recruiting and staffing for almost 10 years. What she especially loved was directly helping people with their career development so much that she knew she had to go all-in as a Career Coach. What she’s learned in her career changes and that passes onto others is: 1) finding your Thing is just like being in love, you know it in your toes. 2) creativity & inspiration are central to creating a fulfilling career and 3) you gotta have a plan. As a coach that is what she teaches and explores on the show.

Why are some people magnetic, confident, comfortable in their skin, and in charge of their destinies? What’s their secret? In a word: Swagger. Our guest Leslie Ehm will show you how to unlock and unleash your personal brand of it in her book. It is part guidebook, part manifesto, a little sweary and completely inspiring, Swagger shatters the myths around “fake it ’til you make it,” shows you how to record over negative mental tapes, and challenge the preconceptions of what you “should” and “shouldn’t” do. Former TV host and advertising Creative Director turned training guru, Leslie Ehm has spent decades traveling the globe with her award-winning company Combustion, working with executives and teams from top organizations like Google, Disney, Pepsico, and more. She’s turned technologists into creative forces, bankers into storytellers, and has brought a serious dose of badass-ness to boardrooms everywhere.

JP is the CEO of boomtime. He has over 30 years of experience in marketing, digital strategy, and product management for companies ranging from startups to global brands such as Madison Square Garden, General Mills, DFS Group Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, and National Geographic. JP has worked for or helped companies in both the B2C and the B2B sectors and founded three digital strategy and marketing agencies after working for many years on the corporate side of marketing. JP’s passions are analytics, digital products, and creating the right strategy at the right time for the right audience. Boomtime is a B2B marketing company. The Boomtime team created a new approach to marketing, one that fuses technology and expertise together to deliver marketing-as-a-service for B2B and law firms at scale. It helps companies do agency quality website design, LinkedIn campaigns, word of mouth marketing, mailbox mining, and legal marketing as some of their services.