Love Based Leadership With Dan Pontefract

Dr. Deborah Heiser, the founder and CEO of The Mentor Project™, is a leading figure in the field of aging. Her work, which brings experts to mentor students worldwide for free, has had a significant impact. As an applied developmental psychologist, a TEDx speaker, and a Psychology Today contributor, she specializes in midlife and beyond. Her research, which covers a wide range of topics related to aging, has been recognized with grants awarded from NIA/NIH and Pfizer. A frequent expert guest on syndicated and local talk radio shows, Deborah contends that our most precious natural resources are not coal, oil and gas but intellect, expertise, and skills. She is a proponent of utilizing our world experts through mentorship and firmly believes that we are all built to give back. Coming out in 2024 is a new book titled “The Mentorship Edge.” More details about Deborah at https://mentorproject.org/mentor/deborah-heiser/ More information about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, I sit down with Todd Cherches, CEO and co-founder of BigBlueGumball, to explore the unique intersection of visual thinking and leadership. Todd, an award-winning professor and author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life, shares his journey from a TV addict dreaming of being Superman to becoming a leading expert in visual communication. We discuss how metaphors, mental models, and visual storytelling can enhance a leader’s ability to communicate, innovate, and inspire. Todd also dives into his visual leadership formula and the importance of translating complex ideas into relatable, visual terms to connect with and engage your audience. Whether you’re looking to improve your leadership style or understand the impact of visual thinking, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice. More about Todd at https://www.toddcherches.com/services More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpon

Join us in this enlightening episode of Leadership NOW as Dan Pontefract sits down with Dr. Maja Zelihic, Dean of the Forbes School of Business and Technology and co-author of “The Power of Perception.” Dr. Zelihic delves into the profound impact of perception on leadership and decision-making. She shares compelling stories, including a transformative e-learning project in Zambia, and discusses how emotional intelligence and the EPIC process can help leaders overcome biases and foster more inclusive, innovative organizations. Don’t miss this deep dive into the hidden dynamics that shape our professional and personal lives. Outside of FSBT, she serves as a Distinguished Professor at the School of Business, Woxsen University, India. Dr. Zelihic serves on the Board of Advisors of the International Fellowship Program in Arbitration and Scientific Assessment, the comprehensive global academic review platform. Dr. Zelihic’ s work has been published in more than 20 peer-reviewed journals, and her research ven

Join Dan Pontefract in a thought-provoking discussion with Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg, author of “What’s Your Problem?” and a leading expert on problem-solving and innovation. Discover how reframing problems can unlock new solutions and drive organizational success. Wedell-Wedellsborg shares key insights on overcoming biases, fostering psychological safety, and rethinking goals with flexibility and adaptability. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will revolutionize your approach to leadership and problem-solving. Listen now to transform your mindset and empower your team. Wedell-Wedellsborg's research has been featured in The Economist, Forbes, Bloomberg, Businessweek and The Financial Times. HR Magazine listed him as a “Top 20 International Thinker”. Thinkers50 listed him on their 2021 Radar. Wedell-Wedellsborg holds an MA in Media Science from the University of Copenhagen and an MBA from IESE Business School. Prior to his business career, He served for four years a

Join us in this enlightening episode of Leadership NOW as Dan Pontefract sits down with Pete Bombaci, the founder of The GenWell Project. Pete shares the inspiring story behind the movement and discusses the critical importance of fostering human connections in our increasingly digital world. Discover how loneliness and social isolation impact our health and what practical steps we can take to build stronger, more compassionate communities. From technology’s double-edged sword to the transformative power of workplace relationships, Pete’s insights will inspire you to reconnect with those around you and make meaningful interactions a daily habit. Don’t miss this compelling conversation on how simple acts of connection can lead to a happier, healthier society. More about the GenWell Project at https://genwell.ca/ More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Join us in this enlightening episode of Leadership NOW as I sit down with Josh Blair, CEO and co-founder of Impro.ai. Blair shares his insights on creating a new category in business innovation: performance technology. Discover how Impro.ai leverages AI and human strategists to enhance employee performance, foster leadership, and drive organizational success. Tune in to learn about real-world applications, success stories, and Blair’s unique leadership philosophy that balances empathy with execution. Impro.ai is a high-tech company that enables corporations to elevate their performance. Through their AI-powered platform, Impro provides daily performance guidance to employees and organizational performance insights to executives. Impro.ai is at the forefront of developing performance technology, a groundbreaking approach that integrates AI and human expertise to transform employee behavior and organizational efficiency. By combining AI-driven data insights with the personalized touch of Impro performance

Daniel Trabucchi is Senior Assistant Professor of Platform Thinking, and Tommaso Buganza is Full Professor of Leadership & Innovation, both at Politec-nico di Milano. They are Scientific Directors of the Observatory Platform Thinking HUB and co-authors of the book, "Platform Thinking: Read the Past, Write the Future." Tommaso and Daniel join Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to discuss all things 'platform thinking.' They do not disappoint. Both Trabucchi and Buganza were recently appointed to the Thinkers 50 Radar Class of 2024. Find out more about their book, "Platform Thinking" at https://platformthinking.eu/ Find out more about Dan Pontefract at www.danpontefract.com

Dana Griffin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Eldera, an innovative platform dedicated to bridging the gap between generations. Dana joins Leadership NOW where Dan delves into her journey, the inspiration behind Eldera, and her vision for a future where the wisdom of elders is recognized as a valuable resource for societal growth and intergenerational solidarity. Dana, originally from the picturesque Transylvania region of Romania, has carved a unique path in the world of tech and social impact. With a rich background as a data and advertising executive, she shifted her focus towards the age-tech industry, driven by a deep-seated belief in the untapped wisdom of older adults. Eldera is a testament to this belief, creating a global intergenerational mentoring program that connects elders with the younger generation, facilitating not just the sharing of knowledge, but also fostering enduring relationships. Dana's work is grounded in her own experiences, having been raised by her grandparents and continually inspi

Amy Blankson is a happiness expert, the Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of the Digital Wellness Institute, and the author of several bestselling books, including "The Future of Happiness." Amy joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW for a deep-dive discussion on a host of issues and topics related to digital wellness. Amy is on a mission to help us create a more positive world that prioritizes Digital Flourishing—that sweet spot where productivity, health, and happiness meet. By harnessing a simple, research-backed framework, Amy and her team help reimagine digital well-being so people can thrive. As a member of the UN Global Happiness Council and a fellow of the World Innovation Organization, Amy actively engages in initiatives aimed at promoting happiness as a core value in society. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as PBS, The New York Times, Forbes, and The Huffington Post. Amy is the only person to have ever received a Point of Light Award from two U.S. Presidents and has ov

Ilya Kneppelhout co-founded The Offline Club as a response to our increasingly digital world. In this episode of "Leadership NOW," we explore the club's origins, digital intoxication, loneliness, and how It aims to "inspire people to swap screen time for real-time, today and tomorrow." Located in Amsterdam, The Offline Club offers a space where members can disconnect from their digital devices and reconnect with the real world. The idea is to provide a tech-free sanctuary where individuals can enjoy genuine conversations and immerse themselves in the moment reminiscent of the pre-digital era of the '90s. The club's core principle is mandatory disconnection from online devices, fostering an environment for genuine human interaction. Ilya’s vision extends beyond individual well-being to inspire a global movement towards offline engagement, aiming to facilitate a worldwide "reconnection" with others and oneself. More about Ilya and The Offline Club at their site: https://bento.me/theofflineclub More about Da

Alex Brueckmann is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of “The Strategy Legacy,” and “Secrets of Next Level Entrepreneurs.” He is the founder and president of Brueckmann Executive Consulting based in Vancouver, Canada. In this episode of Leadership NOW, Alex and Dan discuss the nine core elements of organizational identity from his book "The Strategy Legacy." Alex has impacted thousands of leaders worldwide. His clients include high-growth start-ups and Fortune 500 executive teams. He holds degrees and certificates in management, leadership, and strategy from EBS University, INSEAD, and Harvard Business School. More about Alex Brueckmann at: https://brueckmann.ca/ More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/

Eddie Turner is an in-demand, Harvard-trained leadership development expert who works with leaders to “Accelerate Performance and Drive Impact!”® He is "Changing the Face of Leadership" and helping to create “Better Workplaces and a Better World”™ as a Principal Consultant and Executive Coach at Linkage, a SHRM company. Eddie joins Dan Pontefract on this episode of “Leadership NOW” to discuss his book “140 Simple Messages to Guide Emerging Leaders” and all things under the leadership sun. Eddie has significant experience driving digital transformation, systems integration, and developing leaders at all organizational levels. This includes major corporations like Pepsi, Deloitte, GE, Dell, Apple, the NFL, and the WNBA, among others. Eddie is one of the Top 25 Thought Leaders in Leadership by Thinkers 360, the Power List of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership by leadersHum, and one of the Top 25 Mentors on the Globe by the International Federation of Learning and Development. Eddie has appeared in the

Tony Martignetti is a trusted advisor, leadership coach, facilitator, best-selling author, podcast host, and speaker. He combines over 25 years of business and leadership experience with extreme curiosity to elevate leaders and equip them with the tools to navigate change and unlock their true potential. In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, Tony sits down with Dan to discuss his new book, "Campfire Lessons for Leaders: How Uncovering Our Past Can Propel Us Forward.” Before becoming the founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Inspired Purpose Partners, Tony was a finance and strategy executive with experience working with some of the leading life sciences companies. Along his journey, he also managed small businesses and ran a financial consulting company. Tony hosts The Virtual Campfire podcast and is the author of “Climbing the Right Mountain: Navigating the Journey to An Inspired Life." He has been featured in many publications, including Fast Company, Forbes, Life Science Leader, and

Rebecca Kirstein Resch is an award winning serial entrepreneur, an ally to the next generation, and an architect of better workplaces that work for everyone - and powered by humane technology. In this episode of Leadership NOW, Rebecca sits down with Dan to discuss a whitepaper she co-authored with Dana Fulwiler Volk titled "Questions Are The Answer." It's a deep-dive look at improving business impact and employee well-being by democratizing access to knowledge with purposeful tech. She is the founder & CEO of inqli - an AI-powered social knowledge-sharing platform that accelerates employee and enterprise growth by matching every question to trusted knowledge at work. Rebecca has worked alongside world-renowned educators, researchers, and technologists as she’s followed the thread of human growth and development from the classroom to the workplace, and back again in search of transformational systemic change. Her career highlight: sharing the stage with her hero and most-watched TED speaker in history, S

Jennifer McCollum is an acclaimed speaker, consultant, coach, and author of the fab book "In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO." It's the focus of her book, where Dan and Jennifer discuss several different facets of importance regarding gender equity and gender-related issues. With two decades of experience leading and building businesses in the leadership space, her expertise includes how to close the gap to gender equity, why the most effective leaders are inclusive leaders, and how to demystify inclusion for leaders and organizations. She has delivered workshops, keynotes, webinars, and podcasts to thousands of leaders globally on live and virtual stages. Jennifer is also the former CEO of Linkage, a SHRM company, where she oversaw the strategic direction and global operations of this global leadership development firm. Linkage has been consistently ranked as a top 20 training company worldwide, providing assessments, training, coaching, consulting, and conferences. Prior to Linkage, Jennifer spent

Todd Hirsch is the "modern economist." In this episode of "Leadership NOW," he delves into the challenges of economic forecasting in today's unpredictable global environment. He discusses the limitations of traditional methods in accurately predicting economic trends amidst frequent, unforeseen 'black swan' events. Todd advocates for a shift from prediction to preparation, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and readiness for various potential outcomes. Our conversation further explores the impact of geopolitical events and environmental crises on the economy. Todd highlights how incidents like Russia's invasion of Ukraine and severe weather events directly affect economic conditions worldwide. He also addresses the erosion of public trust in economic expertise, noting the growing skepticism towards expert advice, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. Throughout the dialogue, Todd's insights illuminate the interconnected nature of global events and economics, stressing the need for leader

Join me in a captivating episode of "Leadership NOW" as I sit down with Dr. Kirstin Ferguson as she unveils the nuances of modern leadership. An expert with a diverse background, including roles in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Royal Australian Air Force, Dr. Ferguson challenges traditional leadership models in her book, 'Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership.' She advocates for a more inclusive leadership definition, emphasizing that true leadership is about influencing change beyond formal titles. Dr. Ferguson introduces a balanced model that blends intellectual and emotional intelligence, essential for today's leaders. The conversation also explores her approach to democratizing leadership, encouraging every team member to embrace their leadership potential, thereby transforming organizational cultures. Dr. Ferguson's insights inspire a rethinking of leadership, highlighting its dynamic nature in our contemporary world. Dr. Kirstin Ferguson is one of the world's most recognised lea

Step into a world where innovation meets execution in the latest episode of Leadership NOW with my guest Steve Blank, the architect behind the Lean Startup revolution. We're dissecting the nuances of what it takes to blend day-to-day operations with the art of innovation, unearthing insights from the startup sphere that big businesses need to hear, and unpacking the transformative role of leadership in an ever-evolving business environment. This isn't just a chat; it's an expedition into the heart of entrepreneurial thinking. Tune in for this enriching dialogue and explore more in the accompanying Forbes article, where we delve deeper into the strategies shaping the future of leadership. It's an episode filled with thought-provoking ideas and actionable wisdom you won't want to miss. Steve Blank is a founding member at the Gordian Knot Center, an Adjunct Professor at Stanford University, and Senior Fellow for Innovation at Columbia University. Steve consults for the National Security establishment on innov

Dr. Alexander (Alex) Osterwalder, founder & CEO of Strategyzer, is one of the world’s most influential strategy and innovation experts. A leading author, entrepreneur, and in-demand speaker, his work has changed the way established companies do business and how new ventures get started. In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, Alex lays out his nfluential ideas on modern business models, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies and a shift away from traditional business thinking. Continuously ranked in the top 50 management thinkers worldwide by Thinkers50 and a visiting professor at IMD, Osterwalder is known for simplifying the strategy development process and turning complex concepts into digestible visual models. Together with Yves Pigneur, he invented the Business Model Canvas, Value Proposition Canvas, and Business Portfolio Map – practical tools that are trusted by millions of business practitioners from leading global companies, including Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Mastercard,

Liz Wiseman is a researcher and executive advisor who teaches leadership to top organizations worldwide. She wrote the New York Times bestsellers Multipliers, The Multiplier Effect, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers Rookie Smarts and Impact Players. In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, Liz shares several leadership tips and insights based on her books and research. It is a sprightly and deeply informative discussion. Liz is the CEO of the Wiseman Group, a leadership research and development firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, California. Some of her recent clients include Apple, AT&T, Disney, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Nike, Salesforce, Tesla, and X. Liz has received the top achievement award for leadership from Thinkers50. She has also been consistently named one of the world’s leading 50 management thinkers in its bi-annual ranking. Liz has conducted significant research in leadership and talent development. She writes for Harvard Business Review, Fortune, and various other business a