Love Based Leadership With Dan Pontefract

Maria Franzoni has booked Neil Armstrong and Liza Minnelli—and mentored hundreds of speakers in between. In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, she explains what separates the truly bookable speaker from the rest, and how those same principles apply to leadership, business, and long-term impact. We explore how speaker bureaus are evolving in an AI-enabled world, what event organizers actually want, and why celebrity status means far less than clarity, value, and being frictionless to work with. Maria also walks through her new model, The Bookability Formula, and why the most successful speakers aren’t always the most famous—they’re the most useful. This is a masterclass in leadership positioning disguised as a conversation about keynote speaking. If you want to lead with more presence, pitch with more purpose, or build influence that lasts, you’ll want to listen through to the end. Learn more: Maria Franzoni: https://www.mariafranzoni.me Dan Pontefract: https://www.danpontefract.com

What do ultra-marathons, workplace distractions, and failed goals have in common? Mandy Gill. In this candid episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, Mandy shares her journey—from overcoming anorexia to guiding leaders through resilience and workplace wellness. Her book "Reset with Resilience" is a blueprint for bouncing forward through setbacks. We explore her signature “catch it, check it, change it” method, the psychology of negative thinking, and how reverse-engineering your goals can shift your trajectory. Mandy doesn’t sugarcoat it—she teaches resilience with precision, story, and lived truth. This episode is equal parts blueprint and mirror. For more information about Mandy Gill visit: https://www.mandygill.com/book For more information about Dan Pontefract visit: https://www.danpontefract.com

When companies go through a merger or acquisition, most leaders obsess over financials and spreadsheets. But according to Jennifer Fondrevay—founder of Day1 Ready and author of Now What?—the real failure happens when leadership ignores people. In this episode of Leadership NOW, we explore what really drives post-acquisition chaos, the arrogance of deal-making, and why culture buddies and pre-mortems are essential to getting it right. If your company is planning a deal, this conversation is your human integration blueprint. More information about Jennifer Fondrevay at https://jenniferjfondrevay.com/ More information about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Maureen Wiley Clough, seasoned technology leader and host of the podcast It Gets Late Early, joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to discuss the overlooked yet costly issue of ageism in today’s workplaces. Clough highlights why age diversity isn’t simply an ethical responsibility but a strategic advantage. She dismantles harmful myths about older employees’ technological capability, cost, and adaptability, and provides actionable insights for leaders on cultivating meaningful intergenerational mentorship and organizational resilience. If your organization values inclusion, it’s time to start genuinely including older employees. More about Maureen Wiley Clough: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/ More about Dan Pontefract: https://www.danpontefract.com

Gary Officer, President and CEO of the Center for Workforce Inclusion (CWI Labs), joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to discuss why organizations repeatedly overlook older workers—and why it's strategically and socially damaging. Officer explains how ageism impacts organizational productivity, innovation, and culture. He debunks common myths around older employees' technological skills, health care costs, and salary expectations, offering compelling insights and examples of successful intergenerational teams. This episode highlights why age inclusiveness isn't simply about fairness; it's a crucial competitive advantage. For more information about Gary A. Officer visit: https://www.cwilabs.org/ For more information about Dan Pontefract visit: https://www.danpontefract.com/

In this insightful episode of Leadership NOW, Dan sits down with entrepreneur and acclaimed author Faisal Hoque to discuss the transformative power—and hidden perils—of artificial intelligence. Drawing from his latest book, "TRANSCEND: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI," Faisal explores why the greatest leadership challenge today is balancing AI’s vast potential with human judgment, ethics, and dignity. Faisal and Dan dive deep into practical frameworks leaders can immediately use to guide AI ethically and strategically. From addressing algorithmic bias to maintaining authentic human connections in increasingly automated workplaces, they unpack why leadership in the AI age demands clarity, compassion, and purpose. Join this critical conversation to learn how to ensure your organization’s smartest technologies amplify human strengths rather than undermine them. For more about Faisal Hoque visit: https://faisalhoque.com/ For more about Dan Pontefract visit: https://www.danpontefract.com/

Rose Fass, founder of Fass Forward Consulting Group and former CTO at Xerox, joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to discuss why organizations repeatedly overlook the crucial layer of middle management. Rose reveals the critical role of the "messy middle" in translating strategy into execution and why senior leaders must meaningfully engage rather than ignore these vital managers. She explains how genuine, unscripted conversations—not PowerPoint decks—lead to successful transformation, and underscores why wisdom and innovation have no age limit. It's a powerful conversation that challenges the status quo about middle managers and the real nature of leadership. More about Rose Fass at: https://www.fassforward.com/ More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/

Rigid leadership is failing us—especially now. On this episode of Leadership NOW, Dan Pontefract speaks with bestselling author and leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry about his latest book, "Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence." Eikenberry argues persuasively that leaders trapped in habitual thinking or overly reliant on personality labels miss opportunities to adapt effectively in today’s complex world. He introduces the concept of “flexors”—leadership decisions that require intentional flexibility rather than automatic, comfort-driven reactions. In this lively conversation, Eikenberry outlines why flexibility is no longer optional, explains the practical skills and habits leaders must adopt, and offers clear advice to move beyond rigidity into intentional, adaptive leadership. For more about Kevin and his book, including a gift, visit: • https://www.kevineikenberry.com/flexible • https://www.kevineikenberry.com/gift More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefrac

In this episode of Leadership NOW, we delve into the critical issue of knowledge loss within organizations. When seasoned employees retire or depart, they often take invaluable tacit knowledge with them—expertise that isn't documented in manuals or training materials.​ Join us as we explore the insights of Dr. Richard Clark, Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California, who has dedicated his career to addressing this challenge through Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA). Dr. Clark discusses how CTA can uncover and preserve the hidden insights of workplace experts, ensuring that organizations retain and effectively transfer critical knowledge.​ Discover how integrating CTA with artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, can accelerate and enhance the process of capturing and disseminating expert knowledge. Learn practical steps to prioritize expertise mapping, leverage AI-driven CTA, and foster a culture of lifelong learning within your organization.​ Don't let essential knowledge slip away. Watch

Learning and Development (L&D) teams are at a crossroads. Too many still operate as order takers, delivering training on request without questioning whether it’s the right solution. Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning and Development Officer at BDO Canada and author of "The Trusted Learning Advisor," believes this outdated mindset limits impact and credibility. In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, Keating explains how L&D must evolve from transactional function to strategic business partner. He shares: 1) Why L&D professionals must stop taking orders and start diagnosing real business challenges 2) How the IDAD Model—Intake, Discovery, Analysis, and Decision—helps reframe training requests 3) Why empathy, active listening, and design thinking are the missing pieces in L&D’s strategy Keating outlines practical steps to move beyond outdated approaches and drive real business value. Watch now to learn how L&D professionals can build credibility, drive impact, and become true trusted learning

The workforce is aging, but many leaders are still acting as if nothing has changed. On this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, CEO and author Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, a global expert on gender, generational shifts, and longevity, unpacks what organizations must do to stay ahead. She explains why age diversity is a leadership blind spot, how demographic shifts are reshaping talent strategies, and what wise leaders are doing to future-proof their organizations. Avivah challenges outdated assumptions about work, career longevity, and leadership. She explores the opportunities that come with longer, multi-stage careers—and why companies that fail to adapt will struggle to compete. More about Avivah Wittenberg-Cox: https://www.avivahwittenbergcox.com/ More about Dan Pontefract: https://www.danpontefract.com/

In this blunt, zero-guests, and entertaining episode of Leadership NOW, Dan Pontefract unleashes his frustrations on the outdated practice of the annual performance review. He traces its historical roots, explains why it hurt engagement and innovation, and offers a better path forward. If you are tired of cramming twelve months of work into a single, awkward meeting, tune in for Dan’s pointed critique and practical alternatives that will save time, boost morale, and modernize how we measure performance.

Storytelling shapes leadership, builds trust, and creates lasting change. On this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, Fatu Kaba, a Liberian peace activist, entrepreneur, and author, shares how storytelling became her most powerful tool. From surviving civil war to advocating for marginalized voices, she discusses how truth-telling challenges systems, fosters inclusion, and strengthens leadership. Fatu explains why leaders who embrace storytelling create deeper connections, inspire action, and build organizations that stand for something greater. She also reflects on the impact of performative inclusion, the importance of listening, and the courage it takes to create real change. More about Fatu Kaba: https://www.heartsglobal.ca More about Dan Pontefract: https://www.danpontefract.com

The workforce is changing faster than most leaders realize. By 2030, there will be more people over 65 than under 18 in the U.S.—a demographic shift that is already reshaping economies, labor markets, and business strategy. Bradley Schurman, author of "The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny," joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to break down what this means for organizations. In this conversation, Schurman unpacks why birth rates have collapsed, why ageism is holding companies back, and how leaders must rethink workforce planning to stay ahead. He explores the flaws in traditional retirement models, the impact of longer life expectancies on labor markets, and why businesses that fail to adapt will struggle to find both talent and customers in the coming decades. If you’re a leader navigating workforce challenges—or just trying to understand the seismic demographic shifts happening today—this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. More about Bradley Schurman at https://behumanchange.com More ab

As we step into an era where living to 100 is no longer an anomaly, how should leaders rethink work, talent, and organizational design? On this episode of Leadership NOW, Simon Chan, CEO and Founder of Adapt With Intent, joins the conversation to challenge outdated workplace models and explore how organizations can better harness the power of an age-diverse workforce. “We’re not just an aging population; we’re an age-diverse one,” he says. With careers stretching beyond the traditional 40-year arc, companies must embrace flexible work arrangements, leverage experienced talent, and reimagine leadership structures. Simon shares how organizations can approach longevity as a design challenge—one that meets the needs of both younger and older talent while unlocking innovation and institutional knowledge. From flexible work setups to intergenerational collaboration, the future of work demands a shift in mindset. If leaders fail to adapt, they risk missing out on a massive economic and strategic opportunity. M

In this episode of Leadership NOW, Dan Pontefract sits down with Jon Husband, the pioneer behind Wirearchy, to reflect on 25 years of this transformative concept. Together, they delve into the evolution of leadership, exploring how trust, credibility, and collaboration are reshaping the modern workplace. Jon shares his perspective on the shift from rigid hierarchies to dynamic flows of power, the challenges and opportunities of hybrid work, and the profound impact of generative AI on human creativity and connection. With real-world examples and deep insights, this episode offers leaders a roadmap for navigating complexity, fostering meaningful relationships, and embracing change in today’s interconnected world. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on the principles that define the future of leadership. More about Jon Husband and Wirearchy at www.wirearchy.com More about Dan Pontefract at www.danpontefract.com

Aging isn’t a new problem to solve; it’s a chance to reimagine. In this episode of Leadership NOW, Jeanette Leardi, a social gerontologist and author of "Aging Sideways," challenges outdated views on aging and offers a fresh perspective on how we can embrace life’s later stages with purpose and possibility. We explore the surprising ways our brains adapt as we age, the importance of intergenerational connections, and why older adults are an untapped reservoir of wisdom, creativity, and experience. Jeanette shares her concept of “aging sideways,” calling on leaders to rethink how they approach aging in the workplace and in society. More about Jeanette Leardi at www.jeanetteleardi.com More about Dan Pontefract at www.danpontefract.com

How do you embrace the second half of life with purpose, energy, and vision? In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, author Michael Clinton ("Roar into the Second Half of Your Life) shares how to reimagine the next chapter through reinvention, lifelong learning, and leadership. Clinton dives into his concept of “rewiring instead of retiring,” offering actionable insights for thriving in the 100-year life. From confronting ageism to fostering multigenerational workplaces, Clinton explores the power of living intentionally and inspiring others. Whether you’re leading teams, starting a new venture, or navigating your personal journey, this conversation is packed with wisdom, strategies, and real-world examples to help you roar forward. More about Michael Clinton at www.roarforward.com More about Dan Pontefract at www.danpontefract.com

On this episode of Leadership NOW, host Dan Pontefract sits down with Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman, the founder of B Corp-certified Moda Métiers, to explore her transformative journey from refugee to leader in luxury fashion. Dr. Sillaman shares her vision for redefining success through purpose-driven leadership, where resilience, sustainability, and integrity are woven into every decision. Together, they discuss how Dr. Sillaman’s commitment to social impact, innovation, and ethical practices is setting a new standard in the industry—one that challenges leaders to build brands focused on lasting legacy over fleeting profit. Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman is a distinguished academic, entrepreneur, and author known for her expertise in business sustainability and leadership. With over 20 years of experience in the fashion and luxury sector, Dr. Sillaman has established herself as a strategy consultant, public speaker, and author specializing in business longevity, resilience, and sustainability. She is the founder

In this insightful episode of Leadership NOW, Dan Pontefract engages in a dynamic discussion with Vince Molinaro, a renowned leadership expert and New York Times best-selling author of "Community of Leaders." Together, they explore the critical role of leadership accountability in today’s fast-paced and complex business landscape. Molinaro shares his thoughts on the importance of developing leaders at all levels, breaking down organizational silos, and fostering a culture of shared accountability. Through engaging stories and actionable advice, Vince reveals how leaders can "raise barns together," creating an environment where collaboration, resilience, and accountability drive long-term success. This episode is packed with practical insights for leaders looking to build stronger, more cohesive teams in an ever-evolving world. As founder and CEO of Leadership Contract Inc (LCI), Vince has worked with organizations from start-ups to Fortune 500, in 25 countries and over 80 cities. He and his team equip le