The Rising Leader

Have you ever felt the tension between maintaining high standards as a leader and relinquishing control to let your team truly thrive? Today, I dive deep into how you can create an environment of bold influence, build real autonomy, and drive powerful cultural change—without micromanaging. This conversation goes to the heart of how we move from burnout to high performance, and what it actually takes to inspire people to think for t...

Some days, the world feels especially heavy. I sat down today with a list of topics to discuss, but none of them felt right—until I decided to throw out the script entirely and talk honestly about something more urgent: what to do when you're feeling stuck, helpless, or weighed down by tough times. Today, I’m sharing a deeply personal reflection on overcoming setbacks, navigating depression, and the practical steps that have broug...

When you think of leadership, how often do you consider the wiring of your own brain? Today, I sit down with Dr. Phillipe Douyon, a board-certified neurologist, two-time kidney transplant recipient, and champion of neuroplasticity, to explore the science behind change, resilience, and finding genuine purpose. From personal adversity to guiding others toward powerful, purpose-driven lives, Dr. Douyon connects what’s happening in our...

Have you ever found yourself paralyzed by nerves before a big meeting, new venture, or bold conversation, wishing you could just overcome the fear? In today’s episode, I share the story of my spirit animal: a tiny rubber chicken named Chicken Shit. Inspired by a lesson from the first shaman I ever met, this episode is all about embracing fear, owning our “chicken shit,” and charging ahead anyway. I break down why being afraid isn’...

Sometimes life, and business, just isn’t fair. For every leader who has felt the sting of setbacks, seen the politics at work, and found themselves navigating an unfair system, this conversation will resonate. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Stephanie Chung, a woman whose journey through the aviation industry was literally missing rungs on the ladder. We explore what it truly takes to build resilience, maintain a sense of purpose...

Trying to have it all as an ambitious leader, a thriving career, a rich family life, and good mental health can seem impossible. This week, I sit down with world-renowned executive, author, and leadership powerhouse Stephanie Chung for a fireside chat about her personal and professional journey, as well as her trailblazing work in business, aviation, and human capital. Together, we get real about the hard-won lessons, mistakes, an...

Have you ever looked up to a superstar, admired a successful public figure, or taken guidance from an influential leader, only to later learn about the human struggles, messy realities, and hidden challenges behind their public persona? In this episode, “I Was Selling a Lie,” I dive into why we put successful people on pedestals, the inevitable letdown when their humanity comes to light, and why real leadership means embracing imp...

Ever wondered what it looks like to build an impactful business from nothing—starting at age 22—and still keep your soul, care for your team, and navigate personal struggles most never see? In this conversation, I sit down with Alex Strathdee, founder and CEO of Shelf Life, the company behind the marketing success of my own Rising Leader handbook and numerous bestselling authors. We dig into Alex’s unconventional entrepreneurial jo...

Ever feel like the things you’re sharing as a leader are just “Captain Obvious” moments—messages that have been repeated endlessly, but still need to be heard? I woke up this morning with a clear urge to discuss something that’s not just essential, but foundational for every leader: perspective. No matter how often it’s discussed, perspective is the tool that brings clarity, emotional intelligence, and coaching power to every conv...

We all talk about how a strong relationship with your significant other is crucial, but how often do we really sit down to discuss the ground rules that hold it all together? In today’s episode, I take a thoughtful look at the different kinds of agreements we make with our partners, especially when high-pressure careers, kids, and life’s unpredictability enter the mix. I discuss setting clear expectations, negotiating roles, and e...

Devon Bandison is an author, coach, and speaker. He is the go-to mind coach of the NBA and one of the most sought-after personal and business coaches in the world. As a coach, Devon works with Fortune 100 Companies and people from all walks of life, from professional athletes and teams, CEOs and executives, salespeople and small business owners to filmmakers, producers, and the world’s leading business and life coaches. He is the ...

Are you chasing external markers of success, or are you genuinely growing into the leader you want to become? Today, I challenge you to stop and really feel where your drive is coming from. In this episode, I deeply reflect on the difference between being driven by the endless pursuit of success and embracing the sometimes messy, enriching journey of growth. We’ll take a closer look at what it costs to achieve your goals if you’re...

Ever feel like you’re living your life—or growing your career—on autopilot? In this episode, I dive into the distinction between a “created rise” and a “default rise.” Are you intentionally building the path you want, or just following the steps that seem to be laid out for you? I share stories from my transition from tech to coaching, how that pivotal distinction changed my life, and how it might just change the trajectory of your...

Ever feel like all the self-improvement advice out there is just noise—one source claims broccoli is a health hazard: another calls it a superfood? Today, I’m peeling back the layers on true holistic wellness with someone who believes transformation isn’t just physical, but mental, emotional, and even spiritual. In this episode, I sit down with Mark Anderson, a renowned personal trainer and biohacking expert, to explore the “diamon...

You’ve heard it before—your reputation precedes you. But how often do you really consider how your reputation is judged by everyone across your organization, not just your direct boss or team? In this episode, I dive into the critical connection between your reputation and your relationships, revealing why what others say about you when you’re not in the room can alter your career path. I unpack the art of being a trusted advisor, ...

Have you ever found yourself butting heads with a peer at work, knowing you need to escalate the disagreement up the ladder, but unsure how to do it without leaving a trail of drama or broken trust? This week, I’m joined again by my close friend and leadership expert Helen Appleby for a candid conversation on “clean” and “dirty” escalations. We unpack what it means to disagree well, the cost of toxic escalation, and how true leade...

 What if you're not at your best? We've all experienced those days where everything feels like an uphill battle, when no matter the effort, things don’t seem to fall into place. In this episode, I explore the challenges and essential strategies for handling those tough days with grace and introspection. Through personal stories, like my memorable encounter with a rushed and hungry surgeon, I reflect on the importance of self-care a...

In this episode of The Rising Leader, I had a conversation with Stephanie Chung, where we explored the challenges and strategies of modern leadership in today's rapidly changing environment. We focused on how leaders can effectively manage diverse teams, innovate strategically, and maintain composure in uncertain times. Stephanie shared practical advice on the importance of self-care, brain training for uncertainty, and the need fo...

Navigating the art of influence, this week, I delve into the delicate balance between being an influencer and being influenced. Drawing from recent experiences onboarding three new clients who share the same enneagram type, I explore the challenges faced by driven, goal-oriented individuals. I also discussed how energy in a meeting can be shaped by mood and how to maintain composure amidst differing opinions.

Anecdotes from my jour...