Step Wise

Conflict isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to understand. In this episode of Step Wise, Dr. Foster Mobley sits down with Mark Eckhardt, co-founder and CEO of Common and founder of 1 Million Truths, to explore what it means to lead in a time when every system around us is changing.

Mark shares how neuroscience and conflict science reveal the hidden pressures leaders face today, why self-awareness and presence are essential, and...

Jim Fielding has spent more than three decades leading some of the world’s most iconic brands—Disney, DreamWorks, and 20th Century Fox. Today, he’s an author, speaker, coach, and host of the Jim Fielding & Friends podcast.

In this conversation with Dr. Foster Mobley, Jim reflects on his journey from corporate executive to solopreneur, sharing the wisdom he’s gained along the way. Together, they explore themes from Jim’s book, Al...

In this Step Wise conversation, Dr. Foster Mobley sits down with Roberta Tinch, President at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital and healthcare leader in the Inova Health System. Roberta shares how presence, reflection, and intentional pacing shape her leadership—and why balancing relational connection with rigorous accountability is critical in today’s environment.

Listeners will hear Roberta’s perspective on:

• Why moving too fast isn’t ...

Can love be a leadership strategy? Dr. Julie Kennedy Oehlert thinks so, and she’s got the experience to prove it.

In this soul-stirring episode of Step Wise, Julie joins Dr. Foster Mobley to explore what it really takes to lead with courage, empathy, and purpose in a system as complex and high-stakes as healthcare. Drawing on her background as an ER nurse, healthcare executive, brand officer, and author, Julie shares the human-cente...

Andy Levine didn’t set out to build one of the world’s top-rated adventure travel companies, he just wanted to ride his bike through France. But that passion sparked DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co., now a global leader in luxury cycling tours. In this episode, Dr. Foster Mobley talks with Andy about the leadership values that shaped his company: authenticity, attention to detail, and a relentless commitment to customer experience.

Fr...

In this episode of Step Wise, Dr. Foster Mobley sits down with Will Price—venture capitalist, leadership podcaster, and founder of Next Frontier Capital—for a deeply insightful conversation about what it means to lead in a time of complexity and contradiction. Will shares hard-earned wisdom from a career spent investing in and guiding mission-driven founders across the Mountain West.

They explore the powerful tension between humanit...

What does it take to lead a high-performance team in a hybrid world where trust is fragile and expectations are sky-high?

In this compelling conversation, Dr. Foster Mobley sits down with Sarah Broughton, award-winning architect and partner at Rowland+Broughton, to unpack how leadership is evolving—and what still remains essential. Known for her clear-eyed presence, candid perspective, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Sarah sha...

What does it take to lead in a world of constant change, mistrust in institutions, and rapidly shifting teams? Retired U.S. Army General James "Spider" Marks returns to Step Wise for Part 2 of his candid and hard-earned leadership wisdom.

In this episode, Spider and host Dr. Foster Mobley dive into the challenges today’s leaders face—building trust with Gen Z, adapting to dynamic team environments, embracing contrarian voi...

What does it really take to lead in today’s uncertain, high-stakes world? According to General James “Spider” Marks—a West Point grad, decorated U.S. Army intelligence leader, and former CNN national security analyst—it’s not titles or talk that define a leader. It’s behavior.

In this powerful two-part conversation, Spider joins Dr. Foster Mobley on Step Wise to share hard-earned leadership truths from over 40 years at the highest l...

What do spies, scientists, and great bosses have in common? Mike Mears, former CIA Chief of Human Capital and founder of the CIA Leadership Academy, joins Foster Mobley on Step Wise for a fascinating, story-filled conversation on what really makes people tick. With experience ranging from the military to General Electric to government intelligence, Mike shares actionable insights drawn from behavioral science, human nature, and dec...

Jeff Immelt, former CEO of GE and author of Hot Seat: What I Learned Leading a Great American Company, joins Foster for a wide-ranging conversation on modern leadership, generational change, and the power of perseverance. Jeff reflects on his years at the helm of GE, his transition into teaching and mentoring, and the values that shaped him through triumph and failure. From leading through economic crises to investing in leadership...

Season 1 of Step Wise brought raw, revealing conversations with leaders across industries—and we’re just getting started. In this quick teaser, Dr. Foster Mobley reflects on the lessons, the listeners, and the magic of Season 1—and shares a sneak peek of the voices joining us for Season 2. From GE's Jeff Immelt to CIA's Mike Mears, from global strategists to soulful entrepreneurs, we’re diving even deeper into what shapes...

After interviewing some of the most insightful leaders across industries, it’s time to turn the mic around. In this special episode of Step Wise, host Dr. Foster Mobley takes center stage as Jana Devan interviews him on the key lessons, themes, and personal takeaways from the first season.

Foster reflects on conversations with top executives and leadership thinkers, including Janet Foutty, Valorie Kondos Field, Kent Thiry, and Paul ...

In this insightful episode of Step Wise, Foster Mobley sits down with Jen Fisher, a trailblazer in workplace well-being and human sustainability. As Deloitte’s first Chief Wellbeing Officer and now its Human Sustainability Leader, Jen shares her inspiring journey, from creating a groundbreaking role to becoming a voice for the evolving future of work.

Together, they dive into:
🌱 How organizations can prioritize human sustainabi...

Join Foster Mobley in a compelling conversation with Erin Rocchio, a managing partner at Evolution and founder of Wholeness at Work. Together, they dive into the evolving demands on leaders in today’s high-pressure environments, tackling issues like burnout, the integration of personal and professional well-being, and the shifting dynamics of leadership. Erin shares insights into how societal pressures are reshaping workplaces, the...

In this episode of Step Wise, Dr. Foster Mobley sits down with Anthony Stephan, Chief Learning Officer for Deloitte U.S., for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership, learning, and the future of workforce development. Anthony shares his inspiring journey at Deloitte, where he leads a talented team dedicated to advancing the skills of 173,000 professionals to stay ahead in an ever-changing marketplace.

In this episod...

In this episode of Step Wise, Dr. Foster Mobley sits down with Dr. Sachin Jain, president and CEO of Scan, to discuss navigating leadership challenges in today’s turbulent healthcare landscape. Dr. Jain, a Harvard-trained physician with vast experience in both public and private sectors, offers insights into leading through crisis, fostering transparency, and balancing authenticity with performance demands. The conversation dives i...

Join Foster Mobley in an exceptional second conversation with Joe Mello, renowned leadership architect behind DaVita’s transformation. In this deep dive, Joe unpacks the essence of authentic leadership. From honing decision-making and discernment to creating ‘leadership bandwidth’ by empowering others, Joe shares actionable insights on asking the right questions and fostering genuine growth within teams. Foster and Joe also explore...

In this powerful episode of Step Wise, host Dr. Foster Mobley sits down with Joe Mello, a transformational leader and the driving force behind DaVita’s remarkable turnaround. Joe shares insights from his decades-long career in healthcare, his work on influential boards, and his passion for developing leadership talent. From navigating organizational challenges in turbulent environments to fostering authenticity and alignment in tea...