Disrupt & Innovate

Infertility and reproductive health are already emotionally overwhelming—so why has fertility care become so financially complex and inequitable? In this episode of Disrupt & Innovate, Lisa L. Levy welcomes Mary Fusillo, CEO and founder of Family Solutions International, to unpack the hidden costs of infertility care, the realities families face inside fertility clinics, and what it will take to bring more equity to reproductive health. With more than 25 years of experience, Mary shares her journey from healthcare professional to entrepreneur and advocate, and explains how families are forced to make high-stakes decisions under intense emotional pressure—often while navigating confusing options, rising medication costs, and unequal access to quality care. She also breaks down the growing influence of private equity in fertility clinics and questions whether expensive “innovations” have meaningfully improved success rates. This is a powerful conversation about healthcare inequity, the need for better emotional support and mentorship, and why human connection matters just as much as technology in the fertility journey. Keywords: -Infertility -reproductive health -egg donation -private equity -healthcare inequity -Family Solutions International -emotional support -fertility treatments -Mentorship -healthcare innovation If you or someone you love is navigating infertility—or if you care about the future of healthcare innovation and equitable access—this episode with Mary will inform, validate, and challenge the status quo. #infertility #reproductivehealth #fertilitytreatments #eggdonation #HealthcareInequity #privateequity #FamilySolutionsInternational #emotionalsupport #mentorship #healthcareinnovation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Lisa L. Levy sits down with James Ellis to explore the real power of employer branding and why most companies need to completely rethink their recruitment strategies. James breaks down how a clear, differentiated employer value proposition and strong storytelling can transform hiring from “filling seats” into a true driver of business growth. He explains why better applications beat more applications, how to turn negative perceptions into compelling employer narratives, and why aligning talent acquisition with business strategy is essential in today’s market. This conversation is a roadmap for anyone ready to build a hiring process that candidates actually want to be part of. ✨ Keywords: -employer branding -recruitment strategies -talent acquisition -differentiated value -business growth -storytelling -hiring process -candidate experience -employer narratives recruitment marketing If you’re a leader, recruiter, or founder who wants recruitment to be a strategic advantage—not a constant pain point—this conversation with James Ellis will change how you think about hiring. #EmployerBranding #RecruitmentStrategies #TalentAcquisition #BusinessGrowth #Storytelling #HiringProcess #CandidateExperience #EmployerNarratives #RecruitmentMarketing #DifferentiatedValue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Lisa L. Levy sits down with Cheryl Texeira, certified profit acceleration business coach, to break down how service-based entrepreneurs can unlock hidden profits, create market-dominating positions, and scale sustainably. Cheryl explains why understanding your numbers is non-negotiable for CEOs, and how a strategic profit acceleration system—sometimes as little as a 3% improvement in multiple areas—can lead to massive profit growth. She shares a powerful client success story where refining the offer and market positioning led to significant revenue growth, and walks through the importance of a CEO dashboard, documented processes, and clear boundaries for long-term success. Whether you’re transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship or looking to scale your existing business, this conversation is a masterclass in making your business more profitable and sustainable. ✨ Keywords: -profit acceleration -business coaching -revenue growth -market positioning -CEO dashboard -client success -entrepreneurial journey -scaling business -policies and procedures -boundaries If you’re a CEO, founder, or service-based entrepreneur who wants to grow revenue and keep more of what you earn, this episode with Cheryl Texeira will show you how to think—and act—like a profit-focused leader. #ProfitAcceleration #BusinessCoaching #RevenueGrowth #MarketPositioning #CEODashboard #ClientSuccess #EntrepreneurialJourney #ScalingBusiness #PoliciesAndProcedures #Boundaries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Lisa L. Levy sits down with Coby Skonord, founder and CEO of IdeaWake, to talk about bottom-up innovation, employee engagement, and building a true culture of innovation that drives business growth. Coby shares how IdeaWake helps organizations collect, prioritize, and implement ideas from the people closest to the work—the frontline. From quick wins to disruptive ideas that transform operations, he walks through success stories of companies that used the platform to unlock hidden value, develop leaders, and navigate major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. They also dig into the realities of change management, securing leadership buy-in, and using a “crawl, walk, run” approach to make innovation stick. ✨ Keywords: -innovation -employee engagement -IdeaWake -bottom-up innovation -corporate culture -leadership -change management -success stories -disruptive ideas -business growth If you’re serious about innovation—not as a buzzword, but as a system your people can actually use—this conversation with Coby Skonord will show you how to engage employees and scale ideas that matter. #Innovation #EmployeeEngagement #IdeaWake #BottomUpInnovation #CorporateCulture #Leadership #ChangeManagement #DisruptiveIdeas #SuccessStories #BusinessGrowth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Lisa L. Levy sits down with Rion Westfall to unpack the realities facing SMBs and how his “Own Your Revenue” framework and PEPSLIM methodology help business owners stabilize, grow, and sustain their companies.  Rion explains why so many entrepreneurs start with strong skills but limited business acumen, and how that gap leads to chaos, missed opportunities, and early failure. He shares how to uncover hidden revenue, improve communication, and build purposeful networks that support long-term revenue growth and small business success. If you care about keeping Main Street alive and thriving, this conversation is a call to action.  ✨ Keywords: -SMB -own your revenue -business development -entrepreneurship -PEPSLIM -networking -small business success -revenue growth -communication strategies If you’re a founder, owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode with Rion Westfall will help you “own your revenue” and boost your chances of long-term success.  #RyanWestfall #OwnYourRevenue #SMB #BusinessDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessSuccess #RevenueGrowth #Networking #CommunicationStrategies #PEPSLIM  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Lisa L. Levy sits down with Ted Whetstone, strategic thought partner and executive coach, to unpack the human element in leadership and change management. Ted explores why the true value in any organization lies in its people, not just its processes, and why most change efforts fail when leaders impose instead of invite. He explains the critical difference between commitment to outcomes and attachment to specific ideas, and how that shift opens the door to participation, innovation, and shared ownership. Along the way, Ted dives into vulnerability, communication, and the entrepreneurial journey, and introduces the powerful concept of being the “product of your product”—the transformation of humanity within the workplace. ✨ Keywords: -leadership-change management -executive coaching -organizational transformation -commitment vs attachment -vulnerability -communication -entrepreneurial journey -product of your product -growth mindset If you’re a leader, founder, or change agent who wants to transform not only your organization but the humans inside it, this conversation with Ted Whetstone will challenge and inspire you. #Leadership #ChangeManagement #ExecutiveCoaching #OrganizationalTransformation #CommitmentVsAttachment #Vulnerability #Communication #EntrepreneurialJourney #ProductOfYourProduct #GrowthMindset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Lisa L. Levy sits down with Simon Holzapfel, co‑founder and CFO of Leaf Lab, to explore how we can better prepare young people for the real future of work—not the one our current systems were built for. Simon shares how Leaf Lab is redefining learning through free, hands-on, real-world experiences that teach students critical skills like value stream mapping, collaboration, and critical thinking. Drawing from personal stories and professional experience, he explains why the traditional education model is failing, what future-ready skills actually look like, and how we can build adaptable teams that thrive in today’s digital, fast-changing work environment. If you care about education, workforce development, and innovation, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and inspire new possibilities. ✨ Keywords: -Leaf Lab -Simon Holtzapfel -education -workforce -value stream mapping -future of work -collaboration -innovation -critical thinking -agile learning If you’re passionate about aligning education with real-world needs and building future-ready workforces, this episode with Simon Holzapfel of Leaf Lab is a must-watch. #LeafLab #SimonHolzapfel #Education #FutureOfWork #ValueStreamMapping #Collaboration #Innovation #CriticalThinking #AgileLearning #Workforce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Lisa L. Levy sits down with John Golden to explore why a sales‑first approach to CRM is the key to real business growth, better data, and happier, more effective sales teams. John breaks down why sales is the engine of revenue, why it must be treated as a serious career rather than a fallback option, and how most organizations are still measuring the wrong things. Instead of outdated activity metrics, he advocates for relevant, quality-focused sales metrics, dynamic sales processes, and technology that actually supports how customers buy—not just how managers want to report. You’ll also hear how AI and modern CRM tools can enhance sales insights, improve decision-making, and empower salespeople when they’re implemented with the right strategy and training. ✨ Keywords: -sales -CRM -sales process -technology -revenue -sales metrics -salespeople -AI -business growth -customer relationship management If you’re a founder, sales leader, or RevOps pro who’s tired of CRMs that nobody uses and sales processes that don’t match reality, this conversation with John Golden is your roadmap to a smarter, sales‑first approach. #Sales #CRM #SalesProcess #Technology #Revenue #SalesMetrics #Salespeople #AI #BusinessGrowth #CustomerRelationshipManagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Lisa L. Levy talks with Dr. David Gruder—organizational psychologist, board‑level advisor, 12‑award‑winning author, and what he calls a “recovering psychologist” and professional troublemaker. David equips innovative leaders with the mindsets, skillsets, and habitsets to make integrity profitable, collaboration fruitful, and impact scalable. As a master architect of culture and the C‑suite, he helps owners and executives become who their ventures need them to be—maximizing positive impact and profits without sacrificing wellbeing or values. In this conversation, we explore his vision for the future of humanity, the Spark Framework, and how a dual‑pronged purpose can guide us toward what he calls the North Star of Integrity. They dig into the three futures currently vying for dominance—Homo Spiritus, Homo Deus, and regressionism—and why quiet, grassroots movements may be far more powerful than they appear. ✨ Keywords: -Dr. David Gruder -Homo Spiritus -Spark Framework -organizational psychology -leadership, integrity -collaboration -future of humanity -grassroots movement -dual-pronged purpose If you’ve ever felt called to be a “light bringer” but struggled with fear, frustration, or fragmentation, this conversation offers language, structure, and hope. #DrDavidGruder #HomoSpiritus #SparkFramework #OrganizationalPsychology #Leadership #Integrity #Collaboration #FutureOfHumanity #GrassrootsMovement #DualProngedPurpose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do we revive kinesthetic learning to create new futures—fast? In this special “play-along” episode, Lisa L. Levy welcomes Sura Al‑Naimi, CEO and chief co‑creator at Hi Hello Sura, to introduce ProPlay—a hands-on, kinesthetic method that helps leaders and teams prototype ideas, evaluate what works, and drive change with clarity and confidence. With a background shaping innovation at Disney, Sura shows how ProPlay uses tangible models to move beyond talk and into action—accelerating alignment, revealing insights, and turning strategy into something you can actually see, test, and improve. From future-casting to change management, you’ll learn how play unlocks performance, invites authentic participation, and helps you create the future, not just predict it. ✨Keywords: -ProPlay -kinesthetic learning -future creation -evaluation -change management -hands-on learning -HiHelloSura -innovation -leadership If you’re ready to evaluate what works, shed what doesn’t, and create your next chapter through hands-on learning, this episode will show you how to ProPlay your way forward. #ProPlay #KinestheticLearning #ChangeManagement #FutureCreation #Innovation #Leadership #Evaluation #HandsOnLearning #HiHelloSura #SuraAlNaimi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Lisa L. Levy talks with Anders Boulanger, co-founder and CEO of Engageify, about the art and science of engagement in a world shaped by technology and AI. Anders breaks down why in-person interactions are irreplaceable, how generational differences impact communication, and why “infotainment” and pattern interruption can transform trade show performance. He shares the story behind Engageify, the power of making your clients the stars, and how systems and processes elevate management and outcomes. If you want to create authentic, memorable moments that drive real business results, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. ✨ Keywords: -Engagement -Trade Shows -Generational Differences -Authentic Interactions -Business Innovation -Communication Skills -Infotainment -Engageify -Anders Boulanger -AI in Business If you’re ready to level up engagement—from the booth floor to the boardroom—this episode will show you how to make every moment count. #Engagement #TradeShows #GenerationalDifferences #AuthenticInteractions #BusinessInnovation #CommunicationSkills #Infotainment #Engageify #AndersBoulanger #AIinBusiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Lisa L. Levy sits down with revenue strategist Steven Johnson to debunk the biggest myths in B2B sales and show founders how to build systems that actually drive predictable revenue. Steven pulls back the curtain on the emotional side of decision-making (yes, even in B2B), why hiring a “unicorn salesperson” isn’t a strategy, and how CEOs can and should understand the sales process. From reducing risk for decision-makers to building authentic relationships that convert, this conversation gives you a clear blueprint for sales leadership and business growth. Keywords -B2B sales -revenue strategy -emotional decision-making -sales misconceptions -sales talent -relationship building -entrepreneurial journey -sales process -business growth -sales leadership If you’re a founder or CEO ready to replace guesswork with a human-centered, scalable sales approach, this episode with Steven Johnson is your roadmap. #B2BSales #RevenueStrategy #SalesLeadership #BusinessGrowth #SalesProcess #SalesTalent #EmotionalDecisionMaking #RelationshipBuilding #EntrepreneurialJourney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when quantum computing, AI, and cybersecurity converge? ⚛️🚀 In this episode, Lisa L. Levy speaks with Steven McKeon — ethical hacker, technologist, and visionary — about the next great leap in business and technology: the quantum era. Steven unpacks the transformative potential of quantum mechanics applied to real-world challenges, from encryption and digital security to innovation and predictive analytics. The conversation goes beyond technology into the philosophical and ethical implications of quantum breakthroughs, exploring how shifts in perception, time, and even the beauty of mathematics and music reveal deeper truths about the universe. Keywords: -quantum computing -AI -encryption -cybersecurity -innovation -ethical hacking -business -technology -quantum mechanics -future of business If the future of business, innovation, and cybersecurity intrigues you, this episode with Steven McKeon will expand your perspective and spark new ideas. #QuantumComputing #AI #Encryption #Cybersecurity #Innovation #EthicalHacking #Business #Technology #QuantumMechanics #FutureOfBusiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa L. Levy interviews Katja Kempe, CEO & Founder of Viveka, a groundbreaking human capital tech platform focused on leadership, coaching, and employee development. Recognized as one of the Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs by CIO Magazine, Katja is a leading voice in human potential and the Future of Work. In their discussion, they explore the decline of traditional leadership paradigms, ways to retain valuable talent, and the importance of coaching and mentoring. They also highlight how Viveka streamlines development programs, measures impact, and prepares organizations for the upcoming Talent Crisis 3.0 with purpose-driven leadership. Keywords:  -leadership  -coaching  -mentoring  -training  -human capital  -organizational culture  -employee development  -Viveka  -Katya Kempe  -future of work  If you care about leadership, organizational culture, and the future of work, this episode with Katja Kempe is your blueprint for building thriving, resilient teams. #Leadership #Coaching #Mentoring #Training #HumanCapital #OrganizationalCulture #EmployeeDevelopment #Viveka #KatjaKempe #FutureOfWork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa L. Levy sits down with Alex Aanderud — aerospace engineer turned leadership and human behavior expert, and founder of VitalSpark.ai. With a unique background spanning flight test in the military and advanced certifications in integrative psychology, Alex brings a rare lens to the future of leadership. Through his work at Vital Spark, Alex helps leaders and teams unlock potential, align with purpose, and lead with authenticity. He shares how AI can augment human connection — not replace it — by giving leaders actionable insights into individual motivations, stress responses, and behavioral dynamics. Together, Lisa and Alex uncover why traditional personality assessments fall short, and why leadership today requires a much more dynamic, personalized approach. Keywords:  -leadership  -AI  -human behavior  -Vital Spark  -communication  -psychology  -team dynamics  -employee engagement  -personal development  -organizational culture  If you’re ready to build stronger connections, adapt your leadership style, and see how AI meets human behavior for the future of work, this episode with Alex Aanderud will change the way you lead. #Leadership #AI #HumanBehavior #VitalSpark #Communication #Psychology #TeamDynamics #EmployeeEngagement #PersonalDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa L. Levy sits down with Heather Campbell — author, CEO, motivational speaker, and co-founder of Ready Set Recover. Heather’s brand-new book, Good Is Amazing, is more than a title…it’s a movement reminding us that recognizing the good—at home, at work, and in our communities—creates joy, connection, and empowerment. With leadership roots at ESPN and Audacy, Heather blends strategy and heart, guiding people to be seen, heard, and celebrated. In this conversation, she shares her personal journey of empowerment, the power of positivity, and how disruption and collaboration can spark meaningful change. From leading with transparency to creating “invitation moments,” Heather shows how leaders and individuals alike can build stronger communities and more fulfilling lives. Keywords:   -Heather Campbell  -Good is Amazing  -empowerment  -leadership  -disruption  -collaboration  -positive mindset  -personal growth  -community  -motivation  If you’re ready to embrace positivity, invite others into your journey, and start celebrating the good in your life, this conversation with Heather Campbell will leave you both motivated and empowered. #HeatherCampbell #GoodIsAmazing #Empowerment #Leadership #Disruption #Collaboration #PositiveMindset #PersonalGrowth #Community #Motivation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa L. Levy interviews Brett Swarts, best-selling author of "Building a Capital Gains Tax Exit Plan" and a leading expert on capital gains tax strategies. He has been featured on major platforms like Fox Business Network and has closed over $500 million in Deferred Sales Trusts, Delaware Statutory Trusts, and 1031 Exchanges, including strategies for Bitcoin owners. In this insightful conversation, Brett discusses the historic wealth transfer from baby boomers and how purpose-driven entrepreneurs can prepare. He emphasizes the importance of legacy, building passive income, and the leadership needed to cultivate resilient businesses, delivering both practical and inspirational insights.  Keywords:  -wealth transfer  -capital gains tax  -legacy  -passive income  -entrepreneurship  -business growth  -leadership  -family values  -financial freedom  -investment strategies  If you’re ready to build a capital gains tax exit plan that multiplies your freedom, wealth, and impact, this episode with Brett Swarts is a must-watch. 👉 Learn more about Brett at: BrettSwarts.com #WealthTransfer #CapitalGainsTax #PassiveIncome #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Legacy #FinancialFreedom #InvestmentStrategies #FamilyValues Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa L. Levy interviews Dani Dufresne, founder of The Auxiliary Co. (The Aux Co.), a consulting and creative operations powerhouse known for executing high-stakes campaigns flawlessly. Dani has revolutionized creative production by eliminating red tape, building elite teams, stretching budgets, and preventing campaign disasters. In this engaging conversation, she shares her journey as a creative producer and entrepreneur, highlighting the flaws in today’s agency model and the importance of a consulting mindset. Dani offers insights on team management, time protection for business owners, and embracing disruption, delivering powerful truths along the way. Keywords:  -Dani Dufresne  -The Aux Co  -creative production  -consulting  -agency model  -leadership  -business growth  -client relationships  -disruption  -niche markets  If you’re ready to ditch outdated processes, scale smarter, and build something truly disruptive, this conversation with Dani Dufresne is the wake-up call you don’t want to miss. #DaniDufresne #TheAuxCo #CreativeProduction #Consulting #AgencyModel #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #ClientRelationships #Disruption #NicheMarkets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa L. Levy interviews Dr. Karen Jacobson, a high-performance strategist, military veteran, and founder of the Aligned Leadership Academy. Karen combines precision, resilience, and energy to help leaders enhance human capital, foster cohesive teams, and cultivate trust in organizational cultures. In this conversation, she shares her journey of overcoming challenges, emphasizes the need for adaptability in change, and highlights the importance of calm decision-making for business success. If you want to reduce conflict and lead with intention, this discussion is a must-watch. Keywords:  -leadership  -change management  -team dynamics  -personal growth  -business strategy  -coaching  -resilience  -innovation  -human potential  -organizational culture  If your organization is ready to reduce conflict, build engagement, and unlock human potential, this episode with Dr. Karen Jacobson will give you the tools and inspiration to start creating impact today. #Leadership #ChangeManagement #TeamDynamics #BusinessStrategy #Resilience #HumanPotential #OrganizationalCulture #Coaching #Innovation #PersonalGrowth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa L. Levy speaks with Deanne Earle — project interventionist, change agent, and creator of the Genius Model — about the art of delivering certainty in technology transformation and large-scale project management. With years of hands-on experience rescuing troubled initiatives, Deanne shares how she interrupts ineffective processes, rebuilds trust, and drives real business impact. She emphasizes the importance of clarity, purpose, and strong leadership when managing projects under pressure, illustrating how effective communication and human dynamics unlock team success. This conversation also looks to the future — exploring how disruption and innovation can reshape project management and how conscious leadership will define the next era of technology-driven transformation. If you want to understand how to navigate complex change, lead with certainty, and recover high-stakes technology projects, this conversation with Deanne Earle is a masterclass. #ProjectManagement #ChangeAgent #TechnologyTransformation #Leadership #Certainty #Disruption #Innovation #GeniusModel #ProjectDelivery #BusinessImpact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices