Master Leadership

Charles Achampong is a best-selling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and passionate advocate for the power of pausing. After two decades leading transformative work across government, philanthropy, and the private sector—including with Scotiabank and the Vancouver 2010 Olympics—Charles made a bold move: he hit pause on it all to travel the world with his wife and daughters. That life-changing sabbatical inspired his book, Around the World in Family Days, a heartfelt exploration of what it means to slow down, reconnect, and live with intention. Through stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable, Charles teaches audiences how to build what he calls “failure immunity”—the inner resilience to face life’s setbacks with courage, clarity, and purpose. More Info: Charles Achampong Sponsors: Become a Guest on Master Leadership Podcast: Book Here Agency Sponsorships: Book Guests Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Veronica Anderson, a physician who has transitioned into serving as a Vistage Chair and leadership coach, specializes in developing peak-performing teams. Drawing on 14+ years as a relationship expert, Dr. Anderson employs her proprietary RESPECT Method alongside Human Design and Kolbe Index assessments to transform organizational dynamics. As a certified Kolbe consultant with an intuitive approach, she’s guided executives through workplace challenges and personal transitions with remarkable success. Dr. Anderson’s unique background combines medical precision with psychological insight, making her an invaluable resource for C suite leaders seeking to build thriving teams where both management and employees flourish. More Info: RoseWaterFalls.com Sponsors: Become a Guest on Master Leadership Podcast: Book Here Agency Sponsorships: Book Guests Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosemary Ravinal is a TEDx Speaker and executive speaker coach who works with high-profile leaders in Spanish and English to fulfill their fullest potential when they speak. She is recognized as America's Premier Bilingual Public Speaking Coach after decades as a corporate spokesperson and media personality in the U.S., Hispanic and Latin American markets. A former contributor for MSNBC, she hosted award-winning public affairs and radio shows in the New York market.  In 2020, she adapted her coaching model for the virtual stage and created the ZoomScore™ based on 10 essential elements of professional video meetings. Her first book, titled The Joy of Thinking Out Loud, which chronicles her struggles with stuttering, will be published in late 2025. She’s a member of the Florida Speakers Association, Toastmasters, and director of PechaKucha Night Miami, the Japanese style of concise, live storytelling popular in more than 1,300 cities. More Info: Rosemary Ravinal Sponsors: Become a Guest on Master Leadership Podcast: Book Here Agency Sponsorships: Book Guests Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine this: you’re in a meeting. You’ve got something important to say…but you don’t speak up. Or maybe you do, and later think, “That didn’t land the way I wanted.” If you’ve ever wished for more confidence—to truly own the room every time—you’re in the right place. Today we’re talking surefire ways to master your communication and presentation skills—in any meeting, conversation, or stage—with someone who lives and breathes this work, Shannon Alter, founder of Leaders Exceed. Shannon partners with organizations to help leaders communicate with clarity—teaching exactly what to say and how to say it—through keynotes, workshops, sales meetings, and executive coaching, both live and virtual. With roots in commercial and retail real estate and hospitality, Shannon speaks at major industry conferences and has trained professionals in 10 countries. A former USC theatre major, she’ll tell you many of her best tips started backstage. And—her third book, “Be Influential: Surefire Ways to Improve Your Presentation Skills,” is on the shelves now. Today you’ll learn how connection, confidence, and presence help you show up, speak up, and influence with impact. You can reach her at Shannon@LeadersExceed.com, on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/shannonalter, and at LeadersExceed.com. Sponsors: Become a Guest on Master Leadership Podcast: Book Here Agency Sponsorships: Book Guests Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Katie Keller Wood is someone who deeply understands the challenges we face when our work holds deep meaning—because when our work matters, “balance” often feels impossible. And for those of us doing high-impact work—whether in education, social work, healthcare, or entrepreneurship—the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue is even higher. Katie has lived this reality, and she’s on a mission to help us shift the conversation from chasing “work-life balance” to cultivating true alignment. She believes that when our lives are aligned, we create space for authentic thriving—for ourselves, and for the people we serve. Katie grew up in the world of education, where discovering Montessori philosophy transformed her perspective—not only about teaching, but about life. Today, she directs the CMStep training program, working with hundreds of Montessori teachers across the U.S. and abroad, while also teaching at institutions like the University of Virginia, Xavier University, and the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and coach, known as “a breath of fresh air” for the way she captivates audiences and makes human-centered development come alive at every stage of life. In her forthcoming book: Alignment, Katie challenges the myth of balance and shows us why alignment is the key to resilience, impact, and a more equitable and thriving world. More Info: Dr. Katie Keller Wood. Sponsors: Become a Guest on Master Leadership Podcast: Book Here Agency Sponsorships: Book Guests Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lacey Artemis is a multi-passionate creative producer, speaker, performer, and event host.  She has been a multimedia producer for over 20 years, an accountant for 15, and a project manager for 12. She’s the type that if she wants something to happen, she will make it happen. That's why she started her own company - Arty Mix Events. To put all of her skills to use in one versatile and dynamic package. Event host. Speaker and storyteller. Video producer. Project Manager. Lacey has spent her life being told to niche down.  For too many years she listened, and it wasn't working for her.   She finally started to fully embrace her true nature and as a result she began to thrive. From the board room to the big stage. From budget reports to mic drop moments. From one note corporate roles to being a one woman symphony orchestra. Her transformation went from shy, socially awkward introvert to bold speaker and performer.  It involved improv, comedy, storytelling, and puppetry classes, and being brave and daring.  Those classes changed her life. And she realized she needed to help others do the same. Lacey created her signature workshop PLAYSPACE, because as a creative and playful person herself who got trapped in corporate confines for many years, she realized 9-5s suppress and stifle creativity and playfulness.  So she created a space to bust herself out of the cubicle clink, get to vibing and vibrant! Whether it's a keynote, a comedy show, or a corporate workshop, Lacey is the one to call.  The multi-passionate who does it all. More Info: Lacey Artemis Sponsors: Become a Guest on Master Leadership Podcast: Book Here Agency Sponsorships: Book Guests Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evan Sohn is a senior executive whose career reads like a masterclass in accelerating growth and dominating market share. From steering eCommerce initiatives in Fortune 500 giants to propelling nimble start-ups into industry leaders, Evan’s impact has been both profound and measurable. His expertise spans sales, market development, corporate and product strategy, marketing, and business development—and he’s done it across an impressive range of industries: talent and HR tech, payments, enterprise software, wireless and mobile, security, and managed services. What’s more, Evan has a proven track record of breaking into new markets with cutting-edge technology solutions. Today, Evan is at the helm of Aura Intelligence—the premier SaaS workforce analytics and insights platform, spun out of Bain & Company. Aura empowers investment firms, consulting companies, and large enterprises to make insights-driven decisions, craft future-fit strategies, boost productivity, and reduce costs—all by unlocking the hidden potential of workforce data. Evan’s journey is one of strategic vision, relentless execution, and a passion for helping organizations not just keep up with the pace of change—but set it. More Info: Aura Intelligence Sponsors: Become a Guest on Master Leadership Podcast: Book Here Agency Sponsorships: Book Guests Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carol Fraser is the visionary founder of Dancing Leaders and the dynamic CEO of C4 Talent, where she masterfully blends leadership development with the transformative power of dance. Yes, you heard that right—dance. With a background spanning ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom, and swing, Carol doesn’t just talk about leadership—she moves through it. Her programs offer a unique, experiential learning environment that helps leaders unlock creativity, strengthen team dynamics, and build real, values-driven connections. At the core of Carol’s work is authenticity. She takes the time to truly understand the people she works with, guiding them to step out of their comfort zones and into a more empowered, collaborative, and innovative space. So whether you're a seasoned executive or just stepping into your leadership journey, get ready to be inspired to move—mind, body, and spirit. More Info: Dancing Leaders. Sponsors: Become a Guest on Master Leadership Podcast: Book Here Agency Sponsorships: Book Guests Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bhuva Shakti is the Chief Product Operations Officer at Wallet Max, where she’s driving software innovation and expanding private investments for executives, venture capitalists, and sustainable startups. With an MBA from Columbia and over 30 years on Wall Street, Bhuva has led digital transformation across investment banks and payment networks worldwide. She’s steered major risk and compliance efforts during the financial crisis and the pandemic, and today, she’s a board director, keynote speaker, and advisor to tech companies and climate-fintech partnerships. Bhuva also serves as the USA Country Director for the World Business Angels Investment Forum and Chief Ethics & Culture Officer for Women in AI Worldwide. From enterprise risk to inclusive innovation — Bhuva brings wisdom, strategy, and heart. You don’t want to miss this one. More Info: Bhuva's Impact Global Bhuva's LinkedIn Profile Wallet Max Official Website Sponsors: Become a Guest on Master Leadership Podcast: Book Here Agency Sponsorships: Book Guests Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carrie Williams is a highly experienced executive and leadership coach, Master Certified Coach (MCC), and Advanced Certified Team Coach (ACTC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). With over 15 years of coaching, consulting, and facilitation experience, she holds an evidence-based coaching certificate from Fielding Graduate University and an MA in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. Carrie has worked with leaders and emerging talent at top companies like Activision, TikTok, EY, Disney, Amazon, and Microsoft, as well as numerous bar associations and legal conferences. Her unique background as a former casting director gives her a distinct approach to coaching, where she helps professionals unlock their potential, navigate complex dynamics, thrive in high-pressure environments, and create 'All In' Mindsets. Carrie’s expertise spans executive coaching, transition management, and leadership development, focusing on building powerful professional presences and personal brands while aligning values for increased engagement and impact. As the Amazon bestselling author of "Eyes on the Prize: A Kick-ass Guide to Setting and Achieving G.R.E.A.T. Goals" and former president of ICFLA, where she led the chapter to win the prestigious Chapter of Distinction award in 2022, Carrie’s evidence-based, customizable approach empowers her clients to reduce stress, increase emotional intelligence, leverage strengths, and create lasting legacies they’re proud of. Her 'All In' coaching framework is centered on the three tiers of fulfillment: professional success, personal growth, and overall well-being. More Info: RainShadowCoaching.com Book: Eyes on the Prize Sponsors: Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Vince Molinaro is a global authority on leadership accountability. After the loss of a cherished mentor, Vince made it his mission to build stronger leaders by making accountability not just a value, but a way of life. From startups to Fortune 500s, he’s helped organizations around the world create cultures where leaders step up, take ownership, and drive real results. As the founder and CEO of Leadership Contract Inc., Vince blends research with real-world insight—delivering practical strategies leaders can use today. He’s also the bestselling author of The Leadership Contract, Accountable Leaders, and his newest release, Community of Leaders. Named a Top Business Speaker in 2023, Vince shows us that with the right mindset—and a bit of humor—accountable leadership can transform entire organizations. More Info: Leadership Contract, Inc. Sponsors: Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ujwal Arkalgud is a founder who bootstrapped his B2B tech company to a ten times revenue exit. What makes his story fascinating isn't just the exit, but how he got there.  As a trained anthropologist, Ujwal decoded what he called the invisible rules that shape entrepreneurial success—rules most founders miss. With just $5,000 in seed money, he built and scaled a business to exit in an industry dominated by massive companies with huge marketing budgets and startups with millions in venture funding. Now, through his family office Investment Ark and his Decision Lab newsletter, Ujwal helps the 99% of founders who aren't chasing unicorn status build resilient, profitable businesses. He's documenting these insights in his upcoming book. More Info: Investment Ark Ujwal Arkalgud on LinkedIn Sponsors: Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ashley Bernardi is an award-winning podcaster and author, media relations expert and trainer, and founder and CEO of Nardi Media LLC, a full service media relations firm that specializes in media placements and training for authors, thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, non-profits, and more. Ashley served as a network television news producer for nearly a decade, with credits including CBS News, energyNOW!, a nationally syndicated energy and environmental show on Bloomberg TV, and Washington Post Live. She has a passion for helping authors grow from zero exposure to household names, and has helped multiple authors to launch their books and become on the New York Times Best Sellers, including Mel Robbins, Dr. Susan Pierce Thompson, and Dr. Gabrielle Lyon. Her clients have been placed in top-tier publications and media outlets including The Washington Post, The New York Times, TODAY, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, NPR, Fortune, Business Insider, USA TODAY, PEOPLE, TIME, CNBC, Bloomberg, Real Simple, and hundreds more. She is a regularly featured expert in the media, including Forbes, The Washington Times, Good Morning Washington, Great Day Washington, and Good Day DC. She is also the author of the award-winning book, Authentic Power: Give Yourself Permission to Feel. More Info: Ashley Bernardi Sponsors: Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Ley is a dynamic speaker, consultant, and coach who champions the concept of Fulfillment ROI—the powerful idea that when the value created exceeds the energy invested, we unlock fulfillment and sustainable success. Whether he's working with executives, teams, or entire organizations, Matt helps reduce energy drains and elevate value-driven results. He’s also the creator of The Triple A of Change: Attitudes, Activities, and Accountability—a proven framework that ensures every learning moment delivers a tangible return. Matt shows up with the mindset that your time, talent, and energy are treasures—and he’s here to help you multiply them. From captaining a national championship Ultimate team, to leading churches, responding to global crises, and managing corporate operations, Matt’s journey is anything but ordinary. He’s taught at DePaul, authored Manage Your Gaps, and delivered over 200 talks—but what sets him apart is his passion for empowering people with real tools for real change. More Info: IPNAdvisors.com Book: Manage Your Gaps Sponsors: Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer Swanson is the Founder and CEO of Tuckpoint Advisory Group, a collective of digital transformation experts helping world-class organizations integrate digital technology into all areas of their business, significantly improving how they operate and customer experiences. More Info: Tuckpoint Advisory Group Sponsors: Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deanna Jones is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the technology sector, specializing in sales and operations roles. Her career includes a 25-year tenure at Cisco Systems, where she transitioned to her authentic self in 2019. She serves as the President of the Harmony LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and NC Chamber of Commerce; she is also a member of both the Raleigh Metro and Triangle Society of Human Resource Management.   Deanna is a proud member of the National Speakers Association of the Carolinas. Drawing on her personal and professional experience, She helps organizations attract capable candidates, support their growth, and keep them engaged. Deanna shares her insights and advocates for inclusive environments across various platforms. Her transition at Cisco inspired her to become deeply involved with the LGBTQ+ community, leveraging her extensive experience and knowledge to assist companies in creating more diverse workplaces. Deanna has spoken at many companies and conferences in the local area. She holds an MBA from Elon University and a Master's in Instructional Technology from the University of Maryland University Global Campus. Deanna enjoys speaking at the Monti, a storytelling group in Durham, and coaching T-Ball in her spare time. More Info: Deanna Jones Sponsors: Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vera Cherepanova is the Executive Director of Boards of the Future, a global non-profit advocating for increased representation of ethics and compliance professionals on corporate boards. She is also the founding partner of Studio Etica, a boutique consultancy advising companies worldwide on corporate ethics and compliance programs. Vera serves on the Advisory Council at Ground Truth Intelligence, a global due diligence platform, and the Steering Committee of ComplianceNet, an interdisciplinary network focused on compliance research. She is the author of Corporate Compliance Program, the first book on compliance in Russian, widely used as a textbook in Russian-speaking countries, as well as a contributor to The Transnationalization of Anti-Corruption Law and other guides on business ethics, compliance, and risk management.   A prolific writer and speaker, Vera is a columnist at Corporate Compliance Insights and has been featured in publications like the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, and Law360. She has delivered keynotes, panels, and workshops at leading organizations and events, including The World Bank, OECD, and the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics. Her work has earned her recognition as a thought leader in the fields of ethics, compliance, and corporate governance. Executive Director: Boards of the Future Contact Vera: vera.cherepanova@newboards.org Sponsors: Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Amrita Subramanian is a former Fortune 500 VP who has devoted 22+ years of her career to helping organizations thrive amid crises.  Currently, she teaches at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on post-traumatic growth through the pandemic. As the world faced COVID, the first collective trauma/crisis disruption in modern-day history, Amrita launched a first-of-its-kind study to explore how pain leads to growth and analyze our ability to heal ourselves during an unparalleled crisis. Her work is dedicated to providing education and practical solutions for individuals and communities worldwide. Her lessons draw from the evidence-based practices of everyday people who have shown heartfelt humility and wisdom in the face of crisis and devastation. The research study has amassed global participation, showing that the pandemic strengthened us and renewed our sense of identity, purpose, and community. Amrita knows well that there is growth from trauma based on what she's endured in her own life.  At the age of five, she was abandoned in a convent. The trauma and abuse she endured throughout that time resulted in selective mutism (among other things) until she was 11 years old.  Amrita is now using her voice to help guide humanity and speak out about the many facets of pain and what good could come from them. More Info: GrowBeyondPain.com Sponsors: Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Greg Stewart lives in Rockwall, TX and is currently a full-time telehealth counselor, executive coach, and consultant. He has a BA in Organizational Leadership (Cornerstone U), a Master of Divinity (Grand Rapids Theological Seminary), a MA in Counseling (GRTS), and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision (Regent U). His dissertation was The Relationship of Emotional Intelligence to Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment. He was a pastor for 15 years in Portage, MI (youth, associate, senior), and was an Organizational Development Strategist for an assessments company working with dozens of organizations across all industries and coaching hundreds of executives.  He is the author of I3: Unlock the Inner Strength Behind Your Negative Emotions, and I3 for Couples: Facing Our Negative Emotions to Build Intimacy in Marriage. He is currently working on his third book, The Leadership Quotient, which will be available Fall of 2025. More Info: BecomingMore.com Books: I-Cubed I-Cubed for Couples Sponsors: Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Organizations around the world struggle to implement dramatic change. That’s where Jeff Skipper comes in. An expert in accelerating change, Jeff guides corporate leaders to plan and implement successful change initiatives. Leaders discover how to ignite engagement, convert grudging compliance into deep commitment, and realize their strategic goal. Based in Canada, Jeff is an international change leadership consultant, speaker, and author of Dancing with Disruption: Leading Dramatic Change during Global Transformation. He works with organizations in energy, finance, technology, and other industries to develop the strategy that precedes effective change. Clients, such as Bayer, BP, and The Salvation Army, have engaged him to achieve dramatic results during strategic transformation. Backed by deep expertise in leading change, Jeff guides leaders to develop effective change plans based on the twelve proven strategies he presents in his book. This empowers leaders to reach their goals faster with greater buy in throughout the entire organization. For more than twenty-five years, beginning with a twelve-year career at IBM, Jeff has guided change projects by focusing on the people side of change. He holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology and is a Certified Change Management Professional. As CEO of a transformation services company, he grew it to seven figures in just five years. Jeff and his family live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. When he isn’t traveling, you might find him driving a Zamboni at the local community arena. More Info: Jeff Skipper Books: Dancing with Disruption High Impact Workshops for Leading Change Sponsors: Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwag Free Coaching Session: Master Leadership 360 Coaching Support Our Show: Click Here Lily's Story: My Trust Manifesto Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.