The Enlightened Executive

You can be brilliant with numbers and still miss the pattern that's holding you back. In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, financial behaviorist Jacquette Timmons shares the pivotal moment when her longtime CPA asked, "When are you going to stop mortgaging your life?" That one question revealed a blind spot that changed how she approached her business, her money, and her leadership. We discuss: Why blind spots form next to your strengths How success can reinforce outdated habits The emotional side of financial decisions One practical step leaders can take to uncover what they can't see on their own If you've ever wondered whether your leadership habits are still serving you, this episode offers a fresh lens to find out. 🔎 For deeper insight into your leadership patterns, explore Susan's Enneagram Applied tools here.

What if your biggest life challenges became the catalyst for your boldest leadership chapter yet? Petra Kolber is no stranger to adversity. She's survived cancer twice, pivoted from global fitness icon to mindset coach, and now serves as VP of Mindset for the Daisie Foundation. In this powerful conversation, Petra joins host Susan Drumm to share how midlife became her launchpad, not her slowdown. Together, they explore: Why resilience isn't about bouncing back, but bouncing forward The mindset shifts that helped Petra rewrite her story How to let go of perfectionism and lead with authenticity What executives can learn from their own moments of disruption Whether you're navigating a personal pivot or feeling the pull to reinvent your leadership path, this episode will challenge you to trade burnout for boldness and live a story you're excited to lead. 🎧 Subscribe to The Enlightened Executive for weekly strategies that spark your personal and leadership evolution.

What does it really mean to lead with authenticity—and how do you know when it's courageous vs. careless?  In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, host Susan Drumm sits down with Cindy Adams, executive coach and co-founder of The Enneagram in Business Network, to explore one of the most misunderstood leadership traits: authenticity.  Together, we unpack:      Why "saying it like it is" can sometimes sabotage your impact      How your Enneagram type shapes your version of authenticity      The difference between emotional expression and emotional intelligence      How to evolve your communication style as your leadership matures  Whether you’re leading a Fortune 500 team or scaling a growing business, this episode will help you lead with more discernment, presence, and power, not just bold expression.  🎧 Listen now to discover how to align your truth with timing, and why how you speak may matter more than what you say. 

What do you do when everything goes sideways? In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, I sit down with Juliette Kayyem, Harvard professor, former Assistant Secretary at Homeland Security under President Obama, and CNN Senior National Security Analyst. Juliette shares how today’s leaders can build resilience before the crisis hits, and what it takes to make clear, confident decisions under pressure. We cover: The neuroscience behind decision-making in high-stress situations Why “urgent calm” is the most underutilized leadership skill How to train your team to act—not panic—in moments of crisis The power of pre-mortems to prevent disaster before it starts Whether you're leading a team, scaling a company, or navigating organizational change, this conversation will equip you to lead with clarity, even in chaos. Follow the show for more conversations that spark your personal evolution—and your leadership revolution.

What if your greatest strength as a CEO is also your biggest limitation? In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Susan Drumm sits down with Allison Maslan, aserial entrepreneur, author, and CEO of Pinnacle Global Network, to explore a critical challenge most high-performing leaders face:  👉 Becoming the bottleneck in their own business.  Allison has built 10 companies and now mentors thousands of CEOs through her Scale-It Method®—a framework for growing businesses that thrive without constant founder involvement.  Together, we dive into:      Why top CEOs unconsciously block their own scale      The hidden cost of over functioning as a leader      How to shift your identity from doer to scaler      The neuroscience behind delegation, trust, and sustainable growth      Actionable strategies to empower your leadership team and reclaim your time  If you’re carrying too much, solving too many problems, or secretly afraid to let go—this conversation is your wake-up call.  Because your personal evolution is your leadership revolution. 

What would you do if you came face to face with the person who murdered your father? Candice Mama chose forgiveness and in doing so transformed her life and her leadership. In this episode of The Enlightened Executive Candice shares her journey from deep resentment to peace and the lessons leaders can use to navigate betrayal conflict and personal hardship.  You will hear how to: Recognize the hidden costs of staying in a victim mindset Shift to a responsible mindset and reclaim your influence Use Candice’s War Book exercise to rewrite the stories that hold you back Master emotional self-regulation to lead with clarity and strength Her story is a reminder that forgiveness is not weakness but a choice that frees you to lead with courage and purpose. 

What if your biggest leadership mistakes aren’t due to poor judgment—but hidden assumptions?  In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Susan Drumm speaks with Dr. Alan Barnard, one of the world’s top decision scientists and a leading expert in the Theory of Constraints. Together, they unpack why even high-performing leaders make bad decisions—and how to avoid the most common traps that derail clarity and performance.  You’ll discover:  The 5 biggest decision-making mistakes (and how to avoid them)  How to use emotions as strategic data—not distractions  The role of AI and experimentation in leveling up your leadership  One simple question to surface team resistance and unlock action  If you’re ready to make faster, smarter, and more aligned decisions, this episode delivers the mindset shifts and tools to get there.  🎧 Listen now—and lead with sharper insight. 

Discomfort Isn’t the Enemy: How to Lead Through Challenge with Sterling Hawkins  What if the key to becoming a breakthrough leader isn’t more confidence or clarity—but more discomfort?   In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Susan Drumm talks with Sterling Hawkins—author, keynote speaker, and founder of the “No Matter What” movement—about why the most effective leaders don’t avoid discomfort. They leverage it.  Sterling shares his 5-step method for using discomfort to drive growth, from reframing challenges to building real accountability. Learn how to stop resisting discomfort and start using it as a compass toward transformation—for yourself and your team.  You’ll learn:  Why discomfort is a critical ingredient in breakthrough leadership  How to spot subtle ways you’re avoiding growth The neuroscience behind emotional resistance—and how to rewire it  A powerful mindset shift from Richard Branson that changed the game  How to build a culture where discomfort leads to innovation, not burnout  If you're ready to evolve as a leader, this episode is your invitation to step into the stretch zone. 

The Power of Boundaries: Unlocking Innovation Through Constraints with Rachel Druckenmiller  Episode Description:  What do photographing polar bears in the Arctic and leading high-performing teams have in common? More than you might think.  In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Susan Drumm sits down with Rachel Druckenmiller—leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of Avenue M Group—to explore how boundaries and constraints can fuel creativity, drive innovation, and empower your team.  Tune in to learn:  Why clear constraints spark smarter problem-solving  How to unlock insights from the front lines of your organization  Why failure shouldn’t just be tolerated—but celebrated  How to foster a culture of experimentation without losing control  Rachel’s lessons from the wild translate into bold leadership moves you can implement today—especially when the pressure is on.  🎧 Listen now to transform the way you think about limits, leadership, and unleashing your team's potential. 

What if the greatest leadership transformation doesn’t start with a new strategy—but with a shift in you?  In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Daniel McCollum joins Susan Drumm to explore how self-awareness, vulnerability, and intentional growth become the foundation for high-performing teams and thriving organizational culture. Together, they unpack why inner development is no longer optional for executives—and how simple, daily practices can help leaders move from reactivity to conscious, values-based influence.  Whether you’re leading a team, scaling a company, or driving culture change, this episode will help you:  Move beyond auto-pilot and lead with intention  Create psychological safety through authentic leadership  Use reflection and feedback to evolve your leadership style  Build trust, innovation, and adaptability across your organization  Tune in to learn how your personal growth can unlock your team’s full potential—and transform your business from the inside out.  🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more leadership insights every week. 

What if the secret to getting more done—and feeling better doing it—wasn’t about pushing harder, but pausing smarter? In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, I sit down with internationally recognized Qigong master and author Lee Holden to explore how strategic slowing down can unlock your highest leadership energy. Lee shares insights from his new book, Ready, Set, Slow, and breaks down why ancient wisdom and modern science agree: high performance starts with presence, not pressure. If you’re ready to lead with more energy, focus, and resilience—without burning out—this episode is your reset button. Tune in now, and start leading from calm, not chaos. 

Does this resonate? For years, I believed leadership was about pushing harder, working longer, and showing up no matter how depleted I felt. It seemed like success demanded constant resilience—never slowing down. But that old narrative, as my guest Jayne Warrilow shared, doesn’t create great leaders. It creates burnout. Isolation. Disconnection. Jayne is an entrepreneur and thought leader, and founder of Sacred Changemakers. a global community that hosts a school of human consciousness. In our conversation on The Enlightened Executive, she opened up about her journey from overachieving workhorse to authentic, human-centered leader—and the leadership transformations that followed. Jayne’s insights struck a deep chord. Here’s what we uncovered—and how you can apply it to your own leadership. Ready to learn the power of authentic leadership? Then you won’t want to miss this enlightening episode! 

What if the secret to becoming a more effective leader lies not in developing a subject matter expertise and amassing years of experience, but in embracing a simple question: “Why?” In a world where innovation and forward momentum often define success, stopping to question why can be the difference maker for effective and enlightened leaders. I recently sat down with Brandon Fong, host of the globally ranked Beyond Curious podcast, to explore how curiosity shapes leadership and professional growth. Brandon champions curiosity not just as an essential leadership skill but as a lifeline to deeper, more meaningful connections within ourselves and with others. He believes that when we embed curiosity in our approach to life and work, it unlocks new pathways to personal and professional revelation. Ready to learn how question and reflection transforms into a dynamic catalyst for change? Then you won’t want to miss this enlightening episode! 

High-performing teams don’t happen by accident. You can hire the best people, offer competitive salaries, and set ambitious goals—but if you don’t intentionally build a strong, aligned culture, your team will never reach its full potential. So, what separates good teams from world-class teams? That’s exactly what I explored in my conversation with Jay Rosenzweig, an executive leadership strategist, social impact entrepreneur, and founder of Rosenzweig & Company. Jay has spent his career helping leaders attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent. His insights reveal one core truth: great teams aren’t found—they’re built. Want to learn how to build a world-class team? At Meritage Leadership, we help executives build high-performing teams through strategic leadership, culture alignment, and talent development. Don’t miss this enlightening episode! 

Why does changing old habits always feel like an uphill battle, even when we genuinely want to change? Understanding the science behind our behaviors isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for growth. Natalie McVeigh, an executive coach specializing in neuroscience and conversational intelligence, and I dove deep into this enlightening topic. Natalie has dedicated her career to understanding the intricacies of human behavior and helping others break unproductive cycles. She believes that change often comes with the tendency to focus on what we shouldn’t do, a pattern that inadvertently reinforces the very behaviors we aim to avoid. Instead of battling ingrained patterns that don’t serve us, Natalie emphasizes the power of positive action and mindful communication. Natalie's expertise helps individuals transform their habits through intentional and measured actions, leading to personal and professional growth. Ready to transform your habits for personal and professional growth? Then don't miss this enlightening interview! 

How does one measure the true value of a leader?  Is it in strategy and profits or does it go deeper and look at empathy, followership and visionary thinking?  I had the opportunity to dive into the world of conscious leadership with Justin Breen, an extraordinary visionary and CEO/Co-Founder of Epic F.I.T. Network, which was recently named one of the Top 5 Masterminds in the world by Business Traveler USA Magazine. Envisioning leadership through Justin Breen’s lens challenges us to rethink our paths, emphasizing evolution through connection, empathy, and a touch of visionary daring. We explored Justin’s upcoming book, "Epic Journey", featuring an introduction by Deepak Chopra. This book proves that transformative pain can fuel empathetic, conscious leadership. When leaders face their inner struggles, they gain a sensitivity that resonates strongly with others. Ready to learn how leading with empathy redefines success? Then you don’t want to miss this enlightening episode! 

What if the key to unlocking exponential growth lies not in (only) maximizing profits, but in genuinely caring for all stakeholders? In a world where businesses prioritize the bottom line, many overlook the transformative power of a mission that serves customers, employees, and the community. Recently I spoke with Philip Wilson, the founder and CEO of Ecofiltro, whose journey from personal crisis to impactful leadership is nothing short of transformational. Philip is the mastermind behind Ecofiltro, a social enterprise providing clean water to countless rural families across Latin America. His story showcases how meaningful missions and heart-led leadership can create exponential financial success as well. Ready to learn how leaders can achieve a profound level of success? Then you don’t want to miss this enlightening episode! 

How important is having your employees form friendships at work? Is there a decrease in productivity if employees are also friends? The answers may surprise you. In fact, fostering meaningful connections among team members can be the secret ingredient to thriving workplace success. Shasta Nelson brings her deep expertise, grounded in over 15 years of research on human connections, to discuss with us the pivotal role that work friendships and a sense of belonging play in organizational success. During our conversation, Shasta provided invaluable strategies that leaders can implement to cultivate a supportive and high-performing team culture. Ready to learn how to create a culture of belonging in the workplace? Then you don’t want to miss this enlightening interview! 

Have you ever found yourself staring blankly at your computer screen, completely overwhelmed by a mountain of responsibilities, wondering if it’s time to reconsider your role as an executive? During my recent talk with Jay Abbasi, a former leader of people development at Tesla and current speaker and coach, we dug deep into the methods and mindsets necessary for preventing burnout and sustaining overall well-being. Jay's career and life transformed following the sudden passing of his father in 2014, propelling him into a journey of personal development and mindfulness. Jay shared meaningful insights on focusing on one area of improvement at a time and integrating daily stillness practices into our routines, along with actionable steps you can take to thrive both personally and professionally. Want to learn practical steps that can guide us towards more balanced, productive, and fulfilling work lives? Then don’t miss this enlightening interview!  

Enlightened leaders are wholly candid, with themselves and their teams, and deliver that truth with compassion. Have you realized that power within yourself? I recently had the pleasure of hosting Matt Hudson on "The Enlightened Executive," a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to making a positive impact through truth, love, and leadership. Over time, this pursuit led him to a profound realization—true fulfillment lies not in the accolades or financial gain but in service to others and making a meaningful impact on the world. This awakening transformed Matt's approach to both business and life, prompting him to prioritize purpose over profit and measure success by the positive difference he makes, rather than the balance in his bank account. Our conversation underscored that success doesn't just revolve around financial gains, but also hinges on impactful, purpose-driven leadership. Want to learn how our personal evolution directly impacts our leadership effectiveness? Then don’t miss this enlightening episode!