Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Why Lead?
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
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| 0087 - The Power of ‘I Don’t Know' | Why Your Brain Loves Being Ignorant (And How That Makes You Smarter) ft Stuart Firestein | 11 Jun 2025 | 01:10:48 | |
What if knowing less could actually make you more? In this riveting conversation, Ben Owden sits down with Dr. Stuart Firestein, former Chair of Columbia University’s Biological Sciences, neuroscientist extraordinaire, and author of Ignorance: How It Drives Science and Failure: Why Science Is Successful. Far from being gloomy topics, Stuart shows us how ignorance and failure are the secret engines of creativity and innovation, both in the lab and in life. In This Episode, We Explore:
Get a copy of Failure: Why Science Is So Successful Important Links | |||
| 0086 - AI is Humanity’s Savior and Possibly Our Worst Mistake! ft Mo Gawdat | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:26:55 | |
Imagine waking up to a world run by hyper-intelligent machines. It sounds like science fiction, but Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, bestselling author, and renowned happiness evangelist, says it's coming faster than you think. | |||
| 0077 - Losing $400M, Bouncing Back, Owning Failures and Embracing Being an Outsider ft Stacy Spikes | 23 Oct 2024 | 01:34:48 | |
Ben Owden engages in a conversation with Stacy Spikes, the visionary co-founder of MoviePass and author of "Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider." Stacy's journey is a masterclass in turning failures into stepping stones and embracing the unique advantages of being an outsider. From working alongside entertainment icons like Stevie Wonder, Spike Lee, and Eddie Murphy to reinventing himself from a junior executive to a tech CEO, Stacy shares how he defied expectations and disrupted the status quo. He opens up about pivotal moments—like when a personal setback forced him to "burn his Plan B" and fully commit to his dreams. Discover how Stacy harnessed courage, ownership, and boldness to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. He delves into the founding of MoviePass, its meteoric rise and public collapse, and why he decided to reclaim and relaunch the company despite the challenges. If you've ever felt like an outsider or faced obstacles that seemed insurmountable, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories. Learn how to own your failures, embrace your unique perspective, and turn isolation into innovation.
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| 0076 - Is Your Inner Critic Holding You Back? Transform Judgment to Make it Your Greatest Ally ft Janet M Harvey | 09 Oct 2024 | 01:26:16 | |
Join host Ben Owden as he engages in a transformative conversation with Janet M. Harvey, a globally recognized leader in the coaching industry and author of "From Tension to Transformation: A Leader's Guide to Generative Change." Discover how embracing discomfort and leaning into tension can unlock your hidden leadership potential. Janet explores how to turn your inner critic into your greatest ally, break free from limiting labels, and overcome fears that hold you back. If you've ever felt stuck, unfulfilled, or constrained by others' opinions, this episode offers profound insights and practical strategies to spark authentic growth and unleash your full potential. Don't miss this chance to learn how to transform tension into a powerful catalyst for personal and professional development. | |||
| 0075 - Leading Through Crises from WHO's Chief Scientist During COVID-19 & Overcoming Biases to Revolutionise Healthcare ft Dr Soumya Swaminathan & Dr. Muthoni Ntonjira | 14 Aug 2024 | 01:06:20 | |
Host Ben Owden engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, a renowned pediatric leader and former WHO Chief Scientist. They explore the interconnected relationship between health and climate change and the role of transformative leadership in addressing these complex challenges. | |||
| 0074 - How Women Are Secretly Running Africa & Breaking Norms in Leadership ft Dr. Samukeliso Dube & Abosede George-Ogan | 13 Jul 2024 | 00:51:25 | |
Ben Owden talks with Dr. Samu Dube, the Executive Director of FP2030. | |||
| 0073 - How to Sacrifice Our Privilege for a More Equitable World and Collaborate to Fuel Global Change ft Dr. Michael Charles & Dr. Githinji Gitahi | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:50:19 | |
Host Ben Owden engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Charles and Dr. Githinji Gitahi. They discuss the importance of social justice and equality as fundamental human rights. Dr. Gitahi highlights the need for awareness of male privilege and the importance of allyship in creating a level playing field for women. He calls for urgent policy changes to remove barriers and promote equity, advocating for a holistic approach to leadership that values empathy and inclusivity. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Charles, who has spearheaded initiatives to eradicate malaria and fostered significant partnerships at the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, shares insights on integrating systemic thinking into leadership. He stresses the importance of having a clear sense of purpose and the necessity of breaking social norms to pave the way for women and youth in leadership roles. | |||
| 0072 - Transforming a Crisis to a Change Opportunity & Building Trust in Leadership ft Amie Batson & Dr Yasmin Ali Haque | 27 Jun 2024 | 01:00:30 | |
Ben Owden sits down with Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, who has a rich background in UNICEF and humanitarian response, and Amie Batson, President of Women Lift Health, to explore the evolving nature of leadership and share insights on the universal aspects of leadership—empathy, respect, and a commitment to impactful change. The discussion also covers creating inclusive environments that encourage open dialogue and respect for various viewpoints, essential for navigating complex issues like public health crises. Amie challenges the assumption that experience or qualifications automatically lead to effective leadership. She emphasizes the need for intentional and inclusive leadership styles that embrace diversity. Sharing real-world examples, Amie highlights how diverse perspectives can drive better decision-making and innovation. | |||
| 0071 - Confronting Fears That Silence Women, Speaking Up & Standing Out ft Lizz Ntonjira & Rachel Ombaka | 22 May 2024 | 00:51:10 | |
Ben Owden explores the challenges women face in gaining visibility and leadership roles with guests Rachel Ombaka and Liz Ntonjira of WomenLift Health. The discussion transitions to overcoming these barriers through continuous learning, authenticity, and mentorship, highlighting strategies for "doing it afraid" and building confidence. The guests share personal stories and advocate for increased representation of women in healthcare and media, underscoring the need for supportive networks and inclusive leadership. | |||
| 0070 - Master Any Skill: The Ultimate Guide to Learning How to Learn ft Barbara Oakley | 02 Apr 2024 | 01:08:00 | |
Dive into a journey of transformation with Barbara Oakley, from struggling with basic math to becoming a renowned engineering professor, and discover the secrets to mastering any skill. This episode isn't just a story; it's a blueprint for turning your biggest challenges into your greatest strengths. Barbara shares groundbreaking insights on the neuroscience of learning, the power of habits, and the crucial role of sleep in mastering new skills. Whether you're looking to overhaul your learning strategy, enhance your leadership skills, or simply find more meaning in your daily tasks, Barbara's insights will guide you to a more enlightened path. Don't miss the chance to unlock the genius within you. Tune in and transform the way you think, learn, and lead. | |||
| 0069 - How to Use Simple Conversations to Get Others to Change ft Haesun Moon | 26 Mar 2024 | 00:56:32 | |
Join host Ben Owden on a transformative journey through the art of conversation with communication scientist, educator, and author Haesun Moon. In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the healing power of dialogue and discover how intentional communication can lead to profound changes in our personal and professional lives. Haesun shares her insights on the significance of celebrating progress, the importance of listening over speaking, and the transformative potential of adopting a 'suppose, not impose' approach to our interactions. | |||
| 0068 - Thrive at Work and in Life While Anxious ft Morra Aarons Melle | 12 Mar 2024 | 00:42:50 | |
Morra, with her rich background in leadership and mental health advocacy, shares groundbreaking insights into how we can reframe our relationship with anxiety. From the gripping tales of leaders who've harnessed their inner turmoil to achieve greatness, to practical advice on managing the day-to-day challenges of anxiety, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to find peace in the chaos. Discover why anxiety doesn't have to be the villain in your story, how vulnerability can be a powerful tool in leadership, and why embracing your anxious tendencies might just be the secret to unlocking your potential. Whether you're a high-flying CEO or just starting your journey, Morra's candid sharing and actionable strategies will inspire you to view your anxiety through a new lens. | |||
| 0085 - Sleep Your Way to Better Decisions, How Rest is Becoming the New Hustle ft Sara Mednick | 22 Mar 2025 | 01:20:16 | |
In this conversation, Dr. Sara Mednick, world-renowned scientist, author of the influential book Take a Nap, Change Your Life, and professor directing the Sleep and Cognition Lab at UC Irvine, shares eye-opening insights about the profound link between rest, sleep, longevity, and your overall quality of life. Ever wondered why stress at work drains your energy or why cutting corners on sleep today might sabotage your health decades later? Dr. Mednick breaks down exactly how your daily rest rhythms directly impact everything from emotional resilience and cognitive clarity to your long-term health, immunity, and even susceptibility to Alzheimer’s and dementia. She challenges society’s obsession with constant productivity, explores why "I'll sleep when I'm old" is a dangerous myth, and reveals the surprising consequences of relying on caffeine and alcohol to "take the edge off." Get a copy of The Power of the Downstate by Sara Mednick. Important Links | |||
| 0067 - Winning The Stress War, Embracing Calmness and Overcoming Procrastination ft Paul Loomans | 01 Feb 2024 | 01:30:21 | |
Ben Owden engages with Paul Loomans to explore the intersection of calmness and productivity. Loomans offers profound insights into the detrimental effects of sustained stress and the importance of embracing calmness in everyday life. They discuss strategies for managing interruptions, focusing on one task at a time, and transforming limiting beliefs that hinder productivity. Through anecdotes and practical advice, they highlight the power of acceptance and self-awareness in achieving optimal performance and well-being. This episode serves as a guiding beacon for those seeking to navigate the complexities of modern life with clarity, purpose, and tranquility. | |||
| 0066 - How Busyness is Stealing Our Happiness and How Our Obsession Is Robbing Us of True Meaning ft Oliver Burkeman | 17 Jan 2024 | 00:55:15 | |
Ben Owden engages in a profound conversation with Oliver Burkeman, the insightful author of the New York Times bestselling book, Four Thousand Weeks. A book Adam Grant called, the most important time management book of all time. | |||
| 0065 - Transform Your Life NOW: Unlocking Superhuman Productivity ft David Allen | 09 Jan 2024 | 01:04:41 | |
In this insightful conversation, Ben and David Allen, one of the world’s most influential thinkers on productivity, explore the principles of productivity, life philosophy, and the essence of "Getting Things Done." As the creator of the GTD methodology, David shares wisdom gained from a lifetime of experiences, discussing the importance of control and focus, the value of patience, and the role of intuition in decision-making. The conversation delves into the application of martial arts principles, the concept of antifragility, and the transformative power of acceptance. | |||
| 0064 - Cultivating Your Soft Life, Saying No, Avoiding Being Average and Grow Old and Rich ft Sam Ndandala, Anna Mwasha and Chris Rwechungura | 25 Dec 2023 | 01:46:30 | |
This episode features personal finance coaches, Sam Ndandala, Anna Mwasha, and Chris Rwechungura. We delve into a discussion on the Psychology of Money book by Morgan Housel. | |||
| 0063 - Invite Change and Embrace Judgment as a Catalyst for Growth ft Janet Harvey | 19 Dec 2023 | 01:00:56 | |
In this episode, dive deep into the profound insights shared by leadership expert Janet Harvey. Discover the transformative power of judgment and how it catalyzes personal and leadership growth. Janet highlights the importance of courage and curiosity, turning judgment from a stumbling block into a stepping stone. Get ready to redefine your relationship with judgment and unlock the doors to your truest self.
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| 0062 - How to Lead Successfully in the Digital Age ft Brian Spisak | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:56:12 | |
Dive into the future of leadership with renowned researcher Dr. Brian R. Spisak as he explores the transformative realm of Computational Leadership. With insights from industry giants at IBM, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, and more, discover how simulations, AI, and network analysis revolutionize leadership practices. Uncover concrete strategies for enhancing remote collaboration, evidence-based techniques for fostering diversity and inclusion, and ways to fortify supply chains through cutting-edge technologies. Whether you're a manager, executive, or business leader, this episode unveils a holistic framework for leveraging modern technologies in the timeless art of leadership, challenging conventional wisdom and guiding you toward a post-digital future. | |||
| 0061 - How to Become a More Integrated Leader and Lead with Grace ft Alexsys Thompson | 06 Dec 2023 | 01:07:22 | |
You will discover the power of self-accountability, learning to greet yourself with humility and make amends when your actions misalign with your values. Alexsys guides us through a decade-by-decade relationship inventory, emphasizing the importance of compassion and forgiveness. The conversation delves into heart-centered leadership, challenging binary thinking in the corporate world, and cultivating curiosity for personal growth. Alexsys unveils practical steps to strengthen intuition and introduces the six tenets of graceful leadership, with a focus on transparency as the foundational key. | |||
| 0060 - Building the Africa We Want ft Dr. Lucy Surhyel Newman & Hon. Prof. Kitila Mkumbo | 05 Dec 2023 | 01:39:47 | |
Welcome to a thought-provoking conversation that delves into the heart of transformational leadership in Africa. Join Prof. Kitila Mkumbo and me, Ben Owden as I sit down with the author, Dr. Lucy S. Newman, to unravel the intricate layers of her book, "African Leaders’ Tête À Tête: Navigating Entity Design And Prioritization For Systemic Outcomes." | |||
| 0059 - Weird, Irrational, and Wonderful Ways Humans Navigate the Workplace ft Matthias Sutter | 29 Nov 2023 | 01:09:00 | |
Join the conversation as Matthias Sutter, renowned economist and author, reveals the surprising intricacies of leadership and human behavior. Unraveling the mysteries behind successful teams, he delves into the power of charisma, the impact of imitating others, and the vital role of a leader's social image. From the surprising habits of Mozart to the critical distinction between managers and leaders, Matthias shares insights that challenge conventional thinking on work ethics, corporate culture, and decision-making. If you're a leader navigating growth or aspiring to the top, this episode exposes the hidden dynamics that can reshape your approach to leadership and propel your team to new heights. *Join Thrive in the Middle Today! *Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams Social Media *Ben Owden's LinkedIn *Ben Owden's Twitter
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| 0058 - Five Keys for Unshakable Peace and A formula for Successful Conversations ft Jeremie Kubiceck | 22 Nov 2023 | 01:02:24 | |
Unveil the secrets to a more peaceful and purposeful life with Jeremie Kubichek on the latest episode! Discover how to quantify and manage your peace using the groundbreaking Peace Index. Dive deep into the journey of finding your unique purpose, breaking free from external expectations. Learn the art of balance for increased influence, explore communication mastery to prevent breakdowns, and unlock meaningful relationships one conversation at a time. *Join Thrive in the Middle Today! *Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams Social Media *Ben Owden's LinkedIn *Ben Owden's Twitter | |||
| 0084 - Unleash Your Brain’s Four Superpowers, & Become the CEO of Your Mind ft Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor | 18 Mar 2025 | 01:15:10 | |
Imagine discovering four distinct “personalities” inside your brain—each with its own way of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world. That’s exactly what Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist, revealed after surviving a major left-hemisphere stroke that erased her ability to walk, talk, and even recall her name. In this transformative conversation, Ben Owden dives into how Dr. Jill’s ordeal led her to a life-changing discovery: we each have four characters in our brains, and learning to embrace them all helps us live as our fullest, most human selves. Drawing on her bestselling books, My Stroke of Insight and Whole Brain Living, Dr. Jill explains how tapping into both the structured, logical power of our left hemisphere AND the creative, interconnected genius of our right hemisphere can spark deeper relationships, fuel business innovation, and help us truly flourish—both at work and in life. She demystifies the science behind the four “characters” in your brain, shows how to notice which one is “driving” your behavior at any moment, and offers practical strategies to shift between them by choice. If you’ve ever felt torn between productivity and play, logic and intuition, or wondered how to heal from past pain without losing your spark, this episode offers real neuroscience to back up your intuition that wholeness is possible. Important Links | |||
| 0057 - Choosing Excellence Every Time ft Christine Musisi | 15 Nov 2023 | 00:51:16 | |
In this episode, Ben sits down with Ms. Christine Musisi, a leader with over 23 years of experience in the development field. Discover the power of love and integrity in leadership, and the importance of saying no for personal growth. Gain wisdom on family-work balance and the pivotal role of self-affirmation. Christine's story is a beacon of inspiration, urging us to find purpose, volunteer, and navigate our unique paths to success. She shares insights on leadership and the importance of followership. Tune in to gain inspiration and learn about the principles that have guided Ms. Musisi's successful career in sustainable development. Important Links | |||
| 0056 - The Five Ingredients of Lasting Happiness ft Tal Ben-Shahar | 29 Mar 2023 | 01:04:55 | |
Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is an internationally renowned teacher, and author in the fields of happiness and leadership. In this episode, he discusses the misconceptions around happiness, particularly the belief that material success leads to happiness. Tal argues that money is a means to an end, not an end in itself and that pursuing it as such can lead to disappointment and unhappiness. Instead, he suggests that the ultimate currency, by which we should measure our lives, is happiness. He emphasizes that happiness is not just about feeling good in the moment, but also about having a sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in all aspects of life. Tal also introduces his Spire model of happiness, which consists of spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational, and emotional well-being. He explains that financial well-being is a derivative of the primary attributes of well-being and should not be the central focus of our lives. To become happier, Tal suggests focusing on cultivating the primary attributes of well-being, which will ultimately lead to a more fulfilling life. This includes finding meaning and purpose in our work and relationships, as well as taking care of our physical and emotional health. In conclusion, Tal encourages listeners to shift their focus from material success to happiness in all aspects of their lives. Important Links
Tal Ben Shahar's Website | |||
| 0055 - The Hero's Journey: How Leaders Can Guide Their Teams to Success ft Dr. J.J. Peterson | 21 Mar 2023 | 01:05:20 | |
The guest speaker, Dr. JJ Peterson, shares his expertise in branding and marketing and highlights how leaders can use storytelling to build trust, foster effective team building, and get buy-in from their teams. He emphasizes that storytelling is a critical skill that leaders in the 21st century need to develop if they want to achieve long-term success. Dr. Peterson discusses the four main characters in a story - hero, villain, victim, and guide - and how they relate to our lives. He explains that everyone wants to be the hero of their own life, and as leaders, we need to position ourselves as guides to help others achieve their goals. To do this, we need to understand what the hero wants and identify the problems that are getting in the way of them achieving their goals. By offering empathy and authority, we can position ourselves as the guide and help others win. The discussion also touches on the importance of giving meaning and context to everything we do, as this helps people connect with our message and gives them a sense of purpose. The guest speaker also talks about how to use digital media to tell stories ethically and encourages listeners to become heroes in their own lives and guides for others. Overall, this podcast episode provides valuable insights into the power of storytelling in leadership and business and offers practical tips for leaders to position themselves as guides and help others achieve their goals. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the wants and needs of others and using empathy and authority to build trust and foster effective communication. Important Links
Dr. Peterson LinkedIn | |||
| 0054 - Nurturing Curiosity & The Impact of Learning on Leadership ft Amb. Ombeni Sefue | 07 Mar 2023 | 01:40:51 | |
I’d like to share a leadership conversation I had with an Amb. Ombeni Sefue. It covers various topics such as reading, change management, and growth mindset. Our guest served as Chief Secretary to the President of Tanzania and excelled as a diplomat. He also worked closely with two presidents and currently serves as the board chair for Uongozi Leadership Institute. | |||
| 0053 - Leading From the Backseat ft Ngasuma Kanyeka | 29 Jan 2023 | 01:19:29 | |
In today’s episode, we are exploring learning and growth, competition, and self-care as tools of empowerment in leadership. And in the course of this exploration, Ngasuma shares a leadership philosophy that has proven useful for her in her journey. Ngasuma Kanyeka is a leader who started her own consulting firm in 2011 called Capacitate Consulting, a niche communication and strategy development firm which supported UN agencies such as UNDP, UNFPA, and UN Women across the African continent and worked with a foundation such as Open Society and supported the Government of Tanzania Oil and Gas communication strategy as well as creating investment briefers for the Tanzania Investment Centre. And in the last few years, she has worked in the youth innovation, entrepreneurship, governance, and health space in Tanzania as a Chief of Party for a $20 million dollar USAID-funded project called Feed the Future Tanzania Advancing Youth. Ladies and Gentlemen, Ngasuma Kanyeka. | |||
| 0052 - Building Organic Clusters & Sustainable Innovation ft Dr. Nkundwe Mwasaga | 17 Jan 2023 | 01:07:32 | |
In today's episode, we're exploring how to build clusters without falling into the pitfalls of cluster imitation. We explore how to build sustainable innovation systems and many more ideas. I am joined by Dr. Nkundwe Moses Mwasaga, a leader passionate about high-performance computing (HPC), in both micro and quantum capacity. He is currently the Director General of the ICT Commission, an organization that promotes and fosters investment and development of the ICT industry, collaborates with other stakeholders on ICT research and foresight on ICT trends and builds the capacity of ICT Professionals in Tanzania. | |||
| 0051 - The Power of Losing Control & The Principles of Authentic Power ft Joe Caruso | 11 Jan 2023 | 01:04:21 | |
In today’s episode, we will be diving into the individual mind, the collective mind of an organization, and how meaning drives our behavior and determines outcomes in all aspects of life. To have this conversation, I am joined by Joe Caruso, an in-demand keynote speaker worldwide, a syndicated columnist, and a sought-after business advisor, who brings his lifetime of expertise to help organizations and leaders change the way they see themselves — and in turn, the way they think about markets, products, and services. His efforts culminated in a best-selling book and a PBS special, both called The Power of Losing Control. In it, he encourages readers to “remember that the only control you really have is over yourself,” and provides techniques and strategies to stop wasting valuable time and energy on what we can’t control. He also produced an audiobook, The Power of Losing Control. He advises CEOs, military leaders, and leadership teams on the essence of change for success, ultimately driving success for his clients. | |||
| 0050 - Mimetic Desire, Outcome Independence, Virtue Signalling & How to Be Your Best Self ft Samwel Ndandala & Princely Glorious | 01 Jan 2023 | 02:11:22 | |
In this episode, we explore many ideas. We dive deep into outcome independence and how one can develop the ability to focus on what one can control. We went on to discuss mimetic desire, a phenomenon that holds together and dictates the majority of our behavior, knowingly and unknowingly. We discussed how one can use mimetic desire to their advantage, and how when used well it can lead to originality and innovation. We went on to speak about conformity vs deviation. Asking questions such as; How do you personally tell apart the truth from a meta-truth? And what does the alignment between a truth and a meta-truth look like? We discuss how one develops broad interdisciplinary thinking and a collection of meta-truths and truths for effective synthesis. The value of opaque heuristics (including creating one's own heuristics) to simplify life. We speak about the importance of being broad (range). We touched on signaling as well, and how can we signal authenticity, and escape the trap of projecting the appearance of virtue and actually develop the virtue. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode, as much as we enjoyed having it. | |||
| 0049 - Delegating Your Way Out Of a Job ft Kwasi Frimpong | 18 Oct 2022 | 00:46:33 | |
In today's episode, we are discussing a form of empowering delegation and how to build effective teams that will challenge you as a leader to keep growing. I am joined by Kwasi Frimpong the Head of Corporate Banking and Global Subsidiaries at Citi Bank, who is well-versed in Financial Analysis, Financial Modeling, and Business Management. He has over 12 years of leadership experience and has worked in four continents: North America, South America, and Asia. | |||
| 0048 - Toxic Positivity, Overcoming Learned Helplessness & How to Become Happier ft Amaechi Nduka-Agwu | 10 Oct 2022 | 01:14:15 | |
In this episode, we talk about; how to become happier, how to show empathy, and avoid toxic positivity. The utility of being a person who suffers from mental health. And how we need to rethink our approach to pursuing happiness and develop a judgment-free approach to difficult conversations. To have this conversation I am joined by a licensed Counseling Psychologist. She specializes in helping people get unstuck and move forward with clarity and energy. I provide a safe space for you to explore what you want different in your life, identify what is already there and find a path to you realizing it, one question at a time. Her name is Amaechi Nduka-Agwu Book a Session: https://linktr.ee/amaechiwholeheartedpsych Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholeheartedpsych/ Website: https://wholeheartedly.me | |||
| 0083 - The AI Playbook: How to Win with Machine Learning ft Eric Siegel | 26 Feb 2025 | 01:05:54 | |
What if you could predict who will buy, who will click—or even who might lie or die? In this episode, Ben Owden sits down with Dr. Eric Siegel founder of Machine Learning Week, a globally recognized expert on demystifying machine learning and author of two landmark books, Predictive Analytics and The AI Playbook, Dr. Siegel. They cut through the hype of “AI” to reveal how predictive analytics (the real engine behind so many “AI” claims) is transforming day-to-day business operations—from fraud detection and targeted marketing to life-saving medical breakthroughs. Dr. Siegel explains why machine learning doesn’t grant magical crystal-ball power, yet still delivers massive value by accurately tipping the odds at scale. Together, they explore how this technology can help build a world that our kids—indeed, all of us—can thrive in, if we apply it ethically and responsibly. Whether you’re a data scientist, a tech-savvy entrepreneur, or just curious about AI’s practical impact, this conversation will recalibrate how you see machine learning. Discover why some projects succeed while others fizzle out, how real machine learning differs from inflated notions of “intelligent machines,” and why the secret lies in collaboration, probabilities, and concrete, operational goals—not grandiose futurism.
Important Links | |||
| 0047 - Build a Team of Equals Who All Lead & Follow to Drive Creativity and Innovation ft Jeff Spahn | 20 Sep 2022 | 00:55:53 | |
We cannot solve today’s problems with the leadership that got us here. Based upon science, We the Leader presents a seismic shift in leadership theory and practice evolution. Through the distinctive practice of a curious conviction We, the Leader actualizes an organic diversity, equity, and inclusion operating system that accelerates next-level innovation, wise decisions, and in-sync execution. I am joined by Jeff Spahn, a consultant whose organization Leading Leaders Inc., for nearly 20 years has engineered an organic diversity, equity, and inclusion operating system called We The Leader. Below is the link to his book https://wetheleader.com/ | |||
| 0046 - Restore Your Common Sense in an Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence ft Vikram Mansharamani | 06 Sep 2022 | 00:50:51 | |
We live in a world of rising uncertainty. We live in a world where there’s an abundance of information that is impossible to sort through, add to that the fact that many leaders, including you dear listener, are griding, hustling, going 200KM per hour, simply put, there is a lot to do, and very little time to do it, so many of us don’t have time to sort through information, to analyze what is presented to us. What do we do? We outsource our thinking to gurus and experts. We turn to them for solutions, advice, for counsel. This practice of outsourcing our thinking has weakened our ability to think for ourselves, and in this complex world, a leader must be able to think for themselves. And so in today’s podcast, we will explore the perils of outsourcing your thinking and breaking down how we can reclaim our power and develop an ability to think for ourselves. I am joined by Vikram Mansharamani, the author of the recently-released THINK FOR YOURSELF: Restoring Common Sense in an Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence and BOOMBUSTOLOGY: Spotting Financial Bubbles Before They Burst. Here is a link to his work | |||
| 0045 - The Hidden Power of What You Say and What You Don't Say ft L. David Marquet | 13 Jul 2022 | 00:43:48 | |
What If I was to tell you there is a sure way of transforming and changing your organization from where it is to a place where it is more innovative, more adaptive, and more equipped and empowered to solve the increasingly complex problems your organization is facing. In today’s episode, we’re exploring the power of language and words in leadership. Its power to change your world and take your organization to the next level. I am joined by David Marquet. He has authored the bestselling book, Turn the Ship Around! And Leadership is Language. His leadership practices were so impactful that *Stephen R. Covey* in his book *The 8th Habit* said [of David's led organization], “It was the most empowering organization he’d ever seen” See links below to get intouch with David: | |||
| 0044 - Living and Leading Sustainably ft Emma Oriyo | 05 Jul 2022 | 01:05:46 | |
The majority of initiatives that start off fail eventually. This is true of personal initiatives, as it is true of national initiatives. Sustainability seems to be a challenge for most people and organizations. Sustaining, maintaining, and doing so consistently is not easy. These are some of the things we will discuss in today’s episode. Today's guest is Ms. Emma Oriyo, a corporate Affairs, Community Investment (CI) professional with a wealth of experience spanning 20 years working with leading FMCGs, telecom, and consulting organizations. Her focus is on communications, mobilization of sustainable investments, and partnerships for development projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here are links to connect with Emma https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaoriyo/ https://sustainabilitypractice.co.tz/ | |||
| 0043 - Seizing Your Day, Leading a Culture Change & Learning the Leadership Language ft Rony Charles | 16 Jun 2022 | 01:48:54 | |
In this episode, we're doing a leadership review based on the film, Dead Poets Society. We're looking at the power of Organization Culture, and how one can muster the courage to be a disruptor of culture. Links: TransAID https://www.transaid.org/ CEO's who cut their salaries during COVID https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/business/ceos-taking-pay-cuts-companies-survive-coronavirus/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/03/30/ceos-are-cutting-their-own-salaries-in-response-to-the-coronavirus/?sh=f243f7f3e913 Sauti Stream YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWSuiRsHrREmbo28baIEK3Q/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sautistream/ | |||
| 0042 - Win Influence, Beat Overcommitment, and Get the Right Things Done ft Bruce Tulgan | 25 Apr 2022 | 01:05:07 | |
Imagine that tomorrow morning, some high-priced workplace consultant shows up at your job. This consultant is there to conduct a talent review: an assessment of all the people in your organization, including you. Who is indispensable in your org? Who is absolutely essential to the success of your organization? Who is notably dispensable? Who is easily replaced? And Who are all the people in between? “What would this expert say about you?” I am joined by Bruce Tulgan, a bestselling author and the founder and CEO of RainmakerThinking, a management research, and training firm. He is the author of numerous books, including It’s Okay to Be the Boss; Not Everyone Gets a Trophy; and The 27 Challenges Managers Face. His newest book, The Art of Being Indispensable at Work. Below are links to his work and social profiles. Rainmaker's Website: https://rainmakerthinking.com/ Bruce's books: https://www.amazon.com/Bruce-Tulgan/e/B000APFPZ0/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 Bruce's Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucetulgan/?sh=573c9db6a099 Bruce's Twitter: https://twitter.com/BruceTulgan Bruce's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucetulganrmt/ | |||
| 0041 - Delegate to Empower ft Murtaza Versi | 17 Mar 2022 | 00:27:11 | |
How can leaders create a space of psychological safety so that people are comfortable enough to actually communicate if they believe they’re incompetent to carry out a delegated task? I am joined by Murtaza Versi to discuss the art of delegating to empower. Below are links to resources by Murtaza Versi To listen to a continuation of our Conversation Click the link below https://murtazaversi.co.tz/delegating-to-empower-a-discussion-pt-ii-54/ Engage Relate Perform Podcast https://murtazaversi.co.tz/pod/ Murtaza's Website https://murtazaversi.co.tz/ Murtaza's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/murtazagversi/ | |||
| 0040 - Business Unusual & The Psychology of Resilience ft Nathalie Nahai | 09 Mar 2022 | 01:09:22 | |
Many of us are familiar with the phrase, Business as Usual. It’s a phrase that has survived many decades, but I am here to announce to you that the era of business as usual is gone, we’re now living in the age of Business Unusual. We live in a world of uncertainty, disruption, and black swan events, and so to thrive the people we lead and our demand more than business as usual, they demand that we lead in an unusual way. Today’s conversation will open your eyes to the tools that will help you build a resilient business - one that is built on trust, an engaged and fulfilled workforce, and the brand values that can empower you to craft resonant communications and relationships. I am joined by Nathalie Nahai, author of Business Unusual. Check out the resources below from Nathalie Nahai Resources:
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| 0039 - Playing the Long Game to Win in Life & Business ft Miranda Naiman | 02 Mar 2022 | 00:53:43 | |
Being a business leader has become more challenging today. Challenges such as having multiple generations in the workplace, cultivating diversity yet building a cohesive culture everyone can own, black swan events like COVID disrupting how we work and how we view work. How do you play the long game in such an ever-changing, and increasingly complex business environment? | |||
| 0038 - Become a Rebel at Work ft Carmen Medina | 23 Feb 2022 | 01:03:30 | |
Have you ever found yourself in a place where you are dissatisfied with how things are and you believe you have ideas on how to make things better but didn’t know how? Or maybe you knew how but you were not successful? Are you a leader who wants to create a space where the status quo is never permanent but ever-changing because your team and organization are creative, innovative, and always pushing the envelope? If these questions resonate with you, well, this is the right episode for you. We will be exploring all of that and more. Carmen Medina shows us how we can be productive rebels at work. Carmen Medina's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Rebels-Work-Handbook-Leading-Change-dp-1491903953/dp/1491903953/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid= Rebel at Work Website: https://www.rebelsatwork.com/
Carmen Medina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmenamedina/ | |||
| 0082 - Why Most Strategy Fails—And How to Fix It ft Dr. Felix Oberholzer-Gee | 21 Feb 2025 | 01:13:16 | |
What if everything you thought you knew about strategy was wrong—or at least incomplete? In this eye-opening episode, Ben Owden sits down with Felix Oberholzer-Gee, Harvard Business School’s Andreas Andersen Professor of Business Administration and the author of Better, Simpler Strategy: A Value-Based Guide to Exceptional Performance. Renowned for his award-winning teaching and cutting-edge research, Felix distills strategy down to its essence: value creation for customers, employees, and partners. Discover why some of the biggest buzzwords in business—from the metaverse to cryptocurrencies—may not be worth your organization’s time. Felix explains how focusing on “willingness to pay” and “willingness to sell” helps you weed out pointless projects and, instead, channel resources into efforts that truly move the needle. Learn how timeless principles of value creation can apply to everything from tech innovations like AI to employee engagement—and even your personal life. This conversation offers a refreshing antidote to today’s obsession with “chasing trends,” underscoring that competitive advantage stems from relentlessly improving what people love about your offering—and how employees experience their work. Tune in to rethink how you pick your projects, price your products, and reward your people. | |||
| 0037 - The Secret to Being Consistent ft Samwel Ndandala | 15 Feb 2022 | 01:40:30 | |
In this episode, we are talking about what separates the greats from the mediocre. The top from the bottom, the certified winners from the one-hit wonders, the tested and proven from the exceptions. This is a quality the likes of Drake, Apple, Diamond Platnumz, Cocacola, Ford, Mercedez, T.D Jakes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi all have. CONSISTENCY. Today we are talking about consistency, and more importantly, how to cultivate this virtue in yourself. | |||
| 0036 - Closing The Knowing-Doing-Becoming Gap ft Dr. Patricia Murugami | 19 Jan 2022 | 01:10:31 | |
The work of leadership will require you to dig deep within yourself and stretch yourself in significant ways. And the best place to start your growth journey is learning what you didn't know before. But unfortunately, many stop here, and a few practice what they know, and even fewer people become what they know and practice. In today's episode, we're exploring how to close the knowing-doing-becoming gap and much more. I am joined by Dr. Patricia Murugami of Rise, a leadership academy based in Nairobi, Kenya. | |||
| 0035 - In Life, You Either Grow or You Die (Book Review) | 14 Jan 2022 | 01:04:37 | |
Warren Buffett said this about Shoe Dog, "The best book I read last year was Shoe Dog, by Nike's Phil Knight. Phil is a very wise, intelligent, and competitive fellow who is also a gifted storyteller" In this episode, we're reviewing some key leadership ideas from one of the best leadership books in the past 10 years. | |||
| 0034 - The 6 Infinity Skills of Leadership ft Ben Owden | 28 Dec 2021 | 00:29:16 | |
Leadership has become more complex in the 21st century than it has ever been. The world is connected, which means it’s no longer just global leaders who are dealing with multi-cultural teams. Technology is evolving at a faster rate than we’ve ever seen, which means what you’re building today might not have any utility tomorrow. Diversity has grown from male-female to leftist-rightist-LGBTQIA… Therefore to lead, one needs the right combination of skills. To lead on the global stage, one needs to have infinity skills. | |||