Explore every episode of the podcast Top Voice Podcast with Michael J. López
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Open Source Disruptor: Healthcare, Transparency, and Why Change Comes from the Edges with Mark Cuban | 02 Oct 2026 | 01:00:18 | |
Michael interviews Mark Cuban about disrupting U.S. healthcare through transparency and direct contracting. Cuban explains how CostPlusDrugs.com sells thousands of medications with disclosed costs and a 15% markup, and how CostPlusWellness.com publishes open-source direct contracts employers can use to contract with providers. He outlines how employer-sponsored and self-insured plans work, why big insurers and PBMs create opacity through networks, denials, spread pricing, and gag clauses, and why direct contracting can lower costs while improving provider yields. Cuban describes a step-by-step approach for employers: avoid long renewals, use AI to review contracts, add carve-outs based on claims spending, and consider independent TPAs. He details PBM pushback, brand-drug rebate dynamics, and argues that using AI and contract transparency can squeeze out middlemen over time. Follow Mark: | |||
| Why Higher Education's Biggest Threat Isn't AI — It's Culture with Patrick Cates | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:45:41 | |
Michael interviews Patrick Cates, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at USC, Marshall School of Business, about the turbulent “new normal” facing higher education amid political pressures, international student compliance shifts, financial strain, layoffs, leadership turnover, and rapid AI-driven change. Cates argues AI is primarily a culture-change issue, noting universities’ slow, brittle structures—like the 1–2 year peer-review lifecycle—are colliding with the speed of AI. He explains why blanket AI policies often fail in distributed power environments and highlights change via respected faculty examples, including Marshall’s early AI pedagogy paper. Reflecting on USC’s post-2018 culture transformation, he emphasizes operationalizing shared values, measuring culture through people-centered indicators, and prioritizing strong, kind leadership, psychological safety, and adaptability as foundations for higher ed’s future. | |||
| The Hidden Cost of Competence: Leadership, Growth, and Getting Out of the Way with Naphtali Bryant | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:34:55 | |
Michael welcomes Naphtali Bryant, managing principal consultant at RAC Leadership and former US Marine and chief people officer, to discuss the “curse of competence” and how leaders become bottlenecks by continuing to solve, edit, and rescue instead of building team capability. Naphtali explains that promotions often reward past competence, but leadership requires shifting from having answers to developing others, using the question “Whose growth does this moment belong to?” They cover how dependence shrinks ownership and initiative, why “my team needs to step up” can mean the leader must step back, and practical tactics like restraint, better questions, and telling hard truths. They also discuss culture, leadership inflection points, AI’s impact on leadership value, and when staying an individual contributor may be the best path. | |||
| From ER to Entrepreneur: How a Physician Is Fixing Healthcare's Tech Problem with Aditi Joshi | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:38:33 | |
Michael hosts Aditi Joshi, an emergency medicine physician turned digital health leader, to discuss the evolution and adoption challenges of telemedicine and broader healthcare technology. Aditi recounts entering telemedicine in 2013, scaling programs through the pandemic, and now consulting on digital health adoption and scaling. They cover why patients generally like telehealth, why many health tech startups fail due to slow health-system implementation and clinician behavior change, and how required usage plus department-level ownership helped scale telemedicine at Jefferson. They also discuss AI in healthcare, distinguishing administrative “back-end” uses from clinical “front-end” advice, and why confidence, trust, and messaging affect adoption. Aditi shares her book, “Telehealth Success,” and key takeaways on implementation strategy and understanding end users. | |||
| What 35 Years at Clorox Taught Me About Transforming Organizations From the Inside with Doug Milliken | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:41:11 | |
Michael interviews Doug Milliken, former Clorox VP of Marketing and now partner at Kremer & Milliken, a consultancy focused on helping large companies understand and evolve organizational culture to improve performance. Milliken argues culture—defined as behavior and how work gets done—is a primary driver of operating profit and a capability leaders can intentionally manage. He discusses driving change as an “outsider-insider,” a Clorox decision-making initiative where teams discovered faster, Agile-like approaches by gaining agency and clarifying what decision-makers actually needed, and his experience leading Clorox’s digital transformation by building psychological safety, achieving zero attrition, record engagement, and 3x expected financial returns. They also explore rising change fatigue from overlapping transformations (including AI) and efforts to build teams’ capacity to absorb change. | |||
| From Unsure to Unshakeable: Confidence as a Business Performance Strategy with Simone Knego | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:35:41 | |
Michael interviews keynote speaker and USA Today bestselling author Simone Knego about her new book, Real Confidence, and why confidence is built like a skill rather than something you’re born with. Simone shares her journey as a mom of six, becoming a grandmother, and a pivotal 2015 decision to climb Mount Kilimanjaro that helped her reframe self-doubt and capability. She explains her REAL method—Respect yourself, Embrace your failures, Ask yourself what you want, and Live without limits—plus a practical “control-alt-delete” reset to change unhelpful thoughts and habits. They discuss high achievers’ confidence gaps, dropping “just” from self-talk, psychological safety and connection at work, and how leaders can use AI without losing human culture. 00:24 Welcome and Guest Intro Connect with Simone: | |||
| The Human Success Playbook: The New Operating Model for the Age of AI with Zensai | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:48:37 | |
Michael hosts a special panel episode of the Top Voice Podcast with Zensai leaders Nina Carøe (Chief Human Success Officer), Robin Daniels (Chief Business Officer, repeat guest), and CEO Rasmus Holst to discuss their book The Human Success Playbook and the future of the human-AI experience at work. They explain why Zensai positions itself around “human success” rather than traditional HR, focusing on building high-performance teams through learning, performance, and engagement, and introducing a Human Success Score to give executives a shared language. The conversation covers constant change since COVID, disengagement trends, treating AI as a tool and potential “team member,” and the need for clarity to avoid chaos. They contrast old hierarchical structures with a value-stream “diamond,” emphasize simple values (“human” and “success”), and share practical leadership advice, ending with where to find the book on Amazon and connect via LinkedIn and zensai.com. | |||
| The Real Reason AI Pilots Stall and Where Leaders Go Wrong with Sania Khana | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:34:25 | |
Michael talks with labor economist Sania Khan about interim findings from their joint research on AI pilots and why many are stalling. Sania shares her background from the White House, Capitol Hill, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to serving as chief economist at a unicorn AI company, and explains why leaders must consider workforce strategy as AI transforms tasks across industries. They discuss common failures such as whiplash directives, unclear “why,” token-cost surprises, data access and compliance constraints, and a bifurcated tool experience between leaders and employees. They also cover entry-level hiring slowdowns, workforce opt-outs, rising entrepreneurship, and the need to measure outcomes beyond cost savings. Key takeaways include redesigning workflows, choosing better KPIs, and involving workers early to build trust and adoption. | |||
| Stop Forcing Generosity: What Nonprofits Get Wrong About the Brain with Cherian Koshy | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:38:27 | |
Michael talks with Cherian Koshy about his book Neurogiving and how neuroscience and behavioral science explain generosity and decision-making. Koshy, a longtime nonprofit professional, says the goal isn’t to manufacture generosity but to create conditions that make giving easier, emphasizing choice architecture, identity, belonging, emotion, and trust. He explains why metrics and “the business case” often fail, describing decision “gates” such as affective reasoning, identity alignment, and the identifiable individual effect, and argues that logic comes last. They discuss how nonprofits and companies should resequence outreach to prioritize relationship and trust-building, why transactional “pitch-first” approaches backfire, and how AI-driven growth tactics can burn trust and retention. | |||
| Winning with AI: The 12-Week FrameworkThat Actually Works with Charlene Li | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:34:58 | |
Michael interviews keynote speaker and seven-time author Charlene Li about her new book and 12-week program focused on leading AI through leadership and strategy rather than technology explanations. Li and co-author Katia Welsh outline a playbook that starts with existing business strategy and builds an AI roadmap to create value over a rolling 18-month horizon, updating quarterly while keeping strategy “in ink” and tactics “in pencil.” They discuss why organizations overthink AI strategy but under-execute, the need to make AI use safe and expected, provide time to practice, and have leaders model usage to reduce stigma. Li describes leaders’ “AI hesitation gap” between FOMO and fear, emphasizes AI fluency through practice, and frames value creation as engagement, productivity, and reinvention supported by governance and coordinated enterprise efforts. | |||
| From Homeless to Founder: How Crisis Becomes Your Competitive Advantage with Shawn Gregoire | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:36:08 | |
On the Top Voice podcast Shawn Gregoire shares his journey from homelessness in Houston after dropping out of Rutgers to finding stability through 14.5 years in the Air Force, teaching himself coding in 2021, and later completing an executive MBA at Brown University and IE Business School. After leaving the service in 2023, moving to the DC area, and taking a Department of the Navy role, Shawn is laid off during probationary employee cuts when veterans are no longer exempt, prompting him to found Capstone Tech. He explains how his company builds products to support people navigating a fragmented workforce—starting nonprofits, switching industries, or launching businesses—and how experiences in South Africa shaped his focus on expanding access to opportunity. Shawn discusses redefining security as doing meaningful work while prioritizing family and health. | |||
| What 400+ CEO Interviews Reveal About Sustainable High Performance with Ehsan Etezad | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:23:55 | |
Michael interviews Ehsan Ehtesad, organizational psychologist and co-founder/CEO of Mia Science, about building healthy, high-performance teams by focusing on recharging rather than constant intensity. Drawing on nearly 400 interviews with CEOs, surgeons, and champions, Ehsan contrasts time management with energy management and argues that effective recovery comes from doing the opposite of what drains you at work. They discuss sustaining excellence as a marathon, resting along the way, using rhythms of focus and recovery, and leaders’ responsibility to create supportive cultures where people can communicate low energy without judgment. Ehsan shares metaphors about charging batteries and leaders as thermostats, and recommends writing a personal recharging plan on good days for use on bad days. | |||
| From Getting Found to Getting Represented: The New Rules of Executive Visibility with Dennis Yu | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:40:53 | |
Michael interviews Dennis Yu, joined by AI builder engineer Leo Pohlmann, about Google’s recent move to AI results first instead of the traditional “10 blue links,” a shift Dennis says is the biggest in 25 years and has caused many SEO experts to report major traffic losses. Dennis argues the fundamentals of visibility still matter—expertise, credibility, stories, and real experiences—while warning against chasing hype and generating “AI slop,” especially as networks adopt AI content fingerprinting. He recommends creating evidence-based, unedited original content (like podcasts and real videos), repurposing it with AI tools, and using small paid distribution (“social postage,” e.g., dollar-a-day boosts) to amplify proven winners tied to business outcomes. They also discuss AI’s impact on jobs, emphasizing that AI-enabled A players will outcompete B players, and Dennis shares his “learning curve vs earning curve” career turning point while Leo describes meeting Dennis as a life-changing moment. | |||
| The Not So Hidden Costs of Undertrained Leaders with Jennifer Dulski | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:38:30 | |
Michael speaks with Jennifer Dulski, founder and CEO of Rising Team, about the hidden costs of untrained teams and how leadership development can be improved. Dulski shares her background across nonprofit work, teaching, and leadership roles at Yahoo, Google, Facebook, and change.org, plus lessons from being a rowing coxswain. They discuss why traditional training often fails to translate into behavior change, the downsides of a “common denominator” approach, and how AI can enable personalized growth plans aligned with company principles while preserving human connection. They cover impacts of weak leadership—unclear expectations, rework, low morale, quiet quitting, attrition—and the value of shared struggle, honesty, trust, and consistent team investment, citing measurable ROI improvements from regular team-building. Connect with Jennifer: | |||
| Why Drug Pricing Transparency Is Finally Disrupting Big Pharma's Stranglehold with Erin Albert | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:35:44 | |
Michael welcomes Erin Albert, Chief of Pharmacy Relations, Network and Professional Affairs at Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs, to explain why U.S. drug pricing is so opaque and how transparency can lower costs. Albert shares how she joined the company after publishing LinkedIn price comparisons sparked by imatinib pricing, and describes her background as a pharmacist and attorney. She breaks down how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) evolved from claims processing into powerful middlemen, driving costs through rebates tied to formulary placement and “spread” pricing, especially on generics. The conversation covers vertical integration, state policy efforts, employer incentives that favor bundled solutions, pharmacy closures and “pharmacy deserts,” and why education should include “following the money.” Albert outlines Cost Plus’s cost-plus math, fair dispensing fees, and options for consumers via CostPlusDrugs.com, TeamCubanCard.com, and CostPlusWellness.com, urging patients to shop cash prices versus insurance copays. | |||
| Leadership and The Future of Work in the Age of AI with Brian Elliott | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:37:34 | |
Michael interviews Brian Elliott, CEO of Work Forward and former Google and Slack executive, about AI and the future of work through a human-centered lens. Elliott explains how his Future Forum research on workplace flexibility evolved into AI-focused advising, arguing that technology and policies are tools and the real work is alignment, culture, and motivating diverse teams. They discuss research showing most leaders say AI speeds work but few can prove ROI, often due to output over outcomes, poor goal alignment, and “AI work slop.” Elliott shares examples from Zapier, Guild, and Anthropic using outcome scorecards, training, leadership participation, and pathways for roles. They warn against performance-review metrics tied to AI usage and emphasize team-based learning, empathy, time for training, and listening to employees. | |||
| How Generational Healing Changes What We Pass Down with Jasmine Escalera | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:39:25 | |
Michael interviews Dr. Jasmine Escalera, founder of the nonprofit Institute for Generational Healing, about recognizing and breaking inherited survival patterns passed through families. Escalera explains generational healing, how cycles can provide strength yet hinder desired lives, and the science behind inherited responses through epigenetics, alongside spirituality, modeling, and conditioning. They discuss misconceptions about trauma, distinguishing big T and little T trauma, and defining trauma as the body’s response. Escalera addresses accountability, compassion toward parents as humans, how far back to explore family stories, and the loneliness and grief cycle breakers face when families resist change. She outlines the institute’s pillars—research, education (including a generational healing 101 course), and transformation through community-based modalities beyond talk therapy—and how beliefs shape relationships and workplace behavior. Escalera shares her own journey from hyper-independence, emphasizes asking what’s holding you back and where it was learned, and notes her strength in hard work while learning balance. She shares ways to follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram, with a website coming soon. | |||
| Why Most Executives Don't Know They Have a LinkedIn Problem with Leslie Hughes. | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:35:37 | |
Michael welcomes LinkedIn Top Voice, trainer, and author Leslie Hughes to discuss how LinkedIn has evolved from a job-search site into a networking and thought leadership platform, and why many executives underestimate their need for an active presence. Hughes explains that executives are forward-facing brand ambassadors and should engage with their teams, celebrate wins, build quality networks, and publish consistently (even 20 minutes a week). They cover semantic search, profile essentials (professional headshot, banner, 220-character headline, and a first-person About section with quantifiable results), balancing authenticity with professionalism, and overcoming fears of “bragging” through servant leadership framing. Hughes shares examples of executives Dwayne Green (Aviva Investors) and Charles Brown (LifeLabs), addresses AI caution in compliance-heavy industries, and encourages proactive LinkedIn investment before layoffs force reactive catch-up. | |||
| The Creator Economy is Dead. Long Live the IP Economy with Bia Granja | 26 May 2026 | 00:35:31 | |
Michael talks with creator-economy builder Bia Granja about her hot take that the creator economy isn’t dead, but the attention economy that fueled it is ending as reach becomes commoditized and organic reach declines. Bia argues creators must shift from chasing virality and platform-optimized metrics to building repeatable formats, worlds, and durable IP with multiple revenue streams, while owning direct relationships with their communities through subscriptions and other channels. They discuss how AI accelerates content abundance and makes copying easier, increasing the importance of meaning, trust, critical thinking, and adaptability. Bia also explains why Wall Street, private equity, and Hollywood are focusing less on follower counts and more on underlying assets and franchisable systems. | |||
| How AI Is Reshaping Education Beyond the Classroom in 2026 with Christophe Zoghbi | 19 May 2026 | 00:34:00 | |
Michael interviews Christophe “Chris” Zoghbi, founder and CEO of Zaka, about how AI is reshaping education and workplace learning, with a focus on the Middle East. Zoghbi shares his path from software engineering and early machine-learning work in 2014 to building Beirut AI and then Zaka to make AI accessible through training, consulting, development, hiring, and governance. He explains how AI is shifting education away from memorization toward practical, personalized, project-based learning, including Zaka’s Seeds K–12 program for students and educators. They discuss corporate AI adoption challenges, the need for contextual hands-on training, and Zoghbi’s mission to build local talent to solve local problems. | |||
| Lessons from Three Decades in the NFL with Tom Melvin, TE Coach Kansas City Chiefs | 13 May 2026 | 00:56:41 | |
Michael welcomes longtime friend and former coach Tom Melvin, current Kansas City Chiefs tight ends coach and three-time Super Bowl champion, to discuss Melvin’s coaching journey from small college football to 14 seasons with Andy Reid in Philadelphia and nearly 14 in Kansas City. Melvin explains how organizational stability, preparation, and managing information overload shape NFL coaching, and why culture fit matters as much as talent, including the value of promoting from within. He describes coaching elite players by setting boundaries rather than scripts, raising standards daily, and embracing personality. The conversation covers habits behind championship success, shared struggle in training camp, responding to adversity, continual innovation in a cyclical game, lessons learned about leadership and humility, sacrifices like family time, and advice for aspiring coaches to love coaching football, not the title. | |||
| The New Blueprint for Going Global with Your Personal Brand with Sandra Long | 05 May 2026 | 00:38:29 | |
Michael interviews LinkedIn expert Sandra Long about building a global personal brand. Long shares how she moved from B2B sales to helping individuals and organizations leverage LinkedIn, and explains why global reach is easier post-2020 but requires intentional positioning through your profile, network, and content. They discuss defining “local” vs. “global,” the difference between audience and revenue over long time horizons, and the importance of values like Long’s “Be the Friend First,” including an example of a client from Serbia. Long recommends auditing connection geography with Sales Navigator, using warm connection paths (schools, former employers, groups), prioritizing commenting over frequent posting, engaging with posts in other languages via translation, and using AI to check cross-cultural risks and improve discoverability, while not obsessing over the algorithm. | |||
| Overcoming the PMO and Project Manager Stereotype with Fola Alabi | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:41:02 | |
Michael welcomes project and strategy leader Fola Alabi to discuss stereotypes about project managers and PMOs and why many are seen as process-heavy status reporters rather than value creators. Fola shares her 20+ year career across government, finance, energy, and other sectors, emphasizing the persistent gap between strategy and execution and the need for project leaders to build business acumen, domain knowledge, and executive-level language to drive measurable value. They explore why PMOs are often built and cut, how PMOs can reposition as strategic partners in prioritization and value realization, and how AI can automate basic reporting while increasing the need for specialized, context-driven leadership. Fola closes with practical guidance: lead with business impact, align to strategy, offer options—not just problems—and execute for benefits realized. | |||
| Why Bias is a Luxury the Economy Can’t Afford with Katica Roy | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:44:05 | |
Michael welcomes economist, data scientist, and Pipeline CEO Katica Roy to discuss why bias and inequity “sub-optimize” the economy, citing women earning nearly 60% of degrees while being promoted 21% slower and the large GDP and fiscal impacts of pay and opportunity gaps. Roy shares her family’s refugee story and connects equity to economic returns, national debt service, Social Security solvency, and taxpayers subsidizing pay gaps. They examine how policy currently puts the burden on individuals to prove inequity, contrast it with the EU’s upcoming pay transparency rules, and describe Pipeline’s behavioral-economics approach to improving equitable talent decisions. The conversation covers corporate responses to DEI pressure, Target vs. Costco, generational shifts in work expectations, AI-driven layoffs and human-agent collaboration, and closes with Roy’s key takeaways that equity is economic, not zero-sum, and rooted in measurable math. | |||
| The Judgment Gap: Why Lawyers Won't Be Replaced But Must Evolve with Colin Levy | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:34:04 | |
Michael speaks with Colin Levy, General Counsel at Malbek and adjunct professor at Albany Law School, about how AI is disrupting the legal profession and what Levy calls the “judgment gap.” They discuss AI’s growing role in performing tasks formerly done by lawyers, the need to verify AI outputs that can be plausible but inaccurate, and how legal advice is shifting toward more complex, solution-oriented recommendations. Levy explains how AI may change what junior lawyers are asked to do, why client counseling and emotional intelligence remain essential, and why legal education should better prepare students to use AI. He shares tools he uses daily—including Malbek AI, Perplexity, Claude (including Claude for Work), and Gamma—and emphasizes experimenting with clear goals. | |||
| Why So Many Experts Sound the Same and How to Actually Stand Out with Christie Bilbrey | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:37:55 | |
Michael welcomes strategic communications advisor Christie Bilbrey, founder of Stella Nova Media, to discuss why many professionals sound the same and how to stand out through clearer positioning and storytelling. Christie explains that credentials alone don't differentiate; what people hire is perspective and relatability rooted in understanding an audience's pain points and desired outcomes. She outlines a strategic approach to storytelling: define the goal, work backward to select a relevant moment, zoom in on key turning points, and share thoughts and emotions from the journey while protecting sensitive details when necessary. The conversation also broadens "audience" beyond clients to include gatekeepers, media, organizers, and communities, and addresses avoiding "AI slop" by letting human direction and experience lead. Michael also mentions his newly launched national workforce study, Rethinking Change Management. | |||
| Risk vs. Moat: How to Make Yourself Harder to Replace with Freda Thomas | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:35:16 | |
Michael speaks with executive coach and LinkedIn Top Voice Frida Thomas about becoming irreplaceable by understanding “risk vs. moat” in today’s AI-driven workplace. Frida shares her background coaching senior leaders and explains how quickly career strategy is changing, urging professionals to replace fear with curiosity and keep a constant pulse on trends. She describes how to identify a personal moat by noticing moments when your insights make others pause and by asking trusted senior leaders for feedback. They discuss how executives are using AI to offload generic work and augment strategy, and Frida advises laid-off professionals to stop job searching like it’s 2019 and instead use disciplined networking and intel-gathering. They also explore trusting intuition when considering consulting or entrepreneurship and close with Frida’s advice to put yourself in rooms with leaders you respect. | |||
| So What? Why? Who Cares? The Questions Most Marketing Gets Wrong with Doug Kimball | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:32:37 | |
Michael welcomes Doug Kimball to discuss Doug’s new book, “So What, Why, Who Cares?”, a three-question framework Doug has used for 14+ years to improve messaging, positioning, storytelling, and strategic thinking. Doug shares how the framework originated from a tough critique by a former boss, how it helps teams move beyond clever but ineffective marketing, and why simple questions can be hard to answer without critical thinking, iteration, and real-world field testing with sales teams and customers. They discuss avoiding echo chambers, simplifying language, using the framework flexibly (including for presentations and audience targeting), and incorporating generative AI as a tool through better prompting—without replacing human judgment. Doug explains the book’s practical examples, templates, and QR-linked resources, and shares where to find it online. | |||
| Who Gets to Transform Now? AI and the Democratization of Disruption with John Harrison | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:34:21 | |
Michael speaks with John Harrison, co-founder of Luminar Global, an AI firm focused on “enabling trust with AI,” about how AI is shifting transformation from big-company, big-budget initiatives to individual and small-team impact. Harrison shares his background across IBM, telecom, edtech, and communications consulting, and explains why AI can create rapid new wealth but also faster displacement. He describes how he and three recent collaborators formed Luminar through chance networking, and how they help clients avoid “shiny new toy syndrome” by focusing on fundamentals—people, process, and data—while keeping pace with rapid AI change. They discuss faster, higher-value consulting enabled by AI, practical advice for intrapreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs, and key takeaways: be curious, start now, and take responsibility. | |||
| Sustainable Fitness: How Real Change Happens Through Habits, Effort, and the Power of identity with Joey Munoz | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:59:34 | |
In this Top Voice Podcast episode, Dr. Joey Munoz, a PhD in nutritional sciences, shares how he helps people improve body composition and health markers through sustainable habit formation, education, and accountability rather than fad diets and “sexy” quick fixes. He recounts his early struggles with body image, restrictive dieting, and confusing fitness messaging, and explains how formal training in nutrition helped him cut through misinformation. Joey describes his high-touch coaching model combining one-on-one support with community, built around three pillars: evidence-based strategy, fundamental education, and accountability/support. The conversation explores delayed gratification, measuring progress beyond the scale, starting small with a foundational phase focused on consistency, handling stress and triggers, readiness to change, and how identity shifts can positively influence family and other life areas. 00:24 Welcome and Guest Intro | |||
| How to Face an Existential Threat with Phil Ledgerwood | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:45:50 | |
Michael interviews Phil Ledgerwood, co-owner of Integrity Inspired Solutions, about facing the existential threat AI and “vibe coding” pose to software careers and businesses. Phil describes how market perception and hype can be as disruptive as the technology itself, citing recent AI news, layoffs, and viral narratives that widen the gap between expectations and real capabilities. He argues most people aren’t actually using AI heavily yet, and many online success stories lack verifiable specifics. Phil explains that LLMs are pattern-based language systems that don’t reason or understand meaning, so human judgment, empathy, and problem-solving remain central. He advises skepticism, direct experimentation to replace fear with reality, and reframing professional value away from “typing” outputs toward higher-level decision-making and translating business needs into workable solutions. Connect with Phil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-ledgerwood/ | |||
| Blazing Your Own Trail: Rethinking Career, Work, and Life with Rakshit Kharbanda | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:35:43 | |
Michael speaks with Rakshit Kharbanda about creating a non-linear life and career through repeated international moves and calculated risk-taking. Rakshit shares his background from New Delhi, completing a bachelor’s in technology (through 2022) and moving to Paris for a master’s in management at ESSEC Business School, then living across four countries (India, France, Germany, and Canada) for internships, exchanges, and apprenticeships before relocating to Munich about six to seven months ago to work at Throne as a Risk and Analytics Manager. He describes the emotional realities of moving abroad on a one-way ticket—initial excitement giving way to responsibility, uncertainty, and the need to build a career—and explains why he shares both setbacks and successes on platforms like LinkedIn: to counter the highlight-reel effect and create relatable conversations. Rakshit discusses learning that posting publicly can create unexpected professional connections, and he characterizes his engaged audience as people who take action rather than feeling life is out of their control. He outlines guiding principles for his path: doing what others don’t to get different results, taking risks to avoid future regret, focusing on the next step instead of overwhelming long-term plans, and using tools like ChatGPT to solve practical problems (such as visa processes). He also shares a hiking story from Italy to illustrate breaking big goals into manageable milestones. Professionally, Rakshit emphasizes maintaining childlike curiosity, acting with high agency—especially in an AI-enabled world—and not forcing success into someone else’s mold. In the closing tradition, he answers what he would rebuild first if he lost everything: relationships, because people remember how you make them feel. He shares where to find him—LinkedIn, his podcast “Maven Talks” (about 25 episodes), email, and his website—and Michael closes by encouraging listeners to act on the urge to explore and change now. | |||
| The Unexpected CEO: Leadership, Risk, and Reinvention with Sharita Humphrey | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:36:11 | |
This episode of the Top Voice Podcast features Sharita Humphrey discussing her “unexpected CEO” journey from government auditor and analyst to entrepreneur and CEO. Humphrey shares that she initially had no desire to start a business, but felt a persistent tug to serve rural communities and prepared for the leap by saving two years of salary, setting aside funds for bills, and learning from auditing businesses and interviewing CEOs, along with resources like The Big Leap and The 12 Week Year. She explains how she founded Change in Motion, an economic development consulting and small business advisory firm focused on helping rural communities drive growth while keeping a community feel, and later launched Eco Power to develop geothermal-powered data centers and related infrastructure in rural areas to generate taxable revenue for 30–50 years, create job growth, and improve quality of life with fair wages. The conversation covers identity shifts from employee to CEO, handling fear and introversion, seeking advisors and a team, learning through iteration, avoiding perfectionism and analysis paralysis, and the importance of mindset, planning, and not building alone. Humphrey also answers a closing question about AI by emphasizing that relationships, teams, and human capital remain essential, and shares where to follow her on LinkedIn and at cheritamhumphrey.com. | |||
| What Actually Happened in GenAI in 2025 and What Comes Next with Jason Saltzman | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:39:09 | |
Join us for a fascinating episode of the Top Voice Podcast as we explore the AI market dynamics in 2025 with Jason Saltzman from CB Insights. Jason shares unique insights on the ecosystem of players, investments, and funding in the AI landscape. We dive into the record-setting year for private company equity funding, driven largely by the big players like OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI. Discover the growing importance of infrastructure, AI agents, and the future of work as influenced by AI. Don't miss out on this in-depth analysis of what 2026 holds for AI and how it compares to past tech booms. | |||
| AI for the Rest of Us: How Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Get Started with Vinicius David | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:40:07 | |
In this episode of the Top Voice Podcast, we welcome Vinicius David to discuss AI adoption for small and medium businesses. Vinicius, an expert with 20 years in tech, shares her journey and provides actionable advice on AI implementation. Learn about the differences between AI use in large enterprises vs. SMBs, the importance of data, and practical steps to get started with AI. If you're a business owner looking to boost productivity and scale efficiently, this episode is packed with valuable insights! | |||
| Why AI Is Rewriting the Rules of Cybersecurity with Matthew Rosenquist | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:42:22 | |
Join us on this episode of the Top Voice Podcast as we dive deep into the world of AI and cybersecurity with industry expert Matthew Rosenquist. With 36 years of experience in cybersecurity, Matthew discusses the growing implications of AI on cybersecurity, the capabilities of AI tools in the hands of both attackers and defenders, and the evolving threats in the digital landscape. Learn about the importance of critical thinking, the role of government policy, and practical steps businesses and individuals can take to protect themselves. This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the future of cybersecurity. Tune in now! | |||
| Why Most Independent Consultants Get Stuck and How the Best Break Through with Mike Koziol | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:37:32 | |
Join us for an engaging episode of the Top Voice Podcast as we delve into the world of independent consulting with expert Mike Koziol. Mike shares his journey from being a lawyer and fraud investigator to becoming a consultant's consultant. We discuss the challenges many independent consultants face in scaling their business, including breaking through revenue ceilings, productizing services, and leveraging AI. Mike also offers invaluable insights on positioning, mindset shifts, and much more. Don't miss this episode if you're looking to take your consulting business to the next level. Tune in now! | |||
| Why your job search strategy must evolve in 2026 with Valerie Martinelli | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:35:08 | |
Join us for an insightful episode of the Top Voice Podcast as we explore the evolving landscape of job searching in 2026 with career leadership coach Valerie Martinelli. Discover how the job market has shifted since post-COVID, the importance of proactive career management, and the role of personal branding and networking in a competitive environment. Valerie shares valuable advice on standing out in a crowded market, the impacts of AI on job applications, and strategies for maintaining a positive mindset during a challenging job search. Tune in to get expert tips and practical advice to boost your career success. | |||
| The 2026 Mindshift: How Leaders Innovate in an Age of Uncertainty with Brian Solis | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:37:22 | |
In this episode of the Top Voice Podcast, we welcome Brian Solis, the global head of innovation at ServiceNow and author of 'Mindshift.' Kicking off 2026, we delve into the essence of innovation, the impact of AI on business, and the importance of keeping an open mind. Brian shares his extensive experience as a digital analyst, futurist, and anthropologist, discussing how technology reshapes human behavior and business models. You'll learn about creating a culture of innovation, the significance of being self-aware, and how to anticipate disruption. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to embrace change and inspire creativity in their professional and personal lives. Plus, stick around for Brian's New Year's resolutions and more insights on becoming a future-ready leader. | |||
| Rethinking Disability: The Power of Seeing Difference as Strength with Tiffany Yu | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:42:45 | |
Join us on this insightful episode of Top Voice Tuesday as we sit down with Tiffany Yu, a disability advocate, author, and founder. Tiffany shares her journey from working in financial services to becoming a prominent voice in disability advocacy. We discuss the importance of seeing disability differently and the ways in which organizations can better support disabled individuals. Tiffany also sheds light on her book 'The Anti-Ableist Manifesto,' the challenges faced by individuals with non-apparent disabilities, and the significance of community and accommodations in the workplace. Don’t miss this chance to learn about practical strategies for fostering an inclusive environment.
Timestamps: 00:15 Welcome to Top Voice Tuesday 01:27 Meet Tiffany Yu: Disability Advocate and Author 01:34 Tiffany's Journey: From Financial Services to Advocacy 05:21 Building a Community and Finding a Voice 09:07 Creating Disability-Inclusive Workspaces 10:44 Understanding Non-Apparent Disabilities 15:16 Empathy vs. Compassion: Supporting Disabled Individuals 21:37 The Power of Community Support 24:19 Navigating Accommodations and Accessibility 24:47 Personal Stories and Ergonomic Assessments 26:30 Redefining Accommodations as Design Opportunities 34:05 The Economic Imperative for Disability Inclusion 36:02 Advice for Self-Advocacy and Finding Community 38:36 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans Connect with Tiffany: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyayu/ https://www.tiffanyyu.com/book | |||
| The power of yes: How courage opens the right door with Raj Khera | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:37:10 | |
In this enlightening episode of Top Voice Tuesday, host Michael sits down with serial entrepreneur Raj Khera to discuss 'Courage and the Power of Yes.' Raj shares his journey from being an engineer to becoming a successful entrepreneur with multiple startups. He discusses the importance of overcoming fear, taking initiative, and the impact of saying 'yes' to opportunities. Raj also shares practical tips on maintaining confidence, the significance of making a bucket list, and the value of physical movement for mental clarity. This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice for anyone looking to break free from self-limiting beliefs and embrace new opportunities. Timestamps: 00:15 Welcome to Top Voice Tuesday 01:27 Meet Raj Kira: From Engineer to Entrepreneur 02:54 Introducing Make Media: Revolutionizing Content Creation 04:40 The Power of Yes: Embracing Courage in Entrepreneurship 07:02 Overcoming Fear: Personal Stories and Insights 17:34 Practical Tips for Building Courage 19:04 Starting a New Journey at 50 19:54 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Positivity 22:51 Compartmentalizing and the Pomodoro Technique 25:05 The Power of Physical Movement 26:17 Facing Uncertainty and Hard Conversations 27:37 Learning from Failure and Making Pivots 31:55 Summarizing Key Takeaways 34:12 Inspiration and Impact 35:09 Closing Remarks and Where to Find More Connect with Raj https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajkhera/ https://www.youtube.com/@makemedia-ai | |||
| Who am i supposed to be on LinkedIn? with David LaCombe | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:36:30 | |
Join us for an inspiring episode of Top Voice Tuesday as we explore the balance between professionalism and authenticity online with fractional CMO David LaCombe. David delves into his unique journey from paramedic to marketing expert, offering insights on how to show up genuinely on LinkedIn and other platforms. Discover the transferable skills from his EMS background that shape his approach to business today, and get valuable tips on how to navigate personal and professional identity online. If you're struggling with how to present yourself authentically while maintaining a professional image, this conversation offers practical advice and encouragement. Tune in now!
Timestamp: 00:15 Welcome to Top Voice Tuesday 00:39 Introducing David Lacombe 01:38 David's Journey from Paramedic to CMO 03:05 The Importance of Sharing and Networking 06:59 Lessons from a Life of Service 11:36 Applying Medical Insights to Business 20:19 Balancing Expertise and Vulnerability 29:49 Final Thoughts and Advice 34:26 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlacombe/ https://imperativesdelivered.com/ https://calendly.com/david_lacombe/30min | |||
| Beyond the hype: How ethical ai could redefine work and relationships with Lucas Herb | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:37:44 | |
Join us for an insightful episode of Top Voice Tuesday as we dive deep into the world of ethical AI with expert Lucas Erb. We explore AI's impact on the future of work, human relationships, and social connections. Lucas shares his journey from HP to founding his startup, discusses the concept of ethical AI, and the importance of human-centric design choices. We also tackle the pressing issues of bias, the ethical challenges within AI adoption, and how companies can effectively integrate AI for greater productivity without compromising human values. Don't miss this thoughtful discussion on the balance between efficiency and ethics in the AI-driven world. Timestamp: 00:15 Introduction and Welcome 01:05 Guest Introduction: Lucas Herb 01:36 Lucas's Background in Technology and AI 03:46 Ethical AI: What Does It Mean? 06:16 Challenges and Research in AI Ethics 16:02 Bias in AI Systems 20:05 Relational AI and Human Connection 27:12 AI Adoption in Teams and Organizations 30:31 Key Takeaways and Future of Ethical AI 33:54 Closing Remarks and Bonus Question Connect with Lucas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaserb/ https://www.aiforhumanflourishing.com/downloads https://www.aiexperts.com | |||
| Transformational versus Transactional: Why most leaders get it wrong - with Marcus Chan | 14 Nov 2025 | 00:39:13 | |
Join us for an inspiring episode of Top Voice Tuesday featuring Marcus Chan, the founder of Venli Consulting. We discuss his journey from a struggling sales rep to a LinkedIn Top Voice and a successful business owner. Marcus shares his insights on the difference between transactional and transformational leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, coaching, and development. We also explore practical strategies for content creation and social media engagement. If you aspire to elevate your leadership skills and understand the nuances of impactful leadership, this episode is a must-watch.
Timestamp: 00:15 Welcome and Introduction 01:17 Meet Marcus Chan: From Sales Trenches to Top Voice 04:54 Content Strategy Evolution 08:27 Transformational vs. Transactional Leadership 12:13 Challenges in Leadership Development 20:05 Developing Leadership Skills 20:39 Coaching and Mentoring Techniques 21:39 The Importance of Emotional and Mental Effort in Leadership 23:44 Proactive Leadership Strategies 28:19 The Hero's Journey in Leadership 30:03 Transformational Leadership Framework 30:17 The Respect Model for Leadership 35:32 Advice for Aspiring Leaders 37:40 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Connect with Marcus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcuschanmba/ https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/IThv https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/marcuschan | |||
| The Manufacturing Conundrum: Leadership, AI, and the Return of US Jobs with Joe Strangel | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:34:06 | |
Join us for an insightful episode of Top Voice Tuesday as we dive into the contemporary debate of reshoring manufacturing jobs to America with Joe Strangel. Joe, a university professor and former plant manager, shares his journey from manufacturing to academia and thought leadership. We discuss the challenges facing US manufacturing, including talent acquisition and the misperceptions of modern manufacturing jobs. Joe highlights the importance of good leadership, innovative strategies for worker retention, and the transformative role of AI in manufacturing. If you're curious about the future of manufacturing and the essential elements of strong leadership, this episode is a must-watch.
Timestamp: 00:15 Introduction and Welcome 01:16 Meet Joe Strel: From Manufacturing to Academia 05:33 The Manufacturing Conundrum: Challenges and Opportunities 09:13 Employee Experience in Modern Manufacturing 13:06 Innovative Solutions for Talent Acquisition 17:32 Leadership in Manufacturing: A New Approach 24:43 The Role of AI in Manufacturing 28:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Joe: Company website: https://www.emmanuelstrategicsustainability.com/ LinkedIn personal profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-sprangel-dba-7ba31a2 LinkedIn company profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emmanuel-strategic-sustainability-llc/?viewAsMember=true LinkedIn AI Strategy Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ai-strategy-6874741270099693569/ | |||
| AI-Powered Products: Hype or Reality? With Tim Dickey | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:34:25 | |
Join us for a fascinating episode of Top Voice Tuesday as we dive into the world of AI-powered products with expert Tim Dickey. We discuss the impact of AI on everyday life, the pitfalls in AI product development, and the nuanced differences between genuine AI advancements and hype. Tim shares his unique insights on generative AI, the role of AI in improving lives, and the future of AI-powered innovation. Whether you're a product manager, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about AI, this episode is a must-watch. Tune in now! Timestamp: 00:15 Introduction and Welcome 01:11 Guest Introduction: Tim Dickey 02:17 Defining AI and Its Evolution 02:39 Generative AI vs. Traditional AI 03:53 AI in Everyday Products 04:51 Generative AI in Product Development 09:16 AI in Internal and External Tooling 11:31 Challenges and Failures in AI Implementation 16:11 AI for Empowering Underserved Communities 22:11 The Future of AI and Ethical Considerations 27:53 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 32:23 Closing Remarks and Where to Follow Tim Follow Tim Here | |||
| Conversations with My Former Self: Navigating Career Transitions with Dominic Imwalle | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:38:41 | |
Join us for an exciting episode of Top Voice Tuesday as Michael sits down with Dominic to explore the concept of 'Conversations with My Former Self.' Both hailing from the Big Four consulting world, Michael shares invaluable advice he wished he had at a similar point in his career, as Dominic embarks on his solo consulting journey. They discuss key strategies for making career transitions, staying true to personal values, and the importance of building and leveraging a professional network. Whether you’re considering a career change or seeking inspiration to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams, this episode is a must-watch.
Timestamp: 00:15 Welcome to Top Voice Tuesday 01:23 Meet Dominic: Journey to the Top Voice Mountain 03:07 Dominic's Social Media Strategy 04:13 Career Shift: From Big Four to Entrepreneurship 07:46 Navigating the Consulting World 11:11 Lessons from the Entrepreneurial Journey 20:14 Navigating Hardships and Seeking Support 22:08 Transitioning from Corporate to Independent Work 23:13 Building a New Routine and Community 25:20 Advice for New Entrepreneurs 27:58 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Values 32:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Connect with Dominic: | |||
| Economic uncertainty and the future of financial planning with Andy Wang. | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:38:08 | |
Join us for an insightful episode of Top Voice Tuesday as we discuss the future of the economy and financial planning with expert Andy Wang. We explore the impact of current economic challenges like inflation, practical budgeting tips, and strategies for different age groups to secure their financial future. Andy also shares his journey in the family business and offers valuable advice on aligning money with purpose. Whether you're planning for retirement or navigating today's economic landscape, this episode is packed with meaningful takeaways. Tune in now to gain invaluable insights from a seasoned financial advisor.
Timestamp: 00:15 Introduction and Welcome 01:50 Meet Andy Wang: Financial Expert 05:52 The Current Economic Landscape 09:14 Practical Financial Advice for Today 13:38 Planning for the Future: Retirement and Beyond 25:12 Common Regrets and Lessons Learned 29:58 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 33:12 Bonus Question and Closing Remarks Connect with Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advisorandy/ https://www.inspiredmoney.fm/getplan https://www.youtube.com/inspiredmoney https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Stock-Financial-Independence-Regret-Free/dp/1646043545 | |||
| Secrets of the Corporate Entrepreneur with Feras Asakrieh | Top Voice Tuesday | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:37:09 | |
Join us for an engaging episode of Top Voice Tuesday as we explore the concept of the corporate entrepreneur with Feras Asakrieh. Feras shares his dual career journey, balancing a corporate role with entrepreneurial ventures, and provides insights on the mindset required to succeed in both worlds. We discuss the importance of branding, influential leadership, and taking risks within a corporate setting. Feras also offers practical advice for those considering a career change or balancing multiple professional pursuits. Tune in for valuable lessons and actionable strategies from an experienced corporate innovator.
00:15 Welcome to Top Voice Tuesday 01:02Meet Feras Asakrieh: The Corporate Entrepreneur 01:28 Feras’ Dual Career Journey 03:03 LinkedIn Strategy and Content Creation 04:15 The Corporate Entrepreneur Concept 06:13 Mindset and Success in Corporate and Entrepreneurship 11:42 Balancing Corporate Job and Side Hustle 14:06 Navigating Career Paths in a Changing Economy 19:01 Discovering New Passions at Any Age 19:39 Navigating Corporate Challenges with an Entrepreneurial Mindset 23:33 Common Mistakes in the Entrepreneurial Journey 26:19 Balancing Corporate and Entrepreneurial Roles 26:27 Advice for Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 27:09 The Importance of Passion and Self-Realization 31:10 Creating an Entrepreneurial Culture in Corporate Settings 32:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Connect with me: Website: www.ferasasakrieh.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/asakrieh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferasasakrieh/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FerasAsakrieh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asakrieh Entrepenure vs. Corporate: https://bit.ly/48v5uJN The Unwritten Rules of Advancing Your Career: https://amzn.to/3xQWHkX Email: feras@ferasasarkieh.com Phone: 904-891-4466 | |||
| How to Build Your Unforgettable Presence with Lorraine K. Lee | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:33:03 | |
Join us for an insightful episode of Top Voice Tuesday as we chat with Lorraine Lee, author of 'Unforgettable Presence'. Discover the motivations behind Lorraine's book, how it helps professionals in today's hybrid work environment, and tips on cultivating a strong presence. Lorraine shares her journey, strategies for enhancing your LinkedIn presence, and the importance of feedback in career development. Whether you're looking to build, change, or sustain your professional presence, this episode offers valuable guidance. Tune in now! Timestamp 00:15 Introduction and Welcome 01:35 Meet Lorraine Lee: Author and Keynote Speaker 02:42 Revitalizing LinkedIn Presence 05:22 The Journey to Writing 'Unforgettable Presence' 07:03 Defining Presence in Today's Workplace 10:38 The Role of Feedback in Building Presence 19:57 Navigating Office Politics and Authenticity 28:33 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts 29:57 Bonus Question and Farewell Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.michaeljlopez.coach/weekly-newsletter-sign-up Connect with Lorraine: https://lorraineklee.com/unforgettable-presence/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineklee/ https://lorraineklee.com/subscribe/ https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/lorraine-lee?u=2217257 https://www.instagram.com/lorraineklee | |||