Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast

Your title gets compliance. It won't get commitment. Executive coach David Fung breaks down how to influence people who don't report to you.(GUEST APPEARANCE on the LEADERSHIP IN QUARTERS podcast with Josh Seldin)David spent 23 years in tech, most recently as a Senior Director at Salesforce, where half his week went to influencing leaders outside his reporting line. Decades of psychology on influence distill down to three pillars: credibility, connection, and relevance.In this episode:Why the stick works temporarily but kills initiativeThe three pillars of influence and how to build each oneHow to influence across organizations when there's "nothing in it for them"The exact script for holding a peer accountable when they drop a commitmentWhy respect costs nothing but assuming the worst costs relationshipsDavid is an ICF-certified executive coach, founder of Coachful Coaching, and host of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast. Learn more at coachfulcoaching.com.CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction to Influence Without Authority1:20 Carrot vs. Stick5:11 The Three Pillars of Influence6:49 Building Real Relationships10:10 The Limits of Authority14:57 Influencing Across Organizations19:01 Accountability Without Authority23:18 Closing Thoughts

How do you lead when you don't have direct control?Daniel Atlin interviewed 25 university presidents across the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to answer that question. What he found applies to any leader in a complex, multi-stakeholder organization: the ones who thrive don't have better plans. They ask more questions, move slower, and bring people with them. The ones who revert to command-and-control get stuck.In this episode:​What sense-making means and why it beats strategic planning in uncertain environments​Inner vs. outer sense-making, and why you can't do one without the other​The three habits that separated presidents who navigated disruption from those who got stuck​Why your job is not your identity, and Daniel's own admission about figuring that out too late​The power of the pause, the balcony view, and two skills leaders risk losing in the age of AIDaniel Atlin is a strategic advisor and executive coach with 30 years in senior roles across Canada's post-secondary, cooperative, and government sectors. He hosts the Messy Podcast and teaches at the University of Guelph.Full show notes and transcript: https://coachfulcoaching.com/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/how-to-lead-without-controlWork with David: coachfulcoaching.com

What if the authenticity we keep demanding from leaders isn't actually a real, measurable thing?In this episode, I sit down with Maya Rupert, who managed Julián Castro's 2020 presidential campaign, becoming only the third Black woman in U.S. history to run a presidential campaign, and later served as a senior advisor to Elizabeth Warren. Today she's Executive Vice President at Blue State and the author of The Real Ones: How to Disrupt the Hidden Ways Racism Makes Us Less Authentic.Maya challenged something I hear constantly in the corporate world: that we can just "sense" when someone is or isn't authentic. She argues that judgment is mostly vibes, shaped by how many versions of "someone like them" we've seen before. Which means the narrower our reference points, the harder it is for women and people of color to ever be read as authentic, no matter how genuine they are.We get into how she defines real, self-reflective authenticity, what it was like running a campaign with no budget for message testing, why she asks every candidate to define winning beyond winning, and the one lesson from politics and movement work that business still hasn't learned about getting people to truly own their work.If you've ever been told to "just be yourself" and wondered whose self they meant, this one's for you.🎧 Chapters00:00 Welcome and Maya's introduction (plus a guest appearance from Crispin the cat)01:45 Maya's path and why she wrote The Real Ones04:01 How do you actually define authenticity?05:54 The vibes-based test we use to judge leaders09:49 What the 2020 campaign cycle revealed11:48 Inside a presidential campaign: likability is "squishy"14:46 The irony of measuring your own authenticity18:21 When there's only one winner: redefining what winning means20:25 The values Maya looks for in the leaders she backs22:39 What business still needs to learn from movement work26:38 What worries Maya most right now30:43 The one thing she'd fix overnight31:56 Bring joy to your hustle35:17 Where to find Maya and The Real Ones📕 Maya's book, The Real Ones, is out now wherever you get your books.Find Maya online: @MayaRupert on X, maya.rupert on Instagram and Bluesky

Your brain is wired to protect you from your own breakthroughs. That's why you can't think your way out of the things that matter most.Dr. Marcia Reynolds calls coaches "external thought disruptors." She's one of the most credentialed voices in the field: 5th global president of the ICF, ranked top 5 coach in the world by Global Gurus, ICF Circle of Distinction honoree, and author of the international bestseller Coach the Person Not the Problem.In this conversation, Marcia and I dig into why self-awareness alone isn't enough, what AI genuinely cannot replicate in a coaching session, and how the identity you're quietly holding onto is usually what's keeping you stuck.Find Marcia at covisioning.comChapters:0:00 Welcome and introducing Dr. Marcia Reynolds1:13 Where "coach the person, not the problem" actually came from3:24 The self-awareness gap: why high performers don't know themselves7:05 What AI can and cannot do in coaching9:16 Co-regulation and the energetic connection between coach and client14:42 How coaches override the protective brain to create real transformation16:38 When people start questioning purpose: the midlife inflection point18:38 David's story: leaving 23 years in corporate to build something meaningful20:49 Why defining yourself by your job title is a trap23:42 How to coach at the identity level, not just behaviors and goals27:45 Marcia at 70: skydiving, purpose over profit, and a life well lived30:53 The honest truth about building a coaching business33:17 Coaching is just one modality. Purpose is the product.37:49 Where to find Dr. Marcia Reynolds

What if belonging isn't a soft, feel-good idea but the actual infrastructure that decides whether your team performs?In this episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, I chat with Andrea Carter, organizational scientist, founder of Belonging First, and adjunct professor at Adler University. Fresh off presenting at Google HQ in London for the launch of the Global Workplace Happiness Report, Andrea breaks down what her research across 150,000 employees reveals about why people stay, perform, and actually feel happy at work.A few things we get into:- The finding that people are least happy at work when they're with their boss, and what that says about how we train managers- Why organizations keep investing the most in what matters the least- The five measurable indicators of belonging: comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety, and well-being- The difference between engagement (who's busy) and contribution (who's creating real impact)- Why employees experience work as a relationship while organizations treat it as a transactionAndrea also shares a free diagnostic, the Belonging Breakdown, so you can see where belonging is breaking down on your own team.Learn more about Andrea's work: https://belongingfirst.comConnect with Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreadcarter/If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who leads a team.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and introductions01:30 Andrea's detour to Google HQ in London03:31 Happy workers perform measurably better04:33 Why people are least happy with their boss06:38 Why companies invest the most in what matters least07:54 Belonging as performance science: the five indicators10:00 Engagement vs contribution12:00 Why psychological safety is only one fifth of belonging14:00 The problem with most resilience training15:49 What good infrastructure looks like19:00 When AI does more harm than good in HR23:24 Fitting in vs belonging: the 50-50 equation26:45 What do we actually do about it29:14 The Belonging Breakdown diagnostic30:20 What drives Andrea's passion for this work33:14 Bringing joy to your work today

You Haven't Delegated. You've Just Handed Off the Task. — with Brooke DukesMost founders think they've delegated. They haven't. They've handed off the task and kept the ownership, and that's why their growth has stalled.Brooke Dukes has built four businesses, consulted Fortune 500s for over two decades, and now runs Success by Design — a leadership operating system for founders who've become the bottleneck in their own company. She's also the author of Burn On Not Out and host of the podcast by the same name.In this conversation, Brooke and I get into why "my bandwidth is my company's ceiling" is the most uncomfortable sentence a founder can say out loud, the five-day exercise she gives every client to prove the bottleneck isn't their people, and the moment at 33 — on a corporate jet, in preterm labour, walking away from a six-figure bonus — that ended her Fortune 100 career.If you've ever told yourself "if I don't do it, it won't get done," this one's for you.Chapters00:00 Intro01:29 Four businesses in, here's what Brooke learned04:34 Why growing companies actually stall06:36 Early warning signs you've become the bottleneck08:06 The five-day exercise that reveals where the real problem is11:45 The pushback every founder gives (and why it doesn't hold up)14:47 What being the bottleneck actually costs you19:40 Burn on, not out: the corporate jet moment that changed everything23:16 Leaving a Fortune 500 on your own terms27:06 Why you can't have a Plan B as a founder31:01 The 90-second rule for handling doubt34:52 Brooke's advice for bringing more joy into your dayConnect with Brooke DukesPodcast: Burn On, Not OutBook: Burn On Not OutCompany: BMD / Success by Design

How do you disagree with someone without the conversation falling apart?Ron Harvey spent 21 years in the U.S. Army and now leads as VP of GCS Consulting. In this episode, he and David Fung unpack what most leaders get wrong about disagreement, respect, and leading people in a world that's changing fast.A few moments that stood out:→ Why most disagreements aren't really about the issue→ The difference between appreciating people and tolerating them→ How to spot toxic positivity on a team→ Why your worldview needs an annual upgrade, like your iPhone→ Why coaching isn't about making your team better, it's about making you betterChapters00:00 Intro: Meet Ron Harvey01:11 21 years in the U.S. Army02:00 "People always matter" — where it comes from04:57 How to disagree without losing respect07:57 What respect actually looks like as a behavior12:57 Why "just make a difference" is Ron's north star15:12 How to measure the intangible18:04 Why coaching is about making YOU better, not your team20:11 The most common leadership mistake Ron still sees21:04 The vulnerability exercise Ron runs with executive teams23:41 Toxic positivity vs. toxic negativity26:39 Finding the sweet spot between the two extremes28:23 Why your worldview needs an annual upgrade (the iPhone test)32:14 What to carry from the past, and what to leave behind35:55 Stop driving through life looking in the rearview mirror37:19 Ron's advice for finding more joy39:26 Where to find Ron

Norman Wolfe spent 40+ years inside organizations, including a long stretch at Hewlett-Packard, before noticing something nobody could explain: 70% of companies fail at strategy execution, despite shelves of books telling them how to succeed. His answer? We're stuck in a paradigm trap, treating organizations as machines and people as component parts.In this conversation, Norman shares the framework behind his book The Living Organization, the three forces that actually create results (doing, relationships, and context), and the story of how he once crushed a goal at HP that he completely forgot about and never tracked. We also get into why mental models quietly run our lives, how improvisation is a more useful operating system than control, and why the leaders who push hardest often achieve the least.A conversation for anyone who's tired of grinding and wondering if there's a better way to lead.Find Norman at quantumleaders.com.Chapters00:00 Why organizations aren't machines03:00 The 70% strategy execution problem06:30 What 40 years of leadership taught Norman about ease09:00 The three forces: doing, relationships, and context13:00 The HP goal he hit without trying 17:00 Why who you're being is what you attract20:00 The non-time based reality of results24:00 Leading through uncertainty in 202626:00 What improvisation teaches us about control33:00 Mental models and why they break36:30 Norman's one piece of advice for living your best life

In this episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Will Steel, a high performance and executive coach, author of Free to Lead, and a former RAF fast jet pilot turned commercial pilot turned coach to founders and business leaders.Will shares the moment in officer training when he almost got kicked out for "keeping his head down," and how being told to actually be himself led to him graduating 18 weeks later with the leadership trophy. From there we get into the real stuff: the limiting beliefs that quietly run people's lives, why business owners hit a ceiling around the $1M mark, and how one of his clients went from working 60 to 70 hours a week down to 12, while growing the business from barely keeping the lights on to $7M.We also talk about:The "I'm not enough" story almost every leader is secretly carryingWhy you can't logic someone into giving up control (and what actually works)How a scientist doubled his income and cut his hours in half after one single insightThe simple practice Will uses to stay grounded and gratefulIf you're a founder, business owner, or leader who feels like the lid on your growth is you, this one is worth your time.Find Will at willsteel.com and grab his book Free to Lead at willsteel.com/freetolead.phpListen to the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Why Great Salespeople Don’t Feel Like Salespeople (With Darren Mitchell)What if the best salespeople… don’t actually feel like they’re selling?In this episode, we sit down with Darren Mitchell, Sales Leadership Coach and founder of Exceptional Sales Leader, to break down the biggest misconceptions about sales and why most people are getting it completely wrong.With 800+ podcast episodes and decades of experience, Darren shares why sales isn’t about pushing products… it’s about service, curiosity, and guiding people to better decisions.If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable “selling” or struggled with how to build trust with clients, this conversation will challenge how you think about sales—and leadership.In this episode, we cover:00:00 – Introduction to Darren Mitchell02:10 – Why sales has such a bad reputation05:30 – The biggest misconception about sales09:15 – Why “selling the pen” is outdated12:00 – Car dealerships, Tesla, and the shift to buyer-driven sales17:45 – Why most sales training fails21:00 – Talking yourself out of a sale (and how to avoid it)25:30 – What top 1% salespeople actually do differently29:30 – Bringing more joy into a high-pressure sales role34:00 – Where to find DarrenConnect with Darren Mitchell:🌐 Website: https://exceptionalsalesleader.com/🎙 Podcast: https://exceptionalsalesleader.com/podcast💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-j-mitchell/Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast:🌐 Website: https://coachfulcoaching.com/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachfulcoaching🎧 Spotify: https://spotify.link/NTBgVJIL3yb🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/41Cz5gIAbout Coachful Coaching:Coachful Coaching helps leaders build high-performing, human-centered teams through practical coaching, communication, and leadership frameworks. If you’re a technical leader looking to grow your influence and impact, you’re in the right place.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who still thinks sales is about “convincing people.”

Lead the Person, Not the Drivers with Matt MartocciWhat does real leadership look like when the pressure is high, the market is noisy, and results still matter?Matt Martocci, Chief Commercial Officer at hc1, shares lessons from a career across healthcare, pharma, SaaS, and commercial leadership, including roles at Salesforce, Definitive Healthcare, GHX, Millennium Health, and Novartis. In this conversation, he breaks down why great leaders focus on people before metrics, why motivation is often misunderstood, and how presence, feedback, and recognition shape high-performing teams.The episode also explores the future of healthcare technology, the growing role of diagnostic data, and how better leadership decisions can lead to better business and patient outcomes. Matt shares practical insights on standing out with customers, keeping teams engaged during tough stretches, celebrating wins, and leading in a way people actually remember.Chapters00:00 Intro02:29 What Matt does at hc103:47 Why the hospital lab matters more than people think05:19 How hc1 uses data to identify anemia risk before surgery06:19 Prevention, healthcare, and the role of diagnostic tools08:22 Why Matt joined a smaller, entrepreneurial company09:17 From pharma rep to people-first leader12:06 Why leadership is often more about motivation than coaching13:38 How to keep teams motivated when results are not going your way15:16 How to stand out with customers in a world full of meetings16:24 Why it is okay to ask customers for feedback17:01 Practical ways to get real-time feedback in the room18:53 “Never miss an opportunity to tell somebody they did a good job”20:51 Why great leaders start debriefs with the positive23:28 Where face-to-face business still matters in an AI world26:48 Why attention spans are changing how we communicate27:38 The importance of celebrating wins28:42 Matt’s mantra: be present29:37 “Lead the person, not the drivers”30:48 Where to find MattConnect with Matt MartocciLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmartocciCoachful CoachingWebsite: https://coachfulcoaching.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachfulcoachingSpotify: https://spotify.link/NTBgVJIL3ybApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/41Cz5gIFor more conversations on leadership, growth, and bringing more joy to your hustle, subscribe on YouTube and follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Ian Watts — author, speaker, and go-to expert on workforce transformation.Ian has scaled HR systems, recruited and retained hundreds of team members, and helped transform leaders across 30+ industries, from middle America to the Middle East. As the founder of SB Dream Coach and Employee Success Group, he’s shared stages with speakers like ET, the Hip Hop Preacher, and has been featured on Fox News (Detroit) and PBS (Detroit). After two decades as a servant-leader, Ian’s mission is simple: **build businesses that bless the world.**In this conversation, we get practical about:- Why “money doesn’t hug you back” (and what actually drives loyalty)- The ACTS Method: Aspirations, Calling, Transformation, Support- How to lead when deadlines are brutal without losing your culture- Why small acts of appreciation create outsized loyalty over time- How to create more joy through focus, gratitude, and daily “priming”Find Ian:Website: employeesuccesscompany.comCHAPTERS00:00 Intro: Ian Watts + the “money doesn’t hug you back” idea00:43 “Build businesses that bless the world”00:56 Detroit, poverty, and the money chase03:48 When chasing money feels empty05:43 Sales pressure, performance culture, and the BMW chase07:40 Why Ian started Employee Success Group10:04 The ACTS Method (Aspirations + Calling)12:10 Transformation + Support (showing people they matter)13:47 The IKEA story: why small gestures stick for decades15:54 Short-term targets vs culture (leading under pressure)17:02 “Little hinges swing big doors” (small appreciation, big impact)20:10 Ian’s “big door” right now (perspective, meaning, emotion)23:24 Who shaped Ian: Uncle Kelvin + Pastor Christopher Brooks26:11 Finding purpose: faith + the SHAPE framework28:31 “Life is a team sport” (you need others to see yourself clearly)32:36 More joy: focus, gratitude, enjoying the journey35:26 Priming + the RAS (your brain finds what you focus on)37:34 Where to find Ian + closing

AI is moving so fast that a “right answer” from two days ago can already feel outdated.In this episode, I’m joined by Kyra Meyer-Johanson (Senior Product Marketing Manager at ServiceNow, focused on Platform + AI). We talk about what that pace of change is doing to people, why the fear is real, and how leaders can create an environment where teams stay grounded and move forward anyway.We also get practical about a simple practice Kyra uses called “glimmers”: small moments of good that train your brain to notice hope, not just risk.In this conversation, you’ll learn:* Why AI uncertainty is hitting people so hard right now* A simple way to lead when your team is anxious or resistant* How to create “space” for people without lowering standards* How to use glimmers to bring more joy into your day (even when life is busy)Connect with Kyra* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyrameyerjohanson/Follow Coachful Coaching* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachfulcoaching* Spotify: https://spotify.link/NTBgVJIL3yb* Apple: https://apple.co/41Cz5gI#Leadership #AI #Coaching #Change #JoyInTheHustle----------------------------------------CHAPTERS0:00 Intro0:01 Welcome + Kyra’s background0:57 Creating space for people to flourish2:28 Why AI change feels so intense right now4:27 Humans hate change, and the pace is accelerating7:35 “Born in uncertainty”: Kyra’s immigrant story10:54 A principal’s leadership lesson: space over conformity12:08 Building an environment where people thrive (even with AI fear)16:08 Who influenced Kyra’s leadership mindset20:42 Instant gratification culture and why we misread “progress”22:06 What to say to people resisting AI and feeling threatened23:35 Slow down: notice fear, then choose your response24:21 Validating emotions without getting stuck in them26:14 What Kyra wants to give back: ripple of positivity28:31 Negativity bias and training the “glimmers” muscle30:14 Joy advice: laugh more and notice the glimmers34:05 Where to find Kyra (LinkedIn + email)34:39 Closing + subscribe

We sit down with Dwayne Smith, host of the What Changed? podcast, for a real conversation about the question most of us avoid when we feel stuck:“What am I protecting by staying the same?”Dwayne unpacks why willpower-based change so often fails, and why the real work is an identity shift—from “I’m trying to stop…” to “I’m the kind of person who doesn’t…”He also shares a key leadership turning point: realizing you can’t motivate people, you can only create an environment that is motivating. If you’re in a season where your life looks fine on paper but something feels off, this one will land.In this episode, you’ll learn:* The difference between forcing behavior change vs shifting identity* The question that reveals what “stuck” is really doing for you* Why your internal environment (your story) matters as much as your external environment (your structure)* The moment Dwayne moved from “manager” to “leader”What Changed? https://linktr.ee/whatchangedpodApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/what-changed-with-dwayne-smith/id1511627465Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UW6hWeJ3vzEOAQLFBoGrGYouTube (What Changed?): https://www.youtube.com/@whatchangedpodDwayne Smith on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-smith-6a33751b6Chapters00:00 Intro + who Dwayne is00:46 Quick catch-up: you were just on his show01:33 “I wasn’t a leader, I was a manager” (his origin story)03:32 The associate who broke down his “management wall”04:22 The moment that shifted him toward real leadership05:47 Identity wrapped in title — and why that’s dangerous08:07 Upbringing, rigidity, and the “never good enough” loop09:55 You can’t motivate people — you can only build the environment11:45 Inside-out environment: the story in your head + the structure around you13:09 Behavior vs identity (the “I stopped” vs “I don’t” example)15:16 The interplay: who you are vs what you do16:18 The question that cuts through it all: “What am I protecting?”19:18 How hosting What Changed? has changed Dwayne21:48 Parenting + self-leadership: homework, dopamine vs cortisol24:41 The “make it fun” shift and the surprising result26:19 Where he’s trying to make life more fun right now: reading31:02 Susan Cain’s Quiet and embracing introversion35:10 Two practical steps to start change today

Most networking starts with the wrong question: “What do you do?”In this conversation, executive coach and classically trained singer Jessica Wan breaks down why that question shuts people down, especially during layoffs, transitions, and identity shifts, and what to ask instead if you want a real connection.We also talk about rebuilding community outside of work, why “together” is her word for 2026, and how her best work happens when the creative side and the business side actually meet.If this hit home, drop a comment with the better question you want to start using.CONNECT WITH JESSICAWebsite: https://www.jessicawan.com/About: https://www.jessicawan.com/about-jessicaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamwan/The Ampersand Manifesto: https://www.theampersandmanifesto.com/Ampersand on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AMXZidOLLlcRSbjo57dC9Ampersand on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ampersand-manifesto-make-your-mark-in-multiple-fields/id1636945117CONNECT WITH COACHFUL COACHINGYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachfulcoachingSpotify: https://spotify.link/NTBgVJIL3ybApple: https://apple.co/41Cz5gICHAPTERS00:00 Intro: why “what do you do” fails02:09 Fear-based times and what leaders are feeling04:20 Rebuilding community after leaving a role10:53 How to talk about uncertainty without spiraling14:15 When your network is tied to work identity19:32 The hidden damage of “What do you do?”23:58 Better questions: what are you excited about?29:00 Jessica’s word for 2026: Together30:45 Blending art + business: the Opera Parallel story32:55 Create space and your life fills it36:56 Jessica’s links + The Ampersand Manifesto

What if joy isn’t a big life overhaul… but a small daily practice?In this episode, David Fung sits down with Grace Brelje, Director of ESBP Development & Enablement at Salesforce, and former leader of Salesforce’s Global Leadership Coaching & Mentoring Center of Excellence for a real conversation about bringing joy back when life is full and work is demanding.Grace breaks down why joy is often found in the smallest moments, how to protect it with better boundaries, and the simple habit she swears by with her kids: “10 Magic Minutes”—10 minutes of fully present, intentional time that shifts the entire tone of your day.If you’re doing “well” on paper but feel flat, tired, or disconnected in real life… this one will hit.In this episode, you’ll hear:A practical definition of joy (no fluff)Loneliness vs. being alone—and why it mattersWhy high performance doesn’t have to mean low joyBurnout, boundaries, and reclaiming agencyThe “10 Magic Minutes” habit for parentsHow Grace makes self-care normal (without guilt)One simple weekly practice to start immediatelyGrace's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracebrelje/Chapters00:01 — Intro + meet Grace Brelje01:30 — Why we’re choosing joy (not fear-based clickbait)02:27 — What “joy” actually means03:51 — Perspective: the lens you choose changes everything05:29 — The book that “appeared” on Grace’s dresser (Art of Happiness)07:04 — Loneliness vs. being alone (and the post-COVID impact)10:08 — If you shadowed Grace on a Tuesday, where you’d see joy12:06 — What Grace is reading right now (and why curiosity matters)13:11 — Joy inside a high-performance culture15:44 — “Who takes care of HR?” Supporting the supporters18:29 — Burnout: agency + boundaries + redesigning what’s unsustainable21:17 — Why real change usually needs support (and a coach)23:14 — Parenting + work: staying sane and joyful23:56 — Grace’s theme this year: consistency24:19 — How Grace keeps friendships alive as life gets full25:59 — Yoga, the family calendar, and dropping the guilt28:04 — Connection, aging, and why relationships predict long-term happiness31:12 — Grace’s 1 piece of advice to bring joy back32:05 — Wrap-up

THIS IS FROM MY GUEST APPEARANCE ON "WHAT CHANGED?" PODCAST with Dwayne Smith.There’s a moment many people don’t talk about. Life looks fine on the surface. You’re capable, thoughtful, even successful. But internally, something feels off. Not broken. Not in crisis. Just unsettled in a way that’s hard to explain.In this episode, I sit down with David Fung - CEO & Executive Coach, to explore what’s really happening in those moments and why they matter more than we think.We talk about why clarity tends to disappear under pressure, how self-trust is actually built over time, and why most people don’t need to reinvent their lives so much as realign them. David shares his own early turning point, how discipline shaped his self-trust, and what he’s learned coaching leaders who look confident on the outside but feel uncertain underneath.This conversation isn’t about quick fixes or dramatic change. It’s about the quiet space before change. The honesty required to name what’s true. And the small, grounded actions that can bring more calm across work, relationships, and everyday life.If you’ve been moving forward but feeling misaligned, this episode offers a place to pause, reflect, and reconsider what your next step really needs to be.David Fung: http://coachfulcoaching.com/00:00 Episode introduction01:14 When life feels off03:19 An early breakup and awareness05:19 Building self-trust07:49 When quitting becomes a pattern10:54 Success without certainty12:44 Leaving corporate leadership15:54 Leading with weakness19:34 Why clarity requires distance26:04 Clarity, alignment, action30:54 Why action is hardest36:20 Applying clarity in real life44:10 Living aligned over time52:30 What self-leadership really requires01:04:14 Letter to my former self01:07:00 Closing reflections

In this clip from the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, host David Fung sits down with Lisa Even, keynote speaker and leadership coach, to explore the role of joy in leadership and everyday life.Lisa shares her “crappy to happy” strategy, a practical way to turn mundane tasks into moments of purpose, energy, and growth. She also talks about how leaders can balance a busy, high-pressure life with real moments of happiness, let go of stress, and build cultures that feel lighter without losing performance.Tune in to learn how to integrate joy into your daily routine and create a ripple effect of positivity across your team and life.

Can a pair of sneakers teach you more about leadership than another “how to network” post?In this episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, I’m joined by Mark Grimwood, Senior Vice President at Salesforce, where he leads global Sales and Distribution Recruiting and Talent Attraction.Mark is well known for #sneakerwars, but this conversation is not really about shoes. It’s about authentic connection, trust, and how to bring more joy into the hustle without pretending work is always fun.We talk about:- The joy of recruiting and being part of someone’s career story- Why #sneakerwars works as a relationship builder and community builder- What leaders get wrong about vulnerability and how to make it practical- How AI and agents will change recruiting and what must stay human- The values Mark anchors on, like trusted relationships and intellectual humilityConnect with Mark:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgrimwood/Follow Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachfulcoachingApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/41Cz5gIIf this episode resonates, please follow, rate, and share it with a leader who could use more joy in the hustle.

In this episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, host David Fung sits down with Lisa Even (ee-ven), keynote speaker, bestselling author, and leadership coach, to unpack what it really means to make joy a priority as a leader.Lisa shares her path from healthcare operations and team leadership into coaching, and why joy is not fluff. It is a leadership lever. You will learn her practical approach to building presence, creating trust fast, and shaping a culture where people actually want to show up. She also breaks down her signature “Crappy to Happy” strategy and how to turn unavoidable, everyday work into something your team does not dread.If you are leading under pressure, managing constant change, or feeling stuck in grind-mode, this conversation will help you reset without pretending life is easy.Learn more about Lisa at lisaeven.comGet her book, Joy Is My Job: https://lisaeven.com/books/In this episode, we cover:* Why joy is a leadership choice, not a personality trait* How leaders shape culture through energy, tone, and intention* Lisa’s “Crappy to Happy” method for draining tasks* How to build trust faster, especially in stressed teams* Simple ways to create a “Good Ripple Effect” at work and at homeChapters00:00:00 Introduction to Lisa Even00:05:00 The Importance of Joy in Leadership00:10:00 Strategies for Incorporating Joy00:15:00 Balancing Work and Joy00:20:00 Creating a Ripple Effect of Positivity

In this clip, David Fung and Markus van Alphen discuss the effectiveness of feedback techniques in leadership. They critique the traditional "sandwich" method of feedback and explore the benefits of a more direct approach, known as "feedforward." Markus emphasizes the importance of context and understanding in delivering feedback, while David shares personal experiences that highlight the impact of straightforward communication. This conversation offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to foster a more open and effective feedback culture.

In this episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, David Fung interviews Markus van Alphen, a leadership psychologist and author, about the role of empathy in leadership. They discuss the importance of observational listening, the impact of fear-based management, and how creating psychological safety can enhance team performance. Markus shares insights on how mid-size organizations can lead change by adopting a more courageous and empathetic approach.Chapters00:00:01 Introduction to Markus van Alphen00:01:53 The Role of Empathy in Leadership00:04:02 Fear-Based Management vs. Empathy00:11:43 Creating Psychological Safety00:26:56 Leading Change in Mid-Size Organizations

In this clip, David Fung and leadership psychologist Markus van Alphen delve into the complexities of KPI management and its impact on workplace culture. They explore whether KPIs serve as a reward or punishment, and discuss the psychological effects of fear-based management. Discover how different approaches to KPIs can lead to diverse outcomes, from fostering a blame culture to driving genuine performance. This conversation offers practical insights for leaders aiming to create a more supportive and effective work environment.

David Fung explores the space between fear and action. Drawing from his experiences in the tech industry and insights, David reveals how the challenge mindset can transform stress into energy. Learn practical strategies to navigate uncertainty, harness the power of stillness, and turn fear into a catalyst for growth and clarity.

In this episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, host David Fung welcomes Dr. Matthew Norton, a leading expert in human behavior and cognitive science. Dr. Norton shares his transformative journey from personal tragedy to becoming a pioneer in strengths-based assessments and leadership coaching. Discover how his experiences have shaped his mission to help others find their purpose and build extraordinary teams. Tune in to explore the power of resilience, the importance of understanding oneself and others, and the keys to unlocking potential in both personal and professional realms.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Matthew Norton00:02:00 The Journey to People Plus Purpose00:05:00 Lessons in Resilience and Growth00:08:00 Understanding and Leveraging Strengths00:11:00 Finding and Reconnecting with Purpose00:14:00 The Role of Leadership in Purpose-Driven Teams00:17:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

Join us on the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast as we dive into the inspiring journey of Jessica Martin, a licensed psychologist turned entrepreneur. Discover how Jessica transitioned from a school psychologist to co-owning a dental spa and founding Martin Management LLC. In this episode, Jessica shares her insights on transforming healthcare experiences, addressing dental anxiety, and creating patient-centric environments. Learn about her innovative approach to sensory experiences in dental practices and her mission to humanize healthcare. Tune in for an engaging conversation on leadership, entrepreneurship, and making a positive impact in the world.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction to Jessica Martin00:03:00 Journey from Psychology to Entrepreneurship00:06:00 Transforming Healthcare Experiences00:09:00 Addressing Dental Anxiety00:12:00 Innovative Sensory Experiences00:15:00 Humanizing Healthcare Mission

Join us in this enlightening episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast as we sit down with Susanne Biro, an executive coach with over two decades of experience. Susanne shares her insights on the power of mindset, the journey to self-acceptance, and transforming the inner critic into an inner champion. Discover how these elements can lead to true success and fulfillment in both personal and professional life. Susanne also opens up about her mission to help people stop hurting and the importance of genuine human connection in leadership. Tune in for a conversation that promises to inspire and empower.Susanne Biro is a coach to C-suite and executive-level leaders. She is also a senior facilitator, program designer, Forbes and CEO Magazine contributing writer, and a TEDx and keynote speaker. For two decades, Susanne has listened to the inner thoughts, concerns, frustrations, and challenges of thousands of senior-level leaders internationally. She knows the inner life of executive leadership in a way few others could. Susanne’s talent is to identify the key levers within an individual or an organizational system, such that by changing one or two key things, leaders can create a cascade ofpositive impacts. The result: her clients obtain greater self-knowledge and advanced self-mastery, which translates into greater leadership effectiveness and concrete business results.

In this preview of the full episode, Susanne Biro and David Fung dive into the transformative power of mindset and self-awareness in leadership. Drawing from her 24 years of experience, she discusses how successful individuals can shift from an inner critic to an inner champion, emphasizing the importance of where we place our attention. Susanne shares practical advice on how to harness our thoughts and feelings to shape our choices and outcomes, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and effective life. Tune in to discover how to become the person you're proud of and make your dreams a reality.Susanne Biro is a coach to C-suite and executive-level leaders. She is also a senior facilitator, program designer, Forbes and CEO Magazine contributing writer, and a TEDx and keynote speaker. For two decades, Susanne has listened to the inner thoughts, concerns, frustrations, and challenges of thousands of senior-level leaders internationally. She knows the inner life of executive leadership in a way few others could. Susanne’s talent is to identify the key levers within an individual or an organizational system, such that by changing one or two key things, leaders can create a cascade ofpositive impacts. The result: her clients obtain greater self-knowledge and advanced self-mastery, which translates into greater leadership effectiveness and concrete business results.

In this clip, I dive into the concept of personal mission and how it can transform the way we perceive our jobs. My conversation with Allister Frost explores the idea of reframing your role to find deeper meaning and motivation. Whether you're a communications manager, a cleaner, or a stay-at-home parent, discover how your work contributes to a greater purpose and how recognizing this can fuel your passion and drive. Tune in to learn how to uncover your personal mission and make every day at work more fulfilling.

"The Courage to Question" delves into the power of curiosity and the importance of challenging the status quo. Join us as we explore how asking the right questions can lead to innovation, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Discover the stories of those who dared to question and the transformative impact it had on their live

Most leaders think they’re ready for the future—but are they? Forget everything you thought you knew about leadership. By 2025, the rise of AI means traditional leadership is dead, replaced by a critical demand for uniquely human skills. Learn how to navigate this seismic shift and cultivate the empathetic, innovative, and strategic mindset that truly leads in the age of intelligent machines.In this episode, former Microsoft marketing executive Allister Frost shares how to build a Future Ready Mindset and thrive in an era of constant change and AI disruption.Discover why adaptability beats experience, what it really takes to stay relevant, and how leaders can turn uncertainty into opportunity.🔑 In this episode:Why “business as usual” is the riskiest strategy of allHow to lead through exponential change without losing your edgeThe mindset shifts AI is forcing on leaders right nowPractical steps to build resilience and embrace transformation👉 Don’t just survive—learn how to lead with confidence in the age of AI.Chapters00:00 Embracing Change in Leadership03:06 The Future Ready Mindset06:02 Understanding Resistance to Change08:48 The Importance of Personal Mission11:41 Finding Your Personal Mission14:46 Self-Respect and Motivation17:32 The Impact of AI on Work20:06 Human Superpowers vs. AI23:04 Curiosity and Innovation25:34 Courage in Leadership28:11 The Risks of Change

Most leaders think they’re delivering great customer experiences but are they really? In this episode, Marc Haine breaks down why so many leaders fail at putting customers first, what it takes to build loyalty in today’s world, and the leadership mindset shifts that separate average managers from transformational leaders.If you’ve ever wondered why your customers aren’t sticking around or why your team isn’t as inspired as you’d like—this conversation is your playbook for change.🔑 Topics we cover:The #1 mistake leaders make when it comes to customer experienceWhy “managing” your people is killing their potentialThe leadership habits that inspire loyalty and trustHow to shift from reactive leadership to proactive culture-buildingReal stories from Marc Haine’s decades of leadership experience🎧 Tune in now and learn how to lead with purpose, inspire your people, and create customer experiences that last.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mark Haine and His Journey03:14 Theater as a Business Metaphor06:20 Creating Customer Experiences09:01 Leadership in the Service Industry11:58 From Fixing to Innovating Culture16:33 Embracing Mistakes and Accountability18:21 The Power of Innovation and Creativity20:20 Leveraging Employee Strengths21:43 Understanding Employee Potential23:09 The Importance of Leadership Awareness27:43 Identifying Core Issues in Leadership29:19 The Value of Humility in Leadership30:47 Discovering Superpowers and Collaboration

This is a preview of an upcoming interview with the one and only Marc Haine. Marc Haine is a globally recognized customer and employee experience expert, keynote speaker, and author of Lights! Camera! Action!, with over 35 years of experience in hospitality, retail, and leadership across service industries. As founder of Marc Haine Live and Experience Leadership: The Small Business Podcast, he's known for blending humor, operational excellence, and theatrical flair to help teams deliver jaw‑dropping experiences. Marc challenges organizations to “dare to be the exception” by building purposeful, service-first cultures rooted in love, kindness, and generosity.Join Marc Haine and me as we dive into the art of leadership and the pivotal role of customer and employee experience in business success. Discover how to create jaw-dropping experiences and transform your leadership approach. Perfect for leaders eager to innovate and inspire. 

From Olympic wrestling to Pro Football glory to the stage as a leadership speaker—Bob Molle’s journey is a masterclass in grit, reinvention, and resilience.⁠Bob Molle⁠ is the only Canadian athlete to win both an Olympic medal in wrestling and a Grey Cup championship in football. Today, he's a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and leadership coach who helps teams and executives grow through discomfort and lead with purpose.Listen to the full episode here:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/id1682682151?i=1000705908258Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/74iGEyUqC0rjlmxDL5iVdG?si=iHf2Hf0sT9S6Tz74YzSLhQ

From Olympic wrestling to Pro Football glory to the stage as a leadership speaker—Bob Molle’s journey is a masterclass in grit, reinvention, and resilience.⁠Bob Molle⁠ is the only Canadian athlete to win both an Olympic medal in wrestling and a Grey Cup championship in football. Today, he's a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and leadership coach who helps teams and executives grow through discomfort and lead with purpose.Listen to the full episode here:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/id1682682151?i=1000705908258Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/74iGEyUqC0rjlmxDL5iVdG?si=iHf2Hf0sT9S6Tz74YzSLhQ

Listen to the full episode with ⁠Nithya Ramachandran⁠:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/id1682682151?i=1000677963282Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6G2AQDwGK9VxQy0SWeY6gb?si=WV2s1yV0QQWwAKMkG3CYvA

Listen to the full episode with Nithya Ramachandran:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/id1682682151?i=1000677963282Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6G2AQDwGK9VxQy0SWeY6gb?si=WV2s1yV0QQWwAKMkG3CYvA

Listen to the full interview with Markus van Alphen:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2C6eqLBnjo2zfoxB9nOzOq?si=cxVExqD3RQuDBmn6u6FBDgApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/id1682682151?i=1000700022537

Listen to the full interview with Charles Stevens:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JBxR2VRULjcnkg4qUxDnW?si=3t0JDBkHRmi3f8aElXpTJgApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/id1682682151?i=1000700303868

Feeling stuck at the top? In this episode, certified coach and consultant Michelle Von Ruden shares how self-leadership and clarity can unlock your next level. Discover how senior leaders can shift from burnout and doubt to purpose and impact. Listen for powerful stories, mindset shifts, and practical tips from a seasoned leadership expert.🔗 Michelle's website: https://vonrudencc.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership Coaching00:58 Defining Leadership vs Management02:05 The Importance of Continuous Growth03:28 Michelle's Journey to Coaching05:14 Experiences That Shaped Michelle's Perspective07:50 The Moment of Change10:14 Becoming a Maxwell Certified Coach14:02 Real-World Applications of Coaching16:10 Resilience as a Choice17:44 Overcoming Adversity21:19 Future Aspirations and Impact

Listen to the full interview with Markus van Alphen:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2C6eqLBnjo2zfoxB9nOzOq?si=cxVExqD3RQuDBmn6u6FBDgApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/id1682682151?i=1000700022537

Think you know how salaries really work? Think again.In this episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, I sit down with John Gates, seasoned recruiter and founder of Salary Coach, to reveal what most leaders and candidates get wrong about compensation. From the unspoken rules behind salary decisions to strategies for negotiating from a position of clarity, John breaks it all down.📌 Learn more about John Gates: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngates-salarycoach🌐 Salary Coach: https://salarycoach.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Salary Coaching00:59 The Journey to Becoming a Salary Coach04:34 The Taboo of Discussing Compensation06:10 Overcoming Fear in Negotiations14:19 Building Value During Interviews19:29 The Role of AI in Negotiation22:13 Understanding Leverage in Negotiations25:25 Common Mistakes in Salary Negotiation

Listen to the full interview with Charles Stevens:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JBxR2VRULjcnkg4qUxDnW?si=3t0JDBkHRmi3f8aElXpTJgApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/id1682682151?i=1000700303868

What happens when you stop managing and start leading? In this episode, I sit down with William Charles Davis, executive coach and author of The Ultimate Leadership Blueprint, to explore how leaders can inspire without controlling, build trust without micromanaging, and create culture without compromise.We get into:The most common leadership mistakes (and how to fix them)Why control kills motivationHow to lead high-performance teams through trust and clarity🔗 Learn more:Website: https://www.williamcdavis.netLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamcharlesdavis/Book: The Ultimate Leadership BlueprintChapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Barbecue02:37 The Foundation of Leadership: Personal Relationships05:32 The Leadership Crisis: Understanding the Disconnect09:57 Leading Without Managing: The Importance of Relationships12:54 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership18:01 Building a Personal Leadership Style24:48 Empowering Your Team: They Are Not Your Competition29:04 The Importance of One-on-Ones in Leadership

Listen to the full podcast interview with Urs Koenig: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ROlz2uVPunmzB2qJMC5hk?si=1tqVWo4vRlm2AZNgtcl8KAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/id1682682151?i=1000696903187

Listen to the full podcast interview "The Shocking Cost of Poor Listening (And How to Avoid It)" with Christine Miles:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/id1682682151?i=1000690395311Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/37BfBi2IKQPWys4G8qoB0G?si=xz7cd-upQCGUbd8qsMn_Pw

How do good managers become great leaders—especially in a world that won’t slow down?In this episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, executive coach and author Dan Roberts joins me to unpack the difference between reacting and truly leading. Drawing from decades of experience and his book Optimize Your Leadership, Dan shares how leaders can create clarity, space, and courage in the middle of chaos.We dive into:- The SEA Change Model and how it transforms reactive leadership- Why personal well-being isn’t optional for sustained performance- The mindset shift that helps leaders step out of survival mode- Practical steps to lead with intention—not just urgencyDan’s calm, insightful approach will shift the way you think about leadership—whether you're in a boardroom or just trying to hold your team together on a busy Tuesday.📘 Learn more about Dan’s work: https://www.impactfulperformance.com📗 Grab his book: Optimize Your LeadershipChapters00:00 Introduction to Change Management and Leadership03:27 The C Change Model Explained06:13 Challenges in Leadership During Disruption08:49 Creating Alignment in Organizations11:53 The Importance of Well-being in Leadership14:42 Recognizing When to Move On17:34 Defining Optimization in Leadership20:28 Shifting from Reactive to Strategic Leadership23:05 Practical Steps to Become a Servant Leader26:00 Creating Space for Innovation28:59 Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Listen to the full interview with Markus van Alphen:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2C6eqLBnjo2zfoxB9nOzOq?si=cxVExqD3RQuDBmn6u6FBDgApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/id1682682151?i=1000700022537

From Olympic wrestling to Pro Football glory to the stage as a leadership speaker—Bob Molle’s journey is a masterclass in grit, reinvention, and resilience.Bob Molle is the only Canadian athlete to win both an Olympic medal in wrestling and a Grey Cup championship in football. Today, he's a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and leadership coach who helps teams and executives grow through discomfort and lead with purpose.Bob opens up about:➡️ Winning an Olympic silver medal just 18 days after major back surgery➡️ Why “getting comfortable being uncomfortable” is the key to growth➡️ The lessons he carried from the locker room to the boardroom➡️ How leaders can build trust, face adversity, and lead with heartWe also talk about his bestselling book Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable, and how his coaching work today helps teams and executives thrive under pressure.📚 Grab Bob’s book: https://getcomfortablebeinguncomfortable.com🌐 Learn more: https://bobmolle.comNotable People Mentioned:➡️ John Tenta – Bob’s Olympic wrestling roommate and later known as “Earthquake” in the WWE➡️ Gene Kiniski – Canadian wrestling legend and mentor➡️ Dan Gable – Iconic American wrestler and coach who inspired Bob’s Olympic mindsetChapters00:00 Introduction to Bob Molle's Journey03:58 The Power of Relationships in Sports06:50 Overcoming Adversity: The Road to the Olympics09:54 The Mindset of a Champion12:46 The Role of Grit and Growth in Success19:23 The Power of Belief and Positive Environment21:47 Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable25:05 The Genesis of a Book30:19 Simplicity in High-Stakes Situations37:51 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool

Listen to the full podcast interview "The Shocking Cost of Poor Listening (And How to Avoid It)" with Christine Miles:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coachful-coaching-leadership-podcast/id1682682151?i=1000690395311Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/37BfBi2IKQPWys4G8qoB0G?si=xz7cd-upQCGUbd8qsMn_Pw