Love as a Strategy

In this episode, we speak with Randy Lyman, a physicist, multi-time founder, and author of The Third Element, to explore how leaders can find clarity and fulfillment by embracing emotional awareness instead of choosing between logic and empathy. Randy shares his personal journey from a strictly "left-brain" leader to one who centers on the "Third Element"—our emotions—explaining that true success and lasting solutions are only found when leading from a place of love and confident vulnerability, rather than fear or ego. He outlines the three core needs of employees that matter more than money—acknowledgment, contribution, and belonging—and offers tangible advice on how deep listening and personal comfort with uncomfortable topics can transform team dynamics, ultimately attracting better people, increasing team effectiveness, and easing the burden on managers.Buy the book: https://randylyman.com/the-third-element/

In this episode we sit down with leadership coach and C-suite veteran Matt Marcotte (Apple, Salesforce, Gap) to explore how to truly unleash human potential. Matt challenges conventional organizational thinking by arguing that humans are wired to lead with Heart, Head, and Hands—feeling first, thinking second, and acting third. Discover why leading with emotion inspires true transformation in a way data alone never can.1The discussion dives into the galvanizing power of belief and why purpose must be the core driver, not profit, for sustainable business success. Learn how to get to the root cause of misalignment and get a tangible takeaway for starting your personal journey of transformation this week.Be sure to check out Matt’s Book, Built on Belief: Why Cultures of Commitment are the Competitive Advantage: https://a.co/d/0d7skqaBLearn more at Matt’s website: m2collaborative.comContact Matt: [email protected]

In this episode, Jeff Ma talks with Brad Fideli, Director of HR at NTN Bearing Corporation, about the often-overlooked "people element" of large-scale organizational transitions. Using his company’s recent headquarters relocation as a case study, Brad explains how to move beyond stagnant email blasts by "bringing communications to life" through interactive samples, floorplan sketches, and employee-led committees. From addressing minor daily frustrations like "talking garbage" to fostering authentic connections through casual, interactive gatherings, Brad shares why leadership must remain visible and present long after the initial change is rolled out. Tune in to learn how to navigate major shifts by prioritizing transparency, active listening, and genuine human connection.

Leaders, stop the blame game. Host Jeff Ma welcomes executive coach and international bestselling author of You Were Not Born to Suffer, Blake D. Bauer, to discuss a radical approach to leadership and change: taking 100% personal responsibility.Blake explains how this shift—away from blame and toward a solution-minded approach—is the key to strengthening mental health, crushing burnout, and achieving genuine high performance. Discover why practicing 100% responsibility is the highest form of love.Learn more from blake:https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-d-bauer/https://www.instagram.com/blakedbauer/

In this episode, we sit down with two-time Olympic champion coach Jane Figueiredo to explore how a strategy of love, compassion, and empathy drives success in high-stakes environments, from Olympic diving to the world of business. Jane shares powerful stories of navigating preparation, consistency, devastating setbacks, and the difficult but necessary process of change throughout her career.

In this episode of "Love as a Strategy," we talk with Jeff Tkach, CEO of the Rodale Institute. Discover the secret to human health hidden right beneath our feet, the connection between "healthy soil, healthy food, and healthy people," and why Jeff believes every human is being called to a metaphorical "return to the farm." Plus, get the inside story on his personal health journey and his brand new book, The Farm is Here.Learn more about his new book here: https://rodaleinstitute.org/the-farm-is-here/Order your copy here: https://a.co/d/0cdRMkqX

In this episode, we talk with leadership strategist Andrea Wanerstrand, founder of A3 Culture Lab, about how to navigate the relentless speed of change in business. Andrea unpacks her Mindset Maven Method (M.A.V.E.N.)—a framework for building confidence, embracing ambiguity with curiosity, and showing up as your most authentic self. Learn how leading with humanity can transform large-scale organizational change.Learn more at:https://mindsetmaven.com/https://a3culturelab.com/Follow Andrea Wanerstrand on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawanerstrand/

Join host Jeff Ma as he welcomes Pinaki Kathiari, CEO of Local Wisdom and co-host of the podcast Why does it feel so wrong to be human at work?, for a deep dive into Love as a Change Strategy.In this candid conversation, Jeff and Pinaki explore the discomfort of change, the necessity of putting people first in any transformation, and how concepts like love and care are essential for building trust and a thriving workplace culture. Pinaki shares his personal experience with life-altering change and introduces ideas from Ayurveda's dosha types to illustrate why individuals react so differently to new circumstances. They also discuss practical strategies for managing organizational shifts, including the danger of "too much change all at once" and the power of small experiments to embrace new perspectives.

In this powerful final episode of the current season of "Love as a Business Strategy," guest Chris Field—founder of Mercy Project, author, and serial disruptor—discusses how he injects humanity and love into every facet of his boundary-breaking career. Chris shares his personal philosophy centered on ensuring his life "mattered," candidly explores the need to reconcile one's "money story" and untie self-worth from financial status, and passionately explains why genuine care is not just a tactic for better productivity but the core of true business success. The conversation culminates with the profound idea that "Love as a Showing Up Strategy" means choosing to be present and available for others, even when it is difficult, an essential trait that transcends business and redefines personal impact.

What does it truly take to prepare the business leaders of tomorrow?In this episode, Dr. John Sanchez, an award-winning professor at Texas A&M's Mays Business School, unveils his secret weapon: Love.He'll share his experiences and challenge the conventional wisdom of what it means to be a leader of character.

What if love wasn’t soft, but systemic?In a world where employee engagement is treated like an annual event, healthcare strategist Geoffrey Smith challenges us to reimagine it as a daily act of care.This episode is a call to shift—from compliance to compassion, from processes to presence, from metrics to meaning. within ourselves. More on Geoffrey here:  https://mo-mentsofexperience.com/

What if real connection wasn’t about what you think, but how you feel?In this episode, Stuart Knight dismantlaes surface-level communication and shows us how to move from mind-to-mind chatter to heart-to-heart meaning—at work, at home, and within ourselves.http://humanconnectiongroup.comFollow Stuart on IG: stuartsknight

Tune in to a heartfelt conversation with Claudia Cardozo on redefining belonging through love and self-awareness.Discover how compassionate leadership begins with the relationship you have with yourself.From surviving to thriving—learn how presence, purpose, and inner healing shape truly inclusive cultures.More of Claudia :http://innatefive.comhttp://loveisthepath.org

What happens when a CEO puts people before process—at every level of the org?Leon De Bruyn, President & CEO of Lummus Technology, shares how culture transformation, radical empathy, and bold leadership helped double revenue in four years.A powerful conversation on replacing fear with trust, and hierarchy with humanity—this one’s a must-listen.

his episode isn't just about managing conflict; it's about leveraging it as a dynamic force for deepening relationships, fostering courage, and driving undeniable growth.  Dan and Jeff challenge you to run into the storm of conflict, not away from it, recognizing that delaying difficult conversations only amplifies the pain. If you're ready to embrace the "hard" now for a exponentially better future, then this conversation is essential listening.For more on Dan's work, visit his website here: www.takenewground.com

Discover how Trisha Choi transforms leadership through play, vulnerability, and love — inspiring us to reconnect with our authentic selves.From hospital halls to healing spaces, her journey redefines success with joy, humanity, and heart. Give it a listen and feel the shift!https://www.bahaykuboretreat.com/

When teams fail, it’s rarely the process—it’s the people. In this powerful episode, Dr. John Frey reveals how servant leadership, love, and humility fuel high-performing teams in both life-saving volunteer squads and global tech environments. If you’ve ever questioned whether humanity belongs in leadership, this conversation will change your mind.

n this powerful conversation, Bodhi Aldridge reveals how integrating masculine and feminine energies transforms leadership—masculine energy provides direction and structure while feminine energy fosters connection and creativity, both essential for business success.Leaders who balance both energies create psychological safety where innovation thrives. Listen in! 

In a world obsessed with metrics, what if the key to business success was something more... human? Jeff Ma dives into conversation with Tim Lupinacci, CEO at Baker Donelson regarding a human-centered approach as a powerful driver of success.

In this episode, Jeff Ma sits down with Dr. Greg Giuliano, the author of multiple Amazon bestsellers and a leading voice in leadership development. Greg unpacks his philosophy of 'Ultra Leadership,' focusing on creating environments that foster positive change. Explore practical strategies for shifting from a command-and-control mindset to one of empathy and service. You can find Greg on LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ga-ultraleadership/ on his YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/@ultraleadershipand and at his website:   http://ultraleadership.com

In this episode, award-winning speaker, executive coach, and former Deloitte leader Neena Newberry unpacks the barriers that hold women back, the power of self-awareness, and the small but transformative steps to build confidence and influence. She’s dedicated her career to helping women step into their strengths and own their impact—don’t miss this insightful conversation on leadership, vulnerability, and breaking barriers Neena's ContactLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neenanewberry/Website: https://www.newberrysolutions.com/ 

Dr. Laura Gallaher is a best-selling author who’s worked with everyone from NASA to Disney. While you’ll find her featured in Forbes or TEDx, she stops by the podcast to drop some wisdom on introspection, fear, and self-acceptance. There’s so much to learn here, so make sure to listen up!Laura's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gallaher-phdSelf Acceptance Quiz: https://selfacceptancequiz.com/Website: drlauragallaher.com

Dr. Jill Wener is an anti-racism educator, DEI consultant, trauma specialist, allyship coach, and Co-Founder of Conscious Anti-Racism, LLC. She’s helped countless clients learn practical tools to take self-improvement to the next level - and she joins the podcast to share her perspective and approach.

Now, more than ever, in a world full of transactions, relationships are the most important thing to foster. Jonathan Rosen brings his expertise to the podcast, and helps us understand the impact of relationships, and how to build them with customers and teams.Find Jonathan onLinkedIn or connect with himdirectly:

As the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Daikin, Kristi Pittman is at the helm of a very unique and impactful workplace culture. In this episode, she shares exactly what “people-centered management” means, and what it takes to really make it work at Daikin.

Karl Pettersen spent over 30 years as a recognized leader in finance, and today he is a thought leader and advisor for Fortune 100 companies. He joins the podcast to talk about the disruption needed in the workplace - centered around humanity. http://pettersenonline.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-pettersen-95990b45

Rose Ann Garza is the Chief Human Resources Officer of Kerbey Lane, one of the most iconic restaurants in Austin, TX. Kerbey Lane is definitely known for its food and its vibes, but more than that, it’s known for its people and culture. We sit down with Rose Ann to hear about how the culture of this restaurant is at the center of its success.

Irma Neal believes that every person has worth. In her career and experiences, she has learned a lot from the chaos that surrounded her - an she brings those learnings to this episode. Listen in as she shares those stories, and how she overcame the chaos through love.

Katie McLaughlin has a unique approach to her speaking, facilitation, and consulting. In addition to her original method of teaching, she’s also developed a method for leaders to reflect on their “team health”. She joins the podcast to share all about it. Find out more: http://mclaughlinmethod.com/ http://teamhealthscorequiz.com

We talk about Psychological Safety a lot here on the podcast - but Dr. Jonathan Thorp really gives a new and different perspective on it. This episode will help you better understand what real psychological safety looks like, and why accountability is at the center of it all. Check out more from Dr. Jonathan Thorp here

Think you understand the generational divide? Think again. In this episode, Hannah Dannecker shares her insights on Gen Z and how they’re showing up in the workplace. As a Gen Z entrepreneur herself, Hannah has built a business focused on helping organizations and leaders bridge the generational gap. Tune in to hear her wisdom and expertise on navigating this ever-evolving dynamic. Check out more from Hannah at: https://xtoz.org/

Ravi Singh is an expert in UX, UI, Marketing, Development, Product and User Research - but he comes on the show in this episode to help demystify the concept of Empathy. What does practicing empathy look like? How do you empathize with people around what they need vs what they want? He shares his answer to all this and more!

Michele Phillips has over two decades of experience working with some of the biggest companies, guiding leaders with her expertise in happiness and performance. She sits down with the show to zoom in on a topic that many leaders struggle with. This was a great conversation… about difficult conversations. Check out her book: https://a.co/d/4cSDt4x

Meredith Bell is an author, podcast host, and expert in transforming how humans connect with one another. And when it comes to personal interactions, few topics are more discussed and overanalyzed than FEEDBACK. We sit down with Meredith on this episode and pick her brain on what the key to giving and receiving feedback is. You’re gonna love this one. Check out more of Meredith’s work, along with her books and her podcast: https://growstrongleaders.com/

Diane Hare founded BizLove to solve problems in a different way, and she believes that business and love go hand-in-hand. (imagine that!) She joins the podcast to share her story, her approach, and her success - and it’s an amazing perspective that reinforces everything Love as a Business Strategy believes in.

Jake has had a long and winding road to success, and through it all he’s learned how to completely transform his perspective on life, work, and relationships. In this episode, he shares his story of having to break down before breaking through, and talks about how you can’t help others if you’re not working on yourself.

Noah’s story is filled with highs and even more lows. He joins the podcast to share his journey, personal and business - and offers his perspective on what it means to truly listen to others.

David Greer is a lifelong entrepreneur who specializes in helping other entrepreneurs overcome challenges and obstacles in their lives. At the core of so much of his work is the concept of our belief systems, and how our beliefs drive our mindsets and behaviors. David breaks it down expertly for us in this episode.

Scott Mautz literally wrote the book on Mental Strength. If you’re looking to level up your self-awareness, and better understand your mind vs your heart - this is the episode for you. Be sure to get Scott’s free PDF download here: http://www.scottmautz.com/mentallystronggift

David Bell is the Chief Encouragement Officer of Discovery Zone Coaching, and in this episode, he shares what he’s learned (and what he helps others learn) about having meaningful conversations.

Jasmine Bellamy is a pioneer in applying LOVE to business. She is not only a scholar, but also a practitioner - creating the “Courageous Conversations” platform, founding Love 101 Ministries, and being named among Sports Illustrated’s Top 100 Influential Black Women in Sports. In this episode, she shares her LOVE framework, and how to apply it for ourselves.

Oh boy are we excited about this one. Frank is back, and he joins the show to talk about his favorite thing in the world: Disney. We are joined by the former President of Walt Disney World Resort, George Kalogridis. George shares his amazing journey from busser to president, and let’s us in on how love plays a role in creating the magic at Disney.

In honor of mental health awareness month, we’ve invited Kathy Gregory to the show. Kathy is a workplace wellness specialist, and she focuses on instilling a culture of health, well-being, and positive transformation in the workforce. In this episode, we dive into the many aspects of wellness, and how we can improve our mindsets around it.

So much of our life, from daily decisions to big moments, is controlled or affected by fear. It’s a natural and unavoidable part of being human, but how we decide to address and face our fear can really change the way we understand love as a business strategy. Megan Billnoske is no stranger to fear, as she shares her story with us in this episode.

Jesus “Jesse” Hernandez brings a perspective we haven’t had on the show yet - he started his career as a plumber and has worked his way up through the construction industry. And today, he applies his own brand LOVE to help revolutionize the industry.

Amber Ontiveros has a one-of-a-kind story, and a unique perspective that has helped her understand the neuroscience of unconscious bias in a totally different way. In this episode, she takes us on a journey that travels through spirituality, science, and life.

How do you find purpose in your life and in your work? Jonathan Bennett is a leadership coach who specializes in helping people do that. In this episode, he shares some incredible perspective and insights that are sure to help you think about your purpose in a brand new way.

Guillaume has been sharing his expertise with CEOs and entrepreneurs to help them build successful businesses that they love. In this episode, he dives into how narratives impact our mindsets, and ultimately our behaviors.

We’re kicking off 2024 with a topic that many can relate to: Imposter Syndrome. Except, Tiffany Houser, an expert on that very topic, doesn’t like to use that term. Listen in to find out exactly why. Learn more about Tiffany at http://selfworthadvantage.com The HBR article she references in the episode: https://hbr.org/2021/02/stop-telling-women-they-have-imposter-syndrome

As we’ve so often said, self-awareness is the key to transforming ourselves and our behaviors. But what does the journey to self-awareness look like, and how do we embark on that journey? Joni Goodman specializes in exactly that topic, and joins the show to share her thoughts and perspectives.