Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract

David Lancefield is the founder of Strategy Shift and a trusted advisor to over 50 CEOs. In this episode of Leadership NOW, David and Dan dive deep into what it truly means to lead with trust. They discuss how empowering teams, fostering involvement, and creating a culture of accountability can drive meaningful transformation. David shares practical insights from his extensive experience working with leaders to unlock potential and navigate change in today’s fast-paced environment. David has worked with C-Suite executives to design bold strategies, supercharge their leadership, and transform their culture in 20 countries. He’s a contributor to Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Review, and Strategy+Business, and a guest lecturer at the London Business School. He is a former senior partner in Strategy&, PwC. You can find out more about David, his work and his writing at: https://davidlancefield.com/writing/ More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/content/

In this episode, we sit down with Mary Olson-Menzel, leadership coach and author of "What Lights You Up?," to explore how leaders can reignite their purpose and help others do the same. We dive into the challenges of staying connected to personal values in a world of constant change, the importance of leading gracefully, and how empathy can drive individual and team success. Join us as we uncover the power of lighting the path for others and finding what truly fuels you as a leader. More about Mary at https://mvpexec.com/about/mary-olson-menzel/ More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com

In this episode of Leadership NOW, host Dan Pontefract chats with acclaimed filmmaker Mike Downie about his documentary "The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal," which tells the incredible story of The Tragically Hip. Mike shares the more profound insights behind the film, exploring the themes of resilience, love, and collaboration that defined the band’s remarkable journey. Listeners will hear Mike’s reflections on working with archival footage and intimate interviews to bring this four-part documentary to life. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at how The Tragically Hip stayed true to their values, both as musicians and as leaders who prioritized integrity and trust above all else. If you’re interested in leadership, authenticity, or simply a fan of The Hip, this episode offers valuable lessons on the power of unity and perseverance in the face of challenges. Discover how the band's collaborative spirit shaped their legacy and what leaders today can learn from their example. More about Mike Downie at https://couragefilms.ca/ More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

In this episode, Dan Pontefract sits down with Andrew Barnes, the visionary behind the global four-day workweek movement. Andrew shares how his bold experiment at Perpetual Guardian in New Zealand redefined productivity and work-life balance, sparking a worldwide conversation. From boosting employee engagement and well-being to challenging traditional leadership thinking, Barnes reveals the secrets behind the 180-100 model that’s changing the future of work. Tune in to discover how fewer hours can deliver more—and why the movement is gaining traction globally. Andrew Barnes has made a career of market-changing innovation and industry digitization. He owns and is a director of Coulthard Barnes, Perpetual Guardian, and New Zealand’s largest crowdfunding website, Givealittle. Best known as co-founder of 4 Day Week Global, the international not-for-profit advocates for and supports organizations with their journey to a shorter, productivity-focused workweek. Their 100-80-100™ model has earned worldwide acclaim, with the organization being named a TIME 100 Most Influential Company for 2023. In the last five years, Andrew has worked with countless companies and advised over a dozen national and regional governments on how their populations will work in the future. He was also recently recognized on the Forbes Future Of Work 50 list as a leader in workplace innovation. His most recent achievement in June 2024 has been the recognition and award of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for outstanding achievement and support in the community. Find out more about Andrew's work at https://www.4dayweek.com/book More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Dr. Deborah Heiser, the founder and CEO of The Mentor Project™, is a leading figure in the field of aging. Her work, which brings experts to mentor students worldwide for free, has had a significant impact. As an applied developmental psychologist, a TEDx speaker, and a Psychology Today contributor, she specializes in midlife and beyond. Her research, which covers a wide range of topics related to aging, has been recognized with grants awarded from NIA/NIH and Pfizer. A frequent expert guest on syndicated and local talk radio shows, Deborah contends that our most precious natural resources are not coal, oil and gas but intellect, expertise, and skills. She is a proponent of utilizing our world experts through mentorship and firmly believes that we are all built to give back. Coming out in 2024 is a new book titled “The Mentorship Edge.” More details about Deborah at https://mentorproject.org/mentor/deborah-heiser/ More information about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, I sit down with Todd Cherches, CEO and co-founder of BigBlueGumball, to explore the unique intersection of visual thinking and leadership. Todd, an award-winning professor and author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life, shares his journey from a TV addict dreaming of being Superman to becoming a leading expert in visual communication. We discuss how metaphors, mental models, and visual storytelling can enhance a leader’s ability to communicate, innovate, and inspire. Todd also dives into his visual leadership formula and the importance of translating complex ideas into relatable, visual terms to connect with and engage your audience. Whether you’re looking to improve your leadership style or understand the impact of visual thinking, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice. More about Todd at https://www.toddcherches.com/services More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Join us in this enlightening episode of Leadership NOW as Dan Pontefract sits down with Dr. Maja Zelihic, Dean of the Forbes School of Business and Technology and co-author of “The Power of Perception.” Dr. Zelihic delves into the profound impact of perception on leadership and decision-making. She shares compelling stories, including a transformative e-learning project in Zambia, and discusses how emotional intelligence and the EPIC process can help leaders overcome biases and foster more inclusive, innovative organizations. Don’t miss this deep dive into the hidden dynamics that shape our professional and personal lives. Outside of FSBT, she serves as a Distinguished Professor at the School of Business, Woxsen University, India. Dr. Zelihic serves on the Board of Advisors of the International Fellowship Program in Arbitration and Scientific Assessment, the comprehensive global academic review platform. Dr. Zelihic’ s work has been published in more than 20 peer-reviewed journals, and her research ventures have taken her across the globe. For more about Dr. Zelihic visit https://www.uagc.edu/about/faculty/maja-zelihic For more about Dan Pontefract visit https://www.danpontefract.com/

Join Dan Pontefract in a thought-provoking discussion with Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg, author of “What’s Your Problem?” and a leading expert on problem-solving and innovation. Discover how reframing problems can unlock new solutions and drive organizational success. Wedell-Wedellsborg shares key insights on overcoming biases, fostering psychological safety, and rethinking goals with flexibility and adaptability. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will revolutionize your approach to leadership and problem-solving. Listen now to transform your mindset and empower your team. Wedell-Wedellsborg's research has been featured in The Economist, Forbes, Bloomberg, Businessweek and The Financial Times. HR Magazine listed him as a “Top 20 International Thinker”. Thinkers50 listed him on their 2021 Radar. Wedell-Wedellsborg holds an MA in Media Science from the University of Copenhagen and an MBA from IESE Business School. Prior to his business career, He served for four years as an officer with the Danish Royal Guards. As an executive advisor and keynote speaker, Wedell-Wedellsborg has addressed organizations such as Cisco, Microsoft, Citigroup, Time Warner, Caterpillar, Amgen, Prudential, Union Pacific, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, the Wall Street Journal, and the United Nations. More about Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg at https://wedellsblog.com/ Dan Pontefract can be reached at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Join us in this enlightening episode of Leadership NOW as Dan Pontefract sits down with Pete Bombaci, the founder of The GenWell Project. Pete shares the inspiring story behind the movement and discusses the critical importance of fostering human connections in our increasingly digital world. Discover how loneliness and social isolation impact our health and what practical steps we can take to build stronger, more compassionate communities. From technology’s double-edged sword to the transformative power of workplace relationships, Pete’s insights will inspire you to reconnect with those around you and make meaningful interactions a daily habit. Don’t miss this compelling conversation on how simple acts of connection can lead to a happier, healthier society. More about the GenWell Project at https://genwell.ca/ More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Join us in this enlightening episode of Leadership NOW as I sit down with Josh Blair, CEO and co-founder of Impro.ai. Blair shares his insights on creating a new category in business innovation: performance technology. Discover how Impro.ai leverages AI and human strategists to enhance employee performance, foster leadership, and drive organizational success. Tune in to learn about real-world applications, success stories, and Blair’s unique leadership philosophy that balances empathy with execution. Impro.ai is a high-tech company that enables corporations to elevate their performance. Through their AI-powered platform, Impro provides daily performance guidance to employees and organizational performance insights to executives. Impro.ai is at the forefront of developing performance technology, a groundbreaking approach that integrates AI and human expertise to transform employee behavior and organizational efficiency. By combining AI-driven data insights with the personalized touch of Impro performance strategists, the platform offers tailored guidance to help employees improve their mindsets, behaviors, and habits. This innovative method not only boosts individual performance but also provides executives with actionable insights to drive strategic decision-making and achieve remarkable business outcomes. More about Josh Blair and Impro at https://www.impro.ai More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com

Daniel Trabucchi is Senior Assistant Professor of Platform Thinking, and Tommaso Buganza is Full Professor of Leadership & Innovation, both at Politec-nico di Milano. They are Scientific Directors of the Observatory Platform Thinking HUB and co-authors of the book, "Platform Thinking: Read the Past, Write the Future." Tommaso and Daniel join Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to discuss all things 'platform thinking.' They do not disappoint. Both Trabucchi and Buganza were recently appointed to the Thinkers 50 Radar Class of 2024. Find out more about their book, "Platform Thinking" at https://platformthinking.eu/ Find out more about Dan Pontefract at www.danpontefract.com

Dana Griffin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Eldera, an innovative platform dedicated to bridging the gap between generations. Dana joins Leadership NOW where Dan delves into her journey, the inspiration behind Eldera, and her vision for a future where the wisdom of elders is recognized as a valuable resource for societal growth and intergenerational solidarity. Dana, originally from the picturesque Transylvania region of Romania, has carved a unique path in the world of tech and social impact. With a rich background as a data and advertising executive, she shifted her focus towards the age-tech industry, driven by a deep-seated belief in the untapped wisdom of older adults. Eldera is a testament to this belief, creating a global intergenerational mentoring program that connects elders with the younger generation, facilitating not just the sharing of knowledge, but also fostering enduring relationships. Dana's work is grounded in her own experiences, having been raised by her grandparents and continually inspired by elder mentors throughout her life. An Encore Gen2Gen Innovator Fellow, Dana is not just a business leader but a thought leader, advocating for the principled use of AI for innovation and social good. She has been recognized as a '40 under 40' change-maker by AdAge and holds multiple trademarks and patents focused on aging and wisdom. Dana's interests extend beyond her professional pursuits, exploring the realms of human consciousness and well-being. Visit www.eldera.ai for more information about Dana and Eldera. Visit www.danpontefract.com for more details about Dan Pontefract and his award-winning books.

Amy Blankson is a happiness expert, the Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of the Digital Wellness Institute, and the author of several bestselling books, including "The Future of Happiness." Amy joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW for a deep-dive discussion on a host of issues and topics related to digital wellness. Amy is on a mission to help us create a more positive world that prioritizes Digital Flourishing—that sweet spot where productivity, health, and happiness meet. By harnessing a simple, research-backed framework, Amy and her team help reimagine digital well-being so people can thrive. As a member of the UN Global Happiness Council and a fellow of the World Innovation Organization, Amy actively engages in initiatives aimed at promoting happiness as a core value in society. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as PBS, The New York Times, Forbes, and The Huffington Post. Amy is the only person to have ever received a Point of Light Award from two U.S. Presidents and has over 15 years of experience leading teams in how to convert stress into joy. With degrees from Harvard and Yale, Amy is being continually recognized for her pioneering contributions to the study of positive psychology and its application in the digital age. More about Amy and the Digital Wellness Institute at https://www.digitalwellnessinstitute.com/ More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Ilya Kneppelhout co-founded The Offline Club as a response to our increasingly digital world. In this episode of "Leadership NOW," we explore the club's origins, digital intoxication, loneliness, and how It aims to "inspire people to swap screen time for real-time, today and tomorrow." Located in Amsterdam, The Offline Club offers a space where members can disconnect from their digital devices and reconnect with the real world. The idea is to provide a tech-free sanctuary where individuals can enjoy genuine conversations and immerse themselves in the moment reminiscent of the pre-digital era of the '90s. The club's core principle is mandatory disconnection from online devices, fostering an environment for genuine human interaction. Ilya’s vision extends beyond individual well-being to inspire a global movement towards offline engagement, aiming to facilitate a worldwide "reconnection" with others and oneself. More about Ilya and The Offline Club at their site: https://bento.me/theofflineclub More about Dan Pontefract and "Leadership NOW" here: https://www.danpontefract.com

Alex Brueckmann is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of “The Strategy Legacy,” and “Secrets of Next Level Entrepreneurs.” He is the founder and president of Brueckmann Executive Consulting based in Vancouver, Canada. In this episode of Leadership NOW, Alex and Dan discuss the nine core elements of organizational identity from his book "The Strategy Legacy." Alex has impacted thousands of leaders worldwide. His clients include high-growth start-ups and Fortune 500 executive teams. He holds degrees and certificates in management, leadership, and strategy from EBS University, INSEAD, and Harvard Business School. More about Alex Brueckmann at: https://brueckmann.ca/ More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/

Eddie Turner is an in-demand, Harvard-trained leadership development expert who works with leaders to “Accelerate Performance and Drive Impact!”® He is "Changing the Face of Leadership" and helping to create “Better Workplaces and a Better World”™ as a Principal Consultant and Executive Coach at Linkage, a SHRM company. Eddie joins Dan Pontefract on this episode of “Leadership NOW” to discuss his book “140 Simple Messages to Guide Emerging Leaders” and all things under the leadership sun. Eddie has significant experience driving digital transformation, systems integration, and developing leaders at all organizational levels. This includes major corporations like Pepsi, Deloitte, GE, Dell, Apple, the NFL, and the WNBA, among others. Eddie is one of the Top 25 Thought Leaders in Leadership by Thinkers 360, the Power List of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership by leadersHum, and one of the Top 25 Mentors on the Globe by the International Federation of Learning and Development. Eddie has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fox News, PBS, NPR, and ABC. Eddie studied leadership and organizational behavior at Northwestern University, earning a Bachelor of Science. He also holds an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School. More about Eddie over here: https://eddieturnerllc.com/why-eddie/ More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/

Tony Martignetti is a trusted advisor, leadership coach, facilitator, best-selling author, podcast host, and speaker. He combines over 25 years of business and leadership experience with extreme curiosity to elevate leaders and equip them with the tools to navigate change and unlock their true potential. In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, Tony sits down with Dan to discuss his new book, "Campfire Lessons for Leaders: How Uncovering Our Past Can Propel Us Forward.” Before becoming the founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Inspired Purpose Partners, Tony was a finance and strategy executive with experience working with some of the leading life sciences companies. Along his journey, he also managed small businesses and ran a financial consulting company. Tony hosts The Virtual Campfire podcast and is the author of “Climbing the Right Mountain: Navigating the Journey to An Inspired Life." He has been featured in many publications, including Fast Company, Forbes, Life Science Leader, and CEO Today. Thinkers360 has recognized him as one of the Top Voices in Leadership and by LeadersHum as one of the Biggest Voices in Leadership. Find out more about Tony and his new book at https://www.ipurposepartners.com/book More about Dan Pontefract and his range of services and body of work at https://www.danpontefract.com

Rebecca Kirstein Resch is an award winning serial entrepreneur, an ally to the next generation, and an architect of better workplaces that work for everyone - and powered by humane technology. In this episode of Leadership NOW, Rebecca sits down with Dan to discuss a whitepaper she co-authored with Dana Fulwiler Volk titled "Questions Are The Answer." It's a deep-dive look at improving business impact and employee well-being by democratizing access to knowledge with purposeful tech. She is the founder & CEO of inqli - an AI-powered social knowledge-sharing platform that accelerates employee and enterprise growth by matching every question to trusted knowledge at work. Rebecca has worked alongside world-renowned educators, researchers, and technologists as she’s followed the thread of human growth and development from the classroom to the workplace, and back again in search of transformational systemic change. Her career highlight: sharing the stage with her hero and most-watched TED speaker in history, Sir Ken Robinson. Rebecca envisions a world where everyone has access to opportunities for meaningful work and fulfilling lives. You can read the white paper here: https://www.inqli.com/reports/questions-are-the-answer More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Jennifer McCollum is an acclaimed speaker, consultant, coach, and author of the fab book "In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO." It's the focus of her book, where Dan and Jennifer discuss several different facets of importance regarding gender equity and gender-related issues. With two decades of experience leading and building businesses in the leadership space, her expertise includes how to close the gap to gender equity, why the most effective leaders are inclusive leaders, and how to demystify inclusion for leaders and organizations. She has delivered workshops, keynotes, webinars, and podcasts to thousands of leaders globally on live and virtual stages. Jennifer is also the former CEO of Linkage, a SHRM company, where she oversaw the strategic direction and global operations of this global leadership development firm. Linkage has been consistently ranked as a top 20 training company worldwide, providing assessments, training, coaching, consulting, and conferences. Prior to Linkage, Jennifer spent 10 years in Atlanta working for The Coca-Cola Company. She also spent a decade growing businesses within Korn Ferry and the Corporate Executive Board (CEB), now Gartner. At CEB, she led product management within the leadership division, driving innovative solutions that helped organizations select, develop, and place leaders at all levels. She also ran CEB’s Leadership Academies business, which developed more than 30,000 professionals in 2,100 companies throughout 50 countries. Previously, Jennifer served as CEO of IntraVision, a leadership consultancy she founded and grew over the course of 8 years. She worked with public companies, start-ups, associations, and nonprofits. Her passion is creating vision, executing strategy, and managing cohesive teams toward aspirational goals, with a special focus on supporting women in leadership roles. More about Jennifer's book "In Her Own Voice" at https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/731273/in-her-own-voice-by-jennifer-mccollum/ More about Dan Pontefract and the Leadership NOW program at www.danpontefract.com/podcast

Todd Hirsch is the "modern economist." In this episode of "Leadership NOW," he delves into the challenges of economic forecasting in today's unpredictable global environment. He discusses the limitations of traditional methods in accurately predicting economic trends amidst frequent, unforeseen 'black swan' events. Todd advocates for a shift from prediction to preparation, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and readiness for various potential outcomes. Our conversation further explores the impact of geopolitical events and environmental crises on the economy. Todd highlights how incidents like Russia's invasion of Ukraine and severe weather events directly affect economic conditions worldwide. He also addresses the erosion of public trust in economic expertise, noting the growing skepticism towards expert advice, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. Throughout the dialogue, Todd's insights illuminate the interconnected nature of global events and economics, stressing the need for leaders to be cognizant of a wide range of external factors that can abruptly shift economic landscapes. For more than 25 years, Todd worked as an economist for such renowned institutes as ATB Financial, the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Canada West Foundation, and the Bank of Canada. Having had a front-row seat to the key issues and trends impacting and transforming our world, Hirsch delivers dynamic, clear-eyed talks on the economy, adaptability, and creativity. Hirsch served as the vice president and chief economist for ATB Financial for over 15 years. He also previously taught economics at the University of Calgary and for the executive education program at the University of Alberta. In recognition of his work, Hirsch has received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum (2022) and Diamond (2012) Jubilee Medals, the University of Alberta’s Alumni Honour Award, and an honorary degree from Mount Royal University. The author of four books, Hirsch’s latest, Spiders in COVID Space: Adapting During and After the Pandemic, captures the inspiring and compelling stories of businesses and not-for-profits that reinvented themselves during the pandemic. He is currently the Director of the Energy Transition Centre at Innovate Calgary. Visit him at www.toddhirsch.com