752: Positivity, Energy, and Hunger to Learn - A Leadership Lesson from Christchurch - Ask Denis

True leadership isn’t about being in charge,  it’s about being ready when no one else is.In this mashup episode, Denis Gianoutsos brings together three remarkable voices—Dave Greenberg, Peggy Smith, and Fredrik Härén—to unpack the lived realities of modern leadership. These stories span from rescue helicopters to corporate boardrooms to remote islands, each revealing how authentic leadership is forged through lived experience, continuous learning, and the courage to reassess in real time.Tune in to hear what it really means to lead when no one’s watching, and how presence, humility, and creativity are reshaping the future of leadership.EP 107 – Dave Greenberg: Leadership That Keeps You AliveRedefining success on your termsLessons from early leadership misstepsApplying the SAFE decision-making modelStaying alive through constant reassessmentEP 131 – Peggy Smith: Leading Beyond the CamerasLeadership rooted in lived experienceThe power of showing up with integrityInspiration drawn from everyday momentsBalancing personal and professional presenceEP 197 – Fredrik Härén: Leadership for the Next 20 YearsBecoming an expert through curiosityWhy leadership matters more than innovationHonoring everyday, unsung leadersTeaching future leaders through independenceCommon Thread:Leadership isn’t assigned, it’s assumed through action and self-awarenessLifelong learning separates resilient leaders from reactive onesThe strongest leaders lead authentically, even when no one is watchingPersonal values, not titles, shape meaningful impactKey Quotes:“The leadership I learned over time was knowing when not to take off and knowing when to turn back.” – Dave Greenberg“I choose a set of characteristics and attributes for a leader… individuals that are inspirational, that show up authentically, that have a great deal of humility.” – Peggy Smith – Peggy Smith“Sometimes being an expert means knowing more than the audience… and in my case, I knew 10 weeks more.” – Fredrik Härén“I think a lot of people fall into leadership by mistake.” – Denis GianoutsosThe 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead Connect with Denis: Email: [email protected]: www.LeadingChangePartners.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianouts

Your calendar just blew the halftime whistle. Now the question is: will you coast or will you accelerate?Denis Gianoutsos issues a timely challenge to leaders everywhere: Don’t let the second half of the year slip by. Drawing inspiration from elite sports, he positions this midyear moment as a rare opportunity to pause, reset, and step into the next chapter with renewed intention and energy.This episode is your personal locker room talk: honest, motivating, and full of practical wisdom. Whether you’ve maintained momentum or lost it, Denis lays out the mindset and moves needed to finish strong.Halftime Perspective: Reflect Before You SprintWhy the midpoint of the year is a powerful leadership momentThe value of pausing before pushing aheadKey questions to reflect on: wins, setbacks, habits, and lessonsResetting With IntentionRe-align with what matters now, not what mattered in JanuaryDropping guilt and focusing on renewed vision and clarityDefining direction, pace, and standards for the rest of the yearAvoiding the Autopilot TrapRecognizing when you’re on cruise controlReclaiming your focus and cutting through the noiseStaying adaptable when conditions shiftAccelerate with PurposeThe difference between deliberate acceleration and blind hustleLetting go of what doesn’t work and doubling down on what doesBuilding momentum with consistent small actionsYour Call to Lead BiggerThe next six months hold massive potential, but only if you choose to moveA rallying call to reflect, reset, and accelerateHow to move from intention to actionKey Quotes:“You can lead stronger, think sharper, and live and lead bigger—but only if you decide to move.” - Denis Gianoutsos“Leaders grow when they slow down enough to learn.” - Denis GianoutsosBook a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsos The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead Connect with Denis:Email: [email protected]: www.LeadingChangePartners.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos

Great leadership is forged in the tension between burden and belief, between what breaks you and what builds others.In this mashup episode, Denis Gianoutsos sits down with Steve Fredlund, Kurian Tharakan, and Daniel Tolson—three thought-provoking leaders from different arenas- to explore what it means to lead in a world that’s always evolving. From happiness and spiritual grounding to skyscraper-sized vision, this conversation invites listeners to rethink what real leadership looks like in 2025 and beyond.Tune in for a bold reminder that who you are matters just as much as what you do.EP284 – Steve Fredlund: Leadership and the Pursuit of HappinessWhy Nelson Mandela remains the gold standard in holding “two truths at once”The reality that most leaders aren’t truly happy and what to do about itHope vs. action: why “hope is not a strategy”Aligning leadership with identity to avoid chasing someone else’s dreamEP290 – Kurian Tharakan: The Power of Spiritual Practice and StorytellingFrom Alexander the Great to Steve Jobs: two icons of visionary leadershipWhy great leaders master narrative, and how story defines legacyThe importance of spiritual discipline in staying groundedLeadership as contribution, not exploitationEP294 – Daniel Tolson: Vision at Scale and Leading in the Digital AgeWhy Dubai’s ruler inspires a new generation of limitless leadershipBuilding trust with people you may never meet in personLeadership in the digital world: omnipresence, speed, and scienceThe shift from the golden rule to the platinum rule in human connectionCommon Thread:Leadership is shifting from control to connection:  spiritual, emotional, and digitalGreat leaders align their actions with inner values, not outer expectationsStorytelling, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness are now core skillsLeadership is no longer confined to a boardroom; it’s built on presence, purpose, and impactKey Quotes:“Hope is a great thing to have… but hope is not a strategy.” - Steve Fredlund“Strong leadership emanates from strong storytelling… The narrative actually defines the leader.” - Kurian Tharakan“Leadership is your ability to get followers… and we’ll probably never meet them in the flesh.” - Daniel Tolson"If you're out there and you turn around as a leader and no one's following you, all you're doing is taking a hike." - Denis GianoutsosThe 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead Connect with Denis: Email: [email protected]: www.LeadingChangePartners.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/ YouTube...

Is leadership really changing, or does it need to?In this mashup, Denis Gianoutsos sits down with Roy Osing, Marcus Glowasz, and Patrick Touhey to explore what leadership must become to stay relevant and impactful. These powerful voices challenge outdated mindsets and call for a bold, human-centered approach to change. This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a catalyst.Listen now and rediscover what it takes to lead.EP288 – Roy Osing: Dare to Be the Only OneWhy Jerry Garcia is his ultimate leadership icon“Leadership must change”, and why momentum is not enoughThe execution gap: flipping the 80/20 rule from planning to doingCreating a competitive edge through the “Only” statementEP287 – Marcus Glowasz: Leading in a Data-Driven WorldWhy authority is no longer a prerequisite for leadershipHow flexibility and failure tolerance define modern leadersTransparency and truth as pillars of influenceBuilding trust in fast, disruptive environmentsEP293 – Patrick Touhey: The Pyramid of PurposeWhat corporate leaders can learn from Coach John WoodenWhy love, inclusion, and appreciation are leadership superpowersThe risks of losing human connection in a tech-driven worldLeadership that prioritizes relationships, not just resultsCommon Thread:Leadership is no longer about titles; it's about presence, purpose, and impactExecution beats planning when it comes to real-world resultsLeaders must embrace failure, flexibility, and continuous learningEmpathy, inclusion, and authenticity are no longer optional; they’re essentialGreat leadership today is built on human connection, not command and controlKey Quotes:“You don’t want merely to be the best of the best. You need to be the only one who does what you do.” - Roy Osing“You can be a leader without authority nowadays.” - Marcus Glowasz“Why are we not intentionally finding ways to integrate and build love within our culture?” - Patrick Touhey“Own the problem, get it sorted, and move on.” - Denis GianoutsosThe 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead Connect with Denis: Email: [email protected]: www.LeadingChangePartners.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos 

What if your greatest leadership asset isn’t your title or experience, but the energy you bring?In this Ask Denis episode, Denis Gianoutsos reflects on a powerful keynote moment in Christchurch, New Zealand, where a room full of global health professionals reminded him what real leadership feels like. They weren’t just there to listen; they were ready to grow.Denis shares why adaptive leadership, fueled by intentional energy and positivity, is essential in fast-changing environments. He breaks down how showing up with purpose, presence, and positivity can shift culture, inspire growth, and build momentum, even when the path ahead is uncertain.Whether you're leading in healthcare or any high-pressure space, this episode will challenge you to pause and ask: What kind of energy are you bringing?Leading in a Room Full of GrowthReflection on the conference experience in ChristchurchThe audience was fully present, optimistic, and eager to growThe collective energy elevated the entire spaceThriving in DisruptionThe health sector is a frontline example of constant changeAdaptive leadership is non-negotiable in high-stress environmentsIt's not about survival, it's about meaningful transformationPositivity as a Leadership ToolTrue positivity is grounded, not naiveMindset shapes how challenges are faced and teams are ledLeaders who radiate belief create ripple effects in cultureYour Energy Shapes the CultureLow-energy leaders drain performance and moraleIntentional, uplifting energy sets the toneHow you show up is how your team shows upFueling Your Leadership, IntentionallyRest, nutrition, and supplementation as leadership practicesMental focus and clear boundaries preserve high performanceEnergy management is a daily disciplineHow You Show Up Is How You LeadLeadership is felt more than spokenYour presence influences mood, momentum, and mindsetAsk: What energy are people catching from me?Key Quotes:“Positivity is a leadership advantage. It’s not about ignoring the hard stuff, it’s about choosing how you face it.” - Denis Gianoutsos“No one wants to work for a knuckle-dragger… that energy is heavy. And you know what? It spreads fast.” - Denis GionoutsosBook a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsos&nbsp;The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World&nbsp;Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders&nbsp;https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead&nbsp;Connect with Denis:Email: [email protected]: www.LeadingChangePartners.com&nbsp;Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos&nbsp;LinkedIn: <a...

Ego or purpose? Reaction or strategy? Silence or bold leadership?This mashup isn’t conversation, it’s a catalyst.Denis Gianoutsos teams up with David Wood, Mark Herschberg, and Adam Strong to challenge outdated leadership and ignite a new standard—one built on purpose, presence, and power.Change is here. Will you lead it, or get left behind?Listen now and upgrade how you lead.EP279 – David Wood: Lead with Presence, Not PretenseLearn the Humility–Dignity Spectrum and why both are crucial for influenceWhy transparency makes you more trustworthy, not weakHow to speak up without dominating or collapsingLeadership starts with being seen and heardEP282 – Mark Herschberg: Career Success Isn’t an AccidentWhy your career needs a project plan, not wishful thinkingWhat sets intentional leaders apart from reactive onesBuilding a strategy for the role you want, not just the one you haveThe shift from “hero” performer to collaborative team-builderEP285 – Adam Strong: Leading with Purpose and HumanityWhy compassion and authenticity are now core leadership strengthsHow post-pandemic shifts redefined team expectationsLetting go of ego to create more impactLeadership that aligns with legacy, not just profitCommon Thread:Today’s leaders must balance power with empathyPlanning, vulnerability, and purpose are non-negotiablesThe best leadership is no longer about command, it’s about connectionKey Quotes:“Be a kingmaker, not a king.” – David Wood“You need to be intentional and have a career plan.” – Mark Herschberg“Strong leaders show great compassion.” – Adam Strong“Great leaders put others first before they put themselves.” – Denis GianoutsosThe 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead&nbsp;Connect with Denis:&nbsp;Email: [email protected]: www.LeadingChangePartners.com&nbsp;Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/&nbsp;YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos&nbsp;

What if leadership isn't about being the smartest in the room, but about having the courage to unlearn, adapt, and truly connect?In this powerful mashup episode, Dr. Diane Hamilton, Swami Raote, and Steve Fredlund join Denis Gianoutsos to explore the deeper shifts redefining what it means to lead. From challenging status quo thinking to carrying the weight of social change, each guest offers a unique perspective on thriving in a world where yesterday’s strategies no longer apply.Are you leading with foresight or just repeating the past, while navigating emotional complexity, bold decisions, and genuine human connection?Tune in to hear how these seasoned leaders are reshaping the future of leadership—and how you can too.EP278 – Dr. Diane Hamilton: Facing Real Change with Curiosity and ForesightEmotional intelligence is not one-size-fits-allWe’re never as ready for change as we thinkStatus quo thinking limits future leadershipEP281 – Swami Raote: Leadership Beyond the ImageTrue leadership requires breaking your moldDon’t let your image define your decisionsGrit and clarity matter more than popularityEP284 – Steve Fredlund: From Hoping to Leading with IntentionGreat leaders balance justice and reconciliationStop chasing someone else’s vision of successHope is powerful, but it’s not a leadership planCommon Thread: Leading with Humility, Curiosity, and HumanityLeadership is about asking better questions, not having all the answersImpact takes courage to evolve beyond old identitiesTomorrow’s leaders lead with self-awareness and emotional strengthKey Quotes:“We think that we're ready for change until the real change happens.” - Dr. Diane Hamilton“Don't be a prisoner of what the world will say.” - Swami Raote“Hope is not a strategy.” - Steve Fredlund“I think a lot of leaders need to actually do the thinking and actually get out of that status quo.” - Denis GianoutsosThe 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead Connect with Denis: Email: [email protected]: www.LeadingChangePartners.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos

What happens when life takes your voice, literally?In this special Ask Denis milestone episode, Denis Gianoutsos reflects on the unexpected origin of the Leadership Is Changing podcast. Episode 749 marks five years since its launch, born not from triumph but from silence, following a life-altering surgery that nearly took away his ability to speak.Denis shares the inspiration behind the show, how he stayed consistent through adversity, and the core leadership principle that drives it all: consistency. If you’re a leader facing uncertainty or trying to find your voice, this episode is a must-listen.Leading Through the Unknown: Lessons from 5 Years of Growth.From Silence to Purpose The podcast began after throat surgery jeopardized Denis’s ability to speakA tough season turned into a spark for purposeLaunching a business (Leading Change Partners) and a message-driven platformCreating Value in Crisis COVID wiped out client work, but the mission didn’t stopDenis asked: “What can I create that brings value?”The podcast was launched with only a laptop, a mic, and a messageConsistency Over Perfection “Mr. Consistency” became Denis’s nickname and mantraDiscipline, focus, and consistency matter more than perfect timingShowing up builds trust, momentum, and presenceLeadership is Showing Up Leadership isn’t about being loud; it’s about delivering value consistentlyOver 30 years of global leadership experience poured into every episodeWe’re only just getting startedThe Power of Community New programs and communities launching soon for ambitious leadersDon’t wait for others to invest in your growth; start with yourselfYour Invitation to Lead Forward Subscribe, share, and review the podcastLeadership isn’t a title, it’s a decisionThe world is changing, and leaders must change too Key Quotes:“To succeed in anything worthwhile, you must have discipline, focus, and consistency.” — Denis Gianoutsos“Leadership isn’t a title, it’s a decision. And when the world changes, leaders must change too.”— Denis GianoutsosBook a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsos The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead Connect with Denis:Email: [email protected]: www.LeadingChangePartners.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos

In this heartfelt mashup episode, Natasha Miller, Shari Foos, and Dr. Mrinalini Garv join Denis Gianoutsos to reflect on the deep shifts happening in leadership. From high school orchestra podiums to hospital corridors, their stories reveal how emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and purpose-driven work redefine what it means to lead.Tune in to explore how the pandemic has changed our leadership lens, and why true influence often begins with quiet, human moments.EP270 – Natasha Miller: People First“She saw something special in me.”“The people that work for my company are the most important thing.”“I didn’t completely get that pre-pandemic.”EP272 – Shari Foos: Human Connection“Become friends with your jailer? Get outta here.”“Everyone has empathy. Everyone needs to use it and receive it.”“Leadership is changing gives me faith… a reboot to what success looks like.”EP276 – Dr. Mrinalini Garv: Leading by Example“If I’m not living that mission, who will?”“Respect is non-negotiable.”“Let them become creative… and do the magic.”The Common Thread: Leadership with HeartLeadership is grounded in small actions and shared humanity.Respect, trust, and empathy now define effective leadership.As Denis says, “Leadership is changing. And if they’re not changing quick enough, they run the risk of becoming irrelevant and being left behind.”Key Quotes:“The people that work for my company are the most important thing.” – Natasha Miller“Leadership is changing gives me faith that those who are guiding us have a new wisdom and a reboot to what success looks like.” – Shari Foos “If I'm not living that mission, who will?” – Dr. Mrinalini Garv “Leadership is changing. And if they’re not changing quick enough, they run the risk of becoming irrelevant and being left behind.” – Denis GianoutsosThe 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead Connect with Denis: Email: [email protected]: www.LeadingChangePartners.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos

What if leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but adapting with integrity in a world that won’t stop changing?In this powerful mashup, four visionary voices- Dr. Maja Zelihic, Dr. Sean Hall, Ira S. Wolfe, and host Denis Gianoutsos- share personal stories and bold insights that challenge traditional leadership and invite us into a more agile, authentic future.Tune in to explore how COVID reshaped leadership, why “normal” is no longer the goal, and how to lead with clarity in uncertain times.EP269 -&nbsp; Dr. Maja Zelihic: Legacy, Learning, and Leadership Beyond TitlesChildhood lessons from a chess-playing grandfather shaped her radical independenceEncourages lifelong adaptability for careers that don’t even exist yetLeadership isn’t seasonal, it’s a constant reinventionEP273 -&nbsp; Dr. Sean Hall: Authenticity and Reality Checks in LeadershipDraws leadership wisdom from generals, the Bible, and personal mentorsShares the internal leadership revolution happening at MedLab post-COVIDStresses the power of one-on-one conversations and team beliefEP275 -&nbsp; Ira S. Wolfe: Dismantling the Myth of “Back to Normal”Says the pandemic exposed weak leadership structures, and accelerated the futurePredicts a future of exponential change, and the need to teach people how to adaptRedefines great leadership as helping others grow, not just surviveThe Common Thread: The Evolving Heart of LeadershipLeadership isn’t tied to fame, it’s about consistent values and quiet influence“Leadership is changing. And it’s not just about business, it’s about people.”Denis and guests echo the call to build agility, empathy, and self-awareness into every level of leadershipKey Quotes:&nbsp;“You always have to be independent. And you always have to have your own money.” - Dr. Maja Zelihic “If you want to lead, people need to believe in you. When they stop believing in you is when they stop following.” - Dr. Sean Hall “My favorite leaders aren't necessarily people we recognize by name. They're people who led a moral, ethical life and helped others.” - Ira S. Wolfe“We’re inspiring executives and leaders to adapt and lead a bigger game in a fast-moving world.” - Denis GianoutsosThe 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead&nbsp;Connect with Denis:&nbsp;Email: [email protected]: www.LeadingChangePartners.com&nbsp;Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/&nbsp;YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos&nbsp;