274. Building a Brand Media Can't Ignore - Anna Tran

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Suzanne Roberts, transformational speaker, facilitator, and founder of UnifyingSolutions. Suzanne has spent more than four decades helping leaders and organizations create sustainable, systemic change, and is the creator of Polarity System Design™ – a methodology that helps people reclaim their inner capacity, lead with clarity, and design cultures rooted in purpose and equity.We explore what it really means to lead from the inside out – how unresolved patterns, unprocessed experiences, and constant “busy-ness” shape the way we show up as leaders, and how we can reconnect with a deeper source of energy, purpose, and wholeness. Suzanne also shares insights from her upcoming book and documentary, It’s Deeper Than That: Pathway to a Vibrant, Purposeful Life, and her new leadership program, The Great Reconnection.In this episode, we discuss:• What the self-renewing energy source within each of us really is – and how to access it• Why leaders feel “something is missing” even when life looks successful from the outside• How unresolved trauma and childhood experiences show up in leadership and decision-making• The role of somatic work and energy systems in healing and sustainable leadership• Signs that a team or organization is disconnected – and how to begin repairing trust and culture• Why reconnection is the key leadership skill for the future of work🎧 Tune in for a deep, grounded conversation about inner clarity, healing, and creating more humane, life-giving cultures at work.You can connect with Suzanne here: https://www.unifyingsolutions.comThank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In episode 275 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Philip Atkinson, leadership coach, organizational transformation expert, beekeeper, and author of Bee Wise: 12 Leadership Lessons from a Busy Beehive.Philip blends his experience at global organizations like Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, and Publicis with the surprising wisdom of the beehive. Together, we explore what leaders can learn from the hidden workings of a busy hive — from decision-making and communication to purpose, learning, and culture. We discuss:• Why leaders should stop being “busy as a bee”• How 50,000 bees make unanimous decisions — and how teams can too• What can we learn from bees about clear communicationIf you’re a leader, manager, or entrepreneur looking for fresh, nature-rooted insights to build healthier teams and stronger organizations, this episode is for you.You can learn more about the project at https://beewisebook.com.Books can be bought at Amazon and in all book stores. ALL proceeds go to the charity, Bees For Development.Contact Philip Atkinson at [email protected] https://hive-logic.comOr on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/philipatkinsonhivelogicThank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In the episode 274 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Anna Tran, strategic PR consultant and co-founder of Level Up With Anna PR. Anna has helped entrepreneurs, experts, and brands land features in Forbes, Entrepreneur, top podcasts, TV segments, and influential niche publications - all through authentic, values-driven storytelling.We talk about what really moves the needle in PR, how to uncover the story angles the media actually cares about, and why long-term credibility matters more than short-term hype.In this conversation, we explore:The biggest misconceptions entrepreneurs have about PRHow to find the parts of your story that journalists and audiences connect withWhy authenticity and values matter now more than everHow to build a brand the media can’t ignoreWhat to do after you land a major feature to maximize impactIf you want to grow your visibility strategically, share your message confidently, and build long-term credibility in your industry, this episode is full of practical insights from someone who does PR differently.Connect with Anna here: Anna Tran | LinkedInThank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In the episode 273 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Eric Rogell, bestselling author, award-winning documentary filmmaker, and creator of the Lionhearted Leadership framework. Eric has spent more than two decades mentoring high-performing entrepreneurs and executives, helping them lead and communicate with courage instead of fear.We talk about the difference between performative leadership and genuine influence, why courage is the missing ingredient in modern workplaces, and how leaders can build cultures rooted in honesty, trust, and integrity.In this conversation, we explore:Why so many leaders operate from fear without realizing itHow to build a Culture of Courage inside your team and organizationThe role of archetypes in communication and leadership growthWhat separates real mentorship from traditional coachingHow courage transforms relationships both at work and at homeIf you want to lead with purpose, inspire deeper trust, or develop the courage to have real conversations, this episode will stay with you long after you listen.Connect with Eric here: Eric Rogell | LinkedInThank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In the episode 272 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by John Tarnoff, executive coach, career transition expert, TEDx speaker, and author of the best-selling Boomer Reinvention: How to Create Your Dream Career Over 50.After being fired 39% of the time during his decades in the entertainment industry, John reinvented his entire career at 50 - and today he helps mid- and late-career professionals build meaningful, sustainable careers despite ageism, a broken hiring system, and outdated workplace culture.We dive into what career reinvention really looks like in midlife and explore John’s contrarian but highly effective approach to landing better roles, building credibility, and attracting opportunities without traditional job searching.In this episode, we discuss:What career reinvention actually means after 40 or 50How to stand out despite age bias and outdated hiring practicesThe “hidden job market” and how to tap into itWhy your résumé won’t get you hired — and what willHow to turn LinkedIn into a personal marketing engineReframing networking so it becomes natural, useful, and enjoyable🎧 Tune in for a refreshing conversation about confidence, clarity, and building the next chapter of your career with purpose and strategy.You can connect with John here: John Tarnoff MA/MSP | LinkedInThank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In the episode 271 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Samir Geepee, creator of The Clarity Game and host of the Leading with Clarity podcast. Samir helps managers and leadership teams build trust, collaboration, and coaching cultures through gamified learning, neuroscience-based coaching, and the power of great questions.We dive into what clarity truly means for modern leaders and explore how simple, powerful questions can transform teams, strengthen trust, and unlock better decision-making. Samir shares stories from facilitating thousands of leaders and explains how peer-driven coaching creates sustainable behavior change inside organizations.In this episode, we discuss:What clarity really looks like in leadershipHow to use questions to deepen trust and collaborationWhy peer-coaching creates lasting behavior changeHow curiosity sparks innovation and better problem solving🎧 Tune in for a practical and inspiring conversation about leadership, clarity, and building teams that think, connect, and create at a deeper level.You can connect with Samir here Samir Geepee (The Clarity Game™) | LinkedInThank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq. 

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Tinsley Galyean, founder of Curious Learning and author of the upcoming book REFRAME: How Curiosity and Literacy Can Redefine Us.Tinsley shares his journey from asking a simple question - Can children learn to read without schools or teachers? - to leading a global movement using technology and curiosity to fight illiteracy. We explore what it means to reframe how we think, learn, and lead in a rapidly changing world.How curiosity drives innovation and leadershipLessons from bringing literacy to children worldwideWhat it takes to build purpose-driven organizationsWhy rethinking old systems starts with asking better questions🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation about curiosity, leadership, and the power of reimagining what’s possible.You can connect with Tinsley here: https://www.curiouslearning.org/Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq. 

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Kym Insana, digital marketing expert, speaker, and founder of AlwaysOn Digital - a multimillion-dollar agency helping major brands connect with audiences through powerful digital campaigns.Kym shares her journey from New York’s top advertising agencies to building her own thriving business that gives her both freedom and fulfillment. We talk about redefining success, creating a company culture that values flexibility, and leading with purpose in a fast-changing digital world.How to build a business that supports your life - not the other way aroundLessons from two decades in digital marketingBalancing growth, leadership, and familyEmpowering women to design their own version of success🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation about freedom, leadership, and the courage to build on your own terms.You can connect with Kym here Digital Execution Partner: Your Path to SuccessThank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by John Rood, founder and CEO of Proceptual, a company helping organizations implement responsible AI governance and workforce training.We dive into what AI upskilling really means and explore how companies can empower their teams to use AI safely, ethically, and effectively. John shares practical strategies for integrating AI tools into the workplace, how to measure the success of these initiatives, and what leaders need to know to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.What AI upskilling looks like in practiceHow to align AI adoption with company goalsCommon challenges and how to overcome themThe future of AI governance and human–AI collaborationIf you’re a business leader, HR professional, or entrepreneur curious about bringing AI into your organization without the chaos - this episode is for you.You can connect with John here Compliance Solutions for AI Regulations - ProceptualThank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In episode 267 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Alex M.H. Smith - bestselling author of No Bullsht Strategy*, founder of Basic Arts, and trusted advisor to leaders who want to make strategy simple, bold, and powerful enough to inspire real action.Alex has worked with billion-dollar brands like Porsche and fast-moving startups worldwide, helping them escape me-too competition and uncover the only value their business can deliver. His no-fluff approach to strategy has built him a global audience on LinkedIn and YouTube, where he challenges leaders to think differently about what strategy truly means.In this dynamic conversation, we explore:Why most companies don’t actually have a strategy - and how to fix itThe “Only, not Best” rule for escaping competitionHow to turn theory into bold, practical business movesWhy chasing competitors or customers leads to mediocrityIf you’re a business owner or leader ready to simplify your strategy, stand out from the crowd, and drive decisive action across your organization - this episode is packed with clarity and inspiration.You can connect with Alex here Home - Basic ArtsThank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.