1152: Carmen Leiser - "Build Better. Together."

What if your greatest heartbreak became your ultimate source of power—and purpose? In this episode of Thrive Loud, bestselling author, speaker, and certified wellness coach Jessica Moyer joins Lou Diamond to share how devastating loss led her to a life centered around health, wellness, and purposeful living. From losing her infant son and her father, to rebuilding herself and guiding others through grief, identity shifts, and health transformations, Jess reveals how “real” wellness isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a formula for reclaiming your strength and energy, no matter where you start.Listeners will learn the secrets behind her R.E.A.L. Wellness approach (Realistic, Resilient, Energy, Action, Love), get debunked on hormone health myths, hear why prioritizing self-care is non-negotiable, and even catch personal insights—like her comfort food cravings and the power of belief over the noise of naysayers. Jess’s journey reminds us that thriving isn’t about avoiding pain, but transforming it into your life’s greatest contribution.Timestamps Overview:00:00 - Welcome & episode intro01:08 - Jess Moyer’s journey: heartbreak to purpose02:21 - Purposeful living & wellness as a foundation03:55 - The R.E.A.L. Wellness framework explained05:27 - Hormone health, misconceptions, and advocacy08:00 - Becoming a bestselling author & sharing the REAL framework09:34 - Giving and receiving gifts through content creation10:40 - The audience’s biggest aha moment11:17 - Staying on track: Jess’s self-care rituals12:02 - “She believed she could, so she did”—the sign behind Jess12:36 - Where to find Jess online & her book13:18 - Fun Street: movies, music, food, and activities17:11 - Dream travel destination18:14 - Closing thoughts & gratitude

What if the leaders we all admire—those seemingly unstoppable CEOs and visionaries—are actually more isolated and vulnerable than anyone imagines? Lou Diamond sits down with Carmen Leiser, organizational psychologist and leader at the Movi Collective, to reveal why the mask of confidence so many leaders wear can be both powerful and deeply exhausting—and why removing it just might transform leadership for the better.Together, they break down the paradox of leadership performance, discuss the rise of peer-driven psychological safety, and share actionable insights on how leaders can foster genuine connection, personal growth, and resilience in themselves and their teams. Carmen also takes us inside the Movi Collective: a global community redefining what it means to network, support, and grow—both professionally and personally.Listeners will discover:The hidden toll of leadership “performance” (03:27)How vulnerability, when balanced, creates unstoppable teams (04:58)What makes Movi Collective radically different from traditional “networking” groups (09:10)The life-changing impact of peer “nucleus” groups for high performers (15:32)Carmen’s personal journey, favorite energizers, and the small practices that keep leaders thriving—even on tough daysEpisode Timestamp Overview:00:25 – Introduction to Carmen Leiser & global leadership paradox03:27 – Why leaders feel pressure to “perform” and the cost04:58 – The power (and limits) of vulnerability in leadership07:06 – Creating genuine psychological safety with peers08:56 – Inside the Movi Collective and its unique impact15:32 – Life-changing “nucleus” groups & stories from the field19:02 – Carmen’s thriving strategies & team support21:00 – Fun Street: Techno jams, pizza, volunteering, and moreTune in for a refreshingly honest look at leadership, growth, and the power of showing up as your real self.

What if the secret to thriving in life and business could be learned from the baseball diamond?In this powerful episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond welcomes back acclaimed baseball writer and author Ken Davidoff for an eye-opening conversation about his newest book, "101 Lessons from the Dugout: What Baseball and Softball Can Teach Us About the Game of Life."Fittingly recorded LIVE in studio on Opening Day!!Discover why Ken Davidoff walked away from a 30-year sportswriting career at the top of his game and how a random call from his agent opened the door to a new adventure in teaching, mentoring, and authorship. The episode dives deep into how the life lessons found between the foul lines can impact coaches, parents, leaders, and young athletes alike. Hear the behind-the-scenes stories about crafting the book alongside pediatrician Dr. Harley Rothbard, the power of collaboration, and the surprising writing process that turned daily deadlines into an enjoyable pursuit.You’ll also hear Ken Davidoff's Mount Rushmore of greatest games he ever covered (some with national, historic significance), what he misses most about journalism, and, of course, the real-life lesson from the game that changed his approach forever.Episode Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction and welcome[00:42] Ken Davidoff's background in baseball journalism[02:09] Adjunct teaching and career shift[02:41] Why Ken Davidoff left sportswriting and how the book project began[03:23] Blending perspectives: the inspiration behind "101 Lessons from the Dugout"[04:11] Translating baseball lessons to life and the story of the “stretch”[05:44] Who the book is for—players, coaches, parents, leaders[06:47] Pro athletes, leadership, and lessons for players[08:06] Ken Davidoff's writing process and collaboration with his co-author[09:30] Editing the book and feedback process[11:25] Lessons that didn’t make the cut[12:03] Promoting the book and leveraging relationships[13:11] What Ken Davidoff misses (and doesn’t miss) about journalism[14:42] Is there another book on the way?[15:21] Where to find Ken Davidoff and the book[16:21] Fun Street: favorite sports moments, activities, and lessons[22:13] Ken Davidoff's favorite life lesson: "Small Ball"[23:26] Personal memorabilia and closing thoughts[25:19] Outro and where to connectGet ready to see the game—and life itself—in a whole new way!

What if the secret to transforming your team's engagement and productivity starts with something as simple as telling your new hires why they stood out? In this inspiring episode of Thrive Loud, Lou Diamond sits down with Ashley Herd — founder of The Manager Method, HR leader, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and co-host of the HR Besties podcast. Together, they reveal practical, actionable ways to unlock true human connection and leadership in today's workplace, far beyond buzzwords and business clichés.Ashley shares her unconventional journey from aspiring playwright to HR expert, and how her unique “career quilt” gave rise to her thriving manager training business. Hear why her viral leadership tips resonate and learn the power of "common sense that's not so common" in management. Ashley’s aha moment about hiring truly shocks and delights — it’s a real game-changer for leaders and organizations.Key highlights include:The surprising story behind The Manager Method and how Ashley’s creative roots shaped her approach (01:37)Why real human connection in the workplace matters more now than ever, and how managers can harness it for lasting impact (05:41)The practical tools that drive engagement, accountability, and strong teams — regardless of industry or career stage (04:01)A powerful example of “managing up” that resonates with both senior leaders and frontline managers (10:30)Ashley’s personal stories of feedback, doubt, and the very real gift of creating content that changes lives (13:46)Timestamped Overview:00:00: Introduction & Ashley’s background01:37: Ashley’s career journey & the “career quilt”03:07: The origins of Manager Method & social media skits05:41: Importance of human connection in management07:26: Aha moments and leadership lessons for hiring managers10:30: Selling the Manager Method to senior leaders13:46: The “happy accident” and impact of content creation20:14: The story that inspired The Manager Method23:26: Fun Street segment, personal favorites & closingReady to elevate your workplace and your leadership skills? Don’t miss this episode featuring actionable advice, heartfelt stories, and a fresh perspective on what it really takes to thrive as a manager.

What if the secret to thriving in finance isn’t knowing all the Wall Street jargon—but actually trusting your own instincts and values? Lou Diamond sits down with trailblazing Wall Street veteran Dani Hughes, founder of Divine Asset Management, who shares her unconventional journey from California beach bartender to running her own firm in the thick of New York’s trading floors—and the powerful lessons learned along the way.Listen as Dani Hughes reveals:How her outsider’s perspective helped her disrupt an industry dominated by men (02:58).Why women hold the keys to America’s economic power, even if they don’t realize it (07:01).The pitfalls of listening to “retirement number” marketing—and how to define your own financial empire (10:19).Her secret weapon for thriving through market cycles and business reinvention: curiosity (12:23).Which overlooked financial indicators could warn you about the next big market shake-up (16:03), and why you shouldn’t let greed drive your investment decisions.Plus, get a peek into Dani Hughes’ favorite movies, music, and daily mindfulness rituals—and discover why aligning your capital with your clarity can transform your future.Timestamped Overview:00:02: Introduction & Dani Hughes’ Wall Street origin story05:35: Decoding financial needs and women’s financial influence10:19: Common challenges facing today’s clients12:19: Dani’s personal “thriving” practice15:33: Market signals and investment cycle tips19:35: The meaning behind Divine Asset Management’s name21:40: Lightning-round favorites and fun streetTune in and get inspired to redefine what thriving in finance (and life) means for you!

What if the moment that knocked you to the ground became the spark for your greatest breakthrough?Lou Diamond welcomes back the unstoppable Erika Rothenberger, who shares the audacious story behind her comeback—from a literal punch in an alley to launching her book and the Audacious Woman Summit. Erika reveals how confronting setbacks head-on allowed her to transform pain into powerful purpose, create bold spaces for women to thrive, and inspire daily action for lasting change. From navigating the challenges of event planning and authoring a book, to celebrating wins with her family, you’ll discover how Erika’s journey is about activating your audacity and expanding your impact.Plus, don’t miss the speed round, behind-the-scenes stories, and actionable ways to break free from your limitations!Episode Overview:00:00 Welcome & Erika’s bold comeback story02:20 Year-in-review: Book, Summit, and juggling it all03:35 What sparked Audacious Expansion & the summit’s impact06:04 Launching the book and embracing legacy08:06 Behind-the-scenes of creating a summit & overcoming overwhelm11:13 The “happy accident” of authoring and family celebration14:28 How to grab Erika’s book and summit details17:07 Speed round: colors, sports, speakers, vacations, and next big goals21:16 Final thoughts, book flash, and inspiration to keep thriving

What if the most powerful thing you could do in your career was simply trust your gut—and voice? In this episode of Thrive Loud, bestselling author and communication expert Karen Laos reveals how a lesson learned at age six—and a mortifying boardroom moment—set her on a mission to empower professionals to own their value and speak with confidence that gets noticed.Host Lou Diamond dives deep with Karen Laos into the nuances of effective communication, including why many leaders unknowingly silence themselves, how to balance authority and likability, and the surprisingly simple trick to stop rambling and get to the point. Karen shares the story behind her book, Trust Your Own Voice, and offers practical tips for conquering self-doubt, breaking the “data dump” cycle in presentations, and adapting to today’s multigenerational workplace culture.You’ll also hear:Karen’s childhood flea market negotiation lessons and their lasting impact (01:50)The importance of asking yourself for permission, not just others (04:28)How tone, punctuation, and facial expressions shape your ability to connect (07:01)Real-world strategies to make your presentations audience-focused (17:37)Karen’s top tip for curing “rambling syndrome” (19:52)A fun trek through Karen’s favorite movies, music, food, and dream destinations (21:55)Whether you’re a seasoned leader or a rising professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you speak up, stand out, and thrive.Episode Timestamped Overview:00:02: Welcome and introduction to Karen Laos01:50: Karen’s childhood lessons and early influences02:27: A boardroom defining moment and trusting your gut04:28: The concept of asking yourself for permission07:01: Voice tone, punctuation, and likability in communication09:45: Warmth vs. assertiveness: balancing authority and likability11:16: Multi-generational workplace challenges14:56: The biggest communication challenge leaders face today17:37: Shifting presentations from information dumps to audience needs19:52: Simple tip for stopping rambling21:55: Fun Street: movies, music, food, activities, dream destinations26:00: Karen’s mission to empower 10 million women26:53: Closing thoughts and gratitude

What if the secret to 4x business growth wasn’t more control, but letting go?Lou Diamond welcomes back workplace culture expert and bestselling author Jess Kriegel for a candid conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about leadership. Drawing from her new book, Surrender to Lead, Jess Kriegel unveils the surprising power of surrender—showing that true leadership isn’t about micromanaging outcomes, but inspiring belief and trust within your team.Key Highlights:The naptime epiphany that sparked Surrender to Lead (Jess Kriegel literally woke up with the idea for her bestseller!)Why the word “surrender” gets a bad rap—and how elite Navy SEALs are actually masters of this misunderstood strategy.The costly action trap: How relentlessly driving outcomes can backfire, and how surrendering correlates with 4x greater organizational growth (10:05)A vulnerable story of transparent leadership:Jess Kriegelshares how surrender transformed a daunting layoff into a win for everyone involved (13:03)The surprising intersection of workplace pragmatism and personal spiritual journeys, plus the wisdom every leader needs in times of change.Fun Street lightning round: From guilty pleasure TV (Love Island!) to sourdough toast and heartfelt wishes.If you’re ready to ditch the myth of control and discover the real levers for inspiring teams and cultures, this episode is your wake-up call.Timestamped Overview:00:00: Introduction & why surrender matters in leadership01:29: The nap-inspired origin of Surrender to Lead03:15: Subtle control behaviors versus true leadership06:06: Unpacking “surrender” (with Navy SEAL secrets!)08:12: Personal and organizational assessment tools for surrendered leadership10:05: Stanford research: Surrendering quadruples business growth11:49: Surrender as the missing piece in leadership and life13:03: Radical transparency during layoffs: a true case study16:24: The gift of creating the book, and feedback from readers18:18: Jess Kriegel: Where to find, her podcasts, and newsletter19:00: Fun Street: TV picks, favorite foods, activities, and rapid-fire Q&A23:15: Closing reflections and linksTune in for stories, strategies, and practical steps to unleash your best leadership and get ready to Thrive Loud!

What if the next big business threat isn't what you know—it's what you don't know, and acting fast could mean heading for disaster even quicker?Lou Diamond brings back Eric Eager, CEO of 4Impact Data and host of the Codified Wisdom podcast, to pull back the curtain on the rapidly evolving world of Decision Intelligence. From the frontline of AI-enabled advisory, Eric Eager reveals why simply using AI in your business could steer you onto the wrong path—faster than ever before.Key highlights from this conversation:Discover the crucial difference between Artificial Intelligence and Decision Intelligence, and why your company’s future might depend on bridging that gap.Learn why 80% of businesses never measure the outcome of their decisions, and how this missing accountability can sink even the most promising organizations.Find out how 4Impact Data's new system, from codifying senior advisor “wisdom” to creating audit trails for every important decision, is transforming CPAs from rearview-mirror historians into forward-looking navigators.Get an exclusive look at how these technologies are democratizing critical business guidance for small and medium-sized businesses—not just Fortune 500s.Hear about the upcoming "Great Promotion Era" in accounting, where AI agents are replacing basic tasks, and what this means for the next generation of business advisors.Learn how the Codified Wisdom approach can dramatically fast-track the experience curve for young professionals and help firms scale the right kind of decision-making.Whether you’re a business owner, a CPA, or just fascinated by the future of business, this episode arms you with a new perspective—and possibly a lifeline—on thriving in the age of AI.Episode Timestamped Overview:00:00 – Intro Announcer sets the stage; Lou Diamond welcomes Eric Eager back for an AI update01:30 – The new frontier: from GPS guidance systems to Decision Intelligence03:38 – Breaking down AI vs Decision Intelligence—accountability, prioritization, and audit trails07:00 – The transformation of the CPA, and why human advisors are more important than ever11:11 – Comparing 4Impact Data’s approach to industry giants like Palantir, and why “measuring outcomes” changes everything14:01 – How decision intelligence empowers small businesses and upskills the next generation20:15 – What the “Great Promotion Era” means for the profession24:46 – Final thoughts, plug for 4impactdata.com, and where you can learn more27:21 – Outro Voiceover: How to subscribe and connect with Thrive LoudReady to move from constant firefighting to genuine fire prevention? Press play now and step into the future of business guidance.

What if the real threat to our economy isn’t in tomorrow’s headlines—but in the unstoppable march of demographics and a hidden wave of “financial eminent domain”?Lou Diamond sits down with his former mentor, Wall Street legend and the original “Convexity Maven” himself, Harley Bassman, for a riveting, honest conversation that will change how you see global markets, monetary policy, and even your own mortgage.In this candid interview, Harley Bassman unpacks how decades of government policy, economic cycles, and simple human nature keep repeating themselves—no matter how much we hope things will be different this time. From the impending strain of an aging Baby Boomer generation to why gold’s recent rise signals more than market speculation, Harley shares his unfiltered perspective on where our financial system is heading and what might make it unravel.Key episode highlights include:The real drivers behind persistent deficits and why both political parties are “just going to print money”—with staggering consequences (05:00)Why Harley believes that market timing is a “terrible idea” and instead urges listeners to focus on 30,000-foot, long-horizon trends (04:17)An exclusive breakdown of Harley’s innovative take on mortgage portability, and why your ultra-low-rate mortgage might soon be treated like a financial asset you can literally take with you (10:00)The surprising ways good intentions in public policy often trigger unexpected market distortions—from rent control to historic Fed moves (09:05)Behind the scenes of inventing legendary financial instruments, why the MOVE Index was created, and what it really means to stand “on the shoulders of giants” (07:06)Harley’s personal reflections on the scariest economic crisis of his career, and the lasting damage the COVID era did to public trust (19:43)Plus, a speed round of personal favorites, career advice, and why you should “go on vacation with your kids—you’re dead a lot longer than you think” (16:11)Whether you’re a market veteran or a curious listener, get ready for an episode brimming with hard-won wisdom, sharp humor, and truths the financial news never tells you.Timestamped Episode Overview:00:00 – Intro and welcome with Lou Diamond00:26 – Harley’s background and mentoring legacy02:23 – How Harley became a prolific financial writer03:45 – The power (and limits) of episodic market commentary04:08 – Geopolitics, demographics & deficits05:35 – Why history always repeats: “It’s never different this time”07:03 – Creating products: Solving problems and seizing mispriced opportunities08:33 – Mortgage portability: A solution to America’s housing logjam12:03 – The evolution and politics of the Fed15:38 – Where to find Harley online and why family vacations matter16:50 – Fun Street: Music, movies, lifestyle habits & favorite places19:17 – The scariest market crisis Harley ever lived through21:10 – Lou thanks Harley and wraps up22:00 – Outro and how to stay connectedListen and discover the patterns behind the chaos—only on Thrive Loud.