250. Disrupting the Future with AI - Kevin Surace

In episode 252 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, we sit down with Piers Fallowfield-Cooper - executive coach, former CEO and Chairman, and author of Are You Still The Future?Piers has led businesses across continents and industries, mentoring over 130 senior leaders, and challenging the conventional wisdom of what it means to lead in today’s world.Tune in as we explore:How to turn challenges like dyslexia into leadership strengthsWhat the future of leadership looks like in an AI-driven worldHow to build authentic executive presenceWhy success doesn’t always bring fulfillment and how to find meaningWhether you’re a rising leader or an experienced exec, this episode is full of powerful insights on staying relevant and leading with impact.Learn more at Piers Fallowfield-Cooper | CEO Mentor - WelcomeThank 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.

What does it take to lead, scale, and sustain a thriving business - and grow as a person while doing it? In the episode 251 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, we’re joined by Mark Musselman, a seasoned CEO turned executive coach who now guides top leaders through transformative breakthroughs at MX5 Consulting.With over 30 years of leadership experience and a proven assess-align-accelerate methodology, Mark shares:His biggest leadership lessons from the CEO seatHow self-awareness fuels real transformationStrategies for overcoming blind spots and getting unstuckWhat it takes to align people, systems, and purpose—especially during uncertaintyWhether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring leader, this episode offers actionable insights for leading with clarity, resilience, and impact.🔗 Connect with Mark at mx5consulting.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 250 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Surace - a Silicon Valley trailblazer, AI visionary, and dynamic speaker who holds 93 patents and has reshaped industries from construction to tech. From pioneering the first AI virtual assistant to leading energy retrofits on the Empire State Building, Kevin brings a rare blend of technical genius and creative flair.Tune in as we explore:Where AI is already transforming our lives and workWhat industries are ripe for disruptionHow leaders can build an “innovation DNA” in any companyWhether you're a founder, leader, or curious mind, this episode is packed with insights on embracing change and leading into the future with vision and creativity.Learn more at kevinsurace.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 the episode 249 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Everett O’Keefe, a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and international #1 bestselling author and the founder of Ignite Press. With more than 200 bestselling book launches behind him, Everett is a leading voice in hybrid publishing - helping entrepreneurs and professionals turn their ideas into influence through authorship.We dive into why publishing a book is still one of the most powerful tools for business growth and thought leadership. Everett shares how the right book can enhance your credibility, open doors to speaking engagements, attract ideal clients, and become a long-term business asset. We also go behind the scenes of what it really takes to launch a successful book - and how hybrid publishing offers an author-friendly alternative to traditional routes.From choosing a strategic topic to building community and visibility around your book, this conversation is packed with practical insights for any leader ready to write their next chapter - literally.Highlights include:Why books still matter in the digital ageHow to pick a topic aligned with your brandThe truth about hybrid publishing vs. self-publishingHow authorship builds community and influenceFirst steps for business leaders ready to become published authorsLearn more about Everett’s work at ignitepress.us and connect with him through The AuthorMind and Book Publishers Network.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 the episode 248 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I sit down with Chuck Wisner, renowned leadership advisor, communication expert, and author of The Art of Conscious Conversations. With decades of experience coaching Fortune 200 leaders, teaching mediation at Harvard Law School, and studying organizational learning at MIT, Chuck brings a rare depth of insight into how we talk, listen, and lead.We dive into his transformative framework for conscious communication - starting with awareness, ego, and the silent “private conversations” we all have that shape our relationships and decisions. Chuck shares the four essential questions that can shift even the most difficult conversations toward clarity and connection, whether in the boardroom or around the dinner table.You’ll walk away with powerful tools to break free from autopilot thinking, handle disagreement with curiosity instead of defensiveness, and repair communication breakdowns with grace and purpose. This is a must-listen for leaders who want to lead with greater empathy, intention, and influence - in every interaction.Topics Include:What drives unconscious communication - and how to shift itThe surprising power of saying “no”How to reduce misunderstandings in high-stakes conversationsBuilding habits that support emotional intelligence at work and homeLearn more at chuckwisner.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 this thought-provoking episode of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Kelly Winegarden Hall, a powerhouse leadership consultant with over 30 years of experience leading global teams and transforming organizational cultures. As the founder of Live L.A.R.G.E. LLC, Kelly is on a mission to help leaders shift their companies from survival mode to true human thriving.Kelly’s new book, Love Works, makes a radical and timely argument: love - not control, fear, or pressure - is the new competitive advantage. Together, we explore what “love” really means in the workplace, how it drives performance and profit, and how leaders can start showing up with courage, care, and authenticity - starting today.From leading through chaos to building deeply loyal teams, Kelly shares actionable insights on navigating uncertainty, cultivating resilient cultures, and creating organizations rooted in trust, purpose, and inclusion. If you’ve ever wondered whether empathy and performance can truly go hand in hand - this episode will expand your mindset.💡 Key Themes:What love-driven leadership looks like in real business settingsHow to lead through crisis with authenticity and clarityThe link between connection, culture, and long-term successInclusion, self-management, and the future of DEI in organizationsLearn more about Kelly’s work at Home - Kelly Winegarden HallThank 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 246 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Cary Sparrow, a former U.S. Navy submarine officer turned tech entrepreneur, and the CEO of WageScape - a company that’s revolutionizing how businesses understand the labor market and compete for top talent.We explore Cary’s unique journey from commanding nuclear submarines to building one of the most advanced labor market intelligence platforms in the world. He shares how his military background shaped his leadership style, why traditional compensation data is failing companies, and how real-time pay insights are changing the game for HR leaders and executives.You’ll learn how next-gen labor market intelligence empowers companies to make smarter, faster, and fairer hiring decisions - and why wage transparency is both a challenge and an opportunity for modern organizations. Cary also reveals what today’s most innovative companies are doing differently to win the talent war, and what every business leader should know to stay ahead.🚀 Whether you're in HR, leading a team, or shaping strategy at the executive level - this episode will give you a fresh, data-powered perspective on the future of work.You can contact Cary here Cary Sparrow | 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 powerful episode, I’m joined by Evan Mawarire, Zimbabwean pastor, global human rights advocate, and fearless founder of the #ThisFlag movement. Evan became a global symbol of nonviolent resistance when his heartfelt video recorded in frustration and hope ignited a nationwide call for justice in Zimbabwe.We dive deep into the origin of #ThisFlag, the unimaginable risks he took to speak truth to power, and how he found strength through faith, values, and storytelling. Evan opens up about writing his book Crazy Epic Courage and the most difficult moments of his journey - from imprisonment to exile, and what true courage really feels like in the face of fear.You’ll learn what it takes to build a movement grounded in purpose, how to lead with integrity under pressure, and why resilience is born in the darkest valleys. Whether you're a business leader, activist, or changemaker, Evan’s story will move and empower you to lead with conviction, even when the stakes are high.🕊️ Don't miss this raw and inspiring conversation about courage, conviction, and leading change bigger than yourself.👉 Learn more about Evan at evanmawarire.com and follow him on LinkedIn. 📘 Grab your copy of Crazy Epic Courage and take your own bold step forward.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 the episode 244 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome Tara Landes — founder of Bellrock, seasoned management consultant, leadership trainer, and expert in turning strategy into sustainable success for small businesses.With an MBA, PROSCI certification, a license in Influence Training, and over 25 years of experience advising more than 300 businesses, Tara brings a powerful blend of psychology and business know-how to leadership and strategy execution.In this episode, we dive into: ✅ How to solve the right problems in business (not just the symptoms)✅ Why strategic planning is a process, not an event — and how to keep it alive year-round✅ How understanding psychology can transform your leadership style✅ The secret to building high-performing teams that actually sustain success🎧 Tune in now if you’re a small business leader looking to level up your leadership, execution, and team performance!You can contact Tara here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taralandes/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 the episode 243 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast we are diving deep into leadership, mindset, and workplace culture with Andrea Wanerstrand, Founder & CEO of A3 Culture Lab and a leadership coach with over 20 years of global consulting experience.Andrea has helped top organizations like Microsoft and T-Mobile create human-centric cultures that champion authenticity, autonomy, and accountability. In this episode, she shares her powerful insights on transforming workplaces, leading with emotional intelligence, and building high-performing, energized teams. We also discuss her exciting upcoming project - Mindset Maven, a coaching platform designed to help leaders optimize their energy, productivity, and confidence.Tune in to learn:What human-centric leadership really looks likeHow to balance empathy and authority as a leaderWhy optimizing your mental and physical energy is crucial for successPractical steps to foster authenticity and autonomy within your teamHow to drive business results and create a thriving, humane workplaceIf you’re a leader who wants to energize your team and elevate your leadership impact, you won't want to miss this conversation!You can contact Andrea here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawanerstrand/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.