The Disruptive Leader

In this powerful episode of The Disruptive Leader, host Ranya sits down with Katie O'Malley, Founder and Principal Coach of (en)Courage Coaching, for an incredibly raw and insightful conversation about career transformation, workplace toxicity, and the courage to bet on yourself. Katie opens up about her unconventional journey from a political science major to commercial real estate to experiencing a mental health crisis that ultimately led her to become a leadership coach. She shares the pivotal moment when she realized the misalignment between her values and work environment was creating a mental health emergency, leading to a medical leave of absence in 2012 - a time when mental health wasn't widely discussed in professional settings.Katie's story is one of resilience and authenticity. She transformed her personal struggle into a mission to help others navigate the intersection of mental health and career satisfaction. Now serving over 200 clients since 2018, Katie brings a unique "triple threat methodology," combining counseling, organizational psychology, and leadership education to help individuals and organizations create more humane workplaces. Her insights on the five dimensions of employee well-being and toxic workplace identification provide listeners with practical frameworks for evaluating their work situations.Katie's Core Values and Authenticity Framework [2:30] Katie introduces her three core values - courage, learning, and justice - explaining how operating from these principles makes decision-making easier and allows authentic energy. She emphasizes authenticity means knowing why you show up the way you do.The Unconventional Career Journey: From Politics to Mental Health Crisis [5:15] Katie traces her path from John Kerry's presidential campaign to nonprofit work to commercial real estate, where a values mismatch triggered a mental health crisis. She openly discusses taking medical leave for depression and panic disorder in 2012.The Triple Threat Methodology: Counseling Meets Coaching [12:45] Katie explains pursuing a counseling master's but becoming credentialed as a coach instead, allowing her to work at the intersection of mental health and career development when insurance wouldn't cover work-related therapy sessions.The Five Dimensions of Employee Wellbeing [23:00] Katie breaks down Gallup's framework identifying five critical areas: career (advancement paths), financial (fair compensation), community (belonging), physical (boundaries and self-care), and emotional (psychological safety).Identifying and Escaping Toxic Workplaces [28:30] Rather than universal toxicity, Katie explains how workplaces become toxic through values mismatches. Work should have neutral impact at worst, and she discusses evaluating needs across the five wellbeing dimensions.The Great Resignation and Workplace Ghosting Phenomenon [35:20] Katie addresses mutual ghosting between employers and candidates, with AI-generated applications creating bloated pools while companies fail interview commitments. She emphasizes compassion on both sides.Risk Tolerance and Making the Leap [15:30] Responding to Ranya's story about quitting on the spot, Katie discusses helping clients assess risk tolerance and financial needs before career changes, using Hogan Assessments and setting concrete readiness markers.Leadership Development Gap and Systems Issues [42:15] Katie reveals people are promoted to leadership at 30 but receive training at 42 - a 12-year gap causing failure. Individual performance issues often reflect broader systems problems, not personal failings.Building Trust-Based Workplace Culture [48:00] Katie emphasizes assessing trust levels before working on culture. CALL TO ACTION, EPISODE LINK & CONTACT INFOReady to transform your career or workplace culture? Visit Katie's website at encouragecoaching.org to book a consultation https://encouragecoaching.org/

In this episode, Ranya Barakat speaks with Emma Löfgren, editor of The Local Sweden and deputy managing editor of The Local Europe. Emma shares how journalism can help people find their place in new countries, discussing immigration challenges in Europe, media representation, and the future of news. With insights from her decade at The Local and personal experiences living abroad, Emma offers a fresh perspective on cross-cultural communication and inclusive journalism.BULLET POINTS OF KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERSIntroduction to Emma Löfgren [01:30] Emma introduces herself as a digital news editor who believes journalism helps people find their place in the world. As editor of The Local Sweden and deputy managing editor of The Local Europe, she oversees English-language news for foreign professionals across nine European countries.The changing immigrant experience [04:12] Europe has become increasingly unwelcoming over the past decade, with tightening immigration rules and hostile rhetoric. Emma notes many immigrants feel bitter toward Sweden after investing years only to feel unwelcome as policies shift from "come to Sweden" to "please leave."Media representation challenges [07:35] Domestic media often lumps all immigrants together as either threats or objects of pity. Emma highlights how mainstream outlets overlook certain immigrant groups (like Indian tech workers) and treat immigrants as subjects to write about rather than audiences to write for. When surveyed by The Local, immigrants consistently say "thank you for asking" about their perspectives.The Örebro shooting response [17:20] Emma explains writing an opinion piece challenging Swedish lawmakers after the Örebro shooting, where most victims were immigrants. She discusses the Prime Minister's speech acknowledging immigrant vulnerability while pointing out his previous rhetoric blamed social problems on immigrants.Moving beyond stereotypes [24:05] "I'm Swedish, but I'm also a woman, a mother, a journalist," Emma notes, explaining how we all belong to multiple groups beyond nationality. The conversation explores how focusing on commonalities rather than differences could reduce polarization and create greater unity.Curiosity as a bridge-builder [27:50] The most powerful tool for harmony is genuine curiosity about each other. Emma emphasizes asking questions and approaching differences with openness rather than assumptions.Living abroad in Scotland [31:40] Emma shares her experience moving to Scotland for university and working at a community newspaper in the Western Isles. She reflects that living abroad made her "highs higher and lows lower" compared to life in Sweden.Navigating cultural differences [36:30] From butter knife etiquette to eye contact norms, cultural misunderstandings are inevitable but resolvable through open communication. Emma shares examples of how simple conversations can bridge seemingly significant cultural divides.Reimagining journalism [44:20] Today's journalism needs less negative news without context and more listening to audiences. Emma advocates for a transparent approach that brings readers along on a journey of discovery rather than pretending journalists have all the answers.Identity beyond borders [53:40] The conversation concludes with reflections on belonging. Ranya shares that "home is inside of me and not a place," while Emma describes how people can put down new roots anywhere, like the Iraqi immigrant who became an expert on his Swedish village's history.RESOURCES & LINKSThe Local Sweden: https://www.thelocal.seContact Emma: [email protected]'s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-löfgrenCALL TO ACTIONSubscribe to The Disruptive Leader Podcast for more conversations on leadership and cross-cultural perspectivesShare this episode with colleagues navigating multicultural environmentsConnect with Ranya Barakat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranyabarakat/

In this episode, Ranya interviews Monica Kamel-Rust, Team Lead and Services Consultant at HubSpot, about her tech industry journey. Monica shares how her multicultural background and marketing automation expertise drove transformational change across global markets - from American Express's Member-Get-Member program to revolutionizing marketing at Jochen Schweizer mydays Group by reducing cost per lead from €250 to €20. The conversation covers CRM implementation, change management, and marketing technology's future.Bullet Points of Key Topics & Chapter MarkersMarketing Transformation [17:22] At Jochen Schweizer mydays Group, Monica built a marketing team and implemented systems that dramatically reduced cost per lead while contributing to 30% of business opportunities through marketing-qualified leads.Enterprise CRM Implementation [26:05] Monica shares tactics for driving HubSpot adoption in enterprise environments, achieving $9.7M in influenced ARR through cross-functional collaboration and MVP demonstrations before full implementation.Change Management in Tech Adoption [35:19] Learn Monica's approach to the human side of digital transformation - identifying champions, designing effective training programs, and creating user-friendly processes.High-Performance Team Leadership [44:38] Monica discusses building teams that balance technical expertise with people skills across different cultures and skill sets.ROI Justification [52:14] Discover Monica's framework for calculating and communicating ROI to executives, particularly skeptical CFOs, including baseline metrics establishment and compelling data presentation.Marketing Technology Future [59:33] Monica predicts where marketing automation and CRM are headed, discussing AI impact and the balance between automation and human touch.Advice for Global Leaders [1:07:42] Monica reflects on her continuous learning journey and shares advice for professionals navigating international business environments and digital transformation initiatives.Resources & LinksKamel-Rust on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicakamelrust/HubSpot Enterprise Solutions: https://www.hubspot.com/enterpriseQuantic School of Business and Technology: https://quantic.edu/Member-Get-Member Program Strategy Guide: https://www.americanexpress.com/partnersMarketing Automation Implementation Framework: https://academy.hubspot.com/certification

In this captivating episode of The Disruptive Leader, we sit down with Deyana P, Director of Digital, Growth, and Product at August and founder of A Mindful Escape. With over 15 years of experience driving digital Transformation across luxury brands, Deyana shares her remarkable journey from pioneering Bitcoin payments in luxury hotels to creating mindful retreats in the Bulgarian mountains. Through personal challenges and professional triumphs, she offers profound insights into the intersection of technology, humanity, and leadership in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERSThe Human Behind the Leader [01:45] Deyana opens up about her philosophy of being "human first" before any professional title, setting the tone for an authentic conversation about leadership and personal growth.Early Digital Innovation in Luxury [04:30] Breaking down the pioneering implementation of Bitcoin payments at Dorchester Collection in 2015, including the challenges of convincing boardrooms and winning an innovation award.Award-Winning Campaigns [15:20] Deep dive into "The World on a Plate" campaign, conceived during COVID-19, and how it perfectly balanced creativity and commercial success.Leading Global Teams [21:30] Discussion of managing distributed teams across three continents, addressing cultural differences, and maintaining team cohesion through inclusive leadership practices.Personal Transformation [31:45] A touching segment about how personal loss and her grandmother's Alzheimer's diagnosis led to creating A Mindful Escape and a renewed focus on giving back.The Bulgarian Mountain Retreat [39:15] explores A Mindful Escape's luxury mountain retreat concept, which combines natural serenity with comfortable amenities.Technology and Human Connection [43:20] Insightful Discussion about the balance between technological advancement and maintaining human connection in the workplace.Performance and People [52:40] Analysis of achieving significant business metrics while maintaining a human-centric leadership approach.The Future of Business [1:01:30] Predictions about AI's role in business disruption and maintaining human elements in Digital Transformation.RESOURCES & LINKSLinkedIn:Deyana PA Mindful Escape websiteCALL TO ACTION: Connect with Deyana on LinkedIn or website to learn more about A Mindful Escape's retreats and corporate wellbeing workshops.Want to be a guest on The Disruptive Leader? Contact us atwww.thedisruptiveleader.com

In this compelling episode of The Disruptive Leader, we explore the remarkable journey of Tara Rule, a former Adobe Senior Director who is now a leadership coach and founder of Tara Rule Ltd.  Tara shares her transition from accountant to tech executive, revealing how saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities transformed her career trajectory.  Her story illuminates the power of human-centered leadership, challenging traditional management paradigms focusing on empowerment, engagement, and energy.  Through candid discussions about leading diverse teams across EMEA and building cultures of trust, Tara provides invaluable insights into modern leadership practices that drive personal growth and business success. KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS The Power of Saying Yes [02:15] Tara shares the pivotal moment when she transitioned from finance to marketing after maternity leave, highlighting how embracing unexpected opportunities can lead to transformative career changes. She discusses overcoming self-imposed limitations and taking calculated risks in professional growth. Leading Diverse Teams in Tech [11:30] Exploration of Tara's experience managing a 30-person commercial team across EMEA at Adobe. She details her approach to leveraging team strengths, building inclusive cultures, and navigating multiple markets at different maturity levels—key insights into creating an environment where diversity becomes a competitive advantage. The Star Theory of Leadership [18:45] Tara introduces her powerful "star analogy" from positive psychology, explaining how focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses leads to better outcomes. She discusses the importance of helping team members identify and leverage their unique capabilities while maintaining awareness of development areas. Coaching in a Fast-Paced World [27:20] Discuss how modern coaching methods and positive psychology can be effectively implemented in today's rapid-paced business environment. Tara shares practical examples of "micro-coaching moments" and explains why traditional "stick and carrot" approaches are outdated. Building Confidence in Corporate Teams [35:40] Insight into how leaders can foster genuine team confidence beyond financial incentives. Tara shares remarkable results from her confidence workshops and explains why self-belief is crucial for team performance. Creating Engaged Teams [42:15] The episode concludes with Tara's three key elements for maximizing team impact: engagement, empowerment, and energy. She provides practical advice for leaders looking to create positive, high-performing cultures regardless of organization size. RESOURCES & LINKS Tara Rule on LinkedIn Website: tararulecoaching.com Corporate coaching booking page

In this compelling episode of The Disruptive Leader, we dive deep into the world of customer success with Guillermo Arenas, a veteran with 14+ years of experience in SaaS, startups, and B2B.  From navigating between Colombia and the United States early to becoming a key player in HubSpot's Latin American expansion, Guillermo shares insights on building customer loyalty, managing global teams, and balancing professional growth with personal life.  His journey from HubSpot's Senior Customer Success Manager to fractional leadership offers valuable lessons on adaptability, cultural intelligence, and the evolving landscape of customer success. KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS Cultural Bridges and Early Life [02:15] Guillermo shares his experience growing up between Bogotá and Houston, offering unique insights into how this multicultural background shaped his professional journey. Evolution of Customer Success in SaaS [08:30] Deep dive into how customer success has transformed from a reactive retention strategy to a proactive growth driver, focusing on the differences between US and Latin American markets. Managing Million-Dollar Portfolios [15:45] Discussion of Guillermo's experience managing $2 million in annual recurring revenue at HubSpot and strategies for handling large partner portfolios effectively. Building HubSpot's LatAm Presence [24:30] This Fascinating account of helping establish HubSpot's presence in Bogotá, including insights on cultural integration and remote team management. Language and Cultural Competency [32:15] Exploration of how bilingual abilities and cultural understanding have impacted Guillermo's career and client relationships. The Transition to Fractional Leadership [41:20] is a Candid discussion about the unexpected path to entrepreneurship following visa challenges and the lessons learned. Work-Life Balance and Family [48:45] Honest conversation about balancing professional growth with family life, particularly as a parent in tech with a physician spouse. NOTABLE QUOTES "The customer is not always right, but you still have to work with them." - Guillermo Arenas [13:45] "Everything was about retention. And how can we keep customers from churning? It was kind of like plugging a bucket." - Guillermo Arenas [09:30] RESOURCES & LINKS Connect with Guillermo Arenas on LinkedIn HubSpot Partner Program Sales Impact Academy GET IN TOUCH Follow The Disruptive Leader Podcast on social media Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights on leadership and innovation Share this episode with fellow leaders in tech and customer success Want to be a guest on The Disruptive Leader? Drop us a message at https://www.thedisruptiveleader.com/

In this compelling episode of The Disruptive Leader, we sit down with Tim Cabrelli, co-founder of Affixxius Films, one of the UK's leading production companies.  Tim shares his remarkable journey from starting a film company at age 15 to building a creative powerhouse that's produced award-winning content for major brands and impactful social campaigns.  We explore how a life-threatening diagnosis at 29 transformed his perspective on business and life. We dive deep into his philosophy on creative risk-taking, managing creative teams, and the future of commercial filmmaking in the age of AI and social media. KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS The Early Days and Origin Story [2:10] Tim shares how it all began at his school's film club, leading to the founding of Affixxius Films. From using massive non-digital cameras to coding their DVDs, he discusses how his early experiences shaped his deep understanding of the industry. Building a Unique Production Powerhouse [8:45] Dive into what makes Affixxius different - from their in-house team of 15 specialists to owning high-end equipment like ARRI cameras. Tim explains their philosophy of maintaining complete control over projects from conception to completion. The Kayleigh's Love Story Impact [15:30] A robust discussion about their award-winning film for Leicestershire Police about online grooming, which went viral, was adopted by the FBI for training and led to over 50 disclosures in the first few months of release. Creative Risk-Taking in Marketing [27:45] Tim shares his philosophy on taking calculated risks in creative work and why playing it safe in today's content-saturated world isn't an option. Leadership Evolution and Team Management [32:15] An honest reflection on learning to manage creative teams, including mistakes and lessons learned about personalized leadership approaches. The Future of Commercial Filmmaking [41:20] Discussion about the evolution of advertising platforms, the rise of subscription models, and the impact of AI on creative industries. Personal Journey and Transformation [51:30] Tim opens up about his diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia at 29 and how it transformed his perspective on life and business. Advice for Creative Entrepreneurs [1:02:15] Key insights about the importance of passion, experience, and full commitment in the creative industry. RESOURCES & LINKS Affixxius Films Website Kayleigh's Love Story Campaign Tim Cabrelli on LinkedIn NOTABLE QUOTES "If you want results, you've got to take a few risks." - Tim Cabrelli "No one should have to question their mortality at 29." - Tim Cabrelli "You're either in it, or you're out of it. Don't half-ass it." - Tim Cabrelli.

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, we explore Denise Thijzen's remarkable journey as a Product Manager at HubSpot and former top-performing Customer Success leader.  Born and raised in Aruba, Denise's story is a testament to the power of cultural adaptability and maintaining childlike wonder in professional growth.  From her early days coding Sailor Moon websites to leading global tech teams, Denise shares how her multilingual background and diverse cultural experiences have shaped her approach to product management and team leadership.  This episode explores themes of identity, belonging, and the unique perspective that comes from being a global citizen in the tech industry. KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS Caribbean Roots and Childlike Wonder [01:45] A candid discussion about growing up in Aruba in the pre-internet era and how maintaining childlike curiosity has shaped Denise's approach to life and work. The Global Nomad Experience [07:30] Exploring Denise's journey from Aruba to the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland and the challenges and rewards of building a life across multiple cultures. Language as a Superpower [12:15] Discussion about how speaking multiple languages (Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish) influences problem-solving and product development in a global context. Finding Home in a Global World [19:45] A touching conversation about the concept of Home for global citizens and how it evolves from a physical place to a feeling of connection. The HubSpot Success Story [25:30] Deep dive into Denise's remarkable achievements at HubSpot Dublin and her transition from customer success to product management. Bridging Technical and Human Communication [35:20] Insights into how Denise translates complex technical concepts for different audiences and builds psychological safety in distributed teams. The HEART of Leadership [42:15] Discussion of HubSpot's HEART values (Humble, Empathetic, Adaptable, Remarkable, Transparent) and their practical application in daily work. Leading Global Teams [48:30] Strategies for building trust and ensuring every voice is heard in cross-cultural, remote teams. RESOURCES & LINKS Connect with Denise Thijzen on LinkedIn HubSpot Careers HubSpot's HEART Values Product Management Resources at HubSpot MEMORABLE QUOTES  "Home is when you're with the people that allow you to be who you are." - Denise Thijzen "I approach life with childlike wonder... that innate curiosity to understand why things are the way they are." - Denise Thijzen GET IN TOUCH Follow The Disruptive Leader Podcast on social media Subscribe to our podcast for more insights on leadership and innovation Share this episode with other aspiring global leaders

In this captivating episode of The Disruptive Leader, we sit down with Lucila Abal, a HubSpot Hall of Fame member and Community Champion who has masterfully bridged the worlds of finance, technology, and education. From her early days as a ballerina and CPA to becoming a leading voice in HubSpot's Spanish-speaking community, Lucila shares her remarkable journey of constant evolution and embracing curiosity.  As a digital nomad who speaks four languages fluently, she brings a unique perspective on adapting technology solutions across different cultures while maintaining authenticity in leadership. KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS The Journey from Numbers to Technology [02:45] A fascinating transition from finance and accountancy to becoming a HubSpot expert, sparked by a simple question: "Are we investing our clients' budget properly?" Breaking Language Barriers in Tech [07:30] How Lucila pioneered Spanish-language HubSpot training, transforming access to technical education for Latin American professionals. The Power of Not Fitting In [11:15] Insights into challenging the status quo and turning being different into a superpower in the tech industry. Cultural Adaptation in Tech Education [19:45] Breaking down how HubSpot implementation varies across cultures and markets, from Latin America to Europe. The Digital Nomad Life [31:20] Embracing geographical freedom while maintaining professional excellence, complete with two cats and two bags. Breaking Cultural Stereotypes [36:15] Challenging preconceptions and building meaningful connections across cultures. Evolution and Growth [42:30] The importance of continuous learning and staying curious in both personal and professional development. RESOURCES & LINKS HubSpot Community Profile: @Lucila-Andimol Spanish SuperAdmins Bootcamp Connect with Lucila on LinkedIn HubSpot Academy Training Resources KEY QUOTES "Always be curious, always be learning new things. Life will throw you many different situations, and the CRM will keep changing." - Lucila Abal. "You can come back physically, but you're never going to be the same person." - Lucila's Coach. ABOUT THE GUEST Lucila Abal is a HubSpot Hall of Fame member, Community Champion, and certified trainer with over a decade of experience in CRM implementation and strategy.  She has pioneered Spanish-language HubSpot education and currently leads as a consultant while embracing the digital nomad lifestyle across Europe. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW Subscribe to The Disruptive Leader on your favorite podcast platform Follow us on Twitter: @DisruptLeader Website: www.thedisruptiveleader.com

In this raw and inspiring conversation, we sit down with Cheryl Razzell, Head of Compute Solution Architecture at AWS UK/Ireland, who shares her remarkable journey in tech.  From leaving school with no GCSEs to becoming one of the UK's most influential women in technology, Cheryl's story challenges conventional paths to success. Cheryl opens up about entering the tech world in the 1990s when female technologists were rare, facing everything from assumptions she was "the IT manager's EA" to navigating workplace discrimination.  She discusses how the lack of formal education fueled her imposter syndrome but also drove her to repeatedly work harder and prove herself. Now a recognized leader at AWS, Cheryl is transforming the narrative around women in tech through extensive mentoring and advocacy work.  Her commitment to centralizing the human element in technology solutions reflects AWS's customer-obsessed approach, demonstrating how technical expertise and people-first leadership can coexist. Key Discussion Points: Overcoming educational barriers and societal expectations Breaking through in male-dominated tech spaces The evolution from technical expert to recognized leader Balancing human connection with complex technology The importance of representation in tech leadership Memorable Quote:  "When I left school, I had no GCSEs. I had no idea what to do with my life... The most surprising part is where I am today. I still pinch myself that I'm in the role I'm in, in the organization I'm in, and doing what I love." This episode powerfully reminds us that success in tech isn't about where you start but where your passion and resilience can take you. Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction and welcome  [02:15] - The unexpected path: From no GCSEs to tech leadership [04:30] - Early career transition: From gym instructor to Apple support  [08:45] - Breaking into tech without formal education  [11:20] - Being the only woman in tech during the 1990s  [14:50] - Dealing with "positive discrimination" in the workplace [17:30] - The battle between imposter syndrome and being a woman in tech  [21:15] - Advocating for women in STEM education  [24:45] - The transition from manager to recognized leader [28:30] - The "Sticky Toffee Pudding Moment": Mentoring and giving back  [31:45] - Maintaining human connection in complex tech at AWS [34:20] - Recognition as one of the UK's most influential women in tech  [36:45] - Advice for aspiring women in tech