Leading with Trust: Kristen Ziman on the Real Power of Human-Centered Leadership

AI won’t replace leaders, but leaders who use AI will replace those who don’t.In this episode of The Few Leaders: Speaker Series, I sit down with Jonathan Brill, Forbes’ number one futurist and a leading authority on innovation, technology, and future strategy. Tune in as we explore how leaders can future-proof their organisations by harnessing the power of AI and building more intelligent, adaptable systems to thrive in uncertain times. We break down the myths around artificial intelligence, uncover why rigid five-year plans no longer work, and reveal the small strategic decisions that create resilience and long-term advantage. From navigating demographic shifts and geopolitical change to rethinking leadership roles in an AI-driven world, this conversation is a blueprint for staying ahead of disruption. Whether you’re a business leader anxious about rapid change or an executive eager to turn uncertainty into opportunity, this episode offers practical insights that will help you lead with confidence in the face of tomorrow’s challenges.Actionable TakeawayBuild rolling options, not rigid five year plansLet AI take on what people can’t, shouldn’t, or won’t doMake small moves today that create big options tomorrowAsk for more help than your peersGrow opportunities by building unexpected connectionsStay calm in chaos by using first principlesChoose career steps that open more doors, even if they failLean into change to uncover opportunities Connect with Jonathan Brill:Learn more about Jonathan BrillJonathan on LinkedInJonathan's Media Kit Connect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

What if work did not have to suck? In this episode of The Few Leaders: Speaker Series, I sit down with Josh Allan Dykstra, a future of work strategist helping leaders and organisations rethink how we work in an age of disruption. Josh shares why most workplaces drain energy instead of fuelling it, and how leaders can redesign work so it becomes energising, purposeful, and ready for the future.Together, we explore the hidden systems shaping our experience of work, the power of Energy Intelligence, and why mindset alone is not enough without action. Josh unpacks how to create flow, anchor teams in purpose, and face AI with curiosity instead of fear. This is a practical and inspiring conversation for any leader looking to adapt, thrive, and guide others through inevitable change.Actionable TakeawayRedesign work so it energises instead of drains youIdentify your energisers and build them into your dayTurn positive thinking into concrete actionPractise getting into flow for maximum impactAnchor your team with a clear sense of purposeExplore AI tools and learn how to use them nowStep up as the guide who directs and clarifiesMake space for reflection to lead with wisdom Connect with Josh Allan Dykstra:Learn more about Josh Allan DykstraJosh on LinkedInJosh on InstagramJosh on FacebookConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

What separates leaders who only talk about vision from those who actually make it happen? In today’s complex world, where strategy often falls short in execution and leaders face constant disruption, the answer lies in intentional leadership and the discipline to follow through.In this episode of The Few Leadership Speaker Series, I sit down with Brian Morris, President and Managing Partner of Leadercast, to explore the critical connection between clarity of purpose, effective strategy execution, and continuous self-development. Brian reveals why investing in yourself first allows you to lead others from a place of strength, how to reinvent in the face of setbacks, and what it truly means to build a legacy of impact. Along the way, we uncover powerful lessons drawn from sport, myth-busting insights on leadership, and practical tools for aligning vision with action. Whether you’re leading a global team or growing a small business, this episode offers a roadmap to leading with purpose and resilience in a rapidly changing world.Actionable TakeawayAdapt your leadership to connect with every generation at work.Focus on leaving a legacy that improves people’s lives.Build trust and teamwork by leading like an athlete.Reinvent your strategy when circumstances shift.Challenge leadership myths by seeking real feedback.Use life’s sliding door moments to find purpose.Give yourself grace and learn from failures.Prioritise self-leadership so you can lead others well. Connect with Brian Morris:Learn more about Brian MorrisBrian on LinkedInBrian on X Connect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Winning isn’t the hardest part of leadership, staying human while you do it is.In this episode of The Few Leaders: Speaker Series, I sit down with veteran basketball coach and leadership speaker Mark Gottfried to explore the balance between high performance and human values. Drawing from decades at the top of college basketball and beyond, Mark reveals why resilience, integrity and connection matter just as much as results.From transforming good teams into championship ones to motivating top performers, navigating the loneliness of leadership and turning failure into growth, Mark shares candid lessons every leader can apply. This is a powerful conversation on achieving success without losing yourself along the way.Actionable TakeawayAdopt a get it done mindset and stop letting excuses hold you backLearn how to turn a winning team into a true championship teamGet your top performers to buy into the bigger pictureBuild resilience by being brutally honest with yourselfHandle the loneliness of leadership without losing focusUse failure as fuel to create your next breakthroughProtect your integrity so your decisions stay clear and easyApply the three timeless lessons Mark shares to fast-track your leadership growth Connect with Mark Gottfried:Learn more about Mark GottfriedMark on LinkedInMark on InstagramMark on YouTubeConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

What does it take to lead with unwavering consistency when everything around you is uncertain?In this episode of The Few Leaders: Speaker Series, I sit down with Kevin Stealey, an experienced leader and CEO, to uncover the subtle habits and personal principles that give teams stability and guidance. We explore how fatherhood shapes decision-making, the lessons behind his book Winning Bets, and why betting on yourself is the key to growth and success. From embracing failure and turning challenges into opportunities to using storytelling and active listening to inspire teams, this conversation offers actionable insights to help leaders cultivate resilience, strengthen human connection, and make confident choices in uncertain times. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping your career, or striving to grow as a leader, this episode provides practical strategies to guide your journey with purpose and integrity.Actionable TakeawayStart each day by taking control of what you can and set the tone for success.Bet on yourself in every opportunity, even when it feels uncertain or risky.Turn disruption into a chance to solve problems and grow your skills.Share your wisdom consistently, even if people aren’t listening at first.Embrace failure as a stepping stone to improve and expand your potential.Ask the right questions to guide your team instead of telling them what to do.Put yourself in uncomfortable situations to build resilience and adaptability.Use storytelling to inspire your team and help them see the bigger picture. Connect with Kevin Stealey:Kevin on LinkedInConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

When pressure rises and everything is on the line, what separates leaders who crumble from those who inspire?In this episode of The Few Leaders: Speaker Series, I sit down with Joe McNamara, a former Marine officer, firefighter, and elite rugby player, to explore what it really takes to lead with character and composure in high-stakes environments.Joe shares powerful lessons on emotional regulation, trust, and humility, showing how resilience and integrity translate into effective leadership in business and life. From making tough decisions under pressure to creating cultures of accountability and learning, this conversation is packed with insights to help you steady yourself, steady your team, and lead with impact.Actionable TakeawayLead with character even when it’s the harder choice.Learn how to steady your emotions so your team can steady theirs.Swap control for trust and watch your people step up.Use setbacks as your best training ground for resilience.Build a team culture where it’s safe to speak up and challenge.Take lessons from sport and service and bring them into your leadership.Create clarity so no one is left guessing what good looks like.Debrief with honesty and turn every experience into growth. Connect with Joe McNamara:Learn more about Joe McNamaraJoe on LinkedInJoe on Instagram Connect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

What if every small action you take as a leader creates ripples that shape your entire organisation?In this episode I sit down with keynote speaker Chris Rollins to explore Ripple Effect Leadership, the idea that trust, connection, and culture are built in the smallest everyday moments.Chris shares the five qualities that set human-centred leaders apart: vulnerability, kindness, curiosity, empathy, and humility, and shows why they are more powerful than any playbook. From spotting hidden frictions that quietly erode performance to resetting quickly after setbacks and slowing down to truly connect, this conversation is a practical guide to making leadership more intentional, impactful, and deeply human.If you are ready to turn everyday actions into lasting influence, this episode will show you how to start your own ripple effect today.Actionable TakeawayStart small and make one intentional act that creates a ripple of impact.Practise the five human qualities that build trust and connection.Choose kindness over being “nice” by having the conversations that matter.Identify and remove micro-frictions that quietly slow your team down.Apply the “next shot” mindset to recover quickly after setbacks.Slow down intentionally to create space for trust and connection.Use everyday moments to show vulnerability while strengthening authority.Ask “If you really knew me…” to open deeper trust with your team. Connect with Chris Rollins:Learn more about Chris RollinsChris on LinkedInChris on Instagram Connect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

What if the future of leadership isn’t about being tougher or faster, but about being more human?In this episode of The Few Leaders Speaker Series, I sit down with Anne Robie, a leadership coach, consultant, and speaker who has spent her career helping organisations put people back at the centre of leadership. Together, we explore the challenges of staying authentically human in an age where technology often dominates our attention and interactions. From embracing vulnerability as a strength, to navigating fear and courage in uncertain times, Anne shares powerful insights on what it really means to lead with empathy, authenticity, and connection. We unpack why so many leaders feel pressure to perform at the cost of their humanity, and how bringing your whole self to work can create trust, resilience, and stronger teams.Whether you’re leading a business, managing a team, or simply navigating change in your own career, this conversation is a compelling reminder that in a digital-first world, the most powerful leadership tool you have is your humanity. If you want to future-proof your leadership, start here.Actionable TakeawayStop hiding parts of yourself at work and bring more of who you are into the room.Swap “fearlessness” for courage: feel the fear and move forward anyway.Use vulnerability as a strength because it builds trust faster than pretending you’ve got it all together.Take a pause to breathe before big conversations because it shifts the whole energy.Get clear on your personal “why” instead of borrowing the company’s version.Connect with your team on something beyond KPIs because that’s where loyalty lives.Notice where technology helps but don’t outsource the human touch.Find your own shape of brilliance and stop squeezing into boxes you don’t fit. Connect with Anne Robie:Learn more about Anne RobieAnne on LinkedInConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Great leaders aren’t born confident. They prepare for it.In this episode of The Few Leaders Speaker Series, Emmy Award-winning journalist, executive coach, and author Liz Brunner shares how intentional preparation and authentic communication can shape the way leaders show up, inspire trust, and influence others.From silencing imposter syndrome and building executive presence to crafting stories that capture attention in the first 10 seconds, Liz offers practical strategies for leading with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re striving to elevate your presence, connect more authentically, or prepare with purpose, this conversation is a playbook for becoming the kind of leader people want to follow.Actionable TakeawayLearn how to build real confidence instead of just looking the partDiscover the simple shift that makes your presence felt the moment you walk into a roomStop “winging it” and master the preparation habits that set leaders apartUnlock the secret to crafting stories that grab attention in the first 10 secondsFind out how to break free from limiting beliefs and silence imposter syndromePractise authenticity without oversharing by knowing who has earned the right to your storyConnect the dots of your own career journey and turn it into a powerful leadership narrativeAlign your body, mind, and relationships so you can show up with clarity, influence and impact Connect with Liz Brunner:Learn more about Liz BrunnerLiz on LinkedInLiz on InstagramLiz on FacebookConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

In this episode of The Few Leaders: The Speaker Series, I chat with Kristen Ziman, former Chief of Police for Aurora, Illinois, to uncover why genuine care for people is the foundation of effective leadership. From leading through crisis and navigating politics to confronting apathy and disengagement, Kristen shares how optimism, vulnerability, and transparency can transform teams and cultures. This episode is full of real stories and straight-talking lessons that will make you rethink what it means to truly lead with impact.A must-listen for leaders who want to build trust and inspire lasting change.Actionable TakeawayLearn how to fight apathy in your team and reignite real engagement.Discover why choosing optimism changes the way you lead and perform.Tap into the three things every person craves at work: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.Find out how a single voice can disrupt negativity and shift an entire culture.Use transparency and vulnerability to build unshakeable trust.Stop fearing mistakes and learn the simple three-step apology that turns failure into respect.Redefine authority by loving your people more than your position. Connect with Kristen Ziman:Learn more about Kristen ZimanKristen on LinkedInKristen on InstagramKristen on FacebookConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.