
A Geek Leader Podcast - inspiring technical and creative leaders around the world
The ultimate podcast for aspiring leaders in the creative or technology fields. John Rouda discusses leadership topics, interviews some of the greatest minds today and teaches you practical leadership tips, techniques, tricks and hacks to improve motivation, negotiation, and other much needed skills for leaders today.
Latest episodes

Jul 29, 2024 • 40min
AGL 375: Chad Brown
About Chad
Chad Brown is a leadership engagement expert. He coaches founders and executives in the art and science of leadership for themselves, their teams, and clients to create new, unprecedented results and experience fulfillment in their work.
Chad founded a media production studio called Shade Tree Films in 2008 that has serviced global companies such as Volkswagen, Target, and Pixar Animation Studios.
This is where his love and passion for leadership and causing results through others was ignited.
He sold that company in 2021. He thrives in extreme environments and difficult
conversations. Over the last 7 years, Chad has trained and developed leaders at globally recognized brands like Lulu Lemon, and Ironclad Document Services along with many burgeoning start-ups.
When he is not engaging in meaningful conversations with leaders, you will find (or won't be able to find) Chad on a wild adventure in the mountains with his family. He resides at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Orem Utah with his wife Katie and three children Addison, Kenya, and Milo.
Today We Talked About
Chad's background
Team building
Leadership Coaching
Learning from Failure
Ego
Letting Go
Trust isn't built, its Chosen
Immature Trust
All of us have Snakes in us - Jordan Peterson
Mature Trust
Accountability with no Authority
Information is a social currency
Generously communicating information
Celebrate Failure
Personal Vulnerability
Courage
4 Pillars of Founder Freedom Assessment
Connect with Chad
Website
LinkedIn
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Jul 19, 2024 • 36min
AGL 374: Richmond Alake
About Richmond
Richmond Alake is an AI/ML Practitioner with an academic background in computer vision, robotics, and machine learning. He has worked in software development and machine learning roles since 2016. Richmond has also taught online AI/ML/Data courses and written over 200 technical articles with over 1 million views. He is passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems.
Today We Talked About
AI/ML
MongoDB
Compute
Data
Models
Opensource Language Models
LLM applications
Prompt Engineering
RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) architecture
Credible Sources are important
BAP - Becoming A Person
Connect with Richmond
LinkedIn
MongoDB
YouTube
Register for a Free MongoDB Atlas Account
Understand the AI Stack
Find more AI and MongoDB resources
Leave me a tip $
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I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Jul 12, 2024 • 35min
AGL 373: Madeline Miller
About Madeline
Madeline Miller is making executive coaching more accessible and inclusive for rising leaders, specifically, Gen Z and Millennial women; so they can take control of their careers, reduce burnout and develop interpersonal skills and healthy resilience to become the leaders they wish they had. As a lawyer, DEI consultant, and Career and Leadership coach, Madeline founded Coaching With Madeline after 15+ years spent walking the line between milestone successes and frequent uncertainty.
With degrees from The University of Melbourne and UCLA, she’s worked in high-profile roles across the globe (including as production attorney on the James Bond movie franchise). Known for her easy-to-digest content bites and online resources and courses, she helps Gen Z and Millennials identify and align work choices and values, gain clarity on goals, and refine interpersonal skills and influence.
Today We Talked About
Madeline's background
Leadership
The AIR Framework
Alignment
Influence
Resilience
Purpose
Values
Communication
Fear
"And Then What?"
Saying "No"
Assertive Communication
Connect With Madeline
LinkedIn
Website
Leave me a tip $Click here to Donate to the show
I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Jul 5, 2024 • 40min
AGL 372: Sol Rashidi
About Sol
Sol Rashidi, a former C-Suite executive, is now a consultant and influencer within the AI, data, and technology space, having helped IBM launch Watson back in 2011 and involved in “hands on” AI deployments since. She’s been named 50 Most Powerful Women in Tech, Top 100 Innovators in Data & Analytics, CAO of the Year, CDO of the Year, Global Data Power Women, and holds eight patents. Her new book, The AI Survival Guide: Scraped Knees, Bruised Elbows, and Lessons from Real World AI Deployments (Wiley, April 30, 2024), was named among Best Books in AI by CEOWorld and made it to the bestseller list in less than one month. Learn more at https://www.solrashidi.com/
Today We Talked About
Sol's background
Sol's executive journey
learning
Watson... what was that like?
Practitioner to Executive
Connect with Sol
LinkedIn
Website
Book
Leave me a tip $
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I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Jun 28, 2024 • 36min
AGL 371: Rhea Wessel
About Rhea
Rhea Wessel, an American writer, specializes in empowering companies to expand their reach by enhancing their storytelling capabilities. She provides guidance on ideation, messaging, and the art of articulating one's best ideas to drive innovation. With a prolific career in journalism, Rhea has penned thousands of articles for esteemed publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and BBC. As a corporate writer, she has crafted and refined countless narratives spanning across 30 diverse industries. Rhea proudly leads The Institute for Thought Leadership. For further insights, visit the website at www.instituteforthoughtleadership.com.
Today We Talked About
Rhea's background
Leadership
Why
AI for writing
Thought Leadership
Finding your niche
Frame it
Flesh it out
List making
Mind Mapping
Using Generative AI
Finding your Audience
Pitfalls of writting
Don't put in too much
Connect with Rhea
FaceBook
FB Author
Linkedin
Book
Leave me a tip $
Click here to Donate to the show
I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Jun 21, 2024 • 36min
AGL 370: Powerful Phrases
About Karin And David
Karin Hurt helps human-centered leaders find clarity in uncertainty, drive innovation, and achieve breakthrough results.
She’s the Founder and CEO of Let’s Grow Leaders, a global leadership development firm known for practical tools and techniques for human-centered leaders.
A former Verizon Wireless executive with more than two decades of experience in sales, customer service, and human resources, Karin is known for growing courageous leaders, building great cultures, and inspiring high-performance teams.
Since 2013, Karin and her husband, David have grown tens of thousands of leaders on every continent (except Antarctica) with their leadership development programs and keynotes. In addition to encouraging courage around the world, they also provide clean water to the people of Cambodia through their Winning Wells philanthropic initiative.
Karin is an award-winning author of five books, including:
Courageous Cultures – How to Build Teams of Micro-Innovators, Problem Solvers and Customer Advocates
Powerful Phrases for Dealing With Workplace Conflict: What to Say Next to Destress the Workday, Build Collaboration and Calm Difficult Customers
She is the host of the popular LinkedIn show, Asking for a Friend. And she was recently named by Inc. Magazine as a Top 100 Great Leadership Speaker.
David Dye helps human-centered leaders find clarity in uncertainty, drive innovation, and achieve breakthrough results.
He’s President of Let’s Grow Leaders, a global leadership development firm known for practical tools and techniques for human-centered leaders.
A former executive, David is known for helping leaders and teams achieve transformational results without sacrificing their humanity
Since 2013, Karin and David have helped grow tens of thousands of leaders on every continent (except Antarctica) with their leadership development programs and keynotes. They also provide clean water to the people of Cambodia through their Winning Wells philanthropic initiative.
David is an award-winning author of six books including:
Courageous Cultures – How to Build Teams of Micro-Innovators, Problem Solvers and Customer Advocates
Powerful Phrases for Dealing With Workplace Conflict: What to Say Next to Destress the Workday, Build Collaboration and Calm Difficult Customers
Tomorrow Together- Essays of Hope Healing and Humanity
David also hosts the popular podcast, Leadership Without Losing Your Soul.
Today We Talked About
Backgrounds
Dimensions of Collaboration
Connection
Clarity
Curiosity
Commitment
Acknowledgement of the Emotion
What went right?
It sounds to me like you're feeling _____, Do I have that right?
Do we need conflict?
What would a successful outcome do for you?
What does it matter?
Managing Up.
Whys?
I hear you, and I am concerned ____
The sooner you handle something, the easier it will be.
Have I set clear expectations?
Are they in conflict because of me.
What do you want me to know?
Vent or Intervention?
Should the 3 of us talk together?
Notice the pattern
What is most needed?
The 12 GOATs
Connect with Karin
Karin's LinkedIn
David's LinkedIn
Website
Book
Leave me a tip $
Click here to Donate to the show
I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Jun 14, 2024 • 36min
AGL 369: Mindfulness with Daniela Bumann
About Daniela
Daniela, a Swiss native based in California, is a corporate consultant, international teacher and transformational speaker, life coach, and evolutionary consciousness guide. She helps high-performers overcome achievers burnout, repair relationships, and boost productivity. With expertise in performance and positive psychology and communication, Daniela maximizes individual and team performance.
Her unorthodox approach blends wit and reflection, enabling personal growth through new habits, next-level mindset and boundaries. In her groundbreaking book, "Gliding You Home: A Dolphins Dream of a New Earth," Daniela explores unlocking spiritual potential for fulfillment. As an evolutionary guide, she helps individuals from all walks of life. Her insights and teachings open new pathways for change and help individuals tap into their spiritual potential, creating greater unity on Earth.
Today We Talked About
Her background
High Performance without Pain
Boundaries
Burnout
Being Present
Mindfulness
7 Habits
Slow Down to speed up
Pivot
3 Minute Power Meditations (LIVE ON THE SHOW).
Pragmatic and Spiritual
Schedule
Flow State
Dolphins
Ego
Patience
Become Intentional
Connect with Daniela
LinkedIn
Website
Speaking Website
Book
X
Leave me a tip $
Click here to Donate to the show
I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Jun 7, 2024 • 43min
AGL 368: AI Tools with Peter Guirguis
About Peter
Peter Guirguis is the founder of SwiftPress Support, a company dedicated to creating affordable, engaging websites and apps for small businesses. By leveraging scientific methods and psychological principles, Peter creates designs that not only attract customers but also keep them engaged. His work, recognized by the Wells Fargo Leaders Club, reflects his commitment to delivering impactful digital solutions. At SwiftPress Support, Peter’s approach is not just about building an online presence; it’s about empowering small businesses to connect deeply with their audience, driving success online and beyond.
Today We Talked About
Peter's background
Side Hustles
AI
Replying to Emails
AI Tools
Google Gemini
Microsoft Co-Pilot
Cider AI
Write Sonic
Super Human AI
Have a conversation with the AI
Empathy
Never Split the Difference
Tactical Empathy
DISC personality models
Use AI for feedback
Use Humans
Wordpress Themes
Wordpress Security
Connect With Peter
LinkedIn
Website
X
Swiftpress Support (@swiftpresswp) / X (twitter.com)
SwiftPress
Leave me a tip $
Click here to Donate to the show
I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

May 31, 2024 • 39min
AGL 367: Martin Gonzalez
About Martin
Martin Gonzalez is the coauthor of The Bonfire Moment, and the creator of Google’s Effective Founders Project, a global research program that decodes the factors that enable startup founders to succeed. He also works closely with Google’s engineering and research leaders on org design, leadership and culture challenges. Martin is a frequent lecturer at Stanford, Wharton and INSEAD, and has advised leaders across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. He has been recognized as a Fellow by the Aspen Institute's First Movers Program and as a Thinkers50 Radar awardee, both for his contributions to shaping the future of management and leadership. He studied organizational psychology and behavioral science at Columbia University and the London School of Economics.
Today We Talked About
Martin's background
Time at Google
Teaching
Book
4 Traps at the root of Failed Startups
65% of startups fail because of people issues
What is a Bonfire Moment
How to run a Bonfire Workshop?
Compare yourself to other founders
User guide for working with me
3 Masks we wear
Imposter Syndrome
Conflict
2 Minute Hack
Xerox Park Story (Bob Taylor)
Beautiful Mess Effect
Connect With Martin
LinkedIn
Website
Book
Leave me a tip $
Click here to Donate to the show
I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

May 24, 2024 • 33min
AGL 366: Burnout Immunity with Kandi Wiens
About Kandi
Kandi Wiens, EdD, MSEd, MBA, is a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, the director of the Penn Master's in Medical Education Program and the Penn Health Professions Education Certificate Program, and the academic director of the PennCLO Master's Program. She is the author of Burnout Immunity: How Emotional Intelligence Can Help You Build Resilience and Heal Your Relationship with Work.
She frequently teaches in various graduate-level and executive-format programs across the University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Thinkers50 Radar 2024 cohort, a researcher, a national speaker, and an executive coach whose work focuses on helping leaders hone and use their emotional and social intelligence to amplify their positive impact and protect themselves from burnout.
Today We Talked About
Kandi's background
Burnout
Stress
Health scare
Burnout
What causes it?
Culture
Leaders' goal
The Sweet Spot of Stress
Open conversations about stress and deadlines
Clear Expectations
Boundaries
3 Rx Prescription
Recovery - Prioritize it
Reconnect
Reimagine
Walk n Talks
Emotional Intelligence
Social Intelligence
"How did that land with you?"
The Burnout Quiz!
Connect with Kandi
LinkedIn
X
Website
Book
Leave me a tip $
Click here to Donate to the show
I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!