The Virtual Campfire's Podcast

What does it take to stay ambitious without burning out? In this warm and insightful conversation, Kathy Oneto—author of Sustainable Ambition and host of the podcast of the same name—joins Tony Martignetti to explore the flashpoints that shaped her journey and her philosophy. From swimming the length of a pool as a kid to working in high-powered roles in New York, Kathy shares how her curiosity, courage, and conscious risk-taking led her to redefine success on her own terms. Together, they dive into what sustainable ambition really means, how to honor different life stages, and why ambition doesn’t have to be all-consuming to be meaningful.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast

Although making friends is not necessarily one of the top priorities in leadership, everyone within the team must be able to genuinely relate and connect with their leaders. Author and keynote speaker Rachel DeAlto joins Tony Martignetti to discuss how to lead effectively through relatability. She explains how teams work better when authenticity, common understanding, and constant learning are at the center of the entire dynamic. Rachel also shares valuable leadership and career lessons from her eye-opening journey from law, television, to thought leadership.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast

Rich Sheridan discovered his purpose and passion in the software industry by combining his genuine desire to serve others and his expertise in technology. In this conversation with Tony Martignetti, he looks back at the story of building Menlo Innovations and how their custom software development helps solve not just people’s tech issues but their everyday challenges as well. Rich also shares valuable insights about what it takes to end the “ship it” mentality, the importance of fostering pride in the workplace, and how to change the world by changing yourself first.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast

What if slowing down and looking carefully could transform how we lead, connect, and collaborate? In this deep and reflective episode, museum educator and Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) expert Dabney Hailey shares how structured observation and shared dialogue can spark insight across fields—from classrooms and galleries to corporate teams and healthcare settings. Drawing from her years facilitating art-based inquiry, Dabney explores how listening, uncertainty, and slowing down can deepen our understanding of each other, shift group dynamics, and make meaning in more human ways.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast

Workplace culture isn’t just about perks and policies—it’s about designing the conditions where people thrive. In this thought-provoking conversation on workplace culture, Bree Groff—author of Today Was Fun and senior advisor at SYPartners—dives into how leaders can craft environments where workdays are more joyful, sustainable, and human. From navigating “squiggly” career paths to finding fulfillment without burnout, Bree unpacks how purpose, fun, and culture intersect in the modern workplace and why treating each day as meaningful—not just productive—may be the greatest metric of success.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast

Soul health innovations are transforming workplaces by tapping into the often-overlooked aspect of sensory experiences, and in this enlightening episode, we welcome Pam Buchanan, the visionary founder of Quantum Sense. Pam is dedicated to simplifying complex concepts and bringing "soul health" to the masses. She collaborates with experts across various fields to deliver sensory solutions that empower employees by reducing anxiety, increasing energy, enhancing focus, boosting creativity, and improving overall satisfaction. Pam's journey began with deep introspection in Silicon Valley, leading to over a decade of research into self-examination that defines soul health. She brings a wealth of experience, including introducing mutual funds to banking in the '80s, identifying unicorn startups, and serving as a managing partner at NASDAQ for 15 years, where she connected with innovators like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Join us as we explore Pam's innovative approach and her commitment to making soul health a vital part of personal and professional well-being.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast

What if love was the secret to thriving workplaces? In a world often focused on bottom lines and short-term gains, acclaimed executive coach and author Marcel Schwantes invites us to explore the transformative power of humane leadership. In this episode, we dive into his insights from his book, Humane Leadership, and his popular Love In Action Podcast, exploring how cultures of care, connection, and belonging can empower companies to outperform the competition.Marcel shares his personal "flashpoints," from a stress-induced physical collapse in a toxic work environment to discovering servant leadership under a truly empowering boss. He reveals why servant leadership is, at its core, "love in action," and how this approach — grounded in patience, kindness, humility, advocacy, and trustworthiness — fosters engagement, reduces turnover, and drives sustainable success. Get ready for a conversation that will challenge your perceptions of leadership and inspire you to cultivate a more humane and loving workplace.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast

A business cannot thrive if it is solely focused on earning and profit and tosses artistic thinking to the sidelines. Only those who understand the beauty of business artistry can unlock today’s greatest opportunities. In this conversation, Tony Martignetti explores the fusion of business strategy with creativity and human connection with Nir Hindie, founder of The Artian. Together, they discuss how art is one of the key elements in making your business timeless, trustworthy, and engaging. Nir also talks about the role of AI in generating art and what it means for the increasing need for emotional resonance in a highly digital and tech-driven world.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast

Laurie Ruettimann, acclaimed author and host of Punk Rock HR, shares her transformative journey from HR executive to advocate for workplace change. She emphasizes self-leadership, urging listeners to reclaim their values and vulnerabilities in professional settings. Laurie explores the power of storytelling and personal connections, highlighting that authenticity is key to creating supportive workplaces. She also discusses the pitfalls of comparing oneself to others in the digital age and encourages embracing individuality in the pursuit of personal growth.

What if not knowing was your greatest strength? In a world that worships certainty and quick answers, award-winning author and journalist Maggie Jackson invites us to pause and consider the power of uncertainty. In this episode, we dive into her acclaimed book Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure—a bold and timely exploration of how embracing ambiguity can lead to deeper insight, creativity, and resilience.From leaping into life as a foreign correspondent in Tokyo without speaking the language, to becoming a thought leader on attention and social change, Maggie’s journey is a masterclass in the beauty of disorientation and the growth that follows. We explore the flashpoints that shaped her path, the uncomfortable magic of stepping outside your comfort zone, and why curiosity—not control—might be the key to thriving in uncertain times. Get ready for a conversation that’s as thought-provoking as it is inspiring.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast