Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode, Andy Vasily sits down with renowned educator and global strategic leader Nancy Lhoest-Squicciarini for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about what it truly means to lead with authenticity, connection, and purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in international education and leadership development, Nancy shares powerful stories and practical frameworks that illuminate the profound impact of small, intentional moments—what she calls “lollipop moments”—in shaping positive culture and empowering others.Key topics discussed include:The power of small acts of kindness and encouragement in leadershipBuilding trust and psychological safety within teamsThe importance of feedback, follow-through, and elevating all voicesAuthenticity, vulnerability, and self-compassion as cornerstones of effective leadershipStrategies for meaningful facilitation and inclusive meeting designNancy’s work in supporting women in education and developing middle leadership capacityWhy You Should Listen:This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to make a real difference in their organization or community. Nancy’s wisdom goes beyond theory—she offers actionable advice, relatable stories, and a refreshing perspective on leadership that is both human and practical. Whether you’re a school leader, teacher, coach, or aspiring changemaker, you’ll walk away with new tools, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of how to lead with heart, elevate others, and create lasting positive impact.Key Takeaway Value:Listeners will discover the transformative power of authentic leadership rooted in connection, trust, and intentionality. Nancy’s insights will encourage you to embrace vulnerability, act with purpose, and recognize the ripple effect of your everyday actions—reminding us all that the smallest moments can have the biggest impact.Connect with Nancy: LinkedInTwitter 'X'WebsiteECIS LOFT Program

Send us a textIn this powerful episode, Andy Vasily sits down with Dan Newby—author, educator, and founder of the School of Emotions and Dignity Inc.—to explore the transformative power of emotional literacy. Dan shares his global journey and personal story, revealing how learning to notice, name, and work with emotions can change lives, relationships, and leadership. Together, Andy and Dan discuss why emotional literacy is a foundational skill, how it impacts decision-making and well-being, and practical steps anyone can take to become more emotionally aware and resilient.Main Takeaways for Listeners: Discover what emotional literacy really means and why it’s essential for personal and professional growth.Learn practical tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and building stronger relationships.Hear real-life stories and examples that make the science of emotions accessible and actionable.Gain insights into how leaders can use emotional literacy to foster trust, connection, and positive change in their teams and communities.Be inspired to start your own journey of emotional growth, no matter where you are starting from.Connect with Dan Newby:School of EmotionsDignity Inc.LinkedInBooks By Dan Newby Can Be Found Below:   - The Unopened Gift: A Primer in Emotional Literacy    - The Field Guide to Emotions: A Practical Orientation to 150 Essential Emotions    - Dignity in Leadership: How Emotional Well-Being Elevates Lives, Strengthens Families, and Makes Careers-Dignity in Policing: How Emotional Well-Being Saves Lives, Families, and CareersAll listeners can access Dan's The Emotional Regulation Dashboard Assessment (ERDA) for free here. 

Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Judson Brewer—renowned neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and bestselling author—to explore the science behind mindfulness and its transformative power in overcoming anxiety and addiction. Dr. Brewer shares insights from his groundbreaking research, demonstrating how understanding the brain’s mechanisms can help us break free from unhelpful habits and cultivate lasting well-being.We discuss practical tools anyone can use to manage stress, the role of the prefrontal cortex in habit formation, and how meditation can literally change your brain. Dr. Brewer’s approachable style and evidence-based strategies offer hope and actionable steps for anyone struggling with anxiety or looking to make positive changes in their life. Please pass this episode on to anyone who you feel will benefit from listening. Connect with Dr. Judson Brewer:WebsiteSubstack NewsletterTED Talks:  - “A Simple Way to Break a Bad Habit" and "You are Already Awesome: Just Get Out of Your Own Way!"Dr. Judson Brewer's BooksTwitter/XInstagramFacebookYouTubeAs well, find out more information on Judson and the podcasts and interviews he's done here.Special Credit to: Anderson Cooper Audio Clip From 60 Minutes (2015)

Send us a textIn this meaningful episode, Andy Vasily sits down with his longtime friend and mentor, Coach Harry Lumley, for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation about life, leadership, and the true meaning of coaching. With over 60 years of experience, Harry shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a legendary coach who has impacted generations of athletes and students. Together, Andy and Harry explore the importance of building authentic relationships, the transformative power of positive feedback, and the enduring legacy of caring for others.Listeners will hear stories of resilience, hope, and the ripple effect of investing in people. Harry’s wisdom goes far beyond the X’s and O’s of sport—he offers practical advice for coaches, teachers, parents, and anyone striving to make a difference. This episode is a testament to the power of empathy, the importance of belonging, and the belief that one caring adult can change a life forever.Key Topics Discussed: The foundation of Harry’s coaching philosophy: relationships and trustOvercoming adversity and finding purpose through serviceThe impact of positive feedback and deep listeningCreating a sense of belonging and mattering for every athleteLessons on legacy, hope, and living with intentionNotable Quotes:“When kids know you care about them, you can accomplish so much.”“The real victories are found in the lives changed.”“All it takes is one adult to invest a little bit of time in a young person for that person to know that they matter.”Connect with Harry Lumley:FacebookPlease share this episode with anyone who you feel will benefit from listening. Thank you!

Send us a textIn this powerful and deeply moving episode, Andy Vasily sits down with Max Fox, a gifted singer and performer whose journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. From humble beginnings in Blackpool, UK, Max shares his story of overcoming adversity, finding purpose, and using his talents to inspire others.Key Themes & Highlights:Finding Purpose Through Adversity: Max opens up about his early life, growing up in a challenging environment, and the struggles he faced with bullying and mental health. His candid reflections on overcoming a suicide attempt and finding meaning later in life are both raw and inspiring.The Power of Mentorship: Max credits his music teachers—Neil Oldham, Sarah Bagart, and Margaret Adderetti—for providing a safe haven and nurturing his passion for the arts. Their belief in him helped shape his path and instilled the courage to pursue his dreams.Lessons in Resilience: Drawing on quotes from Oprah Winfrey, Robin Sharma, and Dr. Gabor Mate, the conversation explores how hardship can lead to wisdom, compassion, and self-forgiveness. Max’s story is a reminder that our greatest strengths often emerge from our deepest struggles.Embracing Failure as Growth: Max recounts his experience producing a large-scale show that initially failed but ultimately became a national success. His willingness to learn from setbacks and turn FAIL (First Attempts In Learning) into triumphs is a powerful lesson for anyone facing obstacles.Britain’s Got Talent & Seizing Opportunity: In a remarkable twist of fate, Max describes how he seized the moment to perform on Britain’s Got Talent, turning a spontaneous decision into a life-changing opportunity. His story underscores the importance of self-belief and taking chances, even when the odds seem daunting.Giving Back & Building Community: Now leading a successful touring show, Max emphasizes the value of mutual support, empathy, and helping others shine. His journey is a celebration of community, collaboration, and the impact we can have when we lift each other up.Takeaways for Listeners:Self-belief is the foundation of growth and success.Adversity can be a catalyst for discovering purpose and strength.Mentors and supportive communities are vital on the journey to fulfillment.Failure is not the end, but a stepping stone to greater achievements.Opportunities often arise in unexpected ways—be ready to seize them.Connect with Max Fox:Follow Max’s journey and find out about upcoming shows on Facebook and Instagram by searching “Max Fox” or “The Cirque Show.”This episode is a heartfelt reminder that, no matter where you start or what you face, you have the power to create meaning, inspire others, and fulfill your potential. Thank you for listening, and may Max’s story encourage you to take bold steps toward your own dreams.Special Credit to Britain's Got Talent for the use of Max's audition on my non-profit Run Your Life podcast. Please watch their show as it is sure to always inspire!To see Max's audition on Britain's Got Talent 2025, please check it out and tune in any time to see other inspiring performances. Please check out Max's work and follow him on social media for more!

Send us a textIn this insightful conversation, Conrad Hughes, Director General at the International School of Geneva, shares his 30-year journey in education across three continents. Beginning with his roots in South Africa and schooling, Conrad discusses his educational philosophy centered on "seeing" people—recognizing their inherent gifts and helping transform those gifts into talents Educational Journey and PhilosophyConrad reflects on his challenging experiences in an all-boys Catholic school during apartheid and his transformative high school years where literature and art became his passion. He credits his father's gift of books for fostering his lifelong love of knowledge.Leadership and FeedbackDrawing on John Hattie and Helen Temporal's model, Conrad emphasizes the importance of contextual understanding in feedback and planning for growth. He highlights how his coaching experience with Ericsson taught him the value of self-awareness and perspective-taking in leadership.AI in EducationConrad discusses his school's thoughtful approach to AI integration, developed in collaboration with UNESCO. Rather than seeing technology as an end goal, he demonstrates how AI can enhance thinking when used intentionally—from generating exam questions to extending brainstorming activities.Reimagining AssessmentConrad introduces his alternative assessment model, the "learner passport," which recognizes students' interdisciplinary skills and personal growth beyond traditional high-stakes testing. This system acknowledges competencies in various areas, including extracurricular activities and entrepreneurial work.Creating Psychological SafetyThroughout the conversation, Conrad emphasizes the importance of creating environments where students feel safe, supported, and free to develop their unique potential—a philosophy that extends to his leadership approach with colleagues as well.Conrad's book on assessment is available on the Brill website, and he welcomes connections through LinkedIn for those interested in continuing the conversation about educational innovation.Connect with Conrad: LinkedIn  WebsiteYou can also get free access to Conrad's latest book here.

Send us a textIn this powerful conversation, David Klan, President and CEO of Mazda Canada, shares profound insights into leadership, organizational culture, and personal growth. With 33 years at Mazda, Klan exemplifies a people-centered approach that has transformed the company's success and workplace environment.Key Themes:People-Centered LeadershipKlan's leadership philosophy centers on relationships and creating conditions for people to flourish. He emphasizes that success isn't about top-down management, but about building trust, fostering open communication, and enabling employees to reach their full potential. The organization's "chain of excellence" prioritizes leadership strength, employee experience, and customer experience - in that order.Radical Candor and Continuous GrowthMazda Canada has cultivated a culture of radical candor, where:Monthly one-on-one meetings are mandatoryEvery employee creates a personal development planWork plans are transparent across the organizationFeedback is actively sought and acted uponMentorship and PurposeKlan is passionate about mentoring, both within Mazda and through organizations like the Pinball Clemons Foundation. He believes in helping marginalized youth and sees mentorship as a mutually inspiring process that benefits both mentor and mentee.Transition and Future VisionAs he prepares to retire, Klan's next chapter focuses on:Spending time with familyMaintaining health and wellnessContinuing professional involvement through board positionsOngoing mentorshipMemorable Quotes:"Culture is king""We will only succeed and grow with and through our retail partners""If you love what you do, and you're the same person at home and at work, you're blessed""The problem with the world is that we belong to one another"Key Takeaways for Listeners:Prioritize relationships over transactional interactionsCreate psychological safety for open communicationDevelop a growth mindsetSeek to understand and unleash others' potentialAlign personal and professional valuesPersonal ImpactKlan's journey demonstrates that true leadership is about serving others, creating meaningful connections, and continuously learning. His approach at Mazda Canada has resulted in unprecedented success, with the company outpacing competitors and maintaining exceptional employee retention.Conclusion David Klan's story is a masterclass in compassionate, purpose-driven leadership. By focusing on people, fostering trust, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to growth, he has not just led a company, but transformed lives and created a lasting legacy.Connect with David KlanLinkedInResources and Research Discussed: Dr. Michael GervaisDr. Amy EdmonsonDr. Richard Ryan and Dr. Edward Dici (Self-Determination Theory)Dr. Martin Seligman (Positive Psychology)Simon Sinek (Start With Why)Kim Scott (Radical Candor)

Send us a textToday we're revisiting a powerful conversation that I had with Daniel Carcillo—two-time Stanley Cup champion, NHL veteran, and one of hockey's most compelling voices on mental health and resilience.This episode remains profoundly relevant as Daniel's journey from the heights of professional hockey to the depths of addiction and back to purposeful healing continues to resonate with anyone facing their own battles. His raw honesty about concussion-related trauma, opioid addiction, and the transformative power of vulnerability offers timeless insights that feel even more urgent in today's mental health landscape.What makes this conversation especially meaningful is Daniel's evolution from enforcer to healer—showing us that our greatest struggles can become our most powerful tools for helping others. His work with emerging brain health therapies and his commitment to authentic living provide hope and practical wisdom that transcends sports.If you missed this episode the first time, or if life has brought new challenges since you last heard it, Daniel's story of redemption and purpose will meet you exactly where you are. This is more than a hockey story—it's a roadmap for turning pain into purpose and finding strength in our most vulnerable moments.As well, if you are interested in receiving a free mental health journal sponsored by the Resilience Agenda based in Switzerland and Australia, please share this episode on social media and tag me. As well, please head over to spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and do a review of my show. And please share this episode with anyone who you feel will benefit from tuning in. And with that, let’s jump into my conversation with the inspiring Daniel Carcillo. This conversation with Daniel was a special one that I hope you find value in. Please share it with anyone who you feel will benefit from listening. Hope you enjoy it!!Connect With Daniel CarcilloWebsite'X' Formerly TwitterLinkedInInstagramFacebook

Send us a textIn this powerful conversation, Andy Vasily sits down with Quang X. Pham, CEO of Katrina Therapeutics, to explore an extraordinary life journey spanning from Vietnam War refugee to Marine Corps pilot to biotech entrepreneur. Quang shares deeply personal stories about service, sacrifice, and the transformative power of embracing one's mission in life.Quang X. Pham is the CEO of Katrina Therapeutics, where he's developing safer blood thinner medications. A former Marine Corps helicopter pilot who served during the Gulf War, Quang escaped Vietnam with his family in 1975 and has dedicated his life to serving his adopted country through military service and healthcare innovation. He's also a recent author and maintains an 11 handicap at Sawgrass Country Club.Key Topics DiscussedFamily Legacy and Service (4:41)Quang's family's dramatic escape from Vietnam in 1975 - marking 50 years in AmericaThe three pillars of his life: serving his new country, honoring family legacy, and contributing to healthcareHow gratitude shaped his decision to join the Marine Corps despite skepticism from othersMilitary Service and Leadership Lessons (28:04 - 42:44)Gulf War Experiences: High-stakes decision-making as a helicopter pilot in Kuwait CityNavigating through smoke and enemy territory while evacuating wounded MarinesThe critical importance of psychological safety in team environmentsHow military experience translates to entrepreneurial leadershipEntrepreneurship and Mission-Driven Leadership (47:33 - 55:31)The role of tact in effective communication and fundraisingUnderstanding investor expectations and adapting pitch strategiesBalancing urgency in startups vs. consensus-building in larger organizationsWhy patient needs must drive pharmaceutical development, regardless of economic challengesPersonal Philosophy and Mentorship (59:56)Learning from mentors both personal and distant (John Wooden, General Colin Powell)The importance of continuous self-reflection and growth"Love what you do until you can do what you love" - navigating career transitionsHow success encompasses resilience and character, not just financial achievementTimestamps4:41 - Opening and background discussion28:04 - Decision to join the Marine Corps and embracing destiny39:22 - Gulf War piloting experience and high-stress decision-making42:44 - Leadership insights and psychological safety47:33 - Entrepreneurship, tact, and resilience55:31 - Core values and mission-driven approach59:56 - Mentorship and personal growth philosophyConnect with Quang X. PhamCompany: Katrina TherapeuticsLinkedInQuan's books including Underdog Nation: Zero in on Effort and Results for SuccessWebsiteEpisode ThemesImmigrant experience and the American DreamMilitary service as character formationTranslating military leadership to business successMission-driven entrepreneurship in healthcareThe power of mentorship and continuous learningResilience through life transitions

Send us a textIn a world where anxiety, isolation, and overwhelm have become the norm rather than the exception, Sharon Salzberg's wisdom offers a lifeline back to inner peace and authentic connection. As we navigate unprecedented global challenges—from social division and economic uncertainty to the lingering effects of a global pandemic—the timeless practices Sharon has championed for over four decades provide practical tools for not just surviving, but thriving.This powerful conversation with meditation pioneer and bestselling author Sharon Salzberg was originally released in April 2024, but couldn't be more relevant to our current moment. While recorded previously, the insights shared here address the very struggles so many of us face today: how to find stability when everything feels uncertain, how to maintain compassion in polarized times, and how to stay true to our values when the world seems to be pulling us in countless directions.What You'll Discover in This EpisodeThe Power of Trusting Your Own Experience Sharon opens up about her personal journey of trauma and healing, sharing how meditation became her anchor through life's most challenging storms. In our current climate of information overload and external pressure, her message about trusting your own deepest experience is revolutionary. You'll learn practical ways to distinguish between the noise of the world and the wisdom of your inner voice.Loving-Kindness as a Revolutionary Act Drawing from her groundbreaking 1995 book "Loving Kindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness," Sharon demonstrates how practicing compassion—especially toward ourselves—isn't just feel-good spirituality, it's a practical strategy for resilience. In today's culture of harsh self-criticism and comparison, these ancient practices offer a pathway to genuine happiness and sustainable success.Breaking Free from Modern Isolation Perhaps most timely is our discussion of her book "Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom." As loneliness rates soar and many people struggle with authentic connection, Sharon provides a roadmap for moving from isolation to genuine openness. You'll discover why vulnerability is actually a superpower and how mindfulness can transform your relationships.Why Listen Now?This isn't just another meditation discussion—it's a masterclass in applied wisdom for modern living. Whether you're dealing with work stress, relationship challenges, or simply trying to find your footing in uncertain times, Sharon's gentle yet profound insights offer practical strategies you can implement immediately.Her four decades of experience teaching meditation have given her unique insights into the human condition, and her ability to make ancient wisdom accessible to modern audiences is unparalleled. In just one conversation, you'll gain tools that can shift how you respond to stress, relate to others, and navigate life's inevitable challenges.As we continue to grapple with division, uncertainty, and the pace of modern life, Sharon Salzberg's message reminds us that the peace and clarity we seek isn't somewhere out there—it's available to us right now, in this moment, through practices that have sustained humans for thousands of years.Connect with Sharon:WebsiteInsight Meditation SocietyTwitterFacebookLinkedInAs well, you can find all Sharon's books here