Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out.

We jump into a chat with an outstanding guest from the world of commerce, Sharon Gee, the Senior Vice President of Sales and Partnerships at Feedonomics. Known for her energetic leadership and innovative approach to business, Sharon brings a ton of experience from global companies like BigCommerce, BORN Group, Tribal DDB, and more. During the episode, Sharon shares her philosophy on driving transformation within large organizations and the crucial role of catalysts in sparking growth and innovation. She dives into the challenges and strategies of leading change, highlighting the importance of aligning diverse teams toward shared goals. Sharon’s insights into building effective partnerships and leveraging her extensive network to boost business growth are super engaging. Sharon also opens up about her unique journey from touring as a spinto soprano to becoming a top corporate executive, showing how she blends her artistic flair with her business savvy. Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation that’s both inspiring and eye-opening. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In our latest episode, we chat with Christina Rapsomanikis, the Global Vice President of Digital & e-Commerce at Mars. Known for her dynamic leadership and transformative vision, Christina takes us through her journey from fast-paced innovation to embracing a more intentional and tranquil approach. Christina opens up about a turning point when her health forced her to slow down. Initially resistant, she discovered that this shift allowed her to work more mindfully, enhancing both her impact and well-being. By slowing her pace, Christina made more thoughtful, strategic decisions that led to sustainable, long-lasting change within her organization. Beyond that, Christina shares her insights on the power of mentorship and building a supportive network of fellow Catalysts. She emphasizes how surrounding herself with like-minded individuals has been crucial for her growth. Creating a supportive group of trusted advisors has helped Christina maintain balance while continuing her transformative journey. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In our latest episode, we're thrilled to have Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt, Google's first Chief Innovation Evangelist and the creative mind behind Google's Innovation Lab. Listen as Dr. Frederik shares his journey through one of the tech world's most legendary creative cultures. Frederik dives deep into his philosophies on innovation and creativity, nurtured over a decade through his pioneering work at Google and teaching at Stanford’s School. He talks about the concept of being a Catalyst in environments resistant to change and how his sustainably focused life in the Santa Cruz Mountains influences his approach to living and leading. With insights that have shaped entities from the UN to NASA, Frederik's strategies for embracing and driving change are not just compelling—they are transformative and focused on the personal journey of being a change maker. His upcoming book, "What's Next is Now: How to Live Future Ready," promises to be an essential personal journey guide for change makers looking to confidently tackle future challenges while embodying the attributes needed to realize positive change. Instead of asking ourselves or those around us “What do you want to be in the future?” he encourages people to consider an amazingly provocative question “How do you want to be in the future?” “What future self can you envision today that you want to be in the future? Do you want to become a person that is more empathetic, more kind, more loving, more open, more curious?” Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Maria Giudice, founder of Hot Studio, shares insights on the importance of humility and relationship building in leadership. She emphasizes the role of mentors and peers as guiding lights. Discusses identifying life's through line and joy.

We were lucky to have time with Tim Sackett, CEO of HRUTech.com, author of The Talent Fix Volume 2: A Leader's Guide to Recruiting Great Talent, who was named a Top Global HR & Recruitment Influencer by HR Executive, about the intersection of companies needing Catalysts and the current state of Talent Acquisition. From Tim’s personal philosophy of saying ‘yes’ to his advice that Catalyst executives surround themselves with executors, to why the “soft skills” of Catalysts are essential - we know you’ll gain wisdom and inspiration from this conversation! Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

We dive into an engaging chat with the dynamic Louis Gump, President of Cambian Solutions and a beacon of innovation in the business world. Known for his impactful leadership and forward-thinking strategies, Louis brings a rich history of transforming major companies like The Weather Channel and CNN through technology and innovation. In this episode, Louis unpacks his philosophy on making big changes within large organizations and the essential role of catalysts in driving growth and sparking innovation. He discusses the unique challenges and strategies of leading change, emphasizing the importance of rallying diverse teams around common goals. His insights into nurturing an innovative culture and leveraging cross-functional collaboration to propel business growth are particularly enlightening. Louis also shares his journey from pioneering digital media solutions to penning his book, The Inside Innovator, providing a fascinating look at how he merges his tech-savvy with strategic business thinking. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that’s both inspirational and practical. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Shannon Lucas, co-CEO of Catalyst Constellations, speaks with corporate punk rocker, Greg Larkin, known as the "Anthony Bourdain of Business" and founder and CEO of Punks and Pinstripes. Like Anthony Bourdain, Greg keeps it real as he authentically shares his story about moving up the career ladder while worrying about losing his true punk rock self. Greg talks about his belief in the importance of "business punks" in driving change, especially during crucial moments of disruption or organizational crisis. He shares how his amazing track record of success was based partly on the ability to pitch outcomes rather than ideas or visions. He explores strategies for navigating and overcoming the corporate immune response system, based on some hard learned lessons. Greg outlines exit strategies for those who find themselves as catalysts in environments resistant to change, including walled gardens, bear hugs, spin-offs, leaving, and transforming from within. He critiques "state-sanctioned" innovation efforts as often being mere lip service and stresses the importance of genuine empowerment and support for Catalysts. You won't want to miss this real, raw conversation. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we hear from Ritu Kapur, Head of Digital Biomarkers at Verily. The theme throughout our conversation is about the need, skills, and support required to bring people along on the journey to manifest our vision. She shares, It's not about the technology or innovation, creating change is all about people. Her advice to up and coming Catalyst? "It's not all about you!" Early on in our careers, especially for women in more technical industries, Catalysts have the feeling that we have to prove our worth and impact all the time. But at some point in your career, you realize that you can't create change all alone. You have to bring people along on the journey. So being able to identify shared value and help others shine is a great way to realize your vision. While, at the same time, as we grow our leadership capabilities, it's about letting those around you that you've been cultivating, to stand in their own power, giving them the chance to succeed or learn new lessons. It's about not overfunctioning for those around us, while letting them flourish. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Amy Kaufman (Senior Advisor, Talent Strategies, CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County - CLAOC) talks about the profound impact of embracing one's role as a Catalyst in leadership and transformation efforts. Amy discusses how she applied her understanding of the core elements of fire – that she was exposed to from her husband Mike, a retired firefighter – to her understanding of being a Catalyst. She explains how Catalyst can embody the elements needed to sustain a fire - fuel, heat, or oxygen - during the transformative process. Each Catalyst can embody one element or even all three at any given time. Amy shares how this realization helped her drive more effective and accelerated change. Amusingly, Amy also calls out the need for sand in the fire management process – as a way to temper the burn or slow down the burnout. Join us to explore how Amy's journey and insights into Catalyst leadership can inspire others to “ignite” change and navigate the challenges of transformation with confidence and self-awareness. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we connected with Minette Norman, former Vice President of Engineering Practice at Autodesk, and author of The Psychological Safety Playbook and The Boldly Inclusive Leader, shares how two key skills really helped transform her leadership capabilities along her journey. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.