The Black Belt in Leadership

Salla Seppä, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Nordic Business ForumWhat does it take to create an unforgettable customer experience—and how do you train future leaders to deliver it under pressure? In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva sits down with Salla Seppä, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Nordic Business Forum, to explore the power of encounters and the art of leadership training.In the first part of the conversation, Salla and Aslak dive into the impact of interactions, using Maya Angelou’s famous quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Just like in a martial arts fight, every moment matters—mental preparation, presence, and skill shape the experience.The second half of the episode shifts to training future leaders. Salla shares her insights on developing 14 team leaders each year to manage an event organization of 250–300 students. What makes a great leader? What red flags should you watch for in leadership selection? And can you spot leadership potential early—just like identifying who will earn a black belt in martial arts?Packed with real-world examples and insights from one of the world’s top business events, this episode is a must-listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about customer experience and leadership development.Tune in now and unlock the Black Belt in Leadership!To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

Jori Pisilä, Head of Sales at Bayer Consumer Healt in Finland, 4th degree black belt in Boreal Han Moo DoWhat do martial arts and leadership have in common? Effortlessness, adaptability, and precision. In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, I sit down with Jori Pisilä—Head of Sales at Bayer Consumer Health and a 4th-degree black belt in Boreal Han Moo Do—to explore the concept of natural movement.We discuss how flowing with, rather than forcing, movement leads to better efficiency in combat—and how the same principle applies to leadership. From achieving results with minimal effort to adapting in high-pressure situations, Jori shares insights from both the dojo and the business world.Tune in to discover how mastering natural movement can elevate both your martial arts practice and leadership approach.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva sits down with Claus Raasted—a creative powerhouse who has authored 46 books, organized over 1,000 events, and delivered 100 keynotes in just 100 days. Together, they dive into the art of getting things done in a world where action is the ultimate advantage.From making tough decisions to embracing experimentation, Claus shares his philosophy on building a bias for action, overcoming perfectionism, and staying inspired in the face of uncertainty. Along the way, they explore why failure is a stepping stone to success, how leaders can balance feedback and cheerleading, and the surprising power of recharging between sprints of productivity.Whether you’re a leader striving to take bold action or simply looking to get more done, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you unlock your black belt in leadership. Tune in and take your first step toward making things happen today.Claus Raasted has worked with designing extraordinary experiences for almost a quarter of a century. Today, he serves as the Director for The College of Extraordinary Experiences, is a Coach at McKinsey & Company, and hosts the podcast ”The Business of Extraordinary Experiences”. He is also a prolific author, with 30 books to his name, and has just finished ”The Innovation Cycle”. Raasted also has a past in reality TV, but these days, who hasn’t?To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva and AI expert Edgar Perez delve into why artificial intelligence is reshaping the business landscape, much like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu revolutionized MMA. BJJ became essential for success because it introduced a completely new dimension to the fight, forcing athletes to adapt or lose. Similarly, AI is changing the game for businesses, requiring leaders to learn and apply these new tools to remain competitive. Tune in to uncover the strategies, mindset, and techniques needed to harness the power of AI and unlock your black belt in leadership.  Edgar Perez is an American-Peruvian business author, keynote speaker and corporate trainer who has spoken at a number of academic and professional institutions. He is the author of The Speed Traders and Knightmare on Wall Street, and has been interviewed internationally on the topics of artificial intelligence and deep learning, quantum computing, cybersecurity and high-frequency trading. To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, we sit down with Guðrún Snorradóttir, an executive coach with a background in applied positive psychology and a passion for future-focused leadership. Drawing parallels between martial arts and leadership, we explore topics like building resilience under pressure, mastering emotional intelligence, leveraging strengths, and developing perseverance in the face of challenges. Guðrún shares actionable insights and coaching techniques to help leaders empower their teams, navigate stress, and unlock their potential. Whether you're in the boardroom or on the mat, this episode will inspire you to lead with strength and focus.Gudrun Snorradottir is one of the most sought-after executive leadershipcoaches in Iceland. She has created a unique set of relatable and practicalstrategies for leaders. That she has done by combining more than a decadeof senior leadership experience with her passion for cutting-edge researchin positive and organisational psychology.Her foundation is built on a PCC executive coach degree from theInternational Coaching Federation, Master of Applied Positive Psychologyfrom Anglia Ruskin in Cambrige. She is also I certificated team coach andhas a diploma in Emotional Intelligence from the Langley Group.Gudrun is an executive coach, a leadership consultant and a motivationalspeaker. She is the founder and CEO of her own company, Human Leader.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva welcomes Jason Shupp, the experienced leader of Ferguson Roofing and host of the From There to Here podcast, for a deep dive into the journey of leadership growth. Using the martial arts belt system as a metaphor, they explore how leaders progress from the early days of the "white belt" stage, where fundamentals are formed, through to the "black belt" mastery level, where continual learning becomes key.Jason shares invaluable insights from his own leadership experiences of more 20 years and stories from nearly 70 podcast guests, each of whom has transformed through significant life and leadership lessons. Together, they unpack the importance of resilience, breakthrough moments, self-reflection, and embracing the challenges that shape a leader’s journey.Whether you’re starting out in leadership or working toward mastery, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom on how each stage of development can unlock your potential to grow, lead, and inspire others.Jason Shupp is a business owner, entrepreneur, speaker, and podcaster.  He is the third generation and nearly 20 year leader of the family construction business.  Recently, he passed stewardship to another family business, effectively starting the 4th generation of a now blended family.Shupp’s leadership journey took him through both sides of generational transition, leading a tenured team while introducing young talent, navigating uncharted industry changes and unprecedented socioeconomic events.Jason’s time is now invested in his podcast platform.  Rooted in curiosity and empathy, his approach blends nuance, context, and reflection to promote growth and perspective for his guest and audience.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, Aslak de Silva is joined by Anna Kuusela (M.Sc. (Econ), ICF Executive Coach, Ex-Big4, and former ballerina), the founder and CEO of EDGE Leadership. Anna specializes in transforming the most influential leaders and leadership teams through creative insight, emotional intelligence, and relational mastery. Drawing on her experiences as a former ballet dancer and her deep expertise in organizational and personal change, Anna shares her insights on balancing perfectionism with progress, cultivating mental toughness, and fostering leadership agility in today’s fast-paced world.Listeners will discover the importance of coachability, learn how to view coaching and to be coached as the stepping stones to mastery, and understand the critical role of focus and presence in leadership. Together, Aslak and Anna discuss how leaders can unlock their potential and elevate their leadership to new heights. Anna Kuusela (M.Sc. (Econ), ICF Executive Coach, Ex-Big4, former ballet dancer) is the founder & CEO of EDGE Leadership, facilitating the transformation of the most influential leaders and leadership teams through creative insight, and emotional & relational mastery. She’s the leading expert in both organisational and personal change, and her deepest passion lies in evolutionary emergence of our potential. She works with her clients around the world through her coaching, training and public speaking services.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership podcast, host Aslak de Silva is joined by Dr. Elisabet Lahti, an expert in inner strength and the Finnish concept of sisu. They explore how sisu—a unique blend of determination, grit, and resilience in the face of adversity—can be applied to leadership challenges. Drawing from her research and personal endurance feats, Dr. Lahti shares practical insights on how leaders can tap into their hidden reserves of strength and push through tough times. Tune in to discover how to cultivate sisu and lead with unwavering resolve.Dr. Elisabet Lahti, is an international presenter on topics related to the applied psychology of inner strength, conscious leadership, and high performance. In her PhD for the Finland-based Aalto University, she laid a foundation for the research on the ancient Finnish construct of sisu, which denotes courage and determination in the face of extreme adversity and the ability to unlock hidden inner strength.Elisabet is an international keynote speaker and advices top-level executives internationally.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership podcast, host Aslak de Silva sits down with executive coach and author Ritu G. Mehrish to dive deep into the concept of Leaders Block—a phenomenon where even the most seasoned leaders can feel stuck, uninspired, or disconnected from their purpose. Drawing parallels to martial arts, where practitioners often face physical and mental plateaus, Aslak and Ritu explore how leaders can break through these blockages with resilience, discipline, and self-awareness.From recognizing the signs of Leaders Block to practical strategies for regaining clarity and momentum, Ritu shares insights from her years of coaching global executives. Tune in to learn how to shift your mindset, unlock your potential, and break through your leadership barriers like a true martial arts master.Whether you’re in the midst of a leadership challenge or looking to elevate your leadership to the next level, this episode will equip you with the tools to overcome obstacles and master your inner leader.Dr. Ritu G. Mehrish, an executive coach, author, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in leading global teams. Ritu has pioneered the concept of Leaders Block and written a fantastic book on the subject, offering practical strategies to overcome those periods when leaders feel blocked or disconnected from their purpose. Her insights, drawn from years of working with top executives, offer a fresh perspective on how to regain clarity and momentumTo learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

In this episode of the Black Belt in Leadership podcast, host Aslak de Silva sits down with Feras Alhlou, a seasoned entrepreneur, business strategist, and co-founder of E-Nor, a leading digital analytics consultancy that he successfully led to an acquisition by Dentsu, one of the world’s largest advertising and digital marketing agencies. With a proven track record of sparring with entrepreneurs and helping them scale their businesses to 7 and 8 figures, Feras brings a wealth of knowledge in strategic leadership and business growth.In this insightful conversation, Feras shares how the principles of martial arts—such as discipline, strategic planning, and resilience—can be powerful tools in driving business success. Whether you're aiming to scale your venture, prepare for acquisition, or simply refine your leadership approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to apply a black belt mindset to achieve extraordinary business outcomes.Tune in to discover how Feras Alhlou has guided businesses to new heights and how you can apply these lessons to your own entrepreneurial journey.Feras has founded, grown, and sold businesses in Silicon Valley and abroad, scaling them from zero revenue to 7 and 8 figures.  In 2019, Feras sold e-Nor, a digital marketing consulting company, to dentsu (a top-5 global media company).Feras has served as an advisor to 150+ founders. In his current venture, Start Up With Feras, he's on a mission to help entrepreneurs in the consulting and services space start and grow their businesses smarter and stronger.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/