Chief Change Officer

Is two better than one?In Part Two of this series, Mary Shea—former co-CEO of Mediafly and former General Manager at Hire Quotient—shares how she navigated one of the most unconventional leadership models in business: co-CEOship. From building trust with her co-leader to balancing responsibilities across time zones and product lines, Mary unpacks the human side of shared power—and why mutual respect beats ego every time.She also explores how AI is transforming sales effectiveness, not just efficiency, and why today’s revenue teams need to look more like collaborative ecosystems than traditional hierarchies. Plus: what every leader can learn from marriage, tennis, and the occasional business referee.Key Highlights of Our Interview:AI for Sales: More Than Speed, It’s Strategy“We’re not replacing reps—we’re freeing them up for high-impact work. That’s the real ROI of AI.”The Death of the 80/20 Rule?“With smarter tools, smaller teams can do more. We’re heading toward 80% of sellers driving 100% of revenue.”AI as a Coach, Not a Crutch“Think of AI as a coach on your shoulder. Helpful, but never a substitute for personalization or judgment.”Behind the Scenes of Co-CEO Life“It works because we trust each other. We split duties, share a vision, and treat decisions like a dialogue—not a turf war.”The Marriage Metaphor (Yes, It Fits)“Being a co-CEO is like a professional marriage. You need communication, shared values—and sometimes an executive coach.”Slower Decisions, Stronger Outcomes“We may debate more than solo CEOs. But those debates lead to smarter, more resilient choices.”When the Umpire Steps In“If we hit an impasse, we turn to our board and investors. Every partnership needs a higher court.”Scaling Without Silos“We empower leaders as mini-CEOs—but only if we keep the org aligned. Otherwise, remote work just breeds islands.”The Bigger Game: Building Equity Through Leadership“AI, revenue, strategy—it all comes back to who gets to lead. And how we help more people rise.”_________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Mary Shea PhD  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mary Shea didn’t follow a traditional path. She composed her own.In Part One of this three-part series, Mary walks us through the bold decisions that took her from professional oboist to PhD to sales analyst—and eventually to co-CEO of Mediafly. Along the way, she’s picked up more than titles: she’s developed a philosophy that blends intellectual rigor, creative play, and social equity.She opens up about what it’s like to enter the business world a decade “behind” her peers, the financial freedom sales can offer underrepresented leaders, and how she’s helping build not just tech products—but leadership pipelines that reflect the real world. This episode is for anyone thinking of switching lanes, catching up, or starting over.Key Highlights of Our Interview:From Mexico to Management: Her Unlikely Start“I played oboe in symphonies, earned a PhD in musicology—and then started over in sales.”Sales as a Social Equalizer“If you’re good at it, you can rewrite your life. It gave me the power to fund causes, uplift others, and lead on my own terms.”Behind, But Not for Long“I came into business 10 years behind my peers. That lit a fire—I moved fast, and I moved with purpose.”Creating the Playbook, Not Just Following It“I need intellectual stimulation. Managing is fine, but building strategy? That’s what lights me up.”Enabling Others Is the New Power Move“My role now is to empower my team like mini-CEOs. Their wins are my metric.”Scaling With a Human Lens“We acquired five companies in under two years—not to show off, but to build something smarter, faster, and more inclusive.”Pushing for True Diversity in Sales“Only one-third of B2B sellers are women. That has to change—and I’m using my platform to help drive it.”Mediafly’s Mission: More Than Sales Enablement“From revenue intelligence to buyer engagement, we’re building the full tech stack—without losing sight of people.”_________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Mary Shea PhD  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Becoming Singapore’s youngest parliamentarian was just the beginning.In Part Two of this conversation, Tin Pei Ling reflects on how she’s evolved as a leader, mother, policymaker, and public voice. From walking the campaign trail just days after giving birth, to pursuing an MBA mid-term while managing a constituency, her path isn’t about having it all—it’s about knowing what to give, and when.She opens up about the guilt of missing milestones, the value of learning from older peers, and the real cost of public service. She also shares her ongoing fight for women’s empowerment, elderly inclusion, mental wellness, and Singapore’s digital future. For anyone navigating multiple roles at once, Pei Ling’s story is a case study in conviction—and quiet strength.Key Highlights of Our Interview:Why She Chose an MBA—After Already Getting Elected“Politics was public. But I needed something personal—to grow, stretch, and see the world differently.”What Booth Taught Her (Besides Economics)“I wasn’t just learning frameworks. I was building a new lens through which to see leadership.”Motherhood, Duty, and the Election That Didn’t Wait“Two weeks after giving birth, I was out campaigning. I came home to a baby who’d grown before my eyes.”There’s No Perfect Balance—Only Trade-Offs“As an MP, an employee, and a mother, I’ve had to make hard choices. But I’ve never walked alone.”Why Support Systems Are Everything“Behind every successful woman is an ecosystem. Mine includes teammates, voters, bosses, and family.”From Guilt to Advocacy: Fighting for Women’s Aspirations“Not everyone has what I had. That’s why I fight for better policies—for every woman with a dream.”Mental Health, Aging, and the Power of Policy“Youth need tools. Seniors need dignity. My job is to speak for both.”Why Digital Fluency Is a Women’s Issue Too“Tech can empower women—if we help them unlock it. That’s what smart nations really need: smart, supported women.”_________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Tin Pei Ling  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when your first job in politics comes with public ridicule, online harassment, and sky-high expectations?At 27, Tin Pei Ling became Singapore’s youngest female Member of Parliament. But what looked like a bold milestone from the outside was also the darkest chapter of her life. In Part One of this candid conversation, Pei Ling opens up about walking away from a stable consulting job, the backlash she faced as a “too young” candidate, and why she chose to fight for trust instead of attention.This is not a story about instant triumph. It’s a story about resilience in public, self-doubt in private, and choosing to grow anyway. Whether you’re 22 or 52, this episode redefines what it means to earn your place—without needing to shout for it.Key Highlights of Our Interview:From Psychology to Politics: A Career Rerouted by Life“My dream was to be a clinical psychologist—but when my father had a heart attack, everything changed.”The Consulting Detour That Built Her Backbone“Ernst & Young taught me structure, speed, and how to handle steep learning curves. I still use that training today.”The Election That Changed Everything“I was the youngest, the newest, the most criticized—and it nearly broke me.”A Sacred Duty, Not Just a Title“Once I got elected, I quit my job. If people trusted me with their votes, I had to give them my full time.”No Days Off: What Real Ground Work Looks Like“Parliament, emails, grassroots events—being an MP means being on call, always.”How She Faced Ageism—and Turned It Into Strength“People looked at me and asked, ‘Who are you to understand my life?’ I answered with presence, not perfection.”Silence, Cynicism, and Social Media Attacks“People made up stories about my personal life. Every night I cried, every morning I showed up again.”Why She’s Still Grateful for the Pain“That period shaped my emotional growth. Today, I’m more resilient—and I have a story that might help someone else.”_________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Tin Pei Ling  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Would you leave a powerful career in global banking, pack up your family, and start over in a developing country?That’s exactly what Fatou Sagna Sow did. Born and raised in Paris, she built a high-flying legal career at some of the world’s top banks—leading teams, managing billion-dollar deals, and thriving in the French system. But it wasn’t enough. In 2016, she returned to Senegal to write a new playbook—one rooted in identity, impact, and intercontinental connection.In this episode, Fatou shares how she navigated fear, culture shifts, and politics to become a driving force in Senegal’s economic development. From banana-fiber sanitary pads to Japan-Africa tech exchanges, she’s creating a cross-border entrepreneurship model that blends French precision with Senegalese ambition. Key Highlights of Our Interview:From Paris to Dakar: Why She Left It All Behind“I had a great career in France—but I wasn’t challenging myself anymore. Senegal was calling.”Motherhood as Motivation“I wanted my kids to know their roots. To grow up understanding both cultures, without borders.”Building Power Through Politics“Politics helped me understand Senegal’s real economy—and gave me a network I still rely on today.”Becoming a Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister“Just two years after I moved, I was advising on blue economy, green economy, and industrial policy. It changed how I saw my role.”Banana Fiber Meets Social Innovation: The Luna Na Project“We’re turning banana waste into sanitary pads. It’s never been done before in Senegal—and it’s changing lives.”Creating Bridges, Not Borders“I bring together young talent from France and Senegal. They collaborate, co-create, and even co-own the ventures they launch here.”From France to Monaco, Then Japan: Global Partnerships for Local Growth“I’m working with embassies, economic councils, and corporate leaders to connect young Africans with opportunity around the world.”The Hardest Part: Letting Go of Stability“I left a stable job with great pay. The fear was real. But so was the mission.”New Deal Consulting: Writing Her Own Law Book for Change“As a lawyer, I followed rules. Now I create new ones—for impact, for equity, and for the next generation.”_________________________Connect with Us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Fatou Sagna Sow  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hybrid work was supposed to be the future—but it’s feeling more like a tug-of-war.Wayne Turmel, co-author of The Long-Distance Leader, has spent two decades studying how we lead across distance—and what falls apart when we don’t. In this episode, Wayne explains why most return-to-office plans are more negotiation than strategy, how unexamined proximity bias silently shapes promotions, and why hybrid leadership isn’t about place—it’s about intentionality.Whether you’re managing global teams or trying to avoid burnout-by-Zoom, this conversation will help you rethink what modern leadership actually requires—and how to do it without micromanaging or burning people out.Key Highlights of Our Interview:Leadership Before Location: The First Rule of Remote Work“If you’re a weak leader in person, remote will make it worse. Hybrid just exposes the cracks faster.”Genghis Khan Didn’t Need WebEx—You Don’t Need Chaos“Leading from afar isn’t new. But today, we confuse tech tools with leadership itself.”Proximity Bias: The Promotion No One Talks About“People in the office get more attention—whether we mean to favor them or not. That’s not strategy. That’s inertia.”Why Hybrid Isn’t Really Hybrid“Three-day compromises aren’t hybrid strategies. Most companies are just seeing how far they can push before people quit.”Deep Work, Loud Offices, and Cake in the Break Room“Don’t bring people back just to distract them. Save the office for coaching, collaboration, and trust-building.”Synchronous vs. Asynchronous: It’s About Time (Literally)“If you’re clocking in remotely on someone else’s schedule, you’re not working hybrid—you’re just working differently.”Amazon, Turnover, and the Future of Micromanagement“With 150% annual churn, maybe it’s not a location problem. Maybe it’s a leadership one.”High Finance vs. High Flexibility“Jamie Dimon’s playbook may work for Wall Street. But others are asking: does it have to be that way?”_________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Wayne Turmel  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The way we communicate is changing—but what does that mean for the humans doing the talking?Dr. Juliana Schroeder, associate professor at UC Berkeley Haas, has spent her career unpacking how we perceive other minds—both human and machine. In this episode, she breaks down how AI isn’t just reshaping tech—it’s reshaping the psychology of communication itself. From virtual assistants to algorithmic bias, and from voice cues to power dynamics, Juliana offers a grounded look at what we gain (and risk losing) as AI enters our social and professional lives.For executives, educators, and anyone raising kids in a world of voice bots and Zoom calls, Juliana’s insights are both sobering and empowering: technology may evolve, but the need for mindful, human-centered interaction is here to stay.Key Highlights of Our Interview:The Mind Behind the Mind: Why She Studies Perception“Humans can’t read minds—but we act like we can. I study how we form beliefs about others’ thoughts and feelings—and where those beliefs go wrong.”From Hard Science to Human BehaviorA former physics student, Juliana fell in love with psychology’s messier questions: persuasion, power, and decision-making.Alexa, Am I in Charge?“When we treat virtual assistants like humans, we start to feel powerful. That shift can change how we act—sometimes for the worse.”The Confirmation Bias Trap of AI“LLMs like ChatGPT often reflect what we say, not what we need. They’re agreeable by design—and that creates a unique kind of echo chamber.”Medium Matters: Why Voice Beats Text“Text strips out nuance. Voice restores it. If you want to be seen as warm, competent, or persuasive—don’t rely on email.”Hiring, Algorithms, and the Need for Transparency“When high-stakes decisions get outsourced to black-box AI, people rebel. We still want a human in the loop.”Designing Better Conversations—With Humans and MachinesWhat if your AI pushed back? Juliana imagines future assistants with ‘sass’ to counteract human overconfidence.What Leaders Should (Still) Master“Great communicators don’t just speak—they switch modalities when needed. They know when to email, when to Zoom, and when to step away.”More Tech ≠ Better Talk“Too many tools can backfire. The best leaders know how to reduce distraction and amplify meaning—whether talking to humans or machines.”_________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Juliana Schroeder, PHD  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Confidence might be the most overused word in leadership—but Lucy Gernon is here to give it teeth.After two decades in the pharmaceutical world, Lucy faced a moment of reckoning when a family tragedy pushed her to stop waiting and start living on her own terms. Now, as a multi-award-winning executive coach and founder of the Executive Presence Blueprint, she helps high-achieving women get out of their own heads—and into positions of power.In this episode, Lucy opens up about overcoming self-doubt, people-pleasing, and the inner critic that once held her back. From side hustle strategies to emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership, she shares what it really takes to build confidence that lasts—not the kind that sounds good on Pinterest, but the kind that actually gets you promoted.Key Highlights of Our Interview:From Science to Stage: A Career Rewired by Purpose“Even as a microbiologist, I always loved people more than Petri dishes.”The Wake-Up Call: When Life Says ‘Go Now’“When my father-in-law died suddenly, I realized: I was living to please others, not myself.”Why She Stopped Quoting Gurus and Started Trusting Herself“I used to borrow quotes—until a coach said, ‘What about your frameworks?’ That changed everything.”The Confidence Myth, Debunked“It’s not about being loud. It’s about being certain—in your voice, your value, your vision.”Motherhood, Mortgages, and Making It Work“I didn’t leap blindly—I side-hustled, saved, tested, and built. Strategy beats spontaneity.”What Executive Presence Looks Like Now (Hint: Not a Guy in a Suit)Harvard data, leadership shifts, and why charisma, inclusion, and vision matter more than ever.Her Signature Framework for Female LeadersGravitas, communication, appearance—and the one trait that still tops them all: confidence.Learning to Let Go: Why Clients Must Do the Work“It’s not my job to fix someone. The right clients are ready to act, not just listen.”AI and Coaching: Collaborators, Not Competitors“I use AI every day—to refine frameworks, spark ideas, and scale tools. But human connection? That’s irreplaceable.”_________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Lucy Gernon  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the dream job turns into a corporate casualty?Benedikt Oehmen spent nearly two decades at Blizzard—first as a support staffer, then a beloved team leader—only to watch the company’s gamer-first culture erode after its merger with Activision. When layoffs came, it wasn’t just a paycheck he lost. It was identity, community, and certainty.But Benedikt didn’t stay stuck. He pivoted from game development to career redevelopment—first coaching his own team through grief and transition, then launching a business to guide others through the same. In this episode, he shares his powerful “Big Three” framework—Be Kind, Be Present, Be Open—along with practical tools for anyone facing layoffs, career upheaval, or a post-corporate identity crisis. It’s not just theory—it’s lived wisdom from someone who’s been there.Key Highlights of Our Interview:Blizzard Beginnings: From Physics to Warcraft“I took a semester off physics to try working at Blizzard… 17 years later, I was still there.”When Work Feels Like Family—Until It Doesn’t“It wasn’t just a job. We played together, worked together, partied together. And then came the layoffs.”Culture Clash: When Epic Games Turn Into Earnings Reports“After the Activision merger, all we heard was: how do we make more money?”Career Plot Twist: Coaching Instead of Collapsing“I stayed to help my team transition. That’s when I discovered coaching—and myself.”No More Overlords: Why He Chose Life After Layoffs“I didn’t want to keep making rich people richer. I wanted to help geeks like me take back control.”The Big Three: A Framework for ReinventionBe Kind. Be Present. Be Open. Simple words, real results.Mistakes = Learning in Disguise“Writing a book felt impossible—until I reframed it. Not ‘write a book.’ Just ‘become a person who writes daily.’”From Grief to Growth: Why Change Can Still Be Kind“It’s okay to mourn the past. But if you listen to your future self, you’ll start moving again.”______________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Benedikt Oehmen  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ian Myers isn’t here to give you startup hacks—he’s here to tell the truth.At just 26, he became a CEO. By 30, he’d built Oceans, a $10 million agency connecting skilled professionals in Sri Lanka with U.S. startups. But his story isn’t a straight line—it’s an open map. From literature to venture capital, Japan to New York, success and failure, Ian has treated life like a Tintin adventure: follow the clues, embrace the chaos, and keep going.In this conversation, we dig into what really fuels a global entrepreneur—from Buddhist philosophy to a bias for action—and how Ian’s building a future-of-work company that’s human-first, not hype-driven. For anyone rethinking college, career paths, or the AI takeover, Ian offers something rarer than advice: perspective.Key Highlights of Our Interview:Tintin Over Tech Bros: Why Curiosity Beats Calculation“My role model isn’t Musk or Zuck—it’s Tintin. He’s fearless, inquisitive, and always exploring something new.”Zen and the Founder’s Mind“Buddhism taught me how to stay grounded through chaos. That mindset shaped how I lead.”LinkedIn Paralysis Is Real. Here’s What to Do Instead.“People tell me, ‘My classmate’s a VP already—I’ve failed.’ That thinking’s toxic. Just follow what’s interesting.”Ageism, Across Borders“In Japan, your age trumps your ideas. It pushed me toward entrepreneurship.”Oceans: Talent Without Borders“We embed Sri Lankan professionals into U.S. startups—not as temps, but as core team members.”AI, Hype, and the Reality Check“Yes, AI is impressive. But like every tech wave, adoption will take longer than people think.”The Diversity Dilemma: Who Gets a Seat at the (Remote) Table?“We’ve turned down clients who wanted ‘an attractive female EA.’ We hire for skill, not stereotypes.”Don’t Overplot Your Life.“The world’s chaotic. You won’t chart a perfect course. Just keep moving—and recalibrate as you go.”___________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Ian Myers  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.