Conversations That Grow

Fear plays a bigger role in leadership than most of us want to admit. In this episode, Mike Konrad shares the conversation that revealed his fear-based decision making — and how that moment became the turning point that reshaped his leadership, his business, and ultimately, his life.From being dismissed by his employer to building a company that has lasted more than 30 years, Mike opens up about the internal shifts behind his external success. He talks candidly about ego, bravado, revenge, approval, self-awareness, and the uncomfortable process of learning to lead differently.If you’re navigating growth, change, or the uncomfortable realisation that what once worked no longer does, this conversation will speak to you.What We ExploreThe surprising ways fear shows up in leadership decisionsThe mentor conversation that changed everythingHow fear-based thinking shapes cash flow, choices, and cultureMaking peace with the worst-case scenarioWhy early leadership traits often become later limitationsThe “starter fluid” analogy for ego, bravado, and urgencyHow Mike shifted from proving himself to serving othersWhy true leadership requires self-awareness and humilityThe mindset shift from doing everything yourself to trusting a teamRedefining success as freedom — not validationWhat leaders at the early, frantic stage need to hearKey Moments01:26 The fear-based decisions hiding in plain sight03:49 Becoming aware of the “lenses” shaping choices09:50 Making peace with the worst to break decision paralysis12:24 The conversation that sparked his business19:50 How rejection triggered motivation and identity23:54 The complicated emotional mix behind early leadership30:39 When your strengths become your liabilities33:06 The “starter fluid” metaphor for the early years36:57 From smartest in the room to “stupidest in the room”38:42 Redefining success as freedom45:26 Leading less from proving, more from serving47:03 Advice for leaders in survival modeAbout MikeMike Konrad is the founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, a global leader in electronics reliability solutions, and the host of two podcasts:Reliability MattersThe Reluctant EntrepreneurHe writes and speaks widely on leadership, business growth, and the mistakes that shape us.Connect with MikeWebsite: mikekonrad.comPodcast: reluctantentrepreneurpodcast.comAqueous Technologies: aqueoustech.comIf you enjoyed this episodePlease follow Conversations That Grow, share this episode with someone who’d love it, or leave a review — it helps more people find conversations that spark growth.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Nigel Cumberland — leadership coach, co-founder of The Silk Road Partnership, and author of several bestselling books including 100 Things Successful Leaders Do.Nigel and I get into:The pivotal conversation that helped him redefine who he wasHis early career as a very young finance directorWhy mistakes became his greatest teachersImposter syndrome & how he learned to handle itCulture clashes and the importance of understanding differencesThe evolution of leadership across decadesWhy leadership starts with self-awarenessLeadership beyond titles — influencing in everyday lifeWhy leaders today are more overwhelmed than everHis framework: Grounded • Connected • PurposefulThe biggest thing leaders need to unlearnThe one leadership principle he believes changes everythingThe hidden cost of poor leadershipHow leaders can stay human in a very digital worldThis is an honest, insightful, deeply human conversation about leadership — the kind that helps you rethink the way you show up in your work and life.Links from the EpisodeNigel’s Website👉 https://nigelcumberland.com/Nigel’s Books👉 https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nigel-Cumberland/author/B0034P71X2LinkedIn Learning Courses👉 https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/nigel-cumberlandSpeaking Enquiries👉 https://www.wsb.com/speakers/nigel-cumberland/00:00 Intro01:04 The conversation that changed Nigel’s life04:30 Resetting your identity after a big career shift05:53 Mistakes that shaped him as a young leader09:10 Imposter syndrome in early leadership roles10:50 Culture clashes and understanding differences14:05 Why self-awareness matters more than ever16:40 Leadership beyond titles and formal roles18:50 Role modelling at home and at work19:22 The rise of empowerment in leadership20:00 Helping people see themselves as leaders23:00 Leadership in a disrupted, digital world24:30 Grounded, Connected, Purposeful framework29:44 What leaders struggle with most today30:50 What people crave in leaders34:21 Leading with a full tank: self-care and burnout38:09 The most important principle healthy leaders live by41:20 When bad leaders survive — and why they shouldn't42:26 Closing thoughtsThe best growth often starts with a meaningful conversation — thank you for being part of this one.

In this episode of Conversations That Grow, Sadaf Beynon sits down with Anastasia Ristovska, co-founder of Next Generation and Books At Ease, to explore the deeper conversations that helped her shift from control to trust—and from doing everything herself to building high-performing, empowered teams.Anastasia shares two pivotal conversations: one that forced her to stop thinking like an employee and start thinking like a business owner, and another with a team member who challenged her to trust more and let go. These moments reshaped her leadership, led her to create a 90-day training system, and helped her grow two companies without burning out.If you’ve ever struggled with delegation, micromanaging, or trusting your team, this episode will speak directly to you.In This Episode You’ll Learn:Why micromanaging is rooted in fear, not egoThe conversation that shifted Anastasia’s identity from doer to leaderHow trusting your team creates long-term growthWhat it takes to train your team to work independentlyHow to lead without knowing all the answersWhy leadership isn’t a destination—but a daily practiceThe mindset shift that stops you from being the bottleneckConnect With Anastasiabooksease.comnextgeneration.eulinkedin.com/in/anastasia-ristovskaAbout Conversations That GrowThis is the podcast where we explore the conversations that shape who we become as leaders and people. Because growth starts with the conversations we’re willing to have—especially the ones we have with ourselves.Companies mentioned in this episode:

In this episode, Sadaf Beynon is joined by Shelley Rosetta, a sales and business development leader with more than 30 years of experience. Shelley opens up about the mentors, conversations, and experiences that shaped her leadership — the good, the painful, and the transformative.We explore:The leaders who believed in her when she didn’tWhy great performers often struggle as new leadersThe mindset shift from “doing” to “developing others”How accountability begins at the topWhy mentorship has quietly disappeared in many workplacesHow identity, empathy, and self-awareness shape the way we leadWhy leadership is about showing up, not titlesHow to lead from wherever you areThis conversation is a reminder that leadership isn’t about being the star of the show — it’s about creating space for others to grow.Connect with Shelley:Email: srosetta@solomoncoil.com

Guest: Mike Kelly | Executive Coach & Founder of Right Path EnterprisesIn this episode, Mike Kelly shares the kinds of leadership conversations that have shaped his life and work — and why the best leaders often do their most important work behind the scenes. From his early days in corporate to founding two mission-driven businesses, Mike brings wisdom, warmth, and clarity to what it means to lead yourself first.We talk about:The conversation that changed how he sees growthLetting go of performance culture and embracing restLeading with values and aligning your inner and outer lifeWhat financial planning can learn from coaching (and vice versa)Whether you're in leadership, transition, or simply learning to grow with intention — this conversation will meet you there.Links & Resources:Right Path EnterprisesKelly Financial PlanningConnect with Mike on LinkedIn🎧 For more episodes, visit conversationsgrowpodcast.com

We’re back! After a short pause to rebuild Conversations That Grow with more intention, this episode sets the tone for everything ahead.In this deeply reflective conversation, David Lapin shares:The pivotal conversation he had with Nelson MandelaThe surprising insight that dignity is something you giveWhat your “Spiritual Fingerprint” is—and why it matters more than personality testsHow to lead without losing your identityWhy curiosity and humility are the secret ingredients to meaningful dialogue🎧 I’ve since taken the Spiritual Fingerprint assessment myself, and I found it incredibly clarifying. It helped me see what truly drives me—and what I won’t compromise on.👉 Take the Spiritual Fingerprint (affiliate link): https://fingerprint.lapininternational.com/login?via=sadafMore from David LapinWebsite: https://lapininternational.comBook: Lead by GreatnessLinkedIn (David): https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlapinLinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/lapin-international

I’m taking a short break from publishing new episodes of Conversations That Grow, but it’s not goodbye.This podcast has become a personal passion project, and I’m using this time to reset, record new conversations, and shape the next chapter with fresh intention.If you’ve been listening, thank you. Truly!And if you’d like to be a guest or know someone with a story to share about leadership, growth, or influence through conversation, I’d love to hear from you.New episodes will be back soon.🎧 Explore past conversations: www.conversationsthatgrowpodcast.com📬 Connect or pitch a guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

What if the critical voice telling you "you're not good enough" isn't actually yours? In this raw and transformative conversation, emotional mastery coach Lenora Edwards reveals how she discovered that her decades-long eating disorder and crippling self-doubt were driven by inherited voices from her past - not her authentic self. She shares her breakthrough moment in a dentist's chair that led to developing the SHIFT Protocol, a practical method for identifying whose voice is really speaking in your head and trading limiting thoughts for empowering ones. If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome, emotional overwhelm, or feeling stuck despite your success, this episode offers a powerful roadmap for reclaiming control of your inner dialogue and, ultimately, your life.What You'll LearnWhy the limiting beliefs holding you back aren't actually "yours" and where they really come fromThe 5-step SHIFT Protocol for transforming negative thoughts in real-timeHow to distinguish between inherited shame voices and your authentic inner wisdomWhy trading thoughts works better than trying to transform them completelyThe difference between confidence and certainty in leadership situationsPractical strategies for setting boundaries without people-pleasing or emotional overwhelmResourcesGuest Links:Lenora's Website: https://driventobebetter.com/Lenora's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenora-edwards-m-s-941b1452/Conversations that Grow Ecosystem:Conversations that Grow Home: https://conversationsthatgrowpodcast.com/Podjunction: https://podjunction.com/

One conversation changed everything for Jim Carlough. Fresh out of college and newly elected to city council, he expected the usual political favours. Instead, he got life-changing advice that would shape his entire leadership philosophy. In this episode, Jim shares how a simple question asked every night for over 40 years became his compass through challenging business turnarounds, difficult decisions, and building high-performing teams. From transforming struggling sales teams to navigating integrity challenges in corporate America, Jim reveals why some pillars of leadership are simply non-negotiable.ResourcesGuest Links:Jim's Website: https://www.jimcarlough.com/Jim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcarlough/mPulse: https://mpulse.com/Jim's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Six-Pillars-Effective-Leadership-Roadmap/dp/B0DQWT93V7Conversations that Grow Ecosystem:Conversations that Grow Home: https://conversationsthatgrowpodcast.com/Podjunction Home: https://podjunction.com/

Carly Pepin thought moving from LA to Australia would solve her problems. She was wrong. In this raw conversation, she reveals the moment she realised geography wasn't the issue – her internal world was.From blaming her environment to discovering authentic leadership, Carly shares how facing personal trauma unlocked massive business growth. We explore why some people will always hate your leadership (and why that's actually good), the dangerous "should" trap that kills entrepreneurial growth, and how your deepest personal roadblocks are secretly limiting your business scaling.Links referenced in this episode:westcoastgrowthadvisors.comWant help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/