Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract

Aging isn’t a new problem to solve; it’s a chance to reimagine. In this episode of Leadership NOW, Jeanette Leardi, a social gerontologist and author of "Aging Sideways," challenges outdated views on aging and offers a fresh perspective on how we can embrace life’s later stages with purpose and possibility. We explore the surprising ways our brains adapt as we age, the importance of intergenerational connections, and why older adults are an untapped reservoir of wisdom, creativity, and experience. Jeanette shares her concept of “aging sideways,” calling on leaders to rethink how they approach aging in the workplace and in society. More about Jeanette Leardi at www.jeanetteleardi.com More about Dan Pontefract at www.danpontefract.com

How do you embrace the second half of life with purpose, energy, and vision? In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, author Michael Clinton ("Roar into the Second Half of Your Life) shares how to reimagine the next chapter through reinvention, lifelong learning, and leadership. Clinton dives into his concept of “rewiring instead of retiring,” offering actionable insights for thriving in the 100-year life. From confronting ageism to fostering multigenerational workplaces, Clinton explores the power of living intentionally and inspiring others. Whether you’re leading teams, starting a new venture, or navigating your personal journey, this conversation is packed with wisdom, strategies, and real-world examples to help you roar forward. More about Michael Clinton at www.roarforward.com More about Dan Pontefract at www.danpontefract.com

On this episode of Leadership NOW, host Dan Pontefract sits down with Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman, the founder of B Corp-certified Moda Métiers, to explore her transformative journey from refugee to leader in luxury fashion. Dr. Sillaman shares her vision for redefining success through purpose-driven leadership, where resilience, sustainability, and integrity are woven into every decision. Together, they discuss how Dr. Sillaman’s commitment to social impact, innovation, and ethical practices is setting a new standard in the industry—one that challenges leaders to build brands focused on lasting legacy over fleeting profit. Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman is a distinguished academic, entrepreneur, and author known for her expertise in business sustainability and leadership. With over 20 years of experience in the fashion and luxury sector, Dr. Sillaman has established herself as a strategy consultant, public speaker, and author specializing in business longevity, resilience, and sustainability. She is the founder of a global multi-million-dollar sustainable luxury leather goods brand, which manufactures her eponymous label as well as leading Italian luxury brands. She is the author of the award-winning book Fashion Entrepreneurship: The Creation of the Global Fashion Business. In addition to being a fashion entrepreneur, she is also an academic, currently appointed as an Entrepreneurship Expert at the University of Oxford. She also consults for both emerging and established fashion brands through her consultancy firm, Moda Métiers. Neri’s passion lies in understanding the pillars of business longevity and how resilience underpins thriving enterprises and lives. Neri has guest lectured for companies including Apple and Credit Suisse, as well as for institutions such as the London School of Economics, the Royal College of Art, and Imperial College London. Neri received her Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, her master’s from Sabanci University in Istanbul. More about Dr. Sillaman and her consultancy at: https://modametiers.com/ More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/

In this insightful episode of Leadership NOW, Dan Pontefract engages in a dynamic discussion with Vince Molinaro, a renowned leadership expert and New York Times best-selling author of "Community of Leaders." Together, they explore the critical role of leadership accountability in today’s fast-paced and complex business landscape. Molinaro shares his thoughts on the importance of developing leaders at all levels, breaking down organizational silos, and fostering a culture of shared accountability. Through engaging stories and actionable advice, Vince reveals how leaders can "raise barns together," creating an environment where collaboration, resilience, and accountability drive long-term success. This episode is packed with practical insights for leaders looking to build stronger, more cohesive teams in an ever-evolving world. As founder and CEO of Leadership Contract Inc (LCI), Vince has worked with organizations from start-ups to Fortune 500, in 25 countries and over 80 cities. He and his team equip leaders to navigate critical strategic shifts in their companies by scaling accountability and community. He is the author of five books, including Accountable Leaders and The Leadership Contract. His books and various programs are the foundation of many leadership programs in companies around the world. As a leader, Vince strives to practice what he preaches by setting the tone of accountability every day. More about Vince and his book at: https://www.leadwithlci.com/ More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/

Join leadership strategist Dan Pontefract as he sits down with best-selling author Seth Godin in this special episode of Leadership NOW to explore the philosophy behind effective strategy. In this engaging conversation, Godin shares key insights from his latest book, "This is Strategy," and explains why strategy is not a rigid map but a flexible compass. From focusing on your "smallest viable market" to the power of saying “no,” this episode is packed with actionable advice for leaders looking to drive meaningful, long-term change. Don’t miss out on this thought-provoking discussion that challenges the conventional approach to strategy. Seth Godin has been trying to turn on lights, inspire people, and teach them how to level up for more than thirty years. He has spent most of his professional life as a writer, publishing 20 bestselling books, including his latest, “This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans.” Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that his daily blog called “Seth’s Blog” is one of the world’s greatest treasures. Over 3 million words and counting. Seth is in the Guerrilla Marketing Hall of Fame, the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame and the Marketing Hall of Fame. He’s delivered five TED talks and pioneered ethical online direct marketing, now a $30bn a year industry. More about Seth Godin at his site: https://seths.blog/more/ More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

David Lancefield is the founder of Strategy Shift and a trusted advisor to over 50 CEOs. In this episode of Leadership NOW, David and Dan dive deep into what it truly means to lead with trust. They discuss how empowering teams, fostering involvement, and creating a culture of accountability can drive meaningful transformation. David shares practical insights from his extensive experience working with leaders to unlock potential and navigate change in today’s fast-paced environment. David has worked with C-Suite executives to design bold strategies, supercharge their leadership, and transform their culture in 20 countries. He’s a contributor to Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Review, and Strategy+Business, and a guest lecturer at the London Business School. He is a former senior partner in Strategy&, PwC. You can find out more about David, his work and his writing at: https://davidlancefield.com/writing/ More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/content/

In this episode, we sit down with Mary Olson-Menzel, leadership coach and author of "What Lights You Up?," to explore how leaders can reignite their purpose and help others do the same. We dive into the challenges of staying connected to personal values in a world of constant change, the importance of leading gracefully, and how empathy can drive individual and team success. Join us as we uncover the power of lighting the path for others and finding what truly fuels you as a leader. More about Mary at https://mvpexec.com/about/mary-olson-menzel/ More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com

In this episode of Leadership NOW, host Dan Pontefract chats with acclaimed filmmaker Mike Downie about his documentary "The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal," which tells the incredible story of The Tragically Hip. Mike shares the more profound insights behind the film, exploring the themes of resilience, love, and collaboration that defined the band’s remarkable journey. Listeners will hear Mike’s reflections on working with archival footage and intimate interviews to bring this four-part documentary to life. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at how The Tragically Hip stayed true to their values, both as musicians and as leaders who prioritized integrity and trust above all else. If you’re interested in leadership, authenticity, or simply a fan of The Hip, this episode offers valuable lessons on the power of unity and perseverance in the face of challenges. Discover how the band's collaborative spirit shaped their legacy and what leaders today can learn from their example. More about Mike Downie at https://couragefilms.ca/ More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

In this episode, Dan Pontefract sits down with Andrew Barnes, the visionary behind the global four-day workweek movement. Andrew shares how his bold experiment at Perpetual Guardian in New Zealand redefined productivity and work-life balance, sparking a worldwide conversation. From boosting employee engagement and well-being to challenging traditional leadership thinking, Barnes reveals the secrets behind the 180-100 model that’s changing the future of work. Tune in to discover how fewer hours can deliver more—and why the movement is gaining traction globally. Andrew Barnes has made a career of market-changing innovation and industry digitization. He owns and is a director of Coulthard Barnes, Perpetual Guardian, and New Zealand’s largest crowdfunding website, Givealittle. Best known as co-founder of 4 Day Week Global, the international not-for-profit advocates for and supports organizations with their journey to a shorter, productivity-focused workweek. Their 100-80-100™ model has earned worldwide acclaim, with the organization being named a TIME 100 Most Influential Company for 2023. In the last five years, Andrew has worked with countless companies and advised over a dozen national and regional governments on how their populations will work in the future. He was also recently recognized on the Forbes Future Of Work 50 list as a leader in workplace innovation. His most recent achievement in June 2024 has been the recognition and award of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for outstanding achievement and support in the community. Find out more about Andrew's work at https://www.4dayweek.com/book More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Dr. Deborah Heiser, the founder and CEO of The Mentor Project™, is a leading figure in the field of aging. Her work, which brings experts to mentor students worldwide for free, has had a significant impact. As an applied developmental psychologist, a TEDx speaker, and a Psychology Today contributor, she specializes in midlife and beyond. Her research, which covers a wide range of topics related to aging, has been recognized with grants awarded from NIA/NIH and Pfizer. A frequent expert guest on syndicated and local talk radio shows, Deborah contends that our most precious natural resources are not coal, oil and gas but intellect, expertise, and skills. She is a proponent of utilizing our world experts through mentorship and firmly believes that we are all built to give back. Coming out in 2024 is a new book titled “The Mentorship Edge.” More details about Deborah at https://mentorproject.org/mentor/deborah-heiser/ More information about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/