Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract

Todd Cherches, an award-winning professor and CEO of BigBlueGumball, shares his insights on visual leadership and effective communication. He recounts his transformation from a TV addict to a visual communication expert. The discussion highlights the importance of metaphors and visual storytelling in conveying complex ideas. Todd introduces his visual leadership formula and emphasizes how simplifying concepts can enhance engagement. Explore the significance of empathy in leadership and how collaborative power can unlock potential.

Join us in this enlightening episode of Leadership NOW as Dan Pontefract sits down with Dr. Maja Zelihic, Dean of the Forbes School of Business and Technology and co-author of “The Power of Perception.” Dr. Zelihic delves into the profound impact of perception on leadership and decision-making. She shares compelling stories, including a transformative e-learning project in Zambia, and discusses how emotional intelligence and the EPIC process can help leaders overcome biases and foster more inclusive, innovative organizations. Don’t miss this deep dive into the hidden dynamics that shape our professional and personal lives. Outside of FSBT, she serves as a Distinguished Professor at the School of Business, Woxsen University, India. Dr. Zelihic serves on the Board of Advisors of the International Fellowship Program in Arbitration and Scientific Assessment, the comprehensive global academic review platform. Dr. Zelihic’ s work has been published in more than 20 peer-reviewed journals, and her research ventures have taken her across the globe. For more about Dr. Zelihic visit https://www.uagc.edu/about/faculty/maja-zelihic For more about Dan Pontefract visit https://www.danpontefract.com/

Join Dan Pontefract in a thought-provoking discussion with Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg, author of “What’s Your Problem?” and a leading expert on problem-solving and innovation. Discover how reframing problems can unlock new solutions and drive organizational success. Wedell-Wedellsborg shares key insights on overcoming biases, fostering psychological safety, and rethinking goals with flexibility and adaptability. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will revolutionize your approach to leadership and problem-solving. Listen now to transform your mindset and empower your team. Wedell-Wedellsborg's research has been featured in The Economist, Forbes, Bloomberg, Businessweek and The Financial Times. HR Magazine listed him as a “Top 20 International Thinker”. Thinkers50 listed him on their 2021 Radar. Wedell-Wedellsborg holds an MA in Media Science from the University of Copenhagen and an MBA from IESE Business School. Prior to his business career, He served for four years as an officer with the Danish Royal Guards. As an executive advisor and keynote speaker, Wedell-Wedellsborg has addressed organizations such as Cisco, Microsoft, Citigroup, Time Warner, Caterpillar, Amgen, Prudential, Union Pacific, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, the Wall Street Journal, and the United Nations. More about Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg at https://wedellsblog.com/ Dan Pontefract can be reached at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Join us in this enlightening episode of Leadership NOW as Dan Pontefract sits down with Pete Bombaci, the founder of The GenWell Project. Pete shares the inspiring story behind the movement and discusses the critical importance of fostering human connections in our increasingly digital world. Discover how loneliness and social isolation impact our health and what practical steps we can take to build stronger, more compassionate communities. From technology’s double-edged sword to the transformative power of workplace relationships, Pete’s insights will inspire you to reconnect with those around you and make meaningful interactions a daily habit. Don’t miss this compelling conversation on how simple acts of connection can lead to a happier, healthier society. More about the GenWell Project at https://genwell.ca/ More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Join us in this enlightening episode of Leadership NOW as I sit down with Josh Blair, CEO and co-founder of Impro.ai. Blair shares his insights on creating a new category in business innovation: performance technology. Discover how Impro.ai leverages AI and human strategists to enhance employee performance, foster leadership, and drive organizational success. Tune in to learn about real-world applications, success stories, and Blair’s unique leadership philosophy that balances empathy with execution. Impro.ai is a high-tech company that enables corporations to elevate their performance. Through their AI-powered platform, Impro provides daily performance guidance to employees and organizational performance insights to executives. Impro.ai is at the forefront of developing performance technology, a groundbreaking approach that integrates AI and human expertise to transform employee behavior and organizational efficiency. By combining AI-driven data insights with the personalized touch of Impro performance strategists, the platform offers tailored guidance to help employees improve their mindsets, behaviors, and habits. This innovative method not only boosts individual performance but also provides executives with actionable insights to drive strategic decision-making and achieve remarkable business outcomes. More about Josh Blair and Impro at https://www.impro.ai More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com

Daniel Trabucchi is Senior Assistant Professor of Platform Thinking, and Tommaso Buganza is Full Professor of Leadership & Innovation, both at Politec-nico di Milano. They are Scientific Directors of the Observatory Platform Thinking HUB and co-authors of the book, "Platform Thinking: Read the Past, Write the Future." Tommaso and Daniel join Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to discuss all things 'platform thinking.' They do not disappoint. Both Trabucchi and Buganza were recently appointed to the Thinkers 50 Radar Class of 2024. Find out more about their book, "Platform Thinking" at https://platformthinking.eu/ Find out more about Dan Pontefract at www.danpontefract.com

Dana Griffin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Eldera, an innovative platform dedicated to bridging the gap between generations. Dana joins Leadership NOW where Dan delves into her journey, the inspiration behind Eldera, and her vision for a future where the wisdom of elders is recognized as a valuable resource for societal growth and intergenerational solidarity. Dana, originally from the picturesque Transylvania region of Romania, has carved a unique path in the world of tech and social impact. With a rich background as a data and advertising executive, she shifted her focus towards the age-tech industry, driven by a deep-seated belief in the untapped wisdom of older adults. Eldera is a testament to this belief, creating a global intergenerational mentoring program that connects elders with the younger generation, facilitating not just the sharing of knowledge, but also fostering enduring relationships. Dana's work is grounded in her own experiences, having been raised by her grandparents and continually inspired by elder mentors throughout her life. An Encore Gen2Gen Innovator Fellow, Dana is not just a business leader but a thought leader, advocating for the principled use of AI for innovation and social good. She has been recognized as a '40 under 40' change-maker by AdAge and holds multiple trademarks and patents focused on aging and wisdom. Dana's interests extend beyond her professional pursuits, exploring the realms of human consciousness and well-being. Visit www.eldera.ai for more information about Dana and Eldera. Visit www.danpontefract.com for more details about Dan Pontefract and his award-winning books.

Amy Blankson is a happiness expert, the Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of the Digital Wellness Institute, and the author of several bestselling books, including "The Future of Happiness." Amy joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW for a deep-dive discussion on a host of issues and topics related to digital wellness. Amy is on a mission to help us create a more positive world that prioritizes Digital Flourishing—that sweet spot where productivity, health, and happiness meet. By harnessing a simple, research-backed framework, Amy and her team help reimagine digital well-being so people can thrive. As a member of the UN Global Happiness Council and a fellow of the World Innovation Organization, Amy actively engages in initiatives aimed at promoting happiness as a core value in society. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as PBS, The New York Times, Forbes, and The Huffington Post. Amy is the only person to have ever received a Point of Light Award from two U.S. Presidents and has over 15 years of experience leading teams in how to convert stress into joy. With degrees from Harvard and Yale, Amy is being continually recognized for her pioneering contributions to the study of positive psychology and its application in the digital age. More about Amy and the Digital Wellness Institute at https://www.digitalwellnessinstitute.com/ More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Ilya Kneppelhout co-founded The Offline Club as a response to our increasingly digital world. In this episode of "Leadership NOW," we explore the club's origins, digital intoxication, loneliness, and how It aims to "inspire people to swap screen time for real-time, today and tomorrow." Located in Amsterdam, The Offline Club offers a space where members can disconnect from their digital devices and reconnect with the real world. The idea is to provide a tech-free sanctuary where individuals can enjoy genuine conversations and immerse themselves in the moment reminiscent of the pre-digital era of the '90s. The club's core principle is mandatory disconnection from online devices, fostering an environment for genuine human interaction. Ilya’s vision extends beyond individual well-being to inspire a global movement towards offline engagement, aiming to facilitate a worldwide "reconnection" with others and oneself. More about Ilya and The Offline Club at their site: https://bento.me/theofflineclub More about Dan Pontefract and "Leadership NOW" here: https://www.danpontefract.com

Alex Brueckmann is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of “The Strategy Legacy,” and “Secrets of Next Level Entrepreneurs.” He is the founder and president of Brueckmann Executive Consulting based in Vancouver, Canada. In this episode of Leadership NOW, Alex and Dan discuss the nine core elements of organizational identity from his book "The Strategy Legacy." Alex has impacted thousands of leaders worldwide. His clients include high-growth start-ups and Fortune 500 executive teams. He holds degrees and certificates in management, leadership, and strategy from EBS University, INSEAD, and Harvard Business School. More about Alex Brueckmann at: https://brueckmann.ca/ More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/