Surfacing Leaders

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders’ podcast, host Marc Koehler has a captivating conversation with Felipe Gomez, an accomplished pianist, global keynote speaker, and leadership expert. Felipe shares how his lifelong passion for music has shaped his understanding of leadership, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. Drawing from his signature keynote, Virtuoso, he explores how leaders can achieve “standing ovations” in their own fields by developing virtues such as humility, empathy, courage, and love. Using the universal language of music, Felipe illustrates how melody, harmony, and rhythm mirror the essential elements of effective leadership: alignment, collaboration, and balance. He also reveals the profound connection between great leadership and great listening, offering practical ways to “tune” your team for peak performance. Listeners will discover how to lead with heart, find the golden mean between discipline and flexibility, and inspire others through authenticity and love. Learn more about Felipe Gomez: Website LinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leader’s podcast, host Marc Koehler has an engaging conversation with Dr. Jacob Vogel, Director of the Spirit of Troy, otherwise known as “the greatest marching band in the history of the universe, “ at the University of Southern California. They explore the leadership lessons behind one of the most iconic collegiate marching bands in the nation. Dr. Vogel shares his journey from a small California town to leading the Trojan Marching Band, revealing how music, culture, and tradition intersect to create a powerful sense of community and pride. He emphasizes the values that drive his leadership: routine, resiliency, flexibility, and passion. These principles allow the Spirit of Troy to not only perform at the highest levels on game day but also to build lasting traditions and instill confidence in students who often start with little or no musical background. Listeners will hear valuable insights on building culture, balancing tradition with innovation, and developing student leaders through intentional mentorship. Dr. Vogel also shares stories of turning setbacks into opportunities, and how honoring legacy while embracing change keeps the Spirit of Troy vibrant for generations to come. Join us in this episode to discover what it takes to lead with purpose, inspire resilience, and keep the music and spirit alive. Connect with Dr. Jacob Vogel: USC Trojan Marching Band LinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a compelling conversation with Dr. Paula Ferrada, a pioneering trauma and acute care surgeon and Chair of Surgery at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. They explore what it means to lead when lives hang in the balance. Paula shares her journey from Colombia to becoming the first Colombian woman to graduate from a Harvard-affiliated general surgery program, and how her experiences shaped her leadership philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of trust, mentorship, and emotional regulation in building high-performing teams under extreme pressure. From leading one of the busiest trauma centers in the United States to mentoring the next generation of surgeons, Paula highlights why compassionate leadership is as essential as technical skill. Listeners will find valuable lessons in her approach to decision-making under uncertainty, the power of simulation and training, and the role of vulnerability in fostering trust and resilience. Key takeaways from this episode include: How to develop emotional regulation and clarity under extreme pressure The importance of simulation and practice to prepare teams for the unexpected Why compassionate leadership and mentorship are critical for long-term success How purpose and empathy anchor leaders through crisis and change The episode concludes with Paula’s perspective on leadership beyond the operating room: Put the team before yourself. Stay anchored in purpose. Lead with empathy and courage. Join us in this episode to uncover what true leadership looks like when every second counts. Connect with Dr. Paula Ferrada: LinkedIn Instagram X

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Jeffrey Yip, a leadership professor at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business and creator of the “Listen and Build” framework. They explore why listening, not speaking, is a leader’s most powerful tool. Drawing on years of research, Jeff explains how genuine listening builds trust, strengthens teams, and transforms leadership effectiveness. He shares stories from his early military service in Singapore and mentoring youth through the YMCA, illustrating how empathy and curiosity help leaders navigate differences and create connection. Jeff also unpacks practical tools, such as the “Three Rs” of listening: Regulate, Relate, and Reason, that help leaders diffuse conflict, increase engagement, and foster inclusion in today’s fast-changing workplaces. Listeners will take away actionable insights, including: How to shift from “Chief Speaking Officer” to “Chief Listening Officer.” The difference between perceived and true listening. Simple daily habits to strengthen emotional intelligence. Join us in this conversation to learn why listening is a skill every leader can develop and how it can become your superpower. Connect with Jeffrey Yip: LinkedIn Website Listeningworks.ca Psychology Today Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/listen-and-build Harvard Business Review article on Listening: https://hbr.org/2025/05/are-you-really-a-good-listener

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a fascinating conversation with Dr. Paul J. Zak, a pioneering neuroscientist and leading expert on trust, purpose, and human connection. They dive into the science of leadership, exploring how oxytocin, stress, and shared purpose shape stronger teams and higher performance. Paul draws from over two decades of research in behavioral neuroscience and his work with organizations across the globe, offering insights into what truly drives human behavior at work. He emphasizes the power of lived purpose, the role of daily rituals in creating alignment, and why challenge, not comfort, is essential for growth. From the neuroscience of trust to his groundbreaking “Six Key Moments” framework, Paul shares actionable lessons leaders can use to build resilient, connected, and high-performing teams. Listeners will come away with practical strategies, such as: How to design rituals that boost alignment and reduce friction. Why trust is the ultimate performance multiplier. How leaders can create more meaningful, immersive experiences for their people. Join us for this episode to uncover how science can transform the way we lead, connect, and thrive. Learn more about Dr. Paul J. Zak: Website LinkedIn Books

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has an inspiring conversation with Dan MacQueen, a keynote speaker and resilience expert who rebuilt his life after surviving two brain hemorrhages and years of grueling recovery. They explore the mindset shifts and daily habits that empower individuals to overcome even the toughest setbacks. Dan shares his journey from a vibrant life in London to waking up from a month-long coma unable to walk, talk, or smile, and the persistence it took to regain those abilities. Central to his message are three guiding principles: the AAA Framework, Acknowledge, Accept, and Adapt, focusing on being better than yesterday, and finding the courage to risk failure in pursuit of growth. With humor, candor, and hard-earned wisdom, Dan explains how reframing challenges can turn the “worst” moments into the best opportunities for personal and professional transformation. Listeners will take away practical insights, including how to: Build resilience by stacking small wins. Shift perspective to find strength in adversity. Lead yourself before leading others. Join us for a conversation that blends raw honesty, actionable strategies, and a healthy dose of humor, leaving you ready to face challenges with grit, optimism, and purpose. Connect with Dan: Website Instagram LinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Selena Virden, Vice President of Global Seed Production at IFSI, a leader in vegetable seed genetics. Selena shares her remarkable journey from a teenager juggling multiple jobs in rural Idaho to leading complex, global seed operations that help feed millions. With clarity and humility, she unpacks how long-term vision, technical precision, and human-centered leadership converge in her world, where decisions made today impact harvests seven years into the future. The conversation explores how Selena fosters agility, autonomy, and alignment across international teams, and how she’s embraced growth as both a professional and a person. She shares what leadership looks like when stakes are high and conditions are unpredictable—from global droughts to shifting regulations and how she empowers her team to thrive despite the unknowns. Listeners will come away with insights on: – Building leadership confidence through mentorship and self-awareness – Navigating ambiguity without losing precision – Creating psychological safety to support team ownership and innovation Join us to learn how Selena leads with intention and authenticity—growing people, crops, and purpose along the way. Connect with Selena Virden: Selena on LinkedIn    IFSI Official Website

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with David Allison, a two-time bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the world’s leading expert on human values. Together, they explore why traditional demographic-based leadership strategies are failing in today’s workplace and what to do instead. David introduces his groundbreaking Valuegraphics Project, the world’s first global inventory of what truly drives people: their values. He explains how leaders can use values-based data to build more connected teams, shape inclusive cultures, and make faster, more aligned decisions. With nearly a million surveys conducted in 152 languages, David’s research uncovers five “togetherness values” that are shared by high-performing teams across every industry and region. He also shares simple, actionable questions any leader can ask to better understand what motivates their people. This episode offers powerful insights for leaders seeking to: – Build unity in diverse, multigenerational teams – Make smarter, faster decisions rooted in human truth – Replace outdated stereotypes with authentic human understanding Discover how to unlock the full potential of your people by seeing them for who they truly are. Connect with David Learn more about David’s work Book David to speak Get The Death of Demographics

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a powerful conversation with George Randle, Army Vet, talent expert, and co-author of the best-selling book The Talent War. With a background that spans military command and leadership at Fortune 100 companies, George offers a unique perspective on what it truly takes to build elite teams and lead in today’s fast-paced world. They explore the foundational attributes of great leadership: humility, discipline, team ability, and resilience, and why these are more essential than ever in a world where technology, speed, and complexity continue to accelerate. George shares stories from his time as a U.S. Army officer and corporate executive, revealing what organizations often get wrong about talent and how to get it right. Listeners will gain critical insights into: Why people, not tools or strategy, are your lasting competitive advantage. How to identify and develop hidden leadership potential. The mindset shift from motivation to discipline for long-term growth. George also breaks down how to lead yourself first, why trust should be the starting point (not earned later), and how to create cultures that reflect leadership behavior at the top. Whether you're in the military, in the boardroom, or just starting out, this episode offers timeless leadership lessons grounded in real-world experience. Connect with George: LinkedIn Book: The Talent War Website

This might be one of the most important episodes of Surfacing Leaders we’ve released. In this gripping conversation, host Marc Koehler sits down with Rashmi Airan, ex-felon, lawyer, keynote speaker, and self-proclaimed unapologetic truth-teller, whose fall from grace led her through the darkest chapter of her life and into the brightest clarity of purpose. Rashmi doesn’t just talk about resilience, transformation, and ethics: she lives it. Her story of being federally indicted, serving prison time, and then rebuilding her life with integrity and purpose is both sobering and deeply inspiring. What emerged from her journey is the RISE framework: Reframe, Identify, Surrender, Evolve; a process that will fundamentally reshape how you lead, live, and respond to adversity. This episode will shake loose everything you thought you knew about leadership. You’ll walk away rethinking the pace you operate at, how you make decisions under pressure, and what it truly means to take ownership. More importantly, you'll learn how to stop chasing perfection and start rising through struggle—with courage, clarity, and compassion. Key takeaways: – Slowing down might be the boldest move you can make as a leader. – Vulnerability isn’t a weakness: It’s your greatest leadership tool. – You can’t earn trust until you tell the truth–to others and yourself. This episode isn’t just a conversation, it’s a wake-up call. If you’re leading at any level, you need to hear this. 🔗 Learn more about Rashmi: Website: https://rashmiairan.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashmiairan