Love Based Leadership 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 In this episode of Leadership NOW, Jeanette Leardi, a social gerontologist and author of "Aging Sideways," challenges outdated views on aging and offers a fresh perspective on how we can embrace life’s later stages with purpose and possibility.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

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 le

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 on

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 a

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 acc

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/

In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, I sit down with Todd Cherches, CEO and co-founder of BigBlueGumball, to explore the unique intersection of visual thinking and leadership. Todd, an award-winning professor and author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life, shares his journey from a TV addict dreaming of being Superman to becoming a leading expert in visual communication. We discuss how metaphors, mental models, and visual storytelling can enhance a leader’s ability to communicate, innovate, and inspire. Todd also dives into his visual leadership formula and the importance of translating complex ideas into relatable, visual terms to connect with and engage your audience. Whether you’re looking to improve your leadership style or understand the impact of visual thinking, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice. More about Todd at https://www.toddcherches.com/services More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpon

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 ven

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 a

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

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 inspi

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 ov

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 Da

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/