Brief Summary:Our podcast guest for this episode is William A. Adams, Technical Advisor to CTO at Microsoft. William shared a story of the impact of being the only black person at Microsoft for at least 15 years, and the moment he realized there was something specific he was called to do and how that vision took conviction and perseverance to see it through.Key insights from this episode: (04:07) William tells us who he is and what he cares about(06:13) William explains how he began to tackle the diversity pipeline and hiring issue at Microsoft(08:03) What is the Microsoft LEAD program, and how was it imagined and developed?(12:14) William explains a few of the challenges he faced while implementing an increase in diversity to Microsoft's workforce, and what he learned from these obstacles.(15:16) How he made sure  his diversity program get financial longevity.(17:55) William shares one of the primary factors at play that helped him influence others in his role as a change-agent at Microsoft.(18:56) William shares his process wrestling through the question, "why do I have to be the one to lead and pay the price for this big change project?", and how that drove his personal motivation to persevere, despite arrows in his back.(22:09) William shares more of his back story and why his 'fuel' is meaningful to him.(26:00) William crystalizes the impact he wants to make through his work.(28:24) William explains a term he coined, 'tequity.’(35:36) William shares his mindset in going into a big change and how it may reflect on him afterwards.(37:57) William shares the most rewarding part of the programs he's built and their impact in the world.(39:17) William shares where you can learn more about his work.(40:03) William shares how he likes to unwind after work.Links mentioned on this episode: Website - William-A-Adams.comDOWNLOAD THESE FREE RESOURCES ⬇️ * Discover your unique Leadership Style with our free quiz* Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting* Build Your Influence ChecklistWatch live video interview.Read the full transcript of this episode.

Brief Summary:Our podcast guest for this episode is Dr. AnnMaria De Mars. She's currently president of 7 Generation Games, making educational games and the tools to make them. Also she's a seventh degree black belt in Judo and the first American to win the world championship, giving her more right than anyone else on earth to call herself a ‘coding ninja’. In our conversation today, Dr. De Mars and I discuss being a minority in tech; the little known benefits of working with family members; and this idea of being financially successful in your business while doing good in the world.Key insights from this episode: (at 3:56) Dr. De Mars shares how she went from Judo to a completely different world in gaming.(at 8:35) Leila and Dr. De Mars discuss about finding a career path and getting derailed. (at 12:16) Dr. Ann Maria shares what fuels her in pursuing her business.(at 15:42) Leila asks, “What do you think has been most surprising to you in terms of this perception about doing good and being paid fairly to do so?”(at 20:44) Dr. AnnMaria tells us what it’s like working with family members, its highs and lows.Links mentioned on this episode: Website - 7GenerationGames.comIG -@annmaria7genTwitter- @annmariastatDOWNLOAD THESE FREE RESOURCES ⬇️ * Discover your unique Leadership Style with our free quiz* Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting* Build Your Influence ChecklistWatch live video interview.Read the full transcript of this episode.

Brief Summary:Our podcast guest for this episode is Scott Levine, Founder of AEGIS Law, a non-traditional corporate M&A and ventured law firm based in St. Louis, Missouri. Scott shares the story about realizing his legal business model needed to change beyond the traditional one and how his personal evolution spurred on a decision that would translate into the 10x growth of AEGIS Law. A strikingly unique story in an industry, not known for innovation. Key insights from this episode:   (at 4:07) Scott explains what he means by “I had a nice business, but a really crappy job.”(at 8:19) How Scott’s shift in strategy led to more growth and a better bottom line.(at 15:00) Scott’s view on core values and what they have to do with business.(at 18:48) Biggest lesson Scott learned during the Covid epidemic.(at 20:41) Scott shares his source of motivation.(at 34:05)  Where to learn more about Scott Levine.Links mentioned on this episode: AEGIS LAW Website - AegisLaw.comScott’s entrepreneur organization - eonetwork.orgDOWNLOAD THESE FREE RESOURCES ⬇️ * Discover your unique Leadership Style with our free quiz* Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting* Build Your Influence ChecklistWatch live video interview.Read the full transcript of this episode.

Brief Summary:Our podcast guest for this episode is Dr. Bonnie Wilson, President & Founder of Xceeding the Mark Executive Coaching and Consulting. Bonnie shared how a seizure got her attention and how every professional can learn to align their daily choices with their own values. Listen in to our conversation. Key insights from this episode:  (at 2:27) Bonnie shares her professional background and how she started as ER nurse to owning her own executive coaching company. (at 7:38) Bonnie tells the story of when she had a seizure and multiple surgeries and how those experiences became a wake up call for her.(at 10:23) Bonnie talks about her ‘fuel’ that had helped her overcome the challenges in her career.(at 11:36) Leila and Bonnie discuss how high achieving individuals tend to overwork to the point of exhaustion and burnout, and ways to take a few steps back and recover.Links mentioned on this episode: Xceeding the Mark Website - xceedingthemark.comDr. Bonnie on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bonnie-wilson-38472232/DOWNLOAD THESE FREE RESOURCES ⬇️ * Discover your unique Leadership Style with our free quiz* Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting* Build Your Influence ChecklistWatch live video interview.Read the full transcript of this episode.

Brief Summary:Our podcast guest for this episode is Tanya Vucetic, CEO of Blockforms. Listen in as Tanya shares her startup journey, and how her company began from zero traction to now gaining national traction in the midst of global pandemic.Key insights from this episode:  (at 2:57) Tanya shares her love for travel and why she decided to move to Hong Kong.(at 6:52) Tanya tells the story of how her company Blockforms started and how the pandemic had changed their narrative.(at 12:58) Tanya talks about her ‘fuel’ is getting through the obstacles of running a startup amidst the pandemic.(at 13:41) Leila and Tanya discuss how less women pursue math and science careers and Tanya’s viewpoint of math being feminine. Tanya also shares her style of leadership and it’s implications.Links mentioned on this episode: Blockforms Website - https://blockforms.co/Fundraising- https://invest.microventures.com/offerings/blockforms Tanya on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-vucetic/ DOWNLOAD THESE FREE RESOURCES ⬇️ * Discover your unique Leadership Style with our free quiz* Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting* Build Your Influence Checklist Watch live video interview.Read the full transcript of this episode.

Brief Summary: Our podcast guest for this episode is Amy Huang who serves as Director of Onsite Technical Support at Marsh McLennan.  Listen in as Amy, who is a champion for diversity and inclusion, discussed on this episode how someone can be supportive and lean into creating an inclusive environment at work, specifically around the LGBTQ community.Key insights from this episode: (at 3:28)  Amy shares her fuel(at 7:28) Amy talks about how intersectionality plays out in her life(at 14:07) Amy offers advice on how we can create a sense of belonging with someone who seems so different than us(at 20:16)  Leila and Amy discuss how someone can be supportive and lean into creating an inclusive environment at work, specifically around the LGBTQ community(at 23:26)  How a genuine apology can take you far when you put your foot in your mouth unknowinglyDOWNLOAD OUR FREE RESOURCES:*Leadership Quiz*Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting*Build Your Influence Checklist Watch live video interview.Read the full transcript of this episode.

Brief summary:On this episode, I get to speak with the COO of Truss. Jen leech, a software engineer with experience at nearly every level of the stack. During this interview, Jen gives us a behind the scenes look at how burnout showed up for her a few years ago, and what she's discovered that allows her to be strategic about managing it since then.Key insights from this episode: (at 09:10) Jen notices the first signs of burnout(at 13:11)  Jen and Leila discuss the challenges of identifying burnout symptoms in yourself, especially if you’re driven by data(at 15:06)  Jen’s strategy in looking for solutions to the burnout she identified(at 18:09)  Jen explains the surprising result she experienced when facilitating her body to focus on parasympathetic functions(at 21:35)  Jen explains how she managed to get at least one  of these activities in her schedule daily(at 23:37)   The contrast between types of activities that help when you are burned out vs managing a normal stress load(at 24:32)  How long it took Jen to feel ‘recovered’ from burnout(at 25:56)  Jen turns the idea of “drive” on its head as she relates it to what she experienced as a founder and successful leader in business(at 32:12)  Signs that you might be experiencing burnout(at 38:48)  A perspective change that can come with your morning coffeeRESOURCES & SOCIAL MEDIA:Personal: Jen on LinkedInJen on TwitterBusiness: Truss.worksDOWNLOAD OUR FREE RESOURCES:*Leadership Quiz*Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting*Build Your Influence Checklist Watch live video interview.Read the full transcript of this episode.

Brief summary:On today's podcast, I have the privilege of speaking with Jennifer Chang, the CEO of Playform, a Khosla-backed tech startup that is applying no code AI solutions to make it possible for all creative people to create original artworks and join the NFT art movement. Jennifer also talks about her view of failure, and why she finds fear of regret so much more powerful than fear of failure. In fact, she explains the how and why of how she rewards herself for failures.Key insights from this episode: (at 05:19)   The role of AI in freeing us up from our ‘productive work’ so we can spend more time being creative, in our zones of genius.(at 08:24)  Jennifer shares her view of the role of artists in our world and culture right now.(at 19:20) How Jennifer started her MBA with a list of things she needed to know(at 25:43)  Why being driven by a fear of regret rather than a fear of failure can be a great motivator (at 29:34) Rewarding failureRESOURCES & SOCIAL MEDIA:Personal: Jennifer on TwitterJennifer on InstagramJennifer on LinkedIn Business: Playform.ioPlayform on TwitterPlayform on Instagram DOWNLOAD OUR FREE RESOURCES:*Leadership Quiz*Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting*Build Your Influence Checklist Watch live video interview.Read the full transcript of this episode.

Brief summary:In this episode, I'll be talking with James Brinkley II, an intellectual property attorney out of Washington, DC in the United States and the Founder and CEO of IPGen.  James and I discuss making the patent process easily accessible for all, how he chooses to focus on small wins and his startup journey so far.Key insights from this episode: (at 02:06)  James shares how the idea of IP Gen came about. (at 06:07)  James and Leila talk about ways of celebrating small wins.(JB at 08:14) There might be 3, 5, 10 things that went wrong today, but the one thing that did go right, that's what keeps you going. That's what pushes you along. If you constantly celebrate those small things, you will make it to enough tomorrows that you will be great at some point doing something.(at 26:05)  James explains the traditional patent application process versus what IP Gen can offer. RESOURCES & SOCIAL MEDIA:*IPGen.io*James’ LinkedIn profile*The IPGen DocuseriesDOWNLOAD OUR FREE RESOURCES:*Leadership Quiz*Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting*Build Your Influence Checklist Watch live video interview.Read the full transcript of this episode.

Brief summary:In this episode of FUELPodcast, I have Scott Shute joining us. He is the Former Head of Mindfulness and Compassion Programs at LinkedIn and also the author of the new book The Full Body Yes. Listen in as he shares a big struggle he faced in his career path and how he turned the situation around.Key insights from this episode: (at 2:55) Scott talks about working at Linkedin and how we became the Head of Mindfulness and Compassion Programs of the biggest professional networking site. (at 8:40)  Scott shares a big struggle he faced in his career path and how he turned the situation around.(at 11:36) SS: I do believe the meta lesson is that every challenge is filled with opportunity and it's just asking ourselves, okay, well, what else is true? What could I be doing? Nobody controls the hand of cards they're dealt, but each one of us controls how we play that hand. (at 18:53) Leila and Scott discuss learning and growing from challenges and a switch of perspective in dealing with a difficult situation.RESOURCES & SOCIAL MEDIA:*Scott’s book:  The Full Body Yes*Scott’s website*Insight TimerDOWNLOAD OUR FREE RESOURCES:*Leadership Quiz*Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting*Build Your Influence ChecklistWatch live interview.Read the full transcript of this episode.

Brief summary:Melanie Aronson is the founder and CEO of Panion, an all-in-one community management platform that builds privacy, empathy and meaningful connection into online and offline communities. After researching integration at Lund University in Sweden, she birthed the idea of an app that would help facilitate meaningful connection between people. This idea launched her into the world she lives in today.  Listen in as Melanie shares, how her drive to reduce loneliness and increase a sense of belonging for all has driven her on her journey thus far.Key insights from this episode: (at 1:55) Melanie talks about her brainchild, Panion, how it differs from any other social platform and what value it can offer to its users. (at 14:53) MA:  I felt like there were impacts I could make that could slightly change the world. And it's the same with products. I would never build a product that didn't somehow enhance people's lives in some way. It wouldn't drive me. (at 19:00) Melanie shares how leadership has been the hardest part of her journey and how she’s developing in that area. (at 31:51) Melanie shares a great tool for connecting an organization's mentors to mentees via her platformRESOURCES & SOCIAL MEDIA:*Melanie Aronson's LinkedIn*MelanieAronson.com*PanionDOWNLOAD OUR FREE RESOURCES:*Leadership Quiz*Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting*Build Your Influence Checklist Read the full transcript of this episode.

Brief summary:In this episode, we hear from Dr. Tony Cortés, a Director of Aviation Safety. Listen in as Tony and I discuss the personal drive that's pushed him through the many challenges in his life and career, and specifically a few points that he makes about fuel or a motivating force that finds you versus the other way around. Key insights from this episode: TC: (at 9:38) TC: When you make a big mistake and you hit bottom or you think you've hit bottom, that imperative need to focus on that immediate recovery instead of dwelling on the error is just fundamental.(at 17:39) Dr. Cortes shared what he felt shifted internally when he needed to change his drive from one source to another.LA: (at 22:36) Leila Ansart speaks to managing your own ability to recover when negative, and even horrific circumstances happen in your world. What it comes down to is focusing on what you can control. Certainly there's not a whole lot you feel you can control, [like] when you lose someone that you love, or in other types of situations, like a loss of a job, or loss of clients or loss of your health. At those times, we can admit that we can’t control what’s happening, but we can try to identify the lessons that are there to be learned. So shifting your focus to be open to learning any lessons that are there, and focus on that --because there are more than likely a few things there you CAN control. (at 23:49) Tony and Leila discuss insights about leading across generations & cultures.(at 26:47) Dr. Tony Cortes shares how one of his ‘fuel sources’ found him, rather than the other way around. He tells the story of the incident that caused him to steer his career away from the operational and towards the accident prevention world --a field he originally had no interest in whatsoever.(at 33:37) Leila asks Dr. Tony how his own self-awareness of what drives him has been helpful to the teams he’s led. Tony discusses how leaders lead with asking questions vs. making statements, and how to be effective in sharing your drive and vision with others, including identifying your own errors in perspective.RESOURCES & SOCIAL MEDIA:*Tony’s LinkedIn*EagleView TechnologiesDOWNLOAD OUR FREE RESOURCES:*Leadership Quiz*Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting*Build Your Influence ChecklistWatch the full video interview.Read the full transcript of this episode.

Brief summary:In this episode, we hear from Dr. Amy Grubb, the Digital Transformation Advisor to the CIO at the FBI. You’ll hear from Amy how much of what would be deemed successes in her career were either serendipity or part of a derailment that she had to overcome.Key insights in this episode: AG: (at 3:56) What I realized is we can get all the talent in the world, and some of the best talent in the world --and we do, but that’s not going to make them work together better. That’s not going to make them understand each other better, and that’s not going to make them better leaders in the future.AG: (at 6:37) Everybody who comes to work has a story. They’re there for a reason, right? They have a journey that took them to where they are now. Even if that person is horrible to work with, even if that person is grumpy or mean or whatever, they have a dignity that should be respected. AG: (at 17:22) Amy talks about how long it really took her to come back from ‘falling off the pedestal’ at work.AG: (at 19:08) I don’t want to be the person who screamed and cried. I don’t want to be that person. Look, I don’t want to be pushed around, but I don’t want my reaction to be the story. I want my work to be the story.(at 29:08) Amy shares the 3 people that she’d love to have a sit-down conversation with and why.RESOURCES & SOCIAL MEDIA:*Dr. Amy Grubb’s LinkedInDOWNLOAD OUR FREE RESOURCES:*Leadership Quiz*Checklist for Holding Engaging Team Meeting*Build Your Influence Checklist Watch the full video interview.Read the full transcript of this episode.