"The Maestro Mindset" (Formerly Lead Up!)

In this week’s episode, Dana and Rose sit down with Marshall Bergmann, an expert in organizational culture, HR innovation, and a leader at the NeuroLeadership Institute and the Institute for Corporate Productivity. If you care about the future of leadership, team performance, or what AI means for tomorrow’s workplace, this is the episode you can’t miss. Tune in to this episode as we explore: (01:5...

What does real leadership look like when the pressure’s on? In this episode, we sit down with Brad Haczynski, Chief Commercial Officer at Cornelis Networks and former senior exec at Intel and Samsung, to explore the lessons that shaped him: the moments he got it right, the times he didn’t, and how humility and consistency became his edge. We talk about what it means to transition from the structur...

Employee engagement – every company talks about, but few truly get it right. Why does it matter so much? Why is it at a decade low, especially among younger workers, and what can we actually do about it? Dana and Rose unpack why engagement is about much more than compliance – it's about real buy-in, open dialogue, and leaders who walk their talk. Whether you’re a manager, aspiring leader, or c...

What does it really take to stand out in today’s job market, whether you’re fresh out of college, working toward a board position, or somewhere in between? In this episode, Rose and Dana sit down with Lisa Caswell, an executive search expert with over 30 years at the top, including stints at Apple, Ariba, and IBM. Now at Spencer Stuart, Lisa opens up about what separates the candidates who thrive...

Dana and Rose dive deep into one of the trickiest parts of leadership: feedback. How do great managers balance honesty with empathy? How do you navigate the tension between tough conversations and real growth? In this episode, we break it all down – sharing raw personal stories, hard-won lessons, and practical strategies to help you master the art of giving (and receiving) feedback. Whether you’re...

What happens when power collides with disruption? In this episode of Maestro Mindset, Dana and Rose break down the high-stakes leadership moves shaping our world – from Elon Musk’s shake-ups to Donald Trump’s political maneuvers. Revisiting their previous episode, Mr Musk Goes to Twitter, they now tackle its sequel: Mr Musk Goes to Washington. From mass layoffs to the real cost of ruthless leaders...

Ready to fine-tune your leadership skills? In this episode of Maestro Mindset, Dana and Rose break down the art (and occasional awkwardness) of giving and receiving feedback. Rose brilliantly compares managers to maestros – conducting teams, handling tricky dynamics, and making sure everyone stays in tune. We’re diving into real strategies, role-playing constructive feedback (yes, there’s a bit of...

Dana and Rose dive into the transformative art of receiving feedback. From unexpected moments that shaped Rose’s career to Dana’s expert tips on turning feedback into a growth strategy, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Discover how to navigate feedback gracefully, harness its power, and transform it into a tool for success. Whether you're a leader, manager, or simply looki...

Welcome back to Maestro Mindset! We are thrilled to kick off season three with all our amazing leaders and managers. Your role might be challenging, but it's a fantastic opportunity to create lasting change. In this episode, join us as we dive into why we started this journey, discuss our recent adventures, and share a preview of what's to come this season. Tune in to this episode as we explore: (...

Today we explore the new world of work, exploring remote, hybrid, and office environments. Rose and Dana will discuss the clash of perspectives between individual needs and organizational goals, and the undeniable impact of proximity. We feature insights from our previous guests: Devin Hughes on building trust in a hybrid setting, Barb Khouri on the importance of clear workplace policies, and Liz...

What is a psychologically safe work environment? Dana and Rose sit down and reflect on some key insights from previous episodes with Devin Hughes, a Chief Inspiration Officer, and Joyce Mullen, the President and CEO of Insight. Join us as they share their invaluable nuggets on creating an environment where people can truly thrive. In this episode, we explore: Eliminate fear and foster emotional tr...

In today's special compilation episode, Dana and Rose delve into a pervasive and often unspoken challenge faced by leaders and professionals alike: Imposter Syndrome. They share insights from their personal experiences and highlight impactful moments from interviews with high-level leaders like Esther Han, Barbara Khouri, and Roly Acosta. In this episode, we explore: What it means to feel like...

We're diving into Part 2 of our conversation with Barbara Khouri, a former retail executive and now an esteemed executive coach. Barbara offers invaluable insights into the essential roles of leadership and management, the necessity of clear workplace policies, and the challenges of remote work. We explore the impact on creativity, mental health, and the looming presence of AI in the workforce...

Barbara Khouri is an executive coach with a remarkable leadership background. We dive into Barbara’s unique path from her start as a biology major to leading Swatch during the Atlanta Olympics, and her transition into executive coaching. Barbara shares her insights on empathy, accountability, and the importance of building "bone-deep" confidence. She reveals how she helps clients overcom...

We are super excited to continue our conversation with Chief Inspiration Officer Devin Hughes. Stay tuned as we explore how emotional trust, accountability, and a shift toward a more loving and nurturing work environment can fundamentally transform how we engage and succeed in our professional landscapes. In this episode, we explore: Devin’s experiences with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)...

In today's first portion of our two-part series, we're joined by the inspiring Devin Hughes, who delves into his role as a Chief Inspiration Officer. He currently works with a number of startups and large global organizations setting up best practices for their people strategy. Devin is also a speaker, author, and culture expert with 20 years of experience in conflict resolution, generatio...

We're thrilled to have a very special guest with us – Joyce Mullen, the President and CEO of Insight, a Fortune 500 solutions integrator helping organizations accelerate their digital journey to modernize their business and maximize the value of technology. Join us as we uncover the practical, pragmatic, and profoundly human side of leadership. In this episode, we explore: The importance of 3D...

In this episode, we bring you part two of our engaging conversation with the remarkable Esther Han, the Vice President, and Chief Ventures Officer at Consumer Reports. We tackle the forefront of technological evolution in the workplace — how it challenges us, the adaptations it demands, and how leadership can pilot teams through the turbulence of change. In this episode, we explore: Integrating AI...

A seasoned market research and data analytics leader, Esther Han joined Consumer Reports in January 2018. As Vice President, Chief Ventures Officer Esther leads the identification, development and execution of new business opportunities for CR’s growth. In this first part of our two-part conversation, we delve into the fascinating world of innovation, nurturing it within legacy organizations, and...

In part 2 of our interview with Roly Acosta, Roly shares his experiences as the president of the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association, addressing imposter syndrome, and the impact of the pandemic on his company's work model.  In this episode, we explore: Managing staff in offices and construction sites during the pandemic The potential brain drain in virtual work environments Imp...

Roly Acosta is the President and CEO of Northeast Remsco Construction, Inc. (NRC) – a multi-discipline utility, trenchless and transportation general contractor. Family-owned and operated for over 40 years, the company has successfully completed over $2 billion in construction contracts. Roly shares insights on how he earned respect as a young leader, the importance of leading by example, and bala...

Welcome to the second part of our conversation with HR expert, Liz McLean! We discuss the evolving nature of work and the impact of remote work post-pandemic. We also touch on the importance of team alignment, the balance between productivity and a supportive work environment, and the challenges and benefits of different work models.  In this episode, we explore: Recruitment and retention in the n...

Liz McLean is an insightful HR leader whose journey through the corporate world is marked by an inspiring mantra: to possess a curious mind and a wise heart. Liz is not just a systems thinker; she's a certified coach with insights from MIT on AI's role in reshaping our work lives. She'll share why balancing curiosity with execution is critical, and how to navigate stakeholder managemen...

Join us in the final part of our conversation with the founder of Iviron Capital Partners, Tom Christopoul. We explore the evolving workplace dynamics, discussing the tension between increased flexibility and heightened security, and the essential role of leadership in achieving organized outcomes. In this episode, we explore: The evolving workplace environment post-COVID-19 The changing dynamics...

Welcome to the second part of our three-part conversation with investor, operator, and senior executive Tom Christopoul! We delve into leadership, vulnerability, and management during times of crisis. Tom shares valuable insights on how he led his team through the challenges brought about by the pandemic, emphasizing the significance of managing by exception and creating a space for open communica...