99 Humans

In this wrap-up episode, Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta look back on the three-year experiment that became 99 conversations exploring the human side of leadership. They revisit the early days when fewer than ten people were listening, the joy of celebrating tiny signs of growth, and the deeper lessons that made the project sustainable. Along the way, they trace the themes that surfaced again and aga...

Leadership isn’t just the strategy you announce—it’s the story people can believe long enough to live. In this conversation, Gavin McMahon, CEO of Fassforward and author of Story Business, traces his path from mechanical engineer to transformation guide, and reframes change as a human act before it’s a corporate one. What began as faith in logic, meritocracy, and clean answers evolved into somethi...

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about learning how to stay steady when none seem to exist. In this conversation, Gila Wilensky, Chief Solutions Officer at WPP Media, shares what it means to lead with curiosity, composure, and a sense of humor in an industry that never stops reinventing itself. From her first lesson—“be a duck”—to her later discovery that tension and change can b...

Behind every impressive career journey lies a set of values that quietly steer the course. In this episode, Aysun Demircan reflects on how core values evolve over time, why debating both sides of an argument taught her empathy, and how she navigates the tension between chasing growth and staying rooted with people she loves to work with. She opens up about building a decision-making framework that...

Leadership's truest test lies in how we treat our peers, own our mistakes, and invite others to run alongside us. From his early days in the U.S. Air Force to his role as a marketing executive at State Farm and pro bono advisor to the National VFW, Sean has spent his career building cultures where curiosity beats criticism, where failure fuels growth, and where meaning matters more than momen...

While technology rewrites the rules of work, creativity, and truth itself, hold fast to what makes us human by embracing uncertainty and showing vulnerability. From PepsiCo to Visa to the boardroom of a Fortune 200 company, Shiv Singh has spent his career navigating moments of massive transformation. In this episode, he shares why AI is not just another technological shift but a force as profound...

What does it take to lead yourself—before you can lead anyone else? You start by knowing yourself, being yourself, and showing up as yourself. From scaling startups to stepping away for a “blank canvas” sabbatical, Nish Patel has spent his career reimagining what leadership can look like in an age of rapid change. In this episode, he shares how living with a rare neurological condition became his...

What does it take to lead with courage—when you’re the only one in the room who looks or sounds like you? You advocate for yourself, open the door for others, and build the future one brick at a time. From growing up in a 300-square-foot apartment in India to becoming a global tech executive, Vidya More has built a remarkable career at the forefront of AI and innovation. In this episode, she share...

How do you lead in crisis when every protocol breaks down? You listen, adapt—and bring the volleyballs. From night landings in sandstorms to leading sailors mid-pandemic, Navy pilot (and Jeff's personal hero/brother!) Patrick Lakusta shares the messy, human side of leadership in high-stakes environments. In this episode, Patrick opens up about taking command of a Joint Strike Fighter Squadron...

How do you lead with humanity in the face of uncertainty? You ask for what you need. From door-to-door sales in Texas to leading national teams in the luxury skincare space, Alessia Todde’s leadership journey is one of grit, transformation, and heart. But behind her impressive résumé lies a deeper story—one of learning from management mistakes (like all of us!), navigating the chaos of working mot...

From playing collegiate soccer on a scholarship to leading global teams at Google, Juan Vallejo’s journey is defined by grit, heart, and an unshakeable commitment to his values. But behind the polished résumé lies a story of resilience—from rebuilding his life after losing a job and visa sponsorship, to facing major knee surgery and recovery with optimism and discipline. In this episode, Juan shar...

Life can change in an instant. One moment you're planning a future, and the next, you're navigating a whirlwind of life-altering events. Raman Khanna, VP at IPG media brands, shares his powerful and deeply personal story of facing a cancer diagnosis while his wife was pregnant with their second child and his mother was passing away. From the shock of a life-threatening illness to the joy...

People talk about work addiction like it's a badge of honor. Like grinding yourself into the ground somehow makes you worthy of success. Leadership coach Nicky Brown shares her powerful journey from corporate success to self-discovery, revealing how she broke free from work addiction and redefined achievement on her own terms. From her early influences in human-centric leadership to the pivot...

Can you remember a moment in your career that changed everything? Nancy Hall, CEO of Mindshare North America, shares her remarkable journey—from faxing her first job application to becoming one of the most respected leaders in digital marketing and advertising. She opens up about the challenges of being a female leader in a male-dominated industry, the power of lifelong learning, and the importanc...

When you want something, sometimes it requires taking a leap. What are you leaping to next? From small-town India to the executive boardroom, Nandeeta Seth shares her journey of resilience, risk-taking, and redefining success. She opens up about moving to the U.S. with nothing but ambition (and a mountain of student debt), the challenges of leadership in a fast-changing world, and how being a mom...

Who are the toughest negotiators in your world? From navigating high-stakes decisions at Google and Facebook to advocating for her neuroatypical child, Alexis Hochleutner shares candid lessons on trust, resilience, and why four-year-olds might just be the toughest negotiators of all.  Tune in for a refreshingly real take on leadership, advocacy, and embracing the chaos. Alexis Hochleutner dives in...

Who's your closest partner? What makes that partnership work? Dive into the dynamic partnership between Sandra Muoio and Ryan Blum, two advertising leaders whose decade-long collaboration has weathered high-stakes challenges, heated debates, and plenty of laughter. From a fateful conversation on a stuck Chicago L train to transforming major client strategies, their story is a masterclass in t...

You’re the CEO of your own narrative. So, what’s your next chapter? Kay Munday, a communications coach, NLP practitioner, and creative business leader at Google shares her journey from being a self-proclaimed “terrible communicator” to becoming a sought-after expert in helping people and brands own their narratives. Through her personal story of transformation, she reveals how overcoming her fear...

How do you do it all and ENJOY THE RIDE?! Max Traylor, a fourth-generation entrepreneur and independent consultant, shares his journey of redefining success. From the pressures of running a marketing agency to discovering a business model that puts personal life first, Max reflects on the lessons he’s learned about work-life balance, mental health, and building a fulfilling life. Max offers practi...

Trust and collaboration. Every team needs it, but how do you create it? Alexia Palau started a new role on March 20, 2020 just as things began unravelling for COVID. Alexia shares how the next few years challenged her with building trust and collaboration in her multi-national team. Applying lessons learned from startups and past roles, Alexia shares how she nurtures relationships that avoid the e...

How often do you say no? It may be getting in your way. Dustin Riechmann is a serial entrepreneur, and since he's always juggling multiple businesses, he's had to learn the importance of letting things go. A 6-month deadline to make a profitable side business became the opportunity to give notice and pursue his passions. Dustin shares tricks of the trade from successes and failures of st...

Companies are not families, but the people we work with can be lifelong friends. Mailine Swildens helps the largest companies in the world reimagine their digital marketing. Mailine shares how she learned that companies are not families without becoming disillusioned or pessimistic by their profit-driven nature. Mailine thinks that when leadership comes from a good place, it changes the world. Hea...

The best way to grow is to get uncomfortable. From Taiwan to tech, Annica Lin's journey is a testament to the power of a growth mindset. In this inspiring episode, Annica reveals her secrets for overcoming challenges, building resilience, and achieving her goals. As the head of growth for Nagish, Annica interweaves her passion for challenge with her leadership in and out of the workplace. Ann...

Discover how to balance a demanding career with personal passions. Giorgio Suighi, a successful entrepreneur and corporate leader at Mindshare, shares his strategies for making time for what you love. From leveraging AI to cultivating personal discipline, Giorgio's insights offer practical tips for achieving a fulfilling work-life balance. Tune in to learn how to design your life around your...

Tired of L&D initiatives (your own or your team's) falling flat? Join us as we chat with Pete Fullard, Founder & CEO of Upskill People, a company that has thrived in the learning space for nearly 30 years. Discover why measuring outcomes and building actionable plans are the keys to successful L&D. Pete shares his personal journey to becoming a CEO and offers practical advice for...