Pathfinders Podcast

Carl Wheless is a United States Marine Corps veteran and a decorated Iraq War combat veteran who answered his country's call on multiple occasions. After serving in the Marines from 1983 to 1993, he returned to military service following the attacks of 9/11, deploying twice to Iraq, first with the Texas Army National Guard and later with the United States Army during the Battle of Ramadi, one of t...

Andrew Z. Brown is the President of Bridgemaker Referral Programs, an accomplished business strategist, author, and communications expert known for helping organizations increase revenue, build trust, strengthen reputations, and shorten sales cycles through practical, real-world strategies. Over the course of his career, Andrew has contributed to more than 200 product and service launches across 1...

Steven Langer is redefining what it means to lead, work, and thrive in today’s fast paced world. As the founder and CEO of Well By Design and the author of The Coherence Compass: Finding Wellness in a World Off Course , he is on a mission to help organizations build cultures where well being and performance go hand in hand. In his conversation on the Pathfinders podcast with host Vijayan Swaminath...

Rudy A. Zacharias is a communications and marketing leader with more than 25 years of experience shaping brands, strategies, and partnerships across government, corporate, and public-sector organizations. Over the course of his career, he has worked at the intersection of strategic planning, corporate communications, stakeholder relations, and organizational transformation, helping institutions na...

In this episode of Pathfinders features host Vijayan Swaminathan is in conversation with Trevor Muir , Former CEO of Surepoint Group, Founder of UNIC Speak. Trevor is a seasoned Entrepreneur, Speaker and Thought Leader. He shares a profound personal experience that led to a significant transformation in his life. He reflects on a moment of crisis that forced him to confront his emotions and reasse...

#ChangeJourney #CuriosityLeads #PerspectiveShift #GoWithTheFlow #AuthenticConnections #PathfindersPodcast #KarliGrove #Transformation #EmbraceChange #ExploreNewHorizons The episode of Pathfinders features host Vijayan Swaminathan in conversation with Karli Grove , founder of Kantency Consulting. Karli discusses her philosophy on organizational change , emphasizing subtle, human-centered transforma...

In this episode of Pathfinders , Vijayan Swaminathan sits down with ever versatile and hospitality executive Chris Yeung to explore his journey from growing up in Edmonton to leading in one of the city’s key industries. Chris opens up about navigating cultural expectations, redefining success, and the importance of curiosity in shaping a meaningful career. The conversation digs into modern challen...

In this inspiring conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan and Lasse Joergensen explore the journey of transformation through authenticity, vulnerability, and storytelling. 🌱 From navigating entrepreneurship to finding balance between materialism and purpose, Lasse shares how embracing honesty and humanity can lead to deeper connection, growth, and meaning in life. ✨ Key Points 🌍 Transformation starts...

Daveed Henriquez sits down with Vijayan Swaminathan to share his journey from El Salvador to Canada, highlighting how culture, community, and mentorship shaped his life and career in the lighting industry. They discuss how lighting influences human experience and how cultural values affect communication and business relationships. Our hashtag at Williams Engineering is “WE Brighten Lives”. It's ou...

Alex Marr in conversation with Vijayan Swaminathan , distills decades of experience into timeless lessons that reshape how we think about selling and leadership. His insights reveal that great sales come from understanding people, not just processes. "You're not selling a car, you're not selling a photocopier, you're not selling AI widget or an AI solution. What you're selling is trust and peace o...

⚠️ Content Warning This episode includes discussion of deep emotional struggles and personal trauma. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is finding things difficult, please reach out for support — you’re not alone. 💛 Global & Regional Hotlines: 🇺🇸 United States: Dial 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or visit 988lifeline.org 🇨🇦 Canada: Call or text 988 or visit 988.ca...

In this episode Preet Dhaliwal and Vijayan Swaminathan, explore how education can shape a sustainable future. Preet shares insights on shifting mindsets, embracing empathy, and preparing students for tomorrow. ✨ Key themes: 🌱 Schools as living labs for sustainability 💙 Empathy, courage & vulnerability in learning 📚 Lifelong learning beyond classrooms 🌍 Global perspectives on privilege &am...

In this inspiring episode, Vijayan Swaminathan sits down with internationally acclaimed artist 🎨 Giselle Denis to explore her creative journey, the power of live painting, and the deep connection between art, nature 🌿, and humanity. They discuss how purpose emerges through fear, the value of community, and the emotional essence behind authentic expression. From daily rituals 🧘‍♀️ to the evolvin...

Summary In this lively exchange, Jake Bruun shares his journey through tech , reflecting on lessons, challenges, and joys along the way. Together with Vijayan Swaminathan , they dive deep into software development, community, and life philosophies — blending technical insights with personal wisdom and humor. 🎮 Jake Bruun’s tech journey began with gaming & programming. 🗣️ Communication is as v...

Summary In this powerful conversation, Karley Cunningham—former pro athlete turned brand strategist and founder of Big Bold Brand—joins Vijayan Swaminathan to unpack how branding is far more than marketing: it’s a leadership act. 💡 They explore how entrepreneurs can accelerate clarity, embody authenticity, and lead with purpose using Karley’s SureFire Method . From the mental fitness of movement...

In this conversation, Praveen Kumar Bouna takes us through his journey from software developer to educator — from his early days at Honeywell to building a career in Singapore and beyond. We dive into: ✨ The power of networking & mentorship 💡 Why practical skills matter more than theory ⚙️ Outsourcing vs. building in-house 📚 The rise of open source & creating online courses 💰 Lessons o...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Mike Mack shares his journey from a small-town farm boy to the founder of X5 Management, emphasizing the importance of aligned teams, effective communication, and leadership qualities. He discusses his early career in banking, the evolution of leadership over the years, and the significance of soft skills in today's business environment. Mike also reflects on...

Summary In this conversation, Prateek Sanjay shares his transformative journey from a finance-focused career to becoming a fundraising expert for startups. He discusses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and the importance of emotional intelligence in securing investments. Prateek emphasizes the need for a shift from traditional metrics-driven approaches to more relatable, emotionally-driven ou...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Santeri Aramo shares his diverse journey from a multicultural upbringing in Finland and Spain to his entrepreneurial ventures in Bali. He discusses his experiences in management consulting, the fashion industry, and luxury watches, highlighting the challenges and insights gained along the way. Santeri also reflects on personal sacrifices, including donating a...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Ken Gee shares his multifaceted journey from a child of immigrants to a successful entrepreneur, broadcaster, and community builder. He discusses his early life, the development of his communication skills, and his lifelong passion for horse racing. Ken emphasizes the importance of effective communication in both personal and professional realms, offering val...

Summary In this conversation, Brad Warren shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur and the visionary behind Invisible Empire. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building multiple businesses, the pivotal moments that led to his transformation, and the impact of COVID-19 on his entrepreneurial journey. Brad emphasizes the importance of authenticity, the philosophy behind his business mod...

Summary Sidharth is an Indian American Tech Entrepreneur based in The United States. In this engaging conversation, Sidharth shares his journey as an Indian American, discussing his advocacy for immigration reform and Hindu rights. He reflects on his upbringing in Nigeria, providing insights into the cultural dynamics of the region. The discussion then shifts to the complex India-Pakistan relation...

Summary In this conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan and Adam Dymitruk delve into the transformative power of event modeling in software architecture, particularly in the context of AI advancements. Adam shares insights on how event modeling serves as a bridge between business and technology, facilitating collaboration and clarity. They discuss the evolving role of AI in programming, the importance o...

Summary In this conversation, Arjan Noordhoek shares his journey from a privileged childhood in the Netherlands to becoming a pioneer in software development and event modeling. He discusses his early interests in electronics and programming, the challenges he faced starting a business at a young age, and the dynamics of corporate politics. Aryan emphasizes the importance of risk management in dec...

Summary In this episode of Pathfinders, host Vijayan Swaminathan interviews Carmen Leibel, a former news anchor and health reporter who has transitioned into public speaking education through her initiative, Project Five. Carmen shares her journey from childhood aspirations to overcoming challenges in her broadcasting career, her experiences as a health reporter, and the misconceptions surrounding...