The Executive Connect Podcast

Ready for a career change that aligns with your purpose? This episode is a masterclass in conscious leadership and learning how to turn your passion into a business . We sit down with former corporate strategist Michelle Pecak to uncover what it really means to lead with joy, purpose, and profit. From ditching the traditional career path to monetizing her natural gifts, Michelle shares her bluepri...

Looking to build a career in sustainable energy or level up your energy leadership skills? This episode is a masterclass for any professional, especially women in STEM looking to break into the industry and make an impact.  We sit down with Yogashri Pradhan, a petroleum engineer and data analytics pro at Chevron, to unpack her career journey. From making sense of massive data sets to navigating th...

Is it possible to achieve high performance without burnout ? This episode is a masterclass for leaders in fast-paced, high-stakes careers who are looking for a formula for sustainable success . We sit down with executive coach Whitney Faires, creator of the Excellence Equation, to unpack what true leadership looks like. From managing uncertainty to building resilience, Whitney shares her step-by-s...

Ready to explore oil and gas investing ? This episode is your guide to understanding the tech, tax benefits, and production economics that are shaping the modern Texas oil boom . We sit down with energy expert Ted Smith to explore the evolution of oil exploration, from its gritty wildcatting roots to today’s tech-driven boom in the Eagle Ford and Permian Basin. Whether you’re chasing passive incom...

What's the real reason some CEO's thrive while others burn out? Expert  CEO coaching is the key to navigating the hidden dysfunction and challenges of modern leadership. In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug talks with executive coach Daniel Mueller to unpack the hidden dynamics facing today’s top leaders. Daniel shares how emotional intelligence, resilience, and trusted coaching...

Tasked with managing global engineering teams across different cultures, time zones, and technologies? This episode is a masterclass in high-performance leadership. We sit down with Fernando Paz, a global engineering executive and innovation champion, to unpack two decades of hard-earned lessons. From reviving failing projects to navigating cultural differences, Fernando shares a blueprint for how...

Looking for the smartest way to invest in energy? This episode is a deep dive into the oil and gas tax advantages that savvy, accredited investors use to maximize wealth and minimize risk. We sit down with Don Hosmer, co-founder of Royal Energy, to explore the lesser-known financial benefits of the industry. Learn what intangible drilling costs (IDCs) really mean for your wallet, how to earn month...

Wondering what are alternative investments and how you can use them to grow your wealth outside of a traditional 401(k)? This episode is your legal-savvy guide to the world of FinTech, equity crowdfunding, and impact investing. We sit down with legal pros Roland Wiederaenders and Sarah Florer to break down the rules. Learn how smart investors can take advantage of this evolving landscape in 2025,...

Is eco-friendly Bitcoin mining the future of the industry, and is Texas becoming the new global crypto capital? In this forward-looking episode, we sit down with Lee Bratcher, President of the Texas Blockchain Council, to explore how the Lone Star State is shaping the future of crypto. From land registries and state-level legislation to the real-world application of sustainable mining, Lee breaks...

Looking to master LinkedIn for leaders and turn your profile into a real competitive edge? This episode is your guide to mastering your professional narrative, improving team performance, and building a powerful personal brand in the digital age. We sit down with expert Joseph Franke III to unpack the secrets. From leading large-scale projects to practical online networking tips, this conversation...

Wondering how to invest in oil and gas wisely? This episode is an expert's guide to decoding the energy market and understanding the real drivers behind oil prices. We sit down with veteran oil broker and alternative investment expert Ted Smith to explore the industry's ripple effect on global economies. From the politics behind the pump to navigating WTI vs. Brent crude, Ted breaks down everythin...

What is the future of journalism in a digital age defined by AI and misinformation? This powerful episode is a no-holds-barred discussion on the battle for truth. We bring together three of journalism’s boldest voices, Katy Katopodis, Judy Sandison, and Qaanitah Hunter, to explore the ethics of modern truth-telling. Together, they explore how technology is transforming newsrooms, what it really me...

What’s the cost of staying silent and what could happen if you finally spoke up? In this transformative episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Elaine Lin Hering, author of Unlearning Silence, to explore the deep-rooted patterns that keep people, especially women and marginalized voices from fully stepping into leadership. Elaine shares her personal journey and offers real-wo...

Can you really use intuition in business decision making , or is it just fluff? This episode is a skeptic's guide to tapping into your inner wisdom for a real competitive edge. We sit down with "no-nonsense" intuitive coach Fran Gallagher to debunk the myths and reveal practical tools for leaders. Learn how to manage stress, confront burnout and self-doubt, and use mindfulness to sharpen your deci...

Looking to develop mental toughness for leaders ? This episode is an athlete's guide to the mindset shifts that fuel elite performance in the boardroom. We sit down with Tanya Friedlander, a former professional athlete turned executive coach, to break down her framework for success. Learn how to master your energy (not just your time), define goals with intention, and bounce back from burnout. Tan...

What's the real secret to effective leadership development? It's understanding how to balance friendship and accountability at the top. In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug talks with executive coach Jeff Holmes about cracking the code on leadership clarity and making decisions that actually stick. Jeff unpacks the idea of "friendship leadership" why empathy doesn't mean wea...

Feeling stuck and wondering how to reinvent your career ? This episode is your guide to turning corporate burnout into a bold new chapter. We sit down with bestselling author and coach Cynthia Bentzen Mercer to talk about what it really takes for women to step into leadership with clarity and purpose. Cynthia shares her journey from feeling restless in her career to building a new path. Learn the...

Looking for a digital transformation strategy that actually works? This episode is a CTO's 7-step blueprint to making change stick in modern organizations. We sit down with global CTO Talila Millman, creator of the Triumph Framework, to break down how to lead a successful transformation. Talila shares her hard-won experience navigating complex SaaS environments, mergers, and innovation cycles. Lea...

Glass ceilings get all the attention, but the "sticky floor syndrome" might be what’s really holding women back from rising in the workplace. In this episode, we sit down with Erica Anderson Rooney to break down the hidden obstacles women face and how to finally get "unstuck". Erica shares powerful insights on self-worth, navigating workplace dynamics, and balancing motherhood at the executive lev...

Wondering how to build an innovation culture that drives real change from the inside out? This episode is a leader's guide to inspiring resilience and creativity in uncertain times. We sit down with Fortune 100 innovator and author Elizabeth Bieniek to unpack her philosophy. Learn about the "human side of tech," Elizabeth's signature concept of "good peopling," and how to find joy in the leadershi...

Looking to build mental toughness for women in high-stakes environments ? This episode is your guide to leading fearlessly. We sit down with mental toughness coach Sheryl Kline to unpack how clarity, confidence, and influence can shape you as a leader. Learn why mental toughness isn't just for athletes and get tactical advice on everything from career pivots to balancing personal growth with profe...

Overwhelmed by tax season and wondering how to deal with the IRS ? This episode is a CEO's guide to navigating tax challenges in a post-COVID world. We sit down with Morgan Q. Anderson, CEO of Golden Lion Tax Solutions, to demystify the ever-changing tax landscape. Learn what it really takes to handle IRS negotiations, manage tax debt, and stay on top of compliance. Morgan also explains why financ...

Wondering how to build a personal brand that stands out in today's fast-paced digital world? This episode is a leader's guide to upgrading your digital presence without losing your authenticity. We sit down with Holly Medwig, CEO of Monarch Social Media, to get her practical strategies. Learn how to show up consistently online, why YouTube is a secret weapon for thought leadership, and how to stri...

Looking for a framework for leading under pressure ? This episode is an Army Colonel's guide to what it really takes to navigate complexity and make bold, high-stakes decisions. We sit down with Damon Wells, a seasoned Army Colonel with 28 years of leadership experience. From combat zones to corporate boardrooms, Damon shares how to face uncertainty head-on and build high-trust teams. Learn his si...

Tired of running on empty ? This episode is a must-listen for any high-achieving woman navigating  perimenopause symptoms and looking to take back control of her health. We sit down with functional nutritionist Ariel Faulkner to tackle the health crisis that no one is talking about. Ariel shares easy, realistic strategies to manage hormonal shifts , fight burnout, and fuel your body and brain with...