The Experimental Leader

What if your biggest leadership challenge becomes your greatest opportunity? In this episode of The Experimental Leader Podcast , Melanie Parish and Mel Rutherford explore how unexpected setbacks can become "lucky disasters" when leaders approach them with curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to adapt. Through personal stories—including an ice storm that sent a tree crashing into a swimming po...

In this episode of The Experimental Leader Podcast , Melanie Parish speaks with Dr. Mel Rutherford about leading through crisis, identity, and organizational transformation, drawing from his book The Glass Cliff: One Trans Man’s Leadership Odyssey . The conversation explores the “glass cliff” phenomenon, where leaders from marginalized groups are often placed into high-risk leadership roles during...

In this episode of Traps and Tricks , Melanie Parish and Mel Rutherford explore two leadership challenges that often go hand in hand: criticism and emotions. Why do leaders become defensive when receiving feedback? What happens when emotions are ignored in the workplace? And how can leaders respond with empathy while still maintaining accountability? Melanie and Mel discuss how criticism can be va...

Welcome to Skill Up, the newest segment of The Experimental Leader Podcast, where Melanie Parish and Mel Rutherford break down practical leadership skills that help leaders grow, develop teams, and create lasting impact. In this episode, Skill Up: Developing People, Melanie and Mel explore why employee development is one of the most powerful tools in leadership today. They discuss how strong leade...

In this episode of The Experimental Leader Podcast, Melanie Parish and Mel Rutherford are joined by Jacob Chase, CEO of Infin, for a strategic exploration of leadership, accountability, and the future of human performance. The discussion examines how organizations can evolve beyond traditional performance management systems and succession planning models that often fail to capture the full scope o...

What makes people truly engaged at work? In this episode of The Experimental Leader , Dr. Roz Cohen joins the conversation to explore the power of connection, belonging, and human-centred leadership in today’s workplace. As an inclusion strategist and founder of Socius Strategies, Dr. Roz shares insights from her work helping organizations build cultures rooted in trust, psychological safety, and...

Burnout is not the cost of leadership. It is a signal. In this episode of The Experimental Leader , we explore a more sustainable way to lead by moving beyond either or thinking and learning how to manage competing priorities more effectively. This conversation focuses on balancing results and relationships, performance and well being, and leadership and personal life through a concept known as Po...

In this episode of The Experimental Leader, the show explores a trauma-sensitive perspective on leadership, examining how early relational experiences shape executive behaviour, emotional triggers, and decision-making patterns. The conversation highlights how fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses show up in the workplace—and what leaders can do to manage them effectively.

Start 2026 with a fresh take on leadership. In this episode of The Experimental Leader , Mel Rutherford and Melanie Parish are joined by designer and community builder Paulo Gregory to explore leading through collective wisdom. They discuss the power of soft skills, non-hierarchical leadership, and collaboration, and how experimentation and trust can unlock innovation and shared ownership in teams...

This episode dives into how leaders can use experimentation to navigate the intensity of the December season with more clarity, efficiency, and humanity. The conversation explores practical strategies for running purposeful meetings, setting clear expectations, and respecting time during a high-pressure month. You’ll also hear fresh perspectives on blending personal and professional traditions, fo...

In this episode, Dr. Torben Noerby—CEO of People & Performance, author of The Contextual Leader , and creator of the Contextual Leadership AI Bot (CLAI)—explores how leaders can adapt to their organizational context to drive performance, accountability, and collaboration. Discover how contextual leadership helps shape culture and strengthen inclusivity, and learn how AI can become a powerful a...

In this month’s episode of The Experimental Leader Podcast , we explore what it takes to build leadership that lasts. The conversation covers the essentials of self-leadership, aligning words with actions, and the role of diversity in shaping stronger, more authentic leaders. You’ll hear insights on managing reputation, balancing transparency with credibility, and why empathy and quick apologies a...

In this episode of The Experimental Leader podcast, hosts Melanie Parrish and Mel Rutherford speak with Col. Bree Fram , one of the highest-ranking out transgender officers in the U.S. Space Force. Together, they explore the complexities of leading with authenticity, the unique strengths queer leaders bring to their work, and the emotional toll of being visible in challenging political times. From...

In this episode of The Experimental Leader Podcast , hosts Melanie Parish and Mel Rutherford are joined by executive coach and ADHD expert Frankie Berkoben to explore how executive functioning and systems thinking can elevate leadership performance. Frankie shares her unique approach to coaching high-performing leaders in tech—drawing from design thinking, behavioral psychology, and neurodiversity...

In this Pride Month episode of The Experimental Leader Podcast , hosts Mel Rutherford and Melanie Parish are joined by Dr. Liz Cavallaro, executive coach and author of Forging Queer Leaders . Together, they explore how LGBTQ+ leaders leverage resilience, authenticity, and inclusivity to drive impactful leadership. Packed with actionable insights on allyship, vulnerability, and embracing diverse pe...

Celebrate International Coaching Week 2025 with this insightful episode exploring coaching’s evolving role in leadership. From AI advancements to maintaining a pure coaching mindset, this conversation offers practical tips, powerful questions, and valuable insights into how coaching fosters transformation, innovation, and shared leadership. Whether you're a coach, leader, or lifelong learner, this...

Celebrate a remarkable milestone with The Experimental Leader Podcast as we mark five years of exploring leadership through innovation, curiosity, and authenticity. In this special anniversary episode, podcast founder Melanie Parish reflects on the journey that started during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Melanie shares candid insights into the challenges of hosting authentic conversati...

This episode of The Experimental Leader explores leadership challenges, the power of experimentation, and ethical influence. Discover principles like bravery, reciprocity, and consistency, along with actionable insights to foster purpose-driven leadership and a values-aligned culture.

This episode explores the power of connection in leadership, emphasizing the importance of civility, respect, and understanding impact. Through real-life stories and practical strategies, it highlights how a coaching approach can simplify leadership by focusing on outcomes and relationships rather than conflict details. Discover how fostering curiosity, navigating workplace dynamics, and experimen...

In this episode of The Experimental Leader , we explore how leaders can balance empathy and accountability while supporting mental wellness in the workplace. We discuss practical strategies for creating a compassionate and resilient environment for teams, navigating mental health challenges, and leading with authenticity. Packed with actionable takeaways, this episode offers valuable insights for...

In this episode of The Experimental Leader , we explore how self-awareness, compassion, and effective communication can transform workplaces into cultures of belonging. Discover practical strategies to foster deeper connections, nurture work relationships, and create environments where people thrive. Learn how intentional leadership can make belonging a cornerstone of your team’s success.

Julianna Newland joins The Experimental Leader Podcast to share insights on navigating leadership, breaking barriers, and advancing careers. Learn about the "sticky floor," the "glass cliff," and how to lead with creativity and confidence. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration! Love the show?  Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » Join The Experimental Leader community toda...

In this episode, the conversation dives into how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can be a game-changer for business success! Discover why DEI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a powerful strategy that can ignite innovation, boost engagement, and elevate performance. You’ll get fresh insights on how to create a workplace where every voice matters, and learn how inclusive leadership can lead to brea...

In this episode of The Experimental Leader , we sit down with a powerful guest who shares their journey of navigating gender diversity and embracing vulnerability as a leader. From raising a trans child to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, this episode offers personal insights into creating inclusive environments and the importance of allyship. Whether you're a leader, parent, or ally, this conversati...

In this episode of The Experimental Leader Podcast, we explore the power of leading with kindness and how it can transform workplace culture. Discover the concept of a "cultural balance sheet" to assess your organization’s strengths and areas for growth, and learn how to turn cultural liabilities into assets through intentional leadership. If you're looking to foster a culture of empowerment, curi...