The Uncommon Leader Podcast

What if the secret to impactful leadership and thriving relationships lies in embracing honesty, even when it's uncomfortable? On the Uncommon Leader Podcast, we sit down with Todd Holzman, CEO and founder of Holzman Leadership, who shares a deeply personal story from his childhood that shaped his unwavering commitment to truthfulness—a lesson passed down by his father. As we explore Todd&apo...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Clint Riggin, the dynamic founder and CEO of Limitless Faith Inc. From overcoming a tumultuous childhood to serving as a Navy veteran and achieving success as a bodybuilder, Clint's journey is one of resilience and transformation. His personal story is marked by the profound lessons learned from his father's recovery from addiction, highlighting...

Unlock the secrets of successful supply chain management and leadership with our special guest, Kerim Kfuri. A global entrepreneur and author, Kerim takes us on an extraordinary journey through the industry, sharing how childhood lessons selling blueberries ignited an entrepreneurial spirit that guides his approach to leadership today. Tune in to discover how focusing on the path rather than the d...

What if the story you've been telling yourself is holding you back? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Lior Arussy, a dynamic author and speaker, as he shares how rewriting the narrative of your life can unlock doors you never imagined. Lior takes us through his personal journey, from being underestimated by his teachers to becoming an influential author. He provides insights on tra...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Gordon MacFarlane, a remarkable performance mindset coach and international best-selling author. We dive deep into his latest book, "Communicate to Connect, the Power of Words," and explored his fascinating journey from professional Canadian hockey player to a renowned coach and author. Gordon is a true inspiration with an incredib...

Great leaders are not simply born or made; they are continuously evolving. Damon Lembi shares powerful insights on leadership mindsets, overcoming imposter syndrome, and how AI is changing leadership training, reminding us that growth is a lifelong journey. • Dissecting the ongoing debate of whether leaders are born or made • Sharing personal stories impacting leadership philosophy • The significa...

This episode explores the transformative journey of Marlena Stell, as she recounts her experiences overcoming adversity, self-doubt, and the cultivated skills of confidence. With insights on the importance of self-care, gratitude, and trusting one’s instincts, Marlena highlights how her past shaped her present, and how she now empowers others to do the same. • Marlena shares her supportive family...

Ever wondered how to turn personal setbacks into a powerful journey toward success? Meet Amy Chambers, a remarkable leader who's done just that. By age 28, Amy was leading over 250 people in the financial services industry, fueled by a determination sparked from a childhood memory of being discouraged from playing basketball. Her incredible story of resilience, which includes becoming a two-t...

Discover how Charles Spinosa, a visionary in leadership and business growth, navigated a challenging start in rural New Jersey to earn recognition as a thought leader. Marked by an early mislabeling in school, Charles shares his compelling personal story of triumph over adversity, fueled by a passion for literature and a knack for math and science. His journey is a testament to the power of persev...

Ken Rusk, the bestselling author of "Blue Collar Cash," joins us to share his inspiring journey from a humble upbringing to becoming a leading advocate for blue-collar careers. Growing up in Amherst, Ohio, Ken learned the virtues of hard work and self-reliance from his father, shaping his unique approach to life and leadership. His book, originally a heartfelt letter to his daughter duri...

After years of misconceptions about leadership and personal success, Jason Van Ruler unearthed a transformative truth: our past traumas and unhealthy core beliefs can drive us to achieve, yet still leave a void of fulfillment. Join us as Jason, a celebrated author and thought leader, recounts a poignant childhood episode involving a broken glass door and the liberating power of honesty. This perso...

Discover the transformative power of self-care in leadership with Dr. Nekeshia Hammond, a leading psychologist and burnout prevention expert. Dr. Hammond takes us on a heartfelt journey from her own experiences of burnout to thriving by adopting effective self-care practices. Her new book, "Mindset Training: Conquer Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow," offers a treasure trove of strategi...

What if true happiness is more than just a fleeting emotion? Join us as Dr. Mike Hayes unravels the profound ties between happiness, faith, and leadership. Through riveting personal stories, including a life-altering moment from his childhood involving public speaking, Dr. Hayes invites us to confront our own fears and embrace our unique identities. His latest book, "Real Happy: Jesus' S...

Chris Garavito, an inspiring physical therapist and entrepreneur, shares his incredible journey of turning personal healthcare challenges into a thriving practice. Discover how his father's steadfast work ethic and family-centric values have profoundly influenced his approach to both life and business. Chris's unwavering commitment to integrity shines through as he discusses creating an...

Join me on the Uncommon Leader Podcast as Leigh Burgess, a trailblazing entrepreneur and author of "Be Bold Today," shares her empowering story of transformation from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial triumph. Leigh discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, including her childhood experience as the only girl on a boys' soccer team, which ignited a lifelong commitment...

Discover the secret to balancing leadership and personal growth with the inspiring Mark Henderson Leary, a renowned leadership coach who joins us to share his unique insights. Mark's compelling journey from his early days as the "man of the house" to becoming a transformative figure in healthcare leadership provides invaluable lessons for leaders across industries. We explore the mu...

Curiosity and fearlessness fueled Luis Hernandez’s rise from the inner city to becoming a leader and trailblazer in his family as the first to graduate from both high school and college. Join us on the Uncommon Leader Podcast as Luis shares how these qualities laid the groundwork for a successful career in real estate and a passion for long-distance running. Through childhood adventures and leader...

Tammy Klotz, Chief Information Security Officer and author of "Leading with Empathy and Grace," joins us for a compelling conversation about redefining leadership in the cybersecurity world. Tammy opens up about her formative years, sharing a childhood story that laid the foundation for her empathetic leadership style. As a self-proclaimed "unicorn" in the field, she challenges...

Ella Parlor, a strategic marketing expert and author, joins us to share her fascinating journey from a creative child selling "invisible dresses" to becoming a leading figure in the world of alcohol marketing. Her story is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation, revealing how these early lessons shaped her understanding of building emotional connections with consumers. Ell...

Discover the transformative journey of Kyle McDowell, an innovative leader and the author of "Begin With We," as he shares his evolution from a traditional authoritative boss to a champion of team synergy and collective success. Immerse yourself in Kyle's personal stories from his upbringing in a rural area, where summers at the Boys and Girls Club shaped his understanding of authen...

Cindy Carrillo, a remarkable leader with a flair for transformation, takes center stage as she shares her journey from corporate CEO to the creator of a soul-nourishing retreat at her Colorado ranch. Her childhood, defined by a delightful absence of expectations, paved the way for her unique success story. Listen as Cindy offers profound insights from her book "Finding Your Next," where...

What if you could transform your financial future by thinking strategically, like a chess master? On this captivating episode of the Uncommon Leader Podcast, we sit down with Freddie Rappina, an exceptional financial strategist and author of "Playing the Wealth Game." Freddie shares how a pivotal childhood moment during the 1986 World Series taught him the value of perseverance—a lesson...

Unlock the secrets to cultivating a powerful reading habit with our special guest, Nick Hutchison, CEO of BookThinkers and bestselling author. Discover how Nick's childhood love for stories transformed into a tool for personal and professional growth after overcoming adolescence challenges. His journey from being influenced by business podcasts during college to becoming a leader in the readi...

Can rediscovering your purpose transform your leadership and life? Join our conversation with Eric Pfeiffer, a and author of "Transform Your Trajectory," as he recounts a life-altering event from his infancy that instilled in him a profound sense of purpose. Eric's father's desperate prayers and his unexpected recovery have shaped his unique approach to leadership, infusing it...

Ever wondered how resetting expectations can pave the way to a more balanced and fulfilling life? Join us on the Uncommon Leader Podcast featuring Alexis Rankin, a top business development leader in real estate, who reveals her transformative journey of overcoming limiting beliefs and aligning her career with her values of freedom, flexibility, and time management. Alexis takes us through her upbr...