

A Geek Leader Podcast - inspiring technical and creative leaders around the world
John Rouda: technical leader, author, speaker, educator
The ultimate podcast for aspiring leaders in the creative or technology fields. John Rouda discusses leadership topics, interviews some of the greatest minds today and teaches you practical leadership tips, techniques, tricks and hacks to improve motivation, negotiation, and other much needed skills for leaders today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 6, 2026 • 35min
AGL 455: Adam Christing on The Laughter Factor
About Adam
Adam Christing brings people together with humor and heart! He’s a captivating keynote speaker and an award-winning event emcee. Adam has delighted over two million people across 49 of the 50 U.S. states and internationally. He is a performing member of Hollywood’s world-famous Magic Castle. He has been featured on Entertainment Tonight and more than 100 top podcasts, TV shows, and radio programs. Adam was recently featured on Harvard Business Review IdeaCast. He is the author of The Laughter Factor: The 5 Humor Tactics to Link, Lift, and Lead (Penguin Random House, BK Books).
Today We Talked About
Adam’s background
Comedy
Have Fun
Ha-uthenticity
Laugh Langauges
SAD – Surprise And Delight
5 Tactics
Surprise
Poke
In-Joke
Wordplay
Amplify
Leadership
Laughter is a short-cut to trust
Dad Jokes
Feeling Safe
Brickwalls
Get closer together
Transformation over information
Connect with Adam
LinkedIn
Book
Website
Leave me a tip $
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Jan 30, 2026 • 27min
AGL 454: Dr. Michael Housman
About Michael
Dr. Michael Housman is a seasoned technologist and data scientist specializing in the integration of artificial intelligence and human psychology. Over the course of his career, he has held a variety of C-suite roles and led technology divisions at various early-stage companies, hiring and managing teams that have grown to include hundreds of engineers and data scientists. His hands-on approach to leadership is exemplified by his commitment to coding and model building, ensuring he remains at the cutting edge of his field. He has helped architect platforms aimed at enhancing the hiring process (Evolv), handling time tracking and payroll for small business employees (Homebase), enhancing customer communication (RapportBoost.AI), detecting fraud (Point Predictive), and facilitating real estate transactions (Doma). Of those five start-ups—one was acquired, one went public, another is poised for an IPO in 2025, with others making significant strides in the industry.
As a dynamic and engaging speaker, Dr. Housman has delivered hundreds of keynotes worldwide across more than a dozen countries, consistently receiving top accolades from diverse audiences. His expertise has enlightened executives within an all-star list of organizations, including: American Express, Barclays, Accenture, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Aramco, U.S Venture, Resort World, and YPO. In addition to his leadership roles, he actively provides artificial intelligence and data science advisory services to both burgeoning start-ups like PetLab, as well as established enterprises such as Coca-Cola. Dr. Housman’s unique ability to demystify complex technical concepts and present them engagingly sets him apart in a field often dominated by futurists and theorists.
Dr. Housman’s academic credentials are equally impressive. His pioneering research, published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, presented at dozens of academic and practitioner-oriented conferences, and featured in prominent media outlets like The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and The Atlantic, underscores his significant contributions to the field. Not only has his work been recognized by academics and the media but has also captured the attention of other thought leaders in the space, being featured in Adam Grant’s second book “Originals” as well as the “Freakonomics” podcast. He is a regular lecturer at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas-Austin, teaching undergraduate and MBA students about the intersection of AI and business. Dr. Housman holds a Ph.D. in Applied Economics and Managerial Science from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an A.B. from Harvard University.
Today We Talked About
Michael’s background
Data is the fuel for decision
AI Training
AI vs. Automation
AI + People > AI or People
AI-ccelerator
Academy
Solutions
Technology is easy, People are hard.
Fear
Book – Coming March 1st.
Connect with Michael
LinkedIn
AI-ccelerator
Website
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I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Jan 23, 2026 • 36min
AGL 453: Error One with Eckard Jann
About Eckard
Eckhard Jann is consultant, speaker, trainer and pilot. He has more than 30 years of experience as a senior safety manager in aviation.
As an expert in error culture and error management he helps companies in aviation, health care, banking, software, automotive and many more.
He is a renowned speaker and has entertained audiences all over the world.
Today We Talked About
Flying
Military Service
Mistakes
The Error Chain
“Kicking the Can Down the Road”
Why Accidents Happen
Accident Pryamid
Accident
Minor Occurences
Listen to employees
Empower them
The Challenger Disaster
Toyota – Quality
Ford Pinto – Explosions
Boeing – 737 Max problem
Acknowledge there is an issue
Psychology Safety of teams
Active and Passive Critisism
Separate yourself from the failure
Training
Deepwater Horizon
Connect with Eckard
LinkedIn
Website
Book
Podcast – Error One
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Jan 16, 2026 • 39min
AGL 452: Crispin Thompson
About Crispin
Crispin Thompson is the Founder and Principal Consultant at The Leadership Studio, offering nearly 30 years of experience in leadership roles throughout the technology industry. With a proven track record in driving transformational change, he specializes in digital transformation, pricing strategy, and operations management. Known for his hands-on, people-first approach, Crispin empowers teams to thrive and achieve exceptional results through effective coaching services.
Before founding The Leadership Studio, Crispin served as an Executive at a Fortune 100 tech company, where he led cross-functional teams to achieve groundbreaking successes in partner and finance transformations. His leadership development initiatives consistently bridged the gap between high-level strategy and operational execution, earning recognition for innovative solutions and strategic insight.
At The Leadership Studio, Crispin leverages his expertise to help individuals and organizations navigate complex challenges and build sustainable paths to success. He is passionate about fostering growth, driving impactful change, and cultivating a culture of excellence, all while enhancing team expertise.
Outside of work, Crispin enjoys traveling, playing some very mediocre golf, and spending time with his young daughter, reflecting his belief in a balanced and well-rounded approach to leadership.
Today We Talked About
Background
Days at HP
Communication
Being Intentional about communication
Forget Perfection… just be better than you were
Speak as you are being spoken
Make it a “we” not an “I”
Different perspectives / lenses
Imposter syndrom
It’s not the 1st time… I’ve been here before
Emotional Intellegence, how to read the room?
Empathy
Introspection
Listening for Intent
AI and Emotional Intellegence
History
Connect with Crispin
LinkedIn
Website
Book
Leave me a tip $
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I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Jan 9, 2026 • 32min
AGL 451: Dawn Andrews
About Dawn
Dawn Andrews is the Founder and CEO of Free Range Thinking, a boutique Business Strategy Consultancy that enables entrepreneurs to lead their businesses with unwavering confidence, intelligence, and passion.
She’s an executive leadership coach, growth strategist, and acclaimed trainer and speaker. Her work includes collaborations with Maria Shriver, Shriver Media, and leading Women’s History Month programming for global pharmaceutical titan AbbVie. She’s been behind the scenes with the creative genius responsible for the feel-good blockbuster of summer 2023. No need for names – all you need to know is over one billion at the box office and counting.
Up and down the “rolodex” (despite being fluent in cutting-edge communications tech, she still keeps it old school), her clientele’s achievements are EYE-POPPING: from being front and center on the campaign trail to building educational infrastructures in Africa, to catalyzing the end of the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, to winning Oscars, Emmys, and Tony awards, leaving indelible marks on audiences worldwide.
Part of her power comes from her unique, creatively analytical approach, crafting growth strategies, enhancing communication skills, and augmenting leadership performance, all while amplifying organizational efficiency. Part of it comes from her no B.S., super real, super empathetic self. Always love. It may be tough sometimes, but it’s always love. And it ensures not just insane professional growth but thriving personal lives.
She’s also the host of the She’s That Founder podcast, like your morning coffee, but for your soul and career ambitions. As the Female Leadership Accelerator (FMxLA) founder, she’s committed to amplifying the influence of the next generation of female leaders to make their reverberations felt in their communities, in the US, and across the globe.
Her insights and perspectives have been sought by platforms such as The Oprah Winfrey Network, CBS, and CNN.
And her passion project? What gets her up in the early am and keeps her up way past midnight? Advancing women. Because while the future might be female, Dawn’s making sure that future is now.
Today We Talked About
Background
AI as a pressure valve…
Burn out
Communication
Framework
Vision
Alignment
Execution
Clearing the path
Comfort Zone
Management to leadership
Human to Enterprise management
Ask AI. :)
Digital Clones
Fear
Will AI take my job??
Accountability
Systems
Don’t make it personal
Data with Daily Dashboards
Transparency
Advancement for Women
Connect with Dawn
LinkedIn
Website
Leave me a tip $
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I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Jan 2, 2026 • 37min
AGL 450: Barbara Wittmann
About Barbara
Barbara Wittmann is an author, entrepreneur, and leadership advisor known for helping leaders navigate the intersection of technology, culture, and human potential. With over 25 years of experience in IT strategy and digital innovation—including senior roles at SAP and the creation of multiple successful consultancies—Barbara brings a unique blend of technical expertise and people-centered leadership.
Today, she focuses on what she calls Digital Wisdom: the skill of leading with clarity, ethics, and emotional intelligence in a rapidly evolving digital world. Through coaching, speaking, and writing, she supports executives, founders, and high-impact teams in building cultures where innovation, trust, and purpose can thrive.
Originally from Germany and now based in Colorado, Barbara continues to inspire global audiences through her leadership philosophy, storytelling, and passion for aligning technology with what makes us deeply and authentically human.
Today We Talked About
Background
Accidental Technologist
Everyone Wants to be seen
Wisdom is not tied to Age, its the willingness to explore yourself
Software Test Cycles as a leadership Analogy
The Digital Wisdom Collective
Changing Culture
Controlling Fear
Limiting Beliefs
Ask for forgiveness, not permission to change culture
Trust
Fun as a value
Assumptions are the silent killer (must feel safe to share them)
Curiosity
Limiting Beliefs in Tech Leaders…. we’re not just 0 and 1 people
Getting ahead of AI and Shadow IT
Connect With Barbara
LinkedIn
Website
Leave me a tip $
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I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Dec 26, 2025 • 35min
AGL 449: Rafsan Bhuiyan
About Rafsan
Rafsan Bhuiyan is a trailblazing U.S. Army veteran turned enterprise AI strategist, whose journey from battlefield discipline to cutting-edge innovation has redefined revenue operations for global businesses. As the Founder and CEO of OrionQ, he leads the charge in developing agentic AI platforms tailored for telecom and automotive dealerships—unlocking billions in untapped revenue through seamless automation and CRM integration. Under his vision, OrionQ isn’t just software; it’s a force multiplier that empowers sales teams to scale smarter, faster, and more humanely.
A proud graduate of Colorado Technical University with a deep-rooted passion for data science and software development, Rafsan has channeled his technical prowess into real-world impact. From overcoming gritty challenges in the POS service industry to coaching leaders on AI adoption, he’s built a reputation as one of the top voices in artificial intelligence. His insights have graced platforms like Authority Magazine, where he recently shared C-suite wisdom on balancing AI’s power with human intuition, and his Medium writings inspire aspiring data scientists to pursue fulfilling, productive lives.
Beyond the boardroom, Rafsan is a devoted dad, an avid growth coach, and an unyielding advocate for ethical AI that amplifies—not replaces—the human spark. Whether dissecting the $3 trillion enterprise revenue opportunity or sharing war stories from his military days, Rafsan’s blend of grit, geekery, and genuine curiosity makes him the ultimate podcast guest for anyone navigating the AI revolution. Tune in as he demystifies the future of work, one breakthrough at a time.
Today We Talked About
background
Army
AI
Why make it easy for people.
Know your people
UI is not meant for the AI era
The world is changing, and we should change with it
LLMO – The next version of SEO
What are some of the prompts that get business’s discovered?
Human Way to AI
Connect with Rafsan
LinkedIn
Website
Leave me a tip $
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I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Dec 19, 2025 • 33min
AGL 448: MichaelAaron Flicker
About MichaelAaron
MichaelAaron Flicker is founder and president of XenoPsi Ventures, a brand incubator
firm providing financial, marketing and intellectual capital to a growing portfolio of companies.
He launched the business as a high school freshman 27 years ago in Ridgewood, NJ. Strategically, he focuses on managing XenoPsi Ventures portfolio of businesses, launching new companies and building equity-based partnerships with advertisers via XenoPsi Ventures’ innovative remuneration packages based on equity, not billable hours for services rendered.
He is president of Method1, Function Growth and Z/Axis Strategies, three of XenoPsi Ventures professional services portfolio companies. He is also the president and founder of the Wellow compression sock e-commerce brand launched in November 2021 with no outside investment.
He is a co-founder of the Consumer Behavior Lab in tandem with Richard Shotton. The CBL’s mission is to explore how behavioral science can be applied to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of media and marketing.
In 2022, he was recognized as one of the “40 Under 40” by NJBIZ. He is a Board Advisor to Shady Rays and Frances Prescott. Between 2022 – 2024, XenoPsi was named every year to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
MichaelAaron has worked with many of the country’s leading brands including Nike, JPMorgan Chase & Co, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, ACE Insurance, Chubb, & Evan Williams Bourbon.
Outside of work, MichaelAaron is Executive Director of Super Science Saturday (a Northern New Jersey science extravaganza for kids), a loving husband, and father of three beautiful children.
Today We Talked About
Background
Behavioral Science
17 Brands
What is the “Why” behind what works
Human Mind
Not what we say, but how we behave
Ikea affect
Choices of words matter
A->B Testing your leadership style
Assume everyone has your best intention in mind
Respond with open ended questions
Connect with MichaelArron
LinkedIn
Book
Podcast
Leave me a tip $
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I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Dec 12, 2025 • 53min
AGL 447: Bogdan Micov
About Bogdan
Bogdan Micov is the go-to transformation expert for elite entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and leaders who want one thing: permanent emotional freedom – Fast. With deep mastery across NLP, Hypnosis, Timeline Paradigm techniques, Quantum Linguistics, and Polarity Integration, Bogdan created The BeRelentless Method™ – a surgical approach that deletes years of emotional baggage, identity friction, and subconscious sabotage in a single day. The Psychology of Calm Power: Why Cortisol Is Killing Your Performance From Overthinking to Overpowering: Deleting Your Emotional Brakes Stop Coping — Start Deleting: The End of Self-Help as You Know It Burnout Isn’t a Strategy Problem — It’s a System Glitch The Identity Reboot: Remembering Who You Were Before the Fear Set In After surviving a stroke at 33 and walking away from $50M+ in high-ticket sales, Bogdan rebuilt his life around one core truth: you don’t need more mindset work – you need deletion. Helped 300+ high-performers permanently eliminate internal blocks and friction Clients have collectively generated $25M+ in revenue post-transformation Survived a stroke and rebuilt his nervous system and performance from the ground up Creator of The BeRelentless Method™ and The Finger Snap Method™ His work is trusted by 300+ top performers across industries who were tired of managing their triggers, battling burnout, or hiding behind productivity hacks and finally wanting to feel clear, calm, and powerful from the inside out. This isn’t coaching. This is system re-coding
Today We Talked About
Emotions
Brain Chemicals
Freedom
Stroke
Ownership of your emotions
Results
Emotions coming from our Thinking…. Our meaning making process
Conditioning – learning from past experiences
Cause and Effect
Emporement.. get out of that victim’s mindset
Perspective
Lenses – Deleting, Distorting, Generalizing
What are your limiting beliefs? limiting decisions?
Challenge the fruitfulness of your thoughts
Weaken the belief
Question how it serves you
After it is removed, how would you feel
Give examples
Karate
Connect with Bogdan
LinkedIn
Instagram – DM Bogda “Podcast”
YouTube
Leave me a tip $
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I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!

Dec 5, 2025 • 39min
AGL 446: Tamara Laine
About Tamara
Tamara Laine is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, fintech founder, and business growth strategist. As the founder and CEO of MPWR, she is transforming how credit and capital are accessed by gig workers, women, and underserved communities through AI and alternative data. A former gig worker herself, Tamara brings lived experience to her mission of building a more inclusive financial system. She has launched and scaled eight-figure tech ventures, advised banks on equitable capital access, and is a recognized expert in financial inclusion, ethical tech, and economic innovation. Tamara also co-hosts What the Frac?, a podcast on startup growth.
Today We Talked About
Ethical AI
Innovative Leadership
Journalism vs. Entrepreneurship
Leadership
Start with Why?
Emotional Leadership
Grounded in a good foundation
Product first, then Vision
Executive Coaching
Empathy as a leader
Empathy takes Time
Being a Mentor
Your network, and how you treat your community
What the Fract show
Connect With Tamara
Website
LinkedIn
Podacst – What the Frac?
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I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word. Thanks again!


