

Leadovation
Dean Newlund, Mission Facilitators International
If you’re listening to this podcast, there’s a good chance you’re responsible for other people—leaders, teams, organizations—and you care about the experience you create for them.
Most organizations don’t struggle because they lack vision or strategy.
They struggle because there’s a growing gap between what leaders say matters and what people actually experience at work.
This podcast is about closing that gap.
Through conversations with leaders, thinkers, and practitioners—and through stories from my own work—I explore what it really means to walk your talk. Not as a slogan, but as a lived experience. How leadership shows up in presence, in decisions, in systems, and in the small moments that quietly shape culture.
We’re leading in a world that’s moving faster than our nervous systems were designed to handle. AI is accelerating work. Burnout and disconnection are rising. And many leaders are asking an honest question: How do we drive performance without losing our humanity?
On Leadovation, we slow that question down.
We look at how leaders can become the experience they promise—inside themselves, with their teams, and across their organizations—so that trust, meaning, and well-being aren’t ideas on a wall, but realities people feel.
If this conversation connects to something you’re wrestling with as a leader, you’re in the right place.
Let’s begin.
Most organizations don’t struggle because they lack vision or strategy.
They struggle because there’s a growing gap between what leaders say matters and what people actually experience at work.
This podcast is about closing that gap.
Through conversations with leaders, thinkers, and practitioners—and through stories from my own work—I explore what it really means to walk your talk. Not as a slogan, but as a lived experience. How leadership shows up in presence, in decisions, in systems, and in the small moments that quietly shape culture.
We’re leading in a world that’s moving faster than our nervous systems were designed to handle. AI is accelerating work. Burnout and disconnection are rising. And many leaders are asking an honest question: How do we drive performance without losing our humanity?
On Leadovation, we slow that question down.
We look at how leaders can become the experience they promise—inside themselves, with their teams, and across their organizations—so that trust, meaning, and well-being aren’t ideas on a wall, but realities people feel.
If this conversation connects to something you’re wrestling with as a leader, you’re in the right place.
Let’s begin.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 25, 2025 • 43min
Kim Rogne: From Burnout to Balance: How High Achievers Can Slow Down Without Losing Their Edge
About Kim Rogne:Kim Rogne is a dynamic Keynote Speaker, Leadership Trainer, and #1 Bestselling Author passionate about inspiring driven professionals to thrive in every aspect of their lives. With 25 years of experience in real estate sales, brokerage management, and business investing, Kim has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, guiding them through challenges from startup to success. As a former CEO of a multi-million-dollar brokerage, she understands the unique needs of business owners and uses her expertise to empower them to achieve balance and purpose.Through her company, For The Love Of, Kim helps individuals and teams unlock their potential with tailored coaching, inspiring talks, and actionable resources. Visit her website to connect with Kim, explore her digital library, or schedule a session. A wife, mother, and lifelong learner, Kim’s energy and insights are sure to spark motivation and ignite positive change in your life and business. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Kim Rogne discuss:Redefining balance for high achievers beyond comparisonThe emotional and psychological roots of burnoutLessons from trauma and forced slowdown as catalysts for changeEgo, control, and the illusion of productivity in leadershipReflection, self-awareness, and delegation as tools for sustainable success Key Takeaways:Define what balance personally means to you—free from comparison, external standards, or social media illusions—and recognize the moments when you’re already living it.Build regular reflection into your schedule, whether through journaling, quiet mornings, or monthly check-ins, so you can slow down enough to notice what needs to shift before burnout hits.Practice the “Four D’s”—do, delegate, delay, or dump—to lighten your load and retrain your mind to see asking for help as a strength rather than a weakness.Pay attention to when busyness becomes a form of self-validation, and intentionally replace that constant need to fix and prove with rest, purpose, and self-compassion. "When we do slow down, we can recognize when we’re in balance.” — Kim Rogne Connect with Kim Rogne: Website: http://kimrogne.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimrogne/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kim.lewerenzrogne & https://www.facebook.com/KimRognesForTheLoveOfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimrogne/
See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Nov 18, 2025 • 47min
Salvatore Manzi: How to Lead Meetings That People Love: Communication Skills Every Leader Needs
About Salvatore Manzi:Salvatore Manzi is a facilitator with decades of experience designing and leading transformative conversations for teams, executives, and organizations. He specializes in guiding high-stakes meetings, leadership retreats, and strategic sessions that build inclusive, high-performing cultures. A lifelong public speaker with a background in communications and organizational behavior, he discovered his passion for facilitation after witnessing a master facilitator create space for true transformation. Applying his research in psychology and neuroscience, Salvatore developed communication and meeting facilitation training used by thousands of professionals. Focused on connection, engagement, and the creative power of group dynamics, he helps teams turn communication into collaboration. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Salvatore Manzi discuss:The lost art of human connection in the digital workplaceCommunication styles and technology’s impact on toneHow to open meetings with a connection before contentLeadership presence, facilitation skills, and emotional intelligenceDesigning physical and energetic spaces that shape collaboration Key Takeaways:Personalize every message — take a moment to acknowledge the other person’s context, tone, or effort before diving into your main point.Begin meetings with a quick ritual of connection, such as asking what’s working well or what someone’s celebrating, to ground energy and focus.Break the silence early in meetings by speaking up within the first few minutes to increase engagement and confidence.Shift attention from proving your worth to serving your audience by focusing on how your message helps them connect, decide, or act. "I need to create connections before I get into the content; otherwise, people don’t understand what’s going on in other people’s worlds.” — Salvatore Manzi Connect with Salvatore Manzi: Website: https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatorejmanzi/
See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Nov 11, 2025 • 33min
Keith Dorsey: How to Know If You’re Board Ready: Insights on Earning a Seat at the Table
About Keith Dorsey:Dr. Keith Dorsey is a researcher, author, advisor, and active board member focused on diversity, governance, and strategic growth for corporate boards. His research on women executives’ pathways to board seats revealed key insights into the barriers and facilitators women face in attaining these roles. His forthcoming book, The Boardroom Journey: Practical Guidance for Women to Secure a Seat at the Table, blends research with his executive and board experience. He is a National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Certified Director and 2023 NACD Directorship 100™ honoree, serving on several private and nonprofit boards. As founder of The Boardroom Journey and senior advisor at Boyden, he helps leaders strengthen governance, pursue board readiness, and advance toward the C-suite. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Keith Dorsey discuss:Board readiness and governance leadershipNominating committees and board compositionCareer planning for future board serviceAI’s influence on board dynamics and decision-makingCEO–board relationships and evaluation practices Key Takeaways:Executives must transition from being “unconsciously competent operators” to “consciously competent governance professionals” to be board-ready.Nominating committees seek board candidates whose purpose and values align authentically with the company’s mission, not those simply seeking prestige or pay.Board preparation should start early in one’s career, ideally in one’s 20s or 30s, by intentionally developing human capital, breadth of experience, and a governance mindset.Effective boards avoid becoming rubber stamps by regularly evaluating members’ competencies, maintaining succession plans, and engaging in meaningful executive sessions. "A good board will ask challenging questions—not to get you to say, ‘I got you,’ or to try to let them know that they haven’t done things correctly—but to ask questions to widen their aperture a little bit.” — Keith Dorsey Connect with Keith Dorsey: Website: http://boardroomjourney.com/Book: The Boardroom Journey: https://www.amazon.com/Boardroom-Journey-Practical-Guidance-Secure/dp/1394331789LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-keith-d-dorsey-798a2681/
See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Nov 4, 2025 • 47min
Christine Marie Aitchison: How to Heal Grief and Unearth Your Inner Wisdom
About Christine Marie Aitchison:Christine Marie is a trauma-informed healer, ceremonial guide, and founder of Soul Medicine. With a background in nursing and certifications in Celtic Shamanism and Reiki, she brings a rare blend of clinical grounding and sacred wisdom to her work. Christine helps people move from victimhood to empowerment using energy healing, ritual, and plant medicine, and she’s the author of Grieve with Guidance—a deeply supportive book for navigating loss through spiritual frameworks and ceremony. Today, Christine joins us to explore how true healing begins when we speak, feel, and live from authenticity rather than our trauma story. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Christine Marie Aitchison discuss:Near-death experiences and their transformative impactThe intersection of spirituality and holistic healingEmotional and ancestral grief as pathways to self-awarenessTransitioning from traditional nursing to intuitive healing practicesThe ongoing journey of self-discovery and energetic boundaries Key Takeaways:Christine’s near-death experience as a child became the catalyst for her lifelong commitment to bring light and healing into the world.Her transition from traditional nursing to holistic healing reveals the importance of aligning one’s work with deeper personal values.Create space for ongoing personal inner work, recognizing that self-healing is a continuous journey of understanding and compassion.When pain or grief arises, approach it with curiosity instead of resistance to uncover its hidden lessons for growth. "It’s been a really beautiful challenge to breathe light and love back into my bones, back into my body.” — Christine Marie Aitchison Connect with Christine Marie Aitchison: Website: https://www.christinemarieheals.com/Books: https://www.christinemarieheals.com/booksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemarieheals/Substack/Newsletter: https://christinemarieheals.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinemarieheals/
See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Oct 28, 2025 • 41min
Kevin Surace: Will AI Replace Musicians, Actors, and Writers?
About Kevin Surace:Kevin Surace is a Silicon Valley innovator, serial entrepreneur, CEO, TV personality, and edutainer featured by major outlets such as Businessweek, Time, Fortune, Forbes, CNN, and FOX News. He has keynoted hundreds of events, including TED, Inc. 5000, and the U.S. Congress, earning titles like Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year and CNBC’s Innovator of the Decade. With 93 worldwide patents, he is celebrated for his dynamic, entertaining presentations that educate and energize audiences. His pioneering work spans AI virtual assistants, smartphones, sustainable building technologies, and major energy retrofits like the Empire State Building. He also directs and produces Broadway and streaming projects and delivers popular talks on AI, innovation, and digital transformation customized for any audience. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Kevin Surace discuss:The fusion of creativity and artificial intelligenceTechnology’s transformation of art, media, and businessDemocratization of creative production through AIThe tension between live experience and digital automationLeadership and communication in an AI-driven world Key Takeaways:AI can now generate professional-quality creative work—such as full songs or films—in a fraction of the traditional time and cost.The entertainment and advertising industries are rapidly shifting toward AI-generated production and personalization.Automation is inevitable across business functions, with resistance often stemming from fear, not lack of capability.Live human connection remains valuable, but convenience and accessibility will continue to drive mass adoption of AI experiences. "The machines always win. You can sabotage, and you'll maybe extend something for a few months, but eventually, management is going to say, you know, this particular task can be done by AI.” — Kevin Surace Connect with Kevin Surace: Website: https://www.kevinsurace.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kskoolstuffLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksurace/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/kevinsuraceTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kevin_suraceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.surace/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinsurace/Book Kevin today to start a conversation about working together: https://www.kevinsurace.com/book-kevin
See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Oct 21, 2025 • 37min
Lewis Crompton: Why Money Tears Families Apart—and How 30 Minutes a Day Can End Money Stress
About Lewis Crompton:Lewis Crompton is the Founder and CEO of STARTrading, a global education company helping professionals create financial freedom through smart, time-efficient trading. After being mentored by Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad team—and later invited to teach for them—Lewis launched STARTrading in 2019 to help others achieve peace of mind and flexibility around money. With more than a decade of trading experience and six years of teaching, he’s guided thousands of students worldwide to build passive income, exit traditional careers, and reclaim time for what matters most. His work and approach to safe, systematic trading have been featured by Bloomberg and other major outlets. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Lewis Crompton discuss:Mindset and emotional relationship with moneyFinancial freedom through trading and educationPurpose-driven leadership and family stabilityCommunity and support in wealth buildingNavigating financial markets and crypto volatility Key Takeaways:Recognizing how early beliefs about money shape your sense of worth can help you rebuild a healthier, more empowered financial mindset.Lewis’s “Star Trading Method” shows that with the right skills, financial growth and security can come from consistency rather than constant risk or time investment.True financial freedom begins when money becomes a tool for peace and stability within families rather than a source of stress or conflict.Surrounding yourself with a supportive community of learners and traders can transform isolation into confidence and long-term success. "One of the biggest, if not the biggest, reason why families break down and divorces happen is because of financial stress, financial worry, financial differences.” — Lewis Crompton Connect with Lewis Crompton: Website: https://startradingnow.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@withlewiscromptonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewiscrompton/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/startradingnowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startrading_community/ & https://www.instagram.com/withlewiscrompton/
See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Oct 14, 2025 • 43min
Neelam Harjani: Health Meets Wealth: Unlocking the Link to True Well-Being
About Neelam Harjani:Neelam Harjani, founder of Inspire Wellness, is recognized as a wellbeing expert across Asia and the Middle East, offering an antidote to busy lifestyles through personalized coaching in Lifestyle Medicine. A former investment banker, she now works with multinational corporations to counter the effects of chronic stress. With 20 years of experience, her systematic approach helps individuals build sustainable energy, promote resilience, and enhance emotional regulation through self-awareness and practical calming techniques. Neelam has authored books on burnout, led online programs, hosted wellness workshops, and facilitated retreats focused on leadership development and personal transformation. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Neelam Harjani discuss:Global views on wellness are shaped by culture and economyEmotional and physical impact of chronic stressMaterialism and the illusion of scarcityMindfulness and reconnection with selfFinancial well-being is tied to resilience and balance Key Takeaways:Chronic stress and burnout are intensified in economically booming cities where ambition and competition replace balance and community.True wellness begins with awareness and acceptance—learning to observe emotions like stress or anger instead of resisting them.Financial pressure, whether real or perceived, often drives people into survival mode, disconnecting them from joy and safety.Cultivating daily moments of stillness and self-connection builds a reservoir of resilience that no external achievement or purchase can match. "When you feel at ease and at peace with yourself, then no matter how bad the traffic is, there's a reservoir to go back to." — Neelam Harjani Connect with Neelam Harjani: Website and Books: http://www.inspire-wellness.com/ & https://neelamharjani.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelam-harjani/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neelamharjani/
See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Oct 7, 2025 • 43min
W. David Prescott and Michael Ashley: ESG, National Security, and the Future of Freedom: What Leaders Can’t Afford to Ignore
About W. David Prescott and Michael Ashley:W. David Prescott is a veteran geologist and environmental consultant with over 30 years of experience in groundwater protection, remediation, and regulatory compliance. Licensed in Texas and Wyoming, he holds advanced degrees in Environmental Science and Business and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science. A champion of market-driven sustainability, he serves on community and state boards shaping policies that balance environmental health with economic growth.Michael Ashley is a former Disney story consultant, Chapman University screenwriting professor, and author of 20+ books, including four bestsellers. He coauthored Own the A.I. Revolution, which was launched at the UN’s AI for Good Summit and recognized as a top business book of 2019. A columnist for Forbes and Entrepreneur, his work has been widely featured, and he is a sought-after keynote speaker on AI, storytelling, and innovation. In this episode, Dean, W. David, and Michael discuss:The evolution of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) from shareholder to stakeholder capitalismPenalties and financial consequences for companies not meeting ESG standardsGlobal competition in energy and AI between the U.S., China, and IndiaRisks of programmable money and digital currencies on personal and business freedomThe framing of today’s global tensions as a “spiritual war” between control and freedom Key Takeaways:ESG shifted from a voluntary “carrot” to a mandatory “stick,” with companies losing access to capital or suffering stock devaluation if they fail to comply.U.S. energy companies saw Wall Street investment in energy drop from 16–18% to just 3% by 2000 due to ESG pressures, while China and India rapidly expanded hydrocarbon and nuclear production.The U.S. is falling behind in AI and energy infrastructure, as China currently has 28 nuclear plants under construction while the U.S. has none.Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) could one day enforce ESG compliance by shutting off funds for companies or individuals exceeding government-imposed environmental thresholds. "Imagine us playing chess against China, and China having an IQ of 10,000 while we’re sitting there with an IQ of 100.” — W. David Prescott "America is not an evil country. In fact, America is the best country the world has ever seen, and we want to export these ideas of freedom that are different from China.” — Michael Ashley Connect with W. David and Michael: Website: https://creativedestruction.gr-site.com/Book: Creative Destruction: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Destruction-Mandates-Destroying-Capitalism/dp/B0D64WSNP9W. David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-david-prescott-p-g-b1600714/Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelashleywriter/
See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Sep 30, 2025 • 47min
Brad Farris: Slow Down to Speed Up: Why Presence is the Key to Your Team's Productivity
About Brad Farris:Brad Farris is a trusted leadership advisor for businesses looking to break the $1M barrier and scale to $3M–$5M. He brings 20+ years of experience helping business owners sharpen focus, increase profitability, and build stronger teams. Brad brings decades of experience coaching founders through the common challenges that stall growth, especially when the bottleneck is the leader themselves. His bold but empathetic approach helps founders shift from over-functioning doers to strategic leaders. Brad has offered listeners to explore their awareness around being present through this free and easy assessment: https://anchoradvisors.com/self-leadership-assessment/ In this episode, Dean Newlund and Brad Farris discuss:The importance of presence in leadership and productivityThe concept of urgency addiction and its impact on decision-makingEmail and meeting management as reflections of leadership habitsTrue listening as a foundation for trust and collaborationSelf-leadership, reflection, and cultivating flow for creativity Key Takeaways:By slowing down and providing thoughtful, complete responses, email exchanges become shorter and more effective, reducing inbox overwhelm and freeing up time for higher-value work.The constant pursuit of speed and urgency can create an addictive cycle that feels rewarding in the moment but ultimately drains creativity, damages collaboration, and weakens relationships.Leaders who intentionally restructure their calendars to include fewer or more spacious meetings create the mental space necessary for presence, deeper reflection, and sustained problem-solving.Practicing intentional, focused listening helps people feel valued and understood, which not only reduces conflict but also builds trust and empowers teams to act independently and effectively. "The present moment is the place where we can act… It’s actually kind of a productivity superpower.” — Brad Farris Connect with Brad Farris: Website: https://www.anchoradvisors.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfarris/Business Growth Phase Assessment: https://anchoradvisors.com/accelerate-your-business-growth/
See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Sep 23, 2025 • 42min
Dr. Laura Gallaher: Columbia Space Shuttle Tragedy: Lessons and Applications in Your Organizations
About Dr. Laura Gallaher:Dr. Laura Gallaher is a professional speaker and organizational psychologist who inspires driven self-starters to transform their relationship with themselves and accomplish more than ever. She combines insights on radical self-acceptance with humor to create a unique connection with her audience. Despite being a national best-selling author, Dr. Laura stands out from the typical "academic" personality of her PhD peers. Her notable achievements include being hired by NASA to reshape organizational culture after the Columbia accident, leading significant changes in performance management at Disney, and inspiring Yahoo’s global teams to pursue transformation from within. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Dr. Laura Gallaher discuss:NASA’s organizational culture and its role in major space disastersThe importance of psychological safety in high-stakes environmentsThe conflict between intuition and evidence-based decision-makingLeadership blind spots, self-awareness, and radical self-acceptanceBuilding trust, collaboration, and vulnerability within teams Key Takeaways:NASA’s culture contributed to the Columbia tragedy by discouraging engineers from voicing concerns without hard data.Congress required NASA to undergo a culture change initiative before allowing shuttle flights to resume, embedding organizational development permanently at Kennedy Space Center.Dr. Laura’s personal 360-degree feedback revealed blind spots, such as unintentional “bullying intellectually,” which led her to embrace radical self-acceptance.Tools like collaboration contracts and vulnerability exercises helped leaders manage defensiveness, foster trust, and improve team dynamics. "When you have higher self acceptance, it creates a path for others to do the same… because when you have high self acceptance, you can be vulnerable… but vulnerability is courageous, and courage is contagious.” — Dr. Laura Gallaher Connect with Dr. Laura Gallaher: Website: https://drlauragallaher.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gallaher-phdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauragallaher/Discover Your Self-Acceptance Score: https://selfacceptancequiz.com/
See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.


