Henry Mintzberg is a writer and educator, mostly about managing originations, developing managers, and rebalancing societies but he is also an outdoorsman and collector of beaver sculptures.

He has authored 20 books, including Managers not MBAs, Simply Managing, and Rebalancing Society. 

He has been elected to the Order of Canada and l’Ordre national du Quebec as well as to the Royal Society of Canada and has received twenty-one honorary degrees from universities around the world. He’s also a Hall of Fame member on the Thinkers50.

Henry sits down with Dan Pontefract to discuss an array of topics including Russia, Putin, Ukraine, Shareholder Primacy, communityship, the Business Roundtable, and measurement. The insights are overflowing.

Management Thinker Extraordinaire Henry Mintzberg

Alan Mulally is the former president and CEO of The Ford Motor Company, serving as its most senior leader between 2006 and 2014. Before that and for over 30 years, Mulally held roles at Boeing, including executive vice president of the Boeing Company and president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. To say that Mulally has been at the helm of two of America's most important and prominent brands is wildly understated.

In this discussion with Dan Pontefract, Alan outlines with precision and depth his "Working Together" management system. Alan delves into the various factors that help all stakeholders understand the mission and vision whilst using humanistic traits in which to do so.

As an added bonus, Alan details how the "Working Together" system can also serve as a model for your life.

Former Ford and Boeing CEO Alan Mulally and the Importance of 'Working Together'

Roger Martin is a trusted strategy advisor to the CEOs of companies worldwide including Procter & Gamble, Lego and Ford. In 2017, he was named the world’s #1 management thinker by Thinkers50, a biannual ranking of the most influential global business thinkers.

In this engaging talk with Dan Pontefract, Roger discusses his newest book, "A New Way to Think: Your Guide to Superior Managerial Effectiveness."

Roger is a Professor Emeritus at the Rotman School of Management at University of Toronto where he served as Dean from 1998-2013, Academic Director of the Michael Lee-Chin Family Institute for Corporate Citizenship from 2004-2019 and Institute Director of the Martin Prosperity Institute from 2013-2019. In 2013, he was named global Dean of the Year by the leading business school website, Poets & Quants.

He has written twelve other books including When More is Not Better, Creating Great Choices written with Jennifer Riel and Playing to Win written with A.G. Lafley, which won the award for Best Book of 2012-13 by the Thinkers50.

World Renown Thinker Roger L. Martin and a New Way to Think

Michael Griffiths is a senior partner, principal, and lead in Deloitte’s Workforce Transformation practice; specifically leading Deloitte’s Workforce Development market offerings. 

In this episode of Leadership NOW, Michael and Dan Pontefract discuss the shift to a skills-based organization. There are some fascinating points raised—including what comes first: the chicken, the egg, or both?

Michael is also the lead for Deloitte’s Human Capital Trends research and report. Griffiths is well published in the field of learning and talent, and is the leading market voice on becoming a skills-based organization.

The Shift to a Skills-Based Organization with Deloitte's Michael Griffiths

Sylvie di Giusto—the wearer of many hats—helps individuals and organizations explore how people make up their minds very quickly about them or their company and either open the door or slam it shut. She has twenty years of corporate experience holding various senior positions, mainly in human resources, at international organizations ranging from 10 to 100,000 employees.  

In this episode of Leadership NOW, Dan Pontefract and Sylvie discuss the importance of brand and image to one's leadership style and personality. 

Sylvie uses her corporate experience and multicultural background to help audiences around the world understand how people make up their minds very quickly about them and either open the door or slam it shut. At the core, Sylvie wants her clients to understand how making an impactful first and lasting impression can help attract and keep customers.

Sylvie is the author of "The Image of Leadership" and the creator of “How You Impress,” an interactive mobile learning platform for professionals and organizations who place great importance on the impression they make.

Sylvie di Giusto and the Image of Leadership

Steven Kowalski is an organization development consultant and the author of “Creative Together: Sparking Innovation in the New World of Work.” He has more than 25 years of experience facilitating the creativity of scientists, engineers, business leaders, and professionals across industries to blaze new trails, catalyze creative potential, and deliver real-world innovation.

Steven drops by "Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract" to discuss "Creative Together" and the critical importance of creativity as part of organizational culture and leadership styles.

He holds a Ph.D. in adult learning and organizational creativity from UCLA and works for biopharma pioneer Genentech

At Genentech, Steven focuses on strategy execution and organizational transformation for Roche’s global Product Development organization. He has led key HR initiatives including creation of Genentech’s employee Career Center, Work and Career Flexibility philosophy, and development of the Roche Leadership Commitments and competency model.

Visit http://www.danpontefract.com for more information about Dan and the Leadership NOW program.

Visit https://www.stevenkowalski.com/ for more information about Steven Kowalski

The Four Personas of Creativity with Steven Kowalski

Gianpiero Petriglieri is Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at INSEAD. His award-winning research and teaching focus on what it means, and what it takes, to become a leader. He is particularly concerned with leading well in the age of “nomadic professionalism,” in which people have deep bonds to work but loose affiliations to organisations.

In this conversation with Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW, Gianpiero discusses at length the need (and wish) for leadership to be an art.

Building on two decades of experience studying and working with executives and companies around the world, he has refined a unique approach to experiential leadership development that aims to deepen and accelerate the development of individual leaders, as well as to broaden and strengthen leadership communities within and across organisations.

At INSEAD, Gianpiero directs the Management Acceleration Programme, the school’s flagship executive programme for emerging leaders, and chairs the initiative for Learning innovation and Teaching Excellence. He also designs and directs customized leadership development programmes for multinationals in a variety of industries. He speaks widely on how to develop and exercise leadership in fast-changing, uncertain, and diverse workplaces.

Gianpiero has chaired the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on new models of leadership and has been named one of the 50 most influential management thinkers in the world by Thinkers50. He has held Visiting Professor positions at the Harvard Business School, and at Copenhagen Business School. Prior to joining INSEAD, he contributed to executive programs and to the MBA at IMD and trained as a medical doctor and psychiatrist.

More about Gianpiero at https://gpetriglieri.com/ including his essays, research, and other wonderful goodies.

More about Dan at https://www.danpontefract.com

INSEAD's Gianpiero Petriglieri - Leadership is an Art

Dan Pontefract is the host of Leadership NOW. Sure. But he's also an award-winning author. His latest book, "Work-Life Bloom: How to Nurture a Team That Flourishes" shakes up corporate culture by tackling sacred cows like employee engagement, work-life balance, and 'bring your best selves to work.' 

So, Dan decided to interview Dan about the book.

Check out this special episode of Leadership NOW where Dan asks Dan the following questions, aided by the help of ChatGPT, the AI tool that digested the book and surfaced five very unique questions to ask Dan:

•	Challenging Conventional Wisdom: "'Work-Life Bloom' seems to challenge the traditional notion of work-life balance and employee engagement. What common myths or misconceptions about both of these concepts are you aiming to debunk with this book?"

•	Critique of Corporate Culture: "In your experience and research, where do most organizations fall short in fostering a culture that truly supports its team members? Can you give an example of a particularly toxic trend you've observed?"

•	Personal Sacrifices for Success: "Have you ever found yourself sacrificing personal happiness or well-being for career success? How did these experiences shape your perspective in 'Work-Life Bloom'?"

•	The Dark Side of Leadership: "You've seen various leadership styles throughout your career. What are some of the darker aspects of leadership that can affect the workplace, and how does your book address these?"

•	Controversial Advice: "Is there any advice in 'Work-Life Bloom' that you think might be controversial or counterintuitive to traditional business thinking? Why did you choose to include it?"

•	The Pandemic's Impact: "How has the pandemic altered your views on the concepts of work and life? Does 'Work-Life Bloom' tackle any uncomfortable truths that the pandemic has exposed in the workplace?"

•	Future Predictions and Warnings: "Looking ahead, what are some potential pitfalls or dangers you foresee if companies and leaders fail to embrace the principles of Work-Life Bloom?"

Dan Pontefract Interviews Dan Pontefract. Wait. What?!? (A Special Episode of Leadership NOW)

Dr. Alexander (Alex) Osterwalder, founder & CEO of Strategyzer, is one of the world’s most influential strategy and innovation experts. A leading author, entrepreneur, and in-demand speaker, his work has changed the way established companies do business and how new ventures get started.

In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, Alex lays out his nfluential ideas on modern business models, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies and a shift away from traditional business thinking.

Continuously ranked in the top 50 management thinkers worldwide by Thinkers50 and a visiting professor at IMD, Osterwalder is known for simplifying the strategy development process and turning complex concepts into digestible visual models. Together with Yves Pigneur, he invented the Business Model Canvas, Value Proposition Canvas, and Business Portfolio Map – practical tools that are trusted by millions of business practitioners from leading global companies, including Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Mastercard, Sony, Fujitsu, 3M, Intel, Roche, Colgate-Palmolive, and many more.

Strategyzer is an innovation powerhouse, providing online courses, applications, and technology-enabled services to help organizations effectively and systematically manage strategy, growth, and transformation.

Osterwalder’s books include the international bestseller «Business Model Generation», «Value Proposition Design», «Testing Business Ideas», «High-Impact Tools for Teams» and «The Invincible Company,» 

A frequent and popular keynote speaker, Osterwalder travels the world discussing his ideas and strategies at Fortune 500 companies, premiere innovation conferences, and leading universities.

He holds a doctorate from HEC Lausanne/Switzerland and is a founding member of The Constellation, a global not-for-profit organization connecting local responses to global issues around the world.

Pioneering the Pulse of Modern Business Models with Alex Osterwalder

Jennifer McCollum is an acclaimed speaker, consultant, coach, and author of the fab book "In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO." It's the focus of her book, where Dan and Jennifer discuss several different facets of importance regarding gender equity and gender-related issues.

With two decades of experience leading and building businesses in the leadership space, her expertise includes how to close the gap to gender equity, why the most effective leaders are inclusive leaders, and how to demystify inclusion for leaders and organizations. She has delivered workshops, keynotes, webinars, and podcasts to thousands of leaders globally on live and virtual stages. 

Jennifer is also the former CEO of Linkage, a SHRM company, where she oversaw the strategic direction and global operations of this global leadership development firm. Linkage has been consistently ranked as a top 20 training company worldwide, providing assessments, training, coaching, consulting, and conferences.

Prior to Linkage, Jennifer spent 10 years in Atlanta working for The Coca-Cola Company. She also spent a decade growing businesses within Korn Ferry and the Corporate Executive Board (CEB), now Gartner. At CEB, she led product management within the leadership division, driving innovative solutions that helped organizations select, develop, and place leaders at all levels. She also ran CEB’s Leadership Academies business, which developed more than 30,000 professionals in 2,100 companies throughout 50 countries. 

Previously, Jennifer served as CEO of IntraVision, a leadership consultancy she founded and grew over the course of 8 years. She worked with public companies, start-ups, associations, and nonprofits. Her passion is creating vision, executing strategy, and managing cohesive teams toward aspirational goals, with a special focus on supporting women in leadership roles. 

More about Jennifer's book "In Her Own Voice" at https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/731273/in-her-own-voice-by-jennifer-mccollum/

More about Dan Pontefract and the Leadership NOW program at www.danpontefract.com/podcast

Gender Equity in Leadership with Jennifer McCollum

Ilya Kneppelhout co-founded The Offline Club as a response to our increasingly digital world. In this episode of "Leadership NOW," we explore the club's origins, digital intoxication, loneliness, and how It aims to "inspire people to swap screen time for real-time, today and tomorrow."

Located in Amsterdam, The Offline Club offers a space where members can disconnect from their digital devices and reconnect with the real world. The idea is to provide a tech-free sanctuary where individuals can enjoy genuine conversations and immerse themselves in the moment reminiscent of the pre-digital era of the '90s.

The club's core principle is mandatory disconnection from online devices, fostering an environment for genuine human interaction. Ilya’s vision extends beyond individual well-being to inspire a global movement towards offline engagement, aiming to facilitate a worldwide "reconnection" with others and oneself.

More about Ilya and The Offline Club at their site: https://bento.me/theofflineclub

More about Dan Pontefract and "Leadership NOW" here: https://www.danpontefract.com


Ilya Kneppelhout and The Offline Club’s Quest Against Digital Overload

Amy Blankson is a happiness expert, the Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of the Digital Wellness Institute, and the author of several bestselling books, including "The Future of Happiness."

Amy joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW for a deep-dive discussion on a host of issues and topics related to digital wellness.

Amy is on a mission to help us create a more positive world that prioritizes Digital Flourishing—that sweet spot where productivity, health, and happiness meet.

By harnessing a simple, research-backed framework, Amy and her team help reimagine digital well-being so people can thrive.

As a member of the UN Global Happiness Council and a fellow of the World Innovation Organization, Amy actively engages in initiatives aimed at promoting happiness as a core value in society. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as PBS, The New York Times, Forbes, and The Huffington Post. 

Amy is the only person to have ever received a Point of Light Award from two U.S. Presidents and has over 15 years of experience leading teams in how to convert stress into joy.

With degrees from Harvard and Yale, Amy is being continually recognized for her pioneering contributions to the study of positive psychology and its application in the digital age. 

More about Amy and the Digital Wellness Institute at https://www.digitalwellnessinstitute.com/

More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Digital Wellness with Chief Evangelist Amy Blankson

Dana Griffin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Eldera, an innovative platform dedicated to bridging the gap between generations. Dana joins Leadership NOW where Dan delves into her journey, the inspiration behind Eldera, and her vision for a future where the wisdom of elders is recognized as a valuable resource for societal growth and intergenerational solidarity.

Dana, originally from the picturesque Transylvania region of Romania, has carved a unique path in the world of tech and social impact. With a rich background as a data and advertising executive, she shifted her focus towards the age-tech industry, driven by a deep-seated belief in the untapped wisdom of older adults.

Eldera is a testament to this belief, creating a global intergenerational mentoring program that connects elders with the younger generation, facilitating not just the sharing of knowledge, but also fostering enduring relationships. Dana's work is grounded in her own experiences, having been raised by her grandparents and continually inspired by elder mentors throughout her life.

An Encore Gen2Gen Innovator Fellow, Dana is not just a business leader but a thought leader, advocating for the principled use of AI for innovation and social good. She has been recognized as a '40 under 40' change-maker by AdAge and holds multiple trademarks and patents focused on aging and wisdom. Dana's interests extend beyond her professional pursuits, exploring the realms of human consciousness and well-being.

Visit www.eldera.ai for more information about Dana and Eldera.

Visit www.danpontefract.com for more details about Dan Pontefract and his award-winning books.

Eldera CEO Dana Griffin and the Untapped Wisdom of the Elderly

Join us in this enlightening episode of Leadership NOW as I sit down with Josh Blair, CEO and co-founder of Impro.ai. Blair shares his insights on creating a new category in business innovation: performance technology. 

Discover how Impro.ai leverages AI and human strategists to enhance employee performance, foster leadership, and drive organizational success. Tune in to learn about real-world applications, success stories, and Blair’s unique leadership philosophy that balances empathy with execution.

Impro.ai is a high-tech company that enables corporations to elevate their performance. Through their AI-powered platform, Impro provides daily performance guidance to employees and organizational performance insights to executives.

Impro.ai is at the forefront of developing performance technology, a groundbreaking approach that integrates AI and human expertise to transform employee behavior and organizational efficiency. 

By combining AI-driven data insights with the personalized touch of Impro performance strategists, the platform offers tailored guidance to help employees improve their mindsets, behaviors, and habits. This innovative method not only boosts individual performance but also provides executives with actionable insights to drive strategic decision-making and achieve remarkable business outcomes.

More about Josh Blair and Impro at https://www.impro.ai

More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com

CEO Josh Blair on Pioneering Performance Technology with Impro.ai

Join Dan Pontefract in a thought-provoking discussion with Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg, author of “What’s Your Problem?” and a leading expert on problem-solving and innovation. 

Discover how reframing problems can unlock new solutions and drive organizational success. Wedell-Wedellsborg shares key insights on overcoming biases, fostering psychological safety, and rethinking goals with flexibility and adaptability. 

This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will revolutionize your approach to leadership and problem-solving. Listen now to transform your mindset and empower your team.

Wedell-Wedellsborg's research has been featured in The Economist, Forbes, Bloomberg, Businessweek and The Financial Times. HR Magazine listed him as a “Top 20 International Thinker”. Thinkers50 listed him on their 2021 Radar.

Wedell-Wedellsborg holds an MA in Media Science from the University of Copenhagen and an MBA from IESE Business School. Prior to his business career, He served for four years as an officer with the Danish Royal Guards. 

As an executive advisor and keynote speaker, Wedell-Wedellsborg has addressed organizations such as Cisco, Microsoft, Citigroup, Time Warner, Caterpillar, Amgen, Prudential, Union Pacific, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, the Wall Street Journal, and the United Nations.

More about Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg at https://wedellsblog.com/

Dan Pontefract can be reached at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Unlocking the Power of Reframing with Author Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg

In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, I sit down with Todd Cherches, CEO and co-founder of BigBlueGumball, to explore the unique intersection of visual thinking and leadership. 

Todd, an award-winning professor and author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life, shares his journey from a TV addict dreaming of being Superman to becoming a leading expert in visual communication. 

We discuss how metaphors, mental models, and visual storytelling can enhance a leader’s ability to communicate, innovate, and inspire. 

Todd also dives into his visual leadership formula and the importance of translating complex ideas into relatable, visual terms to connect with and engage your audience. 

Whether you’re looking to improve your leadership style or understand the impact of visual thinking, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice.

More about Todd at https://www.toddcherches.com/services

More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

How Visual Leadership Transforms Communication with Todd Cherches

Dr. Deborah Heiser, the founder and CEO of The Mentor Project™, is a leading figure in the field of aging. Her work, which brings experts to mentor students worldwide for free, has had a significant impact. 

As an applied developmental psychologist, a TEDx speaker, and a Psychology Today contributor, she specializes in midlife and beyond. Her research, which covers a wide range of topics related to aging, has been recognized with grants awarded from NIA/NIH and Pfizer.

A frequent expert guest on syndicated and local talk radio shows, Deborah contends that our most precious natural resources are not coal, oil and gas but intellect, expertise, and skills. She is a proponent of utilizing our world experts through mentorship and firmly believes that we are all built to give back. 

Coming out in 2024 is a new book titled “The Mentorship Edge.”

More details about Deborah at https://mentorproject.org/mentor/deborah-heiser/

More information about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Dr. Deborah Heiser: Unlocking Generativity to Shape Future Leaders

In this episode, Dan Pontefract sits down with Andrew Barnes, the visionary behind the global four-day workweek movement. 

Andrew shares how his bold experiment at Perpetual Guardian in New Zealand redefined productivity and work-life balance, sparking a worldwide conversation. From boosting employee engagement and well-being to challenging traditional leadership thinking, Barnes reveals the secrets behind the 180-100 model that’s changing the future of work. 

Tune in to discover how fewer hours can deliver more—and why the movement is gaining traction globally.

Andrew Barnes has made a career of market-changing innovation and industry digitization. He owns and is a director of Coulthard Barnes, Perpetual Guardian, and New Zealand’s largest crowdfunding website, Givealittle.
 
Best known as co-founder of 4 Day Week Global, the international not-for-profit advocates for and supports organizations with their journey to a shorter, productivity-focused workweek. Their 100-80-100™ model has earned worldwide acclaim, with the organization being named a TIME 100 Most Influential Company for 2023.

In the last five years, Andrew has worked with countless companies and advised over a dozen national and regional governments on how their populations will work in the future. 

He was also recently recognized on the Forbes Future Of Work 50 list as a leader in workplace innovation. His most recent achievement in June 2024 has been the recognition and award of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for outstanding achievement and support in the community.

Find out more about Andrew's work at https://www.4dayweek.com/book

More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

The Four-Day Workweek Revolution with Andrew Barnes

Join leadership strategist Dan Pontefract as he sits down with best-selling author Seth Godin in this special episode of Leadership NOW to explore the philosophy behind effective strategy. 

In this engaging conversation, Godin shares key insights from his latest book, "This is Strategy," and explains why strategy is not a rigid map but a flexible compass. 

From focusing on your "smallest viable market" to the power of saying “no,” this episode is packed with actionable advice for leaders looking to drive meaningful, long-term change. 

Don’t miss out on this thought-provoking discussion that challenges the conventional approach to strategy.

Seth Godin has been trying to turn on lights, inspire people, and teach them how to level up for more than thirty years. 

He has spent most of his professional life as a writer, publishing 20 bestselling books, including his latest, “This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans.” 

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that his daily blog called “Seth’s Blog” is one of the world’s greatest treasures. Over 3 million words and counting.

Seth is in the Guerrilla Marketing Hall of Fame, the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame and the Marketing Hall of Fame. 

He’s delivered five TED talks and pioneered ethical online direct marketing, now a $30bn a year industry.

More about Seth Godin at his site: https://seths.blog/more/

More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Seth Godin Talks Strategy

In this insightful episode of Leadership NOW, Dan Pontefract engages in a dynamic discussion with Vince Molinaro, a renowned leadership expert and New York Times best-selling author of "Community of Leaders." 

Together, they explore the critical role of leadership accountability in today’s fast-paced and complex business landscape. Molinaro shares his thoughts on the importance of developing leaders at all levels, breaking down organizational silos, and fostering a culture of shared accountability. 

Through engaging stories and actionable advice, Vince reveals how leaders can "raise barns together," creating an environment where collaboration, resilience, and accountability drive long-term success. This episode is packed with practical insights for leaders looking to build stronger, more cohesive teams in an ever-evolving world.

As founder and CEO of Leadership Contract Inc (LCI), Vince has worked with organizations from start-ups to Fortune 500, in 25 countries and over 80 cities. He and his team equip leaders to navigate critical strategic shifts in their companies by scaling accountability and community. 

He is the author of five books, including Accountable Leaders and The Leadership Contract. His books and various programs are the foundation of many leadership programs in companies around the world. As a leader, Vince strives to practice what he preaches by setting the tone of accountability every day.

More about Vince and his book at: https://www.leadwithlci.com/

More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/


Raising Barns and Accountability with Author Vince Molinaro

On this episode of Leadership NOW, host Dan Pontefract sits down with Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman, the founder of B Corp-certified Moda Métiers, to explore her transformative journey from refugee to leader in luxury fashion. 

Dr. Sillaman shares her vision for redefining success through purpose-driven leadership, where resilience, sustainability, and integrity are woven into every decision. 

Together, they discuss how Dr. Sillaman’s commitment to social impact, innovation, and ethical practices is setting a new standard in the industry—one that challenges leaders to build brands focused on lasting legacy over fleeting profit.

Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman is a distinguished academic, entrepreneur, and author known for her expertise in business sustainability and leadership. With over 20 years of experience in the fashion and luxury sector, Dr. Sillaman has established herself as a strategy consultant, public speaker, and author specializing in business longevity, resilience, and sustainability. 

She is the founder of a global multi-million-dollar sustainable luxury leather goods brand, which manufactures her eponymous label as well as leading Italian luxury brands. She is the author of the award-winning book Fashion Entrepreneurship: The Creation of the Global Fashion Business. In addition to being a fashion entrepreneur, she is also an academic, currently appointed as an Entrepreneurship Expert at the University of Oxford. 

She also consults for both emerging and established fashion brands through her consultancy firm, Moda Métiers. Neri’s passion lies in understanding the pillars of business longevity and how resilience underpins thriving enterprises and lives. 

Neri has guest lectured for companies including Apple and Credit Suisse, as well as for institutions such as the London School of Economics, the Royal College of Art, and Imperial College London. 

Neri received her Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, her master’s from Sabanci University in Istanbul.

More about Dr. Sillaman and her consultancy at: https://modametiers.com/

More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/


Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman on Purpose-Driven Leadership in Fashion

Learning and Development (L&D) teams are at a crossroads. Too many still operate as order takers, delivering training on request without questioning whether it’s the right solution. Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning and Development Officer at BDO Canada and author of "The Trusted Learning Advisor," believes this outdated mindset limits impact and credibility.

In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, Keating explains how L&D must evolve from transactional function to strategic business partner. He shares:

1) Why L&D professionals must stop taking orders and start diagnosing real business challenges
2) How the IDAD Model—Intake, Discovery, Analysis, and Decision—helps reframe training requests
3) Why empathy, active listening, and design thinking are the missing pieces in L&D’s strategy

Keating outlines practical steps to move beyond outdated approaches and drive real business value.

Watch now to learn how L&D professionals can build credibility, drive impact, and become true trusted learning advisors.

More about Keith Keating: https://www.thetrustedlearningadvisor.com/
More about Dan Pontefract: https://www.danpontefract.com/

Dr. Keith Keating on Why L&D Is Failing and How to Fix It

In this episode of Leadership NOW, we delve into the critical issue of knowledge loss within organizations. When seasoned employees retire or depart, they often take invaluable tacit knowledge with them—expertise that isn't documented in manuals or training materials.​

Join us as we explore the insights of Dr. Richard Clark, Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California, who has dedicated his career to addressing this challenge through Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA). 

Dr. Clark discusses how CTA can uncover and preserve the hidden insights of workplace experts, ensuring that organizations retain and effectively transfer critical knowledge.​

Discover how integrating CTA with artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, can accelerate and enhance the process of capturing and disseminating expert knowledge. Learn practical steps to prioritize expertise mapping, leverage AI-driven CTA, and foster a culture of lifelong learning within your organization.​

Don't let essential knowledge slip away. Watch now to understand how to safeguard your organization's intellectual assets and maintain a competitive edge.​

More about Dr. Clark at https://rossier.usc.edu/faculty-research/directory/richard-clark

More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

The Expertise and Knowledge Crisis with Dr. Richard E. Clark

Rigid leadership is failing us—especially now. On this episode of Leadership NOW, Dan Pontefract speaks with bestselling author and leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry about his latest book, "Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence."

Eikenberry argues persuasively that leaders trapped in habitual thinking or overly reliant on personality labels miss opportunities to adapt effectively in today’s complex world. 

He introduces the concept of “flexors”—leadership decisions that require intentional flexibility rather than automatic, comfort-driven reactions.

In this lively conversation, Eikenberry outlines why flexibility is no longer optional, explains the practical skills and habits leaders must adopt, and offers clear advice to move beyond rigidity into intentional, adaptive leadership.

For more about Kevin and his book, including a gift, visit:
	•	https://www.kevineikenberry.com/flexible
	•	https://www.kevineikenberry.com/gift

More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Author Kevin Eikenberry Wants Leaders to Stop Clinging to Habit

Rose Fass, founder of Fass Forward Consulting Group and former CTO at Xerox, joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to discuss why organizations repeatedly overlook the crucial layer of middle management.

Rose reveals the critical role of the "messy middle" in translating strategy into execution and why senior leaders must meaningfully engage rather than ignore these vital managers. She explains how genuine, unscripted conversations—not PowerPoint decks—lead to successful transformation, and underscores why wisdom and innovation have no age limit.

It's a powerful conversation that challenges the status quo about middle managers and the real nature of leadership.

More about Rose Fass at: https://www.fassforward.com/
More about Dan Pontefract at: https://www.danpontefract.com/

75-Year-Old Founder Rose Fass Wants Leaders to Stop Ignoring the Messy Middle

In this insightful episode of Leadership NOW, Dan sits down with entrepreneur and acclaimed author Faisal Hoque to discuss the transformative power—and hidden perils—of artificial intelligence. Drawing from his latest book, "TRANSCEND: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI," Faisal explores why the greatest leadership challenge today is balancing AI’s vast potential with human judgment, ethics, and dignity.

Faisal and Dan dive deep into practical frameworks leaders can immediately use to guide AI ethically and strategically. From addressing algorithmic bias to maintaining authentic human connections in increasingly automated workplaces, they unpack why leadership in the AI age demands clarity, compassion, and purpose.

Join this critical conversation to learn how to ensure your organization’s smartest technologies amplify human strengths rather than undermine them.

For more about Faisal Hoque visit: https://faisalhoque.com/
For more about Dan Pontefract visit: https://www.danpontefract.com/

Author Faisal Hoque on Preserving Humanity in the Artificial Intelligence Era

Gary Officer, President and CEO of CWI Labs, joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to discuss why organizations repeatedly overlook older workers—and why it's strategically and socially damaging. 

Officer explains how ageism impacts organizational productivity, innovation, and culture. He debunks common myths around older employees' technological skills, health care costs, and salary expectations, offering compelling insights and examples of successful intergenerational teams. 

This episode highlights why age inclusiveness isn't simply about fairness; it's a crucial competitive advantage.

For more information about Gary A. Officer visit: https://www.cwilabs.org/
For more information about Dan Pontefract visit: https://www.danpontefract.com/

CEO Gary Officer Wants Organizations to Stop Ignoring Older Workers

Maureen Wiley Clough, seasoned technology leader and host of the podcast It Gets Late Early, joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to discuss the overlooked yet costly issue of ageism in today’s workplaces. 

Clough highlights why age diversity isn’t simply an ethical responsibility but a strategic advantage. She dismantles harmful myths about older employees’ technological capability, cost, and adaptability, and provides actionable insights for leaders on cultivating meaningful intergenerational mentorship and organizational resilience.

If your organization values inclusion, it’s time to start genuinely including older employees.

More about Maureen Wiley Clough: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/
More about Dan Pontefract: https://www.danpontefract.com

Ageism is Hurting Your Organization with Maureen Wiley Clough

When companies go through a merger or acquisition, most leaders obsess over financials and spreadsheets. But according to Jennifer Fondrevay—founder of Day1 Ready and author of Now What?—the real failure happens when leadership ignores people. 

In this episode of Leadership NOW, we explore what really drives post-acquisition chaos, the arrogance of deal-making, and why culture buddies and pre-mortems are essential to getting it right. 

If your company is planning a deal, this conversation is your human integration blueprint.

More information about Jennifer Fondrevay at https://jenniferjfondrevay.com/
More information about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Jennifer Fondrevay on Fixing the Human Side of M&A

What do ultra-marathons, workplace distractions, and failed goals have in common? Mandy Gill. In this candid episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, Mandy shares her journey—from overcoming anorexia to guiding leaders through resilience and workplace wellness. Her book "Reset with Resilience" is a blueprint for bouncing forward through setbacks.

We explore her signature “catch it, check it, change it” method, the psychology of negative thinking, and how reverse-engineering your goals can shift your trajectory. Mandy doesn’t sugarcoat it—she teaches resilience with precision, story, and lived truth. This episode is equal parts blueprint and mirror.

For more information about Mandy Gill visit: https://www.mandygill.com/book

For more information about Dan Pontefract visit: https://www.danpontefract.com

Mandy Gill on Grit, Goals & Getting Back Up

Maria Franzoni has booked Neil Armstrong and Liza Minnelli—and mentored hundreds of speakers in between. In this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, she explains what separates the truly bookable speaker from the rest, and how those same principles apply to leadership, business, and long-term impact.

We explore how speaker bureaus are evolving in an AI-enabled world, what event organizers actually want, and why celebrity status means far less than clarity, value, and being frictionless to work with. Maria also walks through her new model, The Bookability Formula, and why the most successful speakers aren’t always the most famous—they’re the most useful.

This is a masterclass in leadership positioning disguised as a conversation about keynote speaking. If you want to lead with more presence, pitch with more purpose, or build influence that lasts, you’ll want to listen through to the end.

Learn more:
Maria Franzoni: https://www.mariafranzoni.me
Dan Pontefract: https://www.danpontefract.com


Maria Franzoni on Bookability and Leading in the Speaking Industry

What does it take to go from “nice-to-have” to non-negotiable?

In this episode of Leadership NOW, Dan Pontefract sits down with Christa Haberstock—founder of See Agency and Bookable Speakers, and author of Become a Bookable Speaker. 

Together, they unpack what it means to lead with an “obvious advantage”—the kind of value that gets you rebooked, respected, and remembered.

From her early days selling keynote talent on 100% commission to building a cohort-based model for speaker development, Christa shares what leaders and speakers alike often miss: it’s not just about telling a story—it’s about solving a problem others can’t. 

Clarity, community, strategic partnerships, and purpose aren’t just concepts—they’re prerequisites for relevance.

For more information about Christa Haberstock, visit: https://bookablespeakers.com/the-book
For more information about Dan Pontefract, visit: https://www.danpontefract.com

Christa Haberstock on Being Bookable as a Speaker

David Liddle argues that legacy grievance and disciplinary procedures corrode trust, suppress performance, and institutionalize fear. In this conversation, the TCM Group and People and Culture Association founder outlines a practical reset: retire retributive processes in favour of an integrated resolution framework, build genuinely predictive People and Culture capability, and own the AI agenda with integrity. 

We cover his Seven Cs of Transformational Culture, why compassion is a management discipline, how Resolution Centers and Culture Hubs operationalize values, and why early-career roles must not be sacrificed to short-term AI gains. 

Leaders who equate control with accountability will find a different script here—resolution, inquiry, repair, and measurable cultural uplift.

For more information about David Liddle, visit: www.thetcmgroup.com

For more information about Dan Pontefract, visit: www.danpontefract.com

David Liddle on Rewriting People and Culture

Dan Pontefract is an award-winning author, leadership strategist, and culture change expert. Dan's podcast explores all aspects of leadership, organizational culture, purpose, and professional development. 
 
Dan is the best-selling author of five books: WORK-LIFE BLOOM, LEAD. CARE. WIN., OPEN TO THINK, THE PURPOSE EFFECT, and FLAT ARMY. A renowned speaker, Dan has presented at four different TED events and also writes for Forbes and Harvard Business Review. Dan is an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria, Gustavson School of Business, and has garnered more than 20 industry awards over his career.
 
Previously, as Chief Envisioner and Chief Learning Officer at TELUS—a Canadian telecommunications company with revenues of $14 billion and 50,000 global employees—he launched the Transformation Office, the TELUS MBA, and the TELUS Leadership Philosophy, all award-winning initiatives that dramatically helped to increase the company’s employee engagement to record levels of nearly 90%. Prior to TELUS, he held senior roles at SAP, Business Objects, and BCIT. He is honoured to be on the Thinkers50 radar list.

Dan Pontefract, Author and Leadership Strategist

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