This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
Ryan Howsam’s entrepreneurial journey is a masterclass in resilience, focus, and bold decision-making.
In this candid conversation on the Choosing Leadership podcast, Ryan shares how he rebuilt his life after a crushing business collapse, turning setbacks into stepping stones.
He reveals the lessons behind scaling Staysure, building teams that thrive without you, and why health and mindfulness are just as critical as strategy.
This isn’t just a success story—it’s a roadmap for leaders who want to stay sharp, avoid burnout, and create lasting impact.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn adversity into your greatest advantage, this episode is for you.
You can find Ryan Howsam at the below links
In the interview, Ryan shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really take to lead in the climate tech space—beyond the buzzwords and boardrooms?
In this candid conversation, Steven Meersman, co-founder of Zenobi Energy, shares how he went from resisting entrepreneurship to leading a company that's transforming energy infrastructure across 11 countries.
You’ll hear hard-won lessons on scaling with purpose, building a culture of ownership, and navigating the messy middle of leadership.
Steven’s insights on balancing innovation with financial viability are gold for any leader trying to do work that actually matters.
If you’re building something bold and want to stay grounded while growing fast, this episode is for you.
You can find Steven Meersman at the below links
In the interview, Steven shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
Professor Jag Dhanda’s journey from surgeon to tech educator is a masterclass in courage, vision, and relentless innovation.
In this episode, he shares how leaving home at 17, working his way through medical school, and pioneering virtual reality in surgical training shaped his belief that true leadership is about service, not status.
You’ll hear how he’s breaking down barriers in global healthcare education, empowering doctors in low-resource settings to save more lives.
His insights on balancing ambition, well-being, and impact will challenge you to rethink what’s really possible in your own leadership journey.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn bold ideas into real-world change, this conversation is your blueprint.
You can find Professor Jag Dhanda at the below links
In the interview, Professor Jag shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
In this powerful episode of Choosing Leadership, Tom Gegax shares how a harsh truth—that he was the problem in his own company—sparked a complete transformation in his leadership.
From building Tires Plus into a thriving enterprise to facing cancer, divorce, and near business collapse, Tom reveals how vulnerability and spirit reshaped his life and business philosophy.
He challenges leaders to rethink corporate culture, nurture the whole person—intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional—and lead with both heart and accountability.
Through his film Confessions of a CEO, Tom calls for leaders to question whether their decisions truly align with their mission and serve all stakeholders.
If you’re ready to trade burnout and fear for meaning and impact, this conversation will inspire you to lead differently—starting now.
You can find Tom Gegax at the below links
In the interview, Tom shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it take to walk away from corporate success and step into purpose-driven leadership?
In this inspiring episode, Syed Ahmed shares his journey from the safety of a thriving corporate career to launching a mission-led vaccine company that’s reshaping global health access.
He opens up about the inner shifts, tough choices, and cultural foundations that helped him build a company grounded in integrity and impact.
Whether you're a leader considering a bold move or simply seeking deeper alignment in your work, Syed's story offers both a roadmap and a reminder of what truly matters.
Tune in to discover how real leadership starts with a powerful choice—and the courage to follow it through.
You can find Syed Ahmed at the below links
In the interview, Syed shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What happens when a CEO stops chasing titles and starts chasing truth?
In this powerful episode, Conor McGowan Smyth, CEO of Brava Solutions, opens up about how fatherhood, spirituality, and cultural curiosity transformed his leadership journey.
From making gut-based decisions to navigating global teams, Conor shares raw and relatable lessons on leading with heart and clarity.
Whether you're feeling stuck, burned out, or just seeking a deeper sense of purpose, this conversation will spark reflection and growth.
Tune in to discover how real leadership begins the moment you choose to lead yourself first.
You can find Conor McGowan Smyth at the below links
In the interview, Conor shares
"Leadership isn't about titles—it's about showing up authentically, especially when things fall apart."
"Becoming a father changed everything. It taught me that leadership starts at home."
"Real leadership emerges in crisis—not when things are going well, but when they’re falling apart."
"Intuition is just as important as data. Some of my best decisions came from listening to my gut."
"You can’t lead effectively without cultural awareness—leadership looks different across borders."
"Spirituality helped me find clarity in chaos. It made me a better leader, husband, and human."
"If you want to scale your company, start by scaling your people."
"The most powerful leaders I’ve met weren’t the loudest in the room—they were the most authentic."
"I dream of taking a year off—not to escape, but to go deeper into who I am and what I want to give back."
"Choosing leadership is choosing growth. Every day, every decision, it’s a path you walk consciously."
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it take to lead across cultures, scale impact across continents, and stay grounded in your values?
In this episode, Gillian-Alexandre Huart, CEO of Engie Energy Access, shares how his multicultural upbringing shaped a leadership style rooted in empathy, adaptability, and trust.
We dive into the evolving nature of leadership—from crisis response to cultivating a thriving, empowered team.
Gillian’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t static; it grows with you, especially when anchored in character and curiosity.
If you’re navigating complexity or shifting your leadership style, this episode offers real-world insights you can apply today.
You can find Gillian-Alexandre Huart at the below links
In the interview, Gillian shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it take to leave behind a legacy business and redefine success on your own terms?
In this episode, Kahraman Yigit—co-founder and CEO of Olive Hospitality—shares his bold journey from Turkey to India, navigating culture shifts, economic crises, and rapid innovation.
We dive into his philosophy of leadership, why empowering others is the real mark of success, and how personal passions fuel professional vision.
Whether you're building a startup or leading a team, Kahraman’s story offers practical insights on resilience, reinvention, and staying grounded while growing big.
Tune in to discover how choosing leadership—every day—can unlock possibilities you didn’t know existed.
You can find Kahraman Yigit at the below links
In the interview, Kahraman shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
In this soulful episode of Choosing Leadership, Zach Smith, founder and CEO of Anywhere, shares how a chance meeting in Costa Rica sparked a global movement rooted in meaningful travel and authentic connection.
Together with host Sumit Gupta, they unpack how travel—when done with intention—can catalyze profound personal growth and cultural understanding.
Zach opens up about leading through crisis, staying true to his values during the pandemic, and redefining success beyond transactions.
This conversation is a must-listen for any leader who feels the tension between scaling a business and staying aligned with their deeper purpose.
If you're craving a leadership journey that nourishes your soul as much as your goals, this episode will leave you inspired and reconnected.
You can find Zach Smith at the below links
In the interview, Zach shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What drives someone to keep building after 14 years of wins and failures?
In this candid conversation, serial entrepreneur Jonne Välilä shares how he went from selling skateboards in Finland to running 20+ brands and a hedge fund in Dubai—all while staying grounded, honest, and ambitious.
You'll hear his take on stress, cultural adaptation, and the mindset shifts that help leaders thrive in uncertain terrain.
If you're wrestling with pressure, imposter syndrome, or the constant chase for “more,” this episode will feel like a deep exhale.
Tune in for a refreshingly real take on leadership, risk, and what it truly means to play the long game.
You can find Jonne Välilä at the below links
In the interview, Jonne shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really take to lead in the climate tech space—beyond the buzzwords and boardrooms?
In this candid conversation, Steven Meersman, co-founder of Zenobi Energy, shares how he went from resisting entrepreneurship to leading a company that's transforming energy infrastructure across 11 countries.
You’ll hear hard-won lessons on scaling with purpose, building a culture of ownership, and navigating the messy middle of leadership.
Steven’s insights on balancing innovation with financial viability are gold for any leader trying to do work that actually matters.
If you’re building something bold and want to stay grounded while growing fast, this episode is for you.
You can find Steven Meersman at the below links
In the interview, Steven shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really mean to lead with purpose in a world that’s constantly pulling us toward profit and performance?
In this inspiring conversation, Saasha Celestial-One—co-founder and COO of Olio—shares how she’s tackling food waste while staying grounded in mission, sustainability, and conscious leadership.
From building a globally recognized app to not buying new clothes for over a decade, Saasha’s choices challenge the status quo and invite us to rethink our own.
We explore how vulnerability, emotional energy, and authentic partnerships shape bold leadership.
If you're navigating growth while trying to stay true to your values, this episode is a must-listen.
You can find Saasha Celestial-One at the below links
In the interview, Saasha shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really take to walk away from a stable global career and build something from the ground up?
In this episode, Anant Agarwal, CEO of Skill Mine, shares the raw emotional journey of choosing leadership and stepping into entrepreneurship with courage and conviction.
From growing up surrounded by business conversations to building a tech company that aims to serve the world, Anant’s story is packed with insight and inspiration.
He talks about the weight of starting over, the power of frugality, and how he nurtures leadership within his team.
Tune in for an honest, energizing conversation that will challenge you to dream bigger and lead with intention.
You can find Anant Agarwal at the below links
In the interview, Anant shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Jason Foster, CEO of ORI Biotech, shares how he's reshaping the future of healthcare by leading with purpose, not just profit.
From Capitol Hill to health tech, his journey is packed with lessons on building culture, navigating chaos, and staying grounded in a mission that truly matters.
We explore why autonomy without alignment can derail a startup, and how fairness and psychological safety drive innovation more than perks ever could.
If you're a leader trying to build something that lasts—especially in a fast-moving industry—this conversation will challenge how you think about compensation, culture, and impact.
Tune in for real talk, bold ideas, and leadership wisdom you won’t find in a textbook.
You can find Jason Foster at the below links
In the interview, Jason shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
In this episode, Jonathan Brun—Founder and CEO of mnemonic—shares what it really takes to build a company that lasts.
Far from the glamorized startup hustle, Jonathan’s journey is a masterclass in patience, consistency, and values-driven leadership.
He opens up about competing with giants as a bootstrapped founder, navigating compliance in a changing world, and why true impact means thinking beyond profits.
Whether you’re scaling a business or leading a team, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your definition of success.
Tune in to discover why playing the long game might just be your greatest leadership advantage.
You can find Jonathan Brun at the below links
In the interview, Jonathan shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it take to lead in an industry that tells you you don’t belong?
In this powerful conversation, Siddhi Joshi, CEO of Emos UAE, shares how she broke barriers, built the region’s top relocation company, and created space for women to lead boldly.
From emotional intelligence to Gen Z leadership hacks, she drops real-world insights you can apply today—whether you're managing a team or building one from scratch.
We also dive into how she scales culture with intentional themes like “License to Question” and why she believes human connection is the ultimate leadership edge.
If you’re ready to rethink what’s possible in your leadership, this episode is your permission slip.
You can find Siddhi Joshi at the below links
In the interview, Siddhi shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it take to grow a company from a basement startup to a 400-person powerhouse?
In this episode, Bidhan Baruah, co-founder and COO of Taazaa Inc., shares how he chose leadership not as a position, but as a mindset—grounded in empathy, accountability, and bold vision.
We dive into how he spends 70% of his time in one-on-ones, why balancing psychological safety with performance matters, and how he’s future-proofing his business through AI.
If you're a leader feeling stuck or navigating change, this conversation is a practical and inspiring nudge forward.
Tune in to be reminded that you can lead with heart, and still build something extraordinary.
You can find Bidhan Baruah at the below links
In the interview, Bidhan shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really take to lead with both courage and clarity in today’s chaotic business world?
In this episode, Craig Dunham, CEO of Voltron Data, shares raw and practical lessons from the trenches—from making tough career pivots to leading teams through high-stakes acquisitions.
He talks about the power of directness, why transparency beats politeness, and how routine and self-care fuel high-performance leadership.
If you’ve ever struggled with balancing empathy and honesty, or felt overwhelmed by shifting priorities, this conversation is your compass.
Tune in to discover how choosing leadership—again and again—isn’t about perfection, but about presence, priorities, and purpose.
You can find Craig Dunham at the below links
In the interview, Craig shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really take to walk away from a 30-year global banking career and start over — completely from scratch?
In this powerful episode, KK Gupta shares his courageous leap into entrepreneurship, revealing what most leaders don’t talk about: the fear, the loneliness, and the deep desire to build something that actually matters.
If you're feeling stuck in a successful-but-unfulfilling role, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what legacy and leadership really mean.
KK doesn’t just talk strategy — he opens up about identity, discipline, culture, and how introverts can lead with quiet strength.
Tune in to hear how doing one thing well (and saying “no” to everything else) might be the boldest move you make as a leader.
You can find KK Gupta at the below links
In the interview, KK shares
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really take to walk away from success and start over—again and again?
In this powerful conversation, Puneet Shivam shares how he’s made bold choices at every turn, trading comfort for challenge in pursuit of deeper growth and impact.
From the chaos of New York City to the cutting edge of AI, Puneet reveals the mindset shifts that have shaped his leadership journey.
If you’ve ever felt stuck at the edge of a big decision, this episode will inspire you to choose courage over certainty.
Tune in to hear how letting go might just be the most powerful leadership move you can make.
You can find Puneet Shivam at the below links
In the interview, Puneet shares