In this episode, we sit down with Julie Hassett, a seasoned enterprise transformation leader and executive coach, to explore what it really takes to lead change from the inside out.Julie’s journey spans four powerful chapters: from Accenture consultant to government catalyst, founder of a 100-person firm, and now Oracle executive. She shares how her early experience navigating complex family dynamics sparked a lifelong curiosity about human behavior—fueling a career in systems change, transformation, and culture building across sectors.Julie opens up about what it means to be a Catalyst executive today: how intuition, psychological safety, and co-creation are vital in high-stakes environments. She explains why slowing down to listen—especially for what’s not being said—is a leadership superpower, and how creating the right conditions is often more powerful than having the right answers.💬 Her mantra: you can’t manage transformation with mandates—you have to win hearts, minds, and energy through trust, story, and shared ownership.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this inspiring conversation, Shannon sits down with Juliane Stephan, a lifelong Catalyst and Operating Partner at BayPine, to explore how Catalysts can find and craft roles that truly give them license to transform organizations. Juliane shares two key strategies she’s used throughout her career: identifying ambiguity when seeking new roles externally, and making a strong business case for transformation opportunities internally.They also dive into the common challenges Catalyst executives face—like moving too fast, needing to repeatedly align others to their vision (she loves memos over powerpoints to force clarity), and operating in resource-constrained environments. Juliane offers practical insights on building trust, developing strategic networks, and creating coalitions to drive meaningful change. Finally, Juliane had some really great ideas about how to navigate the constant challenge of "doing more with less." You'll have to listen to find out more!
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this electrifying episode, we sat down with legendary management thought-leader, Gary Hamel, Author of Leading the Revolution, to explore what it truly takes for organizations to create their own future. Hamel delivers a powerful message: if companies want to stay relevant, they must learn to identify, embrace, and unleash their Catalysts - the changemakers, corporate rebels, and internal revolutionaries who challenge the status quo to drive meaningful transformation.
Gary outlines the four essential qualities that Catalysts must embody—and that must be embedded across the broader organization if it’s to thrive in an era of constant disruption:
- Courage – The bravery to push against legacy systems and entrenched thinking.
- Contrarian Mindset – The ability to see and say what others overlook or avoid.
- Compassion – Leading change with empathy and humanity.
- Community Building – Forging networks of support to scale impact sustainably.
Gary delved into the emotional toll of being a Catalyst. Burnout, frustration, and resistance are all part of the terrain — but as Gary so powerfully puts it, “Life is too short to work on trivial problems.”
Whether you’re a Catalyst yourself or a leader striving to empower change agents in your organization, this is a must-listen episode that will leave you inspired and equipped to create a future-ready organization.
For show notes please include:
If you’d like to connect with Gary, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyhamel/
Follow him on X: @profhamel
Check out Gary’s other award winning books.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this episode, we sit down with Brynn Shader, founder of ChangeCraft, to explore how change management must evolve in a time of relentless disruption.With 16+ years of experience, Brynn helps Fortune 500s and high-growth companies turn resistance into resilience—ditching rigid frameworks for practical, human-centered strategies. She dives into how HR can lead transformation by embracing agility, empathy, and experimentation.Brynn shares why she calls it “ChangeCraft”—because great change isn’t managed, it’s crafted. And in a world of constant change, it’s the co-creation, transparency, and trust that make the difference.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this powerful episode, Shannon sits down with ultra Catalyst leader Juan Carlos Lopez (JC), Director of Data & AI at Schibsted Media in Norway. With a career that spans telecom, energy, automotive, media, and e-commerce, JC has built a reputation for turning complex technical challenges into sweeping business transformations.
JC shares hard-won insights from the trenches—starting with the critical importance of breadcrumbing your value. He reveals how failing to make your impact visible, both internally and externally, can limit not just your own growth but also your team’s ability to continue driving change. Now, JC leverages storytelling and data to clearly articulate his value and gain the sponsorship needed to sustain momentum.
Together, Shannon and JC unpack what makes Catalysts uniquely successful across industries: the ability to form strong teams, connect the unconnected, and blend disciplines to create industry-defining innovation. Whether it's transforming e-commerce through AI or building internal movements that spark cultural change, JC’s playbook is a masterclass in strategic leadership.
You’ll also hear JC’s approach to leading through chaos—how he grounds himself first ("putting on his own oxygen mask") and then supports his teams with empathy and emotional intelligence during times of rapid change.
If you're a Catalyst looking to scale your leadership, amplify your impact, and drive meaningful transformation—this conversation is for you.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this episode, Theresa Caragol—founder and CEO of AchieveUnite—shares her journey as a Catalyst leader transforming how companies grow through trust, partnerships, and culture. With over 20 years of global experience and a track record of leading 12 acquisitions, Theresa offers hard-won insights on building alignment in times of major change.
A key theme in the conversation is the human side of transformation. Theresa emphasizes that success in M&A and partnerships depends on trust, communication, and co-creating a “joint North Star.” She shares practical techniques, including the use of the PQi (Partnering Quotient Index), a science-backed model for activating Catalyst profiles like Energizers and Harmonizers to build high-performing teams.
Theresa also opens up about a career-defining moment that challenged her to seek out tough feedback—a lesson that shaped her leadership and inspired the creation of tools like her Difficult Conversations Template, which helps leaders engage in change with clarity and empathy.
From leading billion-dollar alliances to teaching emotional intelligence in boardrooms, Theresa blends strategy and humanity in everything she does. Her advice: build trust, listen deeply, and lead with heart.
This episode is filled with actionable wisdom for anyone navigating growth, integration, or cultural transformation. Tune in to hear how Theresa Caragol is reshaping leadership through the power of connection.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this episode, we sit down with Paul L’Estrange, former CTO of Mars and PVH Corp, to explore the critical role IT plays in large-scale transformation—and what it takes for Catalyst leaders to drive change while keeping the core business performing. Paul shares powerful insights on the importance of having great #2s and team members who can bring the organization along on the journey, ensuring that transformation isn’t just visionary but executable.
We dive deep into listening as a strategic advantage, particularly paying attention to those who can help manage risk across the change spectrum. Paul also highlights a key leadership challenge: engaging and inspiring those who "keep the lights on" rather than chase the next big innovation. His solution? Spotlighting their work and showing their impact to the broader organization.
When it comes to thriving as a Catalyst executive, Paul shares four essential lessons:
1️) Put yourself in luck’s path—seek opportunities where your Catalyst skills can drive meaningful change rather than waiting for the perfect role.
2️) Know when to move on—if the organization isn’t ready for the transformation you envision, don’t stay too long.
3️) Don’t get caught up in process—even in IT, focus on who you’re benefiting, and the "how" will follow.
4️) Find mentors who guide, not dictate—seek those who will help you identify what needs to be done but give you space to find your own best approach.
This conversation is packed with wisdom for any Catalyst leading transformation in complex organizations. Tune in to hear Paul’s firsthand experience and practical strategies for making bold change happen—without breaking what already works.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this episode, we sit down with John Bryson, Senior Vice President of Startup Services and Venture Banking at Banc of California, to explore his unconventional Catalyst journey—one that has been anything but linear. Inspired by Wayne Gretzky’s famous advice to “skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been,” John shares how his career has been shaped by a series of strategic pivots, each driven by an intentional process of testing hypotheses about emerging market shifts.
From the early days of his career in media and entertainment—where he boldly pitched a move into digital media before his company even recognized its potential—to his current leadership in venture banking, John reveals the mindset and strategies that have helped him drive change from the bleeding edge. He highlights three critical lessons for Catalysts looking to influence and lead transformation:
- Do the hard work first
– Build deep credibility by excelling in your current role.
- Make the business case
– Connect your vision to the metrics and priorities that matter to decision-makers.
Test hypotheses intentionally – Design experiments that create value and generate learning for everyone.
John’s insights remind us that the Catalyst path often requires moving across industries, creating new roles, and facing plenty of rejection before breaking through. And when you do get that “yes”? John suggests one of the most powerful things you can ask is: “Why did you say yes?”—so you can double down on what works.
Join us for this inspiring conversation as we explore how Catalysts can navigate uncertainty, challenge the status quo, and create meaningful impact by skating toward the future.
In this episode, we sit down with Megan Noel, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Adtalem, to learn more about the critical role of communications in leading change. She shares a powerful lesson from her mentor:
“Create a B-level strategy with an A-level execution plan.”
Megan emphasizes that many companies struggle to clearly articulate their strategy, making it difficult for employees—especially change leaders—to succeed. We explore how effective change-makers bring others along by crafting messages that resonate with a wide range of stakeholders helping everyone align with the top organizational goals. Megan shares how AI can help reduce the heavy lift of hyper-personalizing communications, discussing how it can help leaders better understand different audiences, build empathy, and refine messaging for maximum impact.
Megan reveals a Catalyst’s secret weapon: internal communications teams. In organizations successfully driving transformation, these teams do more than amplify messages—they stay attuned to current priorities and timing, offering strategic insights that help Catalysts focus, prioritize, and execute with precision.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Manning, Change Management Leader, to explore her unconventional path from professional dancer to corporate change leader. With a natural talent for dot-connecting and systems thinking, Elizabeth found herself in the rigid, highly regulated world of big pharma—where generalist capabilities were often overlooked. Yet, as she helped leaders navigate complex challenges, her strategic value became undeniable.
Elizabeth’s journey highlights the power of creating your own Catalyst role. Early on, she recognized that having an HR Business Partner who understood her skills and potential was essential to breaking through. She continuously solved problems beyond her formal remit, refining her language to align with the C-suite’s priorities. Eventually, she found an executive sponsor in the Chief Medical Officer, who saw her unique ability to drive strategic transformation and created the perfect Catalyst role for her: Strategic Initiatives Lead—a position designed to tackle the company's biggest, most complex challenges.
Elizabeth’s story is a masterclass in how Catalysts can carve out meaningful roles within organizations by:
Defining their role in alignment with executive priorities – Clarity in how your work creates business value is key.
Finding a mentor or sponsor – Someone who understands your strengths and advocates for you when you're not in the room.
Developing self-awareness of your superpowers – Knowing what sets you apart helps you lean into your strengths.
Translating your value in a way the organization understands – Speaking the language of leadership makes all the difference.
Join us as Elizabeth shares how she navigated resistance, built strategic alliances, and ultimately shaped a role that allowed her to create a lasting impact. If you’re a Catalyst looking to find your place in a complex organization, this conversation is for you!
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this episode, we sit down with Thomas Knoll, Head of Innov8rs CoLab, who has spent years bringing together innovation and intrapreneurship communities. Tommy dives into the crucial importance of understanding an organization's "tolerance for change"—especially how much support truly exists at the C-suite level. We explore his thought-provoking article, "Does Your Organization Have a Failure Policy?", unpacking the significance of setting clear failure guardrails within organizations. Through contrasting examples like SpaceX and Boeing, we discuss how intentionality around failure policies can drive innovation, learning, and long-term success. Whether you're leading change or looking to foster a culture of smart risk-taking, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this insightful conversation, we sit down with Jessica Crow, a seasoned change management expert, to explore how the field of change management is evolving to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced world. Jessica shares her perspective on emerging trends, emphasizing the shift towards a more iterative, human-centered approach—one that not only drives business outcomes but also prioritizes the well-being of employees who lead and embrace change.
Jessica offers two crucial insights for navigating today’s change landscape. First, the concept of “self-leadership,” which encourages individuals to stay fully resourced, set boundaries, and build resilience to navigate the relentless pace of transformation. Second, she highlights the critical role of organizational culture, stressing that leadership must champion cultural shifts to enable true adaptability and long-term success.
Throughout our discussion, Jessica outlines the four essential power skills that every change leader must cultivate to thrive in this evolving space:
Connection – Building authentic relationships and trust across teams.
Commitment – Staying focused on long-term goals despite inevitable roadblocks.
Collaboration – Encouraging diverse perspectives and co-creating solutions.
Compassion – Leading with empathy to support those navigating change.
Tune in to gain actionable insights and fresh perspectives on how to embrace change with agility, empathy, and purpose in today's dynamic business environment.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Jan Sedlacek, a self-described "black sheep" of Catalysts, to explore the hard truths about driving transformation within large organizations. In his early career, he experienced "Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out." Jan shares really authentically and vulnerably about a really tough moment in his life where he felt like he really failed and experience trauma (see article below). This informed the work he does now, which starts with really deep listening about the appetite for change in organizations.
He provocatively compares many large-scale change initiatives to "cleaning the letter T on the Titanic as it’s going down," urging Catalysts to get clear on where they can truly succeed—whether in their current role or somewhere new. Jan lays out a practical framework for assessing whether an organization is positioned for meaningful change, highlighting three critical factors:
A clear strategy and vision
Genuine top-level commitment and mandates
A realistic runway to execute change
One of his biggest insights? How you organize your organization is just as crucial as how you execute transformation. If you’re a Catalyst struggling to navigate corporate inertia—or wondering if it’s time to move on—this episode is packed with actionable wisdom you won’t want to miss.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In a world where traditional recruiting processes often fall short, how can leaders rethink talent acquisition to unlock exceptional potential?Matt Alder, strategic consultant, author, and host of Recruiting Future, one of the most popular talent acquisition podcasts globally, shares how his catalytic drive to “fix recruiting” propelled him to create his blog, launch his podcast, and reshape the industry conversation.
Matt encourages Catalysts to embrace self-awareness, recognizing that traditional hiring processes may not highlight their unique strengths. By reflecting on how they drive change and presenting tangible impacts, Catalysts can better navigate the system. He also questions entrenched norms, such as outdated recruitment practices and the five-day workweek, urging leaders to rethink how work is structured for the future.
Whether you’re challenging outdated systems or seeking to amplify innovation in your organization, Matt’s story highlights the power of curiosity, boldness, and questioning the status quo.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In an industry rocked by constant disruption, how can leaders harness the forces of change rather than be swept away by them? In this episode, Christy Soukhamneut, Chief Lending Officer at University Federal Credit Union, shares her perspective on navigating the accelerating pace and scale of change with the wisdom of water as a guiding metaphor. Change is inevitable—it moves with or without us. But by being intentional, we can direct its flow, shaping how and where it leads.
Christy emphasizes the importance of bringing others along on the journey, ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice—not only to achieve the best possible outcomes but also to drive real engagement and buy-in. Recognizing that Catalysts often operate at a relentless speed, she also shares small but powerful intentional life hacks, like her yoga practice and workouts, that help her stay recharged and resourced enough to lead change.
Whether you're leading change in your organization or simply looking for ways to sustain your energy, this conversation offers invaluable insights on balancing momentum with mindfulness.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this “getting real” episode, we’re joined by Amer Iqbal, Founder & CEO of 5 Ways to Innovate, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Catalysts face when driving transformation in large organizations. Amer dives deep into the realities of confronting the "corporate immune system," the entrenched resistance to change that can feel insurmountable.
Drawing on his extensive experience, Amer shares powerful strategies for breaking through: getting airtime to share your ideas widely, building disciples who champion your vision, and using compelling storytelling and data to bring people on board. But Amer also candidly addresses the emotional toll this journey can take, revealing how he manages the frustration and harnesses anger as a surprising superpower.
Far from being a detriment, Amer argues that anger is a signal that we care deeply—and a wellspring of energy to drive change. His advice for channeling this energy into meaningful progress includes:
Finding your tribe—the people who understand and support your vision
Identifying your release valve—the practices that help you process and refocus
Seeking inspiration—from individuals and experiences that reignite your passion
For Catalysts navigating resistance and looking for tools to turn frustration into fuel, this conversation is a must-listen.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this engaging episode, Josh Klein, renowned hacker and technology strategist, shares his journey of transforming complex insights into actionable innovation. A master of systems thinking, Josh has made a career out of challenging the status quo—seeing inefficiencies, hacking solutions, and creating exponential improvements.
Josh delves into his approach to change, emphasizing the power of stepping back to gain a broader perspective and uncover leverage points that others overlook. He highlights the importance of directionality in success, focusing less on rigid outcomes and more on adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape.
With experience advising companies from nimble startups to global multinationals, Josh discusses the tension between large organizations’ need to mitigate risk and the fast-moving, disruptive market they operate in. He shares strategies for fostering innovation within rigid corporate structures, from measuring behavioral change to cultivating trust and alignment in a rapidly shifting world.
Tune in to hear Josh’s insights on hacking systems, navigating uncertainty, and leveraging AI and behavioral data to drive impactful transformation. Whether you’re a catalyst for change or looking to thrive in an unpredictable environment, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this episode, we sit down withLoubna Imenchal, VP at Logitech, for an insightful discussion on how leaders can successfully balance delivering on executive priorities while introducing innovative approaches. Loubna shares concrete examples about her fearless journey of stepping into roles beyond her prior industry experience, landing them by demonstrating impact and fresh strategies. She offers practical advice on securing alignment with leadership before accepting a new role, ensuring clarity and alignment on vision and strategy to achieve organizational goals.
Her dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces shines through her work with Connect & Elevate, a platform empowering women in tech. Loubna’s personal stories and actionable insights will inspire Catalysts across industries to seek out new possibilities and lead with authenticity.
Tune in for a compelling conversation about fearless leadership, aligning bold visions, and building a culture of diversity and innovation.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this compelling episode, Bryon Kroger, founder and CEO of Rise8 and the former COO of the U.S. Air Force's groundbreaking Kessel Run program, reflects on his journey from intelligence officer to software innovator and leader of transformative change. Bryon shares candid lessons learned from catalyzing digital transformation within one of the largest bureaucracies in the world and offers a nuanced perspective on the interplay between rebellion and revolution in creating lasting impact.
A central theme of the conversation is the distinction Bryon draws between rebels and revolutionaries. While rebels may succeed in challenging the status quo, revolutionaries think long-term, building alliances and maintaining patience to achieve sustainable change. Bryon shares his own experiences navigating this balance, reflecting on moments where his rebellious instincts needed to give way to the humility and strategy of a true revolutionary. His insights provide a framework for leaders aiming to drive progress without alienating stakeholders.
Drawing on Simon Wardley's Pioneer, Settler, Planner model, Bryon illustrates how Catalysts serve as vital bridges between visionary pioneers and methodical planners to drive organizational change. He unpacks the delicate balance of maintaining strategic patience while acting with tactical urgency, emphasizing the importance of vision, humility, and active listening to inspire others to embrace change.
As an executive, Bryon underscores the critical need to "create other Catalysts," explaining how scaling leadership through cultural transformation and skill development fosters sustainable growth. Reflecting on his transition from government to private sector leadership, Bryon shares his evolving approach to navigating resistance and offers powerful advice for knowing when to persevere or walk away from a battle to win the broader war.
Original music by Lynz Floren.
In this engaging episode, Andy Lopata, a renowned relationship strategist, hall-of-fame speaker, and author of six influential books, shares his transformative approach to networking, mentorship, and leadership. With over 25 years of experience, Andy has become a trusted advisor to global organizations like Google and the BBC and continues to shape conversations on professional relationships.
Andy reflects on key themes in his work, from the evolution of networking strategy to his groundbreaking "Curiosity Cycle," a framework that ties active listening to authenticity, vulnerability, and trust. A firm believer in the idea that to be a thought leader, you first need to be a thought listener and learner, Andy challenges the traditional image of leadership as command and control, advocating instead for humility, collaboration, and creating space for diverse voices.
The conversation emphasizes the value of engaging with curiosity—asking questions and seeking understanding—rather than simply broadcasting ideas, a crucial skill for Catalysts aiming to build meaningful relationships with those who may think differently. Andy offers practical advice for leaders: to shut up and listen, create inclusive environments, and seek constant feedback from mentors or mastermind groups. Whether you're a fixer, a strategist, or a leader navigating organizational change, Andy's wisdom will inspire you to lead from among, not above.
Tune in to hear how Andy's insights can help you cultivate meaningful relationships and foster trust that drives impactful change.
If you want to learn more, check out Andy's The Connected Leadership Podcast
Specially, this episode: 'Move Fast, Break (the Right) Things' with Shannon Lucas & Tracey Lovejoy
And follow up with Andy's book: The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring: A Complete Guide to Effective Mentoring (The FT Guides) by Dr. Ruth Gotian and Andy Lopata
Original music by Lynz Floren.
