Surfacing Leaders

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Andrea Howard, a U.S. Navy submarine officer, Marshall Scholar, and MIT PhD candidate studying security and strategy. Together, they explore what it means to lead at the intersection of global perspective, academic rigor, and operational responsibility in one of the most demanding environments in the world. Andrea shares how her journey from Atlanta public schools to the United States Naval Academy, Oxford, King’s College London, and the submarine force shaped her approach to leadership. She reflects on how mentors, civilian professors, and international experiences expanded her perspective and strengthened her ability to make decisions in complex environments where clarity and trust matter most. Her story highlights how broad intellectual curiosity and disciplined execution are not competing traits, but powerful complements in modern leadership. Listeners will find valuable lessons in Andrea’s experiences beneath the surface and across global institutions, where adaptability, humility, and commitment to purpose are essential to leading well. She also shares insights on how exposure to different cultures and academic disciplines strengthens judgment and prepares leaders to navigate uncertainty with confidence. The episode concludes with actionable advice for emerging leaders: Join us in this episode to discover how leadership grows through challenge, curiosity, and service. Andrea’s journey shows that developing a broader lens does not pull leaders away from mission execution. It strengthens their ability to lead when it matters most. Learn more about Andrea Howard: MIT Political Science profile: https://polisci.mit.edu/people/andrea-howard (polisci.mit.edu) Marshall Scholar profile: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/scholars/scholar-profiles/andrea-howard/ (marshallscholarship.org)

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with entrepreneur and customer-loyalty strategist Jason Milen to explore what it really takes to build a business that lasts. Together, they discuss leadership inside a multigenerational family company, the challenges of rebuilding trust after losing customers, and the mindset shift required to move from chasing transactions to creating lasting relationships. Jason shares lessons from his decades of experience helping grow and reinvent his family’s car wash business, transforming it into a membership-driven model that created predictable revenue and stronger customer loyalty. He explains how leaders can rethink growth by focusing less on acquiring the next customer and more on designing experiences that make people want to stay. Listeners will hear practical insights from Jason’s journey through setbacks, reinvention, and long-term thinking. He reflects on the importance of resilience, community trust, and building systems that allow businesses to support both customers and leaders over time. Jason also offers perspective on how recurring revenue and loyalty-focused leadership can help organizations create stability in uncertain environments while giving leaders more freedom to focus on what matters most. The episode concludes with actionable advice for leaders: Join us for this episode to learn how loyalty-centered leadership transforms both organizations and the people who lead them. Jason’s story shows how long-term thinking, strong values, and intentional systems can help leaders build something that endures. Guest Links Website: https://jasonmilen.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmilen/

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with journalist and author Rachel Hartigan to explore the remarkable life and enduring mystery of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. A former writer and editor for National Geographic and The Washington Post, Rachel brings years of research and storytelling expertise to the conversation as she discusses her new book, Lost: Amelia Earhart’s Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life. Together, Marc and Rachel unpack what Earhart’s life reveals about leadership, courage, and the pursuit of purpose in uncertain environments. Rachel shares her journey from Nevada to a career in journalism and eventually to writing a book that examines Earhart’s life through four interconnected narratives: her biography and the three leading theories surrounding her disappearance. Along the way, the conversation dives into the challenges of historical investigation, the role of evidence versus assumption, and why certainty can sometimes be the enemy of truth. Rachel also recounts her own experiences traveling on expeditions to remote Pacific islands in search of clues about Earhart’s fate. Beyond the mystery, the episode highlights the leadership qualities that made Earhart a global icon. From her determination to carve out a path for women in aviation to her ability to lead by example rather than rhetoric, Earhart’s story offers lessons for leaders navigating today’s complex and disruptive environments. Marc and Rachel also explore the power of storytelling in leadership, why data alone rarely moves people, and how great leaders use narrative to connect, inspire, and create meaning. Listeners will walk away with powerful insights on leadership and personal growth, including: Join us for a fascinating conversation that blends history, mystery, and leadership lessons drawn from one of the most intriguing figures of the twentieth century. Connect with Rachel Hartigan: Website: https://rachelhartiganauthor.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheljhartigan/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rachelhartiganauthor.com

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with John (JD) Dwyer, a marketing enigma and customer attraction expert known for creating “wow factor” strategies that drive extraordinary results. John shares how incentive based marketing taps into timeless human behavior and why the fundamentals of leadership, decision making, and customer attraction have remained consistent, even as technology has transformed the tools we use. Together, they explore what it really takes to stand out in a crowded “me too” marketplace without competing on price, and why the right message paired with the right offer can change the trajectory of a business. John brings the conversation to life through compelling stories from his career, including the campaign that convinced Jerry Seinfeld to front a landmark promotion that reshaped an entire financial institution’s growth strategy. Through practical examples and candid insights, he explains how perceived value can outperform discounting, how leaders can “stop the scroll” in a noisy world, and why many business owners struggle with marketing not because they lack intelligence, but because they were never taught how to attract customers. The discussion also touches on the growing role of AI and automation, highlighting how technology accelerates execution while human psychology remains the driving force behind meaningful engagement. The episode concludes with John’s leadership advice for listeners: surround yourself with people who say “why not,” not people who say “why.” Connect with John Dwyer: https://theinstituteofwow.com https://vacationsincentive.com https://fbcontestblueprint.com

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Scott D. Anthony, a globally recognized expert on innovation, strategy, and navigating disruption. Together, they explore what it truly takes to lead when the future is uncertain and familiar playbooks no longer apply. Scott shares insights from his extensive work advising organizations through periods of transformation, emphasizing that innovation is not about chasing shiny objects but about making disciplined choices under pressure. He unpacks how leaders can balance experimentation with execution, and why clarity, courage, and focus matter more than perfection when navigating change. Drawing on real-world examples, Scott highlights how leaders can create space for learning while still holding teams accountable for results. Throughout the conversation, Marc and Scott return to the human side of leadership. They discuss the importance of mindset, decision-making at speed, and building organizational resilience in environments where certainty is rare. Scott also challenges leaders to rethink how they approach risk, reminding listeners that avoiding action can be just as dangerous as making the wrong move. The episode closes with practical takeaways for leaders at every level: This episode offers grounded, actionable insights for leaders navigating disruption and change, reminding us that innovation is ultimately a leadership discipline rooted in human judgment, not just strategy decks or frameworks. Connect with Scott D. Anthony: https://www.innosight.com/people/scott-d-anthony/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdanthony/

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Sheri Jacobs, founder and CEO of Avenue Group, bestselling author, and the creator of the Innovation Capacity Score. Sheri shares a fascinating journey that spans entrepreneurship, association leadership, and photojournalism, including what it was like capturing Michael Jordan on the court and later trading sports arenas for wildlife expeditions in places like Antarctica and Botswana. Together, Marc and Sheri unpack what it really takes to drive innovation in today’s fast-moving world. Sheri challenges the popular advice to “think outside the box,” arguing that the most powerful creativity often comes from doing the opposite: defining clear boundaries. They explore how constraints create freedom, why risk capacity matters more than risk tolerance, and how leaders can empower the voices closest to the customer so the right problems get solved first. Sheri also shares memorable stories from the field, including the mindset behind taking 10,000 photos to capture one extraordinary shot, and how that perseverance translates directly to leadership, learning, and “taking more shots” in business. The conversation closes with practical guidance for leaders who want to build real momentum in their organizations, even when resources are tight and technology is accelerating. Sheri’s message is clear: innovation is not reserved for “big idea” personalities. It’s a habit that can be built when leaders create clarity, permission, and a safe space to experiment. The episode concludes with actionable advice for aspiring leaders: Connect with Sheri Jacobs: Website: https://sherijacobs.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherijacobs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagogirl527/

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Ivy Gustafson, former top agent at the Washington Speakers Bureau and Gotham Artists, now a seasoned advisor and speaker coach. Together, they explore what it truly means to communicate with impact in today’s rapidly evolving leadership landscape. Ivy shares insights drawn from more than two decades in the speaking industry, working alongside world leaders, elite performers, and influential thought leaders. She explains why modern leadership is less about commanding authority and more about connecting individually while moving people collectively toward a shared mission. Throughout the conversation, Ivy highlights the importance of listening, authenticity, and clarity of purpose. She discusses common mistakes leaders and aspiring speakers make, the power of asking better questions, and how leaders can establish a “category of one” by understanding what truly sets them apart. The episode also examines the thoughtful use of AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, human judgment, creativity, and influence. Listeners will gain practical takeaways on building trust, communicating across generations, and creating meaningful experiences rather than simply delivering information. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, speakers, and anyone looking to elevate their ability to influence and inspire. Connect with Ivy Gustafson: Website LinkedIn

In this unprecedented episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler kicks off 2026 by sitting down with Lead With Purpose’s own Head of Technology Derek Barber for a powerful conversation on purpose, trust, and what it truly means to lead. Derek shares his journey from software developer to purpose-driven leader, and how his passion for meaningful work shaped both his career and the culture of the company he helped build. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Derek reflects on walking more than 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago with his 18-year-old son—a journey that tested him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Together, Marc and Derek explore what happens when leaders step away and allow others to rise. They discuss how trust, preparation, and values-based leadership create resilient teams that thrive even in uncertainty. Derek also opens up about facing cancer, the clarity it brought to his sense of purpose, and why seizing the moment matters more than ever. Listeners will walk away with meaningful insights on leadership, legacy, and creating environments where people are empowered to grow—at work and in life.

In this year-end episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler reflects on the defining leadership lessons of 2025 and offers a forward-looking perspective on what leaders can expect in 2026. Drawing from 26 diverse conversations—from fire chiefs and construction leaders to Navy admirals and Gen Z innovators—Marc highlights the themes that surfaced again and again across industries, generations, and communities. He underscores the growing need for clarity over control in a rapidly changing environment and explains why trust has emerged as a true competitive advantage, not a luxury. Marc also explores the expanding role of AI as an accelerant for leaders, helping shift time and focus toward strategic thinking and human connection. Lists of insights from Gen Y and Gen Z leadership mirror his own experience in the submarine force, where responsibility and adaptability are non-negotiable. Listeners will gain practical takeaways from Marc’s review, including the top five most impactful episodes of the year, the daily leadership rhythms that fueled success in disruptive times, and the skills leaders must develop to thrive in the year ahead: — Build consistent rhythms that anchor performance amid change. — Prioritize clarity and trust across teams and organizations. — Leverage AI to elevate—not replace—the human side of leadership. Join us for this special episode as Marc unpacks the year’s key insights and reveals the trends, tools, and capabilities leaders will need to navigate 2026 with confidence and purpose.

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Dr. Heather Collins, a cognitive neuroscientist who has spent her career bringing cutting-edge brain science out of the lab and into real-world leadership. With more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and work ranging from Alzheimer’s to NASA astronaut cognition, Heather offers a rare blend of scientific rigor and practical insight. Together, they explore what leaders need to know about the brain, how it really works, why most of us operate far below our potential, and what simple, research-backed strategies can transform focus, memory, innovation, and decision-making. Heather explains why capacity is the hidden performance advantage, how fear and cognitive overload disrupt leadership, and why curiosity is one of the most powerful habits a leader can build. Listeners will appreciate Heather’s engaging stories and clear explanations, from memory “chunking” to the neuroscience of belonging and culture. She also shares practical tools leaders can use immediately, such as reducing decision fatigue, strengthening daily cognitive fitness, and fostering more meaningful connection in hybrid and remote teams. The episode closes with Heather’s most important advice for aspiring leaders: – Build confidence by revisiting your wins – Strengthen your brain with daily cognitive habits – Stay curious, because curiosity drives growth and innovation Join us in this episode to understand how the brain shapes leadership and how any leader can harness neuroscience to think more clearly, decide more effectively, and unlock greater capacity in themselves and their teams. Connect with Dr. Heather Collins: Website LinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Kasim Aslam, an entrepreneur who has built six, seven, and eight-figure businesses, including two successful exits. Kasim is the co-founder of Driven Mastermind, creator of DigitalMarketer’s Paid Traffic Certification, former CEO of Solutions 8—one of the world’s top Google Ads agencies—and now co-founder of Pareto Talent, a company helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time by matching them with world-class executive assistants. Kasim shares his 3X Freedom framework and explains why financial freedom alone rarely delivers fulfillment. He breaks down the deeper layers of purpose and personal evolution that leaders must confront as they scale themselves and their organizations. Drawing on his experiences building the world’s top Google Ads agency, exiting successfully, and rebuilding his identity afterward, he offers a refreshingly honest look at what entrepreneurship truly demands. Listeners will gain insight into the importance of the “who” over the “how,” why excellence—not scale—is the new differentiator in an AI-driven world, and how embracing discomfort, grit, and responsibility shapes authentic leadership. Kasim also discusses the power of international talent, the pitfalls of success, and the mindset shifts required to make fast, confident decisions amid uncertainty. The episode concludes with practical advice for aspiring leaders: – Focus on excellence when others settle for average. – Commit to continuous reinvention. – Protect your most valuable assets: time, attention, and creativity. Join us in this episode to uncover the principles that help surface the leader within and learn how to apply these ideas to build a life and business defined by freedom rather than constraint. Connect with Kasim: Website Pareto Talent Book (get it for free!) 3X Freedom Community YouTube LinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Mike Sarraille, retired U.S. Navy SEAL, three-time best-selling author, and one of the world’s top keynote speakers on leadership and performance. Drawing on two decades of experience leading elite teams in combat and in business, Mike shares powerful lessons on how readiness, resilience, and trust are built, both on the battlefield and in the boardroom. He and Marc explore what it takes to create high-performing teams, why shared adversity fosters emotional intimacy, and how true leadership starts with humility and a relentless commitment to training. Mike also discusses his transition from military service to entrepreneurship, the principles behind his book The Talent War, and how organizations can develop their own “internal universities” to build cultures of continuous improvement. He offers practical insights for leaders seeking to prepare their teams for uncertainty while staying grounded in purpose and integrity. Listeners will walk away with actionable takeaways: Join us for this powerful conversation on leadership, growth, and the human spirit that drives elite performance. Connect with Mike Sarraille: LinkedIn Website Overwatch

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders’ podcast, host Marc Koehler has a captivating conversation with Felipe Gomez, an accomplished pianist, global keynote speaker, and leadership expert. Felipe shares how his lifelong passion for music has shaped his understanding of leadership, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. Drawing from his signature keynote, Virtuoso, he explores how leaders can achieve “standing ovations” in their own fields by developing virtues such as humility, empathy, courage, and love. Using the universal language of music, Felipe illustrates how melody, harmony, and rhythm mirror the essential elements of effective leadership: alignment, collaboration, and balance. He also reveals the profound connection between great leadership and great listening, offering practical ways to “tune” your team for peak performance. Listeners will discover how to lead with heart, find the golden mean between discipline and flexibility, and inspire others through authenticity and love. Learn more about Felipe Gomez: Website LinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leader’s podcast, host Marc Koehler has an engaging conversation with Dr. Jacob Vogel, Director of the Spirit of Troy, otherwise known as “the greatest marching band in the history of the universe, “ at the University of Southern California. They explore the leadership lessons behind one of the most iconic collegiate marching bands in the nation. Dr. Vogel shares his journey from a small California town to leading the Trojan Marching Band, revealing how music, culture, and tradition intersect to create a powerful sense of community and pride. He emphasizes the values that drive his leadership: routine, resiliency, flexibility, and passion. These principles allow the Spirit of Troy to not only perform at the highest levels on game day but also to build lasting traditions and instill confidence in students who often start with little or no musical background. Listeners will hear valuable insights on building culture, balancing tradition with innovation, and developing student leaders through intentional mentorship. Dr. Vogel also shares stories of turning setbacks into opportunities, and how honoring legacy while embracing change keeps the Spirit of Troy vibrant for generations to come. Join us in this episode to discover what it takes to lead with purpose, inspire resilience, and keep the music and spirit alive. Connect with Dr. Jacob Vogel: USC Trojan Marching BandLinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a compelling conversation with Dr. Paula Ferrada, a pioneering trauma and acute care surgeon and Chair of Surgery at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. They explore what it means to lead when lives hang in the balance. Paula shares her journey from Colombia to becoming the first Colombian woman to graduate from a Harvard-affiliated general surgery program, and how her experiences shaped her leadership philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of trust, mentorship, and emotional regulation in building high-performing teams under extreme pressure. From leading one of the busiest trauma centers in the United States to mentoring the next generation of surgeons, Paula highlights why compassionate leadership is as essential as technical skill. Listeners will find valuable lessons in her approach to decision-making under uncertainty, the power of simulation and training, and the role of vulnerability in fostering trust and resilience. Key takeaways from this episode include: The episode concludes with Paula’s perspective on leadership beyond the operating room: Put the team before yourself. Stay anchored in purpose. Lead with empathy and courage. Join us in this episode to uncover what true leadership looks like when every second counts. Connect with Dr. Paula Ferrada: LinkedIn Instagram X

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Jeffrey Yip, a leadership professor at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business and creator of the “Listen and Build” framework. They explore why listening, not speaking, is a leader’s most powerful tool. Drawing on years of research, Jeff explains how genuine listening builds trust, strengthens teams, and transforms leadership effectiveness. He shares stories from his early military service in Singapore and mentoring youth through the YMCA, illustrating how empathy and curiosity help leaders navigate differences and create connection. Jeff also unpacks practical tools, such as the “Three Rs” of listening: Regulate, Relate, and Reason, that help leaders diffuse conflict, increase engagement, and foster inclusion in today’s fast-changing workplaces. Listeners will take away actionable insights, including: Join us in this conversation to learn why listening is a skill every leader can develop and how it can become your superpower. Connect with Jeffrey Yip: LinkedIn Website Listeningworks.ca Psychology Today Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/listen-and-build Harvard Business Review article on Listening: https://hbr.org/2025/05/are-you-really-a-good-listener

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a fascinating conversation with Dr. Paul J. Zak, a pioneering neuroscientist and leading expert on trust, purpose, and human connection. They dive into the science of leadership, exploring how oxytocin, stress, and shared purpose shape stronger teams and higher performance. Paul draws from over two decades of research in behavioral neuroscience and his work with organizations across the globe, offering insights into what truly drives human behavior at work. He emphasizes the power of lived purpose, the role of daily rituals in creating alignment, and why challenge, not comfort, is essential for growth. From the neuroscience of trust to his groundbreaking “Six Key Moments” framework, Paul shares actionable lessons leaders can use to build resilient, connected, and high-performing teams. Listeners will come away with practical strategies, such as: Join us for this episode to uncover how science can transform the way we lead, connect, and thrive. Learn more about Dr. Paul J. Zak: Website LinkedIn Books

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has an inspiring conversation with Dan MacQueen, a keynote speaker and resilience expert who rebuilt his life after surviving two brain hemorrhages and years of grueling recovery. They explore the mindset shifts and daily habits that empower individuals to overcome even the toughest setbacks. Dan shares his journey from a vibrant life in London to waking up from a month-long coma unable to walk, talk, or smile, and the persistence it took to regain those abilities. Central to his message are three guiding principles: the AAA Framework, Acknowledge, Accept, and Adapt, focusing on being better than yesterday, and finding the courage to risk failure in pursuit of growth. With humor, candor, and hard-earned wisdom, Dan explains how reframing challenges can turn the “worst” moments into the best opportunities for personal and professional transformation. Listeners will take away practical insights, including how to: Join us for a conversation that blends raw honesty, actionable strategies, and a healthy dose of humor, leaving you ready to face challenges with grit, optimism, and purpose. Connect with Dan: Website Instagram LinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Selena Virden, Vice President of Global Seed Production at IFSI, a leader in vegetable seed genetics. Selena shares her remarkable journey from a teenager juggling multiple jobs in rural Idaho to leading complex, global seed operations that help feed millions. With clarity and humility, she unpacks how long-term vision, technical precision, and human-centered leadership converge in her world, where decisions made today impact harvests seven years into the future. The conversation explores how Selena fosters agility, autonomy, and alignment across international teams, and how she’s embraced growth as both a professional and a person. She shares what leadership looks like when stakes are high and conditions are unpredictable—from global droughts to shifting regulations and how she empowers her team to thrive despite the unknowns. Listeners will come away with insights on: – Building leadership confidence through mentorship and self-awareness – Navigating ambiguity without losing precision – Creating psychological safety to support team ownership and innovation Join us to learn how Selena leads with intention and authenticity—growing people, crops, and purpose along the way. Connect with Selena Virden: Selena on LinkedIn IFSI Official Website

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with David Allison, a two-time bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the world’s leading expert on human values. Together, they explore why traditional demographic-based leadership strategies are failing in today’s workplace and what to do instead. David introduces his groundbreaking Valuegraphics Project, the world’s first global inventory of what truly drives people: their values. He explains how leaders can use values-based data to build more connected teams, shape inclusive cultures, and make faster, more aligned decisions. With nearly a million surveys conducted in 152 languages, David’s research uncovers five “togetherness values” that are shared by high-performing teams across every industry and region. He also shares simple, actionable questions any leader can ask to better understand what motivates their people. This episode offers powerful insights for leaders seeking to: – Build unity in diverse, multigenerational teams – Make smarter, faster decisions rooted in human truth – Replace outdated stereotypes with authentic human understanding Discover how to unlock the full potential of your people by seeing them for who they truly are. Connect with David Learn more about David’s work Book David to speak Get The Death of Demographics