Disruptive CEO Nation

Are AI employees the future of hiring and operations? In today’s episode, I sat down with Alok Kumar, co-founder and CEO of Cozmo AI, to explore the cutting-edge AI tools that are changing the game for enterprises. Alok takes us inside Cozmo AI’s platform, which enables businesses to build AI agents capable of seeing, speaking, thinking, and acting all while maintaining a human-like touch. From reducing costs to streamlining complex workflows, Cozmo AI is helping enterprises across industries like banking, insurance, and sales scale at lightning speed. We also tackle some of the toughest challenges in AI adoption, like data integration and overcoming the fear of automation taking jobs. Whether you’re a business leader or a tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights that will help you harness AI to its full potential. Here are the highlights: -Transforming Enterprises with Multimodal AI: Alok explains how Cozmo AI’s agents can not only handle text and calls but also analyze images, videos, and documents—enabling businesses to automate tasks that were once too complex for machines. -Eliminating AI Adoption Barriers: We dig into the real obstacles businesses face when adopting AI and how Cozmo AI’s platform removes these hurdles by creating seamless integration across systems, so you don’t need 19 different tools. -AI That Feels Human: Alok shares how Cozmo AI is pushing the boundaries of what we expect from automation—creating agents so lifelike that customers often don’t realize they’re speaking to AI, enhancing both speed and customer satisfaction. -From Startup to Scale-Up: Alok opens up about Cozmo AI’s rapid growth, from a FinTech startup to a multimodal AI platform used by Fortune 100 companies, and how they cracked the code on founder-led sales and building a network of early adopters. -The Future of AI in Business: Alok offers a bold vision for the future, where AI becomes an integrated, intuitive backbone for enterprises, making operations smarter, faster, and more efficient across the board. About the guest: Alok Kumar is the co-founder and CEO of Cozmo AI, a cutting-edge platform that’s revolutionizing enterprise operations with multimodal AI. With a background in engineering and management consulting, Alok has built Cozmo AI into a solution trusted by Fortune 100 companies in industries like banking, insurance, and sales. His passion for leveraging AI to solve complex business challenges drives his vision of creating human-like, intelligent agents that can see, speak, think, and act. Before founding Cozmo AI, Alok co-founded a successful FinTech company, and his work continues to push the boundaries of AI innovation. Connect with Alok: Website: https://hellocozmo.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alokhk Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From kitchen-table beginnings to revolutionizing waste management, Lainika’s journey proves that with vision and innovation, you can build a multi-million dollar business that tackles global challenges. In this heartfelt episode, Lainika Johnson, founder of Eco in the City, shares her inspiring journey from starting TrashLogic out of necessity to launching a tech-driven company that is transforming the way cities and property management companies handle waste. With her innovative VIN Site 360 platform, Lainika is not just helping businesses stay compliant with complex waste regulations but is also leading the charge toward smarter, more sustainable waste management. Here are the highlights: -Lainika’s Journey to CEO: From being a complete outsider in the trash industry to building a self-funded, multi-million dollar business. -Innovating Waste Management: How Eco in the City’s tech platform is transforming waste compliance and sustainability for cities and property managers. -Solving Waste Compliance Challenges: How Eco in the City helps businesses avoid costly fines while improving efficiency and promoting sustainability. -Lessons from Adversity: Overcoming labor shortages, pandemic disruptions, and the shift toward data-driven solutions in waste management. -Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Lainika’s advice on trusting yourself, knowing your numbers, and building a thriving business from anywhere. About the guest: Lainika E. Johnson is the founder of Eco in the City and CEO of TrashLogic, recognized as America's leading expert in waste reduction and workforce development. With nearly two decades of experience, she helps cities, property managers, and businesses transform waste challenges into sustainable, data-driven solutions. Starting her career at Republic Services and rising to senior executive at a California-based waste company, Lainika successfully onboarded nearly 200 multifamily communities in under a year. Her work combines technology, community, and policy, supported by credentials from Harvard Business School and UCLA. Lainika's expertise has been featured in major outlets like Black Enterprise, Black News, and local media such as Arizona’s ABC-15, Sacramento’s NBC KCRA-TV, and Waste & Recycling Magazine. Connect with Lainika: Website: trashlogic.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lainikaj/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lainikajohnson/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What started as a small side hustle in a basement has become a renowned success story, transforming the tech industry and the way we handle e-waste. In this episode, Christopher Hale, founder and CEO of SmartphonesPLUS, takes us behind the scenes of his company’s rapid growth. What started as a small operation buying and selling electronics has grown into a multimillion-dollar business that’s helping tackle the global e-waste crisis. Christopher shares insights on scaling a business, managing partnerships, and the power of the circular economy in today’s tech-driven world. Here are the highlights: -From Side Hustle to Business Success: Christopher's journey from working a full-time job to turning a passion for electronics into a thriving business. -The Importance of Sustainability: How SmartphonesPLUS keeps electronics out of landfills by refurbishing and reselling old tech. -Building Strong Partnerships: Christopher discusses the role of affiliates and partnerships in driving business growth and sustainability. -Entrepreneurial Lessons Learned: The hard lessons of hiring, creating effective SOPs, and managing staff while scaling. -The Circular Economy in Action: How the reuse of old tech not only benefits consumers but also plays a key role in reducing global e-waste. About the guest: Christopher Hale is the founder and CEO of SmartphonesPLUS, a rapidly growing company that specializes in electronics recycling and refurbishment. What started as a side hustle in 2017 has transformed into a multi-million-dollar business, fueled by Christopher’s passion for sustainability and innovative tech solutions. Under his leadership, SmartphonesPLUS has become a leader in the industry, offering businesses and consumers an eco-friendly way to sell or recycle old electronics while giving tech products a second life. With a sharp entrepreneurial mindset, Christopher's success story showcases the power of perseverance, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to building a more sustainable future. Connect with Christopher: Website: smartphonesplus.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartphonesplusllc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartphonesplus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartphonesplus TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smartphonesplus YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartphonesplus7660 Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your home might be polluting more than your car, and the fix is closer than you think. In this episode of Disruptive CEO Nation, I’m joined by Stephen Lake, co-founder and CEO of Jetson Home, a company making home electrification simpler and significantly more affordable. We talk about why heating and cooling is one of the biggest decarbonization opportunities, what’s been holding heat pumps back in North America, and how Jetson Home is scaling fast across the U.S. and Canada. Stephen also shares the founder's lessons behind rapid growth, the importance of building scalable systems early, and why he’s committed to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Here are the highlights: -The hidden emissions story: Why residential heating and cooling is a massive climate lever, and why most homeowners underestimate their home’s footprint. -Why heat pumps haven’t taken off here (yet): The “green premium,” confusing rebates, and an opaque contractor process that makes switching feel like a major project. -Jetson Home’s “make it dead easy” model: Online, upfront pricing in minutes, a remote quoting process, and a streamlined install designed to get homes converted fast. -Scaling without breaking: How Stephen thinks about the tension between growth and chaos, and why the team prioritized systems, tools, and repeatable processes from day one. -Founder mindset + giving back: Lessons from building his first company North Inc. (and selling to Google), launching Jetson Home in a completely different industry, and the role mentorship programs played in shaping his leadership. About the guest: Stephen Lake is the co-founder and CEO of Jetson Home, a home electrification company making the shift to all-electric systems more affordable and accessible. A mechatronics engineering graduate from the University of Waterloo, he previously co-founded North Inc. (formerly Thalmic Labs) and led the development of augmented-reality and wearable-tech products before the company was acquired by Google in 2020. In 2024, he turned his focus to climate tech and launched Jetson Home, which rapidly scaled with hubs in Vancouver, Colorado, and Massachusetts and has installed nearly 1,000 proprietary heat pump systems in homes. For his work advancing clean energy solutions, Lake was named to the 2025 TIME100 Climate list. Connect with Stephen: Website: https://jetsonhome.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slake/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if buying a home could be more affordable and less stressful? That’s exactly what Ben Bear and TurboHome are making possible. In this episode, I’m talking to Ben Bear, co-founder and CEO of TurboHome, a game-changing platform that is reimagining the home-buying process. TurboHome cuts out unnecessary costs by offering a flat-fee model instead of traditional commissions, making it easier for people to save money and get into homes faster. We also dive into the bigger picture of homeownership and its importance in building wealth and strengthening communities. Ben shares his entrepreneurial journey and how he’s disrupting an industry that's been the same for decades. Here are the highlights: -Revolutionizing Home Buying: TurboHome’s platform empowers buyers to take control of their process while saving thousands in the transaction. -The End of the Traditional Commission Model: Why the 3% commission doesn’t work in today’s digital world, and how TurboHome is changing the game. -Building Wealth through Homeownership: Ben explains how owning a home still remains one of the best ways to build long-term wealth, and how TurboHome helps make that possible. -Seizing Opportunities from Regulatory Change: How Ben turned regulatory challenges into an advantage for innovation in the housing market. -The Power of Trust and Early Success: Building trust with early adopters and turning great customer experiences into momentum for growth. About the guest: Ben is the Co-Founder and CEO of TurboHome, an Oakland-based startup focused on making homeownership more affordable. The platform combines AI tools with a network of local real estate agents to offer a full service home buying experience for 70% less than a traditional Realtor. In its first year of operations, homebuyers have purchased $300M of properties while saving $6M in commissions. Ben is an experienced entrepreneur who was previously CEO at Spin Scooters (acquired by Ford) and VP Sales @ Vungle (acquired by Blackstone). He has built his career focusing on opportunities to solve big societal problems like housing and transportation unlocked by regulatory change. Connect with Ben: Website: https://www.turbohome.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwbear/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could turn customer anxiety into confidence and boost conversions with just a few simple design changes? Today we talk about understanding user behavior through data science, and how it can dramatically improve your digital marketing strategy. Join me for a captivating conversation with Mia Umanos, founder of Clickvoyant, where she uncovers the magic behind data science and human behavior. Mia’s expertise lies in understanding the nuances of user experience—how design choices and website interactions can trigger emotions that either lead to a sale or a lost customer. In this episode, Mia shares her entrepreneurial journey, discusses how AI is revolutionizing data science, and offers powerful insights into how businesses can create better digital experiences by connecting with customers on a deeper level. Here are the highlights: -Humanizing Digital Experiences: The discussion on how understanding the psychological impact of website design can either reduce anxiety or create friction for users. -The Harvard vs. Yale Example: A compelling comparison of how Harvard's emotional approach to financial aid pages contrasts with Yale's utilitarian design, highlighting the power of connecting with users. -The Role of Subtle Design Tweaks in E-Commerce: Mia shares how simple adjustments—like addressing shipping concerns—can help boost conversion rates in online stores. -The Pitfalls of Over-Automation: An example of how a client’s decision to enable multiple upsells at checkout led to a significant decrease in conversions, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful automation. -AI and Mid-Market Businesses: Mia explains how AI can help mid-market businesses gain access to powerful data science tools, previously reserved for larger corporations, to improve customer insights and decision-making. About the guest: Mia Umanos is a Filipino-American entrepreneur, AI strategist, and data scientist, known for her innovative work in AI-driven marketing analytics and conversion rate optimization. As the CEO and founder of Clickvoyant, an AI-powered analytics platform, Mia transforms raw data into actionable insights, enabling businesses to make informed decisions faster. With over 16 years of experience, Mia has worked with major brands like Apple, Salesforce, and Netflix, and raised $1.4 million in six months while pregnant. She advises companies on integrating AI to enhance human creativity and business growth. Named a Tory Burch Fellow in 2024, Mia is also a passionate advocate for women in AI, particularly from her Filipino heritage, and ensures her company provides flexible, remote jobs to women in the Philippines. Through her work, she aims to create opportunities, equity, and lasting impact. Connect with Mia: Website: https://clickvoyant.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miaumanos/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the secret to creating tech that people not only use but love? In this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Erin Rollenhagen, founder of People Friendly Tech, to discuss her journey of creating innovative tech solutions that drive real behavioral change. Erin shares the importance of emotional engagement in tech products, offering a fresh perspective on why technology should move people, not just serve them. We dive into the challenges of scaling a tech company, her approach to leadership, and how her new book, Love at First Launch, provides a roadmap for visionary leaders looking to bring extraordinary tech to life. Here are some highlights: -Emotional Engagement in Tech: Erin explains why successful products aren’t just functional—they must connect with users on an emotional level to create lasting impact. -The Importance of Leadership in Tech Projects: Explore the leadership principles that drive successful tech launches, including clear communication and team alignment. -Creating Tech Products People Love: Find out how to identify the emotional core of your product and use it to engage users and drive loyalty. -Leveraging AI and Data Insights for Smarter Decision-Making: Understand how to integrate AI and data insights into your tech solutions to help businesses make more informed, strategic decisions. About the guest: Erin Rollenhagen is the founder and CEO of Entrepreneurial Technologies and People Friendly Tech, a company specializing in custom technology solutions, including apps, software, and AI integrations. With nearly 20 years of experience in the tech industry, Erin has led over 200 successful product launches, helping businesses create innovative products that drive meaningful change. She is passionate about building tech that not only solves problems but also connects with users on an emotional level. Erin is also the author of Love at First Launch, a guide for visionary leaders looking to bring extraordinary tech to life. Connect with Erin: Website: https://peoplefriendlytech.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-rollenhagen-b4b7317/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re making tech decisions faster than your team can absorb them or you’re worried AI might erase the “human” from your business; this conversation will feel like a deep breath and a reset button. Today, I sit down with Kate O’Neill. She’s known as the “tech humanist,” founder and CEO of KO Insights, and newly named member of the Thinkers50 list of top management thinkers in the world. We unpack her new book, What Matters Next? A Leader’s Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a World That Is Moving Too Fast, and explore how leaders can stay grounded in purpose while navigating AI, automation, and constant change. Kate shares the “now–next continuum” and her Insights & Foresights model as practical ways to reduce overwhelm, make better decisions, and design a future that works for both your business and your people. If you’re leading through chaos and want your organization to be both high-performing and deeply human, this one is for you. Here are some highlights: -Redefining purpose as a question: How Kate uses one core question “How can we help humanity prepare for an increasingly tech-driven future?” and why reframing your mission as a question can sharpen strategy and culture. -The Now–Next continuum: A practical way for leaders to connect past, present, and future so the “future of work” feels less murky and more manageable, with clearer signals about what to do today. -Insights, Foresights, and “bankable foresights”: Inside Kate’s decision-making model that helps executives ask better questions, synthesize what they’re learning, and build a growing bank of future-ready insights instead of reacting in panic. -What “human-friendly” tech decisions really look like: From AI-driven layoffs to chatbots and educational tools, we talk about the hidden human costs of short-sighted tech choices for employees, customers, and students, and how to design more holistic, human-centered solutions. -AI, higher education, and the next generation of talent: Why banning tools like ChatGPT is a missed opportunity, how good prompting mirrors good delegation, and what universities and employers can do to better prepare young professionals for a prompt-based, AI-enabled workplace. About the guest: Kate O’Neill, known globally as the “Tech Humanist," is the founder and CEO of KO Insights, a strategic advisory firm dedicated to improving human experience at scale. Her innovative approach bridges the gap between technological advancement and human-centric values, influencing how organizations navigate digital transformation. She is also author of the book What Matters Next: A Leader's Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a World That's Moving Too Fast, which was named a Thinkers50 2025 Best Management Book. With a career spanning over 25 years, Kate’s expertise is rooted in hands-on experience with category-defining companies. She was one of the first 100 employees at Netflix, where she pioneered the first content management role. She developed Toshiba America’s first intranet and founded [meta]marketer, one of the earliest digital strategy and analytics agencies. Connect with Kate: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateoneill/ Website: https://www.koinsights.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/What-Matters-Next-Human-Friendly-Decisions/dp/1394296428 Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can love be a business strategy? In this episode, we talk about how leading with love can transform your team and your bottom line. Frank Danna, a seasoned leader and marketing expert, brings his wisdom on building authentic connections in the workplace. We explore how AI can enhance, rather than replace, human creativity and the importance of creating a culture that values trust, inclusion, and vulnerability. Frank shares his personal journey from a toxic work environment to one where love and empathy drive success, offering actionable advice for leaders looking to transform their organizations. Here are some highlights: -The Power of Love in Leadership: Frank explains how love, empathy, and trust are essential to creating a successful and human-centered workplace culture. -AI and Creativity: Frank discusses how AI can free up time for leaders to be more creative and focus on what truly matters: human connections. -Building a Culture of Love: Learn the six key behaviors—Inclusion, Empathy, Vulnerability, Trust, Empowerment, and Forgiveness—that make up a culture of love in the workplace. -The Challenge of Toxicity in Leadership: Frank shares his experience of working through a toxic work culture and how a shift in leadership behavior can turn things around. -Vulnerability as a Leadership Strength: Frank highlights the importance of vulnerability in leadership and how sharing personal stories can foster real connections with your team. About the guest: Frank E. Danna is the Marketing Director at Softway and Co-Founder of Culture+, where he transforms leadership through love, empathy, and behavior-driven change. Co-author of Love as a Business Strategy and Love as a Change Strategy, Frank challenges fear-based leadership practices and champions a human-first approach. He co-created Culture Rise, a transformative leadership experience that’s impacted over 6,000 leaders worldwide. Frank’s expertise spans storytelling, communication strategy, and creative content, having reached 100 million viral views on Vine and co-founding GhostCodes, acquired by Softway. He’s worked with brands like HBO, Twitter, and Coca-Cola, and is a sought-after speaker on culture, AI, and change. Connect with Frank: Website: ​​www.softway.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankdanna/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your product strategy stops at the download, you’re leaving impact—and revenue—on the table. In this conversation, I sit down with Ghazenfer Mansoor, CEO & founder of Technology Rivers, to talk about building software that actually gets used, loved, and shared. Ghazenfer has been in mobile since the pre-iPhone days and has led the build of nearly 60 apps, primarily in healthcare. We explore ideas from his forthcoming book, Beyond the Download, including why retention beats acquisition, when a mobile app truly makes sense (and when a web experience is smarter), and how AI-driven, proprietary workflows can become a company’s real moat. We also step into leadership, including what it takes to fix “broken” projects, the values that guide his global remote team (transparency, fairness, and getting things done), and why peer networks and coaching matter for founders. It’s a practical, fast-moving chat for leaders who want their technology to create efficiency, differentiation, and long-term value. Here are some highlights: -Retention over acquisition: Ghazenfer shares practical ways to design for daily use and bring people back because downloads without engagement aren’t success. -“Do you really need an app?”: We unpack decision criteria for native vs. web, and why solving a real, repeat problem is the first gate before writing any code. -Workflow is the moat: How codifying proprietary processes, especially in healthcare and HIPAA-sensitive environments, creates efficiency, margin, and higher valuations. -Fixing broken projects: Common failure patterns (from feature chasing to UX missteps) and how to course-correct so you “build it right the first time.” -Leading a global team: The operating system behind Technology Rivers; clear KPIs, remote-first communication, fairness, and a growing commitment to women in tech. Plus the role of EO/Vistage-style peer groups and coaching for tough decisions. About the guest: Ghazenfer Mansoor is the founder and CEO of Technology Rivers, a Washington, D.C.–area software firm specializing in HIPAA-compliant healthcare SaaS and mobile apps. A mobile veteran since the pre-iPhone era, he has led the build of 59+ apps and numerous AI-powered workflow platforms that help service businesses scale, boost margins, and increase valuation. Known for “building it right the first time,” Ghazenfer is frequently tapped to rescue broken software projects. He’s the author of the forthcoming book Beyond the Download: How to Build Mobile Apps That People Love, Use, and Share Every Day and host of the podcast Lessons from the Leap. Active in EO and other CEO peer groups, he leads a global, values-driven team grounded in transparency, fairness, and getting things done. Connect with Ghazenfer: Website: https://technologyrivers.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmansoor/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From dentist to consciousness architect, Dr. Kevin Kremer shares how purpose, processes, and mindset can transform a practice into a portfolio and a leader into a builder of thriving cultures. In this conversation, I sat down with Kevin, a dentist-turned-entrepreneur who has grown and scaled ten ventures and founded the Kremer Leadership Institute. We unpack the journey from a single practice to acquisitions, a patient finance company, and an implant surgery center delivering same-day reconstructions. Kevin explains his “three Cs” framework—customer, culture, company—and why culture is the hardest to keep healthy in 2025. We also dig into his book, Quantum Accountability, and his Quantum Awareness Model, exploring how accountability for your mindset leads to action and, ultimately, abundance. Along the way, Kevin shares a remarkable 93% year-over-year turnaround from a recent acquisition, practical ways he trains teams with playbooks and interactive learning, and how AI is reshaping both clinical and operational excellence. Here are some highlights: • The three Cs in practice: how balancing customer experience, culture, and company health creates the “sweet spot” for sustainable growth and why culture is the toughest to maintain. • From chairside to CEO: the steps that took Kevin from solo practitioner to acquiring practices, launching patient finance and membership programs, and opening an implant surgery center. • Playbooks that actually work: mapping the entire customer journey, training with short videos, and reinforcing skills through interactive quizzes to keep standards high across teams. • Mindset drives outcomes: inside Quantum Accountability and the Quantum Awareness Model and how accountability for your thinking leads to better actions and an abundance mindset. • Technology with a human core: real examples of AI in diagnostics, workflow, and same-day full-mouth restorations, plus why communication and trust will always be the differentiators. About the guest: Dr. Kevin Kremer is a dentist-turned-entrepreneur with 25 years of leadership in healthcare and business. He has built and scaled ten ventures, including a multi-location dental group, a patient finance and membership company, and a same-day implant surgery center. As founder of the Kremer Leadership Institute and author of Quantum Accountability, Kevin teaches his Quantum Awareness Model—moving from accountability to action to abundance—and the “three Cs” framework of customer, culture, and company. Known for practical playbooks and team training that elevate service standards, he’s led notable turnarounds, including a 93% year-over-year lift at a recent acquisition. Kevin combines cutting-edge technology with human-centered care and mentors clinicians to grow as confident, purpose-driven business leaders. Connect with Kevin: Website: https://www.kremerleadership.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kremer-leadership-institute/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're ready to unlock the blueprint for explosive growth and transformative leadership, this conversation is for you. Dhaval Jadav, CEO of alliantgroup, shares insights into adapting and scaling a business in today’s fast-paced, disruptive world. From AI discovery and business innovations to talent and tax strategies, Dhaval has succeeded in building an integrated consultancy firm to help businesses overcome blind spots and thrive. In this episode, Dhaval dives into the power of investing in people, cultivating a transparent culture, and staying ahead of the competition with cutting-edge technology. He also offers practical advice on navigating the challenges of growth and change, and how CEOs can lead their businesses into the future with resilience and innovation. Here are some highlights: -Scaling with a Focus on People: Dhaval discusses how investing in and empowering his team has been the key to alliantgroup’s rapid growth from 2 to over 2,500 employees. -Building a Culture of Transparency: Learn how alliantgroup’s roundtable approach allows for open communication, where the best ideas win, no matter the title. -Embracing Disruption: Dhaval explains why businesses must disrupt themselves to stay relevant and how alliant uses technology like AI to stay competitive. -Managing Change in Growth: Scaling a business requires a solid change management plan. Dhaval shares strategies for helping employees adapt as the company evolves. -Future-Proofing the Workforce: With AI and digital workers on the rise, Dhaval offers insights on how to balance human talent with technology for a thriving, adaptable workforce. About the guest: Dhaval Jadav is the co-founder and CEO of alliantgroup. Under Jadav’s leadership, the firm has empowered 24,000+ companies in 70+ industries with actionable business solutions. Prior to founding alliant, Jadav developed his expertise in high-tech business deals as a member of a Mergers & Acquisitions/Private Equity/Strategic Buyer Services Group in San Francisco and honed his business operations acumen with Deloitte & Touche in its Washington National Office. Connect with Dhaval: Website: https://www.alliantgroup.com/ LinkedIn: Dhaval Jadav | LinkedIn Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if machines could sense the world like we do and use that awareness to make cities safer and more connected? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Kelly, Chief Strategy Officer at Mozee, to unpack Generative Perception Intelligence (GPI)—a fundamentally different approach to machine perception that goes beyond today’s catch-all “AI.” Michael shares how Mozee’s “community-first, human-centered” mission shows up in beautiful, real-world transportation experiences, why GPI is their beachhead for autonomous mobility (and far more), and how a band of “super builders” scaled from 4 to 20 people while preparing for a big Series A year. We also get personal: Michael’s path from JP Morgan to startups, his passion for entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, and the books he recommends for anyone intent on building meaningful work and stronger communities. If you’re near a browser, peek at Mozeealong.com while you listen. Here are some highlights: -GPI vs. AI—what’s different: Michael explains “perception lag” and why Mozee built a single “brain” that processes multiple sensor inputs simultaneously rather than stitching together separate systems. -On-device, ultra-fast, resilient: GPI runs entirely on device (no cloud dependency), reacts orders of magnitude faster than human pain response, and is designed to operate even in disconnected or high-risk environments. -Autonomy as the beachhead: While autonomous vehicles are the first proving ground (and the inspiration behind “Mozee Along”), the same perception engine translates to drones, robotics, warehouses, traffic systems, and city-scale applications. -Scaling the builder culture: From 4 to 20 team members, a move into a 63,000-sq-ft facility, and a pipeline of large city contracts, including work tied to 2026 global events and groundwork for 2028, Mozee is preparing to launch its Series A off a major public milestone. -Purpose, category design, and careers: Michael’s take on entrepreneurship as a path to meaning and mobility, why Play Bigger belongs on every builder’s shelf, and how to apply category-creation thinking even as an intrapreneur. About the guest: Michael Kelly is the Chief Strategy Officer at Mozee, an autonomous mobility company revolutionizing urban transit with AI-powered, electric shuttles. Before joining Mozee, Michael spent 12 years at JPMorgan as VP of Investments, managing a global portfolio. He held Series 7, Series 66, and insurance licenses across 20+ states and was recognized for driving 60x business growth under his leadership. A serial entrepreneur, Michael launched his first venture in 2005 and now sits on the Dallas Entrepreneur Center’s Venture Board, fostering startup growth in DFW. He mentors with Plug and Play, Capital One, and MassChallenge accelerators and was an Entrepreneurship Fellow at SMU. Outside of work, Michael is an avid sports fan and enjoys serving as his daughter’s jester in his free time. Connect with Michael: Website: https://www.mozeealong.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resolutemichael/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the next level of your leadership isn’t about learning more but aligning more? In this conversation with Grace Najean, we explore how high achievers can move from stress-driven success to effortless, purpose-anchored leadership. As a former concert pianist turned corporate strategist and master coach with Tony Robbins, Grace brings a rare left-brain/right-brain lens to leadership. In our talk, we unpack her “vessel, compass, and light” model—body, mind, and consciousness—and why knowledge alone rarely transforms a leader. We also name the pattern many of us feel but seldom admit: “achievement fatigue.” Grace offers simple, practical practices and a dimensional view of leadership. If you’re ready to trade pressure for presence, this episode will meet you where you are and invite you to lead from alignment. Here are some highlights: • From knowledge to integration: Shift from simply collecting information to truly integrating it by aligning your body (energy/resilience), mind (clarity/emotional intelligence), and consciousness (presence/intuition), so leadership transforms rather than just informs. • Naming “achievement fatigue”: Recognize the often-hidden cost of success—feeling drained despite appearing successful—and gain the language and awareness to identify the blind spots that high achievers often overlook. • A practical reset you’ll actually use: Implement simple yet effective practices, such as coherent breathing (inhale for 5, exhale for 5), a 50-to-1 countdown for focus, and a morning visualization of 2–3 outcomes, to shift your day from reactive to intentional. • The 3D→4D→5D leadership framework: Progress from 3D (survival/reactive) to 4D (awakening/self-aware) to 5D (visionary/aligned), realizing that true leadership comes not from more strategy, but from changing the dimension in which you operate. • Retreat as a catalyst for alignment: Discover why immersive environments, like Grace's 7-day retreat in Lombok, are key to accelerating transformation, using vocal empowerment and energy work to help leaders align their mind, body, and purpose. About the guest: Grace’s professional and personal journey embodies the fusion of creativity, strategy, and soulful leadership. Starting as a professional pianist in her youth, she cultivated discipline and artistic expression that remain integral to her leadership approach. Transitioning into corporate roles, Grace spent over a decade excelling in strategy and business development before stepping into her calling as a leadership coach. Her eight years as a Platinum Tony Robbins Coach and over 4,500 hours of coaching have empowered her to transform high-performing leaders around the globe. Through these experiences, she developed The Soulfluence© , a framework that harmonizes Body, Mind, and Consciousness for authentic and impactful leadership. Connect with Grace: Website: https://gracenajean.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracenajean/ Soulfluence Retreat: https://app.gohighlevel.com/v2/preview/hKSyiNjj4Hx9IrbZaWNN?notrack=true Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to be the leader people lean in to hear—without getting louder, longer, or “less you”? This conversation shows you how to turn your ideas into influence and how to say them. Today I’m joined by Dr. Laura Sicola—executive presence mentor, TEDx advisor, and author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice. We dig into the moment that matters most: those first seven seconds and the next seven when you open your mouth. Laura unpacks the “authenticity myth,” shares her simple “digital mixing board” for tuning your delivery (without changing who you are), and explains why even the quietest voice can command a room. We also talk about pitch coaching for founders, crafting a TED-worthy talk, and how to make networking feel natural. If you’re climbing to the C-suite, raising a round, or leading a mission-driven team, this is a masterclass in aligning what you say with how you say it so your credibility, clarity, and confidence are undeniable. Here are highlights: -7 + 7 Seconds Rule: First impressions land fast—and the next seven seconds (your first words) either confirm or rewrite them. Make those opening lines count. -The Authenticity Myth: Being “authentic” isn’t being unfiltered. Leadership requires tact, intention, and alignment—not a louder version of you. -Your Digital Mixing Board: Don’t flip an on/off switch—tweak levers like pace, volume, jargon, and intensity to fit the audience while staying you. -Quiet Can Command: Authority comes from congruence and presence, not decibels. Calm, focused delivery can move 200 people without raising your voice. -From Pitch to TED: Win investors (bet the jockey!) and craft a killer TED talk by challenging assumptions, telling real stories, and driving to one clear takeaway. About the guest: Dr. Laura Sicola is a leadership communication and influence expert based in Philadelphia, PA. She is the founder of Vocal Impact Productions and the author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice. With over 20 years of experience, she helps executives, entrepreneurs, and rising leaders develop executive presence, master the art of influence, and align how they speak with what they want to achieve. A TEDx speaker and advisor, Laura has worked with leaders from Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofits worldwide, guiding them to communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. Connect with Laura: Website: https://laurasicola.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc/ Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP4D611Z?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_6GKSA3X8WMAPHBGSDH0B Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever felt stuck running the day-to-day while the future rushes past, this conversation is your permission slip to step outside the building and rethink how your company actually innovates. In this episode, I sit down with innovation strategist and author Alan Gregerman to challenge the way leaders pursue “new.” We unpack his upcoming book The Wisdom of Ignorance and the counterintuitive idea that breakthrough ideas often come from not being the expert. Alan shares why most companies confuse process improvement with innovation, how to unlock the genius in your teams (especially your newest hires), and six leadership habits that keep organizations relevant in a world that won’t slow down. You’ll leave with practical ways to fuel curiosity, test faster, and future-proof your business. Here are highlights: -Innovation ≠ Incrementalism: Alan draws a sharp line between improving what exists and pursuing big, valuable problems, urging CEOs to imagine their company five years out and backcast a path to get there. -The 99% Rule: Breakthroughs are rarely born on a whiteboard. 99% of new ideas build on something that already exists. Get your team out into the world (museums, neighborhoods, other industries) to borrow and remix smarter. -Six Keys to Relevance: Be purposeful, curious, humble, respectful, future-focused, and a bit paranoid. You’re creating value while scanning for the competitor who might “eat your lunch.” -Use Fresh Eyes on Purpose: In onboarding, hand new hires a clipboard and ask them what you’re doing well, where you’re stuck, and what other industries are doing better—before you “teach” them your way. -Ship the Half-Bake (Responsibly): Stop waiting for perfection. Launch minimally viable ideas that deliver real value and let customers help you iterate your way to remarkable. About the guest: Alan Gregerman is an innovation strategist, author, and the President & Chief Innovation Officer of Venture Works. For more than two decades, he has helped companies of all sizes remain relevant in fast-changing markets by unlocking the “genius” in their people and organizations. Alan has been featured in over 250 outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, NPR, and CNN. He is the author of Lessons from the Sandbox, Surrounded by Geniuses, The Necessity of Strangers, and the forthcoming The Wisdom of Ignorance, a blueprint for leading breakthrough innovation. Based in the Washington, D.C. area, Alan works across industries and donates 20% of his time to small nonprofits, bringing the same tools and rigor he uses with corporate clients to missions that make the world better. Connect with Alan: Website: www.alangregerman.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-gregerman-a33b236/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered how AI can actually make a real impact on your bottom line? In this episode of Disruptive CEO Nation, Ron Green, co-founder of KungFu.AI, shares how he helped a publicly traded company cut their fraud rate, reduce turnaround times to mere seconds, and add $250 million to their market cap with the power of AI. Join me for an enlightening conversation with Ron Green as we explore the true potential of AI beyond the buzzwords. From real-world case studies to the challenges and opportunities AI presents, Ron explains how businesses are using AI to drive innovation and growth. Whether you're a CEO looking to understand AI’s role in your company or just curious about its impact, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for today’s leaders. Here are highlights: -AI in Business Transformation: Ron shares how AI is being used to drive real, measurable results across various industries, including healthcare and finance.-Avoiding the AI Boondoggle: Learn why many AI projects fail and how to avoid common pitfalls that waste time and capital. -Case Study Successes: Discover how Kung Fu AI helped a loan factoring company transform its operations, saving time and money while increasing customer satisfaction. -Practical Advice for CEOs: Ron discusses the best approach for CEOs to adopt AI, stressing the importance of starting small and focusing on ROI. -The Future of AI in Programming: Hear about the impact of AI on software development, and why junior programmers are particularly affected. About the guest: Ron Green is an AI expert and serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the technology and business sectors. As the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of KUNGFU.AI, Ron leads a team of talented machine learning engineers and data scientists in developing cutting-edge AI solutions. With a proven track record in deploying AI systems across a variety of industries including healthcare, government, retail, real estate, and financial services, Ron has consistently driven innovation and measurable impact. He is also the host of Hidden Layers: Exploring the People and Tech Behind AI, where he delves into the world of AI, its evolution, and its transformative potential. Connect with Ron: Website: https://www.kungfu.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rongreen/ Resources: https://www.kungfu.ai/resources/hidden-layers Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When life throws chaos at you like typhoons, tech meltdowns, or 87 million live viewers; Anne Marie Anderson’s rule never changes: work the problem. In this week’s energizing conversation, broadcaster and author Anne Marie Anderson joins Allison to explore the mindset behind her book Cultivating Audacity: How to Dismantle Doubt and Take Bold Risks. Drawing on three decades in elite sports and leadership rooms, Anne Marie breaks down the four barriers that stall careers and shows how to turn each into fuel. She shares the now-famous mantra “work the problem,” reframing failure as data, not drama, and walks us through practical frameworks like Your Two Lives, the Front Row (your accountability circle), Jump (taking the leap before you feel ready), and the continual Reevaluation Loop. From international travel snafus with her 13-year-old to her first on-air moment beamed into 87 million homes, Anne Marie reveals how calculated risk builds resilience, clarity, and results. Here are highlights: -Work the Problem (Always): Strip out ego and emotion, identify what’s actually true, list options, act, then iterate. -Name the Four Barriers: Most stalls trace back to fear, time, money, or the inner critic; bring each into the open and use it. -Failure = Data, Not Identity: Trade shame for information. What did you try, what happened, what will you change next? -Your Two Lives & the Jump: You can keep the life you have or take a calculated leap; you’ll never feel fully “ready.” -Build Your Front Row: Curate challengers, not cheerleaders, who push, check in, and keep you accountable without jealousy. About the guest: Anne Marie Anderson is a three-time Emmy Award–winning broadcaster, keynote speaker, and author with over three decades in sports television, covering six Olympic Games, heavyweight title fights, golf’s majors, NBA and MLB playoffs, and the Super Bowl. As one of the most experienced female play-by-play announcers in the country, she calls more than 75 live events each year for ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, and TBS, and has been nationally recognized for her journalism and leadership in advancing sport. She is the author of Cultivating Audacity: How to Dismantle Doubt and Take Bold Risks, a guide to overcoming barriers like fear, time, money, and the inner critic by reframing failure as data and embracing persistence, resilience, and curiosity. Known for her humor, authenticity, and storytelling, Anne Marie is also a sought-after keynote speaker and emcee who inspires audiences to pursue audacious and fulfilling lives. Connect with Anne Marie: Get the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646871693 Website: https://annemarieanderson.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-anderson-3557ab39 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemarieandersontv/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean for business leaders to not just keep their heads down—but lift their chins up? In this episode, we explore how CEOs and entrepreneurs can step into authentic leadership that unites, inspires, and drives change. In this thought-provoking conversation, we sit down with Neil Ghosh, President of MGR Professional Services and author of Do More Good. With a career spanning government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors, Neil has reinvented himself as a bridge builder and champion of authentic business leadership. Together, we unpack the unique role businesses play in today’s culture and governance, and why trust, empathy, and purpose are no longer “nice to haves” but essential pillars of leadership. Neil also shares powerful insights from his book, which features stories of inspiring leaders and provides actionable steps for anyone who wants to move beyond inspiration to meaningful action. From cultivating moral leadership to embedding corporate social responsibility into a company’s DNA, this episode challenges us all to consider what kind of citizen—corporate and personal—we want to be. Here are highlights: -The Trust Recession: Why Neil calls this moment in history a “trust recession”—and why business leaders are now more trusted than governments and media. -Shifts in the Workforce: The three major shifts reshaping the workforce: cultural diversity, generational expectations, and the demand for moral leadership. -Navigating Polarization: How leaders can unite their teams without diluting core values in today’s divisive climate. -CSR as Strategy, Not Charity: Why doing good isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s good business, and how companies can integrate CSR into their DNA. -Purpose, Empathy, and Action: The pillars of Neil’s book Do More Good and how small steps can drive outsized impact. About the guest: Neil Ghosh is a seasoned executive whose expertise spans the nonprofit, government, philanthropic, and private sectors. His book, Do More Good, showcases some of the most captivating individuals in modern history—people he has met and interacted with on his mission to inspire meaningful change. With 30+ years of experience, Neil has successfully launched and scaled both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, building teams, business models, partnerships, and strategies to drive impact and support vulnerable populations in more than 50 countries. Neil’s work has been featured in national outlets including CNN, Devex, the Washington Post, Economic Times, Voice of America, the Australian, the Huffington Post, Patheos, and Stanford Social Innovation Review. Connect with Neil: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilghosh1/ Website: https://www.neilghosh.org/⁠ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to be the kind of leader who doesn’t break even in the face of chaos, uncertainty, and relentless pressure? In this episode of Disruptive CEO Nation, we sit down with Andrew Wittman, PhD– author, speaker, and founder of the Mental Toughness Training Center. With a background ranging from U.S. Marine Corps combat to protecting high-profile leaders as a Federal agent, Andrew now equips CEOs and entrepreneurs with the “inner armor” needed to thrive under pressure. Together, we explored the concepts of mindset, resilience, and problem-solving skills that allow leaders to safeguard their reputation, make better decisions, and lead with confidence in unpredictable times…and we have to add that Andrew was one of our most humble and down-to-earth guest that we are sure you will enjoy listening to. Here are highlights: -Perpetual resilience vs. bouncing back: Why true leadership is about pre-deciding who you are before the crisis hits. -Thinking as a physical skill: How to train your mind to stay calm, ordered, and in control under stress. -Cellular problem-solving: The importance of diagnosing the root cause instead of treating surface-level symptoms in business. -Guarding your reputation: Why CEOs must see themselves as brand ambassadors and protect both their image and their people. -Thriving in chaos: How to lead decisively when uncertainty, AI disruption, and global instability make predictability impossible. About the guest: Andrew D. Wittman, PhD, is a United States Marine Corps infantry combat veteran, former police officer, and federal agent. As a Special Agent for the U.S. Capitol Police, he led the security detail for Nancy Pelosi and personally protected high-profile figures including Hillary Clinton, Benjamin Netanyahu, King Abdullah of Jordan, and Sir Elton John. As a private military contractor for the U.S. State Department, he trained former Navy SEALs, Marines, Army Rangers, and Special Forces in high-threat diplomatic security. These are the real-world crucibles where he forged the system behind Inner ArmorTM—his powerful framework for mastering pressure, mental toughness, and emotional control. Wittman’s latest book, INNER ARMOR: Perpetual ResilienceTM, is the centerpiece of his national media campaign and corporate speaking tour. Drawing on three decades of elite military, law enforcement, and leadership experience, this tactical guide provides the tools to build emotional sovereignty and thrive in the chaos of today’s world. It’s more than just another book on grit—it’s a field manual for rewiring your mental operating system. Connect with Andrew: Email: info@getwarriortough.com Website: https://getwarriortough.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin/com/Andrew-D-Wittman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheWarriorMonk316 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriortoughphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetWarriorTough/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices