Leading Minds Revealed

Michael Apollo

Leading Minds Revealed Podcast: Unlocking the Secrets of Mindful Executive Leadership Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed, a transformative podcast that dives deep into the intersection of mindfulness, mental fitness, and executive leadership. Hosted by industry experts, this thought-provoking series brings you exclusive conversations with C-suite executives, organizational leaders, and visionaries from industries navigating rapid change. Each episode explores how strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and mindful practices empower today’s top leaders to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, Leading Minds Revealed offers actionable insights to elevate your leadership game. Why Listen to Leading Minds Revealed? In today’s high-stakes business environment, effective leadership requires more than technical expertise—it demands mental clarity, resilience, and the ability to inspire teams through uncertainty. Leading Minds Revealed showcases real stories from seasoned executives who have faced complex challenges, driven strategic transformations, and built high-performance cultures. From navigating technological disruptions to fostering emotional intelligence (EQ) in the C-suite, our guests share the mental tools, frameworks, and strategies that have fueled their success. Our podcast is designed for forward-thinking leaders who want to: Master decision-making under pressure. Build resilient organizational cultures that preserve core values during change. Leverage emotional intelligence to influence and inspire teams. Adapt to market shifts, technological advancements, and evolving workforce expectations. Implement mindful leadership practices for sustainable high performance. With a focus on real-world applications, Leading Minds Revealed bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering listeners practical takeaways to sharpen their leadership skills and drive measurable results. What to Expect from Each Episode Every episode of Leading Minds Revealed is a masterclass in modern leadership. Our guests come from diverse industries—technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and more—bringing unique perspectives on what it takes to lead with confidence and foresight. Topics are tailored to each guest’s expertise, ensuring fresh, relevant content that resonates with today’s executives. Expect in-depth discussions on: Mental Fitness for High-Stakes Leadership: Learn how top executives maintain clarity and make sound decisions in high-pressure environments. Discover mindfulness techniques and mental frameworks that enhance focus and resilience. Building Resilient Cultures: Explore strategies for preserving organizational values while navigating mergers, restructurings, or market shifts. Hear how leaders foster trust and alignment in dynamic settings. Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Uncover the role of EQ in driving influence, collaboration, and team performance. Learn how to cultivate self-awareness and empathy to lead with impact. Future-Ready Leadership: Stay ahead of the curve by adapting to technological disruptions, AI advancements, and changing market dynamics. Our guests share how they position their organizations for long-term success. Mindful Leadership Practices: From meditation to structured reflection, discover tools that promote sustainable high performance and prevent burnout at the executive level. Career Journeys and Lessons Learned: Hear inspiring stories of how leaders got started, overcame pitfalls, and honed their expertise. Learn from their successes, failures, and comebacks to accelerate your own growth. Decision-Making Processes: Gain insights into how top executives approach critical decisions, including the good, the bad, and the lessons learned along the way. Overcoming Leadership Challenges: From talent development to organizational culture, explore how leaders tackle comp

  1. Beyond AI Tools: How Leaders Should Think About AI | Srini Koushik | EP 120

    FEB 4

    Beyond AI Tools: How Leaders Should Think About AI | Srini Koushik | EP 120

    In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Srini Koushik, founder of Right Brain Labs, for a grounded and practical conversation on what AI fluency really means for today’s leaders.   Rather than focusing on hype or tools alone, Srini reframes AI as a leadership capability — one that requires intention, discernment, and responsibility. The discussion explores how executives can engage with AI in a way that strengthens human judgment, supports sustainable decision-making, and avoids over-automation at the expense of people.   Srini shares how he personally uses AI systems, why leaders must invest as much in human capability as in technology, and how ethical and responsible adoption starts with mindset, not policy. This episode challenges leaders to move beyond experimentation and toward thoughtful integration of AI into how they think, learn, and lead. If you’re navigating AI acceleration at the leadership level and want clarity without noise, this conversation offers a steady and practical lens.   ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed 00:33 – Podcast mission and leadership focus 00:45 – Introducing host Michael Apollo 01:15 – Framing the challenge of AI acceleration 02:10 – Introducing Srini Koushik and Right Brain Labs 03:22 – What AI fluency actually means for leaders 06:04 – Why AI is a leadership issue, not a tech issue 09:18 – Investing in humans alongside technology 12:41 – Responsible and ethical use of AI 16:09 – Moving beyond hype and tool obsession 19:27 – How Srini personally uses AI systems 23:08 – AI personas and intentional engagement 27:34 – Decision-making, judgment, and discernment 31:56 – Sustainability and long-term thinking 35:42 – Supporting organizations through AI adoption 39:10 – Final reflections and leadership takeaways   👉 Subscribe for conversations with leaders shaping the future of business through clarity and mindfulness. 🔗 Share this episode with a leader navigating AI strategy.

    57 min
  2. AI and Leadership Playbook from U.S. Bank’s CIO | Mo Jamous | EP 119

    FEB 3

    AI and Leadership Playbook from U.S. Bank’s CIO | Mo Jamous | EP 119

    In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Mo Jamous, Chief Information Officer at U.S. Bank, for a deeply human conversation on leadership, purpose, and AI-driven transformation.   Mo shares how purpose becomes an anchor during uncertainty, why technology should be used to empower—not replace—people, and how leaders can stay grounded while navigating rapid, overlapping waves of change. Drawing from decades of experience across digital, cloud, and AI transformations, Mo offers practical insight into building customer-obsessed cultures, introducing AI responsibly, and leading with clarity in moments of disruption.   This episode is a powerful exploration of future-ready leadership, human-centered technology, and the mindset required to create lasting impact in an AI-driven world.   Guest: Mo Jamous, Chief Information Officer, U.S. Bank Host: Michael Apollo   ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed 00:55 – Episode focus: leading with purpose in transformation 01:37 – Introducing Mo Jamous, CIO of U.S. Bank 02:27 – Why purpose matters most during uncertainty 03:28 – Mo’s early story and discovering his leadership “why” 05:40 – Purpose as the constant through transformation 07:25 – Translating mission into daily leadership behaviors 08:35 – Staying grounded through customer feedback 09:16 – Turning personal habits into organizational culture 10:38 – What customer obsession looks like in practice 12:04 – Avoiding “shiny object” syndrome in AI 13:44 – Being intentional with innovation 15:22 – AI as empowerment, not replacement 17:54 – Addressing fear and misinformation around AI 19:19 – Creating value vs. cutting costs with AI 21:21 – Separating hype from reality in AI narratives 23:08 – Task-based work and human-AI collaboration 24:19 – Leadership principles that stay constant 26:40 – Psychological safety, collaboration, and trust 28:58 – Is AI fundamentally different from past tech waves? 30:39 – Why AI adoption lags behind capability 33:00 – Upskilling teams and AI literacy challenges 35:53 – Helping teams change how they work 38:22 – Progressive AI rollout strategies 40:32 – Human-centered change leadership 41:22 – Being present as a leader during uncertainty 43:28 – Recognition, visibility, and employee motivation 45:57 – How service shaped Mo’s leadership philosophy 48:38 – Is digital transformation really human transformation? 49:06 – Advice for leaders navigating AI-driven change 52:35 – Where to follow Mo Jamous 54:20 – Final reflections and closing   📣 Call to Action If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe to Leading Minds Revealed, like this episode, and share it with a leader navigating change. Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your perspective.

    55 min
  3. Why Leaders Must Stop Having All the Answers: The Power of a Learning Mindset | Humayun Ali | EP 117

    JAN 14

    Why Leaders Must Stop Having All the Answers: The Power of a Learning Mindset | Humayun Ali | EP 117

    In this episode, Humayun Ali joins the show for a deeply reflective conversation on mindfulness, leadership, and the inner work required to lead with clarity in a fast-moving world. Humayun shares how mindfulness became a grounding force in his personal and professional life — not as an abstract concept, but as a daily practice that shapes how he listens, decides, and responds under pressure. He speaks candidly about identity, self-awareness, and the discipline required to slow down in environments that reward constant motion. This conversation explores presence, intentional leadership, and why cultivating stillness is not a retreat from responsibility, but a way to meet it more fully. It’s a thoughtful discussion for anyone navigating complexity, growth, or the weight of leadership in modern life. ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome and episode opening 00:58 — Introducing Humayun Ali 01:47 — Discovering mindfulness 03:21 — Early influences and inner awareness 05:06 — Mindfulness beyond meditation 07:02 — Leading from presence, not reactivity 09:18 — Identity, self-observation, and growth 11:44 — Creating space before responding 14:07 — Pressure, performance, and calm 16:33 — Letting go of control 19:01 — The discipline of slowing down 21:40 — Mindfulness in leadership moments 24:58 — Navigating uncertainty with awareness 27:36 — Stillness as strength 30:10 — Advice for leaders beginning this work 32:28 — Final reflections and close 📣 CALL TO ACTION If this conversation resonated with you: 👍 Like the video 💬 Comment with your biggest insight 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on mindful leadership 📤 Share this episode with someone who could benefit from slowing down

    48 min
  4. Same Language, Different Meaning: Leading Across Cultures | Lamiaa Soliman | EP 116

    JAN 7

    Same Language, Different Meaning: Leading Across Cultures | Lamiaa Soliman | EP 116

    In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Lamiaa Soliman, a global leader working at the intersection of healthcare, technology, AI, and international expansion. Drawing from lived experience across the Middle East, Europe, and North America, Lamiaa shares what it truly means to lead across cultures — not from theory, but from practice. From navigating healthcare adoption in culturally sensitive markets to understanding why slowing down can be a strategic advantage, this conversation explores how trust, listening, humility, and context shape successful leadership. Lamiaa also reflects on growing up in Saudi Arabia, bridging Western and Middle Eastern leadership models, dispelling stereotypes, and why representation, ethical AI, and human-centered design matter more than ever in global healthcare. This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation for leaders navigating complexity, change, and cross-border work in today’s world. ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed 01:10 — Introducing Lamiaa Solaiman 02:09 — Returning to Saudi Arabia and unlearning assumptions 03:41 — Women, technology, and shifting cultural narratives 04:57 — The challenge of leading across cultures 05:48 — Healthcare as a culturally sensitive space 06:47 — Why language and naming matter 07:46 — Human-centered design across borders 08:40 — “Same language, different meanings” 10:09 — Family dynamics and patient decision-making 11:43 — Expanding healthcare platforms globally 13:19 — Navigating the NHS and public systems 14:49 — Time, trust, and relationship-based regions 15:53 — Growing up between cultures 18:01 — Skills leaders need in cross-cultural meetings 19:44 — Listening beyond words 21:16 — Growth mindset and adapting to change 22:15 — AI adoption in unexpected ways 25:30 — A lesson in slowing down during conflict 27:29 — Dispelling stereotypes through presence 29:55 — Polarization, identity, and empathy 32:24 — Diversity, inclusion, and lived experience 37:30 — AI, healthcare, and representation 41:14 — Ethics, data, and patient impact 45:43 — Genomics and population health 47:30 — Leadership shaped by upbringing 50:09 — Majlis, storytelling, and leadership without titles 52:45 — Ego, humility, and informed leadership 56:24 — How leaders can build cultural fluency 01:00:19 — Where to connect with Lamiaa 01:02:00 — Final reflections and close 📣 CALL TO ACTION If this episode resonated with you: 👍 Like the video 💬 Share your biggest takeaway in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on mindful leadership 📤 Share this episode with someone leading across cultures

    1h 3m
  5. Leading Digital Transformation Without Losing Humanity | Aamer Hasham | EP 115

    2025-12-24

    Leading Digital Transformation Without Losing Humanity | Aamer Hasham | EP 115

    In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Aamer Hasham, Vice President of Client Partner at Bits In Glass, to explore what it really means to lead digital transformation without losing the human element. As organizations race to adopt AI, automation, and new technologies, Aamer challenges a common assumption: that transformation is purely digital. Instead, he reframes transformation as a deeply human process — one that requires clarity of purpose, empathy, conscious leadership, and the courage to slow down in order to move forward. Together, they explore leadership blind spots in AI adoption, the importance of understanding why before how, and how mindfulness, reflection, and human connection can actually accelerate performance in complex, fast-moving environments. This episode is a thoughtful conversation for leaders navigating uncertainty, scale, and change — and for anyone asking how to balance efficiency, innovation, and humanity in the age of AI. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed 00:32 – What this podcast is about 00:45 – Today’s focus: digital transformation & humanity 01:15 – Introducing Aamer Hasham, VP at Bits In Glass 01:58 – Business fads vs human-centered leadership 02:54 – The tension between efficiency and humanity 03:27 – Why “digital transformation” misses the human 03:51 – Understanding the why before acting 04:47 – Leadership responsibility & creating safe spaces 05:55 – Clear thinking in complex initiatives 06:18 – How AI can create space for deeper thinking 07:01 – Organic leadership vs rigid methodologies 08:06 – Mechanics vs meaning in transformation 09:21 – Asking “why” repeatedly 10:24 – Qualitative vs quantitative value 11:42 – Alignment before acceleration 12:45 – Leadership blind spots in digital change 13:34 – “Failing forward” and cognitive overload 14:27 – Slowing down thinking vs slowing operations 15:33 – Time as a leadership variable 16:45 – Fixed mindsets & unconscious habits 17:19 – Mindfulness and awareness in leadership 18:13 – Meditation, biking & conscious detachment 20:22 – Slower speed as growth 21:47 – Deep thought as productivity 22:43 – Creating human connection in fast teams 23:34 – Getting to know your people 24:25 – Modeling wellbeing as a leader 25:49 – Airline transformation case study 27:14 – Communication breakdowns vs technical issues 28:28 – Reducing chaos through clarity 29:54 – Burnout, flexibility & team awareness 31:14 – Relationships as the core of leadership 32:20 – Productivity vs happiness research 33:28 – Finding balance between efficiency & empathy 34:09 – Lessons from entrepreneurship & legacy 35:30 – Innovation driven by listening 37:14 – Empathy, honesty & difficult conversations 38:58 – Humanity as a leadership advantage 41:03 – AI freeing time for human connection 43:13 – Data, insight & reducing stress 45:01 – Automation enabling better collaboration 46:22 – Using AI for responsiveness, not reactivity 47:31 – Measuring trust and team sentiment 48:52 – Reflection, impermanence & leadership growth 49:57 – Loss, learning & mindset 51:23 – Presence, purpose & relationships 54:10 – Where to find Aamer 56:31 – Closing & subscribe Get in touch with Aamer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aamer-hasham-66ab543/ 🎧 CALL TO ACTION 👉 If this episode resonated, subscribe for more conversations on mindful leadership. 👍 Like the episode and share your thoughts in the comments. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 📩 Share this with a leader navigating digital change.

    57 min
  6. Founder-Led Culture, Rapid Change & People Strategy in the Age of AI | Jo Knowler | Leading Minds Revealed | EP 114

    2025-12-10

    Founder-Led Culture, Rapid Change & People Strategy in the Age of AI | Jo Knowler | Leading Minds Revealed | EP 114

    In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Jo Knowler, Head of People & Talent at SBE Media Group, to explore how leaders can build resilient teams in fast-changing, founder-led and AI-driven workplaces. From team culture to learning environments, neurodiversity, adaptability, and leadership under rapid growth — Jo brings deeply human insights from the front lines of scaling brands like Supercar Blondie and SBX Cars. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed 00:32 – Introduction & episode setup 01:11 – Meet Jo Knowler: Head of People & Talent 02:10 – Frank the office dog joins the conversation 02:57 – Building teams in the age of AI 03:24 – Why long-term planning is disappearing 05:09 – AI reshaping roles and recruitment 06:09 – No AI experts: test, learn, evolve 07:12 – Rethinking hiring & CVs 08:35 – Gamification and neurodiversity in recruitment 09:18 – Human-centered talent strategies 10:14 – Skills & attributes leaders look for 11:07 – Feedback, adaptability & being thick-skinned 12:22 – Why stubbornness slows growth 14:06 – Rapid change & agility 15:42 – IT and People merging under one leader 16:48 – Founder-led businesses: why Jo thrives 18:09 – Trust, strategy & leadership partnership 19:33 – Where founders get stuck 20:48 – Balancing vision with stability 22:00 – Finding the “adult in the room” 23:21 – Structuring communication 24:19 – Culture, training & growth 25:29 – Transparency from day one 27:04 – Weekly communication rhythms 28:23 – Cross-functional collaboration 29:46 – Clarity & psychological stability 30:34 – Recruiting with honesty 31:35 – Engagement, happiness & retention 32:38 – Listening, empathy & solving problems 33:56 – Coaching & career development 35:17 – Creating learning pathways 37:07 – Rapid innovation & knowledge sharing 39:15 – Turbo Talks & internal learning 41:00 – AI tools, law, and internal education 42:11 – Keeping teams aligned across regions 43:46 – Masterclass in internal learning 45:30 – Leadership lessons from bad managers 47:47 – Showing up consistently as a leader 49:18 – Presence over reactivity 50:52 – Repairing relationships after conflict 51:49 – Support systems & recharge 53:20 – Boundaries, parenting and switching off 55:07 – Book club, community & self-care 57:00 – Intentional wellbeing for leaders 59:39 – How to connect with Jo 01:01:30 – Window-shopping luxury cars 01:02:31 – Closing & next episode preview 01:03:04 – Subscribe for more 🎧 CALL TO ACTION 👉 If this episode inspired you, subscribe for more leadership conversations. 👍 Like the video, leave a comment, and tell us what resonated most. 🔔 Hit notifications so you never miss an episode. 📩 Share it with someone who needs it today.

    1h 3m

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Leading Minds Revealed Podcast: Unlocking the Secrets of Mindful Executive Leadership Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed, a transformative podcast that dives deep into the intersection of mindfulness, mental fitness, and executive leadership. Hosted by industry experts, this thought-provoking series brings you exclusive conversations with C-suite executives, organizational leaders, and visionaries from industries navigating rapid change. Each episode explores how strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and mindful practices empower today’s top leaders to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, Leading Minds Revealed offers actionable insights to elevate your leadership game. Why Listen to Leading Minds Revealed? In today’s high-stakes business environment, effective leadership requires more than technical expertise—it demands mental clarity, resilience, and the ability to inspire teams through uncertainty. Leading Minds Revealed showcases real stories from seasoned executives who have faced complex challenges, driven strategic transformations, and built high-performance cultures. From navigating technological disruptions to fostering emotional intelligence (EQ) in the C-suite, our guests share the mental tools, frameworks, and strategies that have fueled their success. Our podcast is designed for forward-thinking leaders who want to: Master decision-making under pressure. Build resilient organizational cultures that preserve core values during change. Leverage emotional intelligence to influence and inspire teams. Adapt to market shifts, technological advancements, and evolving workforce expectations. Implement mindful leadership practices for sustainable high performance. With a focus on real-world applications, Leading Minds Revealed bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering listeners practical takeaways to sharpen their leadership skills and drive measurable results. What to Expect from Each Episode Every episode of Leading Minds Revealed is a masterclass in modern leadership. Our guests come from diverse industries—technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and more—bringing unique perspectives on what it takes to lead with confidence and foresight. Topics are tailored to each guest’s expertise, ensuring fresh, relevant content that resonates with today’s executives. Expect in-depth discussions on: Mental Fitness for High-Stakes Leadership: Learn how top executives maintain clarity and make sound decisions in high-pressure environments. Discover mindfulness techniques and mental frameworks that enhance focus and resilience. Building Resilient Cultures: Explore strategies for preserving organizational values while navigating mergers, restructurings, or market shifts. Hear how leaders foster trust and alignment in dynamic settings. Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Uncover the role of EQ in driving influence, collaboration, and team performance. Learn how to cultivate self-awareness and empathy to lead with impact. Future-Ready Leadership: Stay ahead of the curve by adapting to technological disruptions, AI advancements, and changing market dynamics. Our guests share how they position their organizations for long-term success. Mindful Leadership Practices: From meditation to structured reflection, discover tools that promote sustainable high performance and prevent burnout at the executive level. Career Journeys and Lessons Learned: Hear inspiring stories of how leaders got started, overcame pitfalls, and honed their expertise. Learn from their successes, failures, and comebacks to accelerate your own growth. Decision-Making Processes: Gain insights into how top executives approach critical decisions, including the good, the bad, and the lessons learned along the way. Overcoming Leadership Challenges: From talent development to organizational culture, explore how leaders tackle comp