A Geek Leader Podcast - inspiring technical and creative leaders around the world

John Rouda: technical leader, author, speaker, educator
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The ultimate podcast for aspiring leaders in the creative or technology fields. John Rouda discusses leadership topics, interviews some of the greatest minds today and teaches you practical leadership tips, techniques, tricks and hacks to improve motivation, negotiation, and other much needed skills for leaders today.

  1. 2d ago

    AGL 472: Ryan Vet

    About Ryan Ryan Vet is a USA Today bestselling author, generational futurist, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur with more than twenty years of experience at the intersection of leadership, technology, and organizational change. He began his entrepreneurial journey as a teenager, legally forming his first company at the courthouse alongside his father. That moment set the tone for everything that followed. Ryan has always believed that building something real requires doing it right, and that commitment to disciplined execution has defined his career. Over the next two decades, Ryan built and scaled businesses across industries, leading organizations from pre-revenue through large-scale operations. He served as President of a company that reached a valuation of over $750 million. He has navigated successful ventures and failed ones, and he is candid about both — because the failures are as instructive as the wins, often more so. Ryan’s operating experience gave him an unusual vantage point: he managed multi-generational teams at scale, in real time, under real pressure. He watched the fractures that form when different generational values collide in hiring, communication, technology adoption, and organizational culture. And he watched those fractures cost companies in ways that never appeared on the P&L. It was in those environments that Ryan developed the frameworks that now anchor his work. The Velocity Gap describes the distance between how fast organizations change and how fast the people inside them can adapt. The Generational Pendulum explains how each generation’s characteristics are a direct response to the generation that raised them. The Generational Prism provides a practical model for leaders who must communicate and lead effectively across fundamentally different value systems. Not in theory, but on Monday morning. Ryan had been writing, researching, and speaking alongside his operating career for years. After a successful exit from a startup in 2021, he devoted his full energy to this work, driven by the conviction that the highest-leverage contribution he could make was not another company, but the synthesis of twenty years of practitioner experience offered to the leaders who need it most. Today, Ryan speaks to corporate leadership teams, HR and L&D organizations, healthcare systems, financial services firms, associations, and universities across 45+ states and four continents. He is a USA Today bestselling author and has been featured in Forbes, ABC, and NBC. He writes the Collide newsletter on generational leadership and the future of work. Ryan continues to manage a portfolio of companies including real estate investment, hospitality, and software ventures. He holds limited partner positions in venture capital funds and is an active angel investor, maintaining his practitioner’s edge not as a credential, but as a discipline. His work as a generational futurist and keynote speaker is grounded in a simple conviction: the organizations that will lead the next decade are not the ones with the best strategy. They are the ones that figure out how to get five generations of people to work toward the same thing. Today We Talked About Background AI for future workforce What is “Not” going to change because of AI Cognative Errosion spell check GPS what’s next ? Removing friction from life 7 factors that make the generational pendilum swing slower Echo chambers Benefits of tech Boundaries History Connect with Ryan LinkedIn Website Books Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

    37 min

  2. May 29

    AGL 471: Mike Krupit

    About Mike Mike founded Trajectify in 2013 to focus on coaching entrepreneurs of young companies and small businesses. He is the veteran of eight diverse startups, both East and West Coast, and has been a fixture in the booms and busts of the last 30 years. He was a young software geek that grew from CTO to COO to CEO as he developed his strong sense of leadership. Mike honed his management skills with the young companies as they became successful exits and mature businesses, including three IPOs and a bunch of mergers and acquisitions. His passion to partner with and learn from great visionaries helped start and operate some diverse (and pretty cool) businesses. He co-founded healthy food company (Real Food Works). He co-founded a business incubator (Novotorium). He developed the e-commerce technology and operations at online music pioneer, CDNOW, was part of taking the company public, later becoming CDNOW’s CEO and improved the bottom line by $40M with revenues of $150M. Mike helped turn around a 15 year old telecommunications company, doubling revenues to $25M. He spent a decade in Silicon Valley where he helped build Verity (a pioneer in search engines, IPO and sold to Autonomy/HP) and KnowledgeSet (one of the first companies to put data on a CD). In the Northeast, Mike worked with Infonautics (a pioneer in online information services, that also produced a bunch of great entrepreneurs and patents), and Knite, a spin-out from Princeton University to commercialize an innovation to the spark plug. Today We Talked About Mike’s background Software Geek CTO to COO COO to CEO Leadership Skill are transferable People Skills wrong people, wrong seats Learning leadership skills advisory vs. coaching quarterly planning Connect with Mike Website LinkedIn Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

    32 min

  3. May 22

    AGL 470: Karina Mangu-Ward

    About Karina Karina has a decade of experience partnering with leading nonprofits, foundations, city agencies, and community stakeholders. At August, Karina is an organizational design consultant who helps nurture more creative, self-managing and productive teams. She’s partnered with New York City’s Department of Education, Sundance Institute, Planned Parenthood, PepsiCo and Chanel. Prior to joining August, she worked for 10 years with nonprofits, foundations, government agencies, and community networks tackling complex organizational and social challenges. Her passion is helping groups navigate ambiguity, gain insight, and unlock highly complex challenges. Today We Talked About Her Background Theater and Psychology Human side of AI Agile Ways of Working Teams That Meet the Moment Why your org chart may be quietly killing innovation The “team charter” revolution: how making roles explicit accelerates clarity and growth Meetings are broken: the structural reset that eliminates decision paralysis “Safe to try”: how high-performing teams move forward without waiting for consensus Chunking work down Cycle’s of reflection The world moves too fast now to be perfect Why “progress over perfection” drives faster, healthier transformation Four small team tweaks that could immediately improve your workweek Why shared habits and shared language are so important for teams right now. It would be great to touch on two practices from the book about how to make decisions as a team in a world that never sits still: safe to try and even overs. The role of leaders in supporting exceptional team work. The shift that AI is going to bring for technical and creative leaders. Lies about Performance: Better Strategy Superstar talent, leads to superstar teamwork One way doors and two way doors Even overs Move fast and fix things Work in Public   Connect with Karina LinkedIn Website Book Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

    40 min

  4. May 15

    AGL 469: Fred Marshall

    About Fred Fred Marshall has spent decades helping companies like Apple, Pfizer, and Genentech navigate moments of rapid transformation. As founder and CEO of Quantum Learning, Inc., he’s trained more than 130,000 professionals across fourteen countries and helped launch dozens of major bio-pharma brands. His specialty is translating high-pressure change into clear, repeatable performance. In his new book, THRIVE: The Antidote to Future Shock (May 12, 2026), with a forward by Peter Diamandis, Fred argues that the real risk of AI isn’t automation – it’s human overload. Teams aren’t failing because the technology is too complex. They’re struggling because attention, energy, and judgment are being stretched past their limits.     Today We Talked About Background What jobs are at risk? AI Revolution Information Overload Uncertainty Attention Economy Screentime Self-improving technology Strategic and Curious Building the future you want Managing the Present moment Enjoy the moment Managing It Noise… 3 Bucket Model What are my priorities? What are my obligations? Noise… Use the power of compound growth Bring great people into your life simplicity and focus Focus mode – with your phone Be Mindful that it is disguised as a priority Schedule stuff in your calendar with another person Be obsessed Internal Journey External Journey Shared Journey Human-AI Symbiosis Robotics   Connect with Fred Book LinkedIn Website Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

    36 min

  5. May 8

    AGL 468: Dr. Henry Cloud

    About Henry Dr. Henry Cloud is a clinical psychologist, leadership expert, and New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold over twenty million copies worldwide. Named by Success magazine as one of the top 25 leaders in the field, his work spans executive coaching, organizational transformation, and personal growth. He holds a BS in psychology from Southern Methodist University and a PhD in clinical psychology from Biola University. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Today We Talked About Boundaries with Kids Boundaries for Leaders Necessary Endings Your Desired Future: The Five Essential Steps That Take You Where You Want to Go Simple Model for people to follow The Human Body as a metaphor Vision Talent & Resources Strategy & Plan Measurement & Accountability Adaptation & Problem-solving “What’s it like to be on the other side of me?”  Relationaly and Results. Accountability is your immune system Ask “Why or Why not?” Mutually agreed upon expectations Psychological Safety Connect with Henry Website Books Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

    45 min

  6. May 1

    AGL 467: Sabrina Parsons

    About Sabrina  Sabrina Parsons, CEO of Palo Alto Software, would bring a striking perspective to your show. Sabrina has spent years not only innovating (with her team at LivePlan, supporting over a million entrepreneurs globally) but fiercely advocating for women in tech and in leadership. She’s shaped powerful initiatives in Oregon to broaden access to capital and opportunity, and she’s dedicated to democratizing entrepreneurship so every founder gets a fair shot, no matter their background. Her practical approach to strategy, her experience across civic leadership and her candid voice as ForbesWoman’s “MommyCEO” make her a natural fit for conversations on technical and creative leadership. Sabrina’s knowledge—from navigating Silicon Valley startups to empowering youth sports and growing nonprofits—is the kind of operational insight and human-centered philosophy your audience craves. Today We Talked About Background Palo Alto Software Culture deck We rely on data We solve for the customer We’re transparent We give you the autonomy to be awesome We’re picky about our peers We value community Culture will be there whether you like it / build it or not. Honestly Speaking Transparency Don’t ruin it for the rest of us Trust Allow people to fail Connect with Sabrina LinkedIn Website Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

    40 min

  7. Apr 24

    AGL 466: Jim Vines

    About Jim Jim Vines grew up in Alabama, but for the past 25 years he has called New York City his home. His lifelong passion for magic was sparked at the age of 12, when a classmate vanished Jim’s milk money. Jim co-stars in New York City’s #1 family-friendly magic show, the Broadway Magic Hour, now in its second year of performances. Time Out NY rated the show one of the “Best Magic Shows in NYC,” as well as one of the “Best Off Broadway Shows for Kids and Families.” In 2017 Jim won the title of North American Champion of Close-Up Magic from FISM, the world congress of magic. When Jim recently performed his award-winning act on the hit TV show “Penn & Teller: FOOL US”, the legendary magic duo said, “Just brilliant! We loved every single second of it!” Jim has shared his magic throughout the US – at such venues as The Wonderground in Las Vegas, the Smoke and Mirrors Theater in Philadelphia, and the Magic Castle in Hollywood – and in 11 other countries around the world. Today We Talked About Background Communication Relating to others Learn a magic trick Closeup Magic Parlor Magic Stage Magic Stress Mentalism vs. Magic Butterflies are good… they are a sign you have something exciting to share What to do with your hands Celebrate wins Limit Negativity Connect with Jim LinkedIn Website Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

    36 min

  8. Apr 17

    AGL 465: Erin Coupe

    About Erin Erin Coupe is an international keynote speaker, executive advisor, and bestselling author who advises high-performers and organizations on redefining how success is achieved and sustained. Her work equips leaders to strengthen clarity, expand capacity, and sustain high performance over time, enabling them to operate with greater discernment, presence, and effectiveness in today’s most demanding environments. She is the author of the bestselling book I Can Fit That In, named a 2026 NextList selection by J.P. Morgan, recognizing influential ideas shaping the future of leadership, culture, and performance. Her insights have been featured in Fast Company, Inc., Business Insider, Success Magazine, The Guardian, and leading media outlets. She is a trusted advisor to executives and leadership teams across Fortune 100 to Fortune 1000 companies, global associations, universities, and professional sports organizations. Erin is known for her rare ability to articulate the invisible pressures shaping modern leadership and translate them into practical, transformative shifts. Through keynote speaking, executive advisory, and immersive leadership experiences, she equips individuals and organizations to expand leadership capacity, strengthen clarity, and lead with grounded authority rather than constant urgency. Prior to starting her own business, Erin spent over 17 years inside publicly traded corporations, including Goldman Sachs, where she experienced firsthand the pace, expectations, and complexity leaders navigate at the highest levels. This lived experience, combined with her expertise in neuroscience, human behavior, and leadership development, allows her to bridge the gap between high performance and human sustainability in a way that resonates deeply with executive audiences. She lives on the North Shore of Chicago with her husband and two boys, where life beyond work serves as her source of ritual and perspective. Today We Talked About Erin’s background Turning Pain into Purpose Bad Leadership Put your oxygen mask on first Who do you want to model Healthy Boundries Leadership Fitting in the important things Invisible Loads… Outdated beliefs Always business Connect with Erin LinkedIn Website Book Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

    35 min
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4.9
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About

The ultimate podcast for aspiring leaders in the creative or technology fields. John Rouda discusses leadership topics, interviews some of the greatest minds today and teaches you practical leadership tips, techniques, tricks and hacks to improve motivation, negotiation, and other much needed skills for leaders today.

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