High Octane Leadership

Donald Thompson
  • 4.8 (13)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Future-proof your leadership with High Octane Leadership, a place where business leaders—whether by title or aspiration—share cheat codes for unlocking workplace excellence, lessons learned along the way, and insider tips for future generations of next-level professionals. With a career rooted in building people and businesses, Donald Thompson is an award-winning CEO, speaker, and author who empowers leaders to scale with purpose. Over the last 25 years, he has helped startups and enterprises alike drive cultural change, unlock performance, and deliver exceptional results through strategic leadership. Find him on LinkedIn, and listen here to learn how you can become future-proof too.

  1. Why Leaders Avoid Mental Health Conversations with Dr. Kennette Thigpen

    JAN 22

    Why Leaders Avoid Mental Health Conversations with Dr. Kennette Thigpen

    Attention to mental health is not a workplace benefit. It is the factor that makes or breaks your workplace. In this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald Thompson sits down with Dr. Kennette Thigpen, Chief Clinical Officer at Workplace Options, to explore why embedding psychological safety is mission critical to your success  as a leader and organization.  What You'll Learn: How to truly infuse mental health into your organizational culture, policies and daily practices in the context of employee engagement and retention The Psychosocial Risk Framework  your new risk assessment tool to identify systemlevel stressors that create presenteeism, absenteeism and turnoverWhy psychological safety is your secret weapon for high performance teams About the Guest(s)   Dr. Kennette Thigpen is the Chief Clinical Officer at Workplace Options, where she oversees clinical excellence, quality and service delivery across a global mental health and employee assistance platform. With a background in clinical social work and mental health counseling, Dr. Thigpen brings deep expertise in workplace mental wellbeing, psychological safety, and organizational culture transformation. She is the author of “Cut Yourself Some Slack: 52 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health for a Happier, Healthier, and More Hopeful You”, a practical microlearning resource born from five years of weekly mental health insights shared across social media. Over the course of her career, her work has directly impacted thousands of employees globally, demonstrating that authentic mental health advocacy at the leadership level creates a cascading effect that strengthens organizational culture, engagement and, ultimately, better business outcomes. Resources: Connect with Dr. Kennette ThigpenWorkplace Options Website Donald Thompson LinkedInHigh Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    28 min
  2. Why Persuasion Isn’t a Dirty Word and How to Use It Effectively with J.C Abdallah

    JAN 8

    Why Persuasion Isn’t a Dirty Word and How to Use It Effectively with J.C Abdallah

    What does knowing how to build a loyal fan-community have to do with being an impactful leader? Everything, apparently. In this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald Thompson sits down with J.C. Abdallah, Ph.D., a quantitative researcher studying fandom and persuasion, alongside creative partner Bob Batchelor to explore how fandom works, why persuasion matters in leadership and how the psychology of community building applies directly to business and brand strategy. What You'll Learn: The persuasion framework and the difference between ethical influence and manipulation Why brand loyalty begins in childhood and how long-term customer relationships beat quick revenue hits Why authenticity and visibility matter more than you think  About the Guest(s)   J.C. Abdallah, Ph.D.,  is a quantitative researcher and educator specializing in the intersection of sports, media and fan identification. With expertise in sports communication, persuasion and mass communication, Dr. Abdallah has conducted extensive research on how NFL and college football fans engage with social media and build community identity. His work demonstrates that understanding fan behavior and creating meaningful connections is not just about entertainment; it's a blueprint for C-suite executives and emerging leaders looking to cultivate long-term brand loyalty and organizational culture. Resources: Connect with J.C. AbdallahConnect with Bob Batchelor  Donald Thompson LinkedInHigh Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    47 min
  3. Proximity = Power: The Hidden Key to Building Unshakeable Team Trust | Bianca Freedman

    12/25/2025

    Proximity = Power: The Hidden Key to Building Unshakeable Team Trust | Bianca Freedman

    Trust and empathy are critical leadership currencies in today's uncertain business landscape, especially when navigating internal communications and team dynamics. In this episode of High Octane Leadership, host Donald Thompson engages with Bianca Freedman, CEO of Edelman Canada, to explore effective leadership strategies, building trust, and creating psychological safety in the workplace. As the youngest regional CEO in Edelman's global network, Bianca shares insights from leading 300 employees across five offices and achieving strong double-digit growth. What You'll Learn: Build trust and alignment through clear, consistent communication—focusing on everyday messaging, visibility, and proximity with teams.Model psychological safety by addressing mistakes openly and prioritizing solutions over spin to maintain both internal and client trust.Lead with authenticity by grounding thought leadership in genuine curiosity and delivering real value.Accelerate career growth by excelling in current responsibilities while actively seeking learning opportunities for future roles. About the Guest(s) Bianca Freedman is the CEO of Edelman Canada, where she oversees strategy, operations, and culture across five offices and nearly 300 employees. Appointed in 2022 as the youngest regional CEO in Edelman's global network, she has led the organization to strong double-digit growth and numerous creative accolades, including top ranking at Cannes Lions 2024. Under her leadership, Edelman Canada has earned recognition as one of the best workplaces in Canada and best workplaces managed by women in 2025.  In this episode, Bianca shares valuable insights on building trust in uncertain times, effective internal communications, and creating psychological safety in the workplace, drawing from her experience leading a major professional services organization through complex business environments. Her practical approach to leadership and focus on empathy-driven decision-making offers valuable lessons for both emerging and established business leaders. Resources: Bianca Freedman LinkedInEdelman LinkedInEdelman WebsiteHigh Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    30 min
  4. How to Win in the AI Era with Lawyer James Forrest

    12/18/2025

    How to Win in the AI Era with Lawyer James Forrest

    Building a scalable business without burning yourself out may seem like a dream. But the latest episode of High Octane Leadership with Donald Thompson proves that it doesn’t have to be. Tune in as Donald sits down with James Forrest, a renowned attorney and entrepreneur, to explore why listening to your clients matters more than talking and how building genuine relationships accelerates business growth like nothing else.  What You'll Learn: The “Hungry, Humble, Smart” framework for building teams that deliver resultsHow to grow sustainably in the AI era by balancing consistent business development, smart deal making and ethical leadershipThe hidden cost of chasing affirmation and how to lead a business that doesn’t come at the expense of well being About the Guest(s)   James Forrest is an entrepreneurial leader and accomplished attorney at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, where he brings over two decades of legal expertise combined with innovative business strategy. With a background in building and scaling boutique law firms, including founding the Forrest Firm and subsequently orchestrating its acquisition by Michael Best, James has developed deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions, business law, and client-centered legal innovation. His unique perspective bridges the gap between legal excellence and entrepreneurial growth, making him invaluable for business leaders navigating complex transactions and organizational scaling. His work has helped hundreds of business leaders minimize risk while maximizing growth, making him a leading voice in the space, and one for decision makers seeking to understand how strategic legal counsel and genuine leadership intersect. Resources: James Forrest LinkedInDonald Thompson LinkedInHigh Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    44 min
  5. High Performance Leadership in the Age of AI: Building Self Aware Teams and Meaningful Workplaces

    12/04/2025

    High Performance Leadership in the Age of AI: Building Self Aware Teams and Meaningful Workplaces

    Meaningful work isn't just a perk, it's a fundamental necessity for driving employee engagement, wellbeing, and business success in today's workplace. In this episode of High Octane Leadership, host Donald Thompson engages in an insightful discussion with Bob Batchelor and Jackie Ferguson about creating meaningful work environments, leveraging AI effectively, and developing self awareness as a leader. The conversation draws from their collective experiences in transforming organizations and building high performance cultures. What You'll Learn: Lead with Purpose: Connect everyday tasks to your organization’s larger mission to create truly meaningful work experiences.Adopt AI with Intention: Use the Education → Experimentation → Execution framework to integrate AI responsibly, balancing innovation with transparency and trust.Master Self Aware Leadership: Combine humility and confidence to lead authentically, build psychological safety, and drive results that strengthen both culture and the bottom line. About the Guest(s) Bob Batchelor is a globally recognized communications strategist, award winning author, and cultural historian. His passion lies at the intersection of business, culture, and storytelling. In executive leadership roles, he has led high performing teams delivering data driven marketing that enhanced thought leadership and drove brand growth. He is also the author of 16 books, editor of 19 books.  Jackie Ferguson is cofounder and vice president of content and programming at The Diversity Movement. A member of the 2023 Inc. Female Founders 200 list, she wrote the bestselling book The Inclusive Language Handbook: A Guide to Better Communication and Transformational Leadership.  Resources: Bob Batchelor LinkedInJackie Ferguson LinkedInDonald Thompson LinkedInHigh Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    29 min
  6. Slow Down to Speed Up: The Leadership Cheat Code for Culture and Trust

    11/20/2025

    Slow Down to Speed Up: The Leadership Cheat Code for Culture and Trust

    Meaningful work transcends traditional employee engagement, requiring leaders to build deep trust and create environments where people bring their full selves to work every day. In this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald Thompson joins forces with Bob Batchelor and Jackie Ferguson,  two veteran communication and leadership experts, to explore how organizations can move beyond basic employee engagement to foster truly meaningful work environments that drive long-term loyalty and performance. What You'll Learn: How trust and psychological safety transform engagement into meaningful workWhy C-suite sponsorship and authentic leadership communication are key to lasting culture changeHow personalized leadership, grounded in empathy and context, drives loyalty and performance About the Guest(s) Bob Batchelor is a globally recognized communications strategist, award-winning author, and cultural historian. His passion lies at the intersection of business, culture, and storytelling. In executive leadership roles, he has led high-performing teams delivering data-driven marketing that enhanced thought leadership and drove brand growth. He is also the author of 16 books, editor of 19 books.  Jackie Ferguson is co-founder and vice president of content and programming at The Diversity Movement. A member of the 2023 Inc. Female Founders 200 list, she wrote the bestselling book The Inclusive Language Handbook: A Guide to Better Communication and Transformational Leadership.  Resources: Bob Batchelor LinkedInJackie Ferguson LinkedInDonald Thompson LinkedInHigh Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    42 min
  7. The End of SEO: Inside the Lead Flow Crisis | Greg Boone

    11/06/2025

    The End of SEO: Inside the Lead Flow Crisis | Greg Boone

    The End of SEO: Inside the Lead Flow Crisis  In this dynamic episode of High Octane Leadership, host Donald Thompson engages with Greg Boone, AI thought leader and Walk West CEO, in a powerful discussion about the transformative impact of AI on business leadership, personal branding, and the future of work. What You'll Learn: Adapting to the AI Shift: Navigate the changing lead flow, embrace AI-driven efficiency, and act fast in a “faster, cheaper, better” era where waiting to adopt AI is no longer an option. Human-Centered Growth: Build personality-led brands where leadership drives reputation, and empower “super individual contributors” to do remarkable work with AI. Scalable Visibility: Maximize reach through Walk West’s 4Loop Strategy while creating a content supply chain that multiplies output across channels. About the Guest Greg Boone is a tech-savvy CEO and innovation strategist helping organizations turn AI into real business value. As CEO of Walk West, he leads digital transformation for brands seeking to scale smarter and faster. He previously co-led Blue Acorn iCi through a $125M acquisition by Infosys and served as CEO of Cleartelligence. Greg blends deep technical expertise with strategic clarity, advising Fortune 500s through startups on how to lead through disruption, implement AI effectively, and build future-ready cultures. He’s a sought-after speaker known for translating complexity into momentum for a variety of topics, including new approaches to GenAI, technology, and digital innovation. Resources: Greg Boone LinkedInWalk West LinkedInWalk West WebsiteHigh Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    38 min
  8. Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail: How Smart AI Adoption Drives Business Growth with Greg Boone of WalkWest

    10/23/2025

    Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail: How Smart AI Adoption Drives Business Growth with Greg Boone of WalkWest

    On this episode of High Octane Leadership, host Donald Thompson sits down with Greg Boone to discuss how staying true to your values even when it means walking away from lucrative clients or doubling down on team development can fuel sustainable business growth without compromising what your organization stands for.  What You'll Learn: Ethical and People-First Leadership: Maintaining integrity even at the cost of revenue, fostering a safe culture for feedback, and leading by example through continuous learning. Empowering Teams for Change: Investing in employee education and using frameworks like “Personal, Fun, and Safe” to reduce fear and resistance toward new technologies. Strategic Adaptation and Innovation: Addressing modern lead flow challenges and adopting domain-specific AI tools to stay agile and effective in evolving markets. About the Guest Greg Boone is a tech-savvy CEO and innovation strategist helping organizations turn AI into real business value. As CEO of Walk West, he leads digital transformation for brands seeking to scale smarter and faster. He previously co-led Blue Acorn iCi through a $125M acquisition by Infosys and served as CEO of Cleartelligence. Greg blends deep technical expertise with strategic clarity, advising Fortune 500s through startups on how to lead through disruption, implement AI effectively, and build future-ready cultures. He’s a sought-after speaker known for translating complexity into momentum for a variety of topics, including new approaches to GenAI, technology, and digital innovation. Resources: Greg Boone LinkedInWalkWest LinkedInWalkWest WebsiteHigh Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence. Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    44 min
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About

Future-proof your leadership with High Octane Leadership, a place where business leaders—whether by title or aspiration—share cheat codes for unlocking workplace excellence, lessons learned along the way, and insider tips for future generations of next-level professionals. With a career rooted in building people and businesses, Donald Thompson is an award-winning CEO, speaker, and author who empowers leaders to scale with purpose. Over the last 25 years, he has helped startups and enterprises alike drive cultural change, unlock performance, and deliver exceptional results through strategic leadership. Find him on LinkedIn, and listen here to learn how you can become future-proof too.

Information

  • Creator
    Donald Thompson
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    173
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 580648
  • Show Website
    High Octane Leadership