Leader U

Leader U Podcast

Welcome to The Leader U Podcast brought to you by Black River Performance Management where “we believe work should FUEL the human spirit, not drain it,” is a personal and professional development program aimed at helping people fuel their passions through self-discovery courses, retreats, curated experiences, and more. The Leader U podcast series features conversations with friends, colleagues, and mentors aimed at exploring topics that have been central to their development.

  1. Courage To Emerge

    12/01/2025

    Courage To Emerge

    In this powerful special episode of Leader U, Angie Lion welcomes back bestselling author and courageous leadership expert Ryan Berman for an honest, soul-level conversation on self-talk, inner critics, and the courage it takes to emerge as your truest self. Both Angie and Ryan return to the mic after launching new books: Emerge (Angie Lion) and Headamentals (Ryan Berman) to pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes when you choose to step into visibility, stretch your identity, and rewrite the stories that once kept you small. Together they explore: The mental monsters and cognitive distortions that shape your inner worldWhy courageous leadership starts with self-leadershipHow to spot, confront, and crack the negative self-talk patterns holding you backThe role of asking for help—and the humility it requires—in a culture obsessed with rugged individualismThe link between courage, vulnerability, and personal transformationPractical tools for reframing fear, taming your inner critic, and taking brave action anywayThis episode is both a mirror and a map, equal parts relatable storytelling and grounded guidance for anyone navigating transition, reinvention, or big leaps in leadership and life.If you’re ready to develop the competence that builds true confidence, stop dress-rehearsing disaster, and learn how to spread courage like confetti… this conversation is your next step. Link to shownotes: Shownotes & Transcript🔗 Listen to Angie & Ryan’s first conversation: Leader U Podcast – Episode 38: Change Mastery: From Resilient Action to Courageous Action https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

    42 min
  2. 01/29/2025

    The Healing And Transformational Impact Of Awe Episode:82

    In this episode of The Leader U Podcast, Angie Lion, co-owner of Black River Performance Management, has a soul-filled conversation with Corvas Brinkerhoff. He shares his inspiring journey from co-creating the collaborative art collective Meow Wolf to creating Submersive, a transformative and therapeutic immersive art bath house. Corvas shares the evolution of his leadership philosophy, highlighting the importance of humility, active listening, and trusting intuition as he transitions from collaborative projects to solo entrepreneurship. He discusses the healing power of immersive experiences, weaving together insights from neuroscience, the power of awe, and the potential for art and technology to foster personal growth. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersections of art, leadership, and human transformation. Corvas Brinkerhoff is an artist, leader, and experience designer. His medium is collaboration. Corvas' passion is to create the worlds most beautiful, imaginative, and powerful immersive experiences. His creative practice is centered around vision, team building, and strategic thinking. He is also well versed in immersive tech and interactivity, storytelling, and the creation of large scale art installations. Corvas' role as SVP of Experience Design at Meow Wolf emerged over 13 years of creative exploration at the nexus of art, story, and technology, steering our immersive experiences towards dynamic, media-rich, interactive environments. As Executive Creative Director of Meow Wolf Las Vegas, it's his responsibility to set the creative vision, and build and synchronize his teams around that vision. In that capacity Corvas plays the role of project leader, curator, experience designer, and artist. He seeks to empower and amplify the work of the artists I collaborate with. He believes that great ideas can come from anywhere and that we do our best work when we have well designed boundaries and the freedom to explore our creative instincts. Corvas builds teams of self-actualized individuals who are more knowledgeable and talented than me, offering a structure that supports the expression of their creative genius. Check out Our Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brpm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaderublackriver/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555162806549 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@angielion_leaderuPodcast Website: https://blackriverpm.com

    53 min
  3. 01/22/2025

    Leading Across Generations Episode:81

    In this episode of The Leader U Podcast, host Angie Lion, co-owner of Black River Performance Management, engages in a soul-filled conversation with Dr. Jeremy Graves about generational collaboration in the workplace. Drawing from his extensive leadership experience, Dr. Graves shares valuable insights and lessons, emphasizing how embracing diverse generational perspectives can unlock untapped team potential. Angie and Dr. Graves also discuss the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout and fostering a workplace culture that motivates and energizes employees rather than drains them. The episode highlights Dr. Graves' influential book Change Leadership: The Art of Moving From Resistance to Resilience, along with his other works, Leading Across Generations and The Leader Paradox. Tune in to gain actionable strategies for building an inclusive, thriving work environment that promotes success and well-being. Dr. Jeremy Graves ignites minds and empowers organizations to unlock the hidden potential of their multi-generational teams. As Director of Professional and Continuing Education at Boise State University, he champions innovative programs that equip leaders with the tools to navigate the dynamic landscape of intergenerational collaboration. He's also a sought-after keynote speaker and author of three acclaimed books, Leading Across Generations (2018), The Leader Paradox (2023), and his forthcoming book Change Leadership, where he dissects the complexities of organizational transformation and provides actionable strategies for success. Jeremy's passion lies in bridging generational divides and cultivating vibrant work environments where diverse perspectives collide to spark innovation. He draws upon his extensive experience teaching leadership courses in the LEAD program, leading workshops across the globe, and consulting with organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500s. His expertise in generational dynamics, team building, and cultural restructuring empowers organizations to achieve breakthrough results and unleash the synergy of intergenerational collaboration. Beyond his professional pursuits, Jeremy enjoys cheering on the Boise State Broncos, catching a hockey game, Go Steelheads! and spending quality time with his family in scenic Boise, Idaho. Check out Our Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brpm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaderublackriver/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555162806549 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@angielion_leaderuPodcast Website: https://blackriverpm.com

    48 min
  4. 01/08/2025

    Understanding The Human Factor :79

    In this episode of "The Leader U" podcast, host Angie Lion, co-owner of Black River Performance Management, engages in a soul-filled conversation with Andrew Chai, CEO of AttituX. Andrew shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in Singapore and the obstacles that eventually allowed him to create his business. Listeners are taken on a deep dive into Andrew’s innovative approach to optimizing team dynamics and hiring for cultural fit within organizations. Andrew shares how he uses psychometrics in his technique where quick doodle drawings are analyzed to assess an individual’s attitudes and behaviors. This unique process reveals how subtle, creative expressions can offer profound insights into human nature. Andrew explains how this methodology empowers companies to identify the human attributes that align with their organizational culture, enhancing hiring decisions and team synergy. Throughout the conversation, Angie and Andrew explore how a deep understanding of human nature drives growth, connection, and well-being. Their discussion offers valuable takeaways for leaders and organizations looking to cultivate the workplace. Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or someone fascinated by the potential of human-centric leadership, this episode delivers powerful insights that challenge traditional hiring methods and highlight the importance of authenticity and alignment in team building. Check out Our Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brpm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaderublackriver/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555162806549 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@angielion_leaderuPodcast Website: https://blackriverpm.com

    1h 3m
  5. 01/01/2025

    Art of Negotiations: Strategies For Success Episode: 40

    In this episode of the Leader U Podcast, titled "The Art of Negotiation - Strategies for Success," Angie Lion of Black River Performance Management and Paul Baker, CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber discuss negotiation, a skill crucial for leaders in any field. Together they discuss the fundamental principles of effective negotiation. Paul, a seasoned negotiator, shares his journey, recounting tales from his childhood and early life that unknowingly laid the foundation for his negotiation skills. He reveals how these early interactions shaped his approach to negotiation. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, "The Art of Negotiation - Strategies for Success" is packed with practical advice, insightful strategies, and inspiring stories to enhance your negotiation skills. Tune in to transform the way you negotiate and lead. Paul was born in Dublin Ireland in 1980 to a typical large Irish family, his father was 1 of 18 children and his mother was 1 of 9. His father was an engineer and designed rollercoasters, drop tower rides. Paul got the entrepreneurial bug at 12 years of age, creating newspaper delivery routes to large Industrial Estates around Dublin City. He sold it when he was 16 for $90k when he and his family moved to the UK. Paul then worked at his fathers theme park until he graduated high school. In 2019 Paul left the family theme park business to pursue a career in Music. He played principle guitar for Grease 'The Musical' in the West End, London and played session guitar for Virgin EMI working with several artists including Neil Finn/Crowded House and Dolly Parton. In 2001 Paul put the guitar aside and focused on a career in Social Work. He trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Body Language, Conflict Resolution & served on a joint agency taskforce to prosecute child sex offenders. Paul also wrote the white paper for the Children's Act and served on the UK UN Human Rights of the Child Committee. In 2010 Paul married Laura Baker, they have 3 children. Laura's father is the former US Ambassador to France, she grew up living in various countries around the world due to her fathers work as a diplomat. Laura and Paul first met as children during her fathers station in Ireland. That same year, Paul was headhunted by UPS to work on improving dysfunctional and underperforming teams. His work created an additional $2bn in profits. In 2011 UPS sponsored $50m for the London 2012 Olympic Games, included in that deal was Paul. He was placed as Head of Logistics and Infrastructure and oversaw the deployment of $16bn to develop and operate the games. After the Olympics Paul became Executive Director of an Investment Bank called Rocksteady, facilitating over $20bn of acquisitions across a variety of sectors including energy, natural resources, technology, resort development , English Premier League Clubs and more. In August of 2021 Paul exited from his day to day work to focus on his wife's health and move to Idaho Falls. In May 2022 Paul was appointed as the President/CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce utilizing his experience across multiple sectors to focus on the economic growth of the Idaho Falls area. Check out Our Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brpm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaderublackriver/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555162806549 Tic Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leaderublackriver Website: https://blackriverpm.com

    1h 3m

About

Welcome to The Leader U Podcast brought to you by Black River Performance Management where “we believe work should FUEL the human spirit, not drain it,” is a personal and professional development program aimed at helping people fuel their passions through self-discovery courses, retreats, curated experiences, and more. The Leader U podcast series features conversations with friends, colleagues, and mentors aimed at exploring topics that have been central to their development.