Real Talk: Conversations on Mental Fitness & Leadership

Chinazom Sunny Nwabueze and Ije Jemie Nwabueze

Welcome to Real Talk, a podcast for high-performing leaders hosted by Chinazom Sunny Nwabueze and Ije Jemie Nwabueze. Our Real Talk community is for visionary founders and C-suite executives in fast-scaling environments who are building extraordinary things without sacrificing themselves in the process. Level up, ignite values-driven change, and transform the world around you. Subscribe now to prioritize your mental fitness and kickstart a journey of real growth with Real Talk.

  1. Mar 20

    "What the CEO of The Atlantic Knows About Failure That He Never Puts in Print"

    "Most CEOs won't tell you about the years before the title. Nicholas Thompson — CEO of The Atlantic, record-breaking marathon runner, and one of the most influential media executives in the world — spent his twenties being fired, busking on subway platforms in New York City, and wondering if he'd ever figure it out. What he learned in those years is what's running one of the most respected publications in the world today. This is that story." The CEO Who Was Fired at 22 and Built a Media Empire | Nick Thompson | Real Talk In this episode of Real Talk, Nick sits down with Chinazom and Ije to talk about what it really takes to lead at the highest level without losing yourself in the process — the mental discipline behind elite performance, what running ultramarathons taught him about leadership under pressure, why he believes moving at an uncomfortable pace is the only way to grow, and how leaders can protect their mental fitness in an era of AI, information overload, and relentless change. This is a rare, honest conversation with one of the most thoughtful executives in the media today. In this episode: How Nick rebuilt his confidence after being fired at 22 The leadership philosophy behind The Atlantic's extraordinary turnaround What running 50K races teaches you about resilience and mental fitness Why "moving at an uncomfortable pace" is his #1 rule for growth #Leadership #MentalFitness #CEO #TheAtlantic #RealTalk #NickThompson #Podcast

    "What the CEO of The Atlantic Knows About Failure That He Never Puts in Print"
  2. Feb 6

    From Wall Street to Boardrooms: The Power of Curiosity and Genuine Networking Revealed

    Welcome to another episode of Real Talk - Mental Fitness! Today, we’re diving into the power of connection, curiosity, and the often-overlooked art of networking with our extraordinary guest, Shelly Lombard. From her high-stakes career on Wall Street and her unique experiences as a Black woman in finance, to the launch of Schmooze Biz—a vibrant networking space uplifting professionals into board opportunities—Shelly Lombard shares her journey and the lessons she wishes she’d known earlier.  Shelly shares honestly about her time on Wall Street, including what she wished she’d known sooner: relationships matter more than just a stellar work ethic. Despite a successful career in distressed investing (aka “vulture investing”), Shelly opens up about missing the intentional networking piece. She reminds us it’s not just about “doing the work”–it’s also about connecting, following up, and being seen. This episode explores how intentional relationships, energy management, and challenging labels like “introvert” can open doors and transform careers. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, eyeing your first board seat, or just looking to build stronger professional connections, this conversation is packed with insights, real talk, and aha moments. Plus, you’ll get practical advice on nurturing your network, handling the energy drain, and showing up authentically—even when circumstances feel challenging. Get ready for stories, strategies, and some memorable quotes—like why it’s okay to “take five minutes to feel sorry for yourself, then get back to being a gangster.” Tune in and tap into the wisdom that will help you fuel your own mental fitness and professional growth! Your Invitation:Want to experience more of Shelly’s wisdom? Subscribe to her newsletter and check out Schmooze Biz, her networking platform designed to help others avoid the mistakes she made and build lasting, impactful relationships.

  3. 10/03/2025

    Why Hope Is the Essential Leadership Skill for Real Leadership

    Welcome back to Real Talk – Mental Fitness. In today’s episode, hosts Ijeoma and Chinazom sit down with the remarkable Jen Fisher, a trailblazer in workplace wellbeing and the former Chief Wellbeing Officer at Deloitte. The conversation dives deep into Jen’s personal journey—from her own experience with severe burnout, to her transformative embrace of hope as a daily leadership strategy. Together, they explore the nuanced challenges high-performing leaders face in today’s workplaces, and Jen shares powerful insights on why redefining success, changing incentive structures, and proactively managing cognitive load are paramount for sustainable mental fitness. Jen also reveals what inspired her to write her upcoming book on hope, why it’s crucial for leaders to engage with the “ugly stuff,” and how wellbeing must become a core part of leadership accountability—not just another perk. Whether you’re a senior executive, a fast-scaling founder, or someone passionate about reshaping work cultures, get ready for a refreshingly candid and practical guide to making mental fitness the heart of high performance. Let’s jump in. Practical Steps for Leaders Challenge incentive structures that reward burnout behaviors. Build trust on your team (sometimes your team needs to call you out!). Address cognitive load (not just workload)—think about how meetings, processes, and unclear roles add up. Make hope and well-being part of your daily, intentional leadership practice. 💡 Standout Quote: “Hope is not fluffy or wishful thinking. It’s putting in the day-to-day work that leads to meaningful change.” – Jen Fisher What’s Next? Jen is publishing a new book on hope as a leadership strategy—keep your eyes peeled in the new year! If you’re feeling inspired to bring more hope, purpose, and well-being into your work (and your team’s!), let us know how these insights are landing for you. Hit reply or drop your thoughts in our community space. To listen to the full episode, click here. Stay mentally fit, The Real Talk Team 00:00 Leadership Insights and Mental Fitness 06:19 Struggling with Burnout in Silence 09:08 "Transformative Burnout Recovery Journey" 10:46 "Leading with Hope and Change" 16:39 Workplace Burnout and Leadership Challenges 18:37 Reimagining Workplace Dynamics 23:30 Leadership Loneliness and Mental Health 26:45 Redefining Success Beyond Work 29:01 Rethinking Success and Work Culture 31:47 "Vacation Email Policy Resistance" 37:31 Understanding Burnout in Leadership Systems 39:29 Mastering Cognitive Load Limits 43:56 "Embrace Async Work for Wellbeing" 47:24 Recognizing External Cognitive Load 49:29 Engaging and Impactful Communication

  4. 07/11/2025

    #Real Talk - “Unlocking Men’s Emotional Strength: Real Conversation on Mental Fitness and Connection”

    Honored to have spent time in a truly open, honest conversation with two people I call my brothers - Steven Rzezuski, and Lee Aaron Smart (both professional coaches and dedicated fathers) for a recent episode of #RealTalk -  “Unlocking Men’s Emotional Strength: Real Conversation on Mental Fitness and Connection”. Our focus was on the realities of men’s mental fitness—what we do to show up for ourselves, our families, and our communities, especially in a world that often tells men to “toughen up. this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really means for men to take care of themselves emotionally, physically, and mentally. Through personal stories of struggle, vulnerability, and growth, the trio explores the challenges men face in expressing emotions, breaking free from old conditioning, and truly showing up for themselves and their loved ones. They discuss everything from the power of safe spaces and the importance of asking for help, to balancing masculine and feminine energies and practicing self-acceptance. You’ll hear reflections on grief, fatherhood, and the ongoing journey of personal growth—complete with insights, laughter, and a lot of real talk. Building mental fitness is a continuous journey—not about having all the answers, but staying open, connected, and willing to do the work. If you’ve ever wondered how men keep their mental fitness in check, or if you’re seeking inspiration to deepen your own emotional wellbeing, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready for an open, relatable, and deeply human conversation that shines a light on the paths men walk toward living fuller, healthier lives. Grateful to everyone who’s walking this path. To all the men (and those who care about them): You have choices, and you never have to do it alone. Please I have a favor to ask everyone. This episode really came from the heart and is packed with amazing insights, I need your help sharing this message. Engage with the post, comment, like and share with others you feel you need to hear this message 🙏🏾. Thank You !! Quote of the Episode:“Tell the people that mean the most to you how much they mean to you. Tell them that you love them. That could be uncomfortable. And it’s exactly the work that is unbelievably powerful.” —Aaron Smart

    #Real Talk - “Unlocking Men’s Emotional Strength: Real Conversation on Mental Fitness and Connection”
  5. 05/30/2025

    Unlearning Silence and Living Fully with Elaine Lin Herring

    Hey Real Talk community, We’re thrilled to bring you the highlights from our latest episode of Real Talk – Mental Fitness, featuring the incredible Elaine Lin Hering—author of "Unlearning Silence." It was an absolute privilege to enjoy this dynamic and heartfelt conversation, trust us you will want to tuck into the full episode, probably more than once. 🎙️ Episode Spotlight: Elaine Lin Hering on Unlearning Silence and Living Fully💡 Elaine joined us to celebrate the one-year anniversary of her book—a project almost a decade in the making. Her journey is a masterclass in perseverance and the importance of sharing your voice, even (maybe especially) when you don’t feel ready. Key Insights from Elaine: You’re Never “Ready”—Do It Anyway: Elaine got real about overcoming the myth of “readiness.” Waiting only prolongs your silence. Sometimes it’s about honoring obligations, community, or the promise you make to yourself. Silence as Strategy & Survival: Not all silence is bad—sometimes it’s necessary for self-preservation or chosen out of agency. Elaine draws the important distinction: Are you choosing silence, or is it being forced on you by your environment? The Power of Community: Just like marathon runners rely on strangers’ cheers, we need others to pull us through those tough corners in life. Mental (and social) fitness isn’t a solo endeavor. Unlearning Patterns for Mental Fitness: Recognizing and unlearning the ingrained patterns of silence—whether inherited from culture, family, or past workplaces—is crucial to living fully. Creating space for your own voice (and others) is at the heart of building sustainable mental fitness. Practical Tips: Struggling to hold space for your own or others’ voices? Try intentional “question time”—a family favorite of Elaine’s—or reflect on what truly helps people bring their best selves forward in your workplace or community. For Leaders & Parents: Elaine offers game-changing advice on agency, authenticity, and the subtle costs of the status quo. Leaders especially, take note: How you reward vulnerability and risk-taking sets the tone for your entire culture. 💡 Elaine’s Call to Action: Ask yourself before every meeting or interaction: “What do I think?” “What do I need?” It’s not about being loud. It’s about moving through the world with intention, agency, and respect for your own voice. 🧠 Your Mental Fitness Challenge: Elaine’s top two mental fitness tips for those with subordinated identities (and honestly, for all of us): Rest. Recovery isn’t earned, it’s essential. Build Your Team. Support for your voice doesn’t have to come from your org chart—find those who nudge you toward your best self. This episode is all about embracing the awkward, leaning into experimentation, and unlearning silence to live more fully. Ready to get inspired? Listen to the full conversation here! Let us know what resonated with you, and don’t forget to leave a review if this opened up new perspectives for you. With gratitude,Chinazom & Ije - The Real Talk Team

    Unlearning Silence and Living Fully with Elaine Lin Herring
  6. 05/02/2025

    Leading Through Crisis: Cate Luzio on Resilience, Adaptation, and Inclusive Leadership

    🚨 Tune in to discover how Cate Luzio, Founder and CEO of Luminary, Survived the Pandemic, Built Inclusive Community, and Why “Never Waste a Good Crisis” Is Her #1 Leadership Rule 🧵👇 💡 Meet Cate Luzio, founder of @Luminary, who built a thriving community space for women in just 14 months—then was forced to shut down her NYC location overnight as COVID hit. “It was less about me… and so much about the feeling I had for our community. The sadness, the fear, people being so fearful of what would happen.”Cate found herself sick with COVID, physically closing the doors on everything she’d worked so hard to build. “My biggest goal was making sure the community knew that no matter what happened, we would be there for them.”This radical commitment to showing up became her North Star during chaos. 🎯 Why she adapted instead of “pivoted”:“I’m an athlete—a pivot means you switch directions. We never changed direction. The mission stayed the same, but how we met our community—like moving everything online—adapted.” The lesson?Adapt > Pivot. Stay true to your mission, but evolve how you serve. Cate’s 3 keys to leadership in a crisis: “Never be afraid to ask for help.” Radical honesty & transparency (with her team, community, & mentors) Let your team fly: “Allow my team to make mistakes and find new strengths.” 💪 On Mental Fitness:Raised by an FBI agent and a teacher, Cate learned resilience.“You just show up. Some days better than others. Everyone is dealing with something—so give grace & keep moving forward.” Giving herself permission to be real:“My team hears me jokingly say, ‘I quit!’—because I’m not a doctor, so some levity helps. But the point remains: Find moments of light & brightness, even in hard times.”  🧩 On building for inclusion—Cate refuses the “exclusive club” model:“Why should I decide who gets in? The problem with this world is always asking, ‘Do we have the right people in the room?’ I want anyone who believes this is their community in.” 👫 Why our biggest crisis now is “disconnection.”Cate sees this everywhere—in companies, culture, and society. The fix?More intentional dialogue. “Communication is the way to bridge the gap.” Pro tip for entrepreneurs & leaders:Never waste a good crisis.“It’s your time to show up, get creative, and think outside the box.” 🏆 Final wisdom:“Show up every day with the best intentions—and think the same of those around you. Seek middle ground. If you seek it, you will find it.” 👏 THANK YOU @CateLuzio for keeping it honest, human, and inspiring as ever. Get ready for inspiring stories, honest lessons, and actionable advice on leading with compassion, building stronger teams, and finding hope (and common ground) even when it seems out of reach. Let’s get into it!

    Leading Through Crisis: Cate Luzio on Resilience, Adaptation, and Inclusive Leadership
  7. 04/11/2025

    Finding Purpose and Power with Dave Lu - Building Community and Speaking Up

    Dave is a true visionary and matchmaker, connecting people, bringing communities together and driving change in our society.  As a child of Taiwanese immigrants, Dave shares his journey from growing up in New Jersey to finding his purpose and voice during times of social upheaval. You'll discover how he turned pivotal moments, such as the George Floyd incident and rising Asian hate crimes, into opportunities to galvanize his community and invest in the future of Asian American founders.  We dive deep into the concept of the "infinite game" - finding your purpose and harnessing your superpowers. Dave shares the importance of building your network and not waiting for permission to create the change you want to see. The big lessons we took from this conversation were:  If you want power to be used for good, more good people need to have power. Until the lion learns to write the hunter's story will always be glorified - Own your story and tell it the way you want it to go. Stop waiting for permission, go out and build your community. Be ready to stick your head out for what you believe in. Dave reveals his approach to mental fitness, emphasizing the importance of recognizing your superpowers and forging a network rooted in genuine relationships.  Get ready to be inspired by Dave Lu's story of courage, empowerment, and the infinite game we all play in life. Dive in with us for this enlightening conversation! 00:00 Immigrant Drive: Education and Stability 06:38 Startup Journey: Realizations and Risks 10:42 Tackling the Bamboo Ceiling 17:18 "Community Visibility and Awareness" 22:39 "Embracing Life's Infinite Game" 29:19 Empowering Voices Through Shared Words 32:20 "Power Talk with Prof. Pfeffer" 40:20 Finding Purpose Through Empowerment 46:22 Creating Awareness Through Sharing 50:29 Hollywood's Financial Gatekeeping Barriers 54:42 Cross-Cultural Understanding through Education 01:00:55 Discovering and Using Your Superpower

    Finding Purpose and Power with Dave Lu - Building Community and Speaking Up
  8. 03/20/2025

    Epiphany moments & embracing life's journeys : Lessons from a Global CFO

    In today's Real Talk - Mental Fitness episode, we sat down with William, a dynamic leader who shared his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global CFO. William delved into the power of mental fitness, balancing work ethic with personal well-being, and the importance of community. He emphasized taking action despite uncertainties, staying hungry for growth, and having a clear purpose. With a focus on mental, spiritual, and physical well-being, William's story highlights perseverance, authenticity, and the impact of mentorship. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience and leadership, perfect for anyone striving to reach their full potential. Episode Highlights: 1. Journey to Success: William shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a CFO of a multi-billion dollar organization. His story reminds us that success is a journey, not a destination, and it often involves overcoming obstacles with determination and resilience. 2. The Importance of Community: Learn how William emphasizes the value of community and building strong relationships. He discusses how investing in others can create a supportive network that propels you forward. 3. Epiphany Moments: Discover the pivotal moments in William's life that led him to prioritize mental fitness and overall well-being. He reveals the power of meditation, yoga, and having a structured daily plan to maintain balance. 4. Setting Intentions and Taking Action: William encourages listeners to have a plan and to take action. He shares practical steps on how to cultivate a mindset that is open to future possibilities, emphasizing that it's never too late to make a change. 5.Building Leadership Qualities: Through personal anecdotes, William illustrates how integrity, authenticity, and a hunger for continuous learning are critical traits for effective leadership. 6. Leaving a Legacy: We delve into the legacy William is building not only in his professional life but also through his mentoring and community contributions. This episode is filled with heartfelt stories, profound insights, and actionable advice that will motivate you to carve out your own path to success while maintaining mental fitness. Don't miss out – listen to the full episode now and immerse yourself in a conversation that promises to inspire and empower. Timestamp Overview: 00:00 Balancing Work Ethic and Wellbeing 11:12 Never Too Late for Change 12:54 Overcoming Life's Mountains 22:13 Path from Mailroom to CFO 28:37 Personal Growth Through Action 29:59 Charting Nonlinear Career Paths 36:11 Sharing Awards for Community Inspiration 44:39 Prioritizing Giving Back to Youth 51:26 Transformative Leadership Approach 53:58 Cultivating Next-Gen CFO Leadership 01:02:33 Maximizing Time Without Sacrifice 01:06:19 Holistic Spiritual and Physical Growth

    Epiphany moments & embracing life's journeys : Lessons from a Global CFO
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Real Talk, a podcast for high-performing leaders hosted by Chinazom Sunny Nwabueze and Ije Jemie Nwabueze. Our Real Talk community is for visionary founders and C-suite executives in fast-scaling environments who are building extraordinary things without sacrificing themselves in the process. Level up, ignite values-driven change, and transform the world around you. Subscribe now to prioritize your mental fitness and kickstart a journey of real growth with Real Talk.