It’s Lonely at the Top Podcast

Nancy MacKay

How to be an Unstoppable CEO in an AI World. It’s Lonely at the Top is a reimagined leadership podcast for CEOs and senior leaders navigating an AI-driven world. Hosted by Nancy MacKay, Founder & CEO of MacKay CEO Forums, this podcast explores the MacKay Mastery Model and what it takes to lead with clarity, confidence, and resilience as technology reshapes business. Each episode features real conversations with CEOs, executives, Chairs, and AI-forward leaders on leadership mastery, decision-making, human connection, and practical AI, so leaders stay relevant, grounded, and unstoppable.

  1. 3d ago

    The Psychology of High Performance with Dr. Dana Sinclair

    What separates great leaders from everyone else isn't talent. It's how they perform when the pressure is on.  In this episode of It's Lonely at the Top, Nancy MacKay sits down with performance psychologist Dr. Dana Sinclair, Founder of Human Performance International, to explore the mindset and emotional mastery required to lead at the highest level.  Dr. Sinclair has spent her career helping CEOs, executives, surgeons, elite athletes, Olympic champions, and professional teams across the NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, PGA, and Olympic sports perform under pressure. Together, they discuss confidence, managing emotions, overcoming self-doubt, building resilient teams, and why emotional mastery may be the greatest competitive advantage a leader can develop.  Whether you're leading an organization, building a high performing team, or navigating your own leadership journey, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately.    Order Nancy’s New Book:  Drawing on two decades of experience with more than five thousand leaders, Nancy reveals how to prioritize health, strengthen relationships, reclaim time, and develop resilience. Order ‘It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team’ today: https://bit.ly/3OcBTQH    Are you feeling lonely at the top?   Leadership can be rewarding, but it can also be isolating. Our CEO Performance Diagnostic™ is designed to help CEOs, Executives, and Business Owners identify hidden constraints affecting their decision-making, leadership effectiveness, time allocation, innovation, and growth. Take our CEO Performance Diagnostic™ quiz: https://mackayceoforums.com/ceo-leadership-diagnostic/     Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group:  MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠ brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

  2. Jul 28

    How Elite Leaders Build Mental Toughness

    Mental toughness isn't about having all the answers, it's about how you respond when leadership gets difficult.  In this episode of It's Lonely at the Top, Nancy MacKay sits down with leadership expert Sean Bacon, Founder of Dynamic Shift Consulting Inc., to explore what it truly takes to build resilience as a CEO. Together, they discuss why leadership can feel isolating, how vulnerability strengthens rather than weakens leaders, and practical strategies for developing the mindset needed to lead through uncertainty.  Sean Bacon is a 12-yr Canadian Armed Forces veteran. During his military career, he developed a training system that prepared soldiers and police officers, psychologically and physically, to perform under pressure in some of the world’s most demanding environments.  Today, Sean brings that same discipline and performance mindset into the corporate world. His work transforms capable leaders into confident, decisive leaders, turns fragmented groups into cohesive high-performing teams, and replaces uncertainty, hesitation, and reactive behaviour with clarity, resilience, accountability, and trust. The result is stronger leadership, better decision-making, and teams prepared to perform when the stakes are highest.  Whether you're navigating change, making difficult decisions, or looking to become a more resilient leader, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you lead with confidence and purpose.    Order Nancy’s New Book:  Drawing on two decades of experience with more than five thousand leaders, Nancy reveals how to prioritize health, strengthen relationships, reclaim time, and develop resilience. Order ‘It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team’ today: https://bit.ly/3OcBTQH    Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group:   MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠ brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

  3. Jul 14

    How CEOs Can Unlock Their Next Stage of Growth

    Growth doesn't happen by accident. It requires focus, courage, and the willingness to think differently.  In this episode of It's Lonely at the Top, Nancy MacKay sits down with Kevin Lawrence, Founder and CEO of Lawrence & Company and bestselling author of Your Oxygen Mask First and Your Oxygen Mask First for Leaders. Together, they explore the ideas behind Kevin's latest book, Four Forces of Growth, and what it takes for CEOs to create sustainable, long-term growth.  Kevin shares why so many leadership teams become trapped solving small problems instead of pursuing big opportunities, and how leaders can shift from a problem-focused mindset to one centred on growth. Drawing inspiration from the principles of flight, he introduces the Four Forces of Growth: Lift, Thrust, Gravity, and Drag, and explains how each one influences organizational performance.  Whether you're leading through uncertainty, scaling your business, or looking to reignite momentum, this conversation offers practical strategies to help you focus on what matters most.  Order Nancy’s New Book:  Drawing on two decades of experience with more than five thousand leaders, Nancy reveals how to prioritize health, strengthen relationships, reclaim time, and develop resilience. Order ‘It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team’ today: https://bit.ly/3OcBTQH    Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group:   MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠ brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

  4. Jun 24

    Overcoming Isolation as a CEO

    In the ever-evolving world of business, many leaders find themselves grappling with feelings of isolation. As a CEO, the weight of decision-making can feel heavy, and the road to success often feels lonely.   In this podcast, Nancy MacKay speaks with Sarah Mackinnon, CEO of Delta Q Technologies, and Katie Bennett, a trusted advisor for executives and Master Certified MacKay Forum Chair, on overcoming the challenges of CEO isolation. From leveraging peer networks to prioritizing personal well-being, these strategies can help you thrive in your leadership role.  Sarah Mackinnon is one of a handful of women leaders in the Canadian tech space. Sarah brings drive and a sense of humour to her role at Delta-Q. Sarah has been key to Delta-Q’s success, inspiring and guiding finance and operations teams, while navigating through periods of growth and transformation, prior to transitioning into the CEO role, where she now oversees all aspects of the business. Prior to joining Delta-Q, Sarah held senior finance roles in several successful BC based technology companies, providing insight into the financials and driving results, leading to successful acquisitions and exits. Today, as CEO, Sarah is focused on the next phase of growth for Delta-Q; looking to “charge the future” as a strong partner to existing customers and other stakeholders, while also seeking new partnerships and markets, where Delta-Q can demonstrate its expertise in vehicle electrification, in step with increased global demand for sustainable solutions.    Katie Bennett is a big-picture strategic thinker with laser insight and is deeply inspiring. Her contagious energy is what she is known for. Over the past 20+ years, after an 11-year career in advertising, Katie pivoted to coaching and strategic planning, working with CEO’s and Executives to build high-functioning leadership teams aligned around a clear and actionable strategic plan, and designing systems of accountability to deliver results. Katie has an uncanny ability to make the complex simple; to coax leaders out of their comfort zone; to build high degrees of trust with a group very quickly; and to hold people accountable to their results. Katie holds an HBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and is a certified coach with The Coaches Training Institute and the ICF.   Order Nancy’s New Book:  Drawing on two decades of experience with more than five thousand leaders, Nancy reveals how to prioritize health, strengthen relationships, reclaim time, and develop resilience. Order ‘It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team’ today: https://bit.ly/3OcBTQH    Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group:   MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠ brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

  5. Jun 9

    How to Foster Human Connection: Insights from Leaders in Community Engagement

    In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, the importance of human connection has never been more critical. Many of us find ourselves feeling isolated, despite being more connected than ever online.   In this podcast, Nancy MacKay speaks with Pete Bombacci, Founder of GenWell, and Joe Oswald, a former CEO and current MacKay CEO Forum Chair, on how to foster meaningful relationships that enhance our well-being.  Pete Bombaci is a pioneering social change leader and the Founder and CEO of GenWell, a Canadian registered charity dedicated to fostering Canada’s Human Connection Movement since its inception in 2016. With an unwavering commitment to advancing social connection and social health, Pete leads GenWell’s mission to educate, empower, and catalyze Canadians around the critical role that social health plays in mental, physical, and societal well-being. GenWell’s work is grounded in growing global and public health evidence, and has been recognized by the World Health Organization, which identifies social connection as a foundational pillar of health and a powerful upstream solution to many of today’s most pressing challenges. Prior to founding GenWell, Pete served as Country Director of the Movember Canada Foundation, where, over five years, he helped raise $142 million for men’s health initiatives and led Canada to become Movember’s top fundraising country worldwide.   Joe Oswald is an Executive Coach and MacKay CEO Forum Chair who believes in the importance of creating one’s own future. In his view, success requires a combination of strategic thinking and intentional action. He has firsthand experience leading a team of over 250 professionals through the global pandemic and making a mid-career pivot to pursue a new path. As an experienced global President, Joe understands the value of strong leadership. He specializes in helping individuals develop energized, highly engaged teams that are focused on achieving organizational goals. What sets Joe apart is his extensive lived experience. Now, as a certified coach, he helps leaders set ambitious goals and provides the support they need to navigate challenges effectively.   Order Nancy’s New Book:  Drawing on two decades of experience with more than five thousand leaders, Nancy reveals how to prioritize health, strengthen relationships, reclaim time, and develop resilience. Order ‘It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team’ today: https://bit.ly/3OcBTQH    Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group:   MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

  6. May 27

    How to Overcome Loneliness as a CEO

    The role of a CEO is often seen as glamorous, but it comes with a unique set of challenges that can lead to profound feelings of isolation.   In this episode, Nancy MacKay speaks with Mark Becker, CEO of Dexterra Group, and Peter Aceto, a seasoned CEO and forum chair and strategic advisor at MacKay CEO Forums, discussing leadership, peer support, and the impact of AI on business. They share personal stories, strategies for overcoming loneliness at the top, and future trends shaping the industry.  As CEO, Mark Becker guides the vision, culture, and performance of Dexterra Group in support of its strategy and growth objectives. He is passionate about people and enabling high-performance teams to succeed while delivering exemplary business outcomes. Prior to becoming CEO, Mark served as Dexterra Group’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). Before joining Dexterra Group, he held executive positions at Suncor Energy across operations, major projects, and corporate strategy. He began his career with Dow Chemical in a range of progressive roles throughout Canada and the United States.  Peter Aceto is a three-time CEO, a MacKay CEO Forums Chair, and a Strategic Advisor to the CEO of MacKay CEO Forums. He works closely with CEOs navigating complexity, growth, and leadership inflection points. In parallel, he provides select CEO- and board-level advisory and consulting services through Aceto Leadership Performance, supporting organizations during periods of transformation, scale, and strategic reset. Peter was a founding member of Tangerine Bank’s (formerly ING Direct) senior leadership team and served as President and CEO from 2008 to 2017.   Order Nancy’s New Book:  Drawing on two decades of experience with more than five thousand leaders, Nancy reveals how to prioritize health, strengthen relationships, reclaim time, and develop resilience. Order ‘It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team’ today: https://bit.ly/3OcBTQH    Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group:   MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

  7. May 11

    The Role of Leadership in Growth

    In the latest episode of "It's Lonely at the Top," host Nancy MacKay engages in a captivating conversation with Iuliana Constantin, CFO of People Care Communities, and Anne Louise Bermingham, an esteemed Master Chair. Their discussion reveals not only the challenges faced by leaders in today’s business landscape but also the transformative journey of Iuliana from a small village in Romania to a significant leadership role in Canada.  Iuliana Constantin is a strategic and purpose-driven finance leader with over two decades of experience in healthcare, real estate development, and multi-site operations. As Chief Financial Officer at peopleCareCommunities, she leads financial strategy, capital planning, and large-scale development initiatives. Iuliana believes that a leader’s responsibility is to bring innovation and collaboration to any successful enterprise. Recognized for her ability to bridge vision and execution, Iuliana builds empowered teams and drives organizational performance through accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. Her leadership philosophy combines analytical rigor with a deep belief in people development and well-being as catalysts for sustainable growth. Iuliana is passionate about shaping the future of senior living, mentoring emerging leaders, and contributing to organizations that make a lasting impact in their communities.  Anne Bermingham is a Certified Master Forum Chair and Modern Trusted Advisor at MacKay CEO Forums. Anne graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Masters in Applied Social Psychology, with the intention on helping organizations thrive, by improving the performance of their people. She worked for a national outplacement firm before starting her own successful consultancy – 2WA Consulting. She has been an entrepreneur and business owner since 1996. Anne's work is primarily in the fields of leadership and performance, with an emphasis on how to ensure people actually change their behaviour and attitudes in order tobe more effective. Sometimes she works with teams and other times the work is to help change the culture within an organization. She has worked in the private, public and not for profit sectors, spread across the telecommunications, manufacturing, social services, municipal, provincial and federal government sectors.    Order Nancy’s New Book:  Drawing on two decades of experience with more than five thousand leaders, Nancy reveals how to prioritize health, strengthen relationships, reclaim time, and develop resilience. Order ‘It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team’ today: https://bit.ly/3OcBTQH    Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group:   MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

  8. May 6

    Live from the Future of Business Summit: It’s Lonely at the Top

    In this special live episode of It’s Lonely at the Top, recorded at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Future of Business Summit, Nancy MacKay leads a powerful breakout room conversation on the realities of leadership today. From navigating uncertainty and decision fatigue to building resilience and finding support at the top, this episode brings together honest insights from business leaders who understand the pressures of leadership firsthand. Recorded live in front of summit attendees, this conversation highlights why connection, vulnerability, and peer support matter more than ever for CEOs and executives leading through change. Order Nancy’s New Book:  Drawing on two decades of experience with more than five thousand leaders, Nancy reveals how to prioritize health, strengthen relationships, reclaim time, and develop resilience. Order ‘It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team’ today: https://bit.ly/3OcBTQH    Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group:   MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

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How to be an Unstoppable CEO in an AI World. It’s Lonely at the Top is a reimagined leadership podcast for CEOs and senior leaders navigating an AI-driven world. Hosted by Nancy MacKay, Founder & CEO of MacKay CEO Forums, this podcast explores the MacKay Mastery Model and what it takes to lead with clarity, confidence, and resilience as technology reshapes business. Each episode features real conversations with CEOs, executives, Chairs, and AI-forward leaders on leadership mastery, decision-making, human connection, and practical AI, so leaders stay relevant, grounded, and unstoppable.

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