Confessions Of A Successful Leader

Andrew Tallents
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Confessions Of A Successful Leader brought to you by self-coaching expert, Andrew Tallents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep. 114 How Childhood Trauma Built a Million-Dollar Mindset | Mike Greene

    In this episode, Mike Greene shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood marked by poverty and violence to becoming a successful entrepreneur and mentor. He discusses the importance of resilience, the impact of early experiences on his business acumen, and the role of mindset in achieving success. Mike emphasizes the significance of giving back to the community and the transformative power of embracing change, particularly with the advent of AI. He concludes with reflections on his legacy and the desire to inspire future generations. Takeaways Mike Greene's journey from poverty to success is a testament to resilience. Childhood experiences shaped Mike's ability to read people and understand behavior. Success is not just about hard work; it's about systems and mindset. Giving back to the community is a crucial part of success. AI is a transformative tool that can enhance learning and business. Understanding different behaviors can improve leadership and teamwork. Failures are stepping stones to success, not definitions of it. The importance of mentorship and belief in others' potential. Legacy is about imparting knowledge and systems to future generations. Embracing change is essential for personal and professional growth. Titles From Poverty to Prosperity: Mike Greene's Journey The Power of Resilience in Business sound bites "I would work insanely hard." "I want to leave a mark." "You are perfect just as you are." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mike Greene's Journey 03:21 Overcoming Childhood Adversity 06:30 The Impact of Early Experiences on Business Success 09:13 Teenage Years and the Drive for Change 12:03 Navigating Early Career Challenges 14:36 The Road to Recovery and Self-Discovery 17:51 Building a Successful Business 20:36 The Importance of Mindset and Systems 23:33 Giving Back and Creating a Legacy 26:24 The Role of AI in Future Success 29:02 Personal Growth and Lifelong Learning 32:07 Final Thoughts on Impact and Legacy

    40 min

  2. FEB 9

    Ep. 113 From Family Empire to Founder Success: Vidya Bhuta on Leadership, Empathy & Personal Growth

    SummaryIn this episode of Confessions of a Successful Leader, Andrew Tallents interviews Vidya Bhuta, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience across various industries. Vidya shares her journey from growing up in a business family to establishing her own ventures in manufacturing and insurance. She discusses the challenges and lessons learned along the way, including the importance of empathy, leadership, and the drive to give back to the community. Vidya's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to empowering others, particularly women in underserved regions.Keywordsentrepreneurship, leadership, family business, insurance, personal growth, women empowerment, India, business journey, mentorship, life lessonsTakeawaysVidya's upbringing in a business family instilled a strong sense of empathy.Leadership is about understanding and connecting with people.Transitioning from manufacturing to insurance was a significant career shift.Empathy and assertiveness are key traits for effective leadership.Vidya's MBA experience was enhanced by her real-world business knowledge.Starting a business requires resilience and adaptability to challenges.Building trust in the insurance industry is crucial for success.Mentorship from family can guide entrepreneurial journeys.Growth in business often comes with setbacks and learning opportunities.Vidya aims to empower women through education and entrepreneurship.TitlesEmpowering Women Through EntrepreneurshipNavigating Family Business DynamicsSound bites"It was a humbling experience.""I understood how to use my power.""I got my license in nine months."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Vidya Bhuta02:36 Early Life and Entrepreneurial Roots05:58 Navigating Family Expectations and Early Ventures09:25 Leadership Lessons from Factory Life12:53 Transitioning to the Automobile Industry16:45 The Leap into Insurance Entrepreneurship20:23 Growth Challenges and Leadership Evolution22:14 Future Aspirations and Giving Back

    26 min
  3. EP. 112: From Refugee to National Leader: The Van Ton-Quinlivan Story

    12/06/2025

    EP. 112: From Refugee to National Leader: The Van Ton-Quinlivan Story

    What can a first-generation refugee teach us about courageous, purpose-driven leadership? Andrew Tallents interviews Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health and national expert in workforce development. Van shares her childhood journey escaping Vietnam, her parents’ resilience, and the experiences that shaped her mission to expand opportunity for others. She reflects on leading the largest community college system in the US, founding a nonprofit now active in 10 states, and learning to lead through influence rather than authority. Van also discusses the demographic reality facing healthcare, the shrinking working-age population, and the urgent need to rethink how society values and rewards caregivers. Key Topics Purpose-driven leadershipLeading through influenceHow to take feedback wellWorkforce development modelsHealthcare staffing challengesLeadership storytellingAligning work with purpose TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Van’s background 03:00 Taiko drumming and hobbies 04:20 Childhood, Vietnam War, and resilience 08:30 Finding courage to lead and start over 13:00 Learning to accept feedback 17:30 Early career lessons 21:00 Aligning purpose and work 28:00 Workforce partnerships 32:00 Becoming more human as a leader 35:00 The future of healthcare 38:00 How to connect with Van Guest Bio Van Ton-Quinlivan is the CEO of Futuro Health, former Executive Vice Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, author, podcaster, and national leader in workforce development. Her work has been featured by WHO, BBC, the UN General Assembly, and G7 Canada. Connect with Van Ton-Quinlivan:  Connect with Van Ton-Quinlivan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vtquinlivan/Write to Van: partnership@futurohealth.orgCheck Van’s website: https://futurohealth.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  4. Ep. 111: Finding Your True North: Gina Panayiotou on Redefining Leadership for Impact

    11/20/2025

    Ep. 111: Finding Your True North: Gina Panayiotou on Redefining Leadership for Impact

    Are you leading for validation, or for something that actually matters? In this episode, I speak with Gina Panayiotou, maritime lawyer turned sustainability strategist and founder of Oceans Arena, about her shift from chasing external recognition to building a leadership path rooted in authenticity, purpose and impact. With over a decade in the maritime industry (advising international organizations, startups and NGOs), Gina shares how letting go of performance-based leadership allowed her to reconnect with what truly energizes her. Today, she empowers others through sustainability strategy, board leadership at WISTA and coaching for women navigating traditional industries. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to recognize when confidence is masking disconnection from your valuesWhy showing vulnerability makes you a more trusted, engaged leaderWhat it means to find your “true north” beyond titles and expectationsHow to shift from authority-based leadership to collaborative, purpose-driven influenceSimple practices for building self-awareness and identifying what fuels vs. drains you Key topics: Leadership identity and authenticitySustainable career transitions in traditional industriesWomen in maritime and purpose-led influenceImpact-driven business strategy and self-leadership Gina’s story is a timely reminder that real leadership isn’t about performing, it’s about aligning your values with your actions to create change that lasts. 📣 If this episode resonated with you, hit like, share your takeaway in the comments, and subscribe for more honest conversations on leadership, sustainability and self-awareness. Connect with Gina Panayiotou: 🔗 Connect with Gina Panayiotou on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginapanayiotou/ Write to Gina: gplegalportal@gmail.com Check Gina’s website: https://www.oceans-arena.com/ Connect with me here: 🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents  📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents 🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/ 📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J 📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter 📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.com Key Moments:00:00:00 – Introduction & Gina’s mission with Oceans Arena 00:03:30 – Performing leadership vs. embodying it 00:08:15 – The mindset shift: Finding her true north 00:14:50 – Vulnerability and trust in leadership 00:22:10 – Advice for leaders feeling misaligned or stuck Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  5. Ep. 110: Leading from Within: Olivier Malafronte on AI Coaching, Fatherhood & Entrepreneurship

    10/30/2025

    Ep. 110: Leading from Within: Olivier Malafronte on AI Coaching, Fatherhood & Entrepreneurship

    What happens when a leadership coach loses connection with himself? In this episode, I speak with Olivier Malafronte, French entrepreneur and pioneer in AI-powered coaching, whose work bridges cutting-edge technology with deep self-awareness. From founding startups to becoming a father, Olivier reflects on how personal growth, emotional complexity and professional ambition intersect - and how easy it is to lose balance when self-awareness takes a back seat. A PhD researcher in AI coaching and leadership development, Olivier opens up about how childhood loneliness shaped his need for connection, how fatherhood reshaped his definition of success and why even experienced coaches must return to self-reflection to lead effectively. In this episode, you’ll learn: How family dynamics shape leadership behavior and relational patternsSigns you're disconnected from yourself and how to realign before burnout hitsWhy openness and vulnerability are essential in high-performance environmentsPractical ways to integrate self-awareness into fast-paced leadershipHow AI coaching enhances self-leadership by sharpening reflexivity Key topics: AI coaching and leadership developmentEntrepreneurial self-awareness and emotional regulationBalancing fatherhood and professional ambitionBuilding trust through authenticity in leadership Olivier’s story is a raw, thoughtful reminder that growth isn’t just about moving forward, it’s about pausing to reconnect with the person behind the title. 📣 If this episode challenged how you think about leadership, hit like, drop your insight in the comments and subscribe for more honest conversations at the intersection of business, self-awareness and innovation. Connect with Olivier Malafronte: 🔗 Connect with Olivier Malafronte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviermalafronte/ Write to Olivier: olivier_2203@hotmail.fr Check Olivier’s website: https://www.magif.ai/ Connect with me here: 🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents  📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents 🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/ 📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J 📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter 📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.com Key Moments:01:22 - Olivier's Background and Current Focus 02:59 - Childhood Shaping: Only Child and Brotherhood Values 10:59 - Parental Influence and Freedom to Choose 13:56 - Early Career Challenges and Serendipitous AI Discovery 23:48 - Self-Leadership Lessons and Waiting for Events 31:03 - The Future of AI Coaching and Reflexivity 34:09 - Future Focus and Contact Information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  6. Ep. 109: From $2,000 to Seven Figures: Daniel Botero's Immigrant Success Story

    10/23/2025

    Ep. 109: From $2,000 to Seven Figures: Daniel Botero's Immigrant Success Story

    What does it take to turn two suitcases and $2,000 into a seven-figure business? In this episode, I speak with Daniel Botero, entrepreneur, career strategist and founder of Opny, about how his immigrant journey from Colombia shaped his mindset, work ethic and mission to help others succeed. Arriving in the U.S. at age nine with limited resources, Daniel built a life rooted in resilience, resourcefulness and the belief that opportunity is something you create.  From climbing the corporate ladder at PepsiCo to launching a business that now empowers thousands, Daniel’s story is packed with practical lessons and powerful insights. In this episode, you’ll learn: How early adversity shaped Daniel’s entrepreneurial mindsetThe turning points that transformed setbacks into career winsWhy adaptability is key in both business and personal growthHow to build and leverage meaningful professional relationshipsWhat it takes to align personal values with business success while scaling Key topics: Immigrant entrepreneurship in the U.S.Transitioning from corporate roles to founder lifeCareer coaching and business buildingPurpose-driven leadership and long-term impact Daniel’s mission is clear: equip people with tools to grow their careers and transform their lives in the process. 📣If this episode resonated with you, hit like, share your favorite takeaway in the comments and subscribe for more conversations with leaders who turned their struggles into strategies for success. Connect with Daniel Botero: 🔗 Connect with Daniel Botero on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedanielbotero/ Write to Daniel: daniel@opny.co Check Daniel’s website: https://www.opny.co/ Connect with me here: 🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents  📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents 🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/ 📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J 📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter 📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.com Key Moments: 00:00:40 - Meet Daniel Botero: From Colombia to the American Dream 00:03:11 - Childhood Experiences Shaping Daniel's Work Ethic 00:07:31 - Finding Male Role Models and Learning Life Lessons 00:10:11 - Discovering the Power of Leverage and Efficiency 00:12:20 - Early Career Challenges and Opportunities at PepsiCo 00:18:01 - Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 00:25:58 - Pivoting and Growing a Successful Coaching Business 00:31:55 - Current Leadership Challenges and Personal Growth 00:34:14 - Connecting with Daniel Botero Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  7. Ep. 108: From Perfectionism to Purpose: Isabelle Ducellier on Redefining Leadership Across Cultures

    10/16/2025

    Ep. 108: From Perfectionism to Purpose: Isabelle Ducellier on Redefining Leadership Across Cultures

    Can high performance and personal fulfillment coexist in global leadership? In this episode, I speak with Isabelle Ducellier, seasoned executive and board member, whose career spans the wine and spirits industry, consumer health and the nonprofit sector. Her story is one of personal transformation: from chasing perfection to leading with purpose, balance and impact. Drawing from over 20 years of international leadership, Isabelle shares how early expectations shaped her drive, how cultural fluency influenced her management style and how stepping back from the corporate spotlight helped her realign with her values. In this episode, you’ll learn: How childhood patterns can shape your leadership and how to reframe themWays to adapt your leadership style across global teams and cultural contextsWhy personal adversity often sparks deeper purpose and career clarityHow gratitude and vulnerability can strengthen executive presenceWhat it takes to transition from C-suite roles to meaningful board contributions Key topics: Purpose-driven leadershipCross-cultural managementEmotional intelligence in executive rolesCareer reinvention and board-level impact Isabelle’s journey offers a roadmap for leaders navigating the space between ambition and authenticity - showing how personal evolution can unlock deeper professional influence. 📣 If this conversation resonated, hit like, drop your insights in the comments and subscribe for more real-world leadership stories and strategies. Connect with Isabelle Ducellier: 🔗 Connect with Isabelle Ducellier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-ducellier-239aa311/ Write to Isabelle Ducellier: isabelle@ducellier.se Connect with me here: 🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents  📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents 🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/ 📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J 📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter 📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.com Key Moments:00:01:15 - Isabelle's Background and Career Journey 00:07:42 - Childhood Influences on Leadership Style 00:16:20 - Expat Experiences and Cultural Adaptations 00:25:04 - Personal Challenges and Career Shift 00:33:39 - Transition to Portfolio Career Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  8. Ep. 107: From The Art of War to the Boardroom: Dr. Gilda Carle on Masculinity & Modern Leadership

    10/09/2025

    Ep. 107: From The Art of War to the Boardroom: Dr. Gilda Carle on Masculinity & Modern Leadership

    Can ancient strategy help solve today’s leadership and cultural challenges? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Gilda Carle, media personality, relationship strategist and executive coach, who brings Sun Tzu’s Art of War to life in boardrooms, classrooms and social conversations alike. From helping corporate leaders navigate conflict without combat, to addressing the male mental health crisis, Dr. Carle blends tactical wisdom with real-world urgency.  Her work cuts across leadership, identity, generational divides and cultural norms; making this a conversation for anyone rethinking what effective leadership looks like today. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to use strategy to win without confrontationWhat’s driving the male suicide crisis and why leadership plays a roleHow authenticity, not conformity, drives real impact in corporate spacesTactics for bridging generational gaps in modern teamsWhy transparency builds trust and how to practice it daily Featured topics: Sun Tzu and strategic leadership in today’s workplaceMen’s identity, vulnerability and emotional healthDiversity, communication and executive influenceDr. Carle’s latest book: Real Men Don’t Go Woke Dr. Carle’s career spans classrooms in the South Bronx to coaching Fortune 500 executives and this conversation brings together decades of practical wisdom on leadership, identity and human connection. 📣 If this episode challenged your thinking, hit like, share your takeaway in the comments and subscribe for more deep dives into strategy, leadership and culture. Connect with Dr. Gilda Carle: 🔗 Connect with Dr. Gilda Carle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgilda/ Write to Dr. Gilda Carle: drgilda@drgilda.com Check Gilda’s website: https://drgilda.com/ Connect with me here: 🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents  📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents 🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/ 📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J 📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter 📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.com Key Moments: 00:02:02 - Introduction and the Crisis of Male Suicide 00:08:38 - Dr. Carle's Background and Early Career 00:15:32 - Challenges in Helping Others and Being Transparent 00:23:05 - Generational Differences in the Workplace 00:28:13 - Dr. Carle's Current Challenges and Legacy 00:30:59 - Addressing Male Suicide Rates Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
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Confessions Of A Successful Leader brought to you by self-coaching expert, Andrew Tallents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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