(un)conversations: Leadership lessons from the pivotal moments of global CEOs, founders and execs

(un)conversations with Dr. Alison Schmidt
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Business
  • Updated Biweekly

Not just another leadership podcast — we explore the turning points, failures, and unexpected decisions that shaped today’s most influential leaders. Hosted by Dr. Alison Schmidt, (un)conversations delivers unfiltered talks with CEOs, founders, executives, and global business leaders. Each week, we dive into pivotal moments, defining choices, and unconventional moves that drive real growth. Learn what works, how disruption fuels success, and the three words shaping each leader’s evolution. 🎧 Follow (un)conversations for weekly actionable leadership insights and join the (un)movement.

  1. 6d ago

    It's Not the Money: Why Good People Quit, with Kathy Eastwood

    Are we expecting leaders to succeed without giving them the proper tools? In this episode of The (un)conversations podcast, Dr. Alison welcomes Kathy Eastwood Chief People Officer of E Equals Why to discuss the missing human element in business. Kathy breaks down her framework for effective leadership—Expressing vision, Engaging people, and Executing—while sharing personal stories on choosing freedom over fear and leaning into uncomfortable conversations. Tune in to discover how emotional intelligence, empathy, and an unwavering drive can elevate your leadership and build lasting trust in the workplace. Kathy opens with her (un)words: (un)deterred, (un)comfortable and (un)wavering, and through The (UN)word Effect™ shares the personal stories behind them, from growing up in a fear-based household to choosing freedom over fear. In this episode: - Impostor syndrome, "the mold" of leadership, and why hiding your true self is exhausting - What "freedom" really means beyond financial freedom - The lesson from her father: treat everyone with dignity and respect - Why "buy-in" is really sales - Leading layoffs humanely, and the survivor guilt no one talks about - Why trust, empathy and influence drive retention - Why you can't prioritize performance first and people second - Where to start: know yourself Ask Dr. Alison: How do you help people who don't know they need help? Kathy's answer: she doesn't take everyone on, because sustainable change requires someone willing to do the work. ABOUT THE HOST Dr. Alison Schmidt, Ph.D., BCC, is an executive strategist, leadership coach, and CEO of UNCONVENTION LLC. As host of The (un)conversations podcast, she spotlights (un)conventionally excellent leaders who share their vulnerable, authentic sides. Every episode opens with The (UN)word Effect, where guests share the defining words behind who they are and how they lead. Connect with Dr. Alison: • Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unconversations?sub_confirmation=1 ABOUT THE GUEST Kathy Eastwood is the CEO of E Equals Why, a leadership strategist, executive advisor, and author of The 3E Leadership Code. Connect with Kathy Eastwood: • Book: https://www.kathyeastwood.com/book • Website: https://www.eequalswhy.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyeastwood/

  2. Sep 22

    How 60 Seconds of Intentional Listening Builds Executive Trust | Ruchin Kansal

    Discover how 60 seconds of intentional listening builds immediate executive trust. In this episode of (un)conversations, Dr. Alison sits down with former Siemens Healthineers executive and Seton Hall Professor Ruchin Kansal to unpack why modern leaders must master unwinning, unlearning, and understanding to escape high-pressure corporate metrics and build authentic influence. If you are a founder, executive, or high-performing leader looking to break free from perfectionism and detach your identity from workplace performance, this deep dive will redefine how you approach leadership and career growth. 💡 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: How 60 Seconds of Intentional Listening creates immediate executive trust Why "Unwinning" Isn't Giving Up—and how it redefines true success The "80% Confident" Rule to accelerate decision-making and overcome perfectionism How to Detach Your Personal Identity from corporate metrics and avoid burnout 3 Daily Leadership Habits: Ask why, sit in silence, and show radical kindness ⏱️ CHAPTERS:00:00 - Cold Open & Teaser01:04 - Podcast Introduction & Welcome03:20 - The Core "Unwords": Unwinning, Unlearning, Understanding05:01 - Redefining "Unwinning" in Business and Life08:26 - Shifting Metrics: From Corporate Bonuses to Real Impact12:03 - Navigating Discomfort and Evolving Personal Values16:52 - Unlearning the Critics: Who Are You Really Trying to Impress?21:47 - Adaptability, Life Shifts, and Managing Volatility25:58 - Advice for Entrepreneurs: Detaching Identity from Outcomes29:27 - The "80% Confident" Rule vs. Seeking Perfection38:53 - Unlearning Internal and External Expectations45:20 - Shifting Your Mindset from Fear to Curiosity49:30 - Dismantling Ego for a Purpose-Driven Career56:10 - Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders58:45 - 3 Daily Routines for Maintaining Clarity1:01:00 - Advice for Mid-Career and Senior Executives1:08:30 - Synthesis: Unwinning, Unlearning, & Understanding1:13:40 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up 💬 NOTABLE QUOTE: "60 seconds in every conversation will create so much more winning than anything else in life." — Prof. Ruchin Kansal 👤 ABOUT THE HOST:Dr. Alison Schmidt, Ph.D., BCC, is an executive coach, podcast host, and founder of UNCONVENTION LLC. She guides top executives, elite athletes, and high-performing leaders through identity shifts, vulnerability, and intentional growth.🌐 Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ 🎙️ MEET OUR GUEST:Ruchin Kansal serves as a Strategic Judgment Partner (SJP) to senior leaders facing high-stakes decisions. Drawing on over two decades of global healthcare leadership—including roles as SVP of Digital Strategy at Siemens Healthineers—Ruchin helps executive teams navigate critical inflection points.🌐 Website: https://ruchinkansal.com/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchinkansal/ 🌟 Enjoying the podcast? Leaving a 5-star rating or review on Spotify takes less than 30 seconds and helps us bring you more world-class guests! 🎵 Theme Song: Produced by DJ Doug Jackson (https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson) #Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #ActiveListening #PersonalGrowth #RedefineSuccess #WorkplaceCulture #Unlearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #CorporateMindset #PodcastEpisode ©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC - all rights reserved

  3. Aug 26

    She Lost Everything That Defined Her — Then Rebuilt Her Identity | Alison Tetrick

    What happens when your entire identity is stripped away, and you are forced to ask: "Who am I when the winning stops?" In this powerful episode of (un)conversations, host Dr. Alison sits down with Alison Tetrick—professional cyclist, Gravel Cycling Hall of Famer, Unbound 200 winner, and CEO of Saga Ventures. Alison opens up about her grueling recovery from a traumatic brain injury, navigating depression and anxiety as an elite athlete, and why staying "unapologetically human" ultimately saved her life. Together, they dive into the hidden pressure on top performers, leaders, and athletes to project invincibility—and why real healing, growth, and long-term strength begin only when we stop hiding our vulnerabilities. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Podcast Intro & Guest Welcome 01:23 - The "Ali" Connection & Pre-Show Nerves02:57 - Preparation for the "Unwords" Assignment 05:00 - Hiding Weakness & Vulnerability as an Elite Athlete 07:05 - First Unword: Unapologetically Human 10:37 - Overcoming the Pressure of Perfection & Finding Identity 16:07 - Second Unword: Unquiet 22:16 - Third Unword: Uncategorizable 25:34 - Balancing Multiple Identities & Managing Failure 31:39 - Traumatic Brain Injury, Recovery, & Retraining the Brain 36:41 - Returning to Sport on Her Own Terms41:38 - The Importance of an Intentional Exit 46:25 - Fourth Unword: Unclaimable49:21 - Navigating Brand Partnerships & Commercial Autonomy 58:20 - Parallels Between Professional Sports and Entrepreneurship 01:01:59 - Saga Ventures, Giving Back, & Supporting Women in Sports 01:04:31 - Ali Asks Dr. Alison: Overcoming "Unapologetic" & Claiming Worth 01:12:14 - Episode Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks Connect with Dr. Alison Schmidt: • Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ Connect with Alison Tetrick: • Saga Ventures: https://www.saga-ventures.myshopify.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amtetrick/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amtetrick/ 🎵 Theme Song Produced by DJ Doug Jackson Comment: What is one 'Unword' you would use to describe your personal journey right now? If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and review on Spotify to help more leaders find these conversations! ©2026 UNCONVENTION LLC - All Rights Reserved

  4. Jul 17

    Do Less, Lead Better: The Power of Systematic Subtraction with Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey

    What if overworking is not proof of ambition, but evidence that your leadership system needs to change? In this episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison Schmidt speaks with Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, founder of Nell 3D, Forbes Leadership contributor, and creator of Systematic Subtraction™. After a serious car accident forced Nell to confront the cost of constant optimization, she began questioning the belief that more effort, more commitments, and more productivity always create greater impact. Her answer is not doing less for its own sake. It is creating the capacity to focus on what matters most. Together, Dr. Alison and Nell explore: Why unlearning requires more than adding a new habitHow resilience can pull us back into patterns that no longer serve us, and why Nell prefers “prosilience”Why energy management matters more than time managementThe Stop, Drop, and Roll method for removing what drains capacityHow the Me, We, World framework helps leaders make more intentional choicesWhy ambitious leaders need space to think, recover, and lead with clarityNell’s (UN)words: Unlearning. Uncomfortable. Unending. This episode is for leaders, founders, and high-achievers who want meaningful impact without sacrificing their health, relationships, or ability to think clearly. Connect with Dr. Alison: Unconvention LLC I LinkedIn I Instagram Connect with Nell 3D: nell3d.com | LinkedIn | Instagram 🎵 Theme Song: Produced by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #SystemsThinking #BurnoutPrevention #PersonalGrowth©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC - all rights reserved

  5. Jul 9

    Beyond 'Thank You': The Science of True Gratitude in Leadership

    What if gratitude is more than just saying "thank you"? In this episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Linda Roszak Burton, President of DRW Coaching and author of Gratitude Heals, to explore the transformational power of gratitude in leadership, grief, and organizational culture. Linda shares her deeply personal journey through losing her sister to breast cancer, and how that profound loss led her to discover the science behind gratitude as "the deepest touch point of human existence." Through her three (UN)words — Unaware, Unspoken, and Underutilized — Linda reveals how leaders can move beyond surface-level appreciation to build psychological safety, strengthen retention, and create genuine human connection in the workplace. Key Takeaways From This Episode:• How to transition from surface-level appreciation to deep gratitude.• Practical, no-cost leadership strategies like "thanking invisible people."• Using gratitude to cultivate psychological safety so teams can speak difficult truths.• Reframing Imposter Syndrome and navigating leadership through times of grief. 📢 ATTENTION FEMALE EXECUTIVES: Linda is currently interviewing female leaders to gain their perspectives on their health and well-being journeys. Reach out via her links below to participate! Connect with our Host, Dr. Alison Schmidt: • Website: ⁠https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus⁠ • LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/⁠ • Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/⁠ Connect with our Guest, Linda Roszak Burton: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindaroszakburton/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lroszakburton/ • Read "Gratitude Heals®": https://a.co/d/0giuzlSE

  6. Jun 17

    How to Master Podcast Matchmaking with Alex Sanfilippo

    How to Master Podcast Matchmaking with Alex Sanfilippo Ever wonder how the most successful podcasts land incredible guests week after week, or how top guests get booked on industry-leading shows? The secret isn't luck—it’s strategic matchmaking. In this S2.E17 of (un)conversations®, I sit down with Alex Sanfilippo, the brilliant Co-Founder of PodMatch—the platform widely dubbed the "Dating App for Podcasters and Guests." Whether you are looking at the microphone from the host’s perspective or trying to get booked as a high-value guest, Alex pulls back the curtain on the organic growth secrets that drive real audience engagement. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: The Matchmaking Framework: How to identify and pitch the perfect podcast or guest without wasting time. The "Tinder for Podcasters" Philosophy: How to leverage automated networking to scale your brand organically. For Hosts: The exact criteria you should use to vet guests so your episodes always deliver high-value content. For Guests: How to craft an irresistible pitch that makes podcast hosts instantly say "yes." Stop guessing your way through podcast networking. Hit play and learn how to master the art of podcast matchmaking with one of the best in the business! 👋 ABOUT THE HOST: Dr. Alison Schmidt Dr. Alison Schmidt is the Founder & CEO of Unconvention and host of the (un)conversations® podcast. She is an organizational psychology expert with 20+ years of experience working with global leaders, founders, and executives. Her work focuses on leadership development, emotional intelligence, and helping CEOs and organizations navigate change, burnout, and high-performance leadership challenges. 🌐 Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ 🎙️ MEET OUR GUEST: Alex Sanfilippo Alex Sanfilippo is a podcast host and the founder of PodMatch, a software platform specifically designed to help independent podcast hosts and guests connect, elevate their voices, and be heard. In addition, Alex is the host of the top-rated podcast Podcasting Made Simple and is one of the most sought-after educators and public speakers in the podcasting industry. 🌐 Website: https://alexsanfilippo.com/about/ 🌐 PodMatch Platform: https://podmatch.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsanfilippo/ 🎧 Listen to Podcasting Made Simple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-made-simple/id1470897857 🎵 Production Credits: Theme Song: Produced by DJ Doug Jackson (https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson) 💜 Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review Subscribe to never miss an episode of (the un)conversations® podcast. ©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC - all rights reserved

  7. Jun 11

    She Beat Cancer, Sold Her Company & Quit Her Ego. Here's What She Learned.

    Robin Toft has built companies, survived cancer, led global teams, and raised millions for cancer research. Yet one of her most profound leadership lessons came from learning to quiet her ego and trust something deeper. In this episode of the (un)conversations® podcast, Robin Toft, CEO of Curebound and 20-year colon cancer survivor, joins Dr. Alison Schmidt for a candid conversation about leadership, intuition, purpose, resilience, and what it truly means to live a successful life. Robin shares her journey from high-powered life sciences executive to purpose-driven leader, revealing how a cancer diagnosis transformed her perspective on achievement, self-care, and the role fear plays in our decisions. Together, Robin and Alison explore the tension between ego and intuition, why love may be the most overlooked leadership strategy, and how redefining success can change everything. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why Robin describes herself as "unafraid" • The difference between leading from fear and leading from love • How intuition can become a leader's greatest advantage • The lessons cancer taught her about stress, health, and priorities • Why self-care is a leadership necessity, not a luxury • The connection between purpose, passion, and meaningful success • What it takes to stop playing small and start living fully Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, emerging leader, cancer survivor, caregiver, or navigating a major life transition, this conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn't just about what you accomplish—it's about how you show up for yourself and others along the way. "The definition of success for most people is giving and receiving as much love as you can in your lifetime." — Robin Toft Connect with Robin Toft: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robintoft/ Website: https://www.curebound.org/ Connect with Dr. Alison Schmidt: Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ 🎵 Theme Song produced by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson Disclaimer: This episode reflects Robin Toft's personal experiences and perspectives and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding medical conditions or treatment decisions. © 2026 UNCONVENTION LLC. All Rights Reserved.

  8. Jun 2

    Screw the "Startup Playbook." Do This Instead

    Screw the "Startup Playbook." Do This Instead with Katie Sterns | S2.E15 How do you scale a startup when traditional business strategies fail? In this episode of the (un)conversations podcast, host Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Katie Sterns, Founder and CEO of Blyngz Luxury Technologies. Together, they break down why cookie-cutter startup guides fail and how to build a successful company using an unorthodox growth mindset. If you are an entrepreneur, creator, or female founder tired of the status quo, this raw conversation about business resilience, tech disruption, and using ADHD as an entrepreneurial superpower is for you. 🎧 What You’ll Learn In This Episode: The Myth of the Startup Playbook: Why there is no linear, step-by-step guide to building a massive business. The Pivot Strategy: How Katie turned a massive pandemic threat into a major B2B revenue opportunity. Competing with Tech Giants: How small startups can outmaneuver multi-billion dollar companies using agility and authenticity. Brand Identity vs. Product: Why competitors can copy your product, but no one can steal your brand. ADHD as a Superpower: Embracing a divergent brain to synthesize big data and spot market gap 🕒 Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Podcast Teaser & Intro 02:16 - The Story Behind Blyngz Luxury Technologies 08:45 - Balancing Startup Obsession with Personal Relationships 11:59 - The Power of an Unorthodox Mindset 14:43 - Real-World Pivot: Sourcing During a Crisis 20:18 - Remaining Undeterred Against Global Tech Giants 24:38 - Protecting Your Brand Identity 34:12 - Why Having ADHD is an Entrepreneurial Superpower 41:05 - Managing Investor Relations & Data Room Stress 48:50 - Combining Sociology, Big Data, and Consumer Research 1:09:15 - Common Pitfalls Early-Stage Founders Make with Late-Stage Capital 🎙️ About Our Host & Guest: Dr. Alison Schmidt is an organizational psychologist, Founder & CEO of Unconvention, and strategic advisor to elite global leaders, founders, and CxOs looking to navigate market disruption. Connect with Dr. Alison on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus Katie Sterns is the founder and CEO of Blyngz Luxury Technologies, pioneering the "Jewelry Tech" category with a modular, AI-integrated audio platform. She is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for women's economic power. Learn more about Blyngz: blyngz.com Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katiesterns/ Support the Show: If you enjoyed this masterclass on leadership, please follow, download, and rate the podcast 5 stars on Spotify! 🎵 Theme Song: Produced by DJ Doug Jackson:   / dougjackson   StartupStrategy, Entrepreneurship, WomenInTech, BusinessPivot, Venture Capital, ADHDEntrepreneur, FemaleFounders, LeadershipDisruption, ExecutivePresence ©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC - all rights reserved

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Not just another leadership podcast — we explore the turning points, failures, and unexpected decisions that shaped today’s most influential leaders. Hosted by Dr. Alison Schmidt, (un)conversations delivers unfiltered talks with CEOs, founders, executives, and global business leaders. Each week, we dive into pivotal moments, defining choices, and unconventional moves that drive real growth. Learn what works, how disruption fuels success, and the three words shaping each leader’s evolution. 🎧 Follow (un)conversations for weekly actionable leadership insights and join the (un)movement.

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