Conversations on Resilient Leadership

Jim de Vries
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  • Business

In this series, we sit down with leaders who have not only navigated but thrived amidst uncertainty. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this podcast is your access to the strategies and insights of those who are redefining leadership in today's environment. Hosted by Jim de Vries, Founder and Managing Partner of Enhance International Group, who brings over 30+ years of expertise in driving transformational change and facilitating high-impact solutions across organizations.

Episodes

  1. 12/04/2025

    #10 - Global Innovation Expert - Jose Pires

    What happens when you discover that being "right" can kill your effectiveness as a leader? In this transformative episode, Jose Pires—global excellence and innovation advisor to Fortune 50 companies and organizations ranging from startups to the Vatican—reveals why today's leadership crisis isn't what you think it is. Jose has trained over 50,000 leaders across 50+ countries and challenges everything you thought you knew about leading in chaos. You'll discover: 🔥 Why most leaders are failing: The shocking truth about why we're in a "low" of both management AND leadership across all industries (and how disruption has become an excuse for incompetence) 🎯 The "duck and wait" problem: How talented people are actively waiting for your strategy to "blow by and die"—and what to do about it ⚡ Collaborative vs. Transactional Leadership: The evolution that separates multi-trillion dollar organizations from everyone else (and why most leaders never make this leap) 💡 The Innovation Execution Secret: Why real innovators aren't who you think—and how the "test of innovation execution" reveals the only four traits that actually matter 🚫 The "Being Right" Trap: Jose's powerful personal story of getting called out by an executive—and how this failure became the foundation of his entire philosophy 🎯 The Ikigai Framework: The Japanese secret to finding your purpose that 90%+ of leaders have never considered (and how to use it practically, not esoterically) Plus: Why you should NEVER pick a company or industry to work for, the real difference between management and leadership, and why "move the needle" is the most dangerous phrase in business. Whether you're a frontline manager or C-suite executive, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and give you a blueprint for creating massive positive change—starting today.

    1h 2m

  2. 10/19/2025

    #9 - What Makes People Choose to Follow You? - Keren Novack

    What does it take to transform from hiding behind your mother's skirt to confidently leading a company through major restructuring? In this raw and revealing conversation, Curion President Keren Novack shares the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership philosophy - including the day she had to lay off close friends and peers just 24 hours after becoming interim CEO.Discover why Keren believes titles don't make leaders, how she earned followership by elevating others, and the vulnerable truth about balancing three kids under 10 with running a 300-person company. You'll learn her counter-intuitive approach to transparency (hint: it's not what you think), why she "broke up" with her Apple Watch, and how one brave conversation with a struggling employee changed her entire career trajectory.Whether you're navigating your first leadership role or leading through uncertainty, this episode delivers practical insights on building authentic influence, managing difficult transitions, and creating cultures where people choose to follow - not because they have to, but because they want to.Key Topics:-- The difference between management and leadership (and why you need both)-- Navigating peer-to-leader transitions-- Building trust through vulnerability and authenticity-- Leading through major organizational change-- Balancing perfectionism with letting go-- Creating adaptive, recession-proof business strategies-- The future of AI in traditional industriesGuest: Keren Novack, President of Curion

    1 hr

  3. 05/27/2025

    #8 - Brutal Truth About American vs European Business Culture - Gerry Vos

    From Amsterdam to Wall Street: Leadership Lessons with Gerry VosFrom growing up next door to a family slaughterhouse in a small Dutch village, to shaping financial markets across Europe and the U.S., Gerry Vos’s story embodies resilience and adaptability. In this compelling episode, Gerry Vos, Chairman of Gerry Vos LLC, joins Jim de Vries to unpack over 40 years of international business wisdom.Dive in as Gerry shares candid insights about:--Strategic vs. Operational Leadership: How to shift from managing daily tasks to setting long-term strategic visions.--The Puzzle of Life and Business: Navigating uncertainty, cultural change, and adapting when life inevitably reshapes your best-laid plans.--Trust as a Foundation: Why personal connections and transparency remain crucial in an age dominated by technology and AI.--Global Economic Shifts: Practical advice for leaders confronting geopolitical turbulence, demographic changes, and evolving global economies.Whether you're scaling a company, transitioning from manager to strategic leader, or simply seeking timeless advice on leadership resilience, this episode delivers rich perspectives from a global executive whose career spans continents and industries.Learn more about EIG: https://consultingeig.com

    1 hr

  4. 04/30/2025

    #7 - The 'Opportunity Maximizer' Method - Marty Jacknis

    In this electrifying episode of Conversations on Resilient Leadership, join host Jim de Vries as he sits down with Marty Jacknis – a remarkable leader who transformed his early academic struggles into a blueprint for extraordinary success.From ranking 405th in his high school class to becoming a top IBM sales performer and renowned leadership coach, Marty shares radical insights on turning challenges into opportunities. Learn how to:--Develop an "opportunity maximizing" mindset--Make informed decisions that can transform your business--Overcome self-limiting beliefs--Create a culture of continuous innovationPacked with powerful stories and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in resilient leadership that will challenge you to see potential where others see obstacles. Whether you're an emerging entrepreneur or seasoned executive, Marty's strategies will inspire you to rewrite your own success story.

    59 min

  5. 04/14/2025

    #6 - Inside the Biggest Turnaround in UK Banking History - Mike Amato

    In this powerhouse episode of Conversations on Resilient Leadership, Jim de Vries sits down with Mike Amato: executive coach and author of The Better Way to Win. From leading the largest turnaround in UK banking history to co-founding one of the world’s top 100 wineries, Mike’s leadership journey is anything but conventional.What you’ll learn in this episode: The difference between leadership and management (and why most get it wrong)How Mike rebuilt Barclays' culture from scandal to successThe single most important factor in driving team performanceWhy most executive teams lack true inspiration—and what to do about itA powerful framework for shifting from “execution excellence” to “strategic impact” Whether you're in the C-suite or just stepping into leadership, this is a masterclass in building followership, leading through crisis, and building a purpose-driven organization. “Leadership is a feeling. And the best leaders? They're felt.” - Mike Amato

    1 hr

  6. 02/17/2025

    #5 - A Security Industry Legend's Raw Story - Ken Gould

    Join Jim de Vries in this riveting episode of Conversations on Resilient Leadership as he sits down with Ken Gould, a 50-year veteran of the security industry and founder of KG Consulting. Ken’s journey, from managing his family’s business to leading multimillion-dollar companies and shaping industry associations, offers a masterclass in resilient leadership.In this episode, Ken shares:Leadership vs. Management: Why visionary thinking, kindness, and humility define true leadership—not just task management.Crisis Resilience: Firsthand lessons from steering teams through 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, and the COVID-19 pandemic.The Power of Listening: How overcoming his own “driven” persona taught him the value of patience and empowering others.Building Trust: Simple yet transformative acts—like shoveling snow for a janitor or sending handwritten birthday cards—that forge loyal teams.Industry Insights: Why customer service, compliance, and embracing technology are critical for thriving in today’s security landscape.Packed with gritty anecdotes, actionable strategies, and Ken’s signature Brooklyn charm, this episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking to inspire, adapt, and leave a legacy. Whether you’re navigating crises or building a culture of kindness, Ken’s wisdom will fuel your leadership journey.Tune in now and discover how resilience, integrity, and a little old-school day-timer planning can redefine success.

    57 min

  7. 01/14/2025

    #4 - I Fired My Best Friend - Jacquelyn Gernaey

    In this engaging episode of Conversations on Resilient Leadership, host Jim de Vries sits down with Jackie Gernaey, CEO of Seven Star HR, to explore her remarkable journey from hospital microbiologist to pioneering business leader. Jackie shares candid stories of pivotal career moments - from boldly asking for a job that changed her trajectory to making the tough decision to sell her own division. Episode Highlights: How a complaint call about a faulty product led to an unexpected career opportunity The challenging decision to fire a close friend who hit her with a purse Why she chose to sell her division rather than meet unrealistic profit targets Her innovative approach to employee training using a three-column system: "They watch us, we watch them, they're checked out" The birth of Seven Star HR from a client's memorable comment: "I want you to catch the fish, fry it in a pan and feed it to me" Insights on why hiring slows during election years and how political uncertainty affects business planning Why marketing aggressively during economic downturns can be a winning strategy With decades of leadership experience, Jackie offers invaluable insights on building effective teams, knowing when to delegate, and navigating challenging business decisions.

    51 min

  8. 12/02/2024

    #3 - Leadership Under Fire: John Cosgrove

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with John Cosgrove, President of Atlantic Handling Systems and former Mayor of Fair Lawn, NJ, who shares his remarkable journey from volunteer firefighter to successful business leader. With four decades of leadership experience, Cosgrove reveals how life-and-death decisions in the fire department shaped his approach to business and public service. Through compelling stories—from transforming a troubled police department to bringing clean water to Honduran villages—Cosgrove illustrates his core leadership principles: showing genuine care, maintaining focus, and building trust. He offers candid insights on: Why 1.8 million Americans volunteer for the most dangerous career How to turn organizational conflicts into opportunities The delicate balance between business, family, and public service Critical challenges facing American manufacturing and automation The conversation culminates in a thought-provoking discussion about America's economic future, the automation revolution, and why leaders must remain open to change or risk becoming obsolete. Perfect for current and aspiring leaders seeking practical wisdom on building trust, navigating change, and leaving a lasting impact.

    55 min

  9. 11/13/2024

    #2 - Surviving the Startup Rollercoaster: Michael Loveless

    When should entrepreneurs pull the plug, and when should they persevere? In Episode 2 of Conversations on Resilient Leadership, Jim de Vries speaks with Mike Loveless, VP of AI and Analytics at intelgraph, about the art of balancing entrepreneurial vision with pragmatic decision-making.  From lessons learned in the trenches of tech startups to strategies for fostering resilience in today’s volatile landscape, Mike shares insights on cultivating tenacity, navigating partnerships, and leveraging AI to build robust, adaptive organizations.  Key highlights: Mike Loveless’s entrepreneurial journey and leadership style Balancing tenacity with the need to pivot in business Building flat, inclusive organizations that foster innovation The evolving role of AI in supply chain and business management Strategies for proactive resilience and future-proofing your business Whether you're a startup founder, seasoned executive, or aspiring leader, this episode offers practical wisdom on building adaptable, human-centered organizations that can thrive amid uncertainty. Join us for a candid discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and offers fresh perspectives on sustainable business growth.

    1 hr
  10. #1 - Leading with Vision and Values: Assad Mirza

    10/30/2024

    #1 - Leading with Vision and Values: Assad Mirza

    In this inaugural episode of Conversations on Resilient Leadership, host Jim DeVries sits down with Assad Mirza, CEO of Infinity Opex, for a candid exploration of authentic leadership in today's dynamic business environment. Assad explains why self-awareness, having a bold vision, and building genuine connections with employees are the keys to leading organizations through turbulent times. He draws on his own career spanning multiple industries to reveal how he transformed struggling companies by first transforming the mindset and culture. Listeners will walk away with a fresh understanding of leadership that goes beyond titles and metrics to the heart of inspiring teams to achieve great things. This episode is a must-listen for any leader seeking to build more resilient, innovative, and purpose-driven organizations. Key highlights include: Why true leadership starts with leading yourself before leading others How to create and implement a vision that truly engages all levels of an organization The critical difference between vision and strategy in organizational success Practical approaches to building genuine employee engagement The "smell of the place" theory: measuring success beyond traditional metrics Insights on navigating the current economic landscape and the future of AI in business

    59 min

  11. 10/29/2024

    Trailer: Conversations on Resilient Leadership

    This week, Enhance International Group introduces Conversations on Resilient Leadership—a podcast series dedicated to exploring the principles and practices that define effective, resilient leadership in today’s complex world.

    1 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

In this series, we sit down with leaders who have not only navigated but thrived amidst uncertainty. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this podcast is your access to the strategies and insights of those who are redefining leadership in today's environment. Hosted by Jim de Vries, Founder and Managing Partner of Enhance International Group, who brings over 30+ years of expertise in driving transformational change and facilitating high-impact solutions across organizations.

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