Discover Your Mad Skills: Unbarred Conversations

Cam Welsh
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Ready to see what great case-solving teams and problem solvers do differently? Join a seasoned case-solving coach and his all-star network of former competitors, coaches, and business professionals as they pull back the curtain on the real problem-solving playbook. Episodes break down: How top problem solvers actually think under pressure What audiences really expect to see And how to turn messy, complex problems into clear, confident decisions You’ll hear real stories, original thinking, and hard-earned lessons from people who’ve been in the room, at the table, built and grown organisations and been under the clock. From sharpening your analysis and decision criteria to crafting solutions that are bold, defensible, and impactful—this podcast helps you build the problem-solving skills that truly set you apart. 🎧 Tune in, lean in, and keep building those MAD skills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. Apr 10

    Why University Experiences Outside Class Matter More Than Lectures: Case Teams, Clubs & Real Mad Skills

    What if the skills that actually matter in your career, time management, critical thinking, adaptability, communication, and the courage to take safe risks, are built more outside the classroom than inside it? In this raw Unbarred Conversations episode, Cam Welsh sits down with Sonia Mellema, former case team member, JDC West captain during COVID, Director of Operations at a Calgary startup, Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp manager, and potter. Sonia shares: Why overloading her plate with case competitions, student clubs, and leadership roles prepared her for real life better than lectures ever couldThe power of “soft risks” you can only safely take in universityHow getting involved outside class helped her meet different people, build relationships, and develop the mad skills employers actually wantLessons on work-life balance, burnout, and turning experiences into long-term strengthsPerfect for business students and young professionals who want honest, no-fluff feedback on building communication, creativity, critical thinking, and real-world adaptability — the exact mad skills that turn good students into strong professionals. Subscribe for more Unbarred Conversations that cut through the fluff and help you level up. Support the Discover Your Mad Skills Toolkit → buymeacoffee.com/treadsoftly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why University Experiences Outside Class Matter More Than Lectures: Case Teams, Clubs & Real Mad Skills

  2. Mar 25

    Sailing in a Storm: The Real Leadership Secret Behind Championship Case Teams

    What if winning international case competitions has almost nothing to do with slides, templates, or even analysis — and everything to do with trust, team bonding, and leadership under pressure? In this raw Unbarred Conversations episode, emeritus prof Cam Welsh sits down with Mats Urde from Lund University — championship coach at John Molson MBA International Case Competition — who compares coaching high-performance teams to sailing in a storm. Key takeaways for business students, young professionals, case competitors & educators: Why “trust the force” is non-negotiable when the team presents (and why you must let go as coach)The legendary “lasagna bonding” ritual that turns strangers into unbreakable crewsHow to build teams that fight hard but stay friends — never leave anyone behindWhy human creativity & live discussion beat AI every time in case-based learningReal debrief routines (Navy-style) that pull thorns before the next caseIf you want the honest, no-fluff feedback that turns good students into podium-ready communicators, critical thinkers, and creative leaders — this is it. Subscribe for more unbarred convos that level up your mad skills. Support the mission: buymeacoffee.com/treadsoftly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sailing in a Storm: The Real Leadership Secret Behind Championship Case Teams

  3. Feb 25

    10-Day COVID Pivot Master Adaptability & Confidence

    Join Tash Marshall-Bean, fitness instructor and entrepreneur, in conversation with Cam Welsh as they explore student engagement, mentorship, and adaptability in teaching. From transitioning to online learning during COVID-19 to fostering purpose-driven motivation, Tash shares practical strategies for educators, trainers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Discover how language, connection, and observation can transform learning, and why creating a supportive environment helps students thrive. Learn the value of mentorship, reflection through learning blogs, and teamwork in preparing students for real-world challenges. Key Takeaways: Empowering others creates a ripple effect of successAdaptability is essential in teaching and trainingBuild confidence, passion, and purpose in studentsUse observation and reflection to improve learningGuide students through projects, entrepreneurship, and customer serviceFoster engagement and resilience in virtual and in-person settingsWho Should Watch: Educators, coaches, mentors, students, and anyone passionate about learning, teaching, and personal growth. 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on teaching, mentorship, and entrepreneurship! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10-Day COVID Pivot Master Adaptability & Confidence

  4. Feb 11

    EQ Beats IQ: Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Real Career Differentiator

    In this episode of Discover Your Mad Skills, Cam Welsh is joined by Ismail Qadry, a former student, leadership consultant, and co-host of The Emotional IntelliiGents podcast, for a deep dive into emotional intelligence and why it may matter more than IQ in the real world. Ismail shares his journey from business and technology into leadership coaching, explaining how he eventually realised that his greatest strength wasn’t technical expertise, it was his ability to build trust, navigate conflict, and lead through relationships. Together, Cam and Ismail explore: What emotional intelligence actually isWhy stress reveals true leadership abilityHow ego and insecurity undermine teamworkWhy universities struggle to teach emotional intelligenceHow reflection, feedback, and real practice build EQWhy great teams are built on compatibility, not just talent Cam also shares powerful stories from his coaching career, including how one struggling case team turned failure into breakthrough through honest conversation, reflection, and connection. Whether you’re a student, educator, manager, or young professional, this episode offers practical insights on how to develop the skills that truly drive success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    EQ Beats IQ: Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Real Career Differentiator

  5. Jan 28

    Strategy Without Execution Is Just Wishful Thinking: How to Build & Actually Deliver a Winning Plan

    Most organisations don’t fail because they lack ideas. They fail because their strategy never gets executed. In this episode of Discover Your Mad Skills, Cam Welsh sits down with Rocco Matteo, founder of E3 Consulting (Envision. Engage. Execute.), to unpack what strategy really means—and why 70% of strategic plans never get implemented. With 30 years of senior leadership experience across retail, food, cosmetics, construction, and hardware, Rocco breaks down: Why strategy is not just an action planHow vague vision statements kill executionThe role culture and values play in real performanceWhy people and technology matter more than budgetsHow to turn strategy into ownership, accountability, and results If you’ve ever said “We have a strategy, but nothing’s changing”, this episode is for you. Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, executives, consultants, MBA students, case competitors, and anyone responsible for turning ideas into results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Strategy Without Execution Is Just Wishful Thinking: How to Build & Actually Deliver a Winning Plan

  6. Jan 14

    Innovation Is NOT Just a New Idea How to Turn Creativity Into Real Value

    What really makes entrepreneurship work? In our upcoming episode, Michael Kerr cuts through the noise and gets practical. We dig into: 👉 Why every venture needs a clear call to action (and what happens when it doesn’t) 👉 How team dynamics can make or break execution 👉 The often-missed difference between creativity (ideas) and innovation (ideas that actually work) 👉 Why non-profits need an entrepreneurial mindset just as much as startups 👉 How real market engagement beats assumptions every time 👉 Competition, capital, and the truth about valuation vs. validation Michael brings a grounded, experience-driven perspective on what it takes to launch, fund, and scale ideas that survive in the real world—not just on pitch decks. If you’re building something, supporting founders, or rethinking how your organisation creates value, this episode is for you. 💬 What’s been harder in your experience: validation or valuation? 👇 Let’s talk—and keep building those mad skills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Innovation Is NOT Just a New Idea How to Turn Creativity Into Real Value

  7. 12/17/2025

    Navigating Financial Futures for Young Professionals

    In this episode, financial advisor Stefano Francescut shares valuable insights on financial planning tailored specifically for young professionals and students. He addresses the barriers that often prevent young people from engaging in financial planning and underscores the importance of financial literacy education. Stefano discusses effective strategies for managing student debt and emphasises the significance of goal-setting and cash flow management. He also highlights various sources of financial knowledge available to young adults. Ultimately, Stefano offers key financial advice to help young individuals successfully navigate their financial futures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Navigating Financial Futures for Young Professionals

  8. 12/03/2025

    Don't Believe Everything You Read How Media Bias & Social Media Are Changing Truth

    What if the news you consume is shaping your worldview more than reality itself? In this raw Unbarred Conversations episode, Cam Welsh sits down with Lisa Sygutek — owner of the Crowsnest Pass Herald and President of the Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association — for an honest talk about media bias, social media distortion, and why critical thinking matters more than ever. Lisa shares: Her eye-opening experience in Spain, where social media painted a dire picture that didn’t match realityWhy traditional community newspapers still matter as a check on democracyHow polarization and algorithms are dumbing down society and killing constructive debateThe difference between local journalism (where you have to face your readers) and national/regional mediaLessons for business students and young professionals on questioning sources and building real critical thinking skills If you’re tired of echo chambers and want honest, no-fluff feedback on communication, adaptability, and critical thinking in the age of AI and social media, this conversation delivers. Subscribe for more Unbarred Conversations that cut through the fluff and help you level up your mad skills. Support the Discover Your Mad Skills Toolkit → buymeacoffee.com/treadsoftly #MadSkills #CriticalThinking #MediaBias #SocialMediaTruth #LeadershipSkills #BusinessStudents #Adaptability Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Don't Believe Everything You Read How Media Bias & Social Media Are Changing Truth

  9. 11/19/2025

    Soft Skills Aren’t Soft: How to Actually Teach Future Skills That Matter

    Soft skills aren’t soft — they’re the hardest skills to teach and the most valuable ones students actually need. In this raw Unbarred Conversations episode, Cam Welsh sits down with Astrid Eckstein, educator and Fusion program leader, to talk about how to move beyond lectures and actually build transferable skills like critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and creativity. Astrid shares: Why hard skills get the attention, but soft/transferable skills determine real successThe Fusion approach: explore → apply → reflect to create behaviour changeHow to make experiential learning fun and memorable instead of just “group projects”The power of conflict, humility, and “what? so what? now what?” reflectionWhy universities must shift from delivering information to developing humans who can adapt in the AI era Perfect for business students, young professionals, educators, and anyone who wants honest, no-fluff feedback on building the mad skills (communication, creativity, critical thinking) that employers actually want. Subscribe for more Unbarred Conversations that cut through the fluff and help you level up. Support the Discover Your Mad Skills Toolkit → buymeacoffee.com/treadsoftly #MadSkills #FutureSkills #SoftSkills #FusionProgram #CriticalThinking #ExperientialLearning #BusinessEducation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Soft Skills Aren’t Soft: How to Actually Teach Future Skills That Matter

  10. 11/05/2025

    Seizing Opportunities: Rachel Hughes on Career Growth, HR Success & Business Skills

    How do you turn education into real-world career success? In this inspiring conversation, Rachel Hughes, HR leader and Haskayne School of Business alum, shares her journey from business studies to thriving in the HR world at ATB Financial — and the power of seizing opportunities along the way. 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Video How to identify and pursue opportunities that accelerate your careerRachel’s personal path from business school to HR leadershipKey career and professional growth tips for students and early professionalsThe value of transferable skills and workplace readinessPractical advice for building confidence and advancing in your fieldWhether you’re a student, early-career professional, or career changer, this talk equips you with inspiring insights and actionable guidance to help you grow and succeed in today’s competitive job market. 👉 Subscribe for more career growth stories, skills advice, leadership insights, and professional development strategies. 👉 Comment below: What opportunity changed your career path Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Seizing Opportunities: Rachel Hughes on Career Growth, HR Success & Business Skills

  11. 10/23/2025

    From Railroad to Builder CEO The Team Trust & Feedback Secrets That Win in Consulting & Business

    What makes a team truly successful? How does leadership shape performance, culture, and results? In this Leadership & Team Success conversation, Cam Welsh sits down with Jeff Peterson, founder and president of Blue Monarch Management, to explore the key principles that drive strong teams and effective leadership. From developing mad skills to fostering trust, accountability, and growth — this talk delivers actionable insights for leaders, managers, and professionals at every level. In this video, you’ll learn: ✅ Core leadership traits that build strong teams ✅ How to align team goals with organizational vision ✅ The role of emotional intelligence in leadership ✅ Practical strategies for motivating and empowering team members ✅ Lessons from real-world leadership and management experience Whether you’re an emerging leader, seasoned manager, or career-minded professional, this discussion provides practical guidance to boost team performance and lead with impact. 👉 Subscribe for more insights on leadership, career growth, workforce skills, and professional development. 👉 Comment below with your top leadership challenge — let’s talk! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    From Railroad to Builder CEO The Team Trust & Feedback Secrets That Win in Consulting & Business

  12. 10/08/2025

    From Stats PhD to Co-Founding Innovatank How Case Competitions Unlock Real Mad Skills

    How do we truly bridge the gap between education and industry? In this episode of the Discover Your Mad Skills Toolkit, Cam Welsh sits down with Samie Ly to explore how students, educators, and employers can better align learning with real-world industry expectations. Together, they unpack: Why the education–industry gap still existsThe skills employers actually look for beyond gradesHow experiential learning accelerates career readinessThe importance of transferable skills in a rapidly changing workforcePractical advice for students and young professionals navigating career transitionsWhether you’re a student preparing for the workforce, an educator designing future-ready programs, or a professional seeking career growth, this conversation delivers actionable insights you can apply immediately. 🎯 Key Topics Covered Education vs industry expectationsCareer-ready and transferable skillsExperiential learning and applied educationWorkforce readiness and employabilityCareer development strategies👉 Subscribe for more conversations on skills, careers, leadership, and learning. 👉 Comment below: What skill do you think matters most in today’s workforce? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    From Stats PhD to Co-Founding Innovatank How Case Competitions Unlock Real Mad Skills
  • 12 Episodes

About

Ready to see what great case-solving teams and problem solvers do differently? Join a seasoned case-solving coach and his all-star network of former competitors, coaches, and business professionals as they pull back the curtain on the real problem-solving playbook. Episodes break down: How top problem solvers actually think under pressure What audiences really expect to see And how to turn messy, complex problems into clear, confident decisions You’ll hear real stories, original thinking, and hard-earned lessons from people who’ve been in the room, at the table, built and grown organisations and been under the clock. From sharpening your analysis and decision criteria to crafting solutions that are bold, defensible, and impactful—this podcast helps you build the problem-solving skills that truly set you apart. 🎧 Tune in, lean in, and keep building those MAD skills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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