Unapologetic Leadership

Cory Dunham

In a noisy, distracted world, authentic leadership matters more than ever. Hosted by Cory Dunham—entrepreneur, business leader, and follower of Jesus—this podcast is real talk for real leaders who want to live and lead with clarity, courage, and conviction. From overcoming fear mindsets to leading with love, Cory shares personal stories, faith-driven values, and practical tools that help you grow as a leader in your workplace, family, and community. Each episode offers actionable takeaways, mindset shifts, and sometimes guest insights—so you can lead without burnout, build trust, create alignment, and anchor yourself in what truly matters. Whether you’re a boss, teacher, parent, entrepreneur, career professional, or single mom, this show will help you lead yourself and others in a way that’s bold, authentic, and sustainable. Because leadership isn’t a title—it’s a way of living. Subscribe and join a community of leaders who are done with surface-level living. The world doesn’t need louder leaders—it needs leaders who are clear, courageous, and grounded.

  1. APR 2

    Preventing Burnout with Career Clarity while Having Faith, with Ashley Powell

    Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or burned out in your career—even though you’re doing everything “right”?  In this powerful episode, Ashley Powell reveals why burnout isn’t always about working too hard—it’s often about lacking clarity, alignment, and direction. She breaks down how to reconnect with your purpose, identify what truly fulfills you, and build a career path that actually fits your life—not drains it. Through real talk and practical insight, you’ll discover how faith, intentional decision-making, and career clarity can help you move from survival mode into a place of confidence, impact, and long-term success. If you’ve been questioning your next move, feeling exhausted in your current role, or wondering if there’s something more for you—this episode is your wake-up call to reset, realign, and move forward with purpose. About Ashley Powell Ashley Powell is the founder and owner of Connections Career Planning & Services, where she specializes in helping individuals connect to their ideal careers with clarity and confidence. Through her firm, she offers resume development, career coaching, interview preparation, job search strategies, and professional development workshops—equipping her clients with the tools they need to stand out and succeed in today’s competitive job market. Her personalized approach ensures that every individual she works with is not only prepared, but empowered to take ownership of their career journey. In addition to her business, Ashley serves as a Non-Profit Project Manager, where she leads workforce development initiatives and creates awareness around high-demand, high-paying career opportunities for underrepresented communities. She is passionate about breaking down barriers to employment and helping individuals access sustainable, meaningful career paths that lead to economic mobility and long-term stability. Ashley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public and Non-Profit Administration from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Phoenix. With over a decade of experience in professional development, she has dedicated her career to serving diverse populations through coaching, education, and large-scale workforce initiatives. Her mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that every individual has the knowledge, tools, and belief needed to build a fulfilling and successful career. Connect with Ashley and take the next step in your career journey: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coachash8 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connections_career_ps Website: https://www.connectionscareerplanning.com/

    36 min

  2. MAR 26

    Building Courage Through Curiosity, Food and Kids with Derek Wallace

    What if the secret to confidence, leadership, and overcoming fear… started with trying something new? In this episode, Derek Wallace shares how using food as a gateway to curiosity can help build courage, connection, and confidence—not just in kids, but in all of us. From walking away from a successful corporate career to building a purpose-driven movement, Derek reveals how growth begins the moment you step into the unfamiliar—and why curiosity may be the most powerful leadership skill of all. If you’re ready to think bigger, lead better, and live with more courage—this episode will challenge and inspire you. About Derek Wallace Derek Wallace is the Founder and Executive Director of the Mind Open Fork Ready Project, a nonprofit that uses food adventures to nurture a generation of more curious, courageous, and compassionate kids. Through events, educational programs, and media, the project fosters empathy and prepares children to be positive global citizens—one meal, one conversation, one shared experience at a time. Derek’s journey didn’t begin in media—it started in the flooring industry. After 17 years in sales and marketing leadership at a large textiles manufacturer, he made the bold decision to leave a toxic environment and pursue something more meaningful. Inspired by an episode of Chef’s Table and a desire to share food and cultural stories with his son Henry, Derek identified a powerful gap: while cooking resources for kids existed, storytelling through food and culture did not. That insight led to the creation of Kalamata’s Kitchen in 2019 alongside former Le Bernardin sommelier Sarah Thomas. What began as one of the most successful children’s publishing campaigns in Kickstarter history quickly evolved into a nationally recognized media brand—featured in The New York Times, CBS This Morning, The Today Show, and Bon Appétit, and named a James Beard Foundation media award finalist. Today, Derek leads the Mind Open Fork Ready Project, bringing this mission to communities nationwide—while also mentoring founders, advising mission-driven organizations, and helping shape the next generation of leaders. He lives on the New Hampshire Seacoast with his wife Jennifer, son Henry, and their doodles, Woodrow and Parmigiana. Connect with Derek Mind Open Fork Ready Project: https://www.mindopenforkready.org/Derek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dereksamuelwallace/Mind Open Fork Ready Project (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/mind-open-fork-ready-project/Kalamata’s Kitchen (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/kalamataskitchen/

    34 min

  3. MAR 26

    Building Trust without Surrendering to AI with Martin Stadelmeyer

    Can you embrace AI… without losing trust, integrity, and human connection? In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with global executive Martin Stadelmeyer to unpack what truly builds trust across cultures, industries, and leadership levels. From leading inside companies like Mercedes and Volkswagen to navigating tough decisions, Martin reveals why respect, authenticity, and delivering on your word still outperform any technology. You’ll discover how to: Build trust that creates real business growthUse AI without sacrificing your voice or valuesLead with integrity—even when the pressure is highIf you want to lead in a world being reshaped by AI… without becoming replaceable, this episode is a must-listen. About Martin Stadelmeyer Martin Stadelmeyer is the Managing Director and Partner at AMBE Engineering based in Detroit, USA, where he leads operations across Mexico and drives growth with U.S. and Canada-based clients. The firm specializes in Supplier Development, Lean Manufacturing, and Operational Excellence. Previously, Martin served as Senior Managing Director in Mexico, scaling the organization from 25 to 120 consultants while doubling revenue year-over-year. Before AMBE, he held multiple leadership roles at Daimler AG, including: Head of Procurement Trucks and Bus Mexico, where he transformed the team into the top-performing procurement unit in North AmericaHead of Emerging Market Office Mexico, where he expanded operations and led supply chain strategy across Latin AmericaWith a global career spanning Germany, China, Mexico, and the U.S., Martin brings a powerful perspective on leadership, trust, and operational excellence. Connect with Martin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-stadelmeyer-6977/

    37 min

  4. MAR 19

    Identity, Self-Trust, and the Power of Stories with Hannah Peterson

    What if the life you want is on the other side of trusting yourself? In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Hannah Peterson to explore how identity, self-trust, and storytelling shape the way we lead and live. From stepping into the unknown to rewriting your own narrative, this conversation dives into how confidence is built through action, courage, and embracing who you truly are—even when it’s uncomfortable. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or not “ready,” this episode will challenge you to take the first step and start leading your own story. About Hannah Peterson Hannah Peterson is the Executive Director of Wonder Productions. Prior to this, she spent almost 14 years working in Latin America and Africa on education, digital health, and innovative finance projects. She began her career as a Volunteer Coordinator in Nicaragua, where her passion for connecting across cultures first began. She holds a Master’s Degree in Global Human Development from Georgetown University and a BA in Sociology and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. In January 2025, she wrote her first play, Vacate, and performed it in April 2025 to a sold-out audience at Joe’s Movement Emporium—where she discovered the power of storytelling to build empathy and connection. Contact Hannah: Email: hpeterson@wonderproductionsmedia.com Instagram: wonderproductions_dc Website: www.wonderproductionsmedia.com

    35 min

  5. MAR 12

    Success to Significance, Seek God's Direction, Do It Scared with Ian Watts

    What happens when success isn’t enough anymore? In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with entrepreneur, author, and leadership expert Ian Watts to explore the shift from chasing success to living a life of true significance. Ian shares his journey from growing up in poverty in Detroit to achieving financial success at a young age—only to realize that money alone doesn’t bring fulfillment. Through faith, purpose, and leadership, he discovered a deeper mission: building businesses that bless the world. Together, Cory and Ian discuss how leaders can seek God’s direction, overcome fear, and step into their calling—even when it means doing it scared. They dive into leadership lessons about faith, decision-making, purpose, and creating impact that goes far beyond financial success. If you want to lead with conviction, strengthen your faith, and transform your success into meaningful impact, this episode will challenge and inspire you. About Ian Watts Ian Watts is an accomplished author, speaker, coach, and expert on workforce transformation, helping executives enhance employee engagement, boost team performance, and reduce employee turnover in 90 days or less, guaranteed. He delivers results through powerful keynotes, workshops, and his proprietary leadership framework known as The ACTS Method. With over two decades of experience as a business coach, Ian has built HR systems and scaled staffing leadership—helping grow a company from 6 to 60 locations nationwide while recruiting more than 400 team members with minimal turnover. As the founder of SB Dream Coach and Employee Success Company, Ian has helped transform leaders across 30+ industries in more than 40 states and internationally in countries such as China, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. Ian has shared stages with renowned speakers including ET, the Hip Hop Preacher, and Coach Stormy Wellington, and has been featured on FOX 2 News (Detroit), Equipped with Chris Brooks, and PBS (Detroit). A committed servant-leader, Ian has also served in ministry for over a decade, including leadership with EMERG (Evangel Ministries Economic Restoration Group). His mission is simple yet powerful: to build businesses that bless the world by developing both the mindset and skill set leaders need to transform their lives and organizations. Connect with Ian Watts: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianmwatts/ Website: http://employeesuccesscompany.com/

    39 min

  6. MAR 5

    Brand Trust, Human Connection, Lasting Perception with Kyle Turk

    In this episode, Cory Dunham sits down with marketing leader Kyle Turk to explore what truly builds brand trust, authentic human connection, and lasting perception in today’s rapidly evolving digital world. As AI reshapes marketing and communication, Kyle shares why authenticity, clarity of purpose, and real human connection are becoming the most valuable assets a brand can have. The conversation dives into how leaders and marketers can stand out in a crowded marketplace, avoid the trap of generic AI-driven content, and build brands that people genuinely trust. Kyle also shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, lessons in leadership, and how organizations can create environments where teams thrive through purpose, creativity, and collaboration. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, marketer, or business owner, this episode will give you practical insights on how to build stronger brands, lead with authenticity, and create meaningful connections that drive long-term growth. About Kyle Turk Kyle Turk is the VP of Marketing at seoplus+ and Founder of Meerkat Marketing, an award-winning entrepreneurial marketing leader with over two decades of experience managing teams, driving revenue, acquiring clients, and building powerful brands through strategic and creative marketing solutions. Kyle has been featured as an expert contributor in numerous leading publications including Business Insider, Business News Daily, CMSWire, USA Today, Ivy Exec, Databox, Ottawa Business Journal, PostFunnel, Upgrow, TopWebinars, Keys2Business, L-Spark, Klipfolio, and more. He has also served as a judge for the Canadian Marketing Association Awards, leads LinkedIn workshops, and is the co-host of the Marketing Malarky Podcast. Kyle frequently speaks at organizations and institutions such as the University of Ottawa, Carleton Marketing Association, Ottawa Board of Trade, Ottawa Business Journal, and Lakefield College School Career Day. His expertise spans a wide range of marketing and leadership disciplines including marketing strategy, B2B marketing, digital marketing, content marketing, lead generation, brand building, marketing automation, CRM, customer experience, performance measurement, and strategic planning. Connect with Kyle Turk Email: kturk@meerkatmarketing.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-turk/

    30 min

  7. FEB 26

    Building Kindness at Scale, Culture, Both Online and Off with Abby Mckiernan

    In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with speaker, entrepreneur, and culture strategist Abagail McKiernan for a conversation about bold leadership rooted in compassion, faith, and intentional action. Abby shares how a simple moment, hearing a woman say “because I can” while helping someone in need, sparked a movement that grew into a community connecting more than 100,000 needs since 2017. What began as a Facebook group evolved into a powerful model of radical generosity and ultimately into a technology platform helping workplaces better care for their people. Together, they explore what it truly means to lead from any seat, whether in a boardroom, a nonprofit, or at home. Abby opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, leading without a title, the discipline of pausing before reacting, and why culture is shaped in everyday moments. She challenges leaders to move beyond surface-level kindness and instead build systems that remove barriers, restore dignity, and create environments where people can thrive. This episode is about courage, clarity, responsibility, and choosing compassion, not as a feeling, but as a leadership strategy. About Abby McKiernan Abagail McKiernan is a speaker, entrepreneur, author, and community builder who believes that kindness, when backed by action, is one of the most powerful tools a company can invest in. She is the founder of Spark in the Dark, a peer-to-peer resource-sharing network that has helped connect over 100,000 needs since 2017, and the creator of HelpLink, a tech-based platform designed to help businesses proactively remove barriers to work for their employees. Abby is passionate about redefining what it means to lead with compassion in the workplace and frequently speaks on the intersection of community, culture, and care. Spark in the Dark was invited as one of 77 organizations worldwide to participate in the 2020 Facebook Community Accelerator and received the Torch of Ethics Award from the Better Business Bureau. HelpLink was selected as one of 49 organizations worldwide in 2025 to participate in the AWS and Deloitte Social Entrepreneur Accelerator. She was featured as a 40 Under 40 to Watch in Michigan in 2021 and recognized as one of Northern Michigan’s most influential women. Connect with Abby:  https://helplink.org/

    37 min

  8. FEB 19

    Build Trust So Mistakes Don’t Break You: Humility and Resilience with Jacob Soter

    In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Jacob Soter, Director of Swim Smart Technologies, to unpack why trust, humility, and resilience are essential when leadership decisions carry real-life consequences. Jacob shares his journey from engineering student to leading nationwide water safety innovation, revealing how listening first, collaborating deeply, and owning mistakes builds trust that lasts. The conversation explores leadership under pressure, learning from failure, personal resilience shaped by adversity, and why humility not ego is the foundation for sustainable impact. This episode is a powerful reminder that strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers it’s about earning trust so mistakes don’t break you or the people you serve. Jacob Soter is the co-founder and Managing Director of SwimSmart Technology LLC, a Michigan-based company specializing in automated beach safety systems to prevent drownings. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2019) and a Master of Business Administration (2020) from Michigan Technological University, where he participated in the SENSE Enterprise Program.  Inspired by presentations on beach safety inefficiencies at the 2017 Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium conference, Soter pivoted from initial concepts in water safety drones to developing data-driven warning technologies integrated with National Weather Service forecasts.  Under his leadership, SwimSmart has expanded to deployments across beaches around the United States and a first reaching Canada. A NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador, Soter received the 2024 Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium's Superhero of the Year award for his contributions to drowning prevention. Connect with Jacob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-soter-swimsmart/

    37 min
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About

In a noisy, distracted world, authentic leadership matters more than ever. Hosted by Cory Dunham—entrepreneur, business leader, and follower of Jesus—this podcast is real talk for real leaders who want to live and lead with clarity, courage, and conviction. From overcoming fear mindsets to leading with love, Cory shares personal stories, faith-driven values, and practical tools that help you grow as a leader in your workplace, family, and community. Each episode offers actionable takeaways, mindset shifts, and sometimes guest insights—so you can lead without burnout, build trust, create alignment, and anchor yourself in what truly matters. Whether you’re a boss, teacher, parent, entrepreneur, career professional, or single mom, this show will help you lead yourself and others in a way that’s bold, authentic, and sustainable. Because leadership isn’t a title—it’s a way of living. Subscribe and join a community of leaders who are done with surface-level living. The world doesn’t need louder leaders—it needs leaders who are clear, courageous, and grounded.

Information

  • Creator
    Cory Dunham
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unapologetic Leadership
  • Show Website
    Unapologetic Leadership