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. 4D AGO

    Sustainable Agriculture, Failing Forward while Leaving a Legacy, with Jonathan Pickering

    What if failure isn’t the problem… but the path forward? In this episode, Jonathan Pickering shares how bold thinking, resilience, and sustainable innovation are shaping the future from agriculture to advanced technology. From building with his hands to leading cutting-edge R&D, Jonathan breaks down what it really takes to move ideas forward when you don’t have all the answers. This conversation is about thinking bigger, learning faster, and building solutions that actually matter both today and for generations to come. If you’ve ever doubted your next step or felt unqualified to go after something bigger, this episode will challenge you to rethink failure and lean into growth. About Jonathan Pickering Jonathan Pickering is the Co-Founder of OmniForge Dynamics and co-owner of Myrkheim Customs. His background spans management, leadership, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on building practical, engineered solutions from the ground up. At OmniForge Dynamics, he leads the development of SolVita Gardens, a modular controlled-environment agriculture platform designed to strengthen food security on Earth while advancing systems that can scale into space-based applications. His work sits at the intersection of infrastructure, agriculture, and emerging space technologies, with a strong emphasis on reliability, performance, and real-world scalability. Jonathan believes innovation should be both visionary and executable creating solutions that are not only forward-thinking, but operationally sound and commercially viable. Connect with Jonathan Jonathan Pickering Co-Founder, OmniForge Dynamics Email: jonathan.pickering@omniforgedynamics.com Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-pickering-73b088198

    34 min
  2. MAY 6

    Community Heals: Why Leaders Still Need Leaders, Faith and Obedience, with Jereè Black

    You’re not meant to do this alone… no matter how strong you are. In this powerful episode, Jereè Black shares how faith, obedience, and community can pull you out of your lowest moments and realign you with your purpose. From seasons of struggle to stepping fully into your calling, this conversation reveals why even leaders need support, mentorship, and people who will walk with them through the process. If you’ve been feeling stuck, isolated, or questioning your path, this episode will remind you of one truth: healing and growth happen in community. About Jereè Black Jereè Ann is a faith-driven leader, speaker, and creative visionary passionate about helping women heal, grow, and walk boldly in their God-given purpose. As the founder of Mend the Vow Ministries and Growing in Sisterhood, she creates spaces for restoration, connection, and empowerment through transparency and the Word of God. She is also a digital entrepreneur and podcast host of Morning Glory and Unmasked & Identified, reaching audiences worldwide with messages of encouragement, faith, and transformation. Through storytelling, coaching, and content creation, Jereè continues to uplift voices and empower women to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. With a heart for service and a gift for connection, she blends authenticity and creativity to remind others that healing is possible, purpose is real, and God’s timing is always perfect. Connect with Jereè Ann: Email: mendthevow@gmail.com Website: www.mendthevow.org Instagram: @mendthevow Facebook: mendthevow Phone: Ministry (248) 859-8408 | Business (213) 973-3372 Hit play and discover why the right community could be the breakthrough you’ve been missing.

    38 min
  3. MAY 1

    Booked and Blessed: Leading with AI Without Losing Yourself, with Felecia Harris

    What if AI could help you grow faster… without losing who you are in the process? In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Felecia Harris, Founder of The AI Career Shift and Air Force veteran, to break down how professionals and entrepreneurs can use AI as a tool not a crutch to level up their careers, businesses, and freedom. Felecia gets real about the biggest mistake people make with AI, either avoiding it out of fear or overusing it to the point where they lose their voice, identity, and critical thinking. She shares how AI can give you back time, simplify your workflow, and help you operate like a full team… but only if you stay in control. This conversation goes beyond technology. It’s about leadership, self-trust, and staying grounded in a world that’s moving faster than ever. From overcoming imposter syndrome to navigating overwhelm and breaking free from hustle culture, Felecia introduces a powerful shift: you don’t need to be busy to be successful, you need to be booked and blessed. About Felecia Harris Felecia Harris is the Founder of The AI Career Shift, a strategic consulting firm focused on AI-driven career acceleration and entrepreneurial transitions. She helps professionals use artificial intelligence to strengthen their career positioning, increase leverage in their current roles, and intentionally prepare for entrepreneurship. With over 25 years of leadership experience across government and Fortune 500 organizations, she brings deep expertise in workforce planning, human resources, and leadership development. After decades of seeing what separates professionals who thrive from those who fall behind, Felecia created The AI Career Shift to give people the tools and strategy they need to stay competitive in an AI-driven economy. She holds graduate degrees in business and healthcare administration and a bachelor’s degree in workforce education and development. If you’ve been curious about AI, feeling behind, or worried about being replaced—this episode will shift your perspective and give you a clear path forward. Connect with Felecia: Website: https://theaicareershift.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/felecia-harris Email: hello@theaicareershift.com

    33 min
  4. APR 29

    Indigenous Partnerships, AI Data Centers, and Real Economic Impact, with Colin Doylend

    What if the real key to growth, impact, and innovation isn’t what you know but who you connect and how you show up?  In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Colin Doylend, a strategic growth leader working at the intersection of Indigenous partnerships, AI infrastructure, cleantech, and real-world economic development. With over 25 years of experience bridging government, industry, and Indigenous communities, Colin reveals how true leadership isn’t about control. It’s about connection, clarity, and creating value that benefits everyone involved. From helping scale billion-dollar companies to developing AI data centers and sustainable housing solutions, his journey proves that meaningful impact comes from collaboration, not competition. This episode dives into what it really takes to build trust across diverse stakeholders, navigate complex partnerships, and turn bold ideas into tangible outcomes that improve lives. Colin shares how persistence through rejection, clear communication, and being intentional about relationships can unlock opportunities most people never see. But this conversation goes deeper than business. It explores legacy, presence, and the human side of leadership highlighting why connection is the most undervalued asset in today’s fast-moving, tech-driven world. From lessons in servant leadership to the importance of sharing knowledge and showing up fully, you’ll walk away with a new perspective on what it means to lead and create lasting impact. About Colin Doylend Colin Doylend is a Strategic Growth & Partnerships Leader with 20+ years of experience driving innovation across AI computing, cleantech, housing, and agtech. His background spans political leadership, Indigenous economic development, and scaling multimillion-dollar ventures. He has secured over $100M in government and private investment, led partnerships behind landmark infrastructure projects, and helped grow early-stage companies 3–5x. From building Canada’s first SCIF-rated AI data center in partnership with Indigenous communities to launching vertical farms producing over 500,000 pounds of strawberries annually, Colin specializes in connecting vision with execution. His core expertise includes business development, strategic partnerships, government relations, fundraising, sustainable infrastructure, AI data centers, cleantech, agtech, Indigenous partnerships, and market expansion. He thrives at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and economic impact turning ideas into scalable, profitable ventures. If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or visionary ready to scale your impact, build meaningful partnerships, and lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving world, this episode will challenge how you think—and expand what you believe is possible. Connect with Colin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colindoylend/ Phone: 1-604-338-8543

    36 min
  5. APR 24

    Legacy and Selling a Business, and The Long Game of Integrity with Karl Sigerist

    What if selling your business wasn’t just about getting the highest price but about protecting your legacy, your values, and everything you’ve built?  In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Karl Sigerist, a mergers and acquisitions advisor who has helped generate over $4 billion in transactions, to reveal what most business owners get completely wrong when it comes to exiting their company. The reality is eye-opening up to 80% of business sales fail, often because owners aren’t prepared emotionally, strategically, or financially. Karl breaks down why having a clear “why sell” is just as important as knowing your numbers, and how a lack of clarity can cause deals to fall apart at the last minute. This conversation goes far beyond tactics. It dives into identity, purpose, and what happens when you separate yourself from the business you’ve spent decades building. You’ll learn how to properly value your business, avoid costly mistakes, and think like a sophisticated seller even if you’ve never gone through the process before. Karl also shares why integrity isn’t just a personal value. It’s a long-term strategy that compounds over time, building trust, opening doors, and ultimately increasing the value of your company. About Karl Sigerist Karl Sigerist works with Canadian business owners, boards, and investors to navigate growth, governance, capital, and exits with clarity, discipline, and deep respect for what they’ve built. With over 30 years of experience, he has founded, scaled, turned around, and exited businesses across fintech, insurance, technology, and B2B services. As a founding member of eight startups and a leader in multiple transformations, Karl brings an operator’s mindset having served as CEO, President, and Director, raised institutional capital, and advised on transactions exceeding $4 billion across Canada and Europe. In 2025, he authored Selling Your Canadian Business, a practical, step-by-step guide for lower-middle-market owners preparing for an exit distilling decades of real-world experience into a clear, actionable roadmap. Today, he works with founders and leadership teams navigating pivotal moments growth, transition, acquisition, or sale where experience truly matters. If you want to sell smarter, protect your legacy, and play the long game with integrity, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Karl: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlsigeristjr/ Website: https://sellingyourcanadianbusiness.com/ X: https://x.com/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaughnessygroup YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShaughnessyGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaughnessy.group/

    37 min
  6. APR 17

    Let Jesus Be Your CEO, Convicted Obedience + Coffee and Seasons of Refinement, with Annika Baylis

    Annika shares her incredible journey of starting her business at just 18 years old with a folding table and a simple espresso machine during the pandemic, and how faith, resilience, and “convicted obedience” led her to build a growing coffee brand, multiple locations, and a nonprofit ministry impacting lives far beyond the cup. This conversation dives deep into overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating seasons of uncertainty, and trusting God through the refining process of leadership and entrepreneurship. You’ll discover powerful insights on what it means to surrender control, lead with purpose, and trust that God will do more than you could ever ask, think, or imagine. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or simply searching for clarity in your next step, this episode will challenge you to step out in faith, embrace refinement, and align your work with a higher calling. About Annika Baylis Annika Baylis is the founder + CEO of Prickly Pear Coffee Co., and the president of The Prickly Coffee Foundation non-profit ministry. With a degree in entrepreneurship and years of hands on experience, Annika is passionate about helping others turn their ideas into reality. Her journey reflects resilience, creativity, and a deep heart for marketplace ministry, pursuing ventures that glorify God, uplift people, and embody excellence with purpose. If you’re ready to stop playing small, trust the process, and let God take the lead in your life and leadership, this episode is for you. Connect with Annika: Email: akvn@pricklypearcoffee.com Phone: 952.456.2532 Social: @pricklypearcoffeeco | @annikavbaylis

    42 min
  7. APR 10

    Saving Lives with AI in Healthcare, and Why Most Startups Fail, with Sailesh Pattnaik

    What if AI could save lives—not someday, but right now? In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Sailesh Pattnaik shares the deeply personal story that led him to build a healthcare AI company after experiencing a tragic loss during COVID that exposed critical gaps in hospital systems. From doctors overwhelmed with administrative work to life-saving patient data trapped in disconnected systems, this conversation uncovers how AI can transform healthcare by delivering speed, accuracy, and real-time insights when it matters most. But this episode goes far beyond technology—it’s a raw and honest look at entrepreneurship, highlighting the failures, rejection, and tough lessons that come with building something meaningful. Sailesh reveals why most startups fail, the costly mistake of chasing funding too early, and why true success comes from solving real-world problems instead of focusing on profit first. You’ll also learn how resilience, purpose, and long-term vision are the real drivers behind impactful innovation, and why now is the best time in history to build something that truly matters. If you’re an entrepreneur, innovator, or leader ready to think bigger, move faster, and create real impact, this episode will challenge how you see business, AI, and leadership. About Sailesh Pattnaik Sailesh Pattnaik is the Founder & CEO of RxGPT Health, a healthcare AI company building enterprise agentic AI platforms to transform hospital workflows. He is also a Fractional CMO and GTM leader for AI startups, specializing in scaling companies from pilot to Series A. With over 20 years of experience across MarTech, digital marketing, and enterprise transformation, Sailesh has led global growth initiatives across APAC, USA, EU, and MENA regions. At RxGPT Health, he is developing LLM-powered systems, RAG architectures, and AI agents designed to improve clinical efficiency and patient outcomes, supported by a global team and a roadmap toward HIPAA/FDA compliance and Series A funding. His work sits at the intersection of AI, healthcare, and scalable growth systems—focused on solving real problems that impact lives. Connect with Sailesh: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saileshpattnaik/ Website: http://saileshpattnaik.digital/

    31 min
  8. 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

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.