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. 3d ago

    What Ethical Leadership Looks Like When the World Gets Dirty, with Melih Arat

    What does it really mean to lead with integrity when dishonesty, distraction, and short-term thinking seem to dominate today's world? In this thought-provoking episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with entrepreneur, professor, author, and business consultant Melih (Mel) Arat to explore why ethical leadership isn't just a moral choice, it's a competitive advantage. Drawing on decades of experience teaching entrepreneurship, strategy, innovation, and business leadership, Mel shares timeless principles for building a meaningful career, creating value through business, and remaining true to your principles when the world encourages compromise. Together, they discuss the importance of lifelong learning, why reading books develops deeper thinking than endless scrolling, how today's algorithms compete for our attention, and why leaders must intentionally guard their focus instead of becoming "puppets of the algorithm." They also explore the vital role small businesses play in strengthening communities, mentoring future generations, creating economic resilience, and teaching responsibility through real-world experience. Mel also shares powerful lessons on honesty, personal responsibility, and integrity, explaining why protecting your character is more valuable than protecting your income. He offers practical wisdom on making difficult decisions, staying grounded during uncertainty, balancing truth with wisdom, and leading ethically without sacrificing influence or effectiveness. His perspective reminds us that true leadership isn't measured by titles or wealth, but by the principles we refuse to compromise. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, educator, or emerging leader, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about success, leadership, and the lasting impact of living according to your values. About Melih Arat Melih Arat is a Ph.D., professor, entrepreneur, and mentor who has been building businesses since 1996 across consulting, corporate training, online commerce, and digital/AI platforms. He holds a master's degree from Harvard University and teaches business and entrepreneurship at institutions including UC Berkeley Extension, while serving as full-time faculty at College of the Mainland. His work centers on sustainable success built on three principles: necessity, service, and growth. He helps entrepreneurs and professionals move from scattered ambition to structured execution, emphasizing resilience, clarity, faith, and long-term thinking. Connect with Mel Website: https://www.melarat.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melih-arat-9163078/

  2. 4d ago

    From Burnout to Purpose, Trusting Faith over Security, and Leaving a 6-Figure Income, with Dr. Melissa Hill

    What would it take for you to walk away from a successful six-figure career and trust that God has something even greater waiting on the other side? In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Dr. Melissa Hill, former federal chemist, CEO, transition coach, and founder of CREME Consultants, to explore what it really means to leave comfort behind and pursue your God-given calling. After more than two decades in a successful career, Melissa recognized the signs of burnout, stepped away from financial security, and followed a path of faith that transformed both her life and the lives of the people she now serves. Together, they discuss recognizing the difference between a paycheck and a purpose, overcoming fear during life's biggest transitions, trusting God's timing, managing stress and distractions, building daily discipline, finding clarity through prayer, and embracing change as an opportunity for growth rather than something to fear. Melissa also shares practical leadership lessons on staying grounded during uncertainty, making decisions through faith instead of fear, and discovering that true success comes from serving others with the gifts God has given you. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, burned out, or questioning whether you're living the life you were created for, this conversation will encourage you to trust the process, embrace the pivot, and confidently step into the purpose God has prepared for you. About Dr. Melissa D. Hill Dr. Melissa D. Hill is a visionary leader, author, speaker, certified insight and transition coach who empowers individuals to move from where they are to where they are called to be, personally, professionally, and spiritually, turning vision into value. She serves as CEO of MDH Mortgage, a purpose-driven company focused on equipping individuals and communities through consumer and commercial finance solutions. Melissa also serves on multiple nonprofit boards and is the Founder and Executive Director of The CAN Foundation, helping address wealth disparity through homeownership, entrepreneurship, education, legacy-building, and philanthropy. As the creator of the DREAM PRINT™ Method and founder of CREME Consultants, she has built transformational frameworks that help others discover purpose, build lasting legacies, and create generational impact. Her mission is simple: "My dream is to make your dream happen." Connect with Dr. Melissa Website: www.drmelissadhill.com Email: contact@drmelissadhill.com Phone: 678-573-2902 Follow Dr. Melissa Hill on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Substack: @drmelissadhill

  3. Jul 17

    Great Leaders in Adversity, and how Compassion Built a Championship Culture, with Jim Johnson

    What separates great leaders from those who simply manage people? In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with legendary coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author Jim Johnson to explore the leadership principles that create extraordinary teams, lasting influence, and unforgettable moments. Jim shares the remarkable story behind one of the most inspirational moments in sports history, when high school team manager Jason "J-Mac" McElwain, a young man with autism, stunned the world by scoring 20 points, including six three-pointers, in his only varsity basketball game. That single act of compassion not only transformed Jason's life but became a global reminder that the greatest leaders see potential where others see limitations. Together, Cory and Jim discuss how great leaders build trust through compassion, lead themselves before leading others, ask better questions, stay steady during adversity, and create championship cultures rooted in purpose, faith, and service. You'll also discover why your greatest legacy won't be measured by trophies or titles, but by the lives you impact. If you lead a business, coach a team, manage people, or simply want to become a better leader, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with practical leadership principles you can apply immediately. Because championships are remembered... But leaders who change lives are never forgotten. About Jim Johnson Coach Jim Johnson spent more than 30 years building championship high school basketball programs, earning 428 career victories while developing thousands of student-athletes into leaders. His leadership philosophy gained worldwide attention after giving team manager Jason "J-Mac" McElwain the opportunity of a lifetime, creating one of the most inspiring moments in sports history. Today, Jim is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, leadership coach, and author who helps business leaders, educators, and organizations build championship teams through leadership, perseverance, teamwork, and purpose. His signature message, Dreams Really Do Come True!, reminds audiences that true leadership has the power to transform lives and create lasting impact. Connect with Jim Website: https://www.coachjimjohnson.com

  4. Jul 15

    Lead Differently with Courage and Faith and Empowering the Next Generation, with Dr. Valencia Hicks-Harris

    What if the greatest leaders aren't the loudest in the room, but the ones courageous enough to serve others with faith, empathy, and purpose? In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham welcomes Dr. Valencia Hicks-Harris, affectionately known as Dr. V, Founder and CEO of Empower All Inc., educator, researcher, speaker, and nonprofit leader, for a powerful conversation about authentic leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, and creating lasting impact through service. About Valencia Hicks-Harris A Raleigh native, wife, mother, and passionate educator with more than 15 years of experience, Dr. V has dedicated her career to empowering youth and families through STEAM education, mental health advocacy, and leadership development. As CEO of Empower All Inc., she creates opportunities for students, especially those from underserved communities, to thrive. She also teaches at NC State University and serves as a Research Associate and Noyce STEM Recruiter at Duke University, helping prepare the next generation of STEM leaders. In recognition of her impact, she was inducted into the Wake Ed Partnership Stars of Education Hall of Fame in 2024. Together, Cory and Dr. V explore why the best leaders embrace discomfort, lead with faith, empower others before themselves, and remain grounded in their values even when the path forward is uncertain. They discuss overcoming self-doubt, developing resilient teams, accepting honest feedback, delegating effectively, preventing burnout, and creating transformational leadership through empathy, integrity, and service. Whether you're leading a business, nonprofit, school, ministry, or your own family, this episode will inspire you to lead with courage, humility, and purpose while trusting the vision God has placed on your heart. Because leadership isn't about building followers. It's about empowering others to become leaders themselves. Connect with Dr. V Website:http://www.empower-allinc.org Instagram: @empower_all_inc @dr._vhicksharris @s.m.a.s.h_hiphop

  5. Jul 10

    Name Your Price Marketplace and Inner Peace Under Pressure, with Boris Zhukov

    What separates leaders who build extraordinary companies from those who never move beyond a great idea? In this thought-provoking episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Boris A. Zhukov, applied economist, TEDx speaker, CEO of LetYouKnow, inventor, and former Assistant Professor at Ball State University, to explore the mindset required to innovate, lead through uncertainty, and stay grounded under pressure. Boris shares the story behind building LetYouKnow, a revolutionary "name your own price" marketplace, while revealing the leadership principles that fueled its creation. Together, Cory and Boris discuss why rejection is rarely personal, how resilience is built through consistent action, why failure is simply valuable data, and how maintaining inner peace allows leaders to make better decisions in high-pressure situations. Drawing from his expertise in economics, mathematics, and artificial intelligence, Boris explains why great leaders focus on increasing the probability of success instead of fearing failure. As one of the inventors behind the patented buyer-to-seller matching technology powering LetYouKnow, he shares practical insights on innovation, calculated risk-taking, entrepreneurship, networking, perseverance, and why the courage to keep showing up often becomes your greatest competitive advantage. Whether you're launching a startup, leading a team, or pursuing a bold vision, this episode will inspire you to embrace uncertainty, think differently, and keep building even when success isn't guaranteed. Because extraordinary leadership isn't about avoiding failure. It's about having the courage to keep moving forward until success becomes inevitable. About Boris Zhukov Boris earned both his Ph.D. and Master's degrees in Economics from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Goucher College. His research in regression modeling, price estimation, and marketplace design continues to shape next-generation technologies that help businesses and consumers make smarter decisions. Connect with Boris Website: https://letyouknow.com Email: boris@letyouknow.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/letyouknowinc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC374ON7XJSlx7bF4CNstf6w TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@letyouknowinc X: https://x.com/Letyouknowinc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LetYouKnowInc Instagram: https://instagram.com/letyouknowinc

  6. Jul 8

    Wealth Management and Rugby: How Empathy Builds Society and Portfolios, with Russ Lazaruk

    What do wealth management, leadership, and rugby have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Russ Lazaruk, Managing Director at NCP Capital Partners, to explore why the strongest portfolios and the strongest organizations are both built on trust, empathy, and meaningful relationships. With more than 35 years of experience in wealth management, Russ shares why financial success is never just about numbers. It's about understanding people, earning trust, and aligning financial decisions with what matters most. Together, Cory and Russ discuss the importance of listening before advising, leading with empathy, giving people the freedom to grow, and why the best leaders create environments where others can thrive. About Russ Lazaruk  Russ also reflects on the leadership lessons he learned long before entering finance. After serving five years in the British Army, operating a family farm, working in the forest industry, and running a heavy equipment business, he developed the practical leadership style and work ethic that continue to shape both his professional career and extensive nonprofit board service. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations strengthen governance, build capacity, and increase their impact within the communities they serve. Outside the boardroom, Russ remains an active rugby player, competes in triathlons, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Hilary, and their growing family of grandchildren. His unique life experiences offer valuable lessons on resilience, discipline, service, and leading with purpose. Whether you're building wealth, leading a team, or striving to make a lasting impact, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about success, leadership, and the legacy you leave behind. Because the greatest investments aren't always financial. They're the relationships you build, the trust you earn, and the people you empower. Connect with Russ Website: www.ncpdfo.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-lazaruk-11b59b4/ Threads: @russlazaruk

  7. Jul 3

    Redefining Founder and Family Success, with SaaS Unicorn Founder Robert Imbeault

    What if the greatest measure of success isn't the company you build, but the life you create? In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Robert Imbeault, Founder and CEO of Backboard.io, serial entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and former co-founder of Canadian SaaS unicorn Assent Compliance, to explore what happens when you redefine success beyond revenue, titles, and exits. After building and exiting one of Canada's most successful technology companies, Robert realized that true fulfillment isn't found in working longer hours. It's found in being fully present for the people who matter most. Together, Cory and Rob discuss entrepreneurship, fatherhood, leadership, mental health, childhood trauma, personal growth, and why the best leaders intentionally design lives that align with their values. About Robert Imbeault Robert shares lessons from building high-growth companies, investing in AI and emerging technologies, mentoring the next generation of founders, and creating healthy boundaries that allow both business and family to thrive. From his memorable "orange juice" family rule to his commitment to never missing life's most important moments, Rob offers a refreshing perspective on balancing ambition with purpose. As the Founder and CEO of Backboard.io, Rob is building AI infrastructure that provides a stateful memory layer for generative AI systems, helping shape the future of artificial intelligence. His experience as a founder, investor, and community leader provides practical insights for entrepreneurs and leaders navigating today's rapidly changing world. Whether you're building a startup, leading a team, or striving to create a more intentional life, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what lasting success truly means. Because your greatest legacy won't be measured by the business you build. It will be measured by the people whose lives you impact. Connect with Robert Imbeault Substack: https://robimbeault.substack.com/ Medium: https://medium.com/@robimbeault/ X: https://x.com/RobImbeault

  8. Jul 1

    Why Soft Skills Win in Leadership: Science vs Art, with Abbas Alimorad

    Will AI replace great leaders? Not if leadership remains human. In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Abbas Alimorad, executive leader, board member, AI and strategy advisor, and project management expert, to explore why the future of leadership isn't about choosing between technology and people. It's about mastering both. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience leading complex initiatives across higher education, government, and healthcare, Abbas explains why AI excels at processing information, analyzing data, and improving efficiency, but will never replace the human qualities that define exceptional leadership. Empathy, emotional intelligence, communication, trust, resilience, and integrity remain the competitive advantages every leader must develop. The conversation also explores mentorship, networking, lifelong learning, raising resilient children, overcoming setbacks, and staying grounded in your values when facing pressure. Abbas shares why every challenge is an opportunity to grow and why authentic leadership begins with putting people before performance. About Abbas Alimorad A recognized executive leader and keynote speaker, Abbas specializes in transforming project management and organizational performance through intelligence, innovation, and strategic leadership. He is known for advancing organizational growth through evidence-based planning, inclusive change management, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership. Abbas holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from the University of Guelph, a Master of Professional Education in Educational Leadership from Western University, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Whether you're leading a team, implementing AI, managing complex projects, or preparing for the future of work, this episode will help you embrace technology without losing the human connection that great leadership requires. Because technology may transform the way we work. But it's our humanity that determines how we lead. Connect with Abbas Alimorad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbasalimorad/ Email: abbas@jhmjconsulting.com

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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
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unapologetic Leadership
  • Show Website
    Unapologetic Leadership