Backstage Pass with GDA Speakers

GDA Speakers
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Presented by GDA Speakers, a premier global speakers bureau, Backstage Pass with GDA Speakers hosted by Gail Davis invites you into the exciting world of keynote speaking and event planning expertise. Each episode pulls back the curtain with exclusive interviews from top keynote speakers, industry insiders, and event professionals. Join us as we explore expert insights, inspiring stories, and actionable advice to help you create unforgettable events. 

  1. 1d ago

    Your Playbook for Success in Today’s Workplace with Carla Harris

    In this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Carla Harris, Vice Chairman, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, to unpack the practical strategies that have shaped her nearly four decades on Wall Street. From navigating uncertainty and rapid change to building relationships that move careers forward, Carla shares her signature Carla’s Pearls and explains how professionals at every level can be more intentional about how they show up, connect with others, and position themselves for success. She also breaks down the difference between performance currency and relationship currency, why a sponsor plays a critical role in career advancement, and what it takes to lead with confidence and intention in today’s environment. Key topics include: Why today’s workplace requires greater agility in the face of uncertainty and changeHow authenticity can become a competitive advantageWhy perception matters to professional successThe difference between performance currency and relationship currencyWhy a sponsor is different from a mentorHow to identify and build relationships with potential sponsorsThe power of small, consistent interactions in building professional relationshipsWhat intentional leadership looks like todayWhy being present, listening, communicating, and empowering others matter for leadersHow Carla uses keynote presentations and audience Q&A to give people practical strategies they can put to workCarla’s message is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about what you accomplish—it’s also about how intentionally you show up, invest in relationships, and lead the people around you. Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Carla Harris to your next event.

    Your Playbook for Success in Today’s Workplace with Carla Harris

  2. Aug 17

    The Combat-Proven Formula for Stronger Teams with Jason Harris

    On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with bestselling author, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, professional pilot, and keynote speaker Jason Harris to explore the combat-proven principles behind his No Fail Trust® methodology. After 11 combat deployments, Jason knows what it takes to operate in environments where the stakes are high and trust is essential to getting the mission done. He shares how those experiences shaped his approach to teamwork and why the same principles can help organizations strengthen trust, accountability, connection, and performance. Jason also shares how he helps organizations surface challenges around trust, communication, psychological safety, and accountability, and why building stronger teams starts with creating genuine connection. Key topics include: The high-risk combat experiences that shaped Jason's approach to teamworkThe story behind his No Fail Trust® methodologyWhat it takes to build trust before the pressure hitsWhy training, processes, and empowerment matter to team performanceHow connection can lead to commitment, accountability, and trustWhy anyone can influence culture, regardless of titleHow Jason takes organizations beyond the keynote through workshops and deeper engagementThe story behind his new book, No Fail Trust: The Flight Manual for Building Teams That Deliver Under PressureOne simple way to start building stronger trust todayVisit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Jason Harris to your next event.

    The Combat-Proven Formula for Stronger Teams with Jason Harris

  3. Aug 4

    Why The Future Belongs To The Curious with Jamie Metzl

    On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis welcomes futurist, bestselling author, and technology strategist Jamie Metzl for a conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing leaders today: how to prepare for a future that's changing faster than ever. Drawing on decades of work spanning AI, healthcare, biotechnology, and geopolitics, Jamie explains why the future isn't about humans versus technology. It's about learning how the two can work together. He shares practical insights for leaders and organizations looking to navigate change, empower their people, and build a culture of continuous learning.  Key topics include:  Why today's technological revolutions are accelerating each other  How humans and AI create more value together  A simple framework for deciding what people do best  Why curiosity is the key to staying relevant  How organizations can become better learning organizations  Practical advice for preparing yourself and your team for the future  Why human creativity and judgment will matter more, not less  The audiences and organizations that benefit most from Jamie's messageVisit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Jamie Metzl to your next event.

    Why The Future Belongs To The Curious with Jamie Metzl

  4. Jul 13

    The Strength Every Team Has (But Might Not Know It) with Kyle Scheele

    On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with keynote speaker and creativity expert Kyle Scheele to explore one of the biggest myths holding organizations back: the belief that some people are creative and others simply aren't. Known for his viral experiments, unforgettable storytelling, and practical approach to innovation, Kyle shares how his unconventional journey led him from youth speaking to corporate stages around the world. He explains why creativity isn't reserved for artists or inventors, but is a learnable skill that helps teams solve problems, generate better ideas, and move faster together. Key topics in this episode include: Kyle's unconventional path to becoming one of today's leading creativity speakersWhy creativity is a skill anyone can developThe biggest mistake organizations make when trying to innovateHow leaders can unlock the untapped ideas already inside their teamsWhy facilitation is often more important than having all the answersA preview of Kyle's upcoming book, How Ideas WorkHow Kyle customizes every keynote to each audienceOne simple shift that can help any team become more creativeVisit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Kyle Scheele to your next event.

    The Strength Every Team Has (But Might Not Know It) with Kyle Scheele

  5. Jul 1

    The Blind Spot Between Ambition & Prison with Rashmi Airan

    On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with bestselling author and now "recovering attorney and investment banker" Rashmi Airan to explore how good people can make life-changing mistakes—and how those same moments can become the foundation for stronger leadership, greater resilience, and lasting personal growth. After a successful career in law and finance led to a federal prison sentence, Rashmi rebuilt her life with a mission to help organizations better understand ethical decision-making, human behavior, and the hidden blind spots that affect us all. She shares the practical framework she developed to help leaders pause, gain clarity, and make better decisions in today's fast-moving world. Key topics in this episode include: How one ethical blind spot changed the trajectory of Rashmi's lifeWhy pressure, speed, and ambition often cloud our judgmentThe four questions behind Rashmi's "Clarity Loop" decision-making frameworkThe difference between performance and alignment in leadershipThe release of her new book, All Rise, and why "Rise" has become the foundation of her workHow to recognize blind spots before they become costly mistakesThe audiences and industries that benefit most from Rashmi's messageWhy pausing may be the most powerful leadership habit of allVisit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Rashmi Airan to your next event.

    The Blind Spot Between Ambition & Prison with Rashmi Airan

  6. Jun 17

    The Cyber Threat Wake-Up Call from a Former NSA Exec with Rachel Wilson

    On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with cybersecurity expert, former NSA senior executive, and current Morgan Stanley Managing Director Rachel Wilson to explore the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape — and why cybersecurity now affects everyone from global organizations to individual families. Key topics in this episode include:  Rachel’s experience leading counterterrorism operations and overseeing thousands of high-stakes cyber operations at the NSA  Why cybersecurity has evolved from an IT issue into a leadership and business issue  How artificial intelligence is accelerating cybercrime and lowering the barrier to entry for hackers  Why employees are both the greatest cybersecurity vulnerability and the first line of defense  The importance of developing “healthy skepticism” in today’s digital world  Practical cybersecurity habits Rachel recommends for businesses, leaders, and families  How organizations can better prepare teams to navigate modern cyber risks  Why today’s cyber threats are impacting businesses and households alike  The types of audiences and organizations that benefit most from Rachel’s message Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Rachel Wilson to your next event!

    The Cyber Threat Wake-Up Call from a Former NSA Exec with Rachel Wilson

  7. Jun 4

    The Power of Beliefs Is Bigger Than You Think with Shawn Achor

    On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with New York Times bestselling author and positive psychology expert Shawn Achor to discuss his newest bestseller, The Power of Beliefs. Known for transforming how organizations think about happiness and performance, Shawn shares the research behind the beliefs that predict success, resilience, engagement, and well-being. He explains why beliefs are far more powerful than most people realize and how leaders can intentionally shape them to create stronger teams and better outcomes. Key topics in this episode include: What inspired Shawn to write The Power of Beliefs after an eight-year break from publishingHow the new research builds upon the foundation of The Happiness Advantage and Big PotentialThe seven core beliefs that influence performance, resilience, and successWhy beliefs predict outcomes ranging from sales and retention to well-being and longevityThe surprising lesson behind the "home field advantage" and what it teaches us about connectionHow organizations are using belief-based strategies to improve engagement, culture, and resultsPractical ways leaders can strengthen positive beliefs within their teamsWhy Shawn believes hope, meaning, and human potential matter more than ever in the age of AIVisit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Shawn Achor to your next event!

    The Power of Beliefs Is Bigger Than You Think with Shawn Achor

  8. May 13

    Why Some Teams Click & Others Crumble with David Burkus

    On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with bestselling author and leadership expert David Burkus to explore what separates high-performing teams from teams that struggle to connect, communicate, and collaborate. Key topics in this episode include: David’s concept of “fluid teams” and why they’ve become the dominant way modern organizations workThe two key ingredients that make teams successful: clarity and empathyWhy communication norms and trust matter more than most leaders realizeHow organizations often try to solve collaboration issues with more meetings and more tools — while missing the real problemThe role psychological safety plays in creating healthy disagreement and stronger team performanceWhy AI should be viewed as a collaboration tool instead of just a productivity shortcutHow leaders can strengthen trust, respect, and communication within their teams immediatelyThe kinds of organizational challenges that most often lead companies to bring David in to speakVisit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing David Burkus to your next event!

    Why Some Teams Click & Others Crumble with David Burkus
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About

Presented by GDA Speakers, a premier global speakers bureau, Backstage Pass with GDA Speakers hosted by Gail Davis invites you into the exciting world of keynote speaking and event planning expertise. Each episode pulls back the curtain with exclusive interviews from top keynote speakers, industry insiders, and event professionals. Join us as we explore expert insights, inspiring stories, and actionable advice to help you create unforgettable events. 

Information

  • Creator
    GDA Speakers
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Backstage Pass with GDA Speakers
  • Show Website
    Backstage Pass with GDA Speakers