Create the Future

Rick Williams
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Create the Future Podcast™ is hosted by Rick Williams, keynote speaker and author of Create the Future – your essential leadership guidebook for making difficult decisions. The Create the Future Podcast is a community forum for leaders to share their stories about making difficult choices in an engaging and entertaining way so others will learn from their experiences. When you listen to the Create the Future Podcast, you will learn how to be a more successful leader who makes the difficult decisions. You will hear how inspiring leaders have faced similar challenges. You will hear about courage, fear, determination, and hope. Executives, entrepreneurs, aspiring leaders, board members, nonprofit leaders, public-sector leaders, and mission-driven professionals share their stories about leadership challenges and making tough choices that shaped the future of their organization and their own careers. If you have a compelling story to tell about making a tough call for your company, or any organization – what went right, what went wrong, and lessons learned – share your story with the Create the Future Podcast audience. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest.

  1. 2D AGO

    18 - Where Science Meets Politics: Leadership for Peacebuilding with Dr. Zafra Lerman

    In this episode of the Create the Future podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Dr. Zafra Lerman, President of the Malta Conferences Foundation. Dr. Lerman shares her journey as a scientist and leader, highlighting her courageous efforts to unite scientists from conflicting Middle Eastern countries to promote peace through science. She discusses overcoming personal and political challenges, the power of science diplomacy, and the importance of resilience and collaboration in leadership. The episode offers inspiring insights into making tough decisions, building bridges across divides, and the ongoing quest for peace in turbulent regions. Check out Dr. Zafra Lerman's work HERE. Connect with Dr. Zafra Lerman on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

    51 min

  2. MAY 5

    17 - Building Bridges: How to Integrate Real Human Connection into Your Marketing Strategy with Desiree Martinez

    In this episode of Create the Future, your host Rick Williams interviews Desiree Martinez, Founder of The Kast Agency. Desiree shares her journey from early social media marketing to making a pivotal decision: shifting her business from chasing rapid growth to focusing on sustainable, values-driven strategies. She discusses adapting to industry changes, especially the rise of AI and the renewed need for human connection. Desiree emphasizes the importance of community, emotional intelligence, and seeking support when making tough decisions, offering practical insights for leaders navigating uncertainty and change. Check out Desiree's work HERE. Connect with Desiree on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

    42 min

  3. APR 28

    16 - Cultivating Authentic Leadership: Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Awareness with Rick Williams

    In this episode, host Rick Williams and guest Dusty Holcomb, Founder and CEO of Arcqus Group, engage in a thoughtful discussion on effective leadership, focusing on decision-making, vulnerability, and self-leadership. They share personal stories and practical strategies, highlighting the importance of seeking diverse perspectives, managing fear, and separating self-worth from outcomes. The conversation emphasizes authentic vulnerability, the value of mentorship, and the need for clear decision-making processes. Listeners gain actionable insights on leading oneself, fostering trust, and building aligned teams, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills. Check out Dusty's work HERE. Connect with Dusty on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

    51 min

  4. APR 21

    15 - Accountability on Ice: How a Hockey Coach’s Tough Decision Transformed His Team with Paul Thornton

    In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, host Rick Williams interviews leadership coach and author Paul Thornton. Paul shares his journey from corporate HR leader to college professor and prolific writer. He recounts a pivotal lesson from coaching hockey: enforcing accountability by leaving late players behind, despite their importance to the team. The discussion explores the challenges of leadership, the importance of living by one’s values, and how sports foster discipline and growth. Paul emphasizes that effective leaders make tough decisions, prioritize team standards, and consistently align actions with their core beliefs. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

    42 min

  5. APR 14

    14 - Leading with Confidence: Turning Chaos into Clarity Through Data-Driven Decisions with Nick Jain

    In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, your host Rick Williams interviews Nick Jain, Co-Founder of Eagle Rock CFO. Nick shares his experience leading a mid-sized, founder-led software company through a pivotal transition to professional management. He discusses implementing data-driven decision-making, shifting company culture, and the importance of financial clarity. Nick also reflects on learning from failure, balancing execution with empathy, and launching his new AI-powered CFO venture. The conversation offers practical insights for leaders facing tough decisions and organizational change. Check out Nick's work HERE. Connect with Nick on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

    41 min

  6. APR 7

    13 - From Panic to Purpose: Turning Career Setbacks into Success with Kim Sawyer

    In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, your host Rick Williams interviews executive coach Kim Sawyer, Founder & Principal of The Wealth Source, about pivotal decisions throughout his life and career. Kim recounts his journey from adventurous travels and military service to entrepreneurship and executive coaching. He shares how his decision-making evolved from impulsive choices to a structured process involving mentors and self-reflection. Kim also discusses adapting his business during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing resilience, mindset shifts, and proactive career management. The episode offers practical insights for leaders facing uncertainty and highlights the value of learning from setbacks and embracing change. Check out Kim's work HERE. Connect with Kim on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

    38 min

  7. APR 2

    12 - The Ripple Effect: Making Decisions That Shape Generations with Terence Chatmon

    In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Terence Chatmon, President & CEO of Victorious Family. Terence shares his journey from corporate leadership at Johnson & Johnson and Coca-Cola to leading a nonprofit that empowers parents. He discusses making values-driven decisions, the importance of conviction and purpose, and how his experiences shaped his leadership. Terence emphasizes the lasting impact of investing in others, especially as a parent, and offers advice to "love well," highlighting the foundational role of love in raising confident, resilient children. Check out Terence's work HERE. Connect with Terence on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

    43 min

  8. MAR 31

    11 - From Ignorance to Innovation: The Journey of an Electric Bus Pioneer with John Walsh

    In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, host Rick Williams interviews John Walsh, Founder & CEO of Endera, a specialty automaker producing electric buses for government use. John shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his start in private equity to founding Endera at 25, and discusses building his team, validating product-market fit, and scaling operations. He emphasizes the importance of honest company culture, strategic decision-making, and leveraging advisors. John also offers insights into the electric vehicle industry and Endera’s unique approach to growth and competition in a challenging market. Check out John's work HERE. Connect with John on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

    40 min
See All (18)

Ratings & Reviews

About

The Create the Future Podcast™ is hosted by Rick Williams, keynote speaker and author of Create the Future – your essential leadership guidebook for making difficult decisions. The Create the Future Podcast is a community forum for leaders to share their stories about making difficult choices in an engaging and entertaining way so others will learn from their experiences. When you listen to the Create the Future Podcast, you will learn how to be a more successful leader who makes the difficult decisions. You will hear how inspiring leaders have faced similar challenges. You will hear about courage, fear, determination, and hope. Executives, entrepreneurs, aspiring leaders, board members, nonprofit leaders, public-sector leaders, and mission-driven professionals share their stories about leadership challenges and making tough choices that shaped the future of their organization and their own careers. If you have a compelling story to tell about making a tough call for your company, or any organization – what went right, what went wrong, and lessons learned – share your story with the Create the Future Podcast audience. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest.

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Williams
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Rick Williams
  • Show Website
    Create the Future