The Executive Connect Podcast

Heartcast Media

This is the Executive Connect Podcast - a show for the new generation of leaders. Join us as we discover unconventional leadership strategies not traditionally associated with executive roles. Our guests include upper-level C-Suite executives charting new ways to grow their organizations, successful entrepreneurs changing the way the world does business, and experts and thought leaders from fields outside of Corporate America that can bring new insights into leadership, prosperity, and personal growth - all while connecting on a human level. No one has all the answers - but by building a community of open-minded and engaged leaders we hope to give you the tools you need to help you find your own path to success.

  1. Uncertainty Isn’t A Threat… Its Greatest Competitive Advantage with Scott Stirrett

    -21 Ч

    Uncertainty Isn’t A Threat… Its Greatest Competitive Advantage with Scott Stirrett

    Guest: Scott Stirrett Host: Melissa Aarskaug Episode Overview: Executives do not fear uncertainty, they master it. In this conversation, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Scott Stirrett, author of The Uncertainty Advantage, to unpack how leaders can turn volatility into a competitive edge. From boardroom confidence and self compassion to adaptability, generalist skills, relationships, and smart risk taking, Scott shares a practical playbook for thriving in a VUCA world. If you want clear tactics to lead with calm, build resilience, and make better decisions amid constant change, this episode is your guide. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why uncertainty can be your biggest advantage 01:10 – Scott’s path: Nova Scotia to Goldman to social entrepreneur 01:45 – Launching Venture for Canada and raising $80M 02:14 – How leaders project confidence in uncertain times 03:33 – Preparation, public speaking, and mindset for confidence 04:31 – Why self compassion fuels resilience and leadership 05:34 – Burnout, balance, and building life “pillars” 06:33 – Adaptability as the new leadership superpower 07:54 – Why long term plans fail in a rapidly changing world 08:23 – Scott’s resilience story: pandemic challenges and OCD 10:12 – Why generalist skills matter in an AI-driven future 11:44 – Breaking silos and collaborating across functions 13:02 – How strong relationships drive career and well-being 14:25 – Risk taking: leaving Goldman Sachs to found a nonprofit 15:57 – Training your risk-taking “muscle” without recklessness 17:05 – Advice Scott would give his 22-year-old self 19:16 – Six pillars from The Uncertainty Advantage 20:29 – How to thrive by embracing chaos, not avoiding it 21:49 – Where to connect with Scott and preorder his book Connect With Us: Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel Social: LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast Facebook: Executive Connect

    24 мин.
  2. How to Learn AI in 30 Days: A Leader's Guide to the Human Touch (feat. Lori Mazor)

    -5 ДН.

    How to Learn AI in 30 Days: A Leader's Guide to the Human Touch (feat. Lori Mazor)

    Guest: Lori Mazor Host: Melissa Aarskaug Episode Overview: Feeling behind on AI? This episode is your roadmap to catching up fast—without losing the human touch. Melissa Aarskaug sits down with architect and educator Lori Mazor, who lays out her practical 30-day plan to build real AI fluency. From classrooms to customer service, Lori explains why banning AI in schools misses the point, and how leaders can treat AI as a teammate rather than a threat. Packed with relatable examples and step-by-step guidance, this conversation shows you how to adapt, stay creative, and use AI responsibly in work, leadership, and daily life. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why banning AI in schools misses the point 00:36 – Meet Lori Mazor: architect, educator, and AI innovator 01:08 – From campus design to AI leadership 02:48 – Discovering MidJourney and creative AI communities 04:23 – Systems thinking and applying design skills to AI 05:30 – The reality of job loss and adaptation 06:57 – Teaching AI with a human touch 08:11 – Why chatbots ruin customer service experiences 12:14 – Using AI to remove friction and serve people better 16:54 – How kids, parents, and schools can approach AI responsibly 17:24 – Advice for leaders who feel they are falling behind 19:09 – A simple 30-day plan to build AI fluency 20:12 – Real-life use cases in healthcare and family decisions 26:11 – How AI is reshaping education and workforce skills 34:06 – Final thoughts: doing human things in the age of AI Connect With Us: Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel Social: LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast Facebook: Executive Connect

    36 мин.
  3. Clients on Demand: How Seth Greene Turned 300 Cold Calls a Day Into a 7-Figure Agency

    1 СЕНТ.

    Clients on Demand: How Seth Greene Turned 300 Cold Calls a Day Into a 7-Figure Agency

    Most agencies chase growth with endless hustle. Seth Greene discovered that the real secret to building a seven figure marketing agency was not working harder, it was creating scalable systems. In this episode of Executive Connect, Seth reveals how he went from making 300 cold calls a day out of pure frustration to building a multi million dollar agency with consistent, trackable results. He shares the three biggest challenges every agency faces: generating quality leads, converting them into paying clients, and keeping them long term without burning out. Seth also explains why so many agencies underdeliver, how his podcast first method flips the script, and why podcasting is not about chasing viral hits but about building profitable, lasting relationships. If you run a professional practice or agency and want real results instead of empty promises, this conversation is for you. 🎧 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast/the-executive-connect-podcast/id1816477167 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zggDnblvD9Pa0Nn37o1TD?si=JVvZfm5rTryxJZh6nlO6yQ CONNECT WITH   https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethgreene/ Website: https://www.marketdominationllc.com/ 🔗 MORE FROM EXECUTIVE CONNECT: Website: https://www.executiveconnectexperience.com/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Subscribe to Newsletter: https://www.executiveconnectexperience.com/join/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/ Episode Highlights (0:40) How Seth turned 300 cold calls a day into a steady stream of high value clients (2:38) The three struggles keeping most agencies from scaling profitably (4:00) The overlooked mistake that causes firms to lose clients and how to prevent it (6:39) Why podcasting can outperform ads for real business growth (9:21) The truth about vanity metrics vs. revenue that actually matters (10:34) How to identify your ideal clients and design systems that scale (12:16) The three universal problems every business owner must solve (13:33) Where to connect with Seth and grab his best selling book (14:25) Final takeaways and outro Guest Seth Greene  Founder and CEO of Market Domination LLC | Author of The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Business With a Podcast Seth Greene is the Founder and CEO of Market Domination LLC, a direct response marketing agency recognized by Forbes as a top podcast marketing firm. He is the author of multiple books on marketing, including The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Business With a Podcast, and has helped hundreds of agencies and professional practices scale with measurable, repeatable systems.

    16 мин.
  4. M&A Red Flags That Can Kill Your Deal (and How to Avoid Them)

    28 АВГ.

    M&A Red Flags That Can Kill Your Deal (and How to Avoid Them)

    Guest: Nicholas Spezio Host: Melissa Aarskaug Episode Overview: In today’s high-stakes M&A market, fortunes are made—or lost—in the fine print. Nicholas Spezio, Head of Transaction Services at Expo Group, joins Executive Connect to reveal the deadly mistakes and red flags that derail deals before they even close. From churn misclassifications to aggressive EBITDA add-backs, Nicholas breaks down the subtle traps that erode trust and value, and explains how both buyers and sellers can safeguard the purchase price. Whether you’re a founder preparing for acquisition, a CFO navigating due diligence, or an investor seeking clarity, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you spot the pitfalls before it’s too late. What You’ll Learn: The #1 red flag: churn and misclassified recurring vs non-recurring revenueThe Adjusted EBITDA gap—and why aggressive add-backs kill credibilityWhat great financial, tax, and operational due diligence actually looks likeA smarter approach to working capital that saves time, cost, and conflictHow SaaS/FinTech founders and AI startups should prepare for a dealThe seller’s playbook for protecting the purchase priceConnect With Us: Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel Social: LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast Facebook: Executive Connect

    32 мин.
  5. Why Your Team Needs to Fail More: Product Leadership & Psychological Safety | Brooke Huling (CPO)

    25 АВГ.

    Why Your Team Needs to Fail More: Product Leadership & Psychological Safety | Brooke Huling (CPO)

    Failure isn’t the enemy of progress, it’s the foundation of great product leadership and true psychological safety. In this episode, Chief Product Officer Brooke Huling shares what it really takes to build high performing teams, guide people into roles where they thrive, and create a culture that celebrates learning from mistakes. From balancing billion dollar strategies with the human side of leadership to grounding innovation in real world customer needs, Brooke offers rare insights from her journey in the C suite. You’ll hear how she leads remote teams with trust and connection, stays grounded under executive level pressure, and empowers others to grow into authentic, resilient leaders. Episode highlights: (1:00) Meet Brooke Huling: A product leader’s journey (3:11) Building products customers love (4:40) Leading remote teams with trust and safety (11:02) AI hype vs. real-world use (15:05) How Brooke stays grounded in high-pressure roles (21:56) Leading with authenticity (27:07) When a team member is in the wrong role (28:40) Advice to her younger self and fellow leaders (33:10) Final thoughts: Pay it forward and lead with heart Connect With Us: Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect Social: LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast

    35 мин.
  6. Nitric Oxide: The Hidden Key to High Performance, Longevity & Leadership

    21 АВГ.

    Nitric Oxide: The Hidden Key to High Performance, Longevity & Leadership

    Guest: Dr. Nathan Bryan Host: Melissa Aarskaug Episode Overview: Think aging is just a slow decline you can’t control?  In this powerful episode of Executive Connect, Dr. Nathan Bryan a global leader in molecular medicine and nitric oxide research explains why that belief is outdated and how nitric oxide might be the hidden key to health, performance, and longevity. Dr. Bryan breaks down the science of nitric oxide in plain language, showing how it impacts energy, brain function, cardiovascular health, and even leadership performance. He reveals the surprising habits that silently deplete this essential molecule and shares practical steps you can take right now to restore it. Whether you’re leading a team, training like an athlete, or simply want to feel sharper and stronger at any age, this conversation is packed with science-backed insights you can immediately apply to extend your health span and live at your peak. Timestamps: 00:00 – Rethinking Aging: Why It’s Not Just About Your Birthday 02:15 – Dr. Bryan’s Journey into Nitric Oxide Research 05:00 – What Nitric Oxide Actually Does in the Body 08:30 – The “Holy Grail” of Longevity & Human Optimization 11:00 – Habits & Lifestyles That Deplete Nitric Oxide 14:30 – Simple Practices to Restore Nitric Oxide Naturally 18:00 – Energy, Focus & Leadership: The Daily Benefits 21:45 – How Athletes Leverage Nitric Oxide for Performance 25:00 – Longevity vs. Health Span: What Really Matters 28:30 – Practical Takeaways for High Performers 32:00 – Final Insights & Where to Learn More Connect With Us: Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel Social: LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast Facebook: Executive Connect

    39 мин.
  7. AI is Coming for Your Job: A Leader's Guide to Automation (feat. Ron Green)

    13 АВГ.

    AI is Coming for Your Job: A Leader's Guide to Automation (feat. Ron Green)

    Worried that AI is coming for your job ? This episode is a leader's guide to the truth about automation, job loss, and where humans still win. We sit down with Ron Green, CTO of Kung Fu AI and a martial artist who builds cancer-predicting AI to pull back the curtain on the future of work. Ron makes AI feel less like a mystery and more like a toolkit every leader should learn to use. Learn how to turn data into a competitive advantage and prepare your team for the future without panicking. This conversation delivers grounded insight and practical strategy. Timestamps: 00:00 – AI’s Job Takeover? Long-Term Impact vs Now 01:38 – Ron’s AI Origin Story & Why He Chose This Path 05:00 – AI Isn’t Magic—It’s Learnable Software 07:00 – Breast Cancer Prediction Model Approved by FDA 08:40 – What Building Scalable AI Looks Like Today 12:30 – From Early Adopters to Enterprise Transformation 14:30 – Agentic AI: What’s Next and When to Expect It 18:30 – Will AI Replace Leadership and Coaching? 20:00 – The Power of Proprietary Data in AI Strategy 23:30 – AI vs Skeptics: Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore It 26:00 – Ethics & Bias in AI: How to Do It Right 30:00 – Final Advice: Experiment Small, Think Big 35:00 – Where to Find Ron & Learn More About Kung Fu AI Guest:  Ron Green Host: Melissa Aarskaug Episode Connect With Us: Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel Social: LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast Facebook: Executive Connect

    34 мин.
  8. A Cybersecurity Expert's Guide to Communication in Marriage (The Lasagna Story)

    5 АВГ.

    A Cybersecurity Expert's Guide to Communication in Marriage (The Lasagna Story)

    Struggling with communication in marriage? This episode offers a powerful masterclass on fixing relationship arguments using three core principles from the world of cybersecurity. In this unforgettable episode of Executive Connect, cyber incident response manager turned marriage coach David Kiwimagi delivers the now-legendary “Lasagna Story” a hilarious and relatable tale of miscommunication, culinary betrayal, and emotional landmines. What starts as a lasagna gone wrong turns into a powerful lesson on unspoken expectations and emotional intelligence. David shares the exact cybersecurity frameworks that helped him repair his marriage and become a stronger leader. Whether you’re leading a security team or navigating relationship minefields at home, this episode is packed with fresh, practical insights that hit close to home (and the firewall). Timestamps: 00:00 – Episode Preview & The Lasagna Story Hook 01:25 – Sponsor Segment: David & Alexis Kiwi Coaching 02:05 – Podcast Introduction & Guest Welcome 03:15 – The Complete Lasagna Story: Unspoken Expectations 05:00 – How Silence Built Resentment in Marriage 07:30 – The Business Crisis & Coaching Transformation 11:30 – Three Key Principles for Relationship Success 12:15 – Principle #1: Turning Unspoken Expectations into Agreements 17:30 – Principle #2: His Business, Her Business, Not Your Business 24:00 – Principle #3: You & Me vs. The Problem 28:00 – Cybersecurity Meets Emotional Intelligence 31:30 – Leadership Advice for Tech Professionals 33:30 – The Lasagna Story Conclusion 36:00 – Final Thoughts & Contact Information Guest: David Kiwimagi Host: Melissa Aarskaug Connect With Us: Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel Social: LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast Facebook: Executive Connect

    37 мин.

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This is the Executive Connect Podcast - a show for the new generation of leaders. Join us as we discover unconventional leadership strategies not traditionally associated with executive roles. Our guests include upper-level C-Suite executives charting new ways to grow their organizations, successful entrepreneurs changing the way the world does business, and experts and thought leaders from fields outside of Corporate America that can bring new insights into leadership, prosperity, and personal growth - all while connecting on a human level. No one has all the answers - but by building a community of open-minded and engaged leaders we hope to give you the tools you need to help you find your own path to success.