Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out.

Catalyst Constellations

This isn’t a typical changemaking podcast because it’s not for a typical changemaker. It’s for the innovators who can’t stop taking in information, connecting dots, and changing the world. If that sounds familiar, you aren’t broken, difficult, or an incurable workaholic. You’re a Catalyst, and authors Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas believe that means you’re a rock star. In this podcast series they are having extended discussions on how to use that information to grow and thrive, with Catalysts that are profiled in their book Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out.

  1. 08/14/2025

    Gary Hamel, Author of Leading the Revolution, on Courage, Compassion, and Change

    In this electrifying episode, we sat down with legendary management thought-leader, Gary Hamel, Author of Leading the Revolution, to explore what it truly takes for organizations to create their own future. Hamel delivers a powerful message: if companies want to stay relevant, they must learn to identify, embrace, and unleash their Catalysts - the changemakers, corporate rebels, and internal revolutionaries who challenge the status quo to drive meaningful transformation. Gary outlines the four essential qualities that Catalysts must embody—and that must be embedded across the broader organization if it’s to thrive in an era of constant disruption: - Courage – The bravery to push against legacy systems and entrenched thinking. - Contrarian Mindset – The ability to see and say what others overlook or avoid. - Compassion – Leading change with empathy and humanity. - Community Building – Forging networks of support to scale impact sustainably. Gary delved into the emotional toll of being a Catalyst. Burnout, frustration, and resistance are all part of the terrain — but as Gary so powerfully puts it, “Life is too short to work on trivial problems.” Whether you’re a Catalyst yourself or a leader striving to empower change agents in your organization, this is a must-listen episode that will leave you inspired and equipped to create a future-ready organization. For show notes please include: If you’d like to connect with Gary, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyhamel/ Follow him on X: @profhamel Check out Gary’s other award winning books. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    50 min
  2. 07/21/2025

    Juan Carlos Lopez, Director of Data & AI at Schibsted Media: Swiss Army Knife Problem Solvers

    In this powerful episode, Shannon sits down with ultra Catalyst leader Juan Carlos Lopez (JC), Director of Data & AI at Schibsted Media in Norway. With a career that spans telecom, energy, automotive, media, and e-commerce, JC has built a reputation for turning complex technical challenges into sweeping business transformations. JC shares hard-won insights from the trenches—starting with the critical importance of breadcrumbing your value. He reveals how failing to make your impact visible, both internally and externally, can limit not just your own growth but also your team’s ability to continue driving change. Now, JC leverages storytelling and data to clearly articulate his value and gain the sponsorship needed to sustain momentum. Together, Shannon and JC unpack what makes Catalysts uniquely successful across industries: the ability to form strong teams, connect the unconnected, and blend disciplines to create industry-defining innovation. Whether it's transforming e-commerce through AI or building internal movements that spark cultural change, JC’s playbook is a masterclass in strategic leadership. You’ll also hear JC’s approach to leading through chaos—how he grounds himself first ("putting on his own oxygen mask") and then supports his teams with empathy and emotional intelligence during times of rapid change. If you're a Catalyst looking to scale your leadership, amplify your impact, and drive meaningful transformation—this conversation is for you. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    39 min
  3. 06/27/2025

    Theresa Caragol, Founder and CEO, AchieveUnite - Leading Through Trust: Theresa Caragol on Building Partnerships That Scale

    In this episode, Theresa Caragol—founder and CEO of AchieveUnite—shares her journey as a Catalyst leader transforming how companies grow through trust, partnerships, and culture. With over 20 years of global experience and a track record of leading 12 acquisitions, Theresa offers hard-won insights on building alignment in times of major change. A key theme in the conversation is the human side of transformation. Theresa emphasizes that success in M&A and partnerships depends on trust, communication, and co-creating a “joint North Star.” She shares practical techniques, including the use of the PQi (Partnering Quotient Index), a science-backed model for activating Catalyst profiles like Energizers and Harmonizers to build high-performing teams. Theresa also opens up about a career-defining moment that challenged her to seek out tough feedback—a lesson that shaped her leadership and inspired the creation of tools like her Difficult Conversations Template, which helps leaders engage in change with clarity and empathy. From leading billion-dollar alliances to teaching emotional intelligence in boardrooms, Theresa blends strategy and humanity in everything she does. Her advice: build trust, listen deeply, and lead with heart. This episode is filled with actionable wisdom for anyone navigating growth, integration, or cultural transformation. Tune in to hear how Theresa Caragol is reshaping leadership through the power of connection. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    21 min
  4. 06/16/2025

    Paul L’Estrange – former CTO, Mars – Driving Transformation While Mitigating Risk

    In this episode, we sit down with Paul L’Estrange, former CTO of Mars and PVH Corp, to explore the critical role IT plays in large-scale transformation—and what it takes for Catalyst leaders to drive change while keeping the core business performing. Paul shares powerful insights on the importance of having great #2s and team members who can bring the organization along on the journey, ensuring that transformation isn’t just visionary but executable. We dive deep into listening as a strategic advantage, particularly paying attention to those who can help manage risk across the change spectrum. Paul also highlights a key leadership challenge: engaging and inspiring those who "keep the lights on" rather than chase the next big innovation. His solution? Spotlighting their work and showing their impact to the broader organization. When it comes to thriving as a Catalyst executive, Paul shares four essential lessons: 1️) Put yourself in luck’s path—seek opportunities where your Catalyst skills can drive meaningful change rather than waiting for the perfect role. 2️) Know when to move on—if the organization isn’t ready for the transformation you envision, don’t stay too long. 3️) Don’t get caught up in process—even in IT, focus on who you’re benefiting, and the "how" will follow. 4️) Find mentors who guide, not dictate—seek those who will help you identify what needs to be done but give you space to find your own best approach. This conversation is packed with wisdom for any Catalyst leading transformation in complex organizations. Tune in to hear Paul’s firsthand experience and practical strategies for making bold change happen—without breaking what already works. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    37 min
  5. 06/07/2025

    John Bryson SVP of Startup Services and Venture Banking, Banc of California —Skate to Where the Puck Is Going

    In this episode, we sit down with John Bryson, Senior Vice President of Startup Services and Venture Banking at Banc of California, to explore his unconventional Catalyst journey—one that has been anything but linear. Inspired by Wayne Gretzky’s famous advice to “skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been,” John shares how his career has been shaped by a series of strategic pivots, each driven by an intentional process of testing hypotheses about emerging market shifts. From the early days of his career in media and entertainment—where he boldly pitched a move into digital media before his company even recognized its potential—to his current leadership in venture banking, John reveals the mindset and strategies that have helped him drive change from the bleeding edge. He highlights three critical lessons for Catalysts looking to influence and lead transformation: - Do the hard work first – Build deep credibility by excelling in your current role. - Make the business case – Connect your vision to the metrics and priorities that matter to decision-makers. Test hypotheses intentionally – Design experiments that create value and generate learning for everyone. John’s insights remind us that the Catalyst path often requires moving across industries, creating new roles, and facing plenty of rejection before breaking through. And when you do get that “yes”? John suggests one of the most powerful things you can ask is: “Why did you say yes?”—so you can double down on what works. Join us for this inspiring conversation as we explore how Catalysts can navigate uncertainty, challenge the status quo, and create meaningful impact by skating toward the future.

    35 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

This isn’t a typical changemaking podcast because it’s not for a typical changemaker. It’s for the innovators who can’t stop taking in information, connecting dots, and changing the world. If that sounds familiar, you aren’t broken, difficult, or an incurable workaholic. You’re a Catalyst, and authors Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas believe that means you’re a rock star. In this podcast series they are having extended discussions on how to use that information to grow and thrive, with Catalysts that are profiled in their book Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out.