Emotional Business

Olga Skipper
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Emotional Business is a podcast for founders, creators, and change-makers who believe there’s more to business than spreadsheets and strategy. Hosted by Olga Skipper, this show explores the often-overlooked emotional undercurrent of entrepreneurship—highlighting how gut instinct, heart-centered decisions, and so-called ”illogical” paths can lead to powerful and profitable ventures. Through candid conversations with a wide range of guests—from top executives and tech leaders to unconventional entrepreneurs—Olga dives deep into what it really takes to build a business that not only makes money but feels meaningful. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to: - Embrace emotions as a strength, not a liability, in business. - Make bold decisions based on inner truth, not external pressure. - Create a business model that truly fits who they are—and make good money doing it. This podcast is for anyone tired of cookie-cutter formulas and ready to explore success on their own terms.

  1. Human-First in an AI World: Leadership, Creativity, and Making the Leap with Alina Verbenchuk

    May 25 ·  Bonus

    Human-First in an AI World: Leadership, Creativity, and Making the Leap with Alina Verbenchuk

    In this special bonus episode of Emotional Business, host Olga Skipper sits down with Alina Verbenchuk—co-founder of Korda, author, former Google and YouTube leader, and a passionate advocate for the creative economy. Alina Verbenchuk joins at a defining intersection: after a non-traditional journey into tech, years of scaling teams at major platforms, and the recent leap from corporate operator to founder. Together, Olga Skipper and Alina Verbenchuk unravel what remains deeply, stubbornly human in business and leadership—even as AI and automation touch every corner of work. This episode offers a candid, nuanced look inside the lived experience of building, leading, and selling in a world where originality and connection matter more than ever, but the landscape is shifting fast. In this episode, we explore: Creativity vs. Automation — Why human ideas, energy, and fresh perspectives are more valuable than ever as audiences grow weary of automated sameness The Real Definition of “Human” — How genuine connection—whether in music, content, or business—is the foundation of resonance and trust From Non-Tech Background to Tech Founder — Alina Verbenchuk’s unique journey from studying Chinese, to business school, to building at Google, to boldly stepping into entrepreneurship The Messy Reality of Going Founder — The inner journeys, stumbles, and full-circle moments that rarely make it into founder stories Leadership in Constant Change — Why templates and “typical” teams are breaking down, and what leadership needs to look like as companies and careers become more experimental and customized Selling, Serving, and True Go-To-Market — Dismantling the myth of sales as a cold funnel; understanding it as a deeply human process of connection and value Who Belongs on the Team Now? — How high-agency, multi-talented, emotionally intelligent people are becoming the most essential hires in an AI-driven world—and why “ownership” now matters more than credentials Alina Verbenchuk and Olga Skipper move far beyond startup clichés to speak plainly about the fears, doubts, pivots, and exhilarating new definitions of ambition, value, and community. This episode is for any founder, builder, creative, or leader wrestling with how to stay human in a landscape being rewritten by technology. If you’re navigating the leap from secure roles to entrepreneurship, questioning where your real value lies, or curious how to build teams and markets for the future, you’ll find reassurance, clarity, and a lot of practical wisdom here. So settle in and enjoy this expansive, grounding, and deeply human conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a founder or creative thinker in your circle! CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction to Emotional Business & Meet Alina Verbenchuk 01:04 — Alina Verbenchuk’s Non-Traditional Journey into Tech 02:50 — Why Human Creativity Rises as AI Grows 06:53 — Defining “Human” in Content, Business, and Beyond 09:58 — Full-Circle Lessons: From People Skills to Founder Strengths 14:12 — Human Connection at the Heart of Go-To-Market 17:06 — Purpose, Profit, and Serving People 19:32 — The Messy, Honest Leap from Corporate to Founder 27:00 — Beyond the Shelf: Leadership Now and Next 32:07 — What Leaders Need to Learn and Unlearn 34:20 — Generational Change, Agency, and New Teams 37:05 — Coaching Q&A: Teams of the Future and Personalization 44:39 — Who Do We Want on Our Team in an AI Era? 45:59 — Bringing It Full Circle: The Non-Linear Path of Leadership Connect with Olga: LinkedIn: Olga Skipper Website: www.olgaskipper.com Connect with Alina: LinkedIn: Alina Verbenchuk

    42 min
  2. Leading into the Unknown: Season 2 Reflections with Olga Skipper and Lana Khimka

    May 18

    Leading into the Unknown: Season 2 Reflections with Olga Skipper and Lana Khimka

    In this special finale of Emotional Business, Speaker A sits down with Lana Khimka — fractional product leader for early-stage startups, organizer of ProductTank Berlin, and host of the Healthy Hedonism podcast. Rather than a standard interview, this episode invites Lana to take the host’s chair and guide Olga Skipper through a deep debrief on the defining questions, insights, and patterns from Season 2: “What does it take to lead in 2026?” Together, Olga and Lana step back from the noise of leadership advice and trends to probe the lived reality behind the past months’ conversations with founders, executives, investors, and coaches. What, if anything, is truly changing about leadership as we race toward 2026? Which emotional and practical demands loom largest for today’s leaders? And how can leaders ground themselves when the only certainty is uncertainty? This episode pulls together a rich weave of practical wisdom, lived vulnerability, and actionable advice for leaders at every level. In this episode, you’ll uncover: What’s (Surprisingly) Stayed the Same About Leadership — why the emotional core of leadership persists despite massive change Stress and the Scale of the Unknown — managing amplified anxiety, fear of the unseen, and the psychological weight of guiding others From Performance to Resilience — the end of “always-on” and the pivot toward grounding, steadiness, and maintaining well-being Essential Inner Shifts — why grounding, self-reflection, and body-based practices are now non-negotiable for leaders Pragmatism over Hype — how robust cash flow management and challenging unsustainable models is returning to center stage The Changing People Function — why people leadership and AI-driven cultural transformation must be CEO-level priorities The New Model of Thriving Leadership — the protective power of life outside work, the humility to experiment, and letting go of Doomsday decision-making Navigating Decision-Making Without Playbooks — why asking better questions now matters more than having all the answers How Tech Is Transforming Coaching — and why human connection, not just tools, remains at the heart of deep developmental work Practical Tools for Grounding — from alone time and journaling to cautious social media use and in-person connection What We All Need to Unlearn — releasing obsolete long-term planning, letting go of old self-evaluative frameworks, and abandoning non-essential image-building This is not a conversation about perfect answers or five-step frameworks. It’s a resonant, honest pause — a chance to feel into what it means to lead, live, and stay present when the future feels anything but predictable. This episode is for leaders, coaches, founders, and emerging executives who feel both the pressure to keep up and the invitation to slow down. You’ll find reassurance, clarity, and actionable strategies for building your own resilience — and leading others through whatever comes next. Settle in for this grounded, wise, and utterly relatable conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with leaders who might need a new perspective. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Welcome & Season 2 Reflections 01:28 — The Intention Behind “Leading into 2026” 03:31 — What’s Actually Changed for Leaders (and What Hasn’t) 06:01 — The Psychological & Emotional Pressures on Today’s Leaders 08:37 — Essential Inner Shifts for Modern Leadership 10:58 — Pragmatism & Cash Flow: The New Non-Negotiable 13:08 — Elevating the People Function in the Age of AI 17:08 — Who Thrives? Identity, Support, and the Myth of Doomsday Decisions 21:49 — The Tools Leaders Need Now: Somatic Practice, Communication, Reality Checks 28:25 — What We All Need to Unlearn Moving Forward 34:41 — Reframing Long-Term vs. Short-Term Planning 38:46 — Practical Grounding Habits Every Leader Can Start 42:52 — The Future of Coaching in a Tech-Driven World 47:36 — What’s Next for Emotional Business (Season 3 Teaser) Connect with Lana Khimka: LinkedIn: Lana Khimka Connect with Olga Skipper: LinkedIn: Olga Skipper Website: www.olgaskipper.com Episode of Healthy Hedonism Podcast with Lana and Olga

    43 min
  3. Anchoring with Intention: Boundaries, Networks, and Real Impact with Julia Derndinger

    May 11

    Anchoring with Intention: Boundaries, Networks, and Real Impact with Julia Derndinger

    In this episode of Emotional Business, host Olga Skipper is joined by Julia Derndinger — entrepreneur, advisor, and celebrated anchor for founders navigating the real terrain of business building. Julia’s approach isn’t about surface-level community or branding tactics. To her, network-building is infrastructure: it’s the trust, direction, and leverage that drive lasting outcomes for both her projects and those she supports. The conversation moves beyond platitudes about “community” and unpacks what actually creates ethical, reciprocal, impactful networks today. Olga Skipper and Julia Derndinger navigate the complexities of giving, the subtle differences between “community” and “network,” and how purposeful boundaries can empower entrepreneurs instead of holding them back. Tune in for insights not just on what’s changed in business since 2019 but what is required to succeed in 2024 and beyond. In this episode, we explore: Giving as a Core Identity — Why Julia doesn’t just help others, but finds deep joy (and even selfish joy) in doing so Network vs. Community — The nuanced distinction and why true impact goes far deeper than marketing buzzwords 05:01 Reciprocity and Boundaries — How to maintain generosity in a network while drawing necessary lines around energy and time 09:10 The Evolution of Leadership — How the most urgent and surprising founder topics have shifted since 2019 18:56 Building for Sustainability, Not Spotlight — Why Julia centers on profitability, well-being, and business health above hype Onboarding the Right People — How to join (and stay in) a high-trust network, and what disqualifies those seeking shortcuts 12:24 The New Reality of Teams and Generations — The challenges of recruiting, leading, and integrating Gen Y/Z in a fast-shifting business world 22:32 Personal Growth meets Professional Bravery — The inextricable link between self-development and business effectiveness, and what Julia now allows herself to bring into her work 30:02 This episode is for founders and advisors who want a grounded, honest look at the emotional labor and reward of anchoring ambitious, healthy, sustainable networks. If you’ve ever wrestled with boundaries, struggled to ask for your own needs, or wondered how to blend private grit and professional strategy, this conversation will resonate deeply. So drop in, and enjoy this raw, forthright, and practical exploration of anchoring with intention—no buzzwords required. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with the real builders in your network! CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction to Emotional Business 00:02 — Meet Julia Derndinger: Builder, Sparring Partner, Giver 02:03 — Not Just a “Community Person”: The Origins of Julia’s Network 04:49 — The True Value and Fragility of Trust 08:31 — Why Give, Why Receive: Reciprocity and Boundaries 12:24 — Who Gets In: Onboarding to Julia’s Network 14:53 — Learning Boundaries the Hard Way 16:33 — The Real Cost of Unkept Boundaries 18:56 — Entrepreneurship and Leadership: The Shifting Landscape 22:02 — The Challenges of Growing Teams in 2024 25:02 — Female Founders, Scale, and Success on Your Own Terms 27:16 — When Personal and Professional Merge 31:44 — Final Reflections, Closing Gratitude Connect with Olga: LinkedIn: Olga Skipper Website: www.olgaskipper.com Connect with Julia Derndinger: LinkedIn: Julia Derndinger

    34 min
  4. Scaling With Clarity: Leadership, Culture, and Founder Myths with Ivo Betke

    May 4

    Scaling With Clarity: Leadership, Culture, and Founder Myths with Ivo Betke

    In this episode of Emotional Business, host Olga Skipper welcomes Ivo Betke — seasoned operator, advisor, and leader known for scaling multiple tech teams and shaping organizational culture from the ground up. Together, Olga and Ivo go past the surface of startup leadership, exploring the real impact of growth on clarity, culture, and the internal playbook that founders follow — or need to rewrite. Ivo brings firsthand stories from scaling ventures, leading mission-driven NGOs, and navigating organizational complexity. He shares insights on what happens when founders get caught between vision and operations, why “productive support culture” is more than just good vibes and ping pong tables, and how certain tech leadership myths quietly undermine organizational health. This episode is a candid reflection on scaling teams, from onboarding to leadership style. Olga and Ivo dig into the mindset shifts required to let go of control, embrace curiosity, and move beyond the myth of the lone visionary founder. They offer practical advice for recognizing where leadership stumbles — and clear strategies on how to foster involvement, enable team ownership, and manage the inevitable tension between strategic vision and operational execution. In this episode, we explore: • Finding Clarity at Scale — why onboarding and shared vision matter more than founders realize • The Hidden Cost of Control — letting go, dancing with complexity, and learning not to do everything yourself • Leadership Myths in Tech — the stories that fuel shame, pressure, and unrealistic expectations for founders • The Role of Curiosity — balancing time, space, and deep listening in leadership • From Talking Time to Team Ownership — conversational cues and rituals that signal if you’re empowering or bottlenecking decisions • Productive Support Culture — moving past "culture-as-fluff" to real, action-oriented collaboration • Bridging Vision and Operations — the challenges of collective execution in fast-moving, tech-driven environments • Rituals for Reflection — practical tools founders can use to step back, reflect, and avoid featureitis or trend-driven chaos • The Value and Limits of Executive Coaching — what coaches can (and cannot) deliver in scaling startups • Ethics, Responsibility, and Founder Trauma — tough questions about technology, responsibility, and healing in leadership Olga and Ivo move beyond startup clichés to investigate what truly builds enduring, healthy organizations — and what founders need to know as they scale into 2026 and beyond. This episode is for founders, startup operators, and anyone working in tech leadership wrestling with scaling pains, the pressure of expectations, and the emotional nuances of building organizations that last. Leaders curious about managing culture, collective action, and self-learning will find actionable takeaways. So settle in for an honest, insightful conversation that frames scaling not just as a practical challenge, but as a deeply human journey. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a founder or leader navigating growth! CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction to Emotional Business 00:28 — Meet Ivo Betke: Leadership Origins & Early Entrepreneurial Spirit 02:51 — The NGO Effect: Mission-Driven Teams and Cultural Learning 04:17 — Scaling Culture: From Table Tennis to Team Ownership 05:20 — Engagement, Vision, and the Power of Context 08:02 — Letting Go: Growing Beyond Control and Founder Myths 09:58 — Curiosity, Role Models, and Making Space for New Leadership 12:12 — Organizational Shame, Pressure, and the Expert Trap 13:55 — Practical Coaching: Talking Time and Team Inclusion 16:27 — Polarities: Balancing Direction and Consultation 17:37 — Bridging Vision and Operations—Why Founders Can't Go It Alone 19:53 — Rituals for Reflection: Monkeys, Meditation, and Coaching 22:01 — Featureitis, Trends, and Culture Risks 24:26 — The Executive Coach Value Debate 25:59 — AI, Job Change, and Responsibility in Leadership 27:55 — Ethics, War Stories, and the Two-Sided Road of Organizational Change 31:39 — Founder Trauma, Technology, and Humanity 33:00 — Closing Reflections & Responsibility in Leadership Connect with Olga: LinkedIn: Olga Skipper Website: www.olgaskipper.com Connect with Ivo: LinkedIn: Ivo Betke

    34 min
  5. Emotional Leadership, Diversity & Belonging with Konstantin Mihov

    Apr 27

    Emotional Leadership, Diversity & Belonging with Konstantin Mihov

    In this episode of Emotional Business, host Olga Skipper sits down with Konstantin Mihov — a seasoned executive known for navigating the dynamic intersections of technology, people, and organizational culture. Together, they unpack the urgent realities of leadership in a changing world and dive deep into questions most companies are quietly struggling with: how do we foster real emotional connection and belonging inside organizations shaped by AI, automation, and rapid change? The conversation unfolds across personal anecdotes, practical examples, and hard-earned leadership wisdom, revealing what it takes to lead with emotional intelligence amid volatility and ambiguity. From the hunger for connection post-COVID to the evolving meaning of diversity, Konstantin Mihov shares his experiences forging belonging at scale and his candid reflections on the leadership paradigm shift: moving from answers to questions, from frameworks to genuine human presence. This episode brings you inside the emotional and strategic layers of co-creating culture, leading through uncertainty, and embracing the new realities demanded of leaders in 2026 and beyond. In this episode, we explore: • AI, Automation & Emotional Connection — how to scale human connection in organizations and where technology can help (and where it falls short) • Hybrid Work, Pandemic Aftermath & Hunger for Belonging — why in-person moments matter more than ever, and how leaders are adapting • The Leadership Paradigm Shift — why leading from questions (instead of answers) is essential and how to make ambiguity actionable • The Power and Pitfalls of Diversity — moving beyond gender to embrace broader definitions of diversity as a catalyst for innovation and adaptability • The “Bridge Commuter” Metaphor — leadership as boundary-spanning, and building genuine connections across geographies, functions, and cultures • Coaching, Vulnerability & Permission — what it really means to show up as yourself, challenge assumptions, and lead change without losing patience This episode is for executives, leaders, and culture builders who are navigating the messy realities of leading through transformation. If you’re wrestling with scaling connection, reframing diversity, or reinventing your leadership approach in a volatile world, you’ll find grounding, clarity, and practical takeaways here. So settle in and enjoy this candid, insightful exchange on emotional business, human connection, and leading from a place of authenticity. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a leader, teammate, or coach! CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction to Emotional Business 00:22 — Meet Konstantin Mihov: Leadership at the Intersection of Tech & People 01:03 — Why Connection & Diversity are Central to the New Leadership 01:29 — Navigating “Misfit” Status and Embracing Discomfort 02:46 — AI, Coaching & Building Connection at Scale 06:46 — The Post-COVID Hunger for Human Belonging 08:54 — Leadership in Ambiguity: Asking Questions, Not Just Providing Answers 17:15 — The Trap of VUCA/BANI: Beyond Frameworks to Intuition 19:05 — Getting Comfortable with Not Knowing, Bridging Cultures 26:12 — Diversity in Practice: Moving Beyond Black-and-White Thinking 33:07 — Coaching, Patience & Permission: Leading as Yourself 37:53 — Closing Thoughts Connect with Olga: LinkedIn: Olga Skipper Website: www.olgaskipper.com Connect with Konstantin: LinkedIn: Konstantin Mihov

    39 min
  6. Leadership Unlearning, AI Impact & Human-Centered Culture with Marius Hepp Kemper

    Apr 20

    Leadership Unlearning, AI Impact & Human-Centered Culture with Marius Hepp Kemper

    In this episode of Emotional Business, host Olga Skipper sits down with Marius Hepp Kemper—serial entrepreneur, CEO of Junto, and a leader deeply invested in the real complexities of organizational change. Having launched multiple ventures, navigated high-profile VC funding, and now bootstrapping a human-centric leadership development company, Marius brings a rare, candid perspective on what leaders truly confront behind the metrics and headlines. Together, Olga Skipper and Marius Hepp Kemper dig beneath surface-level success to examine the emotional realities, strategic pivots, and core questions that define modern leadership. This episode unpacks the evolution from VC-driven goals to intrinsic, mission-led work, the new demands on leaders as workplaces shift dramatically, and why the practice of “unlearning” may be more critical now than ever. In this episode, we explore: • Why “Proving Yourself” Silently Drives Founders — and how letting go unlocks authenticity in hiring, market choice, and impact • Going Beyond Sexy Markets and VC Pitches — pivoting toward organic relationships, unforced growth, and mission-driven business models • What Mid-Market Companies Teach Us About Leadership Development — the unique challenges, sticky partnerships, and value of practical expertise over headlines • Human Skills vs. AI Transformation — why emotional intelligence, self-reflection, and cultural change matter more as artificial intelligence moves into organizations • The Changing Role of Coaches and Trainers — how AI is disrupting basic coaching, and why lived experience becomes the ultimate differentiator • Finding The Line Between Human & AI Value — real experimentation inside Junto, plus practical examples of measurement, personalization at scale, and next-level assessment • Unlearning as a Superpower — why the leaders who stay open, humble, and willing to start fresh are best equipped for the changing world • Entrepreneurial Thinking for All — why intrapreneurship and ownership mindsets are coming back, especially within corporates • The Secret to “Having It All”? — gratitude, grounding, and redefining happiness beyond pure entrepreneurial achievement This episode moves beyond theory and glossy narratives—offering unvarnished insights, personal stories, and real strategies for leaders and founders facing a complex, rapidly evolving business landscape. If you’re a founder in transition, an executive wrestling with cultural change, or a people leader redefining your value in an AI-driven world, this conversation will feel both validating and practical. Get comfortable and listen in as Olga Skipper and Marius Hepp Kemper tackle the real questions, emotional traps, and unspoken pressures shaping leaders for 2026 and beyond. Don’t forget to hit follow and share this episode with someone navigating leadership transformation! CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction to Emotional Business: Leadership in Tech & 2026 01:13 — Meet Marius: Entrepreneurial Roots, Ups & Downs, and the Junto Story 04:35 — From VC Glory to Bootstrapping: What Leadership Unlearning Looks Like 06:40 — Markets That Matter: Finding Authentic Partners Outside the Startup Bubble 10:18 — How Mid-Market Clients Changed Junto’s Approach 11:02 — What Leaders Are Really Struggling With: Human Transformation Amid AI Change 14:34 — Human-Centered Culture vs. Tech Adoption: The Emotional Core of AI Transformation 15:55 — Coaching, Training & the Rise of AI Substitution 17:11 — AI Use Cases: Personalization and Measurability in Leadership Development 19:33 — Measurement Revolution: Prototyping AI Roleplays for Real Skill Assessment 21:00 — Hybrid Teams, Analytical and Emotional Skill Integration 24:10 — Entrepreneurial Thinking: Essential for Career Value in the New Corporate World 25:46 — What Leaders Must Unlearn: Self-Reflection, Humbleness and Beginner’s Mind 28:31 — The Myth of “Having It All”: Gratitude and Grounding in Leadership 33:04 — Closing Reflections & Thank You Connect with Olga: LinkedIn: Olga Skipper Website: www.olgaskipper.com Connect with Marius: LinkedIn: Marius Hepp Kemper This episode is for founders, executives, and anyone facing real, emotional turning points in leadership. Hold space for what’s changing—and what must stay deeply human—on your journey.

    35 min
  7. Breaking the Inner Glass Ceiling: Leadership, Growth, and Authentic Power with Dorothea von Wichert-Nick

    Apr 13

    Breaking the Inner Glass Ceiling: Leadership, Growth, and Authentic Power with Dorothea von Wichert-Nick

    In this episode of Emotional Business, host Olga Skipper welcomes Dorothea von Wichert-Nick — CEO coach, former MD/COO, and a seasoned expert in helping leaders break through personal and professional growth barriers. Dorothea draws from decades of experience coaching founders and leading management teams, offering a profound look at what really holds ambitious entrepreneurs back and how to create lasting, sustainable leadership beyond the toxic hustle culture. Dorothea steps into the conversation at a moment when many founders hit their "inner glass ceiling"—those invisible obstacles rooted in personal history, inner belief systems, and deeply held patterns. Together, Olga and Dorothea unpack the real-life struggles leaders face when their companies grow, the emotional toll of fighting, freezing, or fleeing from leadership challenges, and the transformative power of self-development. This episode takes you inside the hidden dynamics underlying entrepreneurial growth: why most companies never scale beyond 50 people, how childhood experience shapes ambition, and why breaking through personal limits is the foundation of authentic leadership. In this episode, we explore: • The Three Modes of Hitting Limits — fight, flight, and freeze, and their impact on growth and well-being • The Reality of Small Companies — why 97% of German businesses never scale up and what it means for economic change • How Childhood Drives Leadership — the connection between ambition, early experiences, and belief systems • Practical Steps for Founders — recognizing your personal glass ceiling and starting self-development work • The Bridge to Real Leadership — Dorothea’s power within, power with, and power to model for sustainable growth • Overcoming Burnout and Isolation — shifting from toxic pressure to healthy, organic growth • Building Strong Relationships — moving from agency to true leadership, and cultivating eye-level connection • Dorothea’s Vision and Mission — why personal and collective transformation matter now more than ever Olga and Dorothea move beyond surface-level business advice and dive deep into what it means to lead, grow, and reimagine entrepreneurial success—especially for founders determined to create something enduring and meaningful. This conversation is essential for leaders, founders, and executive coaches eager to break through their own limits, foster self-agency, and build powerful organizations that thrive beyond the founder's personality. If you’re an ambitious entrepreneur, coach, or executive longing to lead with greater clarity, depth, and real impact, this episode will resonate deeply. So settle in for this grounded, heartfelt, and game-changing exploration of emotional business. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a founder or leader in your network! CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction to Emotional Business 00:02 — Dorothea’s Personal Story: Ambition, Limits, and Leadership 00:06 — Why Break Through Your Glass Ceiling? 00:08 — The Scale Problem: Small Companies and the Need for Ambitious Leadership 00:10 — Recognizing Your Own Glass Ceiling 00:13 — What Makes a Great Coaching Client 00:15 — Managing Hurdles and Resistance on the Growth Journey 00:17 — Getting Ready for the Experience: What Clients Should Know 00:20 — Building the Bridge: Power Within, Power With, Power To 00:24 — Dorothea’s Vision as a Coach 00:25 — Advice for the Coaching Community 00:28 — Recommended Resources & Models 00:29 — Closing Reflections Connect with Olga: LinkedIn: Olga Skipper Website: www.olgaskipper.com Connect with Dorothea: LinkedIn: Dorothea von Wichert-Nick Blog: www.dorothea-nick.com (for articles and further resources) Enjoy the conversation and start breaking your own inner glass ceiling—one insight at a time.

    29 min
  8. Leading Through AI: Power, Responsibility & Human Connection with Zamina Ahmad

    Apr 6

    Leading Through AI: Power, Responsibility & Human Connection with Zamina Ahmad

    In this episode of Emotional Business, host Olga Skipper sits down with Zamina Ahmad — CEO of Shades and Contrast, co-founder at ZAC, and a global thought leader on technology ethics, AI adoption, and the deeply human dimensions of innovation. As the world moves through the rapid shifts of the “AI era,” leaders are challenged to navigate responsibility, fear, and uncertainty at a pace that often outstrips established norms and institutions. Olga Skipper and Zamina Ahmad peel back the layers on what it means to lead right now—where there are no more blueprints and where clarity often feels out of reach. Together, they explore the emotional core and leadership complexities of driving AI adoption, staying competitive, and—and perhaps most importantly—staying connected to team, purpose, and the human side of business. In this episode, we explore: Bridging the Gap Between Hype and Reality — why leaders must navigate the space between technological optimism and legitimate fear, and how to align diverse teams in an AI-driven world The Invisible Side of AI Change — how process automation alters not just workflows, but the very roles and identities of the people within organizations From Expert to Explorer — letting go of the “leader with all the answers” mindset and embracing uncertainty, curiosity, and emotional resilience as core leadership traits AI and Human Contribution — redefining where people find meaning and value amidst the outputs (not always outcomes) generated by AI Culture, Bias, and Inclusion — how Zamina Ahmad’s experiences as a woman and a person of color fuel her advocacy for more socially-responsible, inclusive data practices The Real Fears Leaders Face — from market competition to the personal anxiety of losing relevance, plus the challenge of “shadow IT” and maintaining control in a fast-moving ecosystem AI for Good — examples of AI deployed for social impact, including mental health support chatbots and life-saving communication across languages in moments of crisis Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, and Hybrid Leadership — finding the balance between using AI as a tool and ensuring genuine human connection, both in organizations and our personal lives Parenting and Digital Literacy — how leaders (and parents) can shape the next generation’s relationship with technology by modeling thoughtful, ethical, and responsible use This conversation will resonate with any leader, manager, or professional navigating the real emotional weight of technological change. If you’re wrestling with team alignment, personal adaptation, or the tension between innovation and humanity—the wisdom here will ground you. You’ll also find practical perspective on AI’s risks, ethical guardrails, and the evolving role of human strengths in a world full of “outputs.” Get ready for a refreshingly candid, highly relevant discussion that brings intellect, empathy, and purpose to one of the biggest topics in business today. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a fellow leader or technologist! CHAPTERS 00:00 — Welcome to Emotional Business 00:29 — Meet Zamina Ahmad: Data, AI Ethics, and Purpose 02:37 — The Complexity of AI Leadership 03:33 — Aligning Teams and Navigating AI Hype 05:58 — Changing Roles, Hidden Dynamics 07:16 — Skills for the AI Era: Human Contribution & Happiness 09:37 — Leadership Without All the Answers 12:07 — Culture, Communication, Emotional Intelligence 13:31 — Customizing Change: Context Matters 15:28 — Mistakes, Fears, and the Drive for Control 18:03 — Motivation & ‘AI for Good’ 19:55 — From Fear to Curiosity: Reframing Possibility 21:06 — Input, Output, and the Power of Human Connection 23:58 — Mindset Shifts and the Role of Context 25:07 — Self-Awareness in a Technological Age 26:24 — AI in Coaching, Mental Health & the Human Touch 34:24 — Parenting, Responsibility, and Digital Literacy 36:15 — The Future of Hybrid Leadership Connect with Olga: LinkedIn: Olga Skipper Website: www.olgaskipper.com Connect with Zamina: LinkedIn: Zamina Ahmad Website: Shades and Contrast

    38 min
See All (37)

Trailer

About

Emotional Business is a podcast for founders, creators, and change-makers who believe there’s more to business than spreadsheets and strategy. Hosted by Olga Skipper, this show explores the often-overlooked emotional undercurrent of entrepreneurship—highlighting how gut instinct, heart-centered decisions, and so-called ”illogical” paths can lead to powerful and profitable ventures. Through candid conversations with a wide range of guests—from top executives and tech leaders to unconventional entrepreneurs—Olga dives deep into what it really takes to build a business that not only makes money but feels meaningful. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to: - Embrace emotions as a strength, not a liability, in business. - Make bold decisions based on inner truth, not external pressure. - Create a business model that truly fits who they are—and make good money doing it. This podcast is for anyone tired of cookie-cutter formulas and ready to explore success on their own terms.

Information

  • Creator
    Olga Skipper
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Emotional Business

You Might Also Like