Lead at the Top of Your Game Karan Ferrell-Rhodes and Shockingly Different Leadership

IN THIS EPISODE...
Picture this: a seasoned real estate maven who seamlessly transitions from selling homes in California to drilling wells in remote African villages. Yes, you heard that right. But this is not just about water wells; it's about breaking chains, challenging traditions, and building dreams for those who need it the most.
In this episode, we delve into the life of a remarkable individual whose passion for people knows no bounds. From the sun-kissed shores of Southern California to the vast landscapes of Africa, our guest's story unfolds with a captivating blend of resilience, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of positive change.
My guest today, John Renouard, is the visionary founder of WHOlives.org. John spearheads initiatives to bring clean water, economic empowerment, and justice to communities in need. His innovative approach to philanthropy goes beyond traditional models, emphasizing sustainable solutions and community ownership.
Today's conversation is a testament to the boundless potential of human compassion and the courage to make a difference. It transcends borders, industries, and conventional norms, leaving you inspired and ready to break YOUR chains, whatever they may be.
 
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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://LeadYourGamePodcast.com. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “John”)
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! 
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JUST FOR YOU: Increase your leadership acumen by identifying your personal Leadership Trigger. Take my free my free quiz and instantly receive your 5-page report.
Need to up-level your workforce or execute strategic People initiatives? https://shockinglydifferent.com/contact or tweet @KaranRhodes.
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ABOUT JOHN RENOUARD:
John Renouard, the visionary founder of WHOlives.org, is a beacon of hope in the realm of humanitarian efforts, with a mission focused on Water, Health, and Opportunity. As the driving force behind this organization, John is committed to creating lasting positive change by addressing the fundamental challenges faced by communities worldwide. The acronym WHO in WHOlives.org stands for Water, Health, and Opportunity, encapsulating the organization's multifaceted approach to tackling poverty and improving the quality of life for countless individuals. Recognizing that poverty cannot be eradicated but can be replaced by economic growth, John's philosophy centers on creating opportunities rather than fostering dependency.
One groundbreaking innovation epitomizing John's dedication to transformative change is the "Village Drill," a human-powered water drilling rig. This ingenious solution allows WHOlives.org to bring clean water to millions of people, a crucial step in breaking the cycle of poverty. The delivery of clean and abundant water addresses immediate needs and sparks a cascade of positive effects, offering new hope to families in dire circumstances.
 
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WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:
1.    What is the relationship between leadership, culture, and gender in an organization?
2.    How does water drilling technology positively impact communities, and what challenges may arise?
3.    How does practicing courageous agility benefit individuals and...

IN THIS EPISODE...
Get ready for a captivating conversation that explores the intersection of marketing, customer experience, and organizational transformation. Today's episode is a testament to the power of thinking differently, co-opting big ideas, and, most importantly, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. Whether you are a seasoned executive, an aspiring leader, or an individual fascinated by the dynamics of C-suite roles, join us as we unravel the intricacies of leadership with Johann Wrede.
Johann Wrede serves as the Chief Experience Officer (CMO + CCO) at Emburse, a global leader in spend optimization. With a strategic focus on ensuring every Emburse employee contributes to delivering a best-in-class customer experience, Johann plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's commitment to excellence. Moreover, Johann has built large followerships and successfully orchestrated organizational and operating model transformations to meet evolving business needs. His ability to cultivate high-performing teams and foster a culture of collaboration and personal growth has consistently delivered strong business results and attracted top-tier talent.
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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://LeadYourGamePodcast.com. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Johann”)
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!
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JUST FOR YOU: Increase your leadership acumen by identifying your personal Leadership Trigger. Take my free my free quiz and instantly receive your 5-page report.
Need to up-level your workforce or execute strategic People initiatives? https://shockinglydifferent.com/contact or tweet @KaranRhodes.
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ABOUT JOHANN WREDE:Johann Wrede is a dynamic and results-driven Chief Experience Officer (CMO + CCO) known for his enthusiasm for transformation, leadership, and value creation. As a seasoned executive with global P&L responsibility, Johann brings a unique blend of technical and business acumen to the table. With a rich background spanning various marketing disciplines, he has demonstrated his prowess in driving success across diverse customer segments, from enterprise and mid-market to SMBs and across industries.
Johann's track record is marked by remarkable achievements, consistently delivering triple-digit YoY growth through strategic go-to-market execution and implementing modern, data-driven, multi-channel marketing strategies. Moreover, his expertise lies in crafting compelling marketing strategies that resonate with audiences throughout the customer journey, from awareness to advocacy. Known for his storytelling approach, Johann also excels in messaging and positioning, creating market differentiation, and inspiring engagement among target audiences.
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WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:
1.    What do effective leadership, marketing, and customer experience entail for a C-suite leader?
2.    How can one influence a mindset shift in enterprise events?
3.    What are the critical marketing skills and leadership qualities that Johann finds essential?
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IN THIS EPISODE...
In this digital age, where the volume of data is growing exponentially, object storage has emerged as a fundamental technology, particularly well-suited for cloud computing and big data applications. It offers the advantages of easy scalability, durability, and accessibility, making it an integral part of modern data management solutions. Unlike traditional file systems, which organize data into hierarchical folders and directories, object storage takes a different approach.
My guest today, Garima Kapoor, Ph.D., is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of MinIO, Inc., an industry-leading company that has pioneered a high-performance, S3-compatible object store. With a solid educational background and extensive experience, Garima has been instrumental in MinIO's remarkable journey. Under her strategic leadership, MinIO has emerged as a powerhouse in data storage, specializing in large-scale AI/ML, data lake, and database workloads. The innovative object store solution MinIO offers is designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern data-driven applications. It is characterized by its software-defined architecture, enabling seamless deployment on a wide range of environments, including cloud and on-premises infrastructure.
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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://LeadYourGamePodcast.com. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Garima”)
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!
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JUST FOR YOU: Increase your leadership acumen by identifying your personal Leadership Trigger. Take my free my free quiz and instantly receive your 5-page report.
Need to up-level your workforce or execute strategic People initiatives? https://shockinglydifferent.com/contact or tweet @KaranRhodes.
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ABOUT GARIMA KAPOOR:Garima Kapoor is a prominent figure in the tech industry, known for her role as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and co-founder of MinIO, a cutting-edge technology company. With a solid financial background, she initially served as the company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) before taking on her current leadership position. Garima is not only a successful entrepreneur but also an active investor and advisor to emerging technology companies in the dynamic landscape of Silicon Valley.
Her academic journey is equally impressive, holding a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Accounting and Finance from Nirma University, a Masters in Economics from Banasthali Vidyapith, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Economics from Delhi University. Garima's multifaceted expertise and leadership have played a pivotal role in shaping the success of MinIO and contributing to the advancement of technology in the digital era.
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WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:
1.    What does MinIO do, and how does it help organizations?
2.    What is object storage?
3.    What are the tips for building a successful startup?
4.    What is the role of fundraising and product development in the growth of a storage company?
5.    What is courageous agility, and how does it help to navigate unpredictable paths in leadership and...

IN THIS EPISODE...
In this captivating discussion, we dive into the profound world of leadership, personal growth, and the unique journey of a remarkable individual. Get ready to explore the intricacies of leadership authenticity, work-life balance, empowering our youth, and embracing the power of self-recognition. Join us as we uncover the stories, experiences, and wisdom that inspire us to be better leaders, individuals, and human beings with Marla J. Albertie.
Marla is the dynamic owner and founder of TruthSpeaksGroup LLC, a multimedia coaching company specializing in work-life integration and harmony (WLI/H). Marla's vision challenges the traditional concept of work-life balance, advocating instead for seamless integration and a harmonious life. Her mantra is to #TeachTrainEducate working women, helping them discover their own truth and define success on their terms.
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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://LeadYourGamePodcast.com. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Marla”)
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!
JUST FOR YOU: Increase your leadership acumen by identifying your personal Leadership Trigger. Take my free my free quiz and instantly receive your 5-page report.
Need to up-level your workforce or execute strategic People initiatives? https://shockinglydifferent.com/contact or tweet @KaranRhodes.
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ABOUT MARLA ALBERTIE:Marla J. Albertie is an unstoppable force. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, she's a well-traveled, book-loving shopaholic, who's embarked on 11 cruises. Marla believes life is a journey, and she's determined to make the most of it. She's the founder of TruthSpeaksGroup LLC, a coaching company focused on work-life integration and harmony (WLI/H). Instead of work-life balance, Marla advocates for integration and harmony in all aspects of life.
As a US Navy Veteran and a certified trainer and coach, she helps women integrate their lives, and her company, Truth Speaks Group LLC (TSG), offers resources like life, executive, and career coaching, leadership and life skills training, and much more. Marla's true passion lies in coaching, teaching, training, and development. Moreover, she is a dedicated advocate for work-life integration and an inspiration to those who aspire to find harmony in their lives.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:1.    What is work-life balance, and how do you prioritize life goals and find balance?
2.    How are work-life integration and leadership connected?
3.    What is self-reflection, and how is it connected to personal branding for youth and adults?
4.    What is intrapreneurship and innovation in organizations?
5.    What is authentic leadership and its relationship to work-life integration?
FEATURED TIMESTAMPS:[04:28] Passion for Leadership, Education, and Cruise Adventures
[08:51] Tools and Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Harmony
[16:12] Signature Segment: Marla’s entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: Celebrating...

IN THIS EPISODE...
Step into a world where innovation knows no bounds, where boundaries between the tangible and the virtual are blurred, and where one individual's journey encapsulates the spirit of progress. Today, we embark on a fascinating voyage into the realm of retail transformation, guided by the visionary promise of Cobalt.
My guest today, Gabriel Theis, is the COO at Cobalt, where he plays a pivotal role in the company's mission to revolutionize the world of luxury fashion and retail. Under Gabriel's leadership, Cobalt is at the forefront of pioneering innovative solutions that seamlessly merge the physical and digital shopping experiences through the ingenious application of blockchain and NFC technology. Throughout today's episode, we discuss how Cobalt is revolutionizing the world of shopping, paving the way for a future where commerce seamlessly integrates both worlds (and many more).
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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://LeadYourGamePodcast.com. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Gabriel”)
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!
JUST FOR YOU: Increase your leadership acumen by identifying your personal Leadership Trigger. Take my free my free quiz and instantly receive your 5-page report.
Need to up-level your workforce or execute strategic People initiatives? https://shockinglydifferent.com/contact or tweet @KaranRhodes.
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ABOUT GABRIEL THEIS:Gabriel Theis, the COO at Cobalt, is a key player in the luxury fashion and retail industry revolution. Leading the charge in this transformative journey, Gabriel and his team are at the forefront of innovative "phygital shopping." Cobalt's groundbreaking solution seamlessly merges physical and digital shopping experiences, setting the stage for a unique and immersive customer journey.
Cobalt's adept use of cutting-edge blockchain and NFC technology sets it apart. By harnessing these powerful tools, they provide a secure, personalized, and interactive shopping experience. Customers are empowered to verify the authenticity and ownership of their purchases, effectively countering counterfeit products. Moreover, Cobalt's technology enables precision-targeted marketing and offers valuable data insights to retailers, making it a win-win for both consumers and businesses.
Gabriel and his team have crafted a shopping environment that is not just functional but also engaging and visually stunning. With high-quality graphics, interactivity, and an immersive approach, Cobalt is redefining the future of shopping, delighting customers at every touchpoint. Under Gabriel's leadership, Cobalt is paving the way for a more secure, transparent, and captivating shopping experience in the fashion and retail world.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:1.    What is Cobalt?
2.    How does Cobalt bridge the gap between physical and digital shopping?
3.    How does Cobalt ensure the protection of authenticity and privacy?
4.    How are a company's culture, leadership, and motivation interconnected?
5.    What is leading with intrapreneurship?
6.    What innovations and...

IN THIS EPISODE...
In today's digital age, safeguarding sensitive data is a non-negotiable requirement for every business owner. But navigating the labyrinth of cybersecurity can be daunting, and that's where our guest, Tracy Gregorio, comes in. As any business owner will tell you, protecting customer and employee data is paramount, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. For many industries, such as healthcare and finance, stringent requirements and regulatory demands make the cybersecurity landscape even more complex.
Tracy Gregorio is the Chief Executive Officer of G2 Ops, Inc., an engineering firm specializing in model-based and cybersecurity systems engineering and strategic consulting. With a background in information technology, Tracy's strategic direction has enabled G2 Ops to provide tailored, cost-effective solutions in Model-Based and Cybersecurity Systems Engineering. These solutions are designed to address the ever-evolving threats posed by information warfare, catering to the unique needs of both government and commercial clients.
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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://LeadYourGamePodcast.com. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Tracy”)
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!
JUST FOR YOU: Increase your leadership acumen by identifying your personal Leadership Trigger. Take my free my free quiz and instantly receive your 5-page report.
Need to up-level your workforce or execute strategic People initiatives? https://shockinglydifferent.com/contact or tweet @KaranRhodes.
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ABOUT TRACY GREGORIO:Tracy Gregorio is CEO of G2 Ops, an IT engineering and cybersecurity company serving the U.S. Navy, government, and commercial enterprises. Her wide-ranging experiences include being a software engineer for the Navy, an analyst for a cable broadcast network, running enrollment management for an online university, and running a certified woman-owned firm recognized five years straight by Inc 5000 as one of our country’s fastest-growing small businesses. She chairs the Cybersecurity Committee of the Virginia Ship Repair Association and served on the Executive Committee of the Virginia Commonwealth Cyber Initiative.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:1.    What is cybersecurity consulting for businesses?
2.    What is the role of gender in a male-dominated industry?
3.    What are the growth challenges in the cybersecurity landscape?
4.    Why is strategic decision-making significant?
5.    What are the key factors in defining success within a leadership role?
FEATURED TIMESTAMPS:[04:35] Shattering Glass Ceilings in Cybersecurity: A Journey of Innovation
[14:14] Leadership dynamics, growth challenges, and role of gender in a male-dominated industry
[20:23] Drawing lessons from prior missteps
[23:12] Signature Segment: Tracy's LATTOYG Tactics of Choice
[26:37] Tracy's entry into the LATTOYG Playbook
[28:06] How does Tracy prioritize self-care and manage personal well-being?
[29:07] Tips and Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders and STEM Professionals
[33:41] Signature Segment: Karan's Take
LINKS FOR TRACY:Website: a href="https://g2-ops.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...