The Vision Architect

Simon Vetter
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The Vision Architect is the podcast about crafting bold, aspiring futures that inspires lasting change. It is for leaders facing pivotal moments or crucial challenges - those crucible experiences where big decisions shape the future. Each episode is filled with stories, ideas and tools to intentionally design a meaningful path forward, gain clarity amid uncertainty, and ignite the courage needed for enduring change. It's a powerful conversation about what's next - for your life, career, team, and organization.

Episodes

  1. 12/01/2025

    Forgiveness & Compassion

    That is a quote from today’s guest, Azim Khamisa. His personal life experiences taught him the practice of compassion, forgiveness, and peacemaking – something we and our world need more of. Azim became a peace activist after losing his 20-year-old son Tariq to a tragic, gang-related murder in 1995. Out of unspeakable grief and despair, Azim chose the path of forgiveness and compassion rather than revenge and bitterness. This amazing choice led to the establishment of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (www.TKF.org) and the subsequent forgiveness movement which has reached millions. Azim Khamisa is an author, thought leader, and international inspirational speaker. He has received over 80 national and international awards for his work and has written several books, including The Secrets of the Bulletproof Spirit: How to Bounce Back from Life’s Hardest Hits. He also conducts public workshops and training programs in both the corporate world and the nonprofit sector to foster effective, purposeful, and impactful leadership through the process of forgiveness. Over the last 25 years, he has helped thousands of children, families, professionals, and management teams. “Azim has had a positive impact on my life as I have applied the power of forgiveness in my own relationships with family, friends, and in business. It has given me a sense of relief, and joy and alleviated pain. I encourage everyone to take the concept of forgiveness to heart to heal ourselves, our relationships, families, and communities.” Simon Vetter Discussion Points The tragic specifics of his son’s murder in 1995What the path of forgiveness can to do to individuals and communitiesSome staggering statistics on kids killing kids in the U.S.Four steps to find and practice forgivenessEmbrace the process of grief – practice healthy ways to work through griefForgiveness will change your life’s trajectory and possibly blow your mind!Restorative justice and its societal impactThe five questions to ask in the restorative justice movementHow to apply forgiveness and restorative justice in the corporate worldWords to live by: “Forgiveness is the crown jewel of personal freedom”Teaming Up Conversations is powered by Stand Out International, and hosted by Simon Vetter. He is an expert on behavior and culture change. He trains and enables teams to create high-performing organizations.

    53 min

  2. 11/01/2025

    Building Trust Through Secure Base Leadership

    High-stress situations pushes people to the edge. Some people rise the occasion, others fail. What makes the difference? Hostage negotiation tactics may at first seem a little too extreme, or intense, to be utilized at work. It’s exactly those situations that can teach us how to deal with tough and highly demanding situations. My guest, Geroge Kohlrieser, a leadership expert and a former hostage negotiator, believes that high-performing leaders are able to use these techniques in any personal or business relationship to ensure they are never a hostage to anyone, including themselves. In this episode, we speak about the “secure base” concept. George gives us real-life examples and practical advice on how this may manifest in leaders and how to become a secure base for themselves in order to build an inspiring work environment. George A. Kohlrieser, trained as an organizational and clinical psychologist, is a Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior at IMD Business School in Switzerland. He is the founder of the High-Performance Leadership (HPL) Program, the flagship six-day program for experienced senior leaders. George is a frequent speaker at management conferences including the World Business Forum, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations. He is a media commentator on issues related to leadership, conflict, aggression management, and hostage negotiation and has been a presenter at TEDx talks in both New York and Lausanne. TEAMING UP Podcast is hosted by Simon Vetter. He is an executive leadership coach and expert on building compelling cultures and inspired workplaces. Discussion Points What is ‘secure base’ leadership?Consequences when people don’t have a ‘secure base’The brain is fundamentally negative – and what to do about itHow to successfully apply the ‘secure base’ concept in salesImportance of understanding a person’s pain pointsTechniques to calm down an angry personWhy do so many leaders often lack excellent listening skills?Using the mind’s eye to play to win instead of not to loseAffirmations to shift a mindset or emotional stateHow to find a secure base at work: be open and emotionally availableRecognize the power of ‘choice’

    42 min

  3. 10/01/2025

    Self-Esteem, Dignity and Trust

    How do we build a team culture in which teammates feel safe for risk-taking in the face of being seen as ignorant, incompetent, negative, or disruptive? In a workplace with high psychological safety, everyone is confident that no one on the team will embarrass or punish anyone else for admitting a mistake, asking a question, or offering a new idea. Today I’m talking with Maya Hu-Chan about the fundamental concept of “saving face”. “Face” represents one’s self-esteem, self-worth, reputation, and dignity. Saving face is often understood as saving someone from embarrassment. It is also about developing an understanding of the background, individuality, and perspective of others to discover the unique facets each person possesses. Without that understanding, we risk causing others to lose face without even knowing it. Maya Hu-Chan is a globally recognized leadership educator, executive coach, and best-selling author. Her latest book “Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust” is an Amazon #1 Best Seller. Maya has built a reputation for excellence in global leadership, cross-cultural management, diversity, and inclusion. Born and raised in Taiwan, Maya received her BA in journalism from National Chengchi University. She was an anchor for the China Broadcasting Company, then moved to the U.S. to earn a MA from The University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School for Communication. She lives in San Diego, California, with her husband and three children. Teaming Up Conversations is powered by Stand Out International, and hosted by Simon Vetter. He is an expert on behavior and culture change. He trains and enables teams to create high-performing organizations. Discussion Points What does “saving face” mean? What happens when a person “loses face”?Psychological safety – how can we foster it?Microaggressions – often unintentional offenses caused by biasUsing the AAA model to work through biasImpact versus intent – why is it important to understand the nuanceLife lessons from having raised tripletsTurning the Golden Rule into the Platinum Rule: Treat others as THEY wish to be treated

    45 min

  4. 09/01/2025

    Wellbeing: Practice and Science

    According to a recent survey, 78% of people stated that the pandemic had a negative effect on their work life. 56% said it had a negative effect on their family life. The 2020 pandemic has forced people to reflect on our “do” culture and has raised the awareness and importance of health, balance, and overall well-being. Our discussion today is centered on WELL-BEING: what is it, how do you maintain it, and what are effective practices. You will receive ideas, tips, and methods on how to begin or enhance your “Well-Being Journey”. Today’s guest is my good friend Beth Schumaker with Bright Star Leadership. Beth is an expert in emotional intelligence, communication, and team, and leadership effectiveness. She has over 20 years of experience working with organizations such as Microsoft; American Airlines; Mayo Clinic; Centers for Disease Control; Kaiser Permanente; and many others. Teaming Up Conversations is hosted by Simon Vetter, CEO of Stand Out International, Inc. As a behavioral change expert, Simon trains managers and leadership teams toward higher performance, increased collaboration, accountability, and engagement. Discussion Points What does “Well-Being” mean?The PERMAH concept: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment and Health.Three levels of assessing Well-Being: Me, We, and UsBeth’s personal daily habits for enhancing Well-BeingEstablish healthy habits around positive emotions, relationships and meaningHow to show “appropriate” vulnerability as a leaderTeam building activities for remote teamsRecommendations in improving mindfulness, eating habits and sleep hygieneAdvice on changing a habit: Start small and be kind to yourself!

    54 min

  5. 08/01/2025

    Tragedy, Hardship and Joy

    Carlos Paulet’s LinkedIn profile reads: “I am a nerd, with social skills, that help people get results & enjoy their lives! Executive Coach, VR Pioneer, philanthropist & most important job in the world; Dad!” Carlos is a multi-cultural international management consultant, and an expert in leadership metrics, technology, and team alignment. His focus is on supporting successful people to identify and empower the “X-Factors” that drive performance and results. Join me for a conversation with my dear friend Carlos about his fascinating path through life. He has experienced many different cultures (Haiti, Peru, Brazil, and Spain) a wide variety of jobs (from Incan trail guide to American Airlines Operations Director to Executive Coach), and also more than enough hardship and tragedy. Losing his daughter to glioblastoma in 2015 shapes his worldview today, but as he tells it, you can eventually progress to feeling joy again, even after this kind of devastation. Teaming Up Conversations is hosted by Simon Vetter. He is an executive leadership coach and CEO of Stand Out International, Inc. His focus is on cultural transformation and behavioral change, guiding companies and their executive teams toward increased collaboration, accountability and agility. Discussion Points What makes Carlos so uniqueBeing risk-open instead of risk-adverseThe life-changing devastation of losing his daughterRecovering from the loss, starting a foundationAdvice to others when losing a childThe end of Carlos’ “hippie years” after disillusionment in HaitiAmerican Airlines job, grad school, and executive coachingSimilarities in different cultures, not differences, are importantGaming and Virtual Reality: teaching teamwork and problem solvingBest tool in coaching: Getting feedback from othersThe “a*****e” client storyAdvice to younger Carlos? Dare to make more mistakes, then learn from themYou can be the hero or the villain of your own story – be the hero!

    46 min

  6. 07/01/2025

    Collaboration and Design

    Creative design is a universal, success-critical process in many organizations and businesses: invent a new product; design a new kitchen; plan your office space; craft a new drink; make a movie; design a new wardrobe; build a house, road, or airport. Design a complex approach requires vision, collaboration, execution, and an inspired team. This episode features an expert on “Creative Design Process”: Jennifer Luce is the founder and principal of Luce et Studio, a collaborative architecture and design studio practicing at the intersection of architecture, art, and design. The firm’s cross-disciplinary approach supports creative explorations with a wide array of practitioners in various fields, including designers, artists, poets, craftspeople, and thinkers. Teaming Up Conversations is powered by Stand Out International, and hosted by Simon Vetter. Simon is an executive leadership coach and CEO of Stand Out International, Inc., His expertise is in behavioral change and culture transformation. Simon trains managers and teams in Fortune 500 companies, guiding them toward better performance outcomes, increased collaboration, alignment, and accountability. Discussion points: How to bring various, interdisciplinary voices into the design processLearnings from Mingei International Museum, San Diego, CaliforniaThe astounding fundraising efforts at MingeiKey challenges and obstacles in the design projectCareer advice that propelled Jennifer’s design skillsTransferring the Luce et Studio collaboration method into businessValue of idols and mentorsMerging art and scienceJennifer’s Advice: Stay true to your vision and persevered

    49 min

  7. 06/01/2025

    Helping Executive Teams Get Even Better

    How are you leading a team of amazing individuals?  If your team ranks at 9 on the 10 scale, what does 12 look like?  What does it take to help a strong, effective team get even better? Join our discussion on how executive teams transform and move from good to great. My guest today is my good friend Larry Levin, a sought-after executive team facilitator, advisor, and leadership coach.  Larry is the founder and president of The Levin Group LLC.  He specializes in working with leadership teams in global Fortune 100 to mid-sized organizations in planning strategic direction and implementing critical business initiatives.  His role is to help organizations focus on understanding the dynamics and capabilities of their executive teams. He utilizes custom assessments, team-based interventions, and coaching techniques to improve their effectiveness. Teaming Up Conversations is powered by Stand Out International, and hosted by Simon Vetter. He is an executive leadership coach and CEO of Stand Out International, Inc., and his focus is on behavioral change and executive leadership coaching.  Simon trains managers and teams in Fortune 500 companies, guiding them toward better performance outcomes, increased collaboration, alignment, and accountability. Discussion Points What a team is for, and why does a team exist? Develop excellent, honest, and transparent dialogue in a top team The importance of “collective intelligence”- the team as a whole is smarter than the smartest member Challenges and struggles of ineffective, dysfunctional teams Importance of building trust and establishing psychological safety Three purposes of meetings: reporting, problem-solving, decision making How to make executive decisions that everyone commits to (instead of complying) Team consensus is okay if somebody would speak up if they disagree Three questions any great leader asks Examples of highly interdependent teams are medical teams, sports teams Teams should continually ask, “How are we doing? and, “What does even better look like?”Larry’s leadership advice:  (1) Be comfortable being uncomfortable (2) Know what you don’t know Last words: Ask that next question, go deeper, find out what’s not being said

    40 min

  8. 05/01/2025

    Leading Positive Change with Humility

    How do you build a brand that captures people’s emotions? What can you do to lead organizational change? What does the wine-making process consist of? If you like to drink wine, you’ll love this episode.  Chris Fehrnstrom is the CEO of White Barn Consulting Group, LLC. He has a deep background in the wine industry and has served as the Chairman of the Wine Institute and the Chairman of the Wine Market Council. He was also the CFO and general manager of the startup, wine.com, Chairman of the Wine Market Council, Brand Manager at the E. & J. Gallo Winery, and even worked as the Business Unit Manager at Ocean Spray Cranberries. Today we’re talking about leadership, team development strategy, in addition to wine. I am your host, Simon Vetter.   Chris has amassed more than 25 years of work experience in both public and private corporations. He’s held the title of everything from President to Chief Financial Officer, to Chief Marketing Officer and has handled tasks that have included organizational design, executive leadership, brand marketing, and innovation. Chris has an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Teaming Up Conversations is powered by Stand Out International, and hosted by Simon Vetter.   Simon is an executive leadership coach and CEO of Stand Out International, Inc., and his focus is on behavioral change and executive leadership coaching.  Simon trains managers and teams in Fortune 500 companies, guiding them toward better focus, increased clarity, and personal balance.  Simon is the author of “STAND OUT! Branding Strategies for Business Professionals,” and has a Masters in Business and Marketing (lic.rer.pol.) from the University of Bern, Switzerland.  He is certified in DISC, CDR, Hogan, Opposite Strengths, viaEdge Leadership Agility, Strength Development Inventory, Alpha Leadership, and 360 Leadership Survey Tools. Discussion Points A time when Chris was a part of an engaging and motivating teamWhat to focus on to make a great product more accessible to a larger groupThe uniqueness of working in the wine industryDo’s and don’ts about acquiring and integrating a companyThe importance of staying on messageStrategizing as a management teamWhy execution can be so difficult in a businessThe importance of incentives and behaviorsValues are an important element of the cultureSmall gestures that speak volumesTeaching and practicing emotional intelligenceResources White Barn ConsultingChris Fehrnstrom, LinkedInLead with Humility, Twitter

    47 min

  9. 04/01/2025

    Endurance Leadership: Develop Mindset, Discipline and Mental Toughness

    How can today’s best leaders thrive in the face of challenges? How can you reframe that internal negative self-talk and harness the power of encouragement?  We’re going to find out in this episode. My guest today is a licensed psychologist, a successful Iron(woman) athlete, and a contributing author to “Voices for Leadership” who has applied her methods in her own life and has translated them to coaching families, teams, organizations, and communities around her. I’m so pleased to welcome my friend, Dr. Ann Bowers-Evangelista to today’s episode of the Teaming Up Conversations podcast.  I am your host, Simon Vetter.   Dr. Bowers-Evangelista is an expert in “endurance leadership.” With 20+ years as a leadership consultant, coach, and endurance athlete, Ann helps clients discover their individual and collective potential to achieve challenging goals AND long-lasting success – a critical combination to meet today’s business and people needs.  Teaming Up Conversations is powered by Stand Out International, and hosted by Simon Vetter.   Simon is an executive leadership coach and CEO of Stand Out International, Inc., and his focus is on behavioral change and executive leadership coaching.  Simon trains managers and teams in Fortune 500 companies, guiding them toward better focus, increased clarity, and personal balance.  Simon is the author of “STAND OUT! Branding Strategies for Business Professionals,” and has a Masters in Business and Marketing (lic.rer.pol.) from University of Bern, Switzerland.  He is certified in DISC, CDR, Hogan, Opposite Strengths, viaEdge Leadership Agility, Strength Development Inventory, Alpha Leadership, and 360 Leadership Survey Tools. Discussion Points Ann’s introduction/backgroundWhat is it that draws you to Ironman competitions?How Ann defines endurance“High performance” is very different at Morgan Stanley vs. a tech startupWhat is “winning” for you?What does a successful year look like for you?  Simon’s exercise in visualizationTraining and developing your mindsetThe mental rehearsing before an event that will help you see a successful outcomeSelf-talk– how listening to yourself is different than talking to yourselfEncouraging others is an important part of your own successWhat are some tips you can offer us for “self listening”The difference between mental toughness and resilienceAnn’s four areas of coaching:Anchoring your mindsetExcelling in executionForaging for disciplineLeveraging supportWho is your team?  Ann tells us about her support systemResources Dr. Ann Bowers-Evangelista on LinkedInLlumos.com Website

    47 min

  10. 03/01/2025

    Gourmet Leadership: What Top Chefs Do

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Teaming Up Conversations podcast.  I am your host, Simon Vetter.  My guest today is Carolyn Maue, author of the new book, “Gourmet Leadership: Turn Up the Heat on Your Secret Sauce.” A fellow executive coach, Carolyn is the founder of The Maue Center, where she transforms teams, organizations and industry sectors by coaching them on innovative and inspiring leadership.  Her mission is to “change the world one leader at a time.”  Are you searching for the perfect recipe of ingredients to create a harmonious, high-performance team?  Join us for a discussion surrounding the sometimes intangible qualities of that “secret sauce” that can help leaders and teams strike the right balance for optimum performance. Teaming Up Conversations is powered by Stand Out International, and hosted by Simon Vetter.   Simon is an executive leadership coach and CEO of Stand Out International, Inc., and his focus is on behavioral change and executive leadership coaching.  Simon trains managers and teams in Fortune 500 companies, guiding them toward better focus, increased clarity, and personal balance.  Simon is the author of “STAND OUT! Branding Strategies for Business Professionals,” and has a Masters in Business and Marketing (lic.rer.pol.) from University of Bern, Switzerland.  He is certified in DISC, CDR, Hogan, Opposite Strengths, viaEdge Leadership Agility, Strength Development Inventory, Alpha Leadership, and 360 Leadership Survey Tools. Discussion Points Carolyn’s introduction/backgroundHow a passion for cooking food led to writing her bookWhat is the “secret sauce” of leadership?Some examples of stand-out chefs in the bookBeing honest with yourself about your skill levelA previous boss that Carolyn admiredWhat are some of the biggest challenges for the chefs you interviewed?Carolyn shares some insights on teams and employee retention gleaned from some of the best chefs in the worldHow to apply the lessons learned from these chefs to other teams in the workplaceA great leader identifies the special skill set in each of her employeesMany sectors are stuck in “Industrial Age” thinking Examples of the best and worst teams and leaders Carolyn has worked with in her pastAll good leaders should work to “catch people doing a great job” more oftenResources The Maue Center Website Carolyn Maue on LinkedIn Maue Center on Facebook Simon Vetter Website Simon Vetter LinkedIn

    41 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

The Vision Architect is the podcast about crafting bold, aspiring futures that inspires lasting change. It is for leaders facing pivotal moments or crucial challenges - those crucible experiences where big decisions shape the future. Each episode is filled with stories, ideas and tools to intentionally design a meaningful path forward, gain clarity amid uncertainty, and ignite the courage needed for enduring change. It's a powerful conversation about what's next - for your life, career, team, and organization.

Information

  • Creator
    Simon Vetter
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Simon Vetter
  • Show Website
    The Vision Architect