(un)conversations: Leadership lessons from the pivotal moments of global CEOs, founders and execs

(un)conversations with Dr. Alison Schmidt
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Not just another leadership podcast — we explore the turning points, failures, and unexpected decisions that shaped today’s most influential leaders. Hosted by Dr. Alison Schmidt, (un)conversations delivers unfiltered talks with CEOs, founders, executives, and global business leaders. Each week, we dive into pivotal moments, defining choices, and unconventional moves that drive real growth. Learn what works, how disruption fuels success, and the three words shaping each leader’s evolution. 🎧 Follow (un)conversations for weekly actionable leadership insights and join the (un)movement.

  1. 5D AGO

    Former Nike Executive Reveals Why Traditional Business Growth is Failing Us | Dirk Van Onsem

    Former Nike VP Dirk Van Onsem reveals why the "Scaling" system is failing and how he moved from corporate burnout to regenerative leadership. 🌍 Are you stuck in a "scaling" trap that’s destroying your returns? Most leaders are trapped in a mindset that wastes talent and resources. In this episode of (un)conventionally excellent, Dirk Van Onsem (founder of Beyonders Collective) shares his vulnerable transition through "The Unknowing" to build resilient, planet-positive communities. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: 👧 The Daughter's Question: The moment a child’s question about climate change forced a Nike VP to quit.🇧🇷 The Brazil Shift: Transitioning from European boardrooms to a biohub in Brazil.👤 Shadow Leadership: Why the "perfect executive" image is a barrier to real innovation.📉 The Scaling Myth: Why expanding large businesses is often the opposite of regeneration.❓ Unassuming Leadership: Moving from "having answers" to "asking the right questions."🌿 The Bioeconomy: How Dirk is building a Biohub in Mallorca to restore local ecosystems.💰 Regenerative Finance: Prioritizing resilience over exit-based growth.Timestamps:  00:00 – "We are running out of time"  03:00 – The “(UN)word” Effect: Personal leadership evolution  07:08 – Unassuming: Leading by asking questions  11:01– Traditional vs. Participatory Leadership  14:30– 25 Years of Nike Leadership Lessons 25:39– Walking Away: Leaving a global giant  28:45– Unknowing: Navigating burnout and the "empty space"  31:15– Applying Corporate Skills to Climate Action 52:10 – Building a Regenerative Business Ecosystem  55:10- The Challenges of Nature-Based Funding  01:01:00- Collaborative Purpose: Finding investors passionate about sustainability  01:07:18- The Critical Question: "What happens if we don’t do this?”  01:08:24- Starting Something New: ‘Our time is now.”  01:10:46 - Ask Dr. Alison: Guest Q&A   01:16:00- The (UN)wrap Connect with Dr. Alison Schmidt: Website: www.unconventionllc.comLinkedIn: Dr. Alison SchmidtInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/Connect with Dirk Van Onsem: Website: Beyonders CollectiveLinkedIn: Dirk Van OnsemInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beyonderscollective/🎵 Special thanks to DJ Doug Jackson for the (un)conversations theme song.

    1h 17m

  2. FEB 4

    The Reality of Executive Pressure | Jess Bass Bolander

    What does it cost to lead at the highest level? Jess Bass Bolander (SVP at Lockton) joins Dr. Alison to discuss the "unhealed eight-year-old," the weight of leadership, and why staying at the table is the only way to impact change. If this episode resonated with you, please Follow the show and Save this episode to your library. In Season 2, Episode 3 of (un)conversations, we explore the mental load of high-stakes leadership. Jess shares her journey from a "scrappy" start in the insurance industry—pivoting from a path in law—to becoming a Senior Vice President. She reveals how childhood survival triggers show up in the C-suite and why emotional intelligence is a leader's most critical tool. Topics Explored The (UN)word Effect: Exploring (UN)breakable, (UN)relenting, and (UN)afraid. Executive Leadership: Managing high-stakes responsibility and burnout. Women in the Workforce: Why we must stay in the game to move the needle. Mentorship & Advocacy: The power of having a champion in the room. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: Why "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu." Navigating childhood survival triggers (The Unhealed 8-Year-Old) in the office. The transition from Law to Business: Lessons from a major career pivot. How to manage the mental load of executive decision-making. Real-world lessons on building trust-based cultures at Lockton. Timestamps00:00:00 The Reality of Executive Pressure: Why Leadership Has Weight 00:00:02 Episode Teaser: Childhood memories and financial independence. 00:01:06 Introduction & Welcome: Jessica Bass Bolander, SVP of Lockton. 00:01:52 The (UN)word Effect: Reflecting on the leadership journey. 00:04:49 (UN)word #1: (UN)breakable – Overcoming childhood turbulence. 00:07:53 The Pivotal Moment at Age 13: A commitment to self-reliance. 00:09:10 Early Career Hustle: From waitress to SVP. 00:09:27 Leadership Philosophy: Treating everyone like a star. 00:12:01 (UN)word #2: (UN)relenting – Persistence in adversity. 00:15:18 Pivoting from Law to Business: The "scrappy" start in insurance. 00:29:43 (UN)word #3: (UN)afraid – Motherhood and career risk. 00:30:46 Balancing Executive Roles and Motherhood. 00:33:15 Building Culture at Lockton & with clients. 00:39:09 Mental Health in the Workplace: Breaking the taboo. 00:44:50 The "Unhealed Eight-Year-Old" in the Workplace. 00:46:30 Advocating for Women in the Workforce. 00:55:34 Ask Dr. Alison: Guest Q&A. 00:58:45 Final Thoughts: Defining your own success. 01:00:56 Closing Remarks & DFW Community Impact. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Alison Schmidt Website: www.unconventionllc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ 🔗 Connect with Jess Bass Bolander LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-bass-bolander-63213114/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessbassbolander/ A special thank you to DJ Doug Jackson for composing and producing the official (un)conversations theme song: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson WATCH NEXT: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KPvkdKXs5bRRUZfjMAhCF?si=qwJK0__UROGReRUazlELeQ

    1h 1m
  3. From Tariffs to Innovation: How Carina Hamel Saved Bivo & Revolutionized Bike Bottles

    JAN 27

    From Tariffs to Innovation: How Carina Hamel Saved Bivo & Revolutionized Bike Bottles

    Tariffs, supply chain disruption, and global manufacturing chaos nearly shut down this hardware startup overnight. If this episode resonated with you, please Follow the show and Save this episode to your library. In this episode Season 2, Episode 2 of (un)conversations, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Carina Hamel, founder of Bivo, to unpack how sudden tariffs, COVID-era supply chain shocks, and manufacturing realities in China forced real-time pivots—and nearly cost the company everything. Carina shares how Bivo disrupted the $300M cycling and hydration industry by engineering a high-flow stainless steel bike bottle, solving long-standing problems like slow flow and plastic taste. This is a raw founder story about building a physical product, navigating global trade policies, hardware manufacturing challenges, and supply chain disruption. From moving manufacturing operations across continents to making high-stakes decisions that defined the company’s future, this episode is a masterclass in hardware startup and consumer product brand, supply chain resilience, and founder leadership. Whether you’re launching a physical product or managing global supply chains, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons. Inside This Episode 🚴 The $3,500 Tariff Shock: How sudden international trade changes forced Bivo to pivot instantly🚴 The (UN)word Effect™: Why being unbounded, unapologetic, and unrelenting is a founder superpower🚴 Engineering “The Flow”: Designing a gravity-fed system to solve slow-flow and plastic taste problems🚴 Global Manufacturing Reality: Scaling a brand from Vermont to a city of 16 million in China Timestamps:00:00:04 Carina Hamel (Bivo): A $3,500 Tariff Nearly Killed Her Startup | Founder Story00:00:05 Episode Teaser00:01:14 Introduction to Carina Hamel & Bivo00:01:40 First look at the Bivo bottle: Design & collaborations00:02:48 The “(UN)word Effect” in leadership00:03:12 From Nordic skier to entrepreneur00:04:08 Running a global footwear agency00:04:24 Executive coaching & co-founder dynamics00:06:23 Why leadership coaching matters00:08:11 Growing a brand00:25:56 Losing the athlete identity — becoming a founder00:31:43 Manufacturing in China: risk, reality & tradeoffs00:32:19 Solving the “plastic taste” problem00:34:46 The 20% Rule & unbounded thinking00:42:07 COVID-19 & supply chain collapse00:50:56 Serendipity in Dallas00:55:18 The tariff that nearly shut Bivo down00:58:34 Quality vs. manufacturing hurdles00:59:00 Ask Dr. Alison01:04:12 Why choosing the harder route pays off Connect with Dr. Alison Schmidt & Unconvention: Website: www.unconventionllc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ Connect with Carina Hamel & Bivo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-hamel-46787a11/ Shop Bivo: https://drinkbivo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkbivo/ A special thank you to DJ Doug Jackson for composing and producing the official (un)conversations theme song: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson 🎧 Call to Action:Love this episode? Follow (un)conversations on Spotify to never miss a founder story.Save, share, or comment with a hard decision that paid off—Carina and Dr. Alison would love to hear it.

    1h 5m

  4. JAN 13

    AI in Fashion, Sustainable Denim & Fashion Tech Leadership | Kirsten Lee, CMO

    AI in fashion, 3D denim design, and sustainable fashion leadership are reshaping the future of the apparel industry. If this episode resonated with you, please Follow the show and Save this episode to your library. In this Season 2 premiere of (un)conversations, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Kirsten Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of One Jeanswear Group, to explore how AI in fashion, fashion technology, AI-powered product development, and sustainable innovation are transforming iconic American brands. This conversation is a masterclass in modern fashion leadership at the intersection of creativity, technology, and business. With over 20 years of experience across heritage and contemporary labels—including Gloria Vanderbilt, Jessica Simpson, Nine West, Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Old Navy, and Rocawear—Kirsten shares how she blends creativity with commercial strategy to drive measurable results. She discusses leading brand turnarounds, launching national campaigns, and integrating AI-driven design, 3D digital denim, and BCI cotton initiatives into modern fashion leadership. Beyond the C-suite, Kirsten is deeply committed to mentoring emerging talent and shaping the next generation of leaders in the US fashion and retail industry. In this episode, you’ll learn: 👖 How to build a nontraditional career path in fashion leadership👖 How AI in fashion and 3D design are changing product development👖 Leadership lessons from heritage and high-growth fashion brands👖 How to balance creativity, sustainability, and business performance👖 What the future of denim and fashion technology looks like If you care about where fashion is headed next—AI, sustainability, and leadership—this episode is for you. Timestamps:00:00:00 Episode Teaser00:00:55 Who Is Kirsten Lee? | Leading One Jeanswear Group00:01:54 Segment: The (UN)word Effect00:03:12 Cultural Identity: Growing up Korean-American in Fashion00:04:44 Choosing an (Un)written Path: From Science to Parsons Design00:07:29 Early failures that reshaped her leadership00:14:10 Career Pivots That Changed Everything | Reinvention & Growth00:21:05 Authentic Leadership: Identity and "Unfiltered" Communication00:28:22 How AI-driven design and 3D denim are changing fashion forever00:35:10 The art vs. business tension every creative leader faces00:42:30 Sustainable Success: Boundaries, Burnout & Personal Growth00:50:15 Kirsten Lee's Final Insights & Key Takeaways | Leadership Lessons00:52:38 Ask Dr. Alison00:55:45 That’s a wrap on this (un)conversation Connect with Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention Website: unconventionllc.com Instagram: @dralisonschmidt | @unconversationspodcast LinkedIn: Dr. Alison Schmidt Connect with Kirsten Lee LinkedIn: Kirsten Lee A special thank you to DJ Doug Jackson for composing and producing the official (un)conversations theme song: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson

    56 min

  5. 12/10/2025

    Faryl Moore: Energetic Clarity & Balance in Corporate World.

    How do leaders use energy—not strategy—to gain a true competitive edge?Dr. Alison sits down with energy strategist Faryl Moore to explore emotional capacity, boundaries, and embodied leadership in high-pressure environments. In this episode of the (un)conversations® podcast, Faryl shares insights from more than 20 years of guiding corporate executives through burnout, misalignment, and energetic overwhelm. Together, they unpack how leaders can expand emotional capacity, cultivate embodied presence, and create energetic clarity that supports sustainable success. You’ll also hear the three (UN)words shaping Faryl’s leadership journey— uncontainable, unwavering, unveiled—and how these principles help leaders release draining energy, set self-compassionate boundaries, and lead with grounded intention. Whether you're a CEO, founder, or soul-curious seeker, this episode will help you understand the energetic side of leadership and step into your next level with clarity and confidence. In This Episode How the (UN)word Effect supports deep self-discoveryWhy energy—not strategy—is often the missing leadership edgeBreaking internal limitations and expanding personal capacityWhy unwavering belief in purpose fuels transformationUnderstanding your unique energetic giftsEmotional awareness as a foundation for well-beingRethinking work-life balance and what true balance looks likeCreating joyful, energetically supportive work environmentsWhy each person’s leadership journey is deeply individual Timestamps (00:00) Welcome(01:21) Meet Faryl Moore(02:24) The (UN)word Effect(03:45) How Faryl discovered her (UN)words(07:53) Uncontainable(10:41) Unwavering(15:45) Unveiled(26:05) Faryl’s journey to founding Moore Energy(43:52) The role of energy in corporate leadership(58:32) A new perspective on work-life balance(1:03:42) Why awareness matters(1:13:06) Tools for getting centered(1:16:58) Final reflections(1:25:45) Ask Dr. Alison(1:37:10) The (UN)wrap up About the Guests Dr. Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D.Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison helps leaders and organizations (un)learn what no longer serves them and embrace authentic, courageous, purpose-driven leadership.Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/ Faryl MooreEnergy strategist and founder of Moore Energy, supporting CEOs, founders, and soul-led leaders in expanding emotional capacity and cultivating energetic clarity.Website: https://mooreenergyhealing.com/ Connect with Dr. Alison, CEO of Unconvention Instagram: @alsphdbcc | @unconventionllc | @unconversationspodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/TikTok: @alschmidtphd Podcast: https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast #LeadershipDevelopment #ConsciousLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #EnergeticLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetMatters #SelfAwareness #HighPerformanceLeadership #WomenInLeadership #PodcastEpisode

    1h 38m

  6. 12/03/2025

    Cult Survivor to CEO: Shana Francesca on Reclaiming Leadership

    🎙️ What Does It Really Mean to Have Power—and Use It Ethically? With Shana Francesca | Cult Survivor, CEO & Leadership Scholar What happens when you break free from a high-control environment—and rebuild your identity from the inside out?In this powerful episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison sits down with Shanna Francesca, a cult survivor turned CEO, leadership scholar, and change-maker. Together, they explore how unlearning psychological control becomes the foundation of ethical, human-centered leadership. Shanna shares the three defining (UN)words—Unfettered, Unleashed, Unveiled—that reshaped her life, leadership, and sense of agency. From escaping indoctrination to challenging ego-driven cultures, this conversation reveals why real power exists beyond control and how curiosity, accountability, and respect drive meaningful change. Perfect for leaders, survivors of high-control systems, innovators, and anyone committed to healing and leading with integrity. ✨ In This Episode How Shanna’s journey from cult survivor to CEO redefined her leadership Why trauma shapes leadership style—and how to rebuild with clarity and agency What it means to be Unfettered, Unleashed, and Unveiled How ego, hierarchy, and psychological control undermine performance The role of community, healing, and unapologetic self-expression Why ethical leadership is rooted in relationship—not authority Timestamps (00:00:00) Intro to the (un)conversations® Podcast(00:01:41) The (UN)word Effect: Shanna’s Leadership Framework(00:02:47) Choosing the “Un” Words(00:03:25) Life Inside the Cult(00:07:54) UNword #1: Unfettered(00:10:40) Leaving the Cult & Reentering the World(00:17:18) UNword #2: Unleashed(00:18:49) UNword #3: Unveiled(00:21:15) Reclaiming Personal Agency(00:26:00) Childhood in a High-Control Environment(00:35:01) Survivor → CEO(00:36:50) Challenging Ideology & “Normal”(00:41:06) From Broken to Empowered(00:57:55) The Meaning of Concinnate(01:05:47) Ethical Leadership, Culture & Innovation(01:17:16) Collaboration Over Competition(01:22:51) Final Thoughts + Shanna’s Upcoming Book(01:24:24) Ask Dr. Alison(01:28:37) The (UN)wrap Up & Outro About the GuestsDr. Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D. Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison helps leaders and organizations unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.Website: unconventionllc.com Shanna Francesca – Founder & CEO, Concinnate LLC A cult survivor, scholar, and leadership innovator, Shanna transformed trauma into a framework for ethical leadership built on Curiosity, Respect, and Accountability.Website: concinnate.world/shanafrancesca #shanafrancesca #concinnate #cultsurvivor #changemaker #authenticleadership #theunwordeffect #dralisonschmidt #unfettered #unleashed #unveiled #unconversationspodcast #unconvention #ceo #neurodiversity #personalgrowthjourney #ethicalleadership #consciousbusiness #trauma #workplaceculture #healingjourney #accountability #curiosity #organizationalchange #psychologicalcontrol

    1h 29m

  7. 11/18/2025

    Unravel Your Story: Find Your Purpose in Midlife with Cathy Derksen

    💥 Ready to Stop Playing Small? Step Into Your Most Powerful Chapter (with Cathy Derksen) What if your most life-changing chapter begins after everything seems to fall apart? In this inspiring episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison sits down with Cathy Derksen, Founder of Inspired Tenacity, international speaker, publisher, and bestselling author who empowers midlife women to find unstoppable confidence and reinvent their lives on their own terms. Cathy shares how her entire world “(un)raveled” in her mid-40s after a traumatic car accident pushed her to reevaluate everything. Within months, she left a toxic marriage, walked away from a high-stress career in medical genetics, and stepped boldly into the (Un)known—proving that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. If you’re a woman over 40 feeling stuck, craving a fresh start, or contemplating a career change, this conversation is your blueprint for purposeful reinvention, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation. ✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The (UN)word Effect and how “unraveling” becomes the doorway to growth How to release toxic environments and reclaim your identity The story behind Cathy’s mantra: “Chin up, keep moving” How to build unstoppable confidence in midlife What it takes to shift from a career in medical genetics to running a purpose-driven business How collaborative book projects create visibility, community, and legacy for women Why Inspired Tenacity reflects the courage required to start over Connect With the Host & Guest Dr. Alison Schmidt, Ph.D. — Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Alison helps leaders and organizations unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.Website: unconventionllc.comPodcast: unconventionllc.com/podcast Cathy Derksen, Founder of Inspired Tenacity, international speaker, bestselling author, and mentor to women seeking reinvention. Cathy has helped over 200 women become published authors, expanding their visibility, businesses, and legacy.Website: inspiredtenacity.com #CathyDerksen #InspiredTenacity #DrAlisonSchmidt #unconversationspodcast #MidlifeWomen#MidlifeReinvention #UnstoppableConfidence #FindYourPurpose #LifeAfter40 #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #WomenEntrepreneurs #PersonalGrowth #Empowerment #Storytelling

    59 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    The Power of (UN): Unusual, Unreasonable & Unfinished with Michael Marckx

    What Happens When You Mix a Pro Triathlete, Rock Musician & Rebel Brand Builder? (with Michael Marckx) What do you get when a pro triathlete, rock musician, and boundary-breaking brand strategist—who has survived seven car accidents—refuses to quit?You get Michael Marckx: Chief Branding Officer at Digital Union Marketing, creator of the world-famous Belgian Waffle Ride, and the mind behind some of the most iconic brand transformations of the last two decades. In this high-energy episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Michael to explore how the (UN)word Effect—being (un)usual, (un)reasonable, and (un)finished—drives authentic leadership, creative risk-taking, and breakthrough brand innovation. From launching Spy Optic’s Happy Lens to leading reinventions at Adidas and Ocean Pacific, Michael shares the mindsets that fuel resilience, creativity, and visionary thinking—both on the bike and in the boardroom. A must-listen for marketers, entrepreneurs, creatives, brand leaders, and anyone ready to defy the usual. 🔥 In This Episode: 🚴 The origin of the Belgian Waffle Ride—and why disruption creates community 💡 How being (un)usual builds real confidence and authentic connection 👓 Why taking (un)reasonable risks leads to breakthrough ideas 🗝️ How staying (un)finished keeps leaders and brands evolving 📘 Inside Michael’s Brand Bible Method and iconic brand turnarounds 🛹 The guerrilla marketing campaign at the Sydney Opera House that changed skateboard culture 🧘 How flow, belief systems, and metaphysical thinking fuel creativity and leadership 💥 The resilience behind surviving seven car accidents—and coming back stronger Timestamp: (00:00) Introduction to Disruption and Innovation(02:50) The (UN)word Effect: Embracing Unusual Paths(06:11) The Power of Being Unusual(09:04) Unreasonable Leadership: Challenging the Norms(11:56) The Journey of Being Unfinished(14:46) Excellence in Athletics & Business(18:04) The Impact of Unreasonableness(20:59) The Psychic’s Prophecy & Career Shift(23:53) Guerrilla Marketing Beyond the Box(37:09) Choosing Optimism in Adversity(38:36) Unconventional Success(42:06) The Importance of Branding(45:28) Brand Integrity(49:18) Personal Branding(52:14) The Sydney Opera House Story(01:01:03) Flow in Life and Work(01:05:36) Ask Dr. Alison(01:13:52) The (UN)wrap Up & Outro Host & Guest: Dr. Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D., Founder of (un)conversations® and Unconvention LLC, Alison helps leaders and organizations unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.Website: www.unconventionllc.com Michael Marckx, Chief Branding Officer at Digital Union Marketing, endurance athlete, musician, and visionary brand strategist. Michael specializes in resuscitating, transforming, and guiding brands through resets, repositioning, and long-term growth.Website: www.digitalunionmarketing.com #MichaelMarckx #DigitalUnionMarketing #BelgianWaffleRide #SpyOptic #GuerrillaMarketing #BrandStrategy #BrandingPodcast #MarketingPodcast #LeadershipPodcast #AuthenticLeadership#BrandTurnaround #UnconventionalLeadership #Unfinished #Unusual #Unreasonable #DrAlisonSchmidt #unconversationspodcast #Unconvention #CXO

    1h 14m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Not just another leadership podcast — we explore the turning points, failures, and unexpected decisions that shaped today’s most influential leaders. Hosted by Dr. Alison Schmidt, (un)conversations delivers unfiltered talks with CEOs, founders, executives, and global business leaders. Each week, we dive into pivotal moments, defining choices, and unconventional moves that drive real growth. Learn what works, how disruption fuels success, and the three words shaping each leader’s evolution. 🎧 Follow (un)conversations for weekly actionable leadership insights and join the (un)movement.

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