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

(un)conversations with Dr. Alison Schmidt

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. 20H AGO

    Stop Peacocking! How to Build True Executive Presence

    Stop Peacocking! How to Build True Executive Presence | S2.E14 Are you a female leader who has achieved major career milestones, yet you still feel like you don’t look the part? In this episode of the (un)conversations® podcast, host Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Executive Presence Strategist Melanie Lippman to break down why traditional corporate wardrobe advice is broken—and why trying to command a room with loud, overcompensated "peacock energy" is secretly sabotaging your authority. Too many high-achieving women in male-dominated fields twist themselves into pretzels trying to look professional, only to end up feeling like they are wearing an artificial costume. Discover how fusing fashion psychology with certified neurocoaching can help you align your internal confidence with your outer wardrobe, eliminate decision fatigue, and project effortless, authentic authority that speaks before you do. 💡 INSIDE THIS EPISODE: The Peacock Trap: Why luxury brands and simply "wearing black" won't fix an internal confidence gap. The Costume Effect: Shedding the protective armor to unlock real corporate visibility. The Science of Style: How clothing psychology and neurocoaching impact high-stakes decision-making. ⭐ SUPPORT THE (UN)MOVEMENT:If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, and leave a 5-star rating or review wherever you listen to help us bring these (un)conversations to more global leaders! 🎧 LEVEL UP YOUR LOUD: Connect with Host Dr. Alison Schmidt: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ • Web: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ • Company IG: https://www.instagram.com/unconventionllc/ • Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/theunconversationspodcast/ Connect with Guest Melanie Lippman: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imagecoachmelanielippman/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanielippman/ • Book a Strategy Session: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/8907bff6/?calendarIds=2388240 🎵 Theme Song: Produced by DJ Doug Jackson (https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson) ©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC - all rights reserved

    1h 9m

  2. MAY 13

    The CEO's Leap of Faith: Trina Roffino on Grief, Resilience, and Project Unbroken

    The CEO's Leap of Faith: Trina Roffino on Grief, Resilience, and Project Unbroken. What do you do when you reach the top of the corporate ladder, only to have your world shatter? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Trina Roffino, former CEO of The Marketing Arm (TMA) and the Founder of Project Unbroken, to discuss the moment her world changed forever following the tragic loss of her husband to suicide. After 26 years of climbing the corporate ladder, Trina took a "giant leap of faith" away from the C-suite to find her true purpose. This conversation is a masterclass in navigating a high-stakes career pivot, overcoming corporate burnout, and finding a more meaningful path through mental health advocacy. Note: This episode contains a raw and honest discussion about mental health and suicide loss. We share this to break the silence and support those on their own "unbroken" path. In this episode, we dive into: The Art of Kintsugi: Why we are stronger and more beautiful for our scars. The "Unword" Journey: A framework for becoming (Un)broken, (Un)tethered, and (Un)wavering. Freedom Within a Framework: Leading with both business discipline and emotional transparency. "Non-Casserole" Deaths: How to support employees through complicated grief and trauma in the workplace. Project Unbroken: Trina’s mission to provide suicide loss support and financial aid for children. "You don’t discard what’s broken; you rebuild it and show the scars. You are stronger and more beautiful for having been broken." — Trina Roffino 🕒 TIMESTAMPS: 00:02:29 – Taking a giant leap of faith in your career pivot00:05:57 – Kintsugi: Finding beauty in being broken00:14:38 – The “Super Bowl Moment”: The turning point for a CEO00:31:51 – Why suicide is not a “casserole death”00:45:55 – The mission and heart behind Project Unbroken00:55:29 – Why leading with vulnerability is a superpower01:02:40 – Ask Dr. Alison: One core belief about the human spirit 01:09:13 – The (Un)wrap Up Connect with your (un)journey: ⭐ Support the Movement: If this conversation moved you, please rate us 5 stars and follow the show. Your support helps us reach more leaders! 🌐 Host: Dr. Alison Schmidt | https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus 🌐 Guest: Trina Roffino | https://projectunbroken.org/ Crisis Support: If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741. You are not alone. #Leadership #MentalHealth #CareerPivot #Resilience #ProjectUnbroken #CEO #Podcast #SuicideAwareness #WomenInBusiness #SuperBowlMoment #TMA ©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC - all rights reserved

    1h 10m

  3. MAY 7

    Forget Everything You Know About Being a CEO: A Conversation with Krystal Zell

    Forget Everything You Know About Being a CEO: A Conversation with Krystal Zell [S2.E12] What happens when a Fortune 500 executive walks away from the "all-consuming" pace of corporate leadership to find a different path? In this episode of the (un)conversations podcast, host Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Krystal Zell, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Floor & Decor, for a raw look at what it truly takes to lead. From her rise at The Home Depot to navigating a $130M turnaround as CEO of Tonal, Krystal shares the leadership lessons she had to "un-learn" along the way. In this episode, we explore: The "One-Way Door" Philosophy: Mastering high-stakes, irreversible decision-making. Navigating Executive Burnout: Identifying the "dense fog" before you reach a breaking point. The CEO Sabbatical: Why Krystal took a year off at age 47 to reset for her next 20 years of leadership. C-Level Transitions: How Krystal Zell Navigated Home Depot, Tonal, and Floor & Decor. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Forget Everything You Know About Being a CEO (01:31) Meet Krystal Zell: From Floor & Decor to Tonal (03:00) The (UN)word Effect: Using AI to find your leadership identity (05:03) (Un)deterred: Lessons from a blue-collar upbringing (19:24) (Un)assuming: Fashion emergencies and C-Suite branding (28:56) Leaving Home Depot: Knowing when it’s time for a new problem (37:59) The Tonal Opportunity: Managing a $130M strategic turnaround (54:30) Identifying the "Dense Fog" of Burnout (01:00:03) Why every leader needs a Career Sabbatical (01:08:52) The (Un)expected joy of teaching AP Economics( 01:11:48) Ask Dr. Alison: Krystal Zell flips the script (01:15:13) The (un)wrap: Showing the human side of business Connect with our Guest:Krystal Zell is the EVP & Chief Customer Officer at Floor & Decor and the former CEO of Tonal. LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystalzell/⁠ Floor & Decor: https://www.flooranddecor.com/ Connect with Dr. Alison:Dr. Alison Schmidt is the CEO of Unconvention, advising leaders on the unseen dynamics of high-stakes leadership. Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunconversationspodcast ⁠ Support the (UN)movement:If you enjoyed this conversation, please Follow the show and leave a 5-star rating and review on Spotify—it’s the best way to help us reach more unconventional leaders! #Leadership #CEO #KrystalZell #Burnout #ExecutiveCoaching #Sabbatical #Tonal #FloorAndDecor #unconversationspodcast ©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC - all rights reserved

    1h 16m

  4. APR 21

    Why Most Leaders Fail: The (Un)Conventional Truth About Reinvention | Erika Hanafin Austria

    Why Most Leaders Fail: The (Un)Conventional Truth About Reinvention | Erika Hanafin Austria (S2.E11) What is the reality of being a female founder and startup CEO? In this episode of the (un)conversations podcast, Dr. Alison sits down with Erika Hanafin Austria—the creator of MOMumental Reinvention, Co-Founder of Neon ID, and former CEO of HeyMama. Erika shares the brutal truth of what it actually takes to succeed as a serial entrepreneur in today’s high-pressure business landscape. She reveals why she built her success on "gut intuition" rather than just spreadsheets and how she navigated the (un)conventional journey of leading with empathy, resilience, and a total rejection of the "work-life balance" myth. Inside the Episode: The Myth of Balance: Why startups are always out of balance and how to survive it. Leading from the Gut: Why intuition is a founder's greatest tool. NEON ID & AI: Using the HEXACO framework to map human personality. MOMumental Moments: Finding "unforgettable bridges" to personal growth. Timestamps:00:00 – Why Most Leaders Fail: The (Un)Conventional Truth About Reinvention (Intro)01:30 – Meet Erika Hanafin Austria: Co-Founder of Neon ID03:45 – The (UN)word Effect: Gut-First Leadership vs. Data04:40 – The "Mental Gymnastics" of Scaling a Startup08:30 – Breaking the Box: Why I Don't Follow the Rule Book11:12 – Stomaching Entrepreneurship & Risk18:48 – Entrepreneurial DNA27:24 – MOMumental Moments: Finding Unforgettable Bridges33:43 – Being (Un)apologetically You: Advice for Female Leaders46:30 – NEON ID: Mapping Human Personality 52:40 – The ROI of Juggling and Awareness in Business01:05:25 – Integrating AI with NEON ID01:25:12 – Ask Dr. Alison - Reinvention: (Un)learning What No Longer Serves You01:29:00 - The (Un)wrap UpMeet Your Host: Dr. Alison SchmidtDr. Alison Schmidt is the CEO of Unconvention and host of the (un)conversations® podcast, where top leaders share the unconventional decisions that shaped their path. She advises senior leaders and founders navigating high-stakes decisions, leadership transitions, and the unseen dynamics of leadership. Known for saying what most leaders are thinking—but won’t say out loud! Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/Meet Erika Hanafin AustriaErika Hanafin Austria is the creator of MOMumental Reinvention, a Substack with 57,000+ subscribers exploring what it actually looks like to rebuild your identity, career, and life after everything changes. She is also the Co-Founder of Neon ID, former CEO of HeyMama, and a 2x Top 50 Women Leaders of Virginia honoree.Substack: https://momumentalreinvention.comWebsite: https://www.erikahanafin.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikahanafinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikahanafin/Neon ID: https://neonid.com Support the (UN)movement:If you’re on YouTube, hit that subscribe button and leave a comment. If you’re on Spotify , Apple, iHeart, Amazon Music or Pandora, follow the show and leave a 5-star rating or review. It takes 10 seconds, it’s completely free, and it is the single best way to ensure we can keep bringing you these (un)conversations Thank you for being part of the (un)movement! #WhyMostLeadersFail #Reinvention #ErikaHanafinAustria #FemaleFounders #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #CareerReinvention #NeonID #MOMumentalMoments ©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC - all rights reserved.

    1h 30m

  5. APR 16

    Why High-Level Leaders Stop Asking Permission | Dr. Felicia White

    "Sometimes you have to jump before you get pushed." In this episode of the (un)conversations podcast (S2.E10), Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Dr. Felicia White, Director of Operations at Askar Management Group, to discuss the brutal reality of career pivots, professional resilience, and the power of radical authenticity. Dr. White shares the personal philosophy that guided her through a "performance review from hell" and into high-level leadership:✅ (Un)apologetic: Stop saying sorry for what you can’t control.✅ (Un)compromising: Protecting team values and integrity.✅ (Un)adaptable: Why "fitting in" is a career killer. If you’ve ever felt "too much" for a room or are facing a career crossroads, this conversation is your roadmap for moving through change with grace. Connect with Dr. Felicia White:🔗 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicia-white-edd-cht/⁠🏢 Askar Management: https://askarmanagement.com/ Connect with Dr. Alison Schmidt:🌐 Website: ⁠https://www.unconventionllc.com⁠🔗 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ Episode Highlights:00:00 – Why High-Level Leaders Stop Asking Permission04:30 – The (Un)apologetic Mindset: Stop saying sorry09:25 – Redefining Executive Presence: The best version of YOU31:04 – The Performance Review: "No one knows who you are"59:16 – Surviving Layoffs: The emotional reality of getting back up01:14:30 – Ask Dr. Alison The Tin Man: The secret meaning of the bow tie Support the Show:If this episode helped you, please Follow and leave a 5-star rating! Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unconversations ©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC

    1h 16m

  6. APR 7

    I Left IBM After 25 Years With No Plan: The Strategy Of Business Astrology I (un)conversations S2E9

    Show Notes: Can Business Astrology Predict Your Next Career Move? “What got you here won’t get you there.” For most CEOs, the reality of that shift is a silent, internal crisis. In this episode of (un)conversations, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Barbara Alexander, a former IBM executive turned Business Astrologer and Strategy Advisor. Barbara spent 25 years climbing the Fortune 500 ladder before walking away without a plan to redefine what leadership actually means. Today, she helps founders navigate the high-stakes intersection of business strategy, leadership identity, and cosmic timing. In this episode, we discuss: The Corporate Exit: Why Barbara left a prestigious 25-year career at IBM to build a practice rooted in the "blueprint" of a leader's birth chart. The Internal Shift: Why strategy pivots usually fail if the leader hasn’t undergone an internal identity shift first. The Power of Timing: Understanding why even the "right" decision will fail if it’s made in the wrong personal chapter. Navigating Crisis: Barbara opens up about her recent battle with cancer and how it shifted her perspective on "living unscripted" and the necessity of self-care. Untapped Potential: How to identify the behavioral patterns—from fear of visibility to financial blocks—that are written in your birth blueprint. About Our Guest:Barbara Alexander is the CEO and Founder of Barbara C. Alexander LLC. Drawing on 25 years of Fortune 500 experience across sales, marketing, and operations, she helps her clients understand what chapter they are actually in so their decisions are grounded in clarity about where they are now, not what built their success in the past. Connect with Barbara: Website: https://barbaracalexander.com/ LinkedIn: Barbara Alexander Free Resource: Download a chapter of the Amazon bestseller How to Break the Glass Ceiling and Still Keep It Nice: Get the Chapter Here Connect with Dr. Alison Schmidt: Website: unconventionllc.com LinkedIn: Dr. Alison Schmidt Instagram: @dralisonschmidt Key Moments:(00:00) I Left IBM After 25 Years: The Strategy Of Business Astrology(09:50) Quitting IBM with No Plan: The CEO Mindset on Risk(21:00) Merging Logic & Magic: How Corporate Skills Meet Astrology(26:40) Facing Cancer: Why Self-Care for Leaders is Non-Negotiable(01:04:40) Reading a Birth Chart for Business Predictions & Strategic Timing If this episode helped you give yourself "permission to be unconventional," please subscribe and leave a 5-star review

    1h 22m

  7. MAR 18

    Menopause & HRT: How to Fix Brain Fog and Medical Gaslighting with Dr. Z. Colette Edwards

    Stop the Brain Fog: The Truth About HRT & Menopause with Dr. Z. Colette Edwards Stop suffering through brain fog and medical gaslighting. In this episode, Dr. Z. Colette Edwards joins Dr. Alison to explain why your doctor might be wrong about HRT and how to regain control of your health in your 40s and 50s. Whether you’re managing perimenopause symptoms or seeking workplace wellness strategies, this is the unconventional validation you need. Perimenopause vs. Menopause: Understanding the shifts in your 40s and 50s In this episode, we discuss: Medical Gaslighting: Why menopause is often unappreciated by the medical community. Hormone Therapy (HRT): The latest 2024-2025 statistics and why the old rules no longer apply. The Workplace Shift: (un)conventional strategies for managing symptoms while leading. Physical Impacts: The link between estrogen, heart health, and muscle aches. 🔗 Explore Pausitive Health: ⁠https://www.pausitivehealth.com/⁠ Episode Timestamps 00:00 The "Secret" Journey of Menopause 00:03 Episode Teaser 01:37 (un)veiling Dr. Z. Colette Edwards 03:20 The (UN)word Effect: Why Menopause is Unappreciated 08:18 Statistics on Hormone Therapy (2024-2025) 10:18 Breaking the Silence: Why it remains a "Secret" 11:42 (un)expected Shifts: Perimenopause in your 40s and 50s 17:34 The Reality of Health Entrepreneurship 21:02 Pausitive Health: Agency and Advocacy 22:13 Navigating Medical Gaslighting 56:37 Well-Woman Visits vs. Diagnostic Appointments 01:00:18 Estrogen, Heart Health, and Bone Density 01:07:02 Managing Muscle Aches & Sleep Repercussions 01:11:35 (un)conventional Workplace Solutions & Benefits 01:21:30 Reframing the Narrative: Menopause is Not a Disease 01:27:54 Ask Dr. Alison 01:36:08 The (un)wrap up About Dr. Alison Schmidt The modern leader requires a different kind of psychology. Welcome to the official channel of Dr. Alison Schmidt, Founder and CEO of Unconvention. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology and two decades of experience partnering with premier global leaders, Dr. Schmidt is the architect of "The Unword Effect." This space is dedicated to the elite leader who has reached the top and realized the old rules no longer apply. Through her podcast, (un)conversations®, and her strategic consulting, Alison bridges the gap between high-level psychology and boots-on-the-ground business results, and the courage to be vulnerable in leadership. From Dallas to the world—inspiring leaders to gain freedom from the stubborn quo. Connect with Dr. Alison: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt Be a Guest / Work With Us: ⁠https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus Connect with Dr. Z. Colette Edwards Dr. Edwards is the Founder and CMO of Pausitive Health, a holistic digital destination for women navigating the menopause journey. Recently recognized as one of the "Top 50 Global Trailblazing Leaders in Menopause," she is a leading voice in shifting the narrative around women’s health. Website: https://www.pausitivehealth.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/z-colette-edwards-md-mba/ Medical Disclaimer: Information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding medical conditions. This content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Support the Show: If this episode gave you "permission to be unconventional," please follow the show and leave a 5-star rating! #ExecutiveWomensHealth #LeadershipPsychology #Menopause #HormoneTherapy #Perimenopause #unconversationspodcast #PhysicalImpacts #BrainFog #MedicalGaslighting

    1h 36m

  8. MAR 10

    Leadership Mastery: Bryan Yates on Addiction & Success

    What happens when a Disney-trained producer and Holocaust historian starts coaching elite leaders? In this episode, Bryan Yates joins Dr. Alison to pull back the curtain on "The Unword Effect" and why the world’s most capable leaders often feel buried by their own brilliance. We dive deep into the mechanics of high-performance leadership, the reality of workaholism recovery, and why your perspective is your most valuable product. In this episode, you will learn: How to identify if you are a "high-functioning" workaholic. Why perfectionism is the silent killer of leadership progress. The intersection of Disney’s creative culture and executive coaching. Tactical ways to reduce "drag" in your business and personal life. 💡 Are you an (un)conventional leader?To our fellow CEOs and founders: if you have an (un)traditional story of resilience or want to uncomplicate your business hurdles, let’s connect. 👉 Be a Guest / Work With Us: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messa... 👉 Ask Dr. Alison: Drop a leadership or business question in the comments! Connect with Dr. Alison Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ Connect with Bryan Yates Website: https://www.locomotivcoaching.com  LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanyates/ Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/thatbryanyates/ ⭐ Support the Show:If this episode helped you give yourself "permission to be unconventional," please leave a 5-star rating and a review! ©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC - all rights reserved.

    1h 20m
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5
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3 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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