(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. 6D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. FEB 24

    I Loud Quit: Why Artist Lisa Congdon Stopped Being “Nice”

    I Loud Quit: Why Artist Lisa Congdon Stopped Being “Nice” Are you stuck on the "hamster wheel" of obligation? In S2 | E6, world-class artist Lisa Congdon joins Dr. Alison Schmidt to discuss "Loud Quitting," the secret to avoiding burnout, and why "half-assing" is a creative superpower. In this episode, we explore: The "Loud Quit": Why Lisa stopped performing for others to find her true voice. Permission to be Human: Embracing the "messy middle" and creative ADHD. The Athlete Mindset: How competitive cycling at 58 fuels studio discipline. Repetition vs. Perfection: The real key to building a world-famous brand. Connect with our Guest: Website: lisacongdon.com Instagram: @lisacongdon Essential Reading: Art Inc. and Find Your Artistic Voice Connect with Dr. Alison Schmidt: Instagram: @dralisonschmidt Work with us: unconventionllc.com TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Music Intro(00:02) - Episode Teaser: Getting off the Hamster Wheel(01:32) - Welcome Lisa Congdon, World-Class Artist(02:25) – The Bivo Bottle: Art on Consumer Products(06:00) – The "(UN)word Effect": Lisa’s 3 Powerful Words(08:40) – The Educator’s Mindset: Transitioning to Illustration(13:10) – "Monkey Brain": Navigating a Late-in-Life ADHD Diagnosis(23:06) – The Irony of Being (Un)cluttered: Simplifying Life & Friendships(41:15) – Avoiding Burnout through the Secret of "Half-Assing"(53:11) – Bridging the Gap: Getting Comfortable in the "Messy Middle"(59:02) – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & "The Story We Invent"(1:02:08) – The Art School Dropout (Who Gave the Commencement Address)(1:07:46) – Building a Brand through Repetition(1:12:13) - Ask Dr. Alison: Listener Q&A(1:17:32) – The Power of 50+: Embracing an Empowering New Chapter(1:18:03) - The (un)wrap up 🎵 Music by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson ⭐ 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 19m

  5. FEB 19

    Winging It to CEO: How Bevin Mahon Built an (Un)traditional Dental Empire

    Stop waiting until you’re "ready." Bevin Mahon (CEO of Dentaltech Group) did the opposite—and built Ireland’s largest dental provider for nursing homes. In this episode of (un)conversations (S2 | E5), Dr. Alison sits down with Bevin to discuss her journey from "winging it" to leading a digital transformation that turned 4-hour technical headaches into 3-minute wins. 🔔 Follow (un)conversations on Spotify to never miss an episode: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xkI3Kg3e4VCUY5hXFGUaS?si=xUdMhFRrQyyR1wHbaIkWDQ&nd=1&dlsi=47c2f501c0f54948 Inside the Episode (The "WIIFM"):🚀 Stop Overthinking: Why saying "yes" before the "how" is a massive competitive advantage.🛠️ The "Stuck" Fix: A framework to use frustrations as a roadmap for your next pivot.✨ The 3-Minute Miracle: How to use digital shortcuts to collapse time and scale.📢 Panic-Proofing: High-frequency communication strategies for crisis leadership. Timestamps:(01:15) Welcome Bevin Mahon(06:36) The "Winging It" Philosophy(33:13) Transforming a traditional family business(53:40) Mastering digital scanning: 4 hours to 3 minutes(01:11:37) Ask Dr. Alison Connect with our Guest:Bevin Mahon: https://dentaltech.ie/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevinmahon/ Connect with Dr. Alison:Work With Us: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ 🎵 Music by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson ⭐ 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 17m

  6. FEB 11

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

    Is the "Scaling Trap" destroying your returns—and your purpose? 📉 Former Nike VP Dirk Van Onsem reveals why the traditional corporate growth model is failing and how a single question from his daughter forced him to walk away from a 25-year executive career to pursue regenerative leadership. In this episode of (un)conversations (S2 | E4), Dr. Alison sits down with the founder of Beyonders Collective to explore "The Unknowing"—the vulnerable space between leaving a global giant and building a planet-positive biohub. 🚀 Inside the Episode (The "WIIFM"): The Daughter's Question: The catalyst that turned a Nike executive into a climate advocate. Shadow Leadership: Why the "perfect executive" image is actually blocking your team's innovation. The Scaling Myth: Why expanding large businesses is often the opposite of regeneration. Regenerative Finance: A new framework for prioritizing resilience over exit-based growth. 🔔 Follow (un)conversations on Spotify to stay ahead of the leadership curve: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xkI3Kg3e4VCUY5hXFGUaS?si=xUdMhFRrQyyR1wHbaIkWDQ&nd=1&dlsi=47c2f501c0f54948 Timestamps:(03:00) The “(UN)word” Effect: Personal leadership evolution(07:08) Unassuming: Leading by asking the right questions(14:30) 25 Years of Nike Leadership Lessons(28:45) Unknowing: Navigating burnout and the "empty space"(52:10) Building a Regenerative Business Ecosystem(01:10:46) Ask Dr. Alison: Leadership Q&A Connect with our Guest:Dirk Van Onsem: https://www.beyonderscollective.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirk-van-onsem-36a8b75/ Connect with Dr. Alison:Work With Us: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ 🎵 Music by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson ⭐ 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 17m

  7. 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 peel back the curtain on the mental load of high-stakes leadership. From a "scrappy" start in the insurance industry to the C-suite, Jess reveals why your childhood survival triggers (the "Unhealed 8-Year-Old") might be sitting at the boardroom table with you—and how to manage them. In this episode of (un)conversations (S2 | E3), we discuss why emotional intelligence is a leader’s most critical tool and why staying "at the table" is the only way to impact real change for women in the workforce. 🚀 Inside the Episode (The "WIIFM"): The Unhealed 8-Year-Old: How childhood turbulence shapes executive decision-making and survival triggers. The Law Pivot: Lessons from walking away from a legal path to find a "scrappy" start in business. The Mental Load: Breaking the taboo around executive burnout and workplace mental health. Advocacy in Action: Why "if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu"—and how to stay in the game. 🔔 Follow (un)conversations on Spotify and save this episode to your library: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xkI3Kg3e4VCUY5hXFGUaS?si=xUdMhFRrQyyR1wHbaIkWDQ&nd=1&dlsi=47c2f501c0f54948 Timestamps:(01:06) Welcome Jess Bass Bolander, SVP of Lockton(04:49) (UN)breakable: Overcoming childhood turbulence(15:18) The Pivot: From Law to the "scrappy" world of insurance(30:46) The Balancing Act: Executive roles and motherhood(44:50) The "Unhealed Eight-Year-Old" in the workplace(55:34) Ask Dr. Alison: Leadership Q&A Connect with our Guest:Jess Bass Bolander (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-bass-bolander-63213114/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessbassbolander/ Connect with Dr. Alison:Work With Us: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ 🎵 Music by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson ⭐ 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 1m
  8. 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 chaos, and global manufacturing shifts nearly shut Bivo down overnight. 🚲 In this episode of (un)conversations (S2 | E2), Dr. Alison sits down with Carina Hamel, co-founder of Bivo, to unpack the raw reality of disrupting a $300M industry. Carina reveals how her team engineered a high-flow stainless steel bike bottle to solve the "plastic taste" problem—only to face COVID-era supply chain collapses and sudden trade policy shocks. If you’ve ever had to make a high-stakes pivot while managing a global supply chain, this is your roadmap for resilience. 🚀 Inside the Episode (The "WIIFM"): The $3,500 Tariff Shock: Real-time lessons on navigating sudden international trade shifts. Engineering "The Flow": Solving technical hardware problems that the giants ignored. Manufacturing Reality: What it actually looks like to scale production from Vermont to China. The (UN)word Effect™: Why being Unbounded and Unrelenting is a founder's only true defense. 🔔 Follow (un)conversations on Spotify to stay ahead of the founder curve: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xkI3Kg3e4VCUY5hXFGUaS?si=xUdMhFRrQyyR1wHbaIkWDQ&nd=1&dlsi=47c2f501c0f54948 Timestamps:(01:14) Introduction to Carina Hamel & Bivo(02:48) The “(UN)word Effect” in leadership(31:43) Manufacturing in China: Risk vs. Reality(42:07) COVID-19 & the global supply chain collapse(55:18) The $3,500 tariff that nearly shut Bivo down(01:04:12) Why the "harder route" pays off in hardware Connect with our Guest:Carina Hamel (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-hamel-46787a11/Shop Bivo: https://drinkbivo.com Connect with Dr. Alison:Work With Us: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ 🎵 Music by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson ⭐ 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 5m
See All (33)

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.

Information