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

(un)conversations with Dr. Alison Schmidt
  • 5.0 (3)
  • 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. Jun 17

    How to Master Podcast Matchmaking with Alex Sanfilippo

    How to Master Podcast Matchmaking with Alex Sanfilippo Ever wonder how the most successful podcasts land incredible guests week after week, or how top guests get booked on industry-leading shows? The secret isn't luck—it’s strategic matchmaking. In this episode, we sit down with Alex Sanfilippo, the brilliant Co-Founder of PodMatch—the platform widely dubbed the "Dating App for Podcasters and Guests." Whether you are looking at the microphone from the host’s perspective or trying to get booked as a high-value guest, Alex pulls back the curtain on the organic growth secrets that drive real audience engagement. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: The Matchmaking Framework: How to identify and pitch the perfect podcast or guest without wasting time. The "Tinder for Podcasters" Philosophy: How to leverage automated networking to scale your brand organically. For Hosts: The exact criteria you should use to vet guests so your episodes always deliver high-value content. For Guests: How to craft an irresistible pitch that makes podcast hosts instantly say "yes." Stop guessing your way through podcast networking. Hit play and learn how to master the art of podcast matchmaking with one of the best in the business! 👋 ABOUT THE HOST: Dr. Alison Schmidt Dr. Alison Schmidt is the Founder & CEO of Unconvention and host of the (un)conversations® podcast. She is an organizational psychology expert with 20+ years of experience working with global leaders, founders, and executives. Her work focuses on leadership development, emotional intelligence, and helping CEOs and organizations navigate change, burnout, and high-performance leadership challenges. 🌐 Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/ 🎙️ MEET OUR GUEST: Alex Sanfilippo Alex Sanfilippo is a podcast host and the founder of PodMatch, a software platform specifically designed to help independent podcast hosts and guests connect, elevate their voices, and be heard. In addition, Alex is the host of the top-rated podcast Podcasting Made Simple and is one of the most sought-after educators and public speakers in the podcasting industry. 🌐 Website: https://alexsanfilippo.com/about/ 🌐 PodMatch Platform: https://podmatch.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsanfilippo/ 🎧 Listen to Podcasting Made Simple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-made-simple/id1470897857 🎵 Production Credits: Theme Song: Produced by DJ Doug Jackson (https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson) 💜 Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review Subscribe to never miss an episode of (the un)conversations® podcast. ©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC - all rights reserved

    1h 26m

  2. Jun 11

    She Beat Cancer, Sold Her Company & Quit Her Ego. Here's What She Learned.

    Robin Toft has built companies, survived cancer, led global teams, and raised millions for cancer research. Yet one of her most profound leadership lessons came from learning to quiet her ego and trust something deeper. In this episode of the (un)conversations® podcast, Robin Toft, CEO of Curebound and 20-year colon cancer survivor, joins Dr. Alison Schmidt for a candid conversation about leadership, intuition, purpose, resilience, and what it truly means to live a successful life. Robin shares her journey from high-powered life sciences executive to purpose-driven leader, revealing how a cancer diagnosis transformed her perspective on achievement, self-care, and the role fear plays in our decisions. Together, Robin and Alison explore the tension between ego and intuition, why love may be the most overlooked leadership strategy, and how redefining success can change everything. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why Robin describes herself as "unafraid" • The difference between leading from fear and leading from love • How intuition can become a leader's greatest advantage • The lessons cancer taught her about stress, health, and priorities • Why self-care is a leadership necessity, not a luxury • The connection between purpose, passion, and meaningful success • What it takes to stop playing small and start living fully Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, emerging leader, cancer survivor, caregiver, or navigating a major life transition, this conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn't just about what you accomplish—it's about how you show up for yourself and others along the way. "The definition of success for most people is giving and receiving as much love as you can in your lifetime." — Robin Toft Connect with Robin Toft: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robintoft/ Website: https://www.curebound.org/ Connect with Dr. Alison Schmidt: Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ 🎵 Theme Song produced by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson Disclaimer: This episode reflects Robin Toft's personal experiences and perspectives and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding medical conditions or treatment decisions. © 2026 UNCONVENTION LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    1h 15m

  3. Jun 2

    Screw the "Startup Playbook." Do This Instead

    Screw the "Startup Playbook." Do This Instead with Katie Sterns | S2.E15 How do you scale a startup when traditional business strategies fail? In this episode of the (un)conversations podcast, host Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Katie Sterns, Founder and CEO of Blyngz Luxury Technologies. Together, they break down why cookie-cutter startup guides fail and how to build a successful company using an unorthodox growth mindset. If you are an entrepreneur, creator, or female founder tired of the status quo, this raw conversation about business resilience, tech disruption, and using ADHD as an entrepreneurial superpower is for you. 🎧 What You’ll Learn In This Episode: The Myth of the Startup Playbook: Why there is no linear, step-by-step guide to building a massive business. The Pivot Strategy: How Katie turned a massive pandemic threat into a major B2B revenue opportunity. Competing with Tech Giants: How small startups can outmaneuver multi-billion dollar companies using agility and authenticity. Brand Identity vs. Product: Why competitors can copy your product, but no one can steal your brand. ADHD as a Superpower: Embracing a divergent brain to synthesize big data and spot market gap 🕒 Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Podcast Teaser & Intro 02:16 - The Story Behind Blyngz Luxury Technologies 08:45 - Balancing Startup Obsession with Personal Relationships 11:59 - The Power of an Unorthodox Mindset 14:43 - Real-World Pivot: Sourcing During a Crisis 20:18 - Remaining Undeterred Against Global Tech Giants 24:38 - Protecting Your Brand Identity 34:12 - Why Having ADHD is an Entrepreneurial Superpower 41:05 - Managing Investor Relations & Data Room Stress 48:50 - Combining Sociology, Big Data, and Consumer Research 1:09:15 - Common Pitfalls Early-Stage Founders Make with Late-Stage Capital 🎙️ About Our Host & Guest: Dr. Alison Schmidt is an organizational psychologist, Founder & CEO of Unconvention, and strategic advisor to elite global leaders, founders, and CxOs looking to navigate market disruption. Connect with Dr. Alison on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/ Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus Katie Sterns is the founder and CEO of Blyngz Luxury Technologies, pioneering the "Jewelry Tech" category with a modular, AI-integrated audio platform. She is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for women's economic power. Learn more about Blyngz: blyngz.com Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katiesterns/ Support the Show: If you enjoyed this masterclass on leadership, please follow, download, and rate the podcast 5 stars on Spotify! 🎵 Theme Song: Produced by DJ Doug Jackson:   / dougjackson   StartupStrategy, Entrepreneurship, WomenInTech, BusinessPivot, Venture Capital, ADHDEntrepreneur, FemaleFounders, LeadershipDisruption, ExecutivePresence ©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC - all rights reserved

    1h 23m

  4. May 20

    Stop Peacocking! How to Build True Executive Presence

    Stop Peacocking! How to Build True Executive Presence 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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