(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. 1D AGO

    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/ ⭐ Love the show? Leave us a 5-star rating on Spotify! It helps more unconventional leaders find these conversations. 🎵 Music by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson

    1h 17m

  2. 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/ ⭐ Love the show? Leave us a 5-star rating on Spotify! It helps more unconventional leaders find these conversations. 🎵 Music by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson

    1h 17m

  3. 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/ ⭐ Resonated with this? Leave us a 5-star rating! It helps other unconventional leaders find these tools for resilience. 🎵 Music by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson

    1h 1m
  4. 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/ ⭐ Resonated with this? Leave us a 5-star rating! Your support helps other unconventional founders find these survival stories. 🎵 Music by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson

    1h 5m

  5. JAN 13

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

    AI, 3D denim design, and sustainable leadership are no longer the "future"—they are the present. 👖✨ In this Season 2 premiere of (un)conversations (S2 | E1), Dr. Alison sits down with Kirsten Lee, CMO of One Jeanswear Group. Kirsten has shaped iconic American brands like Ralph Lauren, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Jessica Simpson. Today, she’s leading the charge on AI-powered product development and 3D digital denim. If you are a creative leader struggling to balance the "Art" of design with the "Science" of modern business, this episode is your masterclass in the (un)written path. 🚀 Inside the Episode (The "WIIFM"): The AI Shift: How AI-driven design and 3D denim are collapsing production timelines and reducing waste. The (Un)written Path: Moving from a background in Science to the top of the fashion C-suite. Cultural Identity: Kirsten’s journey as a Korean-American leader navigating heritage fashion. The Art vs. Business Tension: How to drive commercial results without killing the creative spark. 🔔 Follow (un)conversations on Spotify to stay at the intersection of leadership and innovation: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xkI3Kg3e4VCUY5hXFGUaS?si=xUdMhFRrQyyR1wHbaIkWDQ&nd=1&dlsi=47c2f501c0f54948 Timestamps:(00:55) Who Is Kirsten Lee? | Leading One Jeanswear Group(03:12) Cultural Identity: Growing up Korean-American in Fashion(21:05) Authentic Leadership: Identity & "Unfiltered" Communication(28:22) How AI & 3D Denim are changing fashion forever(35:10) The Art vs. Business Tension every leader faces(52:38) Ask Dr. Alison: Leadership Q&A Connect with our Guest:Kirsten Lee (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-lee-b295671/ 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/ ⭐ Loving the new season? Leave us a 5-star rating on Spotify! It helps us bring more global innovators to the table. 🎵 Music by DJ Doug Jackson: https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson

    56 min

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (29)

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