Free The CEO

Kahlil Dumas
  • 5.0 (19)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Free The CEO Podcast—the go-to show for founders, solopreneurs, and fractionals who want to lead with vision, not get stuck in the weeds. Get expert insights, real-world strategies, and battle-tested tactics to help you create a business that runs smoothly through smart systems and strong teams.

  1. EP #92: Beyond AI: The Critical Role of Human Expertise in Tech Innovation

    04/07/2025

    EP #92: Beyond AI: The Critical Role of Human Expertise in Tech Innovation

    In today's episode, I'm answering that question burning in everyone's inbox: "How is AI going to impact my job?" As someone working with both startups and Fortune 500s, I wanted to bring you the employer's perspective on this incredibly nuanced topic. The truth? While technological advancement is accelerating at a pace that would make your head spin, companies are facing a critical challenge—they have amazing tech but lack employees who can actually leverage it. Connect with me on LinkedIn Work with my fractional firm Work with my executive search and advisory firm Connect with our panelists

    18 min
  2. EP #91: Why Diverse Leadership is Non-Negotiable for Startup Success (Execnow Linkedin Live)

    03/31/2025

    EP #91: Why Diverse Leadership is Non-Negotiable for Startup Success (Execnow Linkedin Live)

    In this Execnow Linkedin Live, we’ll explore why talent diversity is essential for you as a startup, the common hiring pitfalls you face, and actionable strategies to leverage inclusivity and build diverse, high-performing teams. Connect with me on LinkedIn Work with my fractional firm Work with my executive search and advisory firm Connect with our panelists

    27 min
  3. EP #90: The Business Case for DEI: What CEOs Need to Know About Pulling Back

    03/17/2025

    EP #90: The Business Case for DEI: What CEOs Need to Know About Pulling Back

    In this episode, we dive deep into the pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and its true business impact. Our panelists—Ayanna King, Abby Adamson, and Colin—discuss the reality of DEI rollbacks, the myths surrounding meritocracy, and how leaders must be held accountable for real change. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why DEI backlash is happening and how we got hereThe business case for DEI and why it’s not just a trendHow performative actions have replaced real commitmentsWhy neutrality is complicity—and what leaders must do insteadHow companies can avoid short-term thinking and invest in DEI for long-term success Connect with me on LinkedIn Work with my fractional firm Work with my executive search and advisory firm Connect with our panelists

    33 min
  4. EP #89: Emotional Intelligence, AI, and the Future of Content Marketing with David Baum

    03/11/2025

    EP #89: Emotional Intelligence, AI, and the Future of Content Marketing with David Baum

    In this episode, I dive into the power of emotional intelligence and AI in leadership and content marketing. David Baum, a seasoned founder and investor, shares how empathy-driven leadership and building in public have shaped his startup, Relato. We explore the role of AI in content creation, its limitations, and how human connection remains irreplaceable in storytelling. David also breaks down product-market fit, the importance of user research, and how bold leadership helps founders navigate uncertainty. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How emotional intelligence sets great leaders apart.The balance between AI and human creativity in content marketing.Why building in public is a game-changer for startups.How David identified product-market fit signals at Relato.The biggest mistakes founders make in early-stage growth. Links Connect with me on LinkedIn Work with my fractional firm Work with my executive search and advisory firm Connect with David Baum

    34 min
  5. EP 88: Engineering the Future: AI, Policy, and Inclusive Technology with Ishvaraus Davis

    03/03/2025

    EP 88: Engineering the Future: AI, Policy, and Inclusive Technology with Ishvaraus Davis

    In my conversation with Ish, we explored his journey from Southeast Georgia to becoming an engineering leader in Silicon Valley. Starting with computer science at the University of Pittsburgh, Ish shared how a college startup project led to his recruitment at Meta, where he worked on B2B advertising algorithms. His career path included roles at IBM, where he learned business fundamentals, and later a shift to tech policy work in Congress, focusing on emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI. Links Connect with me on LinkedIn Work with my fractional firm Work with my executive search and advisory firm Connect with Ish Davis

    21 min
  6. EP #87: Unleashing Team Potential & Beating Founder Burnout with Jhana Li

    02/24/2025

    EP #87: Unleashing Team Potential & Beating Founder Burnout with Jhana Li

    We are back—rebranded as Free The CEO! This pivot perfectly aligns with my current work and lifestyle. While UNSTUCKKD will always be my launchpad, Free The CEO now represents my fractional firm and solopreneur business, along with Execnow, my executive search firm. In this new chapter, I'll be interviewing founders, CEOs, and visionary leaders—diving deep into their journeys, insights, and the innovative strategies that drive their success. Learn more about these exciting ventures through the links below. In this episode, I chat with Jhana, founder of Spyglass Ops, about her journey in mastering operations and scaling businesses efficiently. Mentored early on by Leila Hormozi, Jhana discovered her talent for spotting inefficiencies and creating robust systems—skills that have helped hundreds of startups free founders from daily operational tasks and drive sustainable growth. Links Connect with me on LinkedIn Register for Solo Summit Presented by Lettuce Financial Work with my fractional firm Work with my executive search and advisory firm Work with Spyglass Ops

    26 min
  7. EP #86: The Rise of the Fractional Executive with Kahlil Dumas

    11/18/2024

    EP #86: The Rise of the Fractional Executive with Kahlil Dumas

    In this episode, I explore the rapid growth of fractional executive roles, which have expanded from 2,000 to over 125,000 on LinkedIn in just a few years. I break down how fractional execs go beyond traditional consulting to drive real results. Sharing my own journey into fractional leadership after a layoff, I discuss how it boosted my income and gave me the flexibility I needed as a new dad to twins. This experience led me to launch Execnow, a platform connecting companies with diverse fractional talent. I’m here to guide both companies and executives into this exciting shift – because the future of work is fractional. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The exponential growth of fractional executive roles and what it means for the future of work.Key distinctions between fractional executives and consultants.Kahlil’s personal journey into fractional leadership, from layoff to lifestyle shift.The benefits of fractional executives for companies and for leaders seeking flexibility.How Execnow aims to bring more diverse talent into early-stage leadership roles.Why diverse teams consistently outperform non-diverse teams by 35%.Links Connect with Kahlil on LinkedInLearn about Execnow: Hire Diverse Talent

    19 min
  8. EP #85: The Intuitive CEO with Sabrina Guler

    11/04/2024

    EP #85: The Intuitive CEO with Sabrina Guler

    In this episode, we sit down with Sabrina Guler, former engineering project manager at Apple, turned successful entrepreneur and co-founder of an eight-figure business. Sabrina opens up about her decision to leave corporate life, the fears she faced, and how listening to her intuition guided her through the transition. We explore the power of transformation, the importance of aligning intention with action, and how embracing discomfort can lead to growth. Sabrina also shares her unique perspective on integrating spirituality in business, defining it as "coming back to your truth," and highlights the role of self-trust in entrepreneurial success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Sabrina’s journey from corporate life at Apple to entrepreneurship.How to listen to your intuition and take the leap despite fear.The role of transformation and why discomfort is necessary for growth.Aligning your actions with your true purpose for better outcomes.Spirituality in business: how self-trust and authenticity fuel success.Insights into Sabrina’s six-week cohort program for business and personal growth.Links Connect with Kahlil on LinkedIn! Free The CEO Execnow: Hire Diverse Talent Connect and Learn from Sabrina

    31 min
See All (94)

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Free The CEO Podcast—the go-to show for founders, solopreneurs, and fractionals who want to lead with vision, not get stuck in the weeds. Get expert insights, real-world strategies, and battle-tested tactics to help you create a business that runs smoothly through smart systems and strong teams.

Information

  • Creator
    Kahlil Dumas
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Free The CEO