Paul’s Remarkable Career Path In this episode, Michael sits down with Paul Nadeau, whose 32-year career spans roles as a detective, international peacekeeper, and former hostage negotiator. Paul shares insights from his deployments to the Middle East during the Iraq War and his experiences in major crimes investigations. His stories reveal how studying human behavior shaped not only his career in law enforcement but also his evolution into a keynote speaker and author.

The Transformative Journey of a Negotiator Paul opens up about how a difficult childhood became the catalyst for his life’s mission. Joining the police force at 21, he gravitated toward cases involving sexual assault and child abuse—work that deepened his empathy and resolve. A pivotal negotiation with a suicidal man changed his path forever, leading him to become a hostage negotiator. Paul’s message is one of resilience: trauma can shape growth when we choose to learn from it.

Creating Safe Spaces in Crisis Michael and Paul explore how empathy and active listening can transform crisis situations. They discuss the importance of creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Michael highlights how societal change starts with individuals being willing to hold space for others—especially those feeling isolated or disconnected.

Understanding and Overcoming the Hostage Effect Paul introduces the concept of the “hostage effect”—a state of mental captivity driven by fear, manipulation, and uncertainty. He draws parallels between psychological captivity and societal patterns, urging listeners to reclaim their autonomy and mental freedom. Through personal stories and lessons from his book, Paul demonstrates how awareness and personal agency can break the cycle of fear.

Cultural Dialogue and Mindful Leadership The conversation broadens as Michael reflects on global challenges and the erosion of open dialogue. He shares a story from a multicultural potluck that reminded him of the beauty of diverse perspectives and collaboration. Both emphasize the need for compassion, curiosity, and respectful discussion in today’s polarized world.

Human Connection and Personal Freedom Paul concludes with two guiding principles: people are more alike than different, and you get what you give. He and Michael agree that human dignity, empathy, and respect must remain at the heart of leadership and community. Their dialogue reminds listeners that even amid crisis, connection and compassion are the greatest tools for freedom and peace.

Book: The Hostage Effect

Website: https://www.jpaulnadeau.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jpaulnadeau/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpaulnadeau/

In this episode of The Breakfast Leadership Show, we explore how California continues to lead the nation in wage growth and what that means for both employers and employees navigating a rapidly changing economy.

Recent analysis from Keller Executive Search, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reveals that California saw a 6.55% increase in average weekly wages between 2023 and 2024, ranking fifth in the nation. The state’s average weekly pay rose from $1,757 to $1,872, a gain that not only outpaced the national average of 4.88% but also exceeded inflation.

We unpack the driving forces behind this growth, including the strength of California’s technology, entertainment, and professional services sectors, and what this says about the broader labor market. While these gains signal that many workers are seeing real increases in purchasing power, California’s high cost of living continues to offset some of that progress, making long-term affordability and retention key issues.

The discussion also dives into how leaders can respond strategically:

• Investing in continuous skill development to keep pace with evolving demands.

• Creating adaptable workforce plans that align with economic cycles.

• Balancing compensation growth with organizational sustainability.

Ultimately, this episode challenges both employers and employees to view wage growth as more than a paycheck shift. It is a signal of transformation in how we work, hire, and lead in an economy defined by rapid innovation and constant reinvention.

Leaders often believe they’re making the most of their time, but the reality is different. Hours slip away in meetings that don’t move the needle, endless follow-ups, and decision bottlenecks that stall progress. In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, we break down where time gets lost and how the right mix of technology and culture can help leaders reclaim it.

You’ll learn:

• The most common ways leaders unknowingly waste time.

• How dashboards, automation, and streamlined systems reduce unnecessary follow-ups and delays.

• Why creating a time-respecting culture is as important as adopting new tools.

• Practical steps to cut wasted hours and boost team productivity.

The takeaway? Reclaiming time isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing less of what doesn’t matter, and focusing on what does. Tech helps you work smarter, but culture ensures those gains last.

Article: https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/why-leaders-waste-more-time-than-they-think-and-how-tech-fixes-it

Need help with your Workplace Culture? Find out More

Struggling with costs in your healthcare organization? Reach out to Michael. Click Here for more info

In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael speaks with Michi McClure, Founder of Consivian, about her transformation from an “accidental leader” to a conscious architect of human and organizational growth. Michi shares how her firm evolved from its compliance origins into a full-spectrum business consultancy helping leaders and teams grow through authenticity, systems thinking, and self-awareness.

Together, they explore what it means to build organizations that are not just compliant — but truly connected, conscious, and continually learning.

Michael and Michi unpack how organizational health begins with authentic human connection. They discuss how leaders can create environments where people feel safe to speak openly, challenge ideas, and contribute meaningfully. Drawing inspiration from 3M’s innovation culture and Amy Edmondson’s research on psychological safety, the conversation highlights the power of balancing data-driven insight with genuine human empathy.

Michael shares a story about a healthcare redesign initiative that excluded doctors from the planning process — a costly mistake that became a case study in why leaders must include all stakeholders. The story becomes a powerful metaphor for leadership humility, reminding us that sustainable change only happens when everyone’s voice is invited to the table.

Michi and Michael discuss how leaders can move beyond rigid structures and instead create flexible meeting formats, adaptive communication rhythms, and spaces for real-time problem-solving. They emphasize that leadership today isn’t about following old rules — it’s about being present, reflective, and responsive to what teams actually need.

Michi shares her creative experiment with a “visual thermometer” on her office door, where her team could anonymously reflect how they perceived her leadership presence each day. This tool became a catalyst for self-awareness and emotional intelligence — qualities she believes are essential to modern leadership. Michael expands on the idea, encouraging leaders to “take their own pulse” after key interactions to assess connection and tone.

Both Michi and Michael underscore the importance of reflective learning — recognizing blind spots, seeking feedback, and embracing discomfort as a teacher. Michi connects this process to burnout prevention, explaining how reflection and feedback re-energize leaders by aligning them more deeply with purpose.

In a discussion that blends philosophy and practicality, Michi advocates for leaders to give themselves “space and grace” to recharge creatively. Michael introduces the timeless “sharpen the saw” parable, illustrating how sustainable productivity requires rest, reflection, and recalibration. Together, they explore how Consivian helps leaders move from burnout to balanced, consistent performance — like the steady pace of a tortoise rather than the burnout-driven sprint of a hare.

Michi dives into the challenges of change management, noting that many leaders attempt to “fix” others before examining their own systems. She encourages a shift toward self-inquiry, using feedback loops and system mapping to uncover invisible barriers that hinder transformation.

To close, Michi shares how continuous learning shapes the culture at Consivian — each client engagement becomes a new opportunity for insight, innovation, and growth. She invites listeners to explore more about her work and resources at consivian.com.

🔗 Website: consivian.com 💡 LinkedIn: Michi McClure 📚 Blog & Coaching Resources: Consivian Leadership Insights

Michael and Rebecca explored the role of imagination in organizational development, focusing on how it can help teams break free from routine and avoid burnout. Rebecca emphasized the value of developing strategy collaboratively and embedding it into systems so it becomes actionable. Michael shared a personal story about a team exercise that strengthened his relationship with his CEO, showing how facilitation can break down silos and build vulnerability within teams.

Rebecca highlighted the importance of facilitated conversations to create shared language and vivid pictures of possible futures. She stressed that leaders must take agency in shaping the future during times of uncertainty. Michael reflected on his leadership experience during the Great Recession, noting how proactive strategies and market exploration were essential. Both agreed that preparation and action are far better than waiting passively for challenges to unfold.

Rebecca explained how constraints can ignite creativity, comparing children who produce better art with limited supplies to organizations that innovate within boundaries. She pointed out that major failures like the 2008 financial crisis and the 9/11 attacks were tied to a lack of imagination and unpreparedness for unexpected events.

Michael and Rebecca discussed how imagination can help leaders plan for multiple scenarios, both positive and negative. They emphasized that envisioning different futures calms the nervous system and prepares people for surprises. Michael encouraged leaders to think beyond worst-case scenarios, exploring opportunities for growth and using positive goal-setting to shape desired outcomes.

Rebecca emphasized the need to align emotions with rational decision-making and create compelling shared visions that motivate people. She argued that imagination should be treated as a serious, forward-looking tool rather than relying only on traditional approaches that analyze past performance. Imagination not only makes strategy development more effective but also more engaging and enjoyable.

Rebecca shared details about her work and invited listeners to visit RebeccaSoutherns.com, where they can explore free resources and her "Possibility Packs," merchandise designed to spark imagination.

Dr. Rebecca Sutherns – Imagination Strategist for Purpose-Driven Leaders

Rebecca Sutherns, Ph.D., is the CEO and Founder of Sage Solutions, where she helps purpose-driven leaders close the gap between what matters most to them and what they actually do. With more than 27 years of global experience as a bestselling author, master facilitator, and coach, Rebecca is known for turning imagination into a strategic advantage. She brings analytical rigor, warm energy, and adaptability to strategy, governance, and decision-making.

Her work began with a simple but powerful observation: many leaders stay stuck in past patterns, overlooking new possibilities. She discovered that a “failure of imagination” is often the hidden reason behind team misalignment and even global challenges. Today, she equips Boards and executives to distinguish what is fixed from what is flexible as they shape the future in times of rapid change.

Through her ELASTIC framework, Rebecca helps non-profit leaders reimagine their next chapter with creativity and clarity. Whether through strategic planning facilitation or her innovative Possibility Packs, she champions imagination as a learnable skill and a collective practice—helping leaders co-create vivid mental pictures of what’s possible and proactively "dent the world."

🔗 Connect with Rebecca Website: rebeccasutherns.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rebeccasutherns Email: rebecca@rebeccasutherns.com

Dr. Nick opens up about his family’s financial struggles after his parents’ divorce, and how those early hardships shaped his mission to become a financial planner. Watching his mother juggle multiple jobs gave him the drive to help others avoid similar pain. Having walked through divorce myself, I connected deeply with his story and the importance of financial clarity during life’s toughest moments.

We also talk about redefining financial priorities and how even small, consistent steps add up through the magic of compound interest. Dr. Nick recalls being introduced to the concept at 16 by a golf course owner named Rex—an experience that ultimately launched his career in finance.

Our conversation turned to the lessons you can pick up from unexpected places—like working at a golf course. For me, it was a front-row seat to observe how wealthier individuals handled themselves, and a reminder that humility in tasks like picking up garbage can lead to life-changing opportunities.

Mindset is everything. Dr. Nick and I discussed how money matters, but intentional living and meaningful relationships are what create lasting fulfillment. We explored the balance between career satisfaction, financial stability, and well-being—emphasizing that true success isn’t measured solely in dollars.

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation is that happiness looks different for everyone. Aligning your financial plan with your unique values and goals is essential. Dr. Nick warned about the trap of social media comparisons, reminding us that joy doesn’t come from external approval but from understanding what really matters to you.

We also unpacked modern retirement. It’s no longer about quitting work altogether—it’s about creating space for consulting, passion projects, or part-time work. Both Dr. Nick and I agree that knowing yourself and planning ahead can help avoid impulsive decisions and ensure a fulfilling later chapter in life.

Dr. Nick’s book is designed to help readers identify their strengths, weaknesses, and money stressors through reflection. By connecting financial strategies to core values, readers can create a more intentional and fulfilling financial plan. He even offers a free downloadable chapter on compounding at richbychoicebook.com. I strongly encourage you to grab it, dive into the exercises, and start clarifying your own path to financial freedom.

Dr. Nicholas Michels knows what it’s like to start with nothing. Growing up in a trailer park, he charted an extraordinary journey — becoming a professional athlete, bestselling author, and one of the most trusted voices in wealth and life planning.

As Founder of Michels Family Financial and creator of the Rich by Choice movement, Nicholas has spent more than 20 years guiding thousands toward lasting stability, confidence, and peace of mind. His approach goes far beyond spreadsheets — blending behavioral psychology, faith-based principles, and practical financial strategies to help families design lives rooted in purpose and values.

Before launching his firm, Nicholas played professional basketball overseas and earned elite credentials including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR®. Today, his Amazon bestselling book Rich by Choice has inspired readers worldwide, and his voice has been featured in major media as a passionate advocate for financial literacy, mindset growth, and values-driven success.

Signature Speaking Topics:

• Financial Happiness: Why peace matters more than portfolio size

• The $8 Million Lesson: Walking away from the deal that didn’t align with the mission

• Marriage & Money: Turning conflict into deeper connection

If you’re looking for a conversation that inspires action, challenges old money stories, and leaves people empowered to build wealth and a meaningful life — Nicholas delivers every time.

Free Resource: https://RichByChoiceBook.com

Book: Rich By Choice

Website: https://michelsfamilyfinancial.com

🎙 The Truth About Equity: A Conversation with Celeste Warren Guest: Celeste R. Warren — DEI Consultant, Global HR Leader, Speaker, Author

Today on the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with the incredible Celeste R. Warren, a trailblazing voice in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space. With nearly four decades of global HR and DEI leadership under her belt, Celeste brings the kind of insight that moves conversations from theory to transformation.

She’s the author of The Truth About Equity: What It Really Is, What It Isn’t, And Why Everyone Wins When We Get It Right — a powerful guide that unpacks equity with clarity, compassion, and practical action.

In this episode, we explore: ✅ Why equity is misunderstood — and how we can reframe it as a win for all ✅ The “Rocks and Fence” analogy that shifts perspectives in minutes ✅ The real difference between equality and equity — and how fairness bridges the two ✅ Why “meritocracy” doesn’t work unless equity comes first ✅ How Celeste’s bold leadership reshaped Merck’s culture — and inspired global change ✅ Actionable ways leaders and teams can overcome the equity disconnect

We also dive into Celeste’s personal journey — from fighting for equal pay as a young reporter to becoming a respected thought leader in the corporate DEI world.

🎧 Interview Highlights:

• How did Celeste go from navigating pay gaps to leading DEI globally?

• What keeps people resistant to the idea of equity, and how do we change that?

• Why equity isn’t preferential treatment — and how to explain it clearly

• What’s one quick, meaningful step any leader can take to bridge the gap?

🔗 Connect with Celeste Warren 🌐 Website: crwdiversity.com 💼 LinkedIn: Celeste Warren 📧 Email: celeste@celestewarrenconsulting.com

📘 Grab her book: The Truth About Equity – available wherever books are sold.

Don't miss this conversation if you're serious about building a workplace where everyone can thrive. Celeste’s practical wisdom will challenge you, inspire you, and equip you to lead better.

🎙 Subscribe to the Breakfast Leadership Show for more interviews with today’s top thought leaders in workplace culture, leadership, and purpose-driven performance.