AI adoption requires a human-centered approach: success depends not on technology alone, but on how organizations help their people embrace and leverage AI tools effectively.

In this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald Thompson shares a recent presentation offering practical insights on implementing AI strategies across organizations. Drawing from his journey of growing multiple companies and leading digital transformations, Donald provides actionable frameworks for effective AI adoption.

What You'll Learn:

• How to create a successful AI adoption strategy by focusing on education before implementation
• Why sandboxed environments are crucial for experimenting with AI without risking core business operations
• The "Personal Benefit Principle" for driving AI adoption by connecting tools to individual career growth
• The "Simulation First" framework for accelerating experience in emerging leaders using AI tools

About Donald:

Donald Thompson is an award-winning CEO, multi-exit entrepreneur, and nationally recognized leader who has transformed industries and inspired executives across the globe. Donald has built and scaled multiple companies to acquisition, led post-merger integration, and now builds repeatable performance systems as Managing Director of the Workplace Options Center for Organizational Effectiveness.

In this episode, Donald shares invaluable insights on AI adoption and strategic leadership, drawing from his extensive experience in growing multimillion-dollar firms and building high-performance teams with a global perspective. His approach to AI implementation emphasizes both technological advancement and human-centered transformation, making this conversation particularly relevant for business leaders navigating the integration of AI into their organizations. Donald's recognition by EY, Forbes and Fast Company, combined with his practical experience in business exits and team building, offers listeners actionable strategies for leveraging AI while managing organizational change.

Resources:

• LinkedIn: @donaldthompsonjr
• Instagram: @donaldthompson_jr
• Facebook: @donaldthompsonjrofficial

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Trust and empathy are critical leadership currencies in today's uncertain business landscape, especially when navigating internal communications and team dynamics.

In this episode of High Octane Leadership, host Donald Thompson engages with Bianca Freedman, CEO of Edelman Canada, to explore effective leadership strategies, building trust, and creating psychological safety in the workplace. As the youngest regional CEO in Edelman's global network, Bianca shares insights from leading 300 employees across five offices and achieving strong double-digit growth.

What You'll Learn:

• Build trust and alignment through clear, consistent communication—focusing on everyday messaging, visibility, and proximity with teams.
• Model psychological safety by addressing mistakes openly and prioritizing solutions over spin to maintain both internal and client trust.
• Lead with authenticity by grounding thought leadership in genuine curiosity and delivering real value.
• Accelerate career growth by excelling in current responsibilities while actively seeking learning opportunities for future roles.

About the Guest(s)

Bianca Freedman is the CEO of Edelman Canada, where she oversees strategy, operations, and culture across five offices and nearly 300 employees. Appointed in 2022 as the youngest regional CEO in Edelman's global network, she has led the organization to strong double-digit growth and numerous creative accolades, including top ranking at Cannes Lions 2024. Under her leadership, Edelman Canada has earned recognition as one of the best workplaces in Canada and best workplaces managed by women in 2025.

In this episode, Bianca shares valuable insights on building trust in uncertain times, effective internal communications, and creating psychological safety in the workplace, drawing from her experience leading a major professional services organization through complex business environments. Her practical approach to leadership and focus on empathy-driven decision-making offers valuable lessons for both emerging and established business leaders.

Resources:

• Bianca Freedman LinkedIn
• Edelman LinkedIn
• Edelman Website

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In this inspiring episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald Thompson sits down with professional soccer player Brianna Pinto to explore how sports can break down barriers and create lasting social impact. Learn how the Pinto Futball Foundation is dismantling structural and financial obstacles in soccer while creating opportunities for underserved communities.

Whether you're an aspiring change-maker or established leader, discover powerful insights about using privilege for purpose, building inclusive spaces, and the intersection of athletic excellence with community leadership. Brianna shares her journey from collegiate athlete to professional player and nonprofit founder, offering practical wisdom on balancing multiple passions while driving meaningful change.

What You'll Learn:

• Leveraging sports to advance education, career opportunities, and personal development.
• Frameworks for creating accessible, inclusive programs that serve underserved communities and foster representation in leadership.
• Building sustainable youth programs, third spaces, and family-led initiatives that strengthen long-term community value.
• Driving systemic change in governance and athlete protection while balancing multiple career pursuits with excellence.

About the Guest(s)

Brianna Pinto is a professional soccer player with NC Courage and co-founder of the Pinto Futball Foundation, established in 2021. A former UNC-Chapel Hill athlete, she serves as the North Carolina Courage representative for the NWSL Players Association and is a member of the US Soccer Athletes Council. Her leadership extends beyond the field through her work with organizations like the Black Women's Player Collective and her role as the US youth representative for the FIFA United Bid Committee in 2018, where she helped secure hosting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In this episode, Brianna shares her mission to dismantle structural and financial barriers in soccer, particularly for black and brown youth, while discussing her vision for creating accessible spaces for future generations of athletes. Her combination of professional athleticism, community leadership, and advocacy for equity in sports makes her insights valuable for both aspiring athletes and organizational leaders committed to creating positive social impact.

Resources:

• Brianna Pinto LinkedIn
• Pinto Futball Foundation Website
• NC Courage Website
• NWSL Players Association Website
• US Soccer Athletes Council Website
• Black Women's Player Collective Website
• WalkWest LinkedIn
• WalkWest Website

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• Brand Loyalty and Hustle: Lessons Learned Working in the NBA, NFL, and MLB, with Jarrett Nobles
• Build Your Brand Before You Walk in the Room
• Leadership Rewired: Bridging the Gap with Gen Z

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.