About Jack Corby:

Jack Corby is the Vice President of Stevens Strategy, LLC. Jack leads the firm’s day-to-day operations, business development, and relationship management, and supports the team of consultants in their work with our clients. Jack holds a B.A. in Policy Studies from Elon University.

In this episode, Kevin and Jack Corby discuss:

• Challenges in higher education
• Adapting to student needs
• Importance of imagination in education
• Jack Corby's career journey
• Strategies for institutional success in higher education

Key Takeaways:

• Institutional leadership begins with understanding a unique identity. When educational leaders deeply explore what makes their institution special, they create pathways for meaningful student engagement and organizational distinctiveness.
• Listening is more than gathering information — it's a strategic tool. True leadership happens when leaders actively seek to understand perspectives before proposing solutions, creating collaborative environments that drive meaningful change.
• Innovation requires courage to reimagine traditional boundaries. Successful leaders aren't constrained by existing systems but see potential where others see limitations, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and adaptation.
• Embracing complexity creates educational resilience. By meeting students where they are and remaining flexible in approach, leaders demonstrate that education is not about maintaining structures, but about empowering individual potential and community needs.

"Always say yes. You never know where an opportunity is going to lead. You never know where a door is going to get opened." – Jack Corby

Connect with Jack Corby:

Website: https://stevensstrategy.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-corby/

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Mark Ryski:

Mark Ryski is the Founder and CEO of HeadCount, a pioneer in store traffic and conversion analytics since 1994. He is the author of two landmark books—When Retail Customers Count, the first book ever written on the subject, and CONVERSION: The Last Great Retail Metric, now considered the industry’s definitive guide. His expertise has been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, Retail Dive, CBC, and The Globe & Mail, and he is a BrainTrust contributor for RetailWire. Today, HeadCount works with leading retailers in 24 countries, helping them transform traffic data into insights, boost conversion rates, and drive stronger business results.

In this episode, Kevin and Mark Ryski discuss:

• Why data without insight fails to create impact
• The evolving role of brick-and-mortar stores in a digital-first world
• How focus and specialization drive growth and innovation
• Finding purpose and resilience through failure and reinvention
• The balance between business performance and human connection

Key Takeaways:

• Data only matters when it leads to insight. Numbers by themselves are noise — what separates great leaders is their ability to see patterns, connect meaning, and tell stories that inspire action.
• The retail world isn’t dying, it’s adapting. In-person experiences continue to play a vital role in the customer journey, and the brands that blend digital convenience with human connection will always stand out.
• Focus creates strength. Instead of chasing endless opportunities, narrowing your attention allows you to build depth, clarity, and mastery — the kind that positions you as the expert in your field.
• Resilience is the thread running through every leadership story. Failure, uncertainty, and redirection aren’t the end — they’re often the very moments that refine purpose and reveal what truly matters.

"You are constantly in the fog of not having certainty about how things will turn out. But you need to make the decisions anyway." – Mark Ryski

Connect with Mark Ryski:

Website: http://headcount.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ryski-8826601/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/headcount-corporation/

Book: https://a.co/d/aSDWmMz

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Christian Boucousis:

Christian “Boo” Boucousis is a former fighter pilot, CEO of Afterburner, and host of The Few Podcast. With decades of experience leading high-performance teams in both military and business environments, Boo empowers leaders to apply proven fighter-pilot methodologies, such as flawless execution and disciplined debriefing, to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world. He is also the author of The Afterburner Advantage.

In this episode, Kevin and Christian Boucousis discuss:

• How fighter pilot training translates into high-performance leadership
• The discipline of clarity, focus, and execution under pressure
• The power of mission-driven thinking in organizational success
• Creating a culture of continuous improvement and iterative learning
• The importance of preparation, practice, and resilience in driving results

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership under pressure requires clarity. Just like in the cockpit, decisions made in fast-moving environments depend on stripping away the noise and focusing on what truly matters.
• Debriefing is not optional — it’s a cultural practice that turns mistakes into growth. Leaders who normalize honest reflection and feedback unlock consistent improvement for their teams.
• Iteration is the key to growth. Continuous improvement isn't about massive leaps, but making small, intentional 1% improvements every day that compound over time.
• Credibility is the foundation of trust. Leaders build strong relationships by being consistent, delivering on commitments, and creating a culture where people know exactly what's expected of them.
• High performance isn’t about perfection. It’s about resilience — the ability to adapt, recover quickly, and keep moving toward the mission even after setbacks.

"If you want to be successful, you do need to be disciplined, and you do need to be structured, and you do need to invest in yourself, and you do need to develop." – Christian Boucousis

Connect with Christian Boucousis:

Website: https://callmeboo.com/ | https://www.afterburner.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousis

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Phillip Bogolub:

Phillip is a rare fusion of logic, creativity, and soulful curiosity. He’s a movie writer, creator, and producer whose stories don’t just entertain — they challenge the way we see the world. As a music composer, his soundtracks speak without words. As a philosopher, he asks the questions we didn’t even know we needed to answer. And just when you think you’ve got him figured out, you learn he’s also an engineer with a background in the medical field — and he holds an MBA.

From the operating room to the editing room, from composing scores to composing thoughts on life, leadership, and meaning, Phillip Bogolub is proof that the boundaries between science, art, and spirit are made to be crossed.

In this episode, Kevin and Phillip Bogolub discuss:

• Why faith often begins where certainty ends
• The connection between imagination, creativity, and leadership
• How small, unseen acts of influence can ripple into lasting impact
• The difference between living with purpose and chasing success
• Why leaders must embrace vulnerability and discomfort in order to grow

• True faith lives in the tension of uncertainty. Leadership often demands moving forward without all the answers, trusting that clarity will come through action rather than waiting for certainty.
• Imagination isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential part of leadership. By daring to envision possibilities beyond the present, leaders create a future others can step into.
• Impact rarely happens in one big moment. It’s the small conversations, unnoticed acts of service, and daily decisions that add up to influence people who may never forget.
• Success without purpose can feel hollow. Leaders who define their work through service and meaning, rather than status or accolades, leave a legacy that outlasts them.
• Discomfort is a teacher. Stretching into the unknown — whether through risk, vulnerability, or creative leaps — is where leaders uncover their deepest growth.

"Keep learning, learning, learning. As long as you're going in the right direction, asking your why, and going that direction, you'll find it in the end." – Phillip Bogolub

Connect with Phillip Bogolub:

Website: http://consciouscommunicationpodcast.com/

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

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About George Pesansky:

George Pesansky is a recognized leader in Operational Excellence, with a career spanning more than 30 years in performance optimization, executive coaching, and systematic improvement. He has trained and coached over 10,000 professionals across six continents and helped Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits alike drive measurable results.

He is the founder of Capacity2Care, a nonprofit encouraging Superperformers to donate their talent—not just their time—to improve outcomes in their communities. Known for his clarity, candor, and hands-on approach, George is now sharing his best practices with readers everywhere through Superperformance.

In this episode, Kevin and George Pesansky discuss:

• Why empathy is a non-negotiable for modern leadership
• The importance of listening with curiosity instead of judgment
• Building trust through consistency and transparency
• How a growth mindset fuels resilience and innovation
• Practical ways leaders can adapt in times of uncertainty

Key Takeaways

• Empathy is more than a leadership skill — it’s a leadership stance. By choosing to understand rather than control, leaders create environments where people feel valued and safe to contribute.
• Listening isn’t passive. It’s an active discipline that requires curiosity, patience, and the willingness to suspend judgment long enough to truly hear what’s being said.
• Trust is built in layers. Every consistent action, honest word, and transparent decision either reinforces or undermines the foundation on which leaders stand.
• A growth mindset changes the way challenges are perceived. Instead of threats, they become opportunities to learn, evolve, and test creative solutions that wouldn’t exist without the pressure.
• Adaptability is the currency of leadership in uncertain times. Leaders who remain flexible, open to feedback, and willing to adjust their approach are the ones who keep their teams moving forward.

"It's not about reaching that moment where everything is clicking. It's embracing the journey." – George Pesansky

Connect with George Pesansky:

Websites: georgepesansky.com & https://myblendedlearning.com/

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

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Gui Costin:

Gui Costin is the Founder and CEO of Dakota, a financial software, data, and media company based in Philadelphia, PA.

Dakota’s flagship product, Dakota Marketplace, is a database of institutional investors used by over 6,000 fundraisers and many of the leading global investment firms.

Prior to starting his entrepreneurial career, Gui earned his Bachelor of Science in Rhetoric and Communications from the University of Virginia. In 2001, he relocated to Philadelphia, working for a number of firms in the area before founding Dakota in 2006.

In this episode, Kevin and Gui Costin discuss:

• Building a purpose-driven company culture
• Leadership philosophy of problem-solving and innovation
• Personal growth and self-awareness in leadership
• Hiring and retaining top talent
• Entrepreneurial journey and risk-taking

Key Takeaways

• Problem-solving is a leadership superpower. By approaching challenges with creativity, openness, and a "get to yes" mindset, leaders can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Risk is unavoidable in entrepreneurship, but resilience determines whether risk leads to collapse or transformation. Leaders who bounce back from setbacks learn how to turn uncertainty into strength.
• In a world obsessed with transactions, connection is a differentiator. Relationships built on trust, presence, and authenticity are what keep organizations thriving long after products and strategies evolve.
• Culture doesn’t just “happen.” It’s shaped daily by choices, conversations, and behaviors, and leaders who ignore it soon discover that silence builds the wrong kind of culture by default.
• Continuous learning and adaptability are the hallmarks of exceptional leadership. Leaders who remain committed to personal growth, embrace new technologies, and stay open to evolving their strategies can create a lasting impact in their organizations.

"Culture comes down to how you treat people, how you treat people comes down to the words that come out of your mouth and your tone of voice, but even more importantly, the words that you use." – Gui Costin

Connect with Gui Costin:

Websites: https://www.dakota.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dakota-about/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/guicostin/

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Lamell McMorris:

Lamell grew up on Chicago’s South Side, navigating challenges and learning early that persistence isn’t just a mindset—it’s a necessity. From there, he built Phase 2 Consulting and now advises Fortune 100 executives, civic leaders, and organizations working to bridge public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

His journey inspired The Power to Persist: 8 Simple Habits to Build Lifelong Resilience, and the podcast of the same name. Both explore how we can lean into struggle, turn setbacks into setups, and live a life of impact.

In this episode, Kevin and Lamell McMorris discuss:

• The roots of resilience and work ethic from childhood experiences
• Why vulnerability strengthens leadership and connection
• Faith as both a guiding principle and a lived practice
• The role of servant leadership in building trust and influence
• Eight habits that sustain leaders through adversity and success

Key Takeaways

• Work ethic isn’t just about putting in hours—it’s about persistence, resilience, and refusing to give up even when circumstances are stacked against you.
• Vulnerability in leadership is not a weakness; it’s a doorway to deeper trust and stronger relationships within teams. A leader who shares struggles invites authenticity in return.
• Faith serves as both compass and fuel. By believing in possibilities that can’t yet be seen, leaders are able to make courageous decisions in moments when logic alone might say “stop.”
• Leadership is best expressed through service. When leaders model humility and prioritize serving others, they become approachable and authentic.
• Failure is not the opposite of success — it is part of it. Mistakes, missteps, and hard lessons often contain the most powerful opportunities for growth, if leaders are willing to face them with honesty and reflection.

"Everyone can lead because everyone can serve." – Lamell McMorris

Connect with Lamell McMorris:

Websites: http://www.phase2-consulting.com/

http://www.lamellmcmorris.com/

http://www.greenliningrealtyusa.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamellmc

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088140180810

Reserve a copy of Lamell’s book, The Power to Persist: https://www.lamellmcmorris.com/the-power-to-persist#order-section

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63