In this episode of The Leaderful Podcast, we welcome Ian, a leader, entrepreneur, and founder of Forge Works Advisory. Ian shares the deeply personal and professional journey that led him to leave the company he was leading, sparked by the work of The Ally Co. to uncover deeper organizational truths.

Ian describes how the initial engagement with The Ally Co. was intended to solve for communication and power dynamics within the team. However, the work quickly revealed a more fundamental problem: an artificial alignment and misalignment in the company's direction and people's roles. This revelation forced Ian to confront the brutal facts and make a difficult, but necessary, decision for the good of the organization.

Drawing on his philosophy that success hinges on getting the "human bit right" , Ian unpacks the difference between a team that is merely surviving versus one that is truly thriving. He passionately argues against the term "soft skills," noting that they are, in fact, the hardest skills to master and are the fundamental ingredients for business success. This conviction is the driving force behind his new venture, Forge Works Advisory, which helps founders and owners build enduring strength and high-performing human systems.

You'll hear a mature perspective on how difficult outcomes—like moving on from a company you love—can often be the right outcomes. This conversation is a must-listen for any founder, CEO, or leader who feels their company isn't "clicking," even with a clear strategy and vision.

🔍 Also covered in this episode:

• The signs of organizational dysfunction like pre-meetings, water cooler chat, and venting.

• The difference between a "playbook" consulting approach and a more consultative, human-centric engagement.

• How to create a "safe space" for team members to share without fear of retribution.

• The crucial importance of hiring for fit over being 100% technical acumen.

• Why Ian calls for a new term to replace "soft skills".

• How Forge Works Advisory helps companies define their needs before making huge investments in full-time roles like a COO.

In this episode of the Leaderful Podcast, Pablo is joined by leadership coach and fractional COO Tina Mathas. Together, they unpack the deeply human side of startup scaling—from control and ego to purpose, burnout, and how hard it is to let go of your “business baby.”

Drawing on decades of combined experience, Tina and Pablo explore what keeps founders from scaling effectively, and why bringing in a fractional COO can be a game-changer. You'll hear real stories of founders hitting their limits, the importance of reconnecting to values, and why “being nice” can sometimes be a leadership liability.

They also share how fractional roles—when done right—can bring clarity, structure, and renewed focus to growing teams, and how trusted advisors can serve as the mirror founders often need to move forward.

🔍 Also covered in this episode:

• What ego and fear have to do with founder burnout
• The value of trusted advisors vs. tactical consultants
• How misaligned values create friction—and how to fix it
• What it really means to “fall back in love” with your business
• The difference between people-pleasing and service-oriented leadership
• Signs it might be time to bring in a fractional COO

Whether you’re running a fast-growing startup or supporting one from the inside, this episode is filled with hard truths and compassionate strategies to help you grow—without losing yourself along the way.

In this episode of the Leaderful Podcast, Jeff and trusted advisor Denyelle Fraser sit down with Dr. Christen Behzadi—anesthesiologist turned DEI strategist and founder of IIC Firm—for a rich, honest conversation on what it really takes to create inclusive, high-functioning teams in today’s complex organizational climate.

Dr. Behzadi shares how her intercultural experience and early advocacy shaped her transition into equity work, and why she believes true DEI success starts with organizational maturity—not media trends or token efforts. Together, they unpack what readiness really looks like, why passive leadership is so harmful, and how methodical, diagnostic approaches can create lasting change.

You’ll hear how Dr. Behzadi strategically assesses organizations before engaging, why she avoids “identity deep dives” until the groundwork is laid, and how equity work done wrong can cause more harm than good.

🔍 Also covered in this episode:

• The backlash against DEI—and what’s fueling it

• How to assess if your organization is actually ready for equity work

• The link between team connection and sustainable DEI outcomes

• Why power, not identity, should be the starting point for equity training

• How leaders can reduce harm by understanding their role power

• The importance of maturity, not urgency, in long-term DEI success

Whether you're a DEI consultant, a team leader, or an executive navigating the future of inclusive leadership, this episode offers sharp insights and grounded strategies to help you do this work well—and do it right.