In this episode of Leaders and Legacies, Craig Andrews sits down with Bernie DeSantis, CEO of Insignia Training Partners, to explore how leaders can transform virtual training from a dull obligation into a powerful leadership tool. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in corporate learning and development, Bernie shares how organizations can deliver high-impact virtual experiences that engage people and drive real results.

Bernie explains why many virtual events fail: leaders treat them like in-person presentations and simply “turn on the camera.” But virtual environments demand a different approach. Leaders must intentionally create interaction, structure engagement, and guide participants through meaningful learning moments.

The conversation also covers the psychology of audience engagement, why attention spans are shrinking, and how simple tools like polling, chat prompts, and structured interaction can dramatically improve participation. Bernie also highlights common mistakes leaders make—such as overwhelming audiences with too much information and failing to provide a clear call to action.

Ultimately, great virtual experiences come down to intentional leadership. When leaders design training and events that prioritize engagement and clarity, they build stronger relationships, deeper trust, and better business outcomes.

Want to learn more about Bernie DeSantis's work? Check out their website at https://insigniatraining.com/.

Connect with Bernie DeSantis on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/badiii/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Trust is often treated as a vague leadership ideal, but Kim Bohr argues it’s one of the most measurable and practical drivers of performance inside organizations.

As President and CEO of SparkEffect, Kim works with executive teams navigating disruption without breaking trust. In this conversation, she explains how leadership failures rarely come from malicious intent. Instead, they stem from blind spots—small behaviors, missed signals, and unexamined habits that slowly erode trust within teams.

Kim shares how leaders can recognize these “micro-moments” that shape trust every day. Whether it’s acknowledging mistakes quickly, demonstrating transparency during difficult decisions, or showing curiosity instead of judgment, leaders have constant opportunities to strengthen relationships.

She also highlights why organizations often overlook leadership development at the frontline level, where trust issues frequently begin. Without the right skills and emotional intelligence, leaders unintentionally damage the culture they’re responsible for building.

Ultimately, Kim’s message is clear: trust is not abstract. It can be measured, strengthened, repaired, and intentionally built into how organizations operate.

Want to learn more about Kim Bohr's work? Check out their website at https://sparkeffect.com/.

Connect with Kim Bohr on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimbohr/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

In this episode of Leaders and Legacies, Craig Andrews sits down with Jeremy Fennema, founder of Fennema.io and a fractional CIO/CTO who helps growth-stage companies bring order to chaotic technology environments.

Jeremy explains why most companies struggle with technology—not because of poor tools, but because they lack strategy. Leaders often buy solutions to solve isolated problems, creating a patchwork of systems that don’t work together. Jeremy’s role is to step in, align technology decisions with business goals, and build a clear roadmap for execution.

He also breaks down the difference between tactical IT support and true technology leadership. Instead of simply fixing problems when systems fail, strategic leaders design environments where those problems rarely happen in the first place.

Jeremy also tackles one of today’s biggest leadership challenges: AI adoption. Too many companies start with the question, “How can we use AI?” when the real question should be, “What problem are we trying to solve?” Technology should follow strategy—not drive it.

Through stories from international business expansion and years of technology leadership, Jeremy shows how leaders can build systems that scale, reduce chaos, and support long-term growth.

Want to learn more about Jeremy Fennema's work? Check out their website at https://fennema.io.

Connect with Jeremy Fennema on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/fennema.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.