In this episode, we will delve into the intricate art of conveying difficult news. From discussing strategies and techniques to showcasing real-life examples, we aim to equip you with the skills needed to deliver bad news with both empathy and clarity.

Listen as we discuss how to navigate challenging conversations, explore the nuances of communicating such news to diverse groups in various situations, and reflect on the experience of being on the receiving end. Learn how to handle difficult news gracefully both as a communicator and a receiver.

About the Guest

Mahesh Guruswamy is an experienced product development executive with over 20 years in software development and a decade of managing teams of various sizes. He currently serves as the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Kickstarter.

Prior to this, he led product development teams at Mosaic, Kajabi, and Smartsheet. Inspired by his favorite author, Stephen King, Mahesh developed a passion for writing, beginning with short stories and evolving into long-form writing.

This led to his book, How to Deliver Bad News and Get Away with It: A Manager's Guide (Greenleaf Book Group, January 14, 2025), aimed at helping managers navigate challenging situations. Mahesh is dedicated to mentoring others, particularly those interested in becoming people managers and those new to management.

Guest social media

- Website: www.maheshguruswamy.com

https://maheshguruswamy.substack.com/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maheshguruswamy/

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention leads to personal growth and transformation.

Through introspection, we uncover our beliefs and values to find clarity of purpose. Embracing change and stepping outside our comfort zones are crucial on this path.

By prioritizing self-care and new perspectives, we align with our true passions. This process of self-discovery and reinvention deepens our understanding of ourselves and the world.

Our guest today has done just that, and she shares her journey with us, and helps guide us on how we could start on a journey of self-discovery ourselves.

About the guest

Katia Vlachos is a reinvention coach and bestselling author of Uncaged: A Good Girl's Journey to Reinvention which explores the themes of breaking free from social conditioning and reclaiming one’s authentic self. As a coach, Katia helps accomplished women navigate reinvention and chart their paths towards a fulfilling, uncaged life.

With a master’s from Harvard and a PhD from RAND, Katia began her career as a policy analyst before pivoting into coaching. She has been an expat for 30 years and a global mobility expert, which led her to write her first book A Great Move: Surviving and Thriving in Your Expat Assignment.

Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and other media outlets globally.

Guest social media

- Website: https://www.katiavlachos.com

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatiaVlachosCoach

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katia.vlachos/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiavlachos/

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

This episode is dedicated to exploring what makes great leadership and how all leaders can embrace these qualities. We are going engage in an insightful discussion on key leadership traits such as empathy, communication, authenticity, and resilience.

About the guest

In addition to exploring universal leadership characteristics, we also shine a spotlight on how we can support and empower leaders in the LBGTQ community. In addition Dr. Steve Yacovelli, known as “The Gay Leadership Dude®” shares with us his personal experiences, challenges, and successes, and while providing practical advice and strategies for LGBTQ leaders to thrive in their roles.

Guest social media

- Website: https://topdoglearning.biz/home

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveyacovelli/

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

In this engaging episode as we speak with Michael Walrath, the esteemed CEO of Yext, to delve into the transformative role of AI in shaping the search landscape. Together, we unravel the implications of AI-driven search experiences for businesses and how they can adapt their marketing strategies to thrive in a post-Google world. With Michael's expert insights, we unravel the nuances of enhancing brand visibility through structured data and explore practical ways for businesses to future-proof their search strategies in an era dominated by AI. We demystify the misconceptions surrounding AI and search, as we embark on a journey to uncover the immense possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of AI-powered search.

About the Guest

Michael Walrath is CEO and Chair of the Board at Yext, serving on its board since 2009 and as Chair since 2011.

He co-founded WGI Group, LLC, investing in early and expansion-stage startups in enterprise software, consumer internet, and digital media. Previously, he co-founded and chaired Moat Inc., acquired by Oracle in 2017. In 2003, he founded Right Media, the first open exchange for digital advertising, serving as Chairman and CEO until its acquisition by Yahoo! in 2007, where he led global advertising marketplaces.

Mr. Walrath holds a B.A. in English from the University of Richmond.

Yext is the leading digital presence platform for multi-location brands, ensuring accurate, trustworthy customer interactions across search, AI, reviews, and social media. By centralizing their digital presence, brands create consistent, engaging experiences, turning their online footprint into a competitive advantage.

Guest social media

- Website: www.yext.com

- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-walrath-b63166

Host social media

- www.siinda.org

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

- https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

In the dynamic world of business, obstacles are inevitable, but they can serve as powerful catalysts for growth and innovation. Instead of viewing challenges as setbacks, successful entrepreneurs and organizations learn to embrace them, using adversity as a steppingstone for new opportunities. By fostering resilience, creativity, and adaptability, businesses can not only navigate difficulties but also emerge stronger and more competitive in their respective markets. Our guest in this episode has written a book on just how to do this, and shares with us his insights and stories.

About the Guest

Pat Alacqua is a seasoned business growth strategist who has built successful companies and helped others achieve rapid, sustainable growth. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, he founded the Entrepreneur to Enterprise Program to guide business leaders through every stage of their journey.

His latest book, Obstacles to Opportunity: Transforming Business Challenges into Triumphs – Stories and Strategies from Leaders Who’ve Mastered It (Entrepreneur to Enterprise, May 6, 2025), shares powerful lessons from top-performing entrepreneurs who turned setbacks into success. His book is available on Amazon.

Guest social media

- Website: www.PatAlacqua.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patalacqua/.

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/