Building a Resilient Team Culture During Hyper Growth with Jen Pax

In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, Michael sits down with Jen Pax, Vice President of People and Talent at Roofer, to discuss strategies for shaping and maintaining a high-performing company culture during times of significant change. Jen shares her unique insights on emotional regulation in leadership, the importance of clear communication, and how to foster a cohesive team environment even during rapid growth. Additionally, she provides actionable advice for leaders navigating high-growth phases, all while maintaining their own sense of groundedness and self-awareness. Tune in to learn how to effectively manage change, retain talent, and cultivate a positive company culture.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:55 The Importance of Emotional Regulation in Leadership

02:26 Navigating Emotional Responses During Change

03:39 Building Effective Communication Strategies

10:06 Balancing Leadership and Personal Life

14:27 Team Building and Organizational Growth

32:08 Handling Leadership Challenges and Feedback

46:49 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

In this transformative episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Daniel McDonald, Head of HR and Chief of Staff at Spartan Race, to explore how embracing discomfort becomes the ultimate catalyst for leadership growth.

From restaurants to manufacturing to leading HR at one of the world's most challenging endurance events, Dan's journey exemplifies the power of saying "yes" before you're ready. In this candid conversation, you'll discover:

Key Takeaways:

• Why "the answer is always yes" - and how to build the roadmap after committing
• The critical shift from traditional training methods to immersive, conversation-based leadership development
• How to have difficult conversations with team members who aren't meeting expectations
• The difference between following your passion and doing what gives you energy
• Why today's leaders need mentorship moments, not just information downloads
• How physical and mental fitness routines create the foundation for resilient leadership

00:00 Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed

00:50 Meet Daniel McDonald: From Restaurants to Spartan Race

02:09 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

04:25 The Journey to Spartan: A Leap of Faith

07:21 Building a Resilient Team at Spartan

14:32 Training and Mentorship at Spartan

25:48 The Importance of Immersive Experiences

29:18 Lessons from Leadership Mistakes

31:26 Understanding and Motivating Your Team

39:10 Personal Practices for Mental and Physical Health

41:45 Finding Passion and Energy in Work

47:58 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

50:03 Special Offer and Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned executive or emerging leader, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting until you're "ready" and start building your capacity for growth through intentional discomfort. Dan's insights on creating psychologically safe environments while pushing teams beyond their comfort zones offer a masterclass in modern leadership development.

In this transformative episode, Lauren Dunn, Chief People Officer at WISS (a progressive accounting firm), shares her journey of reimagining workplace culture in an industry known for burnout and high turnover. With a background in hospitality and a passion for human potential, Lauren reveals how WISS is breaking the mold by prioritizing culture first, then performance - creating a workplace where employees are valued for who they are, not just what they do.

From mindfulness practices with accountants to navigating AI adoption with empathy, Lauren brings practical wisdom on building resilient, high-performing teams during times of rapid change.

00:00 Introduction and Lauren's Background at WISS

02:00 What Drew Lauren to WISS and the Culture Transformation

05:00 The Importance of Female Leadership and Representation

08:00 Defining Resilience Through Mindfulness and Presence

13:00 Supporting Employees Through Life Changes

16:00 The Philosophy: "Why Does an Accounting Firm Have to Be a

Crappy Place to Work?"

21:00 Culture First, Performance Second - The WISS Approach

25:00 Introducing Performance Metrics with Transparency

30:00 The Power of Seeing Potential in Others - Restaurant Industry

Story

35:00 Helping People Embrace AI and Technological Change

40:00 Learning and Development Through Mindfulness and DEI

44:00 Advice for Leaders Building Culture and Performance

47:00 Where to Connect with Lauren and Learn More About WISS

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In this powerful episode, Mark Fam, President and CEO of Oak Valley Health, shares his transformative journey from being perceived as a "machine" or "robot" in his early career to becoming a vulnerable, authentic leader who prioritizes human connection. Serving a community of over half a million residents with over 100,000 emergency visits annually, Mark reveals how vulnerability became his secret weapon for building high-performing teams and creating psychological safety in healthcare settings.

00:00 Introduction and Mark's Background

03:00 The Value of Vulnerability in Leadership

07:00 Mark's "Robot" Wake-Up Call

13:00 Building Team Connection Through Personal Stories

18:00 Creating Psychological Safety

25:00 Self-Care Practices for Leaders

32:00 Mindfulness and Daily Rituals

38:00 Building Culture at Oak Valley Health

42:00 Advice for Emerging Leaders

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In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Kristine Collins, the Dean of UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education. They discuss the importance of mindfulness in leadership, the impact of team-centered leadership during times of transformation, and how to navigate change with empathy and strategic precision. Dean Collins shares her personal journey, lessons from her athletic background, and experiences from her professional life that shape her leadership approach. She emphasizes the significance of self-care, trust-building, and keeping learners at the center of educational initiatives.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed

00:50 Meet Dean Kristine Collins

02:57 The Importance of Team Leadership

05:06 Navigating Uncertainty and Change

11:14 Building Trust and Communication

16:30 Personal Leadership Journey

25:02 Self-Care and Leadership

30:01 Cultural Differences and Leadership Styles

30:55 Work-Life Balance in Different Cultures

32:19 Kindness in Leadership

35:08 Trust and Safety in High-Performing Teams

38:40 Human-Centered Design in Education

43:48 Balancing Leadership Roles

47:59 Influence of Upbringing on Leadership

55:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Visionary Leadership in Healthcare with Hazim Hassan

In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Hazim Hassan, a visionary leader at the Ontario Hospital Association, to explore the indispensable roles of curiosity, adaptability, and innovation in leadership. Hazim shares his insights on building psychological safety within teams, navigating the complexities of the healthcare sector, and the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. With over a decade of experience in healthcare system transformation, Hazim provides practical strategies for leaders to stay grounded and resilient in the face of uncertainty. This episode offers valuable wisdom for anyone passionate about innovation and looking to make a significant impact in their field.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed

00:50 Exploring Leadership Mindsets with Hazim Hassan

02:22 The Power of Curiosity in Leadership

07:31 Navigating Complexity and Adaptability

21:17 Balancing Present Awareness and Future Focus

28:23 Mindfulness and Personal Leadership

32:43 Fostering a Culture of Curiosity and Kindness

33:15 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges

37:13 The Importance of Psychological Safety in Teams

43:57 Balancing Leadership Styles for Innovation

49:06 Lessons from a Father's Leadership

53:07 Advice for Aspiring Innovators

55:51 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Giovanni Farese, CEO of Webidoo, a global tech company specializing in AI-powered digital marketing. Giovanni, recognized by Forbes as one of the 100 most innovative managers, offers a deeply reflective look at the evolving demands of leadership in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

Together, they unpack the shift from old-school operational leadership to a more emotionally intelligent, human-centered approach. Giovanni shares powerful insights into how mindfulness, curiosity, and emotional clarity shape his leadership style, and why taking back your time is one of the most important strategies for modern executives. From challenging hustle culture and embracing intentional rest, to leading remote-first teams with empathy and structure, this episode is a masterclass in what it means to be a mindful and modern leader.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed

00:50 Meet Giovanni Farese: Skydiver, Surfer, CEO

02:10 Why Leadership Must Evolve

04:45 Emotional Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence

07:20 The Manager’s Mind vs. the Leader’s Mind

10:05 The Cost of Constant Connectivity

13:18 Creating Space for Clarity

16:44 Using AI to Get Time Back, Not Just Boost Productivity

20:01 Micro-Habits for a Balanced Leader

23:16 Why Leaders Need to Experiment and Reflect

26:30 The Power of Disconnecting from Devices

29:45 Redesigning Remote Work: Culture, Clarity & Connection

33:50 Building Emotional Connection in Distributed Teams

38:22 From Mistakes to Mindfulness: Leading with Humility

41:00 Developing Emotional Skills Across Your Leadership Team

44:58 Supporting Growth Through Personalized Tools

48:10 Real Talk: Burnout, Sleep, and Breaking Old Habits

52:05 Why Curiosity Is a Leadership Superpower

54:12 Connect with Giovanni & Final Takeaways

Connect with Giovanni Farese:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovannifarese1/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/giovanni.farese/

X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/gfarese

Leading with Truth: Dr. Victoria Hoyt and Authentic Leadership

In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael interviews Dr. Victoria Hoyt, Vice President of Health, Safety, Environmental, and Corporate Social Responsibility at Colas USA. The conversation explores how values-driven leadership and inner alignment can impact corporate culture, especially in the construction industry.

Dr. Hoyt shares her journey from construction to executive, highlighting her focus on truth, passion, and authentic leadership. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, communication, and compassionate leadership in fostering a safer and more efficient work environment. Dr. Hoyt also delves into her methods for shifting safety cultures, the significant role of middle managers, and how personal values can drive leadership excellence.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed

00:22 Meet Dr. Victoria Hoyt: A Journey from Construction to VP

01:25 The Power of Values in Leadership

02:07 Aligning Personal and Corporate Values

03:28 Challenges and Rewards of Corporate Alignment

09:14 Transforming Safety Culture in Construction

16:55 The Importance of Authentic Leadership

19:18 Leadership Development for Middle Managers

26:21 Learning Effective Communication

28:04 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership

29:17 Addressing Mental Health in Construction

30:23 The Role of Values in Leadership

33:24 Sustaining Leadership Development

36:57 The Business Case for Leadership Training

42:02 Personal Journey and Inspirations

45:42 Balancing Work and Personal Life

48:12 Staying Connected and Future Plans