In this episode of One Sharp Sword, Dr. Wayne Pernell welcomes Elena Leonova, a global product executive and entrepreneur whose work in platform product management bridges technology and humanity. Elena reminds us that even in the most technical roles, “there’s a human side to everything we do — that matters.” Her approach brings people and purpose into spaces often dominated by systems and code.

Dr. Pernell highlights Elena’s rare enthusiasm for coaching — a leader who doesn’t just endorse it, but embodies its transformative impact. Elena shares how coaching helped her “become more of herself,” a shift that reshaped her leadership and deepened her connection to her work and team.

Born and raised in Ukraine, Elena’s journey took her from studying math and physics to leading major global tech initiatives at eBay and beyond. Her story captures courage, curiosity, and the power of self-reinvention. Today, she’s building OneRank.io and writing a book on Platform Product Management, offering insights into how scalable ecosystems are built — and how true leadership always starts with people first, then process, then product.

In this episode of One Sharp Sword, Matt Schalsey and host, Dr. Wayne Pernell, dive into the mindset and mechanics of high-performance leadership, exploring how clarity fuels extraordinary outcomes. They discuss how leaders can elevate their presence, align actions with purpose, and stay grounded through rapid growth.

Jump in to learn more about

• Building trust through authenticity
• Sustaining success through personal development
• Leading with both confidence and compassion
• Embracing challenge as the path to growth

On this episode of One Sharp Sword, podcast host, Dr Wayne Pernell, engages with his guest, Christine Barnhart, to explore the evolution of leadership in supply chain consulting, highlighting the need for adaptability, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic integration of AI in logistics.

Christine is brilliant as she shares lessons from her journey in balancing technology with human-centered decision-making in order to drive transformation.

Listen in to learn more about:

• Leading teams through complex organizational change
• Building a culture of continuous improvement and mentorship
• Cultivating strategic empathy and resilience in global operations
• Preparing for the future of integrated digital ecosystems