In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Dr. Ashley Markovic, board-certified clinical psychologist, former U.S. Navy officer, and expert in military psychology, to explore what truly builds resilient leaders in high-pressure environments. Drawing on her years supporting submarine crews, recruits, and veterans, Dr. Markovic shares powerful insights into the psychology behind trust, emotional intelligence, and sustained high performance.

Together, they examine why the most effective leaders aren't simply the smartest or toughest—they're the ones who earn trust through empathy, humility, and genuine human connection. Dr. Markovic reflects on her experiences working alongside submarine commanders and enlisted sailors, revealing how psychological readiness, resilience, and purpose shape decision-making when the stakes couldn't be higher.

Listeners will discover practical lessons that apply far beyond the military, including how leaders can build stronger teams by empowering others, creating psychological safety, and embracing stress as a catalyst for growth rather than something to avoid. Marc and Ashley also discuss the importance of leadership development, the evolving role of mental health in elite organizations, and why purpose remains one of the greatest drivers of resilience.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for aspiring leaders:

• Lead with humility and self-awareness.
• Build trust one interaction at a time.
• View stress and adversity as opportunities to grow.

Join us for this compelling conversation and discover how the lessons learned beneath the surface can help you become a stronger, more resilient leader in any environment.

Connect with Dr. Ashley Markovic:

LinkedIn: ashleyshenberger@gmail.com

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Ryan Berman, corporate fear fighter, founder of Courageous, and author of Return on Courage. Together, they explore why courage is one of the most important leadership skills in today's rapidly changing world and how leaders can move beyond fear to create meaningful impact.

Ryan shares the journey that led him from the advertising world to building a company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations embrace courageous leadership. Drawing from years of research and conversations with astronauts, Navy SEALs, business leaders, psychologists, and innovators, he introduces his framework for courage: knowledge, faith, and action. He explains why courage is not recklessness, why clarity is the foundation of courageous leadership, and how organizations can create cultures where people are willing to take smart risks and learn from failure.

Listeners will gain valuable insights from Ryan's experiences working with global brands and leadership teams, including practical lessons on overcoming fear, prioritizing what matters most, and building the confidence to navigate uncertainty. He also shares powerful stories about leadership, parenting, and personal growth, demonstrating that courage is not reserved for extraordinary moments but is built through small, intentional actions every day.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for leaders:

• Create clarity around what matters most.
• Treat challenges as experiments and learning opportunities.
• Take action even when you don't have all the answers.

Join us in this episode to discover how courage can become a competitive advantage in leadership, business, and life, and learn practical ways to strengthen your own courage muscle.

Guest Links:

Website: https://ryanberman.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bravewhatshard/

Courageous Podcast: https://ryanberman.com/courageous-podcast/

Book – Return on Courage: https://www.returnoncourage.com/

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Dr. Apollo Emeka, decision-making expert, entrepreneur, former FBI intelligence analyst, and U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret. Together, they explore the power of decisions and how a single choice can alter the course of a life, career, or organization.

Apollo shares his remarkable journey from leaving traditional school after fourth grade to earning a doctorate, serving in military intelligence and Special Forces, working for the FBI, and ultimately helping leaders make better decisions in high-stakes environments. Drawing from his unique experiences, he explains why intellectual courage is one of the most important leadership skills in today's increasingly complex and uncertain world.

Throughout the conversation, Marc and Apollo discuss the challenges leaders face when navigating ambiguity, making decisions without complete information, and creating clarity for their teams. Apollo introduces his Complete Decision Protocol, a practical framework that helps leaders identify what truly matters, avoid critical mistakes, and move forward with confidence.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for leaders:

• Develop the intellectual courage to face uncertainty head-on.
• Focus on the decisions that create momentum and eliminate distractions.
• Create clarity for your team while empowering them to shape the path forward.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, decision-making, and the choices that shape our lives. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or navigating a personal crossroads, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make your next big decision with confidence.

Connect with Dr. Apollo Emeka:

Website: https://www.apolloemeka.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apolloemeka

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@apolloemeka

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apolloemeka

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Anthony Dyer, a retired U.S. Air Force Special Missions Aviator, author, and mental health advocate. Anthony shares his remarkable journey from growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina to flying combat missions aboard AC-130 gunships and HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopters in some of the world's most dangerous environments.

Throughout the conversation, Anthony reflects on the lessons that shaped him as a leader, including the values of perseverance, repetition, service, and empathy. He recounts the extraordinary rescue mission that earned his unit the prestigious Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year award and offers a firsthand look at the realities of leading and performing under extreme pressure. Anthony also shares the deeply personal story behind his memoir, Moon Child, revealing his struggles with trauma, addiction, loss of identity after military service, and the path that ultimately led him to healing and recovery.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of preparation, resilience, vulnerability, and the courage to seek help when facing life's toughest challenges. Anthony's story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about performance during moments of crisis, but also about the willingness to confront our own struggles and grow through them.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for leaders at every stage of their journey:

• Lead with empathy and understanding.
• Embrace perseverance through adversity.
• Seek help when you need it.
• Stay grounded in your values while continuing to grow.
• Remember that vulnerability can be a source of strength.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about service, sacrifice, resilience, and the leadership lessons that emerge when we face life's darkest moments and choose to keep moving forward.

Connect with Anthony Dyer:

Email: anthonyp.dyer@gmail.com

Instagram: @marco_brollo21

Purchase Anthony's book: https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Child-Special-Missions-Aviator/dp/B0DZMXBHJ4

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with DeDe Halfhill for a powerful conversation about leadership, vulnerability, and the emotional dynamics that shape performance under pressure. Drawing from her 25-year career in the United States Air Force, including leadership roles in Iraq, the Pentagon, and as senior communication advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, DeDe shares why the strongest leaders are not the ones who hide fear, but the ones who know how to navigate it.

Throughout the conversation, DeDe explores how emotions like fear, uncertainty, and isolation quietly influence decision-making, trust, and team culture. She discusses the importance of emotional fluency in leadership and explains why many organizations struggle because leaders have never been taught how to address the human side of performance. Marc and DeDe also dive into the growing impact of AI and rapid change, emphasizing that as technology advances, leaders must become even more skilled at understanding the emotional undercurrents inside their organizations.

Listeners will walk away with valuable insights on how to lead with more humanity without sacrificing accountability or authority. DeDe also shares practical lessons on building trust, navigating difficult conversations, and helping teams stay connected during uncertainty and change.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for leaders:

• Acknowledge fear instead of pretending it does not exist.
• Build trust through honest conversations.
• Give yourself grace as you grow and lead.

Join us for this thought-provoking episode exploring what it truly means to lead people through pressure, uncertainty, and transformation.

Guest Links: Instagram: @dedehalfhill LinkedIn: DeDe Halfhill LinkedIn Website: DeDe Halfhill Official Website

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with executive coach and former John Deere leader Tony Thelen to explore what it really takes to lead through uncertainty, change, and the transitions that shape a career. Drawing on more than 35 years of global leadership experience and his work coaching senior executives today, Tony shares practical insights on how leaders can navigate complexity while continuing to grow themselves and their teams.

Tony introduces the powerful metaphor of the river as a model for leadership. Just like a river, change is constant, and leaders must learn to move forward even when they cannot see around the next bend. He highlights four essential leadership capabilities for navigating modern challenges: emotional maturity, lifelong learning, initiating change rather than reacting to it, and developing the ability to act decisively in moments of chaos.

Listeners will also hear Tony reflect on the critical transition from individual contributor to people leader, the importance of managing energy as well as time, and why strong relationships must be built long before a crisis arrives. He shares lessons from executive coaching conversations with CEOs and senior leaders who are learning to shift from having all the answers to empowering others to make decisions with confidence.

The episode concludes with Tony’s encouragement for leaders at every level:

• Invest intentionally in yourself.
• Build relationships before you need them.
• Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning.

Join us for this thoughtful conversation on how consistency, humility, and intentional growth help leaders surface their best selves and guide others through the ever-changing current of work and life.

Learn more about Tony Thelen and connect with him here: Website: https://therivercoach.org Email: tony@therivercoach.org

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Colleen Bordeaux, founder of Growth, Inc. and leadership advisor focused on modern communication, influence, and performance at work. They explore what today’s leaders must unlearn about success and how outdated assumptions about confidence, development, and workplace expectations continue to hold people back. Colleen shares insights from her experience building a multi-million-dollar consulting career at Deloitte and launching her own company to help leaders communicate more effectively and unlock performance in their teams.

Throughout the conversation, Colleen highlights the surprising research showing that confidence for many women peaks around age nine and explains how early conditioning shapes leadership behavior later in life. She introduces the idea of developing a “business of one” mindset and discusses why leaders must rethink how they build relationships, develop skills, and stay adaptable in a rapidly changing workplace.

Listeners will also hear practical strategies for improving engagement and connection across teams, including simple approaches leaders can use immediately to strengthen trust and collaboration.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for leaders at every stage:

• Focus on what you can control in the moment.
• Prioritize respect over likability.
• Define success on your own terms and lead from that foundation.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation about confidence, communication, and what it takes to lead effectively as the rules of work continue to change.

Connect with Colleen Bordeaux: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenbordeaux Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growthincubator Growth, Inc.: https://www.growth-inc.org/

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Andrea Howard, a U.S. Navy submarine officer, Marshall Scholar, and MIT PhD candidate studying security and strategy. Together, they explore what it means to lead at the intersection of global perspective, academic rigor, and operational responsibility in one of the most demanding environments in the world.

Andrea shares how her journey from Atlanta public schools to the United States Naval Academy, Oxford, King’s College London, and the submarine force shaped her approach to leadership. She reflects on how mentors, civilian professors, and international experiences expanded her perspective and strengthened her ability to make decisions in complex environments where clarity and trust matter most. Her story highlights how broad intellectual curiosity and disciplined execution are not competing traits, but powerful complements in modern leadership.

Listeners will find valuable lessons in Andrea’s experiences beneath the surface and across global institutions, where adaptability, humility, and commitment to purpose are essential to leading well. She also shares insights on how exposure to different cultures and academic disciplines strengthens judgment and prepares leaders to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for emerging leaders:

• Seek out perspectives beyond your immediate environment.
• Build relationships with mentors who challenge and support you.
• Stay grounded in purpose while expanding your understanding of the world.

Join us in this episode to discover how leadership grows through challenge, curiosity, and service. Andrea’s journey shows that developing a broader lens does not pull leaders away from mission execution. It strengthens their ability to lead when it matters most.

Learn more about Andrea Howard: MIT Political Science profile: https://polisci.mit.edu/people/andrea-howard (polisci.mit.edu) Marshall Scholar profile: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/scholars/scholar-profiles/andrea-howard/ (marshallscholarship.org)