Send us a text

About This Episode

Bill Burke, founder of the Optimism Institute and former Turner Broadcasting executive, shares his bold journey from high-profile media roles to purpose-driven work centered on optimism and alignment. Drawing on experiences ranging from co-authoring Ted Turner's autobiography to leading a minor league baseball team, Bill explores how true optimism is not blind positivity, but the active belief in a better future paired with a willingness to act. He outlines four pillars of optimism, action, perspective, hope, and resilience, and explains why pessimism fuels apathy while optimism drives meaningful change. Whether navigating personal transitions or global challenges, Bill’s message is clear: each of us has the power to make tomorrow better than today.

About Bill Burke

Bill Burke founded The Optimism Institute in 2022 after an extensive media and sports career as an executive, writer, and producer. Bill served as CEO of The Weather Channel Companies after several years at Time Warner/Turner Broadcasting System, where he was the founding general manager of Turner Classic Movies before going on to become president of TBS Superstation. Additionally, for fifteen years he was the co-owner and chairman of the Portland Sea Dogs, the double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

As a writer, Bill co-authored Ted Turner’s top-10 New York Times Best-Selling autobiography Call Me Ted and later co-wrote/produced/directed “Live Another Day,” an award-winning feature-length documentary on the bailout of the U.S. auto industry.

Bill is a lifelong optimist (he has to be - he’s a Detroit Lions fan) and launched The Optimism Institute with a mission to inspire people with an optimistic, hopeful vision of the world and its future.

Additional Resources

Web: theoptimisminstitute.com

Instagram: @optimisminstitute

LinkedIn: @BillBurke

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us a text

About This Episode

What if the crazy idea is actually the smartest move you could make? Andy Pearson, VP of Creative at Liquid Death, has built a career by leaning into the absurd and flipping conventional logic on its head. From selling $500 cookies to fund a trip that launched his career to redefining creative strategy at one of the fastest-growing beverage brands, Andy sees boldness as spotting opportunity where others see nonsense. In this episode, he shares how his unique approach unlocks unforgettable, viral campaigns and why the riskiest move is playing it safe. We also explore how his philosophy shows up in life beyond work, including his ultramarathon mindset and belief that success comes from taking the first step, not having it all figured out. If you're ready to rethink boldness, risk, and creativity, this is the episode for you.

About Andy Pearson

Andy Pearson is the VP of Creative at Liquid Death, one of the fastest-growing non-alc beverage brands. Liquid Death uses comedy and entertainment to make health and sustainability 50 times more fun. It takes low-calorie beverages and packages them into infinitely recyclable cans that compete with the fun marketing of unhealthy brands across energy drinks, beer, and junk food. Its product lines include mountain water, soda-flavored sparkling water, iced tea, and more. A portion of Liquid Death’s proceeds goes to nonprofits who are helping fight plastic pollution and further our #deathtoplastic sustainability mission. As part of Liquid Death's evil mission to make the world healthier and more sustainable, Andy helps oversee all creative output from the brand, from its viral video content to social content to merch to experiential events to CRM and more. Prior to his current attempt at global domination, Andy spent 12+ years as an award-winning creative at agencies like CP+B, Deutsch LA, and Humanaut.

Additional Resources

Web: ievenwrotethissickurl.com

Instagram: @ievenshotthis

LinkedIn: @AndyPearson

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us a text

About This Episode

What happens when you are the only one like you in the room? In this episode, media and communications expert Angela Chee shares how she turned that experience into her superpower and how you can too. From betting on herself despite uncertainty to landing her dream job in Los Angeles, Angela’s journey is a masterclass in bold decision-making, reframing fear, and creating your own path when others cannot see it. She dives into the five principles from her book The Power of the Only, owning your opportunity, power, voice, communication, and future, while challenging limiting labels like “imposter syndrome.” Whether you are holding back due to perfectionism or struggling with capacity, Angela’s insights offer clarity, compassion, and practical tools to help you protect your energy, own your unique voice, and boldly step into what is next.

About Angela Chee

Angela Chee is a keynote speaker, emcee, media and communication coach, podcast host, and author of The Power Of The Only—Own Your Voice, Thrive In Any Environment. She helps people Own Your Only™ and be YOU, Amplified!®—empowering them to be clear, confident, and connected on-camera and off and step into their full imagined potential. She believes being “The Only” is not a weakness; it is your greatest strength.

A former TV news anchor and reporter with more than 20 years of media experience, Angela has worked with top stations including KCBS-TV and KNBC-TV in Los Angeles, and Fox 6 and KNSD-TV in San Diego. She has hosted shows for networks such as E! Entertainment and HGTV, and helped launch Entertainment Tonight China. She was the media mentor and expert on Lifetime’s The Pop Game, and made a variety of appearances from The Today Show to the film Blades of Glory.

Her speaking career began at age 15, when she became the first Asian American woman to win the title of Miss California National Teenager. Today, Angela emcees events, delivers keynotes, and leads corporate training for companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Intel, JPMorgan Chase, Freddie Mac, and more. Her topics include leadership, communication, women’s empowerment, diversity, and media. Through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and online programs, she helps clients break through barriers, own their voice and power, and step into their leadership.

Additional Resources

Web: AngelaChee.com

Instagram: @AngelaCheeTV

YouTube: @AngelaCheeTV

LinkedIn: @AngelaChee

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us a text

About This Episode

Mary Mitchell, Co-CEO of Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, shares how true boldness is not always about charging ahead, but often about the courage to be still and trust your inner wisdom. Mary’s journey reflects bold decisions rooted in alignment with her values. That path brought her to the Girl Scouts, where she has spent 26 years championing girls of courage, confidence, and character by creating safe, empowering spaces where girls can explore, fail, and grow on their own terms. In this episode, Mary invites us to help build supportive communities that foster the bold leaders of tomorrow.

About Mary Mitchell

Mary Mitchell is Co-CEO of Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. She helps lead the organization's work on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice (DEIRJ) and holds expertise in community-building, engagement, collaborative practices, and team-oriented design. Mary is a 2017 Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Fellow, a Board member of International Women's Forum-AZ; a member of the AZ Community Foundation, African American Women's Giving and Empowerment Circle; a 2020 Phoenix Mercury Believe in Women Honoree; and a 2020 recipient of the YWCA Tribute to Leadership Award; a graduate of Valley Leadership, Class 26. In 2023, she was honored with a Phoenix Business Journal Outstanding Women in Business Award and the 2023 Building for the Future Specialty Award presented by Achieve. In 2024, she received the Arizona Diversity Council’s Woman of the Year award. Mary was named one of 2024’s Most Influential Women in Arizona by AZ Big Media. In January 2025, she received the Women in American History Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Additional Resources

LinkedIn: @MaryMitchell

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us a text

Content Warning: cancer diagnosis

About This Episode

As Deloitte’s first Chief Wellbeing Officer and founder of The Wellbeing Team, Jen Fisher shares how her journey through burnout and cancer led her to become a global leader in workplace wellbeing. Jen introduces the concept of "wellbeing intelligence" as a vital leadership skill and challenges outdated wellness efforts. She discusses the ins and outs of burnout, how it impacts our wellbeing and how to take actionable steps to prevent and recover. This conversation will inspire you to rethink not just how you work, but how wellbeing is the foundation of true bold, sustainable success.

About Jen Fisher

Jen Fisher is the Founder and CEO of The Wellbeing Team and a globally recognized authority on workplace wellbeing and human sustainability. Once wearing busyness as a badge of honor, Jen experienced burnout—a turning point that inspired her to redefine what success and thriving look like at work. As Deloitte US’s first Chief Wellbeing Officer, she developed a groundbreaking, holistic wellbeing strategy that earned national recognition and reimagined workplace culture. Her personal experience with cancer further deepened her commitment to advancing health and wellbeing as essential elements of organizational success.

Today, Jen is a sought-after advisor to C-suite leaders and a trailblazer of the Wellbeing Intelligence movement. Through her work with WellQ360, she introduces innovative frameworks that align culture, leadership, and team dynamics to drive sustainable value and human-centered growth. She challenges organizations to dismantle systemic barriers and build environments where people naturally thrive. Outside of her work, Jen lives her message—prioritizing health, self-care, and growth—while enjoying life in Miami with her husband, Albert, and their dog, Fiona.

Additional Resources

LinkedIn: @JenFisher

Instagram: @jenfish23

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us a text

About This Episode

Tia Graham, bestselling author of Be a Happy Leader and founder of Arrive at Happy, shares how happiness isn’t a byproduct of success, but a catalyst for it. Drawing from her own personal journey and extensive research, she explores the science behind why happier people perform better, the power of the SPIRE model for wellbeing, and how leaders can create ripple effects far beyond the workplace. With insights on bold leadership, emotional wellbeing, and practical strategies for building a thriving culture, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking greater impact and genuine happiness.

About Tia Graham

Tia Graham is a best-selling author, keynote and TED speaker, and Founder of The Calm Working Moms Collective and Arrive At Happy. She has certifications in applied neuroscience, positive psychology, coaching, and is a Certified Chief Happiness Officer. She led sales teams for 14-years in luxury hotels in the US and Europe. Her best-selling book, Be a Happy Leader, teaches her 8-step methodology to drive business results and create a happy, high-performing team. Her research and experience prove that it is possible to overcome the challenges of balancing your career and parenting, and find a path to inner peace and happiness.

Additional Resources

Web: arriveathappy.com

Watch Tia’s TED Talk: youtube.com/watch?v=gYeHV_nA36c

Instagram: @ArriveAtHappy

YouTube: @TiaGraham

LinkedIn: @TiaGraham

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us a text

Content Warning: Suicide ideation; mention of alcoholism, abuse, depression

About This Episode

Nina Eiland shares her extraordinary journey from questioning her worth to discovering a bold new path rooted in self-compassion and purpose. Starting over within the trucking industry, Nina's grit and determination caught the attention of mentors who helped her rise through the ranks. Choosing to redefine leadership on her own terms, she has leaned into being true to herself and sharing her story of perseverance. Now the author of Grace in Leadership: A Nobody’s Guide to Inspired Leadership, Nina reminds us that true leadership begins within, and that embracing our perfectly imperfect selves can unlock a future brighter than we imagined. Tune in for a story of resilience, reinvention, and the power of believing in your own worth.

About Nina Eiland

Nina Eiland currently resides in Dothan, Alabama, with her husband, John, and their three beautiful children Brandyn, Celia and Charlotte. Professionally, Nina brings over a decade of leadership experience in human resources and people operations across both public and private sector organizations. She is a certified HR Consultant and Professional Life Coach, holding credentials including PHR, SHRM-CP, and certifications in Lean Six Sigma and People Analytics. Her debut non-fiction book, Grace and Leadership: A Nobody’s Guide to Inspired Leadership, focuses on servant leadership, shaped by her journey of self-acceptance and the importance of showing grace to herself and others.

Additional Resources

Web: graceandleadership.com

LinkedIn: @NinaEiland

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us a text

About This Episode

What happens when we reimagine healthcare through the lens of data? Dr. Julie Schulz, physician executive and VP of Product at Avalon Healthcare Solutions, shares how analytics are being used to guide smarter testing, improve outcomes, and reduce inefficiencies. With up to 70% of medical decisions driven by lab results that are often trapped in silos, she explains how unlocking this data is key to better care. We also explore cardiometabolic disease, treatment gaps, and why obesity is a medical condition. Julie offers practical advice for patients to advocate for themselves and bridge communication gaps in a strained system. Tune in to hear how data, when paired with compassion, can lead to real change.

About Julie Schulz

Dr. Julie Schulz is a physician executive and Vice President of Product of Avalon Healthcare Solutions with experience building and leading healthcare decision support, analytics, and B2C products. Specifically, she focuses on value-based care, women's health, medical device & pharma, and patient & physician engagement.

Additional Resources

LinkedIn: @JulieSchulz

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter