Episode 209

Released May 1, 2025

In this compelling episode, Jeff Bogensberger, a former corporate executive turned purpose-driven entrepreneur, shares his candid story of transformation after hitting a life crossroads at age 50.

Jeff opens up about the personal losses, disillusionment with corporate life, and global events that pushed him to radically change direction. Fueled by a desire to make people happier and life more fun, Jeff founded **The Laughing Otter**, a multimedia and events company designed to spread positivity, support social causes, and make a genuine impact—especially for children and underserved communities.

In This Episode:
- The pivotal life events that led Jeff to walk away from a successful executive career.
- How burnout, misaligned values, and witnessing personal tragedies pushed him to reassess everything.
- Why **purpose-driven business** can be both profitable and socially impactful.
- The Laughing Otter’s mission: spreading joy through events, positive news, children’s books, and global initiatives.
- How Jeff’s agile, partnership-focused business model enables fast, joyful, and meaningful growth.
- The role of optimism, humor, and community in healing from a divisive, negative media landscape.
- Jeff’s views on the societal effects of the dot-com boom and how capitalism has shifted away from value creation.

Plus:
- Learn how small acts—like funding a party for an orphanage in Uganda—can create huge emotional returns.
- Discover how to get involved, whether you’re an event partner, donor, or just someone with a crazy, fun idea.

📣 Connect with Jeff:
- Website: [https://laughingotter.com](https://laughingotter.com)
- LinkedIn: [Jeff Bogensberger](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbogensberger)

💡 *This episode is a heartfelt reminder that it’s never too late to redefine your path and that business success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your values—or your happiness.*

Listen now and get inspired to create your own ripple of positive change.

Episode 208

Released April 17, 2025

Millennials aren’t broken — the leadership model is.

In this week’s podcast, bestselling author & exec coach Susan Inouye joins Sue Firth to unpack how a gift-centered leadership approach is the future of work.

Visit www.suefirthltd.com for more.

Also, connect with Sue on:
LinkedIn
YouTube

Episode 207

Released April 3, 2025

In this episode of The Executive Edge, host Sue Firth talks with Graham Wilson, a thought leader and author who founded The Success Factory. Graham shares insights from his military background and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership.

Visit www.suefirthltd.com for more.

Also, connect with Sue on:
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram

Podcast editing & production: @jonbuscall

Episode 206

Released March 20, 2025

In this episode of The Executive Edge, host Sue Firth interviews Anders Inset, a business philosopher and author of "The Viking Code." Anders shares insights on building high-performance cultures rooted in values, drawing from Norwegian principles that have led to success in both sports and business.

Anders Inset

• Former entrepreneur and company builder
• Philosopher focusing on the intersection of business and philosophy
• Author of six books, including "The Viking Code"
• Currently writing "Singularity Paradox: Bridging the Gap Between Humanity and AI" with a quantum physicist

Anders describes his transition from being a "hardcore capitalist" focused on extrinsic goals to exploring the intersection between business and philosophy. He sold his company to pursue a path of progress rather than finite goals.

For more visit www.suefirthltd.com for more.

Also, connect with Sue on:
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram

Podcast editing & production: @jonbuscall

Episode 205

Released March 6, 2025

This week's guest is Rani Al Hajji, a seasoned global executive with a proven track record of driving growth, business transformation and consistent financial results in the Consumer Goods / Personal Care industry.

Rani has over 20 years of experience at L’Oréal and Colgate-Palmolive, and has successfully led and grown businesses across Europe, the US, and Asia (including 3 years in China).

On the show we talk about how his insights from the consumer goods industry is helping him work with tech startups and bringing their products to market.

Visit www.suefirthltd.com for more.

Also, connect with Sue on:
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram

Podcast editing & production: @jonbuscall

Episode 204

Released February 20, 2025

This week's guest is Connie Siu, a management consultant who helps businesses achieve profitable growth, transfrom operation and align teams for outstanding performance.

On the show, Connie talks about her book "Get Results that Count" and her belief that businesses need to optimise their results measurement to drive success.

Visit www.suefirthltd.com for more.

Also, connect with Sue on:
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram

Podcast editing & production: @jonbuscall

Episode 203

Released February 6, 2025

Bernadette Smith from The Equality Institute is this week's guest.

CEO of the Equality Insititute, she is a speaker and award winning author of four books including "Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization".

A champion for inclusion and belonging, Bernadette has been spotlighted by the New York Times, National Public Radio, CNN, and the Today Show, and she’s been named one of Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Visit www.suefirthltd.com for more.

Also, connect with Sue on:
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram

Podcast editing & production: @jonbuscall

Episode 202

Released January 23, 2025

A conversation with Lauri Smith on the power of voice and the magic that happens when you speak speak authentically and powerfully.

The conversation naturally turns to business and leadership and the work Lauri does helping clients express themselves.

With a focus on authenticity, connection and oneness, Lauri believes that leadership comes, as she says, from "being present in the moment and accepting what is, while also moving forward with PURPOSE to create the change you want to create in the world."

Visit www.suefirthltd.com for more.

Also, connect with Sue on:
LinkedIn
YouTube

Podcast editing & production: @jonbuscall