Get ready for a thoughtful and down-to-earth conversation with our host, Cathleen O’Sullivan and guest is Michael Frantl, Global Lead for Culture, Engagement, and Performance Solutions at Novo Nordisk about what really shapes strong leadership and why culture matters more than ever. With a career that’s taken him across the US, UK, and Scandinavia, Michael shares his real-world experience of building workplace cultures that go beyond posters and buzzwords.

Together, they talk about leading with trust, creating space for belonging, and the small, everyday actions that bring values to life. Michael also reflects on the role of optimism, why control doesn’t build connection, and how to make culture feel genuine wherever you work. If you’re building a team, leading change, or just trying to show up more intentionally, this episode is for you.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

04:36 Life since we last met: moves, parenthood, and big shifts

06:03 Taking the leap, moving to Denmark and starting fresh

10:50 Balancing positivity and reality in leadership

14:09 From rush to reflection: Building quiet moments Into busy days

19:48 Lessons from the family construction business

30:58 Listening to understand: what philosophy taught me about dialogue

39:09 Building workplaces that support people and results

52:06 The power of focus and consistency in culture work

01:03:26 Practical steps for organizations tobBring values to life

Key Takeaways:

• Culture is about what you do every day: Michael and Cathleen stress that company culture isn’t just about posters or slogans. It’s about how people act and interact every day.

• Positivity Matters, but keep it real: Michael talks about finding joy in small moments and connecting with others, but also warns against ignoring challenges.

• Leading with intention and space: Move away from micromanaging to truly supporting people. Listening, clear communication, and giving teams room to grow are key.

About Michal Frantl:

Michael is a Global Culture, Engagement, & Performance Solutions Lead at Novo Nordisk, based in Copenhagen Denmark. He is an experienced people and culture professional with a focus on culture building and measurement, leadership development/coaching, and employee engagement who has worked across international offices both in house and as an external consultant.

Originally from Wisconsin in the US, he has lived in the US, UK, Sweden, Italy, and Denmark and has a Masters degree in Organizational Behaviour from Birkbeck, University of London.

Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfrantl/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

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

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Are you constantly busy? In this solo episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O’Sullivan explores a powerful but often overlooked leadership principle: the importance of creating space. Drawing from her experience coaching leaders worldwide, Cathleen unpacks how stepping away from constant busyness and perfectionism can unlock greater clarity, impact, and presence. She introduces her signature SPACE method, offering practical ways to build in reflection, set boundaries, and lead with intention. A must-listen for anyone looking to lead with more focus, energy, and purpose, at work or at home.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

04:13 The Book that changed my view on leadership

07:31 Introducing the SPACE Method: Leading with clarity and confidence

10:46 Responding vs. Reacting: The impact of inner space

15:14 The cost of carrying It all: Leadership and life load

18:43 What your arrival says about your leadership style

22:31 Rediscovering your light: What are your values and vision?

25:50 Where do you need more space?

Key Takeaways:

• Cathleen explains that leadership isn’t about doing more, but about creating space to pause and think clearly.

• She points out how being constantly busy, especially for women leaders, leads to burnout and stresses the need to set boundaries.

• The SPACE Method: Cathleen’s method helps leaders stop, reflect, address limiting beliefs, and take clear steps to lead with confidence and ease.

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

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

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What if your biggest career breakthrough came from breaking your own rules about what “success” is supposed to look like? On this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O’Sullivan sits down with serial entrepreneur Joe Zentmyer for an honest, wide-ranging exploration of pivots, reinvention, and leading with genuine passion.

With over two decades of experience spanning Fortune 500 sales, food manufacturing, rock climbing gyms, and now a thriving aquarium supply business, Joe’s unconventional story is living proof that authentic curiosity and adaptability trump following “the script.” If you’ve ever held yourself back from a new opportunity because it didn’t fit the usual definition of success, this episode is for you.

Cathleen and Joe unpack the mindset shifts, resilience, and hard-won lessons that come with building (and sometimes rebuilding) teams and businesses from scratch. From learning the art of self-awareness and dealing with rapid change, to rebuilding after a crisis and keeping the entrepreneurial spark alive, this conversation will inspire you to take bold steps even (or especially) when the path is unconventional.

Episode Timeline Highlights:

06:36 From corporate life to becoming a climbing entrepreneur

13:21 Entrepreneurial life - you need to embrace the unknown

16:55 Performance problems are often leadership issues, not just HR

25:18 Climbing gym staff protests

31:01 Leaders can lack perspective in the midst of a crisis

33:22 Overcoming work overload: Need to find balance

40:46 Rediscovering leadership passion, post-Covid lockdowns

46:26 Passion-driven marketing and staffing

54:26 Hiring challenges for small businesses

01:01:40 Entrepreneurs need to embrace long-term optimism

Key Takeaways:

• True success in leadership and business is not one-size-fits-all; embracing your own curiosity and passion is the best guide.

• Building great teams starts with self-awareness, clear expectations, and prioritising attitude over technical skills.

• Crisis reveals character: resilience, honest communication, and willingness to learn from setbacks will define your leadership.

• Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone the risks and rewards are real. Understand your motivations, know your limits, and be willing to reflect and reset.

• Protect your passion by delegating, innovating, and making time for self-reflection—don’t let the business become all-consuming.

ABOUT Joe Zentmyer:

As a serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience, Joe builds businesses by developing business managers along with systems that support those managers. He’s very proud of the many young professionals he has mentored during his career. Joe’s diverse business experience from food manufacturing to rock climbing gyms, gives him a unique perspective and ability to creatively assess every opportunity. He loves the process of creating a business and turning a concept into a profitable reality. Before launching Snaggletooth Goby, Joe c-ofounded First Ascent, a Chicago-based climbing and fitness chain. From 2013 to 2022, his partners, investors, and himself grew the business to seven locations in multiple markets. Each location was 20,000 to 50,000 square feet in size. They achieved this rapid growth by partnering with lenders, landlords and key vendors to identify and develop only the best locations.

Connect with Joe:

Website: snaggletoothgoby.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-zentmyer/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

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

FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.