Are we expecting leaders to succeed without giving them the proper tools? In this episode of The (un)conversations podcast, Dr. Alison welcomes Kathy Eastwood Chief People Officer of E Equals Why to discuss the missing human element in business. Kathy breaks down her framework for effective leadership—Expressing vision, Engaging people, and Executing—while sharing personal stories on choosing freedom over fear and leaning into uncomfortable conversations. Tune in to discover how emotional intelligence, empathy, and an unwavering drive can elevate your leadership and build lasting trust in the workplace.

Kathy opens with her (un)words: (un)deterred, (un)comfortable and (un)wavering, and through The (UN)word Effect™ shares the personal stories behind them, from growing up in a fear-based household to choosing freedom over fear.

In this episode:

- Impostor syndrome, "the mold" of leadership, and why hiding your true self is exhausting

- What "freedom" really means beyond financial freedom

- The lesson from her father: treat everyone with dignity and respect

- Why "buy-in" is really sales

- Leading layoffs humanely, and the survivor guilt no one talks about

- Why trust, empathy and influence drive retention

- Why you can't prioritize performance first and people second

- Where to start: know yourself

Ask Dr. Alison: How do you help people who don't know they need help? Kathy's answer: she doesn't take everyone on, because sustainable change requires someone willing to do the work.

ABOUT THE HOST

Dr. Alison Schmidt, Ph.D., BCC, is an executive strategist, leadership coach, and CEO of UNCONVENTION LLC. As host of The (un)conversations podcast, she spotlights (un)conventionally excellent leaders who share their vulnerable, authentic sides. Every episode opens with The (UN)word Effect, where guests share the defining words behind who they are and how they lead.

Connect with Dr. Alison:

• Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unconversations?sub_confirmation=1

ABOUT THE GUEST

Kathy Eastwood is the CEO of E Equals Why, a leadership strategist, executive advisor, and author of The 3E Leadership Code.

Connect with Kathy Eastwood:

• Book: https://www.kathyeastwood.com/book

• Website: https://www.eequalswhy.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyeastwood/

Discover how 60 seconds of intentional listening builds immediate executive trust. In this episode of (un)conversations, Dr. Alison sits down with former Siemens Healthineers executive and Seton Hall Professor Ruchin Kansal to unpack why modern leaders must master unwinning, unlearning, and understanding to escape high-pressure corporate metrics and build authentic influence.

If you are a founder, executive, or high-performing leader looking to break free from perfectionism and detach your identity from workplace performance, this deep dive will redefine how you approach leadership and career growth.

💡 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

• How 60 Seconds of Intentional Listening creates immediate executive trust

• Why "Unwinning" Isn't Giving Up—and how it redefines true success

• The "80% Confident" Rule to accelerate decision-making and overcome perfectionism

• How to Detach Your Personal Identity from corporate metrics and avoid burnout

• 3 Daily Leadership Habits: Ask why, sit in silence, and show radical kindness

⏱️ CHAPTERS:00:00 - Cold Open & Teaser01:04 - Podcast Introduction & Welcome03:20 - The Core "Unwords": Unwinning, Unlearning, Understanding05:01 - Redefining "Unwinning" in Business and Life08:26 - Shifting Metrics: From Corporate Bonuses to Real Impact12:03 - Navigating Discomfort and Evolving Personal Values16:52 - Unlearning the Critics: Who Are You Really Trying to Impress?21:47 - Adaptability, Life Shifts, and Managing Volatility25:58 - Advice for Entrepreneurs: Detaching Identity from Outcomes29:27 - The "80% Confident" Rule vs. Seeking Perfection38:53 - Unlearning Internal and External Expectations45:20 - Shifting Your Mindset from Fear to Curiosity49:30 - Dismantling Ego for a Purpose-Driven Career56:10 - Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders58:45 - 3 Daily Routines for Maintaining Clarity1:01:00 - Advice for Mid-Career and Senior Executives1:08:30 - Synthesis: Unwinning, Unlearning, & Understanding1:13:40 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

💬 NOTABLE QUOTE:

"60 seconds in every conversation will create so much more winning than anything else in life." — Prof. Ruchin Kansal

👤 ABOUT THE HOST:Dr. Alison Schmidt, Ph.D., BCC, is an executive coach, podcast host, and founder of UNCONVENTION LLC. She guides top executives, elite athletes, and high-performing leaders through identity shifts, vulnerability, and intentional growth.🌐 Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/

🎙️ MEET OUR GUEST:Ruchin Kansal serves as a Strategic Judgment Partner (SJP) to senior leaders facing high-stakes decisions. Drawing on over two decades of global healthcare leadership—including roles as SVP of Digital Strategy at Siemens Healthineers—Ruchin helps executive teams navigate critical inflection points.🌐 Website: https://ruchinkansal.com/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchinkansal/

🌟 Enjoying the podcast? Leaving a 5-star rating or review on Spotify takes less than 30 seconds and helps us bring you more world-class guests!

🎵 Theme Song: Produced by DJ Doug Jackson (https://soundcloud.com/dougjackson)

#Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #ActiveListening #PersonalGrowth #RedefineSuccess #WorkplaceCulture #Unlearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #CorporateMindset #PodcastEpisode

©2026 by UNCONVENTION LLC - all rights reserved

What happens when your entire identity is stripped away, and you are forced to ask: "Who am I when the winning stops?"

In this powerful episode of (un)conversations, host Dr. Alison sits down with Alison Tetrick—professional cyclist, Gravel Cycling Hall of Famer, Unbound 200 winner, and CEO of Saga Ventures.

Alison opens up about her grueling recovery from a traumatic brain injury, navigating depression and anxiety as an elite athlete, and why staying "unapologetically human" ultimately saved her life. Together, they dive into the hidden pressure on top performers, leaders, and athletes to project invincibility—and why real healing, growth, and long-term strength begin only when we stop hiding our vulnerabilities.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 - Podcast Intro & Guest Welcome

01:23 - The "Ali" Connection & Pre-Show Nerves02:57 - Preparation for the "Unwords" Assignment

05:00 - Hiding Weakness & Vulnerability as an Elite Athlete

07:05 - First Unword: Unapologetically Human

10:37 - Overcoming the Pressure of Perfection & Finding Identity

16:07 - Second Unword: Unquiet

22:16 - Third Unword: Uncategorizable

25:34 - Balancing Multiple Identities & Managing Failure

31:39 - Traumatic Brain Injury, Recovery, & Retraining the Brain

36:41 - Returning to Sport on Her Own Terms41:38 - The Importance of an Intentional Exit

46:25 - Fourth Unword: Unclaimable49:21 - Navigating Brand Partnerships & Commercial Autonomy

58:20 - Parallels Between Professional Sports and Entrepreneurship

01:01:59 - Saga Ventures, Giving Back, & Supporting Women in Sports

01:04:31 - Ali Asks Dr. Alison: Overcoming "Unapologetic" & Claiming Worth

01:12:14 - Episode Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks

Connect with Dr. Alison Schmidt:

• Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/messageus

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisonschmidt/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/

Connect with Alison Tetrick:

• Saga Ventures: https://www.saga-ventures.myshopify.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amtetrick/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amtetrick/

🎵 Theme Song Produced by DJ Doug Jackson

Comment: What is one 'Unword' you would use to describe your personal journey right now?

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and review on Spotify to help more leaders find these conversations!

©2026 UNCONVENTION LLC - All Rights Reserved