This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What does it take to turn obstacles into opportunities and build a thriving business from the ground up?

In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Heather Udo, founder and CEO of Shoppable, shares how she went from growing up on a farm to leading a game-changing e-commerce company.

She reveals the mindset shifts that helped her land Fortune 500 clients, scale her business, and empower her team to operate independently.

If you're a leader navigating challenges, wondering how to build a resilient team, or looking for fresh insights on adaptive leadership in a remote world, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom.

Tune in to discover how choosing leadership—every single day—can transform your career, business, and impact.

You can find Heather Udo at the below links

https://www.instagram.com/heatherudo1/
https://www.heatherudo.com/

In the interview, Heather shares

• "Entrepreneurs don’t wait for opportunities; they create them."
• "Setbacks aren’t roadblocks—they’re stepping stones to innovation."
• "A great leader doesn’t just build a business; they empower a team to run it without them."
• "Success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning from it and moving forward with confidence."
• "The best way to scale a company is to make yourself replaceable."
• "Authenticity in entrepreneurship is more valuable than the illusion of overnight success."
• "If you want something badly enough, there is always a way to make it happen."
• "Leadership is a daily choice—one that requires courage, resilience, and vision."
• "Growth happens when you push beyond conventional limitations and challenge the status quo."
• "Your mindset determines your trajectory—choose one that turns challenges into opportunities."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Anders Jones, CEO of Facet, shares the hard-won lessons of scaling a disruptive FinTech company while navigating the challenges of modern leadership.

In this episode, James Kellett, founder and CEO of Spot Ship, shares how his journey from hedge funds to entrepreneurship shaped his approach to leadership, innovation, and resilience.

He reveals why investors make great founders, how AI is transforming the $500 billion maritime industry, and the leadership principles that drive his team’s success.

James also opens up about the relentless, high-stakes world of startups—where being ‘unkillable’ is the key to survival.

Whether you're scaling a business or navigating tough leadership decisions, this conversation offers powerful insights on strategic thinking, autonomy, and adapting to market forces.

Tune in for an unfiltered look at what it takes to build a game-changing company in a rapidly evolving industry!

You can find James Kellett at the below links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameskellett/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-ship/

In the interview, James shares

• "Entrepreneurship is the natural next step after investing. If you know how to allocate capital, why not build something yourself?"
• "The best entrepreneurs make pivotal decisions with the same strategic mindset as top investors."
• "We set out to be the 'Bloomberg for ship brokers,' but innovation led us to a much bigger vision."
• "AI and data are revolutionizing the $500 billion maritime industry—those who leverage them will lead the future."
• "A great leadership culture grants autonomy, demands agility, and fosters transparency—this is how we operate at Spot Ship."
• "Startups are an adrenaline rush—relentless, stressful, but incredibly meaningful."
• "If you want to survive in entrepreneurship, you have to be 'unkillable'—resilient, adaptable, and driven."
• "Success isn’t just about the idea—it’s about the culture, execution, and the people who believe in the mission."
• "Leadership isn’t a position; it’s a choice. Every day, we decide whether to step up or step back."
• "In business and in life, the bold choices define us—choose leadership, embrace risk, and create impact."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Rupesh Sanghavi—from selling brass gifts in college to building a multibillion-dollar e-commerce company.

He shares how calculated risks, empowering leadership, and bold decision-making shaped his success, offering invaluable lessons for anyone looking to scale their impact.

Rupesh’s story challenges the notion that leadership is about control—instead, it’s about trust, autonomy, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career or business, his insights will shift your perspective on what’s truly possible.

Tune in for a conversation that will inspire you to think bigger, lead bolder, and create lasting change.

You can find Rupesh Sanghavi at the below links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupeshsanghavi/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ergodecorporate/

In the interview, Rupesh shares

• "The seeds of entrepreneurship often lie dormant until the right opportunity presents itself."
• "Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about empowering others to act as CEOs of their own domains."
• "Success is built on calculated risks, not blind leaps."
• "The right mentors can change the trajectory of your life—surround yourself with those who challenge and inspire you."
• "There are no set rules for life—only the ones we create for ourselves."
• "True leadership is trusting your team enough to let them lead."
• "Travel broadens not just the mind, but also the possibilities we dare to imagine."
• "Building a business is not just about revenue—it’s about creating opportunities that transform lives."
• "Your past does not define your future—your choices do."
• "Choosing leadership means stepping into the unknown with courage, again and again."