Episodios

  • Stephanie Olson: Letting Go to Grow – Leading with Resilience, Prevention, and Purpose
    Dec 25 2025
    About Stephanie Olson:Stephanie Olson is a speaker, author, and CEO of The Set Me Free Project®. With a BA in Psychology, an MA in Strategic Communication, and an honorary doctorate, Stephanie's expertise spans leadership, trauma, and resilience. A survivor of domestic and sexual violence, she brings lived experience and research to her work, inspiring audiences across the U.S. Her mission focuses on preventing human trafficking and empowering leaders and youth through education and advocacy.In this episode, Kevin and Stephanie Olson discuss:How trauma shaped Stephanie’s calling and approach to leadershipThe difference between fear-based teaching and empowerment-based preventionWhat a healthy organizational culture looks like — and how to repair toxic environmentsLeadership lessons from working with youth, families, and vulnerable communitiesThe power of collaboration, clarity, and staying true to the missionKey Takeaways:Leadership rooted in resilience begins with understanding your own story. Early trauma, recovery, and lived experiences can become the foundation for purposeful leadership, not because someone seeks the work, but because healing often reveals the deeper calling beneath it. Fear-based teaching doesn’t change behavior — connection does. Sensationalized stories and scare tactics fail to educate youth about trafficking; humor, honesty, and practical insight create psychological safety, making learning more memorable and empowering. Healthy culture starts at the top, and one person can shift the entire atmosphere. Culture must be intentional: communicating clearly, removing toxicity quickly, honoring people’s humanity, and creating boundaries that protect trust. A single misaligned team member can damage culture, but one aligned leader can transform it. Leadership requires risk — especially the risk of staying true to mission when others push you to drift. Growth comes from doing fewer things with excellence, resisting territorial mindsets, and refusing to be pulled into distractions that dilute impact."The best way to lead is to really put people around you who have the skill sets you don't absolutely have and empower them to become better than you." – Stephanie OlsonConnect with Stephanie Olson:Website: https://www.stephanieolson.com/ | https://www.setmefreeproject.net/ | https://www.setmefreeproject.net/ready-to-stand-curriculum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieolsonspeaking/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanieolsonspeaker/ X: https://x.com/stephanieospeak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-olson-ba959173/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sghsmYxvFlw Connect with Kevin Neal:Website: https://drkdneal.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNSEmail: coachkd63@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63
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    34 m
  • Andy Posner: Financing Justice and Building Bridges to Better Leadership
    Dec 18 2025

    About Andy Posner:

    Andy Posner is the founder and CEO of Capital Good Fund. He’s a leader redefining what financial stewardship looks like—proving that effective leadership is not just about vision, but about using that vision to lift people out of poverty. Andy’s work blends purpose, courage, and action, making him a model for leaders who want to create real, measurable impact.


    In this episode, Kevin and Andy Posner discuss:

    • Turning financial services into tools for empowerment rather than exclusion
    • Why is relentless curiosity and determination fuel innovation
    • The intersection of environmental sustainability, justice, and poverty
    • Building new systems when traditional ones fail marginalized communities
    • How personal calling, values, and resilience shape long-term leadership

    Key Takeaways:

    • Innovation begins where others stop trying. Leadership is defined by a refusal to accept that something “can’t be done.” When systems shut people out, leaders must imagine new pathways—whether it’s alternative underwriting models or creative financial structures that uplift vulnerable communities.
    • Purpose often emerges through unexpected turns. Sometimes, calling is discovered through curiosity, conviction, and a willingness to respond to the needs you witness in the world.
    • Financial tools can liberate or oppress — leadership determines which. By reframing lending as a means of justice rather than profit extraction, leaders can design systems that restore dignity, build stability, and unlock opportunity for people traditionally excluded from financial services.
    • Long-term impact is built one relationship at a time. Sustainable change is relational before it is financial.


    "Financial services could really be a tool of oppression, and on the other hand, it could be a tool of uplift and opportunity." – Andy Posner


    Connect with Andy Posner:

    Website: www.capitalgoodfund.org


    Connect with Kevin Neal:

    Website: https://drkdneal.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

    https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

    Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

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    36 m
  • Jonathan Shively: Leading with Compassion—Supporting Grief and Building Trust in Organizations
    Dec 11 2025

    About Jonathan Shively:

    Jonathan has over 35 years of experience as a pastor, educator, fundraiser, and church and nonprofit executive. He is currently the Executive Director of Fox Valley Hands of Hope, a nonprofit providing no-cost grief care following a death loss. Additionally, he is a leadership and organizational companion through ArtistryLeads. Jonathan’s personal mission is to increase individuals' and organizations' capacity to fulfill their callings, fostering healthy leaders and communities.


    His north star is Jesus and the New Testament. He has been married for 35 years, a proud father of three young adults and one son-in-law, including a son with Williams Syndrome. He is a musician, choir director, and singer-songwriter, and enjoys camping, reading, working with his hands, serving on Boards, and volunteering. Jonathan is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Fuller Seminary.


    In this episode, Kevin and Jonathan Shively discuss:

    • Why servant leadership requires humility, empathy, and relational connection
    • How grief impacts workplaces and why leaders must understand the grieving process
    • The importance of authenticity and trust in building healthy teams
    • Leading organizations through seasons of transition, struggle, and renewal
    • How personal calling and lived experience shape a leader’s ability to serve others


    Key Takeaways:

    • Servant leadership starts with intention, not titles. Great leadership is not just about what you accomplish — but how you walk with people through the journey.
    • Grief is universal, and leaders who ignore it harm their teams. Most workplaces are unprepared to support grieving employees, yet grief profoundly affects focus, performance, and emotional health.
    • Healthy organizations are built on relationships, not transactions. Whether in churches, nonprofits, or corporations, relational leadership creates safety, understanding, and resilience. When people feel known and valued, they trust their leaders — even during uncertainty or change.
    • A fulfilling career comes from alignment, not ambition. The most meaningful work happens when a leader’s gifts, passions, and purpose meet the real needs of an organization. Misalignment leads to frustration on all sides, but when values match mission, both leaders and organizations thrive.


    "There's no substitute for just human compassion and kindness." – Jonathan Shively


    Connect with Jonathan Shively:

    Website: http://fvhh.net | http://www.artistryleads.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanshively/


    Connect with Kevin Neal:

    Website: https://drkdneal.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

    https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

    Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

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    40 m
  • Lisa Goldenthal: Elevating Leadership Through Wellness, Emotional Intelligence & The BOSS Method
    Dec 4 2025

    About Lisa Goldenthal:

    Lisa Goldenthal is a Top 15 Executive Coach, bestselling author, and host of WholeCEO with Lisa G. Known for her signature BOSS Method, she helps high-performing CEOs and leaders master energy, emotional intelligence, and execution to lead powerfully in disruptive times. With decades of experience coaching elite executives and teams, Lisa blends mindset, accountability, and strategy to drive rapid, lasting success. Her work has been featured in CEO Weekly and across top leadership platforms worldwide.


    In this episode, Kevin and Lisa Goldenthal discuss:

    • How emotional intelligence and self-awareness drive leadership excellence
    • Why leaders must manage their energy with intention, not accident
    • Escaping burnout through discipline, boundaries, and habit-stacking
    • The shift from hustle culture to presence, empathy, and communication
    • Building confidence, clarity, and courage through self-leadership


    Key Takeaways:

    • Leadership begins with managing your own energy. Everything a leader touches is influenced by the state they bring into the room: their clarity, presence, discipline, and emotional grounding. When leaders intentionally shape their inner world, they naturally elevate their outer impact.
    • Emotional intelligence isn’t optional anymore — it’s the skill that separates leaders people follow from leaders people tolerate.
    • Burnout is often a byproduct of mismanaged priorities. High-performers excel at discipline in their careers but often fail to apply that same discipline to their own well-being. When leaders delegate, set boundaries, and build small but powerful habits, they create sustainability instead of exhaustion.
    • Communication is more than what you say; it’s how deeply you connect. Leaders build engagement by listening more than they speak, showing genuine interest, looping for understanding, and creating relational safety within their teams. Influence grows when people feel seen.


    "Communication is so much more than speaking. It's really listening more than you speak." – Lisa Goldenthal


    Connect with Lisa Goldenthal:

    Website: https://highperformanceexecutivecoaching.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-goldenthal-innovation-management-technology-future-careers-personaldevelopment/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdfuhGW9FoG_0qrp5jyU6hw

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/Boss-Up-Execute-Achievers-Performance/dp/B0F1Y8YZG1


    Connect with Kevin Neal:

    Website: https://drkdneal.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

    https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

    Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

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    32 m
  • Ari Rastegar: Turning Failure Into Leadership and Success
    Nov 27 2025

    About Ari Rastegar:

    Ari Rastegar is the Founder and CEO of Rastegar Capital, a vertically integrated real estate investment firm with a diversified portfolio spanning multifamily, industrial, and mixed-use properties across the United States and abroad.


    Dubbed “The Oracle of Austin” by Forbes, Ari has built a billion-dollar platform grounded in innovation, data-driven strategy, and disciplined execution. A recognized thought leader on real estate, leadership, and human performance, he has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, Forbes, and GQ.


    Ari is also the author of The Gift of Failure, where he shares lessons on resilience, mindset, and building lasting success through adversity.


    In this episode, Kevin and Ari Rastegar discuss:

    • Why failure is an essential and unavoidable part of progress
    • How faith, imagination, and hard work shaped Ari’s leadership journey
    • Learning to redefine success and fulfillment through personal growth
    • The discipline of raising your standards to transform every area of life
    • Building resilience through humility, experimentation, and self-leadership

    Key Takeaways:

    • Failure isn’t the opposite of success — it’s the curriculum. Every setback provides new variables, new wisdom, and new data points that shape stronger leaders. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress.
    • Fulfillment and success must coexist. You can achieve everything the world defines as success and still feel empty. Leaders thrive when they pursue achievement and joy, purpose, faith, and emotional wholeness.
    • Raising your standards changes your life. Whether it’s health, relationships, leadership, or discipline, transformation begins the moment you decide the old standard is no longer acceptable.
    • Self-leadership is the starting point for all other leadership. If you can’t discipline yourself, manage your mindset, and control your habits, you can't guide a team, a business, or a community with integrity.


    "It's not what we don't know that gets us in trouble. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so.” – Ari Rastegar


    Connect with Ari Rastegar:

    Website: http://www.rastegarcapital.com

    X: https://twitter.com/arirastegar

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

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arirastegar

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriRastegar/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ari_Rastegar

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-The-Gift-of-Failure/dp/B0B75TBXNC/


    Connect with Kevin Neal:

    Website: https://drkdneal.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

    https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

    Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

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    33 m
  • Bob Campana: Building Bridges Through Human Connection and Leadership
    Nov 20 2025

    About Bob Campana:

    Robert “Bob” Campana is a California builder, landscape designer, real estate developer, restaurateur, and all-around serial entrepreneur. Born in San Francisco, he grew up in the Sierra Nevada foothills. At age twenty, he quit his job on a backwoods survey crew to travel the world, a journey that changed his life. Returning to California, he started a small business manufacturing and installing redwood hot tubs and eventually grew the company into one of the state’s premier swimming pool builders. He later launched and acquired several other successful ventures, including Modesto’s popular Redwood Café, which Yelp calls “one of America’s most romantic restaurants.” In 2022, he created Redwood Café Tours to develop luxury small-group adventures in Europe, Asia, and Oceania. An experienced helicopter and airplane pilot, he travels the world and celebrates life with his wife, Lynna.


    In this episode, Kevin and Bob Campana discuss:

    • Leading with humility and the responsibility that comes with influence
    • How faith, purpose, and stewardship shape long-term leadership
    • The role of mentors and community in personal and professional growth
    • Building businesses that put people first
    • Finding meaning beyond achievement and material success

    Key Takeaways:

    • Leadership begins with stewardship, not status. When leaders view their influence as something entrusted to them — not owned by them — they make decisions that elevate people, strengthen communities, and reflect deeper purpose.
    • Humility forms the foundation of lasting leadership. Leaders who stay grounded, acknowledge their limitations, and give credit to others build trust that can withstand conflict, change, and growth.
    • Success without significance leaves leaders empty. Achievements matter, but they become transformative only when connected to serving others, investing in people, and aligning work with personal values and faith.
    • Mentorship and community aren’t optional — they are essential. Leaders grow when they listen, learn from others' experiences, and surround themselves with people who challenge and support their calling.


    “So being able to craft and make positive experiences, not only for yourself but for others, makes your life fuller and richer.” – Bob Campana


    Connect with Bob Campana:

    Website: http://bobcampana.com/

    YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@GetBack2Workk

    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/bob-campana-entrepreneur

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Look-Down-Battle-Tested-Entrepreneur/dp/B0F9H1YGTT


    Connect with Kevin Neal:

    Website: https://drkdneal.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

    https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

    Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

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    59 m
  • Michael Ryer: Planting Seeds of Hope: A Leader's Mission to Transform Lives Globally
    Nov 13 2025
    About Michael Ryer:Michael E. Ryer serves as President and CEO of Amigos Internacionales, bringing nearly five decades of ministry and nonprofit leadership to the organization. His calling began in Bonham, Texas, where he first served as a Music and Youth Minister at Boyd Baptist Church before leading in various youth, education, and administrative roles across North and East Texas.An educator and mentor at heart, Michael has taught at Navarro College and Grand Canyon University, sharing practical lessons on leadership, faith, and the history of Christianity. His teaching and ministry are known for being authentic, compassionate, and grounded in real-world experience.Michael’s global service includes time in Israel, Guam, Ukraine, and Belize, where he has led mission efforts and launched sustainable community projects like a mobile kitchen to address food insecurity. As founder of Missionpoint Initiatives, he continues to expand solutions in education and healthcare for underserved regions, always tying practical help to hope in Christ.At Amigos Internacionales, Michael directs programs addressing clean water, education, health, and faith, and has led major disaster relief operations, including for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In 2024, The Top 100 Magazine recognized him as one of America’s top innovators and entrepreneurs for his work connecting faith, leadership, and action.A pastor at heart, Michael leads with humility, sincerity, and purpose. His life verse, Deuteronomy 30:19, reflects his lifelong mission: to help others “choose life” and live with intention, faith, and compassion.In this episode, Kevin and Michael Ryer discuss:What it means to live and lead through faith-driven purposeThe lessons learned from decades of ministry and humanitarian workHow leadership transforms when rooted in compassion and humilityBuilding partnerships that empower communities rather than create dependencyThe joy and challenge of leading with authenticity in times of uncertaintyKey Takeaways:Faith-driven leadership begins with service, not status. True influence comes from helping others rise, not from controlling outcomes, and that shift from authority to humility changes everything.Leadership is never about perfection; it’s about presence. Mistakes, vulnerability, and transparency don’t weaken a leader — they make their humanity relatable and their example worth following.Legacy isn’t built overnight. The seeds planted today may take decades to grow, but investing in people, relationships, and purpose leaves a lasting impact that far outlives the leader.The greatest success stories start with compassion. When leaders see others as partners, not projects, they help communities unlock their own strength and sustainability."Success is understanding that you're planting trees that you will never sit under the shade." – Michael RyerSupport Amigos Internacionales’ Current MissionsAmigos Internacionales is currently raising support for two urgent surgeries that will change young lives forever:Help Alfred Heal – Alfred is a 12-year-old boy from South Sudan who was severely burned by rebels after his father was killed. You can help fund his lifesaving burn surgeries here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-alfred-heal-lifesaving-burn-surgeries-for-a-12yr-old Restoring Smiles, Restoring Hope – A double cleft palate surgery for Ojok, part of Amigos’ ongoing mission to bring healing and hope through medical care: https://www.amigosii.org/restoring-smiles-restoring-hope-the-story-of-ojok-and-bethel-smile Connect with Michael Ryer:Website: https://www.amigosii.org/michael-e-ryer & www.sponsorachild.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missionpointafrica Connect with Kevin Neal:Website: https://drkdneal.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNSEmail: coachkd63@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/i
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    42 m
  • Kevin Neal: The Leader in the Mirror: Reflecting on Self-Leadership
    Nov 6 2025

    In this episode, Kevin discusses:

    • Why self-leadership is the hardest form of leadership
    • The importance of feedback as a mirror for growth
    • How perception shapes influence and connection
    • The role of humility and self-awareness in building credibility
    • Moving from positional authority to authentic influence

    Key Takeaways:

    • The toughest person to lead is yourself. Leaders often give themselves grace they wouldn’t extend to others, excusing motives and overlooking flaws, yet growth begins when we hold ourselves to the same standard we expect from those we lead.
    • Feedback is the mirror every leader needs. Honest perspectives — especially from those who think differently — reveal blind spots and help refine character, effectiveness, and empathy.
    • Perception is reality for those who follow. A leader’s actions are always louder than their words; people mirror what they see, not what they’re told. Consistency builds trust, while hypocrisy erodes it.
    • True leadership starts with conquering yourself before conquering the world. Embracing discomfort, inviting criticism, and making daily adjustments allow leaders to grow into the person their influence requires them to be.


    "When you judge another, you don't define them, you define yourself." – Kevin Neal



    Connect with Kevin Neal:

    Website: https://drkdneal.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

    Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63

    YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63

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    20 m