“We see so often the Peter Principle play out… What we really need in today’s world are unblockers of work.” — Liz Gulliver

In this debrief, Jerome and Julienne reflect on Liz Gulliver’s insight that many managers are promoted for technical expertise but left unsupported in learning how to lead people. The result? Micromanagement, lost trust, and teams held back instead of propelled forward.

They explore how shifting from “directors of work” to “unblockers of work” can transform leadership today—by creating psychological safety, encouraging authentic conversations, and modeling humanity through shared stories.

You’ll Hear:
– From Micromanagers to Unblockers – Why leadership isn’t about correcting every formula or cell, but asking “What’s holding you back?”
– Learning by Observation – How watching leaders model authenticity, vulnerability, and risk-taking is more powerful than any handbook.
– The Role of Storytelling – Why sharing personal challenges and lessons builds trust and motivates teams beyond metrics and KPIs.
– Supporting New Leaders – How HR, peers, and mentors can help those promoted from technical roles navigate the shift to people leadership.

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

In this episode of Leadership Story Talks, hosts Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan speak with James Francis—investor, technologist, and founder of Paradigm Asset Management and Sol.ai—about his groundbreaking framework, Artificial Integrity. With decades of experience managing billions through data-driven systems, James now focuses on a question that impacts us all: How do we build AI that elevates humanity rather than flattens it?

Drawing from his own upbringing in a “can-do” family culture, James shares how curiosity and bold experimentation shaped his thinking—and why those same qualities are vital as we face the opportunities and risks of AI. He explains why traditional approaches to AI ethics fall short, and how Artificial Integrity calls for embedding empathy, justice, and cultural intelligence into AI systems from the ground up.

You’ll Hear:

• Kind vs. Convenient AI – Why a moral compass, not just risk mitigation, must guide how we build technology
• The Loudest Voice Problem – How AI reflects (and magnifies) dominant narratives while silencing marginalized voices
• From Flattening to Amplifying – Why preserving cultural nuance and language is essential to trust and belonging
• Voice Is Not Enough – The difference between mimicking communities and truly understanding them through context, memory, and respect
• Leadership Over Code – Why the future of AI depends less on smarter machines and more on better human leadership

Whether you’re a technologist, business leader, or simply curious about the impact of AI on culture and democracy, this conversation challenges you to think beyond efficiency—and toward building systems rooted in empathy and integrity.

LINKS ~

Artificial Integrity

• Instagram: thesole.ai
• Facebook: SOLE on Facebook
• X (Twitter): @thesoleai
• LinkedIn: SOLE on LinkedIn

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

"…I wasn’t a good athlete and I was never going to be a good athlete, but what I was good at was trying to be a little bit better next time than I was this time." — George Pesansky

In this debrief, Jerome and Julienne reflect on George Pesansky’s story of running uphill—literally and figuratively. What began as a painful failure in cross-country running became the foundation for a leadership style built on persistence, self-awareness, and learning from what does work.

They explore how George’s insight—focusing not only on mistakes but on consistent successes—can transform how organizations think about leadership, process improvement, and knowledge transfer.

You’ll Hear:
– The Power of Persistence – Why resilience is less about winning and more about showing up, trying again, and modeling accountability.
– Learning from Success – How focusing on what worked can be as valuable—if not more—than dissecting what went wrong.
– Capturing Institutional Knowledge – Why stories from long-time employees hold the keys to process improvement and continuity.
– Reframing “Failure” – How so-called failures can be retold as lessons that shape leadership character and future confidence.

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here