The Role of Behavior, Belief and the Energy of Money

What if your next breakthrough hinges on how you interpret your earliest experiences? In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with behavioral strategist Hugh Massie from Georgia (U.S.) to explore how our wiring—formed by age three—influences how we lead, decide, and handle money.

We talk about money as energy, not just math, and how stress reveals the thoughts that either limit us or push us forward. Hugh shares why exponential growth can feel easier than small steps—and how clarity comes when we strip away distractions.

The Power of Self-Awareness, Compassion, and Strategic Leadership

We also dive deep into the connection between self-leadership and effective team leadership. We discuss how self-awareness impacts leadership growth and how confronting personal challenges and past experiences helps build trust within teams. Hugh emphasizes that compassion is a crucial leadership trait, and we explore how understanding ourselves allows us to better understand others. We also talk about how financial behavior, leadership styles, and innovation drive organizational success, and why understanding these dynamics is key to creating lasting value.

About Hugh Massie

Hugh Massie from Georgia (originally from Australia) is the Executive Chairman and Founder of DNA Behavior International – the Behavior and Money Insights Company. As a Titan 100 CEO and widely recognized Behavioral Solutions Architect, Hugh Massie addresses every opportunity and challenge from the proven perspective of “behavior makes money”. With his unique analytical approach, Hugh helps growth-minded leaders create an Exponential Future by building “category king” people-centric businesses, and in the process, enhance financial decision-making, culture, and performance.

Hugh’s purpose is to support people worldwide to optimize the alignment of their natural “hard-wired” talents and financial behaviors to make quantum leaps for creating an Exponential Future with reduced stress. Thereby enabling greater happiness, more success and improved health for longer.

Applying the pioneering behavioral finance research Hugh has undertaken since 2001, his moonshot goal is to commercialize DNA Behavior’ AI-driven BeSci Tech Platform so that by 2030 fully it informs over 1 billion people annually on how to enhance their decision-making and relationships for increasing life, financial and business longevity by 30 or more years. Hugh partners with clients to create an Exponential Future by developing trail-blazing financial behavior apps for building the “New BeFi Economy” impacting all key areas of life, finance and business.

www.dnabehavior.com

www.boyswithoutfathers.org

www.linkedin.com/in/hughmassie

www.facebook.com/hugh.massie

www.instagram.com/hughmassie

www.youtube.com/@behaviorallysmart

Twitter: @HughMassie

What does it take to lead from a place of deep awareness, presence, and purpose?

In this episode, I sit down with Ron Stotts from Washington to explore how emotional healing, inner child work, and conscious self-reflection shape our ability to lead meaningfully. We talk about how early patterns—often formed in childhood—shape adult behaviors, and how leaders can break those cycles by tending to what’s been buried.

From emotional backlog to whole-brain thinking, we unpack the path toward becoming a more evolved, intentional leader—one who creates impact by being fully present, curious, and connected.

What happens when leaders stop looking outside and start tuning in?

Ron shares how dissolving the illusion of separation and reconnecting with breath leads to wholeness, presence, and real leadership. We explore how modern leaders often disconnect from their inner wisdom and what shifts when they begin to breathe, feel, and heal. He says: “The only thing I ever need to do is breathe, be curious, and present.” This isn’t just philosophy—it’s the path to genius-level leadership and meaningful business transformation.

About Ron Stotts:

Ron is a three times bestselling author with a PhD in psychology and a Dr. of Chiropractic. He's explored the depths of ancient wisdom and the latest in psychological, neurological studies, and leadership as he guides entrepreneurs and executives into the highest levels of conscious leadership.

www.facebook.com/ron.stotts.50

www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ron-stotts-14143236

www.youtube.com/@dr.ronstotts

The Communication Shift Leaders Need

Connecting with others starts with understanding yourself—how you communicate and how you prefer to receive information. Amos shares how tools like DISC profiling can help you adapt your style to better connect with different personalities. But beyond frameworks, true connection comes from being real, telling stories, and most importantly—listening. Not just hearing words, but actively engaging, responding, and showing that you care. Even in a virtual world, body language and energy matter. If communication is just about pushing a message without considering the other person, connection is lost.

Vulnerability Creates Direct, Honest Conversation

Vulnerability plays a crucial role in leadership, fostering real connections and growth. Amos shares how acknowledging mistakes and seeking team input builds trust. He highlights the importance of direct, honest conversations—whether in leadership, relationships, or letting an employee go.

Avoiding tough discussions only delays the inevitable and limits learning opportunities. A great example from youth soccer coaching shows the power of clear communication: identifying where someone is, where they need to be, and working together to bridge the gap. Leaders must ensure their message truly lands and give people space to find solutions before making decisions.

Growing up in Lemasters, Pennsylvania, his first job at Snider's Elevator taught him grit and the power of relationships. Those early days also sparked his curiosity about leadership, watching how trust, respect, and effective communication could inspire people.

His career path, from humble beginnings to leading operations across the U.S., was anything but linear. Along the way, he faced challenges like resistance to change and misaligned teams, yet those obstacles shaped his leadership philosophy—one built on influence, empathy, and helping others to reach their potential.

Through trial and error, he developed strategies to double market shares and foster collaboration in complex environments. Today, as a certified Trainer, Coach, Speaker, and DISC consultant, he draws on these experiences to guide others. He helps leaders overcome fear, build trust, and drive meaningful change. His mission is to share actionable insights grounded in his own transformation, proving that no matter where you start, success is possible with resilience and the right tools.

www.mccoyleadership.com

www.linkedin.com/company/mccoy-maxwellspeaker/

www.facebook.com/MccoyMaxwellSpeaker

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mccoy-leadership/id1775762788

Turning Vision into Collective Action

Leadership guides activities toward meaningful goals. In communities, leaders act as the "conscious mind," turning scattered efforts into clear projects. Nkumu Katalay applies this both in community work and in his artistic projects — a revolving group shaped by his vision and changing musicians. This flexible structure mirrors New York’s fast pace, teaching him to guide without rigid control. His Lifelong Project Band trains new leaders while sharing Congolese culture. By treating his band as a project, Nkumu fosters both musical and personal growth through shared vision and collaboration.

Leading with Clarity, Adapting with Grace

Nkumu emphasizes treating performances with professionalism — showing up early, coordinating attire, and adjusting to each venue and its audience.

He balances guiding his group while allowing for individual expression. Managing diverse personalities and adjusting to different settings — from Harlem's Shrine to the Apollo Theater — strengthens his leadership. Even during his return to Kinshasa after 28 years, he gathered local musicians to create new music, showing how his leadership transcends borders and continues to connect communities.

About Nkumu Katalay:

Nkumu Katalay is an artist, speaker, multi-instrumentalist, and social activist committed to promoting humanity.

Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, he now lives in New York. Nkumu emphasizes the significance of Congolese cultures in modern history and founded the musical group "Life Long Project," which highlights positive narratives of Congolese culture through music and educational initiatives. He also established an Afro-Congolese dance program, offering weekly dance activities throughout New York for all ages in schools, businesses, and cultural centers.

For Nkumu, music is a means to navigate the world and unify his identity's fragments. He is fascinated by musical notes and rhythms, exploring their movements and patterns alongside human cultures. He believes that musical notes are cultural fragments in sound, and their interactions create music, similar to how cultures seek alternative expressions. His musical journey is deeply rooted in the Congolese "Mbonda" or "Ngoma" (drum) and dance traditions.

www.nkumukatalay.com

www.facebook.com/share/1BTE8PTNdh/

www.instagram.com/nkumukatalay/

www.youtube.com/@nkumukatalay

In this episode of RISE TO LEAD, I talk with Coach Clarence Ferguson about discipline, mindset, and personal growth. He shares why weighing yourself daily builds awareness, the power of consistency, and how small habits lead to big results. We discuss taking ownership, adapting to challenges, and learning from failure instead of fearing it.

Coach Clarence emphasizes that understanding the deeper "why" behind our actions is essential, whether it's related to habits or goals. He shares how uncovering the root causes, such as trauma or emotional protection, can shift behavior. Discipline is not effortless, and maintaining habits requires setting realistic goals and self-reflection. He advises checking in with others and reassessing goals consistently, while forgiving oneself for falling short. Self-punishment is counterproductive and erodes self-esteem, so focusing on progress is key.

We also discuss the power of questions over affirmations in unlocking new possibilities. Asking questions can help reframe beliefs, making them more aligned with achievable outcomes.

About Clarence Ferguson:

Coach Clarence is a visionary leader who is transforming the lives of men and women over 40, assisting them to live their absolute best lives. He's a true embodiment of what it means to conquer the three fundamental pillars of life: fitness, finance, and mindset.

Clarence Ferguson, the dynamic CEO of "Fit Over 40 with Coach Clarence." Clarence doesn't just lead a tribe; he nurtures a community of individuals who are determined.

https://linktr.ee/clarencemfergusonjr

www.linkedin.com/in/clarencef/

www.youtube.com/@CoachClarence

www.facebook.com/ClarenceMFergusonjr/

www.instagram.com/clarencemferguson/

Fit Over 40 withCoach Clarence

Unlocking the Power of Identity in Leadership

What makes certain leaders stand out effortlessly, drawing people in with their presence? In this episode, Kevin Britz explores the concept of contagious identity—how individuals shape their influence, step into their power, and shift their mindset to take ownership of their roles. He shares how deeply ingrained beliefs can hold people back and how breaking free from past narratives unlocks new possibilities. Leadership, he argues, is about self-awareness and the ability to create an environment where others feel empowered. Tune in to discover how embracing your identity can transform your leadership impact.

Building Unapologetic Confidence in Leadership

We also discuss how true leadership is rooted in unapologetic confidence. We explore how being intentional with your communication and actions can shape perceptions and build trust. Kevin shares how confidence isn’t about being boastful, but about being grounded in your abilities and values. We dive into how this kind of self-assurance inspires others to follow suit, creating a powerful, authentic leadership presence.

About Kevin Britz:

Kevin Britz, from Gauteng, South Africa, is a dynamic leadership coach, speaker, marketing strategist, and the influential host of The Lunchtime Series, where he engages with global experts to share actionable insights on leadership, team performance, and personal growth. With over 15 years of industry experience, Kevin is renowned for empowering individuals and organizations to reach their highest potential.

As a Prosci Certified Change Manager, NLP Master

Practitioner, and Leadership Management International Associate, Kevin designs and delivers powerful workshops that help teams break through barriers, enhance collaboration, and achieve sustainable success. His expertise spans strategic leadership, human behavior, and innovative marketing, making him a transformative force in professional development.

Kevin is also actively growing Contagious Identity, integrating its principles into his teachings to help leaders and teams unlock their full potential. Recognized as the legendary voice of “Steve” from FNB’s iconic radio ads, he brings an engaging presence and sharp insights to every conversation—redefining career journeys and inspiring thousands worldwide.

www.kevinbritz.com

www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbritz-leadership

www.facebook.com/leadershipbydesignsa/

www.youtube.com/@TheLunchtimeSeries

www.kevinbritz.com/book/

https://linktr.ee/kevinbritz

The Power of Small Company Experiences

James Deaker from California (originally from New Zealand) reflects on the valuable lessons he learned from his time in small companies, sharing insights on how these environments encourage innovation, flexibility, and problem-solving. James highlights how working without predefined roles allowed him to take on diverse responsibilities and tackle challenges that pushed him out of his comfort zone. He explains how this mindset later shaped his approach in larger corporations and helped him challenge the status quo, even when it wasn’t the easiest route.

Adaptability in Leadership

James highlights the value of adaptability in leadership. He shares how key skills—like a willingness to learn and the ability to engage with diverse teams—remain essential across different environments. James discusses the importance of tailoring management approaches to the unique dynamics of each team and situation. He also delves into his own experiences, emphasizing how effective leadership often comes from a deep understanding of both the people and the context within which you work.

About James Deaker:

James Deaker from California is the host of The Yield Doctor, a podcast and video series that explores the intricacies of pricing and yield management in the digital advertising industry. Originally from New Zealand, James earned his Ph.D. at Stanford University in Engineering-Economic Systems and Operations Research before launching a 20-year career in digital advertising. With leadership roles at Yahoo, Microsoft, Verizon Media, Oath, and Rapt, James has seen the industry evolve from the inside. Now, as the CEO and Founder of Korukea Media, James now helps businesses optimize their advertising strategies and unlock the full potential of their digital assets.

www.korukeamedia.com

www.linkedin.com/in/deaker/

www.youtube.com/@jamesdeaker

https://deaker.podbean.com/

What does it take to rise above challenges and create a life of impact?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Summer Watson from Washington, DC to discuss overcoming obstacles, finding purpose, and taking bold steps toward success. Summer introduces us to KORE, which stands for how we Kinetically connect, Organically learn from one another, Reshape lives through diverse interaction, and Empower one another to promote change. We explore cross-generational mentorship as well as the mindset shifts and key decisions that shape a fulfilling path.

Embracing Differences and Finding Connection

Summer and I reflect on the impact of feeling different and how shared experiences can lead to meaningful connections. We acknowledge that everyone’s story shapes who they are, but there’s power in embracing those differences and finding common ground with others. Summer shares how, even in moments of isolation or misunderstanding, these formative experiences sparked a deeper understanding of self and others. This insight reinforces the idea that uniqueness should be celebrated because it’s through our individual stories that we truly connect. Summer discusses the power of understanding others' experiences through a phenomenological lens. By listening reflectively and asking clarifying questions, leaders can connect with diverse perspectives. This approach fosters respect and collaboration, allowing leaders to assess needs and desires before creating impactful solutions.

About Summer Watson:

Dr. Summe r Watson, MHS, PhD from Washington, DC, is a High-Performance Coach, Dr. of Psychology, Podcaster, Event Producer, Live Show Host, Author, Mentor, and Military Spouse of over 21-years. Dr. Watson is also the owner of KORE Women, which supports companies to develop thriving cross-generational leadership and mentorship programs fostering healthy and sustainable communities. KORE stands for how we Kinetically connect, Organically learn from one another, Reshape lives through diverse interaction, and Empower one another to promote change, which are values that run through everything Dr. Watson does from running her business, podcasting, to creating community events and community development.

LinkedIn: Summer Watson, MHS, PhD

Instagram: @KOREWomen

TikTok: @KOREWomen

Facebook: @KOREWomen

KORE Women podcast:

www.korewomen.com/podcast/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kore-women-podcast/id1401140103

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf5GH2n5JM1HuRBIzWgDPLg