In this episode of the Throttle Up Leadership Podcast, Dr. John Dentico welcomes Suhein Beck—a woman who has navigated war zones, humanitarian crises, and leadership challenges with the kind of courage that makes you sit up straighter. From growing up in a family rooted in honor and service, to walking into the heart of the Syrian refugee crisis, Suhein shares a riveting journey that fuses faith, fearlessness, and fierce love for humanity. She opens up about the moments that shaped her—from translating pain into purpose, to leading with compassion when the stakes were life or death. Their conversation also explores a powerful, often-overlooked leadership value: honor. In a time when corporate buzzwords often eclipse deeper truths, Suhein makes the compelling case that honor—real, practiced, lived honor—isn’t just a virtue; it’s a leadership necessity. Whether you’re building a business, guiding a team, or simply trying to lead yourself well, this episode will challenge you to rethink what integrity and service look like in action. With clarity, grace, and a storyteller’s fire, Suhein doesn’t just talk about leadership—she lives it.

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

Dr. John Dentico opens with reflections on courage and introduces guest Suhein Beck.

01:57 – Early Life and Family Legacy

Suhein discusses her upbringing, family values, and her father’s influence.

06:21 – Leadership in Crisis Zones

A deep dive into her work in the Middle East and navigating life-and-death decisions.

10:33 – Facing the Syrian Refugee Crisis

She shares emotional experiences from the front lines and lessons learned.

17:45 – Faith, Resilience, and Purpose

How her spiritual foundation gave her strength in the darkest moments.

22:01 – Storytelling as Strategy

Why telling hard truths became a form of activism—and leadership.

27:10 – Empowering Women Through Action

Reflections on what leadership looks like for women in high-stakes environments.

30:55 – Legacy and Future Vision

Suhein’s hopes for the next generation, and what leadership must become.

35:12 – Final Reflections and Farewell

John closes with takeaways on courage, clarity, and contribution.

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In this episode of the Throttle Up Leadership Podcast, host Dr. John Dentico interviews Steven Puri, a versatile entrepreneur with significant experience in Hollywood, high-tech startups, and productivity innovation. Steven, the CEO of the Sukha Company, shares insights from his eclectic career journey that began as a youth newscaster and led him through roles at IBM, a co-founding stint at Centropolis Effects, and executive positions at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks. He discusses the mission of his current venture, the Sukha app, which aims to enhance focus and foster a healthy work-life balance for remote and hybrid workers. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies related to productivity and creativity in various work environments, touching on the impacts of AI and the importance of incentives in shaping work culture. They also explore the concept of 'flow' and its critical role in achieving sustained productivity and happiness.

00:00 Introduction to Throttle Up Leadership Podcast

00:09 Meet Steven Puri: A Multifaceted Innovator

02:52 Early Life and Influences

04:07 Transition to Hollywood and Tech

05:45 The Birth of Sukha Company

06:59 Insights on Productivity and Work-Life Balance

09:48 The Concept of Flow and Sukha's Approach

16:47 The Role of AI in Enhancing Productivity

22:55 Creative Thinking and Remote Work

28:41 Future Perspectives and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of the Throttle Up Leadership Podcast, host Dr John Dentico engages in a comprehensive conversation with Dr. Michael Neal, Founder and CEO of Build My Team and a practicing optometrist in Holly, Pennsylvania. Dr. Neal shares his journey of revolutionizing the hiring process after experiencing repeated hiring failures that stunted the growth of his private practice. Inspired by elite organizations like Disney and the Four Seasons, Dr. Neal's data-driven hiring system, which prioritizes core performance capabilities over experience, has successfully served clients in various healthcare professions across the US and Canada. They delve into the importance of a service-based mindset, the unexpected benefits seen in hiring fresh talent, and the critical role of assessing natural strengths. The discussion also highlights the psychological and emotional impacts of proper job fit, the costs of turnover, and the profound ways that prioritizing employee happiness and strengths can enhance productivity and work satisfaction.

00:00 Welcome to Throttle Up Leadership Podcast

00:04 Introducing Dr. Michael Neal and Build My Team

01:47 Personal Background and Influences

02:40 The Breaking Point: Reimagining the Hiring Process

04:44 The Build My Team Approach

08:33 Values and Mindset in Hiring

29:35 The Cost of Turnover and Importance of Fit

30:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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In this episode of the Throttle Up Leadership Podcast, host Dr. John Dentico interviews Daniel Friker, a global executive strategic advisor and AI workforce futurist. With over 20 years of experience across various industries and AI certifications, Friker discusses how AI is reshaping hiring, HR, and leadership strategies. He emphasizes the critical need for companies to adopt AI technologies early and highlights the importance of building cross-functional AI teams. The conversation also covers the evolving job market, the inefficiencies in current HR practices, and how organizations can adapt strategically to maintain a competitive edge. Dr. Dentico and Friker further explore the contrast between traditional fear-based organizational structures and modern trust-based models, stressing the importance of mutual trust and adaptability in leadership. They conclude by examining the impact of certifications, the human element in hiring, and the future of the staffing industry in the AI era.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:44 Dan Friker's Background and Influences

04:38 AI's Impact on Jobs and Industries

09:59 Leadership Evolution in the AI Era

21:27 AI in HR and Talent Acquisition

32:36 Future of Temporary Staffing and HR Tech

46:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of the Throttle Up Leadership Podcast, Dr. John Dentico interviews Dr. Ravi Iyer, a TED speaker, author, coach, and transformational expert. Dr. Iyer shares insights on his upbringing in India, his career in medicine, and his approaches to overcoming psychological and emotional barriers. The conversation delves into the impact of predictability on human behavior, the role of leaders in creating safe environments for innovation, and techniques for achieving mental clarity through observation. With examples from the pandemic and personal anecdotes, Dr. Iyer emphasizes the importance of finding meaning, standing in reflective spaces, and cultivating inner silence to unlock one’s full potential.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:48 Early Life and Influences

03:30 Medical Career and Insights

07:01 Leadership and Predictability

11:55 Meaning Making and Innovation

23:03 Practical Exercises for Observation

28:04 Reflective Space and Quietude

32:38 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

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In this episode of the Throttle Up Leadership Podcast, Dr. John Dentico interviews Corey Peck, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, operational strategist, and founder of Fractional Ops. Corey shares his journey from a young entrepreneur in Toronto to leading global teams and founding Fractional Ops. He discusses the key areas CEOs need to operationalize for business success, the importance of a clear vision and structured systems, and how to leverage AI for operational improvements. The conversation also covers the significance of psychological safety, rapid prototyping, and aligning organizational values and mission statements to drive meaningful work. Corey offers insights into his ops transformation system and provides practical advice for reducing chaos and increasing profitability in small businesses.

00:00 Introduction to Throttle Up Leadership Podcast

01:55 Corey Peck's Entrepreneurial Journey

03:17 Scaling a Business: Key Mindset Shifts

03:32 Operationalizing Business Areas

05:44 Hiring in the Age of AI

09:42 The Ops Transformation System

12:46 Building a Resilient and Drama-Free Business

16:09 The Importance of Clear Mission Statements

21:48 Challenges for Early Stage CEOs

22:17 The Importance of Market Feedback

23:11 Seizing Sales Opportunities

25:12 Rapid Prototyping and Iterative Development

27:25 From Firefighting to Fire Prevention

30:06 The Journey of Change Management

35:07 Building a Trust-Based Organization

40:31 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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In this episode of the Throttle Up Leadership Podcast, host Dr. John Dentico interviews Gal Ezra, a serial entrepreneur, business coach, and podcast host who built his first million-dollar company at 25. Gal shares his journey from growing up in Cape Town, South Africa, to moving to the United States, dealing with visa issues, and ultimately returning to South Africa to start multiple successful ventures. He discusses the significant influence of his father, Meir Ezra, and the foundational values he instilled. Gal elaborates on the importance of responsibility, the distinction between PR, marketing, and sales, and the crucial lesson of closing cycles for maintaining control and reducing stress. The conversation also dives into the essence of leadership, the value of validated improvements, and finding meaning in work. This insightful discussion is loaded with practical lessons and motivational stories of overcoming adversity.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:17 Gal Ezra's Early Life and Influences

05:07 Overcoming Adversity and Building Success

07:16 The Importance of Responsibility in Leadership

10:35 Defining Results and Achieving Goals

14:26 The Role of Meaning in the Future of Work

18:06 Human vs. Robotic Approach to Results

20:02 Valuable Lessons on Control and Income

21:16 The Dangers of Open Cycles

26:24 The Importance of Definitions in Business

30:16 Redefining Sales as Helping

33:08 Recognizing and Validating Improvements

37:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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In this episode of Throttle Up Leadership Podcast, hosted by Dr. John Dentico, special guest Richard Lowe—a ghostwriter, book strategist, and branding expert—shares his journey and expertise. With 63 published books, including two Kindle bestsellers, Richard discusses the transformative power of a well-crafted book, the authenticity required in ghostwriting, and his unique approach to uncovering clients' stories. He explains how books can establish credibility, create new career opportunities, and be used strategically for speaking engagements, media exposure, and funding. Richard also reflects on issues like ageism in the job market and the importance of overcoming fears. He concludes by sharing a heartwarming story about a fulfilling ghostwriting project and offering practical advice for aspiring authors.

00:00 Introduction to Throttle Up Leadership Podcast

00:08 Meet Richard Lowe: Ghostwriting Expert

02:01 Richard's Early Life and Career Journey

03:12 Overcoming Ageism and Starting The Writing King

04:26 The Art of Ghostwriting: Richard's Approach

06:43 The Power of Publishing a Book for Business Leaders

08:34 Lessons from Richard's Career Transformations

12:59 Common Fears and Obstacles in Writing a Book

17:25 The Importance of Good Editing

17:40 The 80% Rule: Embracing Imperfection

18:02 Podcasting: Just Do It!

18:30 Tech Troubles and Solutions

19:27 The Importance of Publishing

20:21 Leveraging Books for Career Growth

23:23 The Power of Book Reviews and Awards

27:20 Reflections on Personal Branding and Career Choices

29:02 A Heartwarming Client Story

30:46 Writing Wisdom and Final Thoughts

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