Host Simon Hodgkins is joined on this episode of The Global Discussion by Judy Knight, founder and president of Thumbprint Coaching, Inc. Judy's experience in coaching, consulting, and facilitating leaders shines through in this conversation. With a background in technology, sales, and marketing, she now dedicates her career to helping leaders thrive in an ever-evolving workplace.

The Evolution of Leadership

Judy's career spans decades of change, particularly in the technology industry, where she saw firsthand how leadership needs have shifted. From managing technical teams in telecommunications and networking to now focusing on leadership development, she has always had a deep passion for making workplaces more humane.

"I've worked in some really toxic environments early on in my career," Judy recalls, "and that's why I transitioned to coaching—to make a tangible difference by improving leadership practices."

Judy's emphasis on humane leadership is rooted in her desire to help organizations foster cultures where empathy, trust, and clear communication are paramount. This approach is practical, particularly as many leaders grapple with remote and hybrid work challenges and increased employee expectations around flexibility and work-life balance.

Navigating Leadership in a Post-Pandemic World

Judy notes that leadership has changed drastically in just a few years, especially post-pandemic. The shift to remote and hybrid work models has led to new challenges in managing teams and sustaining productivity without the physical presence of employees. Judy emphasizes that leaders today need to move away from a "command and control" mindset and toward a more results-driven, empathetic approach.

"Some managers struggle with not seeing their employees in the office every day, but the key is focusing on expectations and results, not hours worked," she explains.

Building Trust and Psychological Safety

A key theme in Judy's coaching philosophy is the importance of building trust. "If you want a strong team, it starts with trust," she says. Judy often works with teams to develop psychological safety, an important area. She stresses how crucial it is for leaders to create environments where team members feel safe enough to be honest and open, ensuring the team's overall success.

Leadership in the Age of AI and Globalization

Another fascinating aspect of Judy's leadership insights comes from her extensive work in the technology sector. She touches on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, emphasizing that AI is not a threat to leadership roles but a tool that can enhance leaders' ability to focus on strategic planning and leading their teams effectively.

She also reminds us that globalization has long required leaders to manage remote teams, even before the pandemic. Judy's early career managing teams across the U.S. and Europe gave her invaluable experience that now helps her guide leaders who are navigating similar challenges today.

What Makes a Great Leader?

When asked what qualities define a great leader in today's world, Judy's response is thoughtful and insightful. She believes that effective leaders must be strategic and people-focused, capable of empathizing with their teams while maintaining a clear vision of the organization's goals.

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Lisa S. Jones joins Host Simon Hodgkins in this episode of The Global Discussion. Lisa, the Chief EyeMail Officer (CEO) of EyeMail Inc., shared insights into her remarkable journey from a logistics major at Alabama A&M University to becoming one of the most disruptive women in emerging tech, as well as a globally recognized email marketing innovator. Lisa is a true pioneer in digital communication. A Journey Rooted in Passion and Purpose Lisa's story is one of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, she began her professional journey at NASA, working in logistics and procurement. However, it was a deeply personal moment—following the passing of her mother—that redefined Lisa's purpose and fueled her passion for creating something impactful. That pivotal experience led to the birth of EyeMail Inc., a company now reshaping how organizations communicate through email by delivering immersive video experiences directly into recipients' inboxes. Lisa reflects on the moment that changed her life: "I made a commitment at my mother's gravesite to contribute more to the world and leave a legacy. That's how the concept of EyeMail came to life." She wanted to make every communication more personal, engaging, and meaningful, and her company has done just that. Disrupting Digital Communication with EyeMail EyeMail is more than just an email service. With its multi-patent-pending technology, EyeMail enables instant video play within emails across any platform—without the need for recipients to click on a link or download attachments. Lisa's innovation solves a problem every marketer faces: cutting through the clutter of crowded inboxes. EyeMail delivers captivating, high-quality video content in under 15KB, making it a game-changer in email marketing. Lisa describes EyeMail as "an immersive, captivating video that plays instantly, inspiring a call to action." This approach has attracted major partners like Porsche, Coca-Cola, WarnerMedia, and Delta Air Lines. It's also earned EyeMail recognition as one of the Top 40 Innovative Companies by the Georgia Technology Association and a spot in Catalyst Magazine's Top 300 Companies to Watch. A Global Vision for Communication Lisa's vision for EyeMail is global, and she is well on her way to realizing that goal. Her diverse and dynamic team spans multiple countries, including Canada, Pakistan, India, and the Philippines. Whether it's enhancing corporate communications, marketing campaigns, or internal employee engagement, EyeMail's versatility makes it applicable across industries. Reflecting on EyeMail's potential for growth, Lisa shared, "Regardless if you're a small business, a nonprofit, or a Fortune 500 company, we all have compelling messaging to send out. My vision for EyeMail has always been global, and we're expanding our reach worldwide." A Trailblazer for Women in Tech Beyond her business acumen, Lisa is a proud advocate for women in technology and diversity in the workplace. She serves as a board member for the Technology Association of Georgia's Diversity & Inclusion initiative, championing the need for more representation in tech. For Lisa, success isn't just about business—it's about paving the way for others, particularly women of color, to thrive in technology. Follow The Global Discussion on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and more! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Creatives, Leaders, and Thinkers on The Global Discussion. Join the newsletter for updates on new episodes. To support The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/globaldiscuss Watch or listen to The Global Discussion Web: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ Audio Podcast: ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Google⁠ | ⁠Apple⁠ Video Podcast: ⁠https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/TGD-YouTube⁠ Follow us on LinkedIn/Social Media ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/theglobaldiscussion⁠⁠ Others: X, Instagram, and Facebook

Michelle Denogean, Chief Marketing Officer at Mindtrip, Inc., and author of "Grow Up! Take Your Startup to the Next Level," joins Simon Hodgkins, Host of The Global Discussion, on this episode. Michelle shares insights on scaling startups, leveraging AI, and the importance of self-awareness for founders.

A Journey Through the Startup World

With over 20 years of experience, Michelle has led marketing efforts in early-stage startups and advised publicly traded companies. Her expertise isn't just in marketing but in understanding what it takes to grow a business from the ground up. During the podcast, Michelle emphasized the importance of deeply understanding customers qualitatively and quantitatively. Her marketing approach is data-driven but always focused on solving big problems for real people.

"Grow Up!": A Guide for Founders

Michelle's book, "Grow Up! Take Your Startup to the Next Level," is based on her observations from years of working alongside founders. Her central thesis? The traits that make someone great at starting a company may not be what makes them great at growing it. The book encourages founders to engage in self-reflection, identify their strengths—or "superpowers"—and recognize where they need to step back and empower others.

The Power of Reputation and Connection

One of the key topics Michelle discussed was the importance of reputation. As a "connector," Michelle's superpower lies in building and maintaining relationships that drive business success. She stressed that a strong reputation is foundational, especially in the early stages of a startup when resources are limited.

Mindtrip: Revolutionizing Travel with AI

Michelle is at the forefront of AI-powered innovation in the travel industry. Mindtrip is redefining how people plan and book travel experiences by providing personalized, actionable, bookable recommendations. The platform's new "Start Anywhere" feature allows users to input content from various sources, such as blogs or social media, and generate a complete travel itinerary. This innovation benefits travelers and opens up new opportunities for content creators to monetize their work.

Looking Ahead

Michelle sees AI as a transformative force for startups, offering unprecedented opportunities to innovate and scale. Her passion for advising startups will continue alongside her role at Mindtrip, as she aims to help as many founders as possible navigate the complexities of growth.

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