Episodios

  • Why Hustle Culture Is Breaking You (And How to Fix It) | Jennie Blumenthal

    Why Hustle Culture Is Breaking You (And How to Fix It) | Jennie Blumenthal
    Oct 14 2025
    Guest:

    Jennie Blumenthal

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:

    What if working harder isn’t actually working?

    In this episode of Executive Connect, Jennie Blumenthal, former PwC partner, bestselling author of Corporate Rehab, and executive coach, shares how hustle culture is quietly breaking high performers and what to do instead.

    Jennie reveals her story of leading a $200 million global business while burning out behind the scenes and how she created The REHAB Method to help leaders trade overwork for sustainable success. She explains how to balance productivity with rest, rewire your leadership mindset, and build empathy-driven cultures that outperform grind culture every time.

    If you are a high-achieving professional ready to redefine success on your own terms, this conversation is your roadmap to thriving without burnout.

    What You Will Learn:
    • The hidden costs of hustle culture and how to recognize burnout early

    • How to rewire your leadership mindset for balance and clarity

    • Ways to boost performance through rest, creativity, and reflection

    • How empathy and trust drive stronger results and retention

    • How to lead authentically in the evolving future of work
    Chapters:

    00:00 | Why Hustle Culture Fails Leaders
    02:19 | Jennie’s Journey From PwC Partner to Founder
    07:07 | The REHAB Framework Explained
    14:00 | Healing the Mind, Body, and Spirit of Leadership
    20:00 | The Future of Work and the End of Burnout
    26:00 | Finding Your Growth Zone
    31:00 | Leading With Empathy and Results
    36:00 | Final Advice and Where to Connect

    Connect With Jennie Blumenthal:

    LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennieblumenthal/
    Website → https://www.corporate-rehab.com

    Subscribe to Executive Connect:

    Apple Podcasts → Listen on Apple
    Spotify → Listen on Spotify

    Connect With Us:

    Website → www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
    LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook → Executive Connect
    Más Menos
    38 m
  • How Remote Teams Are Fixing Healthcare’s Burnout Crisis | Beth Lachance

    How Remote Teams Are Fixing Healthcare’s Burnout Crisis | Beth Lachance
    Oct 13 2025
    Guest:

    Beth Lachance

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:

    The healthcare burnout crisis is real and getting worse. Staff shortages, administrative overload, and rising operational costs are pushing medical professionals to the edge.

    In this episode of Executive Connect, Beth Lachance, CEO of Global Medical Virtual Assistance (GMVA), shares how remote teams are helping medical practices regain balance, restore patient care, and scale sustainably.

    From redefining “outsourcing” to rebuilding culture across continents, Beth explains how insourcing remote medical talent is transforming the future of healthcare.

    If you want to understand how to combine human touch, efficiency, and innovation, this episode is your blueprint for leading through disruption.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Why burnout and staff shortages threaten modern healthcare

    • How remote medical teams are closing the operational gap

    • The truth about virtual assistants and the “outsourcing” myth

    • How to build culture, accountability, and retention globally

    • The balance between AI automation and human connection

    • The three biggest takeaways for medical leaders in 2025


    Chapters:
    00:00 | Healthcare’s Burnout Crisis: Why It’s Getting Worse
    01:16 | From Athlete to Healthcare CEO: Beth’s Journey
    03:46 | Seeing the Need and Launching GMVA
    05:48 | How COVID Proved Remote Staffing Works
    07:22 | Breaking the Stigma Around Virtual Assistants
    09:54 | Building Culture and Accountability Across Borders
    12:23 | Servant Leadership in a Global Workforce
    13:12 | The Difference Between Outsourcing and “Insourcing”
    15:51 | Simplifying Operations with the Paint-By-Number Method
    17:30 | The Staffing Shortage: What’s Next for Healthcare
    19:33 | AI, Human Touch, and the Future of Patient Care
    23:16 | Top 3 Takeaways for Medical Leaders
    25:51 | How to Choose the Right Partner
    26:41 | How to Connect with Beth Lachance

    Connect With Beth:

    Website → www.gmva.com
    Schedule a Strategy Session → Book Here

    Subscribe to Executive Connect:

    Apple Podcasts → Listen on Apple
    Spotify → Listen on Spotify

    Connect With Us:
    Website → executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
    LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook → Executive Connect
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    27 m
  • How to Stop Coasting and Take Control of Your Life | Chris Robinson

    How to Stop Coasting and Take Control of Your Life | Chris Robinson
    Oct 9 2025
    Guest:
    Chris Robinson

    Host:
    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:
    Are you drifting through your days busy but not fulfilled? In this episode of Executive Connect, Chris Robinson, international speaker, executive vice president at Maxwell Leadership, and author of From Drift to Drive, reveals how to wake up your potential and live with true intention.

    Chris shares how to identify where you’ve gone on autopilot, build clarity about what you really want, and take consistent daily action toward it. From his seven-step framework to the “learn a little, do a little” philosophy, you’ll walk away with tools to break out of complacency and start driving your life forward with purpose.

    If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or unsure what’s next… this episode is your wake-up call.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • How to spot “drift” and the silent danger of complacency

    • The two types of complacency and how to correct both

    • Chris’s 7-step framework for building drive and direction

    • How to sustain motivation without burning out

    • Why small daily actions compound into major transformation

    • How accountability builds consistency and confidence

    • The mindset that moves you from good to great

    Timestamps:
    00:00 | Why you might be drifting without realizing it
    00:41 | Meet Chris Robinson executive VP at Maxwell Leadership
    01:28 | What “drift” means and why it’s the silent killer of progress
    02:17 | The rumble strip metaphor how small wake-up calls save lives
    03:36 | How to spot when you’re in autopilot mode
    04:41 | The two types of complacency nearsighted vs farsighted
    05:36 | Getting 2020 vision and realigning goals with daily actions
    06:44 | The seven-step framework for moving from drift to drive
    07:43 | Gathering phase aligning books, videos, and courses with goals
    08:41 | Learn a little, do a little the secret to sustainable progress
    10:52 | Why motivation fails without daily micro habits
    13:42 | Teaching discipline and accountability through simple routines
    16:39 | How fear blocks forward motion and how to fix it
    18:19 | Lessons from baseball, parenting, and life consistency wins
    20:27 | The power of dominant thoughts and why mindset leads action
    22:17 | Chris’s own drift moment and what John Maxwell taught him
    24:55 | Feedback, humility, and never going on autopilot again
    27:31 | How Chris became VP at Maxwell Leadership
    30:45 | The one question that brings instant clarity: What do I want?
    31:42 | The advice Chris would give his younger self read and keep learning
    32:30 | Where to get the book and bonus resources

    Connect With Chris:
    Book → From Drift to Drive on Amazon
    Bonuses → drifttodrivebook.com

    Subscribe to Executive Connect:
    Apple Podcasts → Listen on Apple
    Spotify → Listen on Spotify

    Connect With Us:
    Website → executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
    LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook → Executive Connect
    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Curiosity Always Beats Passion: The Real Secret Behind 100 Patents with Ajay Malik

    Curiosity Always Beats Passion: The Real Secret Behind 100 Patents with Ajay Malik
    Oct 8 2025
    Guest:
    Ajay Malik

    Host:
    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:
    Everyone says “follow your passion.” Ajay Malik says follow your curiosity instead. The prolific inventor behind more than 100 patents explains why passion fades but curiosity compounds — fueling innovation, leadership, and lifelong creativity.

    In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug dives deep into how Ajay turns curiosity into invention and reinvention. From building teams that thrive on freedom to leading turnarounds across industries, Ajay reveals how asking “why” and “what if” can change your life, your career, and your company.

    You’ll hear how curiosity drives breakthrough thinking, why randomness is often your best teacher, and what daily habits keep Ajay inspired to create.

    If you’ve ever wondered what separates innovators who sustain success from those who burn out — this conversation gives you the blueprint.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Why curiosity outlasts passion in innovation and leadership

    • The mindset that helped Ajay earn 100+ patents

    • How to build high-performing teams through freedom and trust

    • Lessons from company turnarounds and reinvention

    • Why great leaders act as “reverse bosses” who empower others

    • Daily habits for staying creative, focused, and inspired


    Chapters:
    00:00 | The Power of Curiosity and Creation
    03:00 | How AI and Personalization Are Changing Innovation
    07:00 | Embracing Randomness and Opportunity
    09:00 | Lessons from Turnarounds and Reinvention
    12:00 | Building and Leading High-Caliber Teams
    17:00 | Leadership Lessons from Great Bosses
    22:00 | Gratitude, Growth, and Perspective
    27:00 | Ajay’s Creative Process and Daily Habits
    30:00 | Reflections and Advice to His Younger Self

    Connect With Ajay:
    LinkedIn → Ajay Malik

    Subscribe to Executive Connect:
    Apple Podcasts → Listen on Apple
    Spotify → Listen on Spotify

    Connect With Us:
    Website → executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
    LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook → Executive Connect
    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Lead AI, Don’t Let It Lead You with Shashank Kapadia

    Lead AI, Don’t Let It Lead You with Shashank Kapadia
    Oct 6 2025
    Guest:

    Shashank Kapadia

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:

    AI is everywhere, but leadership is what makes it valuable. In this conversation, AI innovator Shashank Kapadia lays out a practical playbook for responsible AI: start with values, measure real outcomes, and ask better questions. He introduces his three Cs framework for responsible AI clarity, context, and consequence and explains how to lead high performing ML teams with direction, autonomy, and integrity. We cut through hype to focus on models that quietly improve decisions, discuss when not to automate, and share failure patterns and guardrails leaders can use right now.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 | Why leading AI matters more than building it
    00:21 | Meet Shashank Kapadia AI innovator and ethics advocate
    01:20 | From model accuracy to real world impact a personal shift
    02:30 | Beyond optimization building wise systems grounded in values
    03:37 | Responsible AI defined the three Cs clarity context consequence
    04:47 | Ethics is not a checklist how executives operationalize responsibility
    05:36 | Leading ML teams the trio of direction autonomy integrity
    06:58 | Psychological safety and nonlinear progress loops not sprints
    08:05 | Sponsor Money Ripples Cashflow Secrets offer
    08:41 | Cutting hype with first principles three questions every project must answer
    10:14 | Invisible AI wins utility over model complexity
    11:27 | Competitor FOMO vs solving real problems choosing focus
    11:54 | Hybrid intelligence the future blend of technical EQ and ethics
    12:57 | Translators of trust why cross functional leadership wins
    13:42 | Non technical makers and baby boomers using AI real examples
    15:01 | Failure patterns misaligned objectives hidden bias and shaky rollouts
    17:15 | Ship small monitor hard KPIs and safeguard equity
    18:23 | Sponsor Texas Freedom Fund information
    19:10 | A value driven mindset and the power of asking how
    21:19 | Where to follow Shashank LinkedIn and Substack Pragmatic MLR

    Guest Bio (short):

    Shashank Kapadia is a machine learning leader and responsible AI advocate who has built large scale recommender systems and decision engines for global platforms. He speaks and writes on the practical intersection of innovation and ethics, helping organizations ship models that earn trust and deliver business value.

    Connect With Shashank:

    LinkedIn: Shashank Kapadia
    Substack: Pragmatic MLR

    Connect With Us:

    Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

    Social:

    LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook: Executive Connect
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    22 m
  • From T+1 to T0: Blockchain’s Real Value in Capital Markets with Renee Berman

    From T+1 to T0: Blockchain’s Real Value in Capital Markets with Renee Berman
    Oct 1 2025
    Guest:

    Renee Berman

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:

    Atomic settlement sounds flashy, but most market participants actually want T0. In this episode, capital markets leader Renee Berman breaks down where blockchain is delivering real value today and what still needs to happen before it scales. From DTCC to Broadridge, Renee has led digital asset initiatives across core market plumbing. She explains tokenization, stablecoins, smart contracts, and why single source of truth plus 24 by 7 rails can cut risk and cost. We cover regulation, interoperability, buy side adoption, and a practical path from pilot to production.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 | Atomic settlement vs T0 why near real time beats instant for markets
    00:41 | Meet Renee Berman strategist operator and blockchain leader
    01:11 | A nonlinear career with a through line of impact
    02:01 | Inside DTCC volumes custody and the digital asset mandate
    03:00 | At Broadridge exploring how on chain rails change trade processing
    04:12 | From nonprofit strategy to Goldman and Credit Suisse foundations
    05:20 | Moving into the COO seat for equity derivatives learning on the fly
    07:25 | Where blockchain delivers value today tokenization and market plumbing
    08:02 | Tokenizing real world assets bonds equities private markets explained
    09:15 | Market size today and 2030 projections for tokenized RWAs and stablecoins
    10:00 | Early traction tokenized money market funds from major managers
    10:52 | Repo and collateral use cases trillion dollar monthly volumes on DLT
    11:28 | Why single source of truth and 24 by 7 availability matter
    12:20 | T1 to T0 settlement netting tradeoffs and risk reduction
    13:16 | Smart contracts automate asset servicing coupons dividends and more
    13:54 | Democratization lowering minimums expanding investor access
    14:49 | Adoption headwinds regulation interoperability identity and UX
    15:23 | US momentum stablecoin rules Genius Act and the Clarity Act
    16:39 | Buy side needs invisible blockchain no wallets same workflow better rails
    18:21 | Making regulators comfortable DTCC Euroclear Clearstream BCG risk work
    20:20 | New public chain risk framework focus on non financial risks
    23:04 | Stablecoins what they are and why cross border payments lead
    24:34 | Use case dollar access in high inflation economies
    25:10 | One to one backing consumer protections and what is still missing
    26:00 | Market structure who oversees what SEC and CFTC delineation
    27:54 | Women in finance and crypto mentorship programs and progress
    31:03 | The fourth industrial revolution AI blockchain robotics and finance
    33:22 | The future 24 by 7 global markets programmable money and wallets
    34:24 | How to get Renee’s white papers and continue the conversation

    Connect With Renee:

    LinkedIn: Renee Berman

    Connect With Us:

    Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

    Social:

    LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook: Executive Connect
    Más Menos
    35 m
  • How to Turn Connections into Opportunities with George Dubec

    How to Turn Connections into Opportunities with George Dubec
    Sep 29 2025
    Guest:

    George Dubec

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug


    Episode Overview:

    Networking is not about luck, it is about building a system. In this episode of Executive Connect, master connector George Dubec shares his step-by-step approach to turning relationships into real opportunities. From his early career at General Motors to building one of Florida’s largest networking groups, George has proven that consistent, persistent, and relentless follow-up beats small talk every time.

    You will learn:
    - How to build and segment a database of valuable contacts.
    - Use events and promoters to create warm introductions.
    - Balance online networking with in-person strategy.

    George also reveals why fortunes are in the follow-up, how to find someone’s preferred communication channel, and why referrals multiply your influence faster than anything else. Whether you want more clients, funding, or influence, this conversation gives you the playbook.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 | Be consistent persistent and relentless
    00:26 | Why networking beats solo grind and self help mantras
    01:22 | From GM engineer to community builder and teacher of networking
    02:04 | It is who you know and who knows you
    03:34 | Step one build a database and capture contact info early
    04:49 | Segmenting contacts investors founders service pros podcasters
    05:55 | The ask muscle and The Aladdin Factor
    06:37 | Daily list building email opt ins and the spam bot tactic
    06:54 | The conversation piece box and how to start talks at events
    07:54 | The clipboard move visible notes and promised follow up
    08:06 | Take a selfie send it that night fortunes in the follow up
    08:41 | When people ghost you numbers game and staying persistent
    09:12 | Grant Cardone story persistence and timing
    11:25 | Choose the right rooms and contact the host for intros
    12:31 | Exit strategies do not eat or drink work the room in one hour
    13:42 | Follow up and follow through drip until timing is right
    14:51 | Match their channel text WhatsApp Messenger email
    16:41 | Timing story why a warm referral beats a cold approach
    17:59 | You can network your way into anything example list to friends
    19:27 | Lead with value how can I help you and who do you need to meet
    20:24 | Tools for non founders Constant Contact AWeber GetResponse Talk Fusion
    21:14 | Build reach with podcasting Podbean studios books manuals blogs Substack
    24:21 | Inside Ultimate Networking performance test and five easy steps
    25:47 | Improve your own score stay on your game
    27:28 | Teaching kids and family to network
    29:05 | Family networking monthly Zooms and a family site
    30:28 | Where to get the book and George’s free PDF offer

    Connect With Us:

    Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

    Social:

    LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook: Executive Connect
    Más Menos
    31 m
  • The #1 Reason Your Team Training Isn’t Working

    The #1 Reason Your Team Training Isn’t Working
    Sep 24 2025
    Guest:

    Dr. Christie McMullen

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:

    Most team trainings fail because they are not designed to stick. In this episode of Executive Connect, best-selling author and adult learning expert Dr. Christie McMullen explains why flooding people with information leads to wasted time and how leaders can instead make every message safe, logical, fun, and memorable.

    Christie introduces her AIM model (Analyze, Improve, Move) and the sprinkle splash flood drip follow up method that keeps information top of mind long after the meeting ends. You will learn how to boost retention, build psychological safety, and design interactions that people actually remember. If your team struggles to translate training into action, this conversation gives you the playbook.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 | Why great coaching often bounces off and nothing sticks
    01:01 | Meet Dr. Christie McMullen adult learning expert and podcaster
    01:29 | Why everyone at work is a teacher and few are taught how
    02:44 | Why most training fails people retain only 10 percent
    02:54 | Sprinkle splash flood drip drip drip explained
    04:08 | The three drip follow ups that cement accountability
    04:55 | The AIM model Analyze Improve Move
    05:29 | Define the target for every meeting who does what by when
    05:44 | Safe Logical Fun Memorable the delivery framework
    06:49 | How leaders create psychological safety by modeling vulnerability
    07:45 | Logical equals share the plan scripts one pagers and timeboxes
    09:20 | Why fun drives memory and prevents quiet quitting
    10:33 | Making learning memorable with spaced repetition
    13:41 | Clear is kind how vague leadership kills productivity
    16:21 | Fixing death by slides simplify to five points and visuals
    18:33 | Fun without forced happy hours value voice and talents
    21:25 | Paperclip teddy bear magnifying glass slinky the four team types
    24:25 | Productive Joy where fun meets action and flow
    28:09 | Why leading yourself first makes you a better educator
    31:40 | Final challenge make work fun or expect turnover
    32:10 | How to connect with Dr. Christie and Intentionality Group

    Guest Links:

    Book: Learning Can Stick → https://a.co/d/3kbGfuQ
    Course: Women Who Lead
    Website: www.aimwithus.com

    Guest Bio:

    Dr. Christie McMullen is a best selling author, podcaster, and educator turned entrepreneur who helps people create and harness productive joy. She builds opportunities for people to improve human interactions and knows how to cultivate fun in every environment.

    Connect With Us:

    Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

    Social:

    LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook: Executive Connect
    Más Menos
    35 m