What if the real mark of a great leader isn’t how much they know — but how willing they are to listen?

In this episode, I talk with Nelson Mattos, former Vice President at IBM and Google, whose career has spanned continents, industries, and leadership styles. From managing billion-dollar global teams to now running Karimu, a nonprofit that’s transforming rural communities in Tanzania, Nelson has seen leadership from every angle — and he believes its core has nothing to do with hierarchy.

We explore how humility and curiosity can redefine leadership in the modern world. Nelson shares how learning to admit what he didn’t know made him a more effective executive, why diverse teams make better decisions, and how vulnerability and trust can drive innovation more than any management strategy ever could. He also opens up about his transition from tech to humanitarian work — and how purpose, empathy, and patience became the cornerstones of his second career.

📩 Share your thoughts: Would you have invested in Pokémon Go when it didn’t meet the quota? Email me at thelivlabpodcast@gmail.com, and follow @thelivlabpodcast on Instagram for more stories on leadership, purpose, and growth.

Learn more about Nelson’s work with Karimu Foundation at karimufoundation.org.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and The Love Lab Podcast

01:33 Nelson Matos' Early Influences and Mentors

03:00 The Importance of Seeking Advice and Mentorship

03:59 Recognizing and Nurturing Talent

07:22 Pursuing a Career in Computer Science

09:37 Managing Burnout and Work-Life Balance

14:08 Building and Leading Effective Teams

23:11 Making Difficult Decisions as a Leader

27:12 Learning from Mistakes and Embracing Innovation

29:42 Listener Engagement and Social Media

30:03 The Essence of Leadership Without a Title

31:36 Navigating Hierarchical and Non-Hierarchical Environments

34:33 Adapting Leadership Styles to Situations and Cultures

41:26 Transition to Volunteering and Its Impact

47:20 Challenges and Adaptations in Tanzania

55:31 Final Reflections on Leadership and Personal Growth

What if success isn’t about climbing the ladder faster, but about how you climb it?

In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Abou-Alwan, a lawyer, mentor, and author of How to Navigate Your Career Like a Legend. With over 25 years in global law and energy, Natalie shares what true “legend status” really means—why respect, integrity, and human connection matter far more than titles or promotions.

We talk about how to balance ambition with authenticity, build a meaningful network, and lead without ego. Natalie opens up about her own nonlinear career path, the moments that taught her resilience, and the importance of recognizing burnout before it takes over. She also shares powerful lessons from her favorite icons, like Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald, about mentorship, confidence, and helping others rise with you.

For me, this conversation was a reminder that being a legend isn’t about chasing validation—it’s about how you show up, treat others, and stay grounded in your values.

As you listen, I’d love for you to think about this: when people talk about you—in your work, school, or community—what do you hope they say? Is it about what you achieved, or how you made them feel? What do you think it means to live your career like a legend?

Email me your reflections at thelivlabpodcast@gmail.com

Learn more about the podcast at thelivlabpodcast.com

Purchase Natalie's book here

During our conversation, Natalie shared two books that have shaped her outlook on careers and growth: The 100-Year Life by Lynda Gratton and The Portfolio Life by Christina Wallace

Both explore how modern careers are no longer linear—and how embracing flexibility, purpose, and reinvention can help us live and work like legends.

What if getting fired—or dropping out—wasn’t a setback, but the start of something bigger?

In this episode, we dive into the story of Jeff Burgess, who went from a college dropout with no direction to the founder of a multimillion-dollar tech company. His journey isn’t about luck—it’s about grit, self-belief, and learning how to sell yourself long before selling any product.

From his father’s tough-love wake-up call to building a $100M business without a degree, Jeff shares the lessons that schools don’t teach: how to bet on yourself, lead with confidence, and turn every “no” into a new opportunity. Whether you’re chasing your first internship or redefining your path, this episode will remind you that your biggest asset isn’t your résumé—it’s your mindset.

For more of Jeff Burgess, check out his latest book, It Worked For Me: My Life Seizing Opportunity and Building Success, and view his work at https://jeffburgessauthor.com/.

00:00 Welcome to the Live Lab

00:38 Introducing Jeff Burgess

01:52 The Universal Salesman

02:50 Jeff's Early Career Struggles

08:47 Finding Success at Tech Aids

18:11 Starting His Own Company

31:13 The Importance of Mentorship

32:53 Get Connected!