In this episode of The Best Boss Whisperer, Danny Ceballos sits down with Gabriel Najera, multicultural strategist, systems thinker, and founder of the Najera Consulting Group. Gabriel has spent decades helping organizations—from Fortune 100 companies to mission-driven nonprofits—solve complex problems through the lens of systems thinking.

Together, they unpack what it really means to “think in systems,” why every organization gets the exact results it’s designed for, and how leaders can break out of the cycle of quick fixes and blame. With stories ranging from potato fields to corporate boardrooms, Gabriel reveals how curiosity, reflection, and a little humility can transform leadership at every level.

Key Takeaways:

• A system is perfectly designed to produce the results you’re getting—change the system, change the results.
• Systems thinking helps uncover unintended consequences before they happen.
• The most effective interventions are often the least obvious ones—look for leverage, not just activity.
• A culture of blame creates fear, cover-ups, and silos; a culture of curiosity creates learning and innovation.
• Reflection isn’t a luxury—it’s the discipline that allows leaders to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting.

Resources & Mentions:

Guest: Gabriel Najera – Najera Consulting Group

Connect on LinkedIn: Gabriel Najera

Recommended Books:

• Thinking in Systems: A Primer by Donella Meadows
• The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge

Free Resource: TheSystemsThinker.com – Download classic system archetypes

Host: Danny Ceballos – Unleashed Consulting
https://unleashedconsult.com/

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

The Best Boss Whisperer is a leadership podcast for individuals who want to lead effectively without burning out or becoming the bottleneck that stifles their team’s decisions, momentum, and productivity.

© 2026 Danny Ceballos / Unleashed Consulting

In this episode of The Best Boss Whisperer, Danny Ceballos talks with Laura Gassner Otting — executive coach, author, and provocateur behind "Limitless" and "Wonderhell." Together, they explore what it means to thrive at the edge of your potential, navigate burnout, and find alignment between who you are and the work you do.

Laura shares insights from interviewing over 100 high achievers about what she calls Wonderhell — that uncomfortable but exhilarating space between who you are and who you realize you could become. She and Danny unpack leadership authenticity, ambition, and the myth of “balance,” offering practical ways to redefine success and rediscover your energy when the pressure mounts.

Key Takeaways:

• Wonderhell is the space where potential meets discomfort — learning to thrive there is key to growth.
• Success doesn’t equal happiness; fulfillment comes from consonance — when what you do aligns with who you are.
• Instead of fighting imposter syndrome, reframe it as an invitation to learn rather than a limitation.
• Authenticity at work isn’t about bringing your “whole” self — it’s about knowing which parts of yourself serve your purpose best.
• Burnout often comes from doing too much that doesn’t matter; focus on the work only you can do and protect your best time fiercely.

Resources & Mentions:

Laura Gassner Otting’s website: LauraGassnerOtting.com

Follow Laura on social media: @HeyLGO

Books by Laura Gassner Otting:

• Wonderhell
• Limitless
• Mission Driven

Host: Danny Ceballos – Unleashed Consulting
https://unleashedconsult.com/

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

The Best Boss Whisperer is a leadership podcast for individuals who want to lead effectively without burning out or becoming the bottleneck that stifles their team’s decisions, momentum, and productivity.

© 2026 Danny Ceballos / Unleashed Consulting