Surfacing Leaders

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Sheri Jacobs, founder and CEO of Avenue Group, bestselling author, and the creator of the Innovation Capacity Score. Sheri shares a fascinating journey that spans entrepreneurship, association leadership, and photojournalism, including what it was like capturing Michael Jordan on the court and later trading sports arenas for wildlife expeditions in places like Antarctica and Botswana.

Together, Marc and Sheri unpack what it really takes to drive innovation in today’s fast-moving world. Sheri challenges the popular advice to “think outside the box,” arguing that the most powerful creativity often comes from doing the opposite: defining clear boundaries. They explore how constraints create freedom, why risk capacity matters more than risk tolerance, and how leaders can empower the voices closest to the customer so the right problems get solved first. Sheri also shares memorable stories from the field, including the mindset behind taking 10,000 photos to capture one extraordinary shot, and how that perseverance translates directly to leadership, learning, and “taking more shots” in business.

The conversation closes with practical guidance for leaders who want to build real momentum in their organizations, even when resources are tight and technology is accelerating. Sheri’s message is clear: innovation is not reserved for “big idea” personalities. It’s a habit that can be built when leaders create clarity, permission, and a safe space to experiment.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for aspiring leaders:

• Define the boundaries so your team knows where they can play and experiment.
• Audit your risk capacity so you can take smart steps forward without guessing.
• Make risk-taking a habit by taking more shots and learning quickly through the process.

Connect with Sheri Jacobs:
Website: https://sherijacobs.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherijacobs/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagogirl527/

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Ivy Gustafson, former top agent at the Washington Speakers Bureau and Gotham Artists, now a seasoned advisor and speaker coach.

Together, they explore what it truly means to communicate with impact in today’s rapidly evolving leadership landscape. Ivy shares insights drawn from more than two decades in the speaking industry, working alongside world leaders, elite performers, and influential thought leaders. She explains why modern leadership is less about commanding authority and more about connecting individually while moving people collectively toward a shared mission.

Throughout the conversation, Ivy highlights the importance of listening, authenticity, and clarity of purpose. She discusses common mistakes leaders and aspiring speakers make, the power of asking better questions, and how leaders can establish a “category of one” by understanding what truly sets them apart. The episode also examines the thoughtful use of AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, human judgment, creativity, and influence.

Listeners will gain practical takeaways on building trust, communicating across generations, and creating meaningful experiences rather than simply delivering information. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, speakers, and anyone looking to elevate their ability to influence and inspire.

Connect with Ivy Gustafson:
Website
LinkedIn

In this unprecedented episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler kicks off 2026 by sitting down with Lead With Purpose’s own Head of Technology Derek Barber for a powerful conversation on purpose, trust, and what it truly means to lead.

Derek shares his journey from software developer to purpose-driven leader, and how his passion for meaningful work shaped both his career and the culture of the company he helped build. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Derek reflects on walking more than 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago with his 18-year-old son—a journey that tested him physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Together, Marc and Derek explore what happens when leaders step away and allow others to rise. They discuss how trust, preparation, and values-based leadership create resilient teams that thrive even in uncertainty. Derek also opens up about facing cancer, the clarity it brought to his sense of purpose, and why seizing the moment matters more than ever.

Listeners will walk away with meaningful insights on leadership, legacy, and creating environments where people are empowered to grow—at work and in life.

In this year-end episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler reflects on the defining leadership lessons of 2025 and offers a forward-looking perspective on what leaders can expect in 2026. Drawing from 26 diverse conversations—from fire chiefs and construction leaders to Navy admirals and Gen Z innovators—Marc highlights the themes that surfaced again and again across industries, generations, and communities.

He underscores the growing need for clarity over control in a rapidly changing environment and explains why trust has emerged as a true competitive advantage, not a luxury. Marc also explores the expanding role of AI as an accelerant for leaders, helping shift time and focus toward strategic thinking and human connection. Lists of insights from Gen Y and Gen Z leadership mirror his own experience in the submarine force, where responsibility and adaptability are non-negotiable.

Listeners will gain practical takeaways from Marc’s review, including the top five most impactful episodes of the year, the daily leadership rhythms that fueled success in disruptive times, and the skills leaders must develop to thrive in the year ahead:

— Build consistent rhythms that anchor performance amid change.
— Prioritize clarity and trust across teams and organizations.
— Leverage AI to elevate—not replace—the human side of leadership.

Join us for this special episode as Marc unpacks the year’s key insights and reveals the trends, tools, and capabilities leaders will need to navigate 2026 with confidence and purpose.

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Dr. Heather Collins, a cognitive neuroscientist who has spent her career bringing cutting-edge brain science out of the lab and into real-world leadership. With more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and work ranging from Alzheimer’s to NASA astronaut cognition, Heather offers a rare blend of scientific rigor and practical insight.

Together, they explore what leaders need to know about the brain, how it really works, why most of us operate far below our potential, and what simple, research-backed strategies can transform focus, memory, innovation, and decision-making. Heather explains why capacity is the hidden performance advantage, how fear and cognitive overload disrupt leadership, and why curiosity is one of the most powerful habits a leader can build.

Listeners will appreciate Heather’s engaging stories and clear explanations, from memory “chunking” to the neuroscience of belonging and culture. She also shares practical tools leaders can use immediately, such as reducing decision fatigue, strengthening daily cognitive fitness, and fostering more meaningful connection in hybrid and remote teams.

The episode closes with Heather’s most important advice for aspiring leaders:
– Build confidence by revisiting your wins
– Strengthen your brain with daily cognitive habits
– Stay curious, because curiosity drives growth and innovation

Join us in this episode to understand how the brain shapes leadership and how any leader can harness neuroscience to think more clearly, decide more effectively, and unlock greater capacity in themselves and their teams.

Connect with Dr. Heather Collins:
Website
LinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Kasim Aslam, an entrepreneur who has built six, seven, and eight-figure businesses, including two successful exits. Kasim is the co-founder of Driven Mastermind, creator of DigitalMarketer’s Paid Traffic Certification, former CEO of Solutions 8—one of the world’s top Google Ads agencies—and now co-founder of Pareto Talent, a company helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time by matching them with world-class executive assistants.

Kasim shares his 3X Freedom framework and explains why financial freedom alone rarely delivers fulfillment. He breaks down the deeper layers of purpose and personal evolution that leaders must confront as they scale themselves and their organizations. Drawing on his experiences building the world’s top Google Ads agency, exiting successfully, and rebuilding his identity afterward, he offers a refreshingly honest look at what entrepreneurship truly demands.

Listeners will gain insight into the importance of the “who” over the “how,” why excellence—not scale—is the new differentiator in an AI-driven world, and how embracing discomfort, grit, and responsibility shapes authentic leadership. Kasim also discusses the power of international talent, the pitfalls of success, and the mindset shifts required to make fast, confident decisions amid uncertainty.

The episode concludes with practical advice for aspiring leaders:
– Focus on excellence when others settle for average.
– Commit to continuous reinvention.
– Protect your most valuable assets: time, attention, and creativity.

Join us in this episode to uncover the principles that help surface the leader within and learn how to apply these ideas to build a life and business defined by freedom rather than constraint.

Connect with Kasim:
Website
Pareto Talent
Book (get it for free!)
3X Freedom Community
YouTube
LinkedIn 

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Mike Sarraille, retired U.S. Navy SEAL, three-time best-selling author, and one of the world’s top keynote speakers on leadership and performance.

Drawing on two decades of experience leading elite teams in combat and in business, Mike shares powerful lessons on how readiness, resilience, and trust are built, both on the battlefield and in the boardroom. He and Marc explore what it takes to create high-performing teams, why shared adversity fosters emotional intimacy, and how true leadership starts with humility and a relentless commitment to training.

Mike also discusses his transition from military service to entrepreneurship, the principles behind his book The Talent War, and how organizations can develop their own “internal universities” to build cultures of continuous improvement. He offers practical insights for leaders seeking to prepare their teams for uncertainty while staying grounded in purpose and integrity.

Listeners will walk away with actionable takeaways:

• Build individual readiness through relentless preparation and mindset.
• Foster collective trust through shared experiences and authentic connection.
• Never stop training: readiness is a lifelong pursuit.

Join us for this powerful conversation on leadership, growth, and the human spirit that drives elite performance.

Connect with Mike Sarraille:

LinkedIn
Website
Overwatch

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders’ podcast, host Marc Koehler has a captivating conversation with Felipe Gomez, an accomplished pianist, global keynote speaker, and leadership expert.

Felipe shares how his lifelong passion for music has shaped his understanding of leadership, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. Drawing from his signature keynote, Virtuoso, he explores how leaders can achieve “standing ovations” in their own fields by developing virtues such as humility, empathy, courage, and love.

Using the universal language of music, Felipe illustrates how melody, harmony, and rhythm mirror the essential elements of effective leadership: alignment, collaboration, and balance. He also reveals the profound connection between great leadership and great listening, offering practical ways to “tune” your team for peak performance.

Listeners will discover how to lead with heart, find the golden mean between discipline and flexibility, and inspire others through authenticity and love.

Learn more about Felipe Gomez:
Website
LinkedIn