Surfacing Leaders

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with journalist and author Rachel Hartigan to explore the remarkable life and enduring mystery of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. A former writer and editor for National Geographic and The Washington Post, Rachel brings years of research and storytelling expertise to the conversation as she discusses her new book, Lost: Amelia Earhart’s Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life. Together, Marc and Rachel unpack what Earhart’s life reveals about leadership, courage, and the pursuit of purpose in uncertain environments.

Rachel shares her journey from Nevada to a career in journalism and eventually to writing a book that examines Earhart’s life through four interconnected narratives: her biography and the three leading theories surrounding her disappearance. Along the way, the conversation dives into the challenges of historical investigation, the role of evidence versus assumption, and why certainty can sometimes be the enemy of truth. Rachel also recounts her own experiences traveling on expeditions to remote Pacific islands in search of clues about Earhart’s fate.

Beyond the mystery, the episode highlights the leadership qualities that made Earhart a global icon. From her determination to carve out a path for women in aviation to her ability to lead by example rather than rhetoric, Earhart’s story offers lessons for leaders navigating today’s complex and disruptive environments. Marc and Rachel also explore the power of storytelling in leadership, why data alone rarely moves people, and how great leaders use narrative to connect, inspire, and create meaning.

Listeners will walk away with powerful insights on leadership and personal growth, including:

• Why leaders must often act without having all the answers.
• The importance of resilience when navigating uncertainty.
• How authentic storytelling can inspire action and build connection.

Join us for a fascinating conversation that blends history, mystery, and leadership lessons drawn from one of the most intriguing figures of the twentieth century.

Connect with Rachel Hartigan:
Website: https://rachelhartiganauthor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheljhartigan/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rachelhartiganauthor.com

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with John (JD) Dwyer, a marketing enigma and customer attraction expert known for creating “wow factor” strategies that drive extraordinary results. John shares how incentive based marketing taps into timeless human behavior and why the fundamentals of leadership, decision making, and customer attraction have remained consistent, even as technology has transformed the tools we use. Together, they explore what it really takes to stand out in a crowded “me too” marketplace without competing on price, and why the right message paired with the right offer can change the trajectory of a business.

John brings the conversation to life through compelling stories from his career, including the campaign that convinced Jerry Seinfeld to front a landmark promotion that reshaped an entire financial institution’s growth strategy. Through practical examples and candid insights, he explains how perceived value can outperform discounting, how leaders can “stop the scroll” in a noisy world, and why many business owners struggle with marketing not because they lack intelligence, but because they were never taught how to attract customers. The discussion also touches on the growing role of AI and automation, highlighting how technology accelerates execution while human psychology remains the driving force behind meaningful engagement.

The episode concludes with John’s leadership advice for listeners: surround yourself with people who say “why not,” not people who say “why.”

Connect with John Dwyer:

• Website: https://theinstituteofwow.com
• Email: john@theinstituteofwow.com
• Vacations Incentive: https://vacationsincentive.com

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Scott D. Anthony, a globally recognized expert on innovation, strategy, and navigating disruption. Together, they explore what it truly takes to lead when the future is uncertain and familiar playbooks no longer apply.

Scott shares insights from his extensive work advising organizations through periods of transformation, emphasizing that innovation is not about chasing shiny objects but about making disciplined choices under pressure. He unpacks how leaders can balance experimentation with execution, and why clarity, courage, and focus matter more than perfection when navigating change. Drawing on real-world examples, Scott highlights how leaders can create space for learning while still holding teams accountable for results.

Throughout the conversation, Marc and Scott return to the human side of leadership. They discuss the importance of mindset, decision-making at speed, and building organizational resilience in environments where certainty is rare. Scott also challenges leaders to rethink how they approach risk, reminding listeners that avoiding action can be just as dangerous as making the wrong move.

The episode closes with practical takeaways for leaders at every level:

• Focus on progress, not perfection, when facing uncertainty.
• Build systems that encourage learning without sacrificing accountability.
• Lead with clarity and conviction when the path forward isn’t obvious.

This episode offers grounded, actionable insights for leaders navigating disruption and change, reminding us that innovation is ultimately a leadership discipline rooted in human judgment, not just strategy decks or frameworks.

Connect with Scott D. Anthony:

• Innosight Bio: https://www.innosight.com/people/scott-d-anthony/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdanthony/

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