Tough calls and four-year-old terrorists: Alexis Hochleutner [85]

99 Humans

linkedin.com/in/alexishochleutner/

35:00

The healing power of fitness goes far beyond physical benefits—for today’s guest, it’s a form of self-expression and a celebration of what the body can do. In this episode, host Nora McInerny sits down with fitness personality Ivylis Rivera, who shares her deeply personal journey of navigating life with Chronic Migraine while holding onto her passion for movement. Ivylis opens up about the struggle of staying active while facing the fear of triggering a headache or migraine attack and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward—a resilience that carried her through the challenging journey of finding a Chronic Migraine treatment plan that worked for her. Join Nora and Ivylis as they explore the concept of “soft living,” a philosophy Ivylis embraces—staying active, listening to your body, and building trust in oneself. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://abbv.ie/prescribing_info See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

about a year ago 42:04

MP3•Episode home

Who are the toughest negotiators in your world?

From navigating high-stakes decisions at Google and Facebook to advocating for her neuroatypical child, Alexis Hochleutner shares candid lessons on trust, resilience, and why four-year-olds might just be the toughest negotiators of all.

Tune in for a refreshingly real take on leadership, advocacy, and embracing the chaos. Alexis Hochleutner dives into the messy, human side of leadership—both in the boardroom and at home.

99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story:
www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans

91 episodes

#MBA #Careers #Business #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #By Jeff Lakusta & Nadia Carta #By Jeff Lakusta #Nadia Carta #Leadership #Humanizing Leadership #Manager Self Improvement #Inspiring #Business Leadership #Executive Coaching #Leader Interviews #Jeff And Nadia

Tough calls and four-year-old terrorists: Alexis Hochleutner [85]

99 Humans

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Who are the toughest negotiators in your world?

Tune in for a refreshingly real take on leadership, advocacy, and embracing the chaos. Alexis Hochleutner dives into the messy, human side of leadership—both in the boardroom and at home.

linkedin.com/in/alexishochleutner/

91 episodes

All episodes

1
Ask for what you need: Alessia Todde [91] 45:04

22 days ago45:04

45:04

How do you lead with humanity in the face of uncertainty? You ask for what you need. From door-to-door sales in Texas to leading national teams in the luxury skincare space, Alessia Todde’s leadership journey is one of grit, transformation, and heart. But behind her impressive résumé lies a deeper story—one of learning from management mistakes (like all of us!), navigating the chaos of working motherhood, and most recently, facing a breast cancer diagnosis with courage and clarity. In this episode, Alessia opens up about the evolution of her leadership style—from micromanaging to compassionate guidance—and shares how the concept of “situational leadership” helps her meet each team member exactly where they are. She reflects on how illness reframed her priorities, what it means to truly advocate for yourself, and why asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Tune in to hear Alessia’s candid insights on self-compassion, work-life balance, and what it really takes to lead with humanity in the face of uncertainty. linkedin.com/in/alessia-todde-a7305718 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
No losses, only lessons: Juan Vallejo [90] 52:17

6 weeks ago52:17

52:17

From playing collegiate soccer on a scholarship to leading global teams at Google, Juan Vallejo’s journey is defined by grit, heart, and an unshakeable commitment to his values. But behind the polished résumé lies a story of resilience—from rebuilding his life after losing a job and visa sponsorship, to facing major knee surgery and recovery with optimism and discipline. In this episode, Juan shares how his guiding values—passion, growth, and legacy—shape not just his leadership style but his entire life. He opens up about navigating setbacks, the importance of taking action to honor your purpose, and why cleansing the relationships around you can be just as vital as any business strategy. Tune in to hear how Juan lives the philosophy of “no losses, only lessons,” the surprising decision that brought him to Google over glitzier roles, and why he’s more focused on becoming a better father, teammate, and leader than chasing titles. linkedin.com/in/juan-c-vallejo-27a6b8137/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
Finding strength in the face of crisis: Raman Khanna [89] 45:23

8 weeks ago45:23

45:23

Life can change in an instant. One moment you're planning a future, and the next, you're navigating a whirlwind of life-altering events. Raman Khanna, VP at IPG media brands, shares his powerful and deeply personal story of facing a cancer diagnosis while his wife was pregnant with their second child and his mother was passing away. From the shock of a life-threatening illness to the joy of new life and the pain of loss, Raman reveals how these experiences reshaped his perspective on leadership, career, and what truly matters. Tune in to hear how Raman found strength in the face of adversity, the importance of a supportive work culture, and why prioritizing family and community is essential for leading a more meaningful life. linkedin.com/in/raman-khanna-a4539214 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
Break free from your addiction to work: Nicky Brown [88] 31:16

11 weeks ago31:16

31:16

People talk about work addiction like it's a badge of honor. Like grinding yourself into the ground somehow makes you worthy of success. Leadership coach Nicky Brown shares her powerful journey from corporate success to self-discovery, revealing how she broke free from work addiction and redefined achievement on her own terms. From her early influences in human-centric leadership to the pivotal moment she realized her worth wasn’t tied to accolades, Nicky offers deep insights on balancing ambition with well-being. Tune in to learn how to lead with purpose, break unhealthy patterns, and create lasting impact—without burning out. linkedin.com/in/nickybrown-coachtogrowth/ coachtogrowth.com/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
From fax machines to AI: Nancy Hall [87] 48:02

12 weeks ago48:02

48:02

Can you remember a moment in your career that changed everything? Nancy Hall, CEO of Mindshare North America, shares her remarkable journey—from faxing her first job application to becoming one of the most respected leaders in digital marketing and advertising. She opens up about the challenges of being a female leader in a male-dominated industry, the power of lifelong learning, and the importance of fostering diverse teams that encourage debate and creativity. Nancy also reflects on the lessons learned from her early entrepreneurial venture in fashion-tech, the struggles of balancing career and motherhood, and how she leads through times of uncertainty—like during an acquisition. With her signature candor and insight, she reminds us why leadership is about listening, adaptability, and resilience. linkedin.com/in/nancy-hall-ba71251/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
Taking the leap: Nandeeta Seth [86] 48:56

13 weeks ago48:56

48:56

When you want something, sometimes it requires taking a leap. What are you leaping to next? From small-town India to the executive boardroom, Nandeeta Seth shares her journey of resilience, risk-taking, and redefining success. She opens up about moving to the U.S. with nothing but ambition (and a mountain of student debt), the challenges of leadership in a fast-changing world, and how being a mom actually makes her a better executive. Tune in for candid insights on career growth, emotional regulation, and setting boundaries—both in business and in life. linkedin.com/in/nandeetaseth/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
Tough calls and four-year-old terrorists: Alexis Hochleutner [85] 42:04

16 weeks ago42:04

42:04

Who are the toughest negotiators in your world? From navigating high-stakes decisions at Google and Facebook to advocating for her neuroatypical child, Alexis Hochleutner shares candid lessons on trust, resilience, and why four-year-olds might just be the toughest negotiators of all. Tune in for a refreshingly real take on leadership, advocacy, and embracing the chaos. Alexis Hochleutner dives into the messy, human side of leadership—both in the boardroom and at home. linkedin.com/in/alexishochleutner/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
A partnership built on trust: Sandra and Ryan [84] 55:18

17 weeks ago55:18

55:18

Who's your closest partner? What makes that partnership work? Dive into the dynamic partnership between Sandra Muoio and Ryan Blum, two advertising leaders whose decade-long collaboration has weathered high-stakes challenges, heated debates, and plenty of laughter. From a fateful conversation on a stuck Chicago L train to transforming major client strategies, their story is a masterclass in trust, empathy, and authentic leadership. Hear how they navigate disagreements, build creative solutions, and inspire their teams—all while staying true to themselves and each other. This is a conversation about the human side of leadership, where mutual respect and a no-BS approach make all the difference. Sandra: linkedin.com/in/sandra-muoio Ryan: linkedin.com/in/nothingsaid/ ryanblum.com 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
Own It. Reinventing Your Narrative: Kay Munday [83] 42:01

19 weeks ago42:01

42:01

You’re the CEO of your own narrative. So, what’s your next chapter? Kay Munday, a communications coach, NLP practitioner, and creative business leader at Google shares her journey from being a self-proclaimed “terrible communicator” to becoming a sought-after expert in helping people and brands own their narratives. Through her personal story of transformation, she reveals how overcoming her fear of communication taught her the importance of aligning your internal story before mastering external expression. Kay’s relatable anecdotes and actionable insights make this episode a masterclass in reinvention, vulnerability, and the art of storytelling. linkedin.com/in/kay-munday-14a8b039 kaymunday.com 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
Building business around life: Max Traylor [82] 33:10

23 weeks ago33:10

33:10

How do you do it all and ENJOY THE RIDE?! Max Traylor, a fourth-generation entrepreneur and independent consultant, shares his journey of redefining success. From the pressures of running a marketing agency to discovering a business model that puts personal life first, Max reflects on the lessons he’s learned about work-life balance, mental health, and building a fulfilling life. Max offers practical insights for consultants and entrepreneurs on simplifying work, focusing on impact, and, above all, enjoying the ride. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about prioritizing what truly matters. linkedin.com/in/maxtraylor/ maxtraylor.com/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
The team will tell me: Alexia Palau [81] 37:03

24 weeks ago37:03

37:03

Trust and collaboration. Every team needs it, but how do you create it? Alexia Palau started a new role on March 20, 2020 just as things began unravelling for COVID. Alexia shares how the next few years challenged her with building trust and collaboration in her multi-national team. Applying lessons learned from startups and past roles, Alexia shares how she nurtures relationships that avoid the echo chamber and keep her grounded with what the team needs to succeed. For Alexia, success is a constant process of iteration, requiring a team of people who will tell you what they think and what they need. linkedin.com/in/alexia-pr/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
Letting go to speed up: Dustin Riechmann [80] 45:38

29 weeks ago45:38

45:38

How often do you say no? It may be getting in your way. Dustin Riechmann is a serial entrepreneur, and since he's always juggling multiple businesses, he's had to learn the importance of letting things go. A 6-month deadline to make a profitable side business became the opportunity to give notice and pursue his passions. Dustin shares tricks of the trade from successes and failures of starting companies, now coaching other founders on making the 7-figure leap. linkedin.com/in/dustinriechmann/ 7figureleap.com 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
Companies as fulfillment not family: Mailine Swildens [79] 47:06

30 weeks ago47:06

47:06

Companies are not families, but the people we work with can be lifelong friends. Mailine Swildens helps the largest companies in the world reimagine their digital marketing. Mailine shares how she learned that companies are not families without becoming disillusioned or pessimistic by their profit-driven nature. Mailine thinks that when leadership comes from a good place, it changes the world. Hear how she keeps a realistic perspective on corporations while still creating a fulfilling experience for herself and her teams. linkedin.com/in/545swi 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
Growing through challenge: Annica Lin [78] 34:00

32 weeks ago34:00

34:00

The best way to grow is to get uncomfortable. From Taiwan to tech, Annica Lin's journey is a testament to the power of a growth mindset. In this inspiring episode, Annica reveals her secrets for overcoming challenges, building resilience, and achieving her goals. As the head of growth for Nagish, Annica interweaves her passion for challenge with her leadership in and out of the workplace. Annica shares how she's transformed her life through running marathons, speaking on the TEDx stage, and leading multiple technology companies. Listen and discover what it takes to embrace discomfort and unlock your full potential. linkedin.com/in/annicalin linktr.ee/annicalin 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

1
Make time for what you love: Giorgio Suighi [77] 34:08

33 weeks ago34:08

34:08

Discover how to balance a demanding career with personal passions. Giorgio Suighi, a successful entrepreneur and corporate leader at Mindshare, shares his strategies for making time for what you love. From leveraging AI to cultivating personal discipline, Giorgio's insights offer practical tips for achieving a fulfilling work-life balance. Tune in to learn how to design your life around your unique interests and find the energy for both your career and personal pursuits. linkedin.com/in/giorgiosuighi 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Surround yourself with people you love: Julie Saxon [61] 33:39

1 year ago33:39

33:39

After learning that she hated law, Julie Saxon started her illustrious career as a temp Secretary at an Ad Agency. Since then, she's been the CRO at The Weather Company, VP at Verizon, and most recently followed her own advice to be Head of Consumer Sales at X where she is working with a mentor and people she loves. What you see is what you get, a mantra for authenticity tested by Julie's husband's cancer diagnosis. Juggling kids, a high visibility job, and her own journey Julie shares the choices she made in what authentic leadership can look like and how those choices impacted everyone around her. While Julie's story navigating this challenging time role models how to be transparent while setting healthy boundaries, there is so much more to learn from this incredible leader. The common thread? Magic happens when you're intentional about who you're around at work and in your personal life. https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesaxon 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Public school leadership through covid: Harold S. Henry, Jr. [60] 45:43

1 year ago45:43

45:43

Covid + School Districts = Complexity. How does human leadership help? Harold S. Henry, Jr. is the Chief of Schools at Baltimore Curriculum Project and spent six years as a principal in Baltimore City Public Schools. He's experienced the brunt of misperceptions about what leadership in school districts, and shares a powerful story of leadership through Covid to exemplify how empathy and human leadership made all the difference. Teachers, principals, and administrators in public school face a unique challenge re-humanizing leadership, but it resonates across all industries. In this episode, Harold shares how purpose was a secret sauce for rising above challenging circumstances. linkedin.com/in/hshenryjr/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Future vision for today's success: Paola Marazzini [59] 36:54

1 year ago36:54

36:54

What do you really want? You won't get it if you don't spend time prioritizing your authentic goals. Paola thrives in difficult environments -- from influencing the Italian economy as one of few women in the space, to executive leadership in Big Tech. How? Resilience - having and focusing on the bigger picture, the bigger goal. Paola shares how human leadership principles/platitudes like "knowing yourself," actually helped her succeed in challenging times and thrive over the longterm. A masterclass in human leadership, Paola is fascinating to listen to and empowering to learn from. linkedin.com/in/paolamarazzini/ paolamarazzini.com/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Leadership without profit (or funds!): Neel Ghose [58] 30:23

1 year ago30:23

30:23

You've heard of a non-profit, but what about a Zero Funds organization? Enter Neel Ghose, the kind of "human leader" who takes the challenge of leading in the philanthropic world to a new level. Neel created Robin Hood Army, a Zero Funds organization connecting what would be "food waste" to those in need, a fully volunteer led effort that has grown to 237,197 "Robins" (volunteers), 403 cities, and 133,963,731 meals. Hear Neel describe how a purpose-driven organization (with all this success, Robin Hood Army sees their job still only 1% done) sparks his personal passion and allows him to lead an organization that is loose and completely lacking in many traditional motivational techniques (read: money). robinhoodarmy.com/ linkedin.com/in/neelghose/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
The language of leadership: Milena Koralczyk [57] 28:28

1 year ago28:28

28:28

What is leadership without language? What about leadership in language? Milena Koralczyk is founder and CEO of the language school, "L'Ecole Parisienne de Langues," a premiere language school based in Paris teaching French to executives and ex-patriots seeking to find their place in French culture. Milena shares why language is important but also what made it important to her. From AI's impact on language, to language's impact on leaders, Milena brings a fresh perspective to human leadership in her company and the people she teaches. 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
The Reinvention Formula: Craig Siegel [56] 41:19

1 year ago41:19

41:19

What would it take to reinvent yourself? What things would you need to lose in order to gain? Craig Siegel spent thirteen years as a gladiator in the wrong arena, pouring his energy and time into Wall Street before finally cutting the cord and becoming an entrepreneur. It was then that his passion for reinvention caught fire , he founded Cultivate Lasting Symphony (CLS) and inspired millions through his bestselling book, podcast, and speaking engagements. Hear Craig's tips for how to reinvent your career and your life. Find what lights up *your* soul. Set goals, because those goals give you purpose and enthusiasm. Carve out time each day to work towards that dream life. linkedin.com/in/craig-landon-siegel/ cultivatelastingsymphony.com/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Networking is worth the work: Kurt Schmidt [55] 39:23

1 year ago39:23

39:23

Do you cringe thinking about name tags and awkward conversations at “networking” events? Kurt Schmidt, Author and President of The Foundry, one of Inc Magazine’s fastest growing companies, shares how walking in ill prepared for one of his employee’s performance reviews sent him on a journey to sharpen his leadership toolset. Hear how he practices confidence in the face of natural uncertainty, by building an intentional network around him. Networking isn’t a personality trait, it’s work that pays back with personal growth and mutual value. That’s at least what Kurt says, and he literally wrote the book on it. https://www.linkedin.com/in/-kurtschmidt/ The Little Book of Networking: How to Grow Your Career One Conversation at a Time: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1634895835 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
GenZ Entrepreneur: Celine Chai [54] 32:10

1 year ago32:10

32:10

Ever heard that GenZ doesn't want to work? Celine Chai busts that myth, sharing the story behind her co-founding of NightyEight and becoming a GenZ entrepreneur. Hear how Celine struggled through challenge to now embrace the mantra, "You can't plan life." Celine exemplifies human leadership as she works hard to lead a successful business without losing her passion for dance and a rich balanced life. linkedin.com/in/celine-chai ninetyeightla.com 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Graceful career moves to be yourself: Diana Agu [53] 44:34

1 year ago44:34

44:34

"We hire women, don't we. We hired you!" How would you respond in the moment? Diana Agu is a strategist, business leader and entrepreneur who studied Law & Criminology in the United Kingdom but climbed the corporate ladder working in Project & Business management. From Morgan Stanley to Capgemini to CEO of her own startup, Diana has proven herself in high pressure corporate settings, but it's her nonprofit and "extracurricular" impact that she says defines her. Born and raised in Nigeria, Diana shares how embracing authenticity may not always be easy but it's critical to building the life she wants. This conversation illustrates how Diana's approach to human leadership creates opportunities for success, while also helping her handle challenges with grace and confidence. linkedin.com/in/dianaagu 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
We need to talk about mental health: Newton Cheng [52] 56:57

1 year ago56:57

56:57

"When I went on mental health leave..." Can you imagine saying that? Newton Cheng is the Director of Health and Performance at Google, and he said those words when he mustered the courage to prioritize himself. So long as mental health conversations are stigmatized, it's hard for leaders to do right for themselves, their family, and their teams. Newton is looking for new ways to approach the topic, better suited for the complexity of today’s world. Hear how Newton faced down the negative energy fueling his accomplishments inwork and in power lifting, to built a new source of motivation. Practical tips and intentional resilience building prove the power of human leadership. linkedin.com/in/newtoncheng 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Life happens: Ashley Patel [51] 49:37

1 year ago49:37

49:37

Back-to-back meetings, pregnant, and contractions in the office. Ashley Patel shares a harrowing story when the demands of entrepreneurship collided with the birth of her child, highlighting the importance of making intentional choices with your life and career. Co-Founder of CurbWaste, Ashley is building a company on the forefront of waste management software, while growing her life and family alongside. In a conversation sparked by Ashley's emotionally challenging story, we discuss gender norms, cultural norms, country laws, and more as we explore how messy the human leadership journey can be. linkedin.com/in/ashley-patel-61632865/ curbwaste.com 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Who knew starting a podcast would be so hard... and rewarding! Jeff & Nadia [50] 42:04

1 year ago42:04

42:04

Happy 50th episode! On this special edition, Nadia and Jeff reflect on their 99 Humans journey: what we've learned from the incredible guests and from the journey of creating the show. How does a coaching background help and hurt being a podcast host? How do you create a podcast with no prior experience? How do you get the podcast out into the world, and what does it feel like to have mixed success? We are so thankful for the incredible ride 99 Humans has been; the skills we've learned; the challenges we've overcome; and the incredible humans we've had the chance to connect with, learn from, and apply their skills to our daily leadership lives. Thank you for listening and for connecting! We love this adventure! 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
High stakes in healthcare: Pierre Monice [49] 41:07

1 year ago41:07

41:07

Leadership isn't life and death, right? Pierre Monice is President of MacNeal Hospital, and shares how important it is to listen to experts, in this case medical professionals working in the hospital, when making decisions. He sees his core role as a relationship builder, where everyone is a stakeholder. In the operations realm, Pierre has seen major capital improvement projects, managed costs and oversee HR operations with 99th percentile measurement in employee engagement. Before working in healthcare Pierre was a Pastor, and he shares how that experience shapes his leadership style while also honing the craft of human leadership and the difference it makes to his team's - and their patients' - success. linkedin.com/in/pierremonice/ linktr.ee/pierremonice 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Non-profit boards accelerate your career: Ann Piccirillo [48] 45:47

2 years ago45:47

45:47

Being on a non-profit board is often thought of as a late-stage move, once you've mastered your career, arranged your life, and can finally give back. But what if it could be used to accelerate your career and life? Ann Piccirillo is an accomplished and data-driven People Operations and Strategy Leader, acting as Senior VP of People Strategy & Operations at JDA. Sharing a personal story of hardship which interrupted a previously smooth ladder-climbing career, Ann flips the script on volunteering to stand out, learn skills, and accelerate her career. "It was the pain that drove me." Ann shares insights about overcoming challenges and using creative strategies to succeed in the job market and impact many through real human leadership linkedin.com/in/annpiccirillo X: annpiccirillo 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

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Abundant career, finance, and freedom: Adam Coelho [47] 55:13

2 years ago55:13

55:13

Career Abundance. Money Abundance. Financial Freedom. Adam Coelho manifested his dream job at Google as a Senior Data Transformation Lead, but this is only the tip of the iceberg as he also hosts the Mindful FIRE Podcast, a podcast all about achieving Financial Freedom. Adam shares how his journey towards financial freedom intersects with career highs and lows. Hear how Adam applies the tools of mindfulness to transform his life. From money to personal development to job growth, these are practical tips that can be applied to get what you want from your life. linkedin.com/in/adamcoelho mindfulfire.org/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Learning done right: Pete Fullard [76] 47:56

34 weeks ago47:56

47:56

Tired of L&D initiatives (your own or your team's) falling flat? Join us as we chat with Pete Fullard, Founder & CEO of Upskill People, a company that has thrived in the learning space for nearly 30 years. Discover why measuring outcomes and building actionable plans are the keys to successful L&D. Pete shares his personal journey to becoming a CEO and offers practical advice for individuals and businesses looking to level up their learning and development strategies. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable tips! upskillpeople.com linkedin.com/in/petefullard/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

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When passion project becomes life mission: EJ Kim [75] 38:27

35 weeks ago38:27

38:27

What does it take to lead with purpose? In this episode of 99 Humans , EJ Kim, Co-Founder & CEO of NNABI , shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to bootstrapping a wellness startup laser-focused on perimenopause. Guided by her passion and purpose, EJ is forging her own path with what she calls a “portfolio career.” Her drive to change how women experience perimenopause—with support, clarity, and community—makes this a must-listen for anyone looking to create meaningful impact. EJ dives into the unique challenges of perimenopause, how she’s transforming the conversation, and what it means to pursue a career fueled by both passion and purpose. If you’ve ever wondered how to discover your own path, pursue a personal mission, or embark on a journey of self-discovery, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear EJ’s insights on authentic leadership, honest self-reflection, and the transformative power of living your purpose. linkedin.com/in/ej-kim/ about.me/EJKim 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

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What you have, not what you've lost: Cristina Nuti [74] 38:29

36 weeks ago38:29

38:29

When life changes in an instant, how do you build resilience to see the positive? Cristina Nuti is a marketing executive at Dell, an IronMan finisher, Paralympic Triathlete, and a Marathoner. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of thirty-six, Cristina shares her inspiring journey to building a rich life, which includes being one of the first ever IronMan finishers with MS. She is an inspiration, with a life perspective centered on acceptance and hard work which fuels incredible achievements and makes her a powerful example of being so much more than a disease. Cristina's story celebrates the power of the human spirit, peeking behind the curtain of accomplishments to see her energy, sense of humor, and a wonderfully human leader. linkedin.com/in/cristinanuti/ instagram.com/cristinanuti/ On TEDx 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Overcoming Career Inertia: Jing Suk [73] 37:28

38 weeks ago37:28

37:28

"Climb the ladder!" How do you foster the courage and self-awareness to get what you want out of your career, instead of what's obviously next? Jing Suk has held leadership roles in huge multinational corporations and smaller companies, most recently CEO at Skyrocket Studios. Jing shares stories about overcoming career inertia with deliberate steps to "move the ladder to a different wall" instead of just climbing to the next rung. From Computer Science to Digital Marketing, big corporations to smaller and back again... Jing shares what it feels like to take risks and be intentional in pursuing what's right for her. With emotional storytelling, Jing's vulnerability brings clarity to these relatable moments about getting more out of life than what's in front of you. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jingsuk/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

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Complementing Creativity: Valerio Cometti [72] 51:54

42 weeks ago51:54

51:54

How do you foster creativity at the core of yourself and your company? Valerio Cometti is Founder and Creative Director at Valerio Cometti+V12 Design, the home of Deep Design Thinking. Product design is such a creativity-forward business, and yet as founder of the studio Valerio shares how he has built a mix of skills (and people!) who make the company thrive. From the beginning where he studied Mechanical Engineering, Valerio was intentional in building a mixed skillset to help him pursue his childhood dream to run a design studio. With clients ranging from 6 to 160k employees, Valerio flexes a variety of leadership skills while keeping precious his creative core. linkedin.com/in/valerio-cometti-v12design/ v12design.com/?lang=en 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Cater to your audience: Ted Fernandez [71] 37:48

43 weeks ago37:48

37:48

Why are you a people manager, and how do you react when the going gets tough? Ted Fernandez is the Global Head of Product Marketing at TikTok, with an illustrious career across Tech Companies in the social, video, and education space. Ted shares a specific time when the perception of his team's work was not what he wanted it to be, and how he navigated the situation by customizing messages to all angles: personal, stakeholder and individual contributors. Ted is a powerhouse of authentic leadership, beloved for his effectiveness and adaptability building high performance teams. From tactical tips to overcome relatable team challenges to sharing his unique expertise on "How to be successful as an Influencer" this episode overflows with rejuvenating reminders of what matters most and practical tips. linkedin.com/in/ted-fernandez-a678172 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Change the face of leadership: Jennifer McCollum [70] 34:58

47 weeks ago34:58

34:58

You probably know that less than 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women. What's going on? Why isn't this changing despite it being a known inequity? Jennifer McCollum is a trailblazing leader, currently CEO at Catalyst Inc, she is making her life's work emulating authentic, human leadership while raising awareness and lifting women up through the leadership ranks. Women face a double (or triple!) bind when it comes to leadership positions, contorting themselves to fit surrounding perceptions and systems. How can women succeed in leadership, and what can allies do to help? Jennifer shares personal experience and research from her book "In Her Own Voice. A Woman's Rise to CEO: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership" in this masterclass on women leadership. 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Making new habits a priority: Morris Martin [69] 49:06

50 weeks ago49:06

49:06

What could one new habit do for you? Morris has a knack for building new habits... waking up early (4am!), going to the gym, months fasting from alcohol and social media, studying leadership, and more! Morris uses discipline to design a dream life filled with family, friends, and career while staying humble enough to talk openly about lessons he's learned from mistakes along the way. As a Marketing Intelligence & Science Executive, Morris has held leadership positions at some of the largest ad agencies in the world (Wavemaker and Publicis), embodying how much discipline can matter to human leaders using it intentionally. linkedin.com/in/morrismartin/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Express your genius: Tom Burke [68] 33:35

52 weeks ago33:35

33:35

What's the secret to expressing your personal genius? Tom Burke has coached TED speakers, C-suite execs, authors, Broadway singers and Hollywood actors for over 20 years as speech-language pathologist and voice coach. His job is to help people tap their passions, quirks, and sense of humor to find their voice, the raw ingredient for gorgeous language. Tom demonstrates human leadership as he unpacks his entrepreneurial journey and shares stories of the process he uses to help his clients find their authentic voice. linkedin.com/in/tomburkevoice/ expressyourgenius.com 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Transcendent Dining and Servant Leadership: Pasquale Martinelli [67] 48:04

1 year ago48:04

48:04

Service is selfless, but what's the most important ingredient in any meal? Pasquale Martinelli is the Founder and Executive Chef at Alloro New York Private Dining, brining authentic Italian experiences to his clients. It takes less than ten seconds to feel Pasquale's passion, an incredibly attractive leadership quality, amplified by his love for serving people. Pasquale shares his journey from Puglia to NYC, overcoming hardships to find success creating transcendent dining experiences. This is a human leader with a love for life, for people, and for good food, and it's a joy to hear how he's living leadership in a way that fully embraces these loves. 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Building a career in AI: Enrico Santus [66] 37:20

1 year ago37:20

37:20

AI! It's everywhere, but how do you position yourself to take advantage of career opportunities? Enrico Santus has worked on, or advised for, AI work at companies like Bloomberg, Bayer, Hospitals, and the Women's Brain Project. So to say that his career is "having a moment" is an understatement. Enrico shares his story from a small Italian town to journalism to advising household names on the future of AI and human-AI collaboration. What does leading (people) "in AI" even mean? Hear Enrico's tips for positioning your career at the forefront of AI while learning what he thinks are the benefits and risks in front of us. linkedin.com/in/esantus/ esantus.com 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Cultivating innovation through trust: Kathrin Holzfurtner [65] 34:05

1 year ago34:05

34:05

Do you give trust up, down, and sideways in your organization? What about to yourself? Kathrin Holzfurtner has been a Director of Talent Acquisition for companies like iDeals and Microsoft, making a career out of her ability to find, hire, and support high performance teams by leading them herself. Every high performance team wants to drive impact and to innovate, and Kathrin tells a powerful story about the role of trust in success. Employees trusting leaders; leaders trusting employees; earning vs. giving trust; the role of trust in motivation. Kathrin provides a masterclass in the importance and strategies for harnessing trust as a leader by telling a story of how it's mattered to her. 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
CEO of your career: Nils Vinje [64] 35:57

1 year ago35:57

35:57

What's the last decision you made to drive your own career? Nils Vinje is the Founder of Leadership MBA, which helps people get promoted faster, save time, and build stronger teams. Before Nils could help others he first had to help himself, and that's the story he shares in this episode. From StengthsFiner to being the CEO of your own career, Nils shares what it was like to go from the "passenger seat" to the "driver seat" of his career. From there he became a successful founder and CEO and it all started with realizing that he needed to be in control of his own career. leadershipmba.com linkedin.com/in/nilsvinje/ 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Layoffs can still be human: Natasha Davidson [63] 34:29

1 year ago34:29

34:29

Ever been laid off? Led a team through layoffs? This episode reveals the raw emotions and tough decisions behind those moments and how to make them less devastating. Natasha Davidson, currently CMO at Group GTI, has an incredible background of executive leadership positions. Among amazing career highlights, Natasha shares an incredibly challenging moment managing reorganizations that lead to layoffs. Hear how Natasha navigated her personal journey managing layoffs, communicating them in the most human way possible, and helping those who weren't laid off process the changes and focus on the future. Incredible insight into the reality of navigating layoffs, but from a leader who demonstrates grace, humility, and growth throughout. linkedin.com/in/natashadavidson 99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story: www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans…

99 Humans

1
Success and more: Alfonso De Gaetano [62] 55:01

1 year ago55:01