Life After Flatline: Andreas Pettersson’s Approach to Transformative Leadership

Episode 38

In this episode, we talk with Andreas Pettersson about how his personal challenges radically reshaped his approach to leadership, resilience, and curiosity. He shares the story of a near-death experience that forced him to rethink everything—from how he shows up as a leader to how he lives each day. This isn’t just a story about survival; it’s about clarity, reinvention, and how intense personal events can become the foundation for meaningful leadership.

Andreas opens up about what happened the day his heart flatlined in the ER, how years of ignoring physical warning signs led to the event, and why he now lives with a calm sense of gratitude most people never find. He explains how that moment redefined his relationship with fear and urgency, and how it taught him to listen to his body in a way he never had before.

We also dive into what it was like to become a CEO and, on the very same day, receive his son’s autism diagnosis. Andreas breaks down how he and his wife navigated two life-altering changes at once, the decision to divide and conquer, and the mental toll of having a child with severe needs while also stepping into the pressure of executive leadership. He reflects on the guilt, the denial, the trials, and eventually the breakthroughs that came from being immersed in both roles. These moments didn’t just change his outlook—they completely reshaped how he leads, listens, and helps others grow.

This conversation also explores the idea of insecure overachievers, the hidden potential in overlooked employees, and how Andreas has developed a framework for identifying and mentoring rising leaders. He shares the probing questions he uses to understand someone’s mindset and potential, and why curiosity, integrity, and self-awareness are the top traits he looks for. We talk about building emotional resilience, learning how to stay grounded in chaos, and the difference between leaders who give answers and those who ask the right questions.

Andreas also shares his vision for a mentorship matchmaking community, the tools he recommends for better self-awareness, and how personality assessments can strengthen relationships—both professionally and personally. He offers clear examples of how leaders can use curiosity and deep questioning to unlock people’s potential and build stronger organizations from the inside out.

This episode is a raw, thoughtful look at leadership through the lens of life’s hardest moments, and how turning inward can lead to real, lasting growth.

To learn more about Andreas Pettersson and his work, please visit:

Website: https://www.leadersadapt.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreastheceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaspettersson1/

0:00 Facing Mortality: A Unique Conversation
6:05 Life's Fragility and Maximizing Moments
10:21 "Leadership Begins with Self-Awareness"
11:27 Early Life Challenges Transform Perspective
16:51 Parental Denial of Child's Issues
20:04 Community Support Builds Resilience
22:41 Developing Supportive Parenting Strategies
27:44 Integrity and Curiosity in Organizations
30:39 "Unlocking Potential Through Curiosity"
31:50 Collecting Questions & Personality Assessments
38:08 AI Matchmaking for Financial Advisers
41:01 Kolbe: Instinct vs. Personality
45:13 "Effective Walking Meeting Strategy"
47:00 Adapting to Phone Meeting Challenges
49:18 "Life Is Long: Embrace Positivity"

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Discover how Richard Canfield and Mike Hajjar unravel financial literacy and mortgage strategies to build lasting wealth

Episode 37

Mike Hajjar has helped over 2500 families achieve homeownership over the last 20 years. But his journey wasn’t always easy. In this episode, Mike shares how he overcame seven figures of debt, rebuilt his financial life, and developed a deep understanding of financial literacy that transformed the way he approaches business and home financing.

Mike opens up about a major health scare that forced him to pause and reevaluate everything. While in the hospital, he picked up Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People—a book that changed his outlook and sparked a passion for continuous learning. He explains how financial literacy became the foundation of his personal and professional growth and why understanding the basics is crucial for anyone looking to build wealth.

He talks about the common misconceptions around homeownership, especially the widespread belief that first-time buyers need 20% down. Mike breaks down why that isn’t true and shares how strategic mortgage planning can make homeownership more attainable. He also discusses the shift from a transactional business model to a relationship-based approach, emphasizing the importance of working closely with financial advisors, CPAs, and estate planners to create long-term financial success for his clients.

Mike explains why the mortgage industry is undergoing a major shift and how professionals who focus on education and strategy will be the ones who thrive. He dives into the challenges that younger generations face in affording homes and the innovative solutions being used to combat the affordability crisis, from shared ownership models to creative financing options.

As an ambassador for financial literacy, Mike is dedicated to educating the next generation. He discusses his work with First Home IQ, a nonprofit that helps bring financial education into schools. His mission is to equip young people with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions, whether they plan to buy a home or not.

He also explores the future of the real estate market, predicting that supply and demand will take decades to balance out. He explains why home prices are unlikely to drop significantly and how rising interest rates are reshaping the industry. Mike shares insights on the power of reverse mortgages and how they can be used as a strategic tool for retirement planning.

This episode is packed with valuable lessons on financial literacy, homeownership strategies, and long-term wealth building. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a real estate professional, or someone looking to gain control of your financial future, you won’t want to miss Mike’s insights.

To learn more about Brian Galke and his work, please visit:

Website: https://beacons.ai/mikehajjar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikephajjar/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehajjar_mortgage/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikehajjar87/videos/?_rdr

0:00 Embrace Financial Literacy Basics
5:13 Perseverance Over Health Challenges
6:59 "Business Mindset Transformation"
9:52 Transition to Relationship-Based Mortgage Planning
14:43 Challenging Financial Perspectives
18:30 Early Reverse Mortgage Boosts Retirement
21:40 Reverse Mortgage vs. HELOC Comparison
26:37 Overcoming Debt with Determination
27:51 Persistence Through Financial Struggles
31:52 Financial Literacy Education Outreach
36:08...

How Brian Galke Uses Facial Decoding to Master Communication

Episode 36

Brian Galke is an expert in communication with a unique skill set that allows him to understand people on a deeper level just by looking at their faces. In this episode, Brian shares how he transitioned from working in corporate America for over two decades to becoming a sought-after speaker teaching the science of facial decoding.

Brian opens up about the major turning points in his life, including a divorce and losing his long-term job in 2022. Instead of seeing these challenges as setbacks, he used them as opportunities to rebuild his life and career. He explains how investing in personal development and networking at live events helped him turn a passion into a profession.

We dive deep into the concept of facial decoding and how it plays a role in business, sales, and everyday interactions. Brian breaks down how specific facial features reveal personality traits, decision-making styles, and even communication preferences. He shares how he leverages this knowledge to connect with people quickly and effectively, making conversations more impactful.

Brian also talks about the importance of consistency when building an online presence. He explains how his persistence on Instagram—posting hundreds of videos before gaining traction—eventually led to explosive growth, reaching over 200,000 followers. He shares tips on leveraging short-form content, the role of captions, and how to keep up with ever-changing social media trends.

For anyone looking to improve their communication skills, understand people better, or pivot into a new career, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

To learn more about Brian Galke and his work, please visit:

Website: https://subtleskills.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangalke/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subtleskills/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/briangalke/

Free Cheat Sheet: https://subtleskills.com/resources/#cheatsheet

0:00 Navigating Divorce Mediation Delays
6:01 Algorithm Change Results in Unexpected Job Loss
6:52 Pursuing a Speaking Career Transition
10:21 Serendipitous Life Changes
15:42 "Hobby or Side Job Essential"
20:02 Creating Engaging Video Content
20:43 Video Engagement: Words Are Essential
26:00 "Unexpected Corporate Climb Through Introversion"
28:25 "Overcoming Comfort Zones for Focus"
32:07 Eyebrow Height Affects Humor Perception
36:45 Eyebrows and Eye Contact Insights
37:41 Understanding Customer Decision-Making Styles
41:26 Verbal Affirmation Lines Explained
45:57 Engaging Presentations with Audience Participation
47:06 "Phenomenal Live Show Unpacked"

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