Episodes

  • 11. The Truth About AI: Adapt or Be Automated with Kene Iloenyosi

    11. The Truth About AI: Adapt or Be Automated with Kene Iloenyosi
    Jul 13 2025

    What if the secret to career satisfaction isn't changing what you do, but rediscovering who you are?

    In this episode, Natalie welcomes back career coach and author Kene Iloenyosi for a conversation about purpose, identity, and how understanding your natural abilities can unlock clarity in both life and work. Kene shares insights from his workshops and books, including “Finding Your Sweet Spot” and “DNA of Talent,” emphasizing the importance of aligning career paths with intrinsic wiring. They also explore the generational impact of AI, the evolution of workplace structures, and how companies can prepare for an increasingly unstructured, remote-first future.

    [00:01 - 06:27] You Are How You Are

    • The significance of knowing your learning and communication style

    • Why self-awareness can reframe frustration and unlock growth

    • The importance of embracing your wiring, not correcting it

    [06:28 - 12:43] Purpose Is Wired In

    • Why the need to “get over” introversion misses the point

    • The importance of aligning purpose with natural strengths

    • How to avoid living someone else’s life by knowing your design

    [12:44 - 18:09] | AI & Career Security

    • What AI can and cannot replace in the workplace

    • The importance of identifying irreplaceable human value

    • Why leading the AI conversation within your company matters

    [18:10 - 23:52] Generational Shifts & Workplace Culture

    • The need for new leadership models that embrace flexibility

    • Why Gen Alpha will be AI natives, not just digital natives

    • The significance of creativity and play in future career models

    [23:53 - 27:11] Redefining Structure and Leadership

    • The need to rethink rigid return-to-office mandates

    • Why perks no longer drive engagement—freedom does

    • The importance of embracing change rather than resisting it

    Quotes:

    "You are how you are for why you are." - Kene Iloenyosi

    "God doesn’t make multiples. You are one in one." - Kene Iloenyosi

    Connect with Kene:

    Website: https://www.talentrevolution.me/

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

    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

    Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

    These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.
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    27 mins
  • 10. EQ, Mindset, and Sales with Jeb Blount Jr.

    10. EQ, Mindset, and Sales with Jeb Blount Jr.
    Jun 22 2025

    Why do so many entrepreneurs fail to close deals, not because they lack a great product, but because they misunderstand the real nature of sales?

    In this episode, Natalie welcomes Jeb Blount Jr., division leader at Sales Gravy and host of the Sales Gravy podcast. They dive into the crucial but often misunderstood role of sales in entrepreneurship. Jeb breaks down the emotional intelligence behind effective selling, why listening trumps pitching, and how entrepreneurs can turn sales conversations into meaningful business relationships. Whether you’re just starting or scaling, this conversation offers a practical lens into qualifying leads, slowing the sales process, and collaborating with clients to build long-term trust.

    [00:01 - 06:30] Rethinking Sales: Everyone Is in Sales

    • The significance of redefining sales as relationship-building, not manipulation

    • Why viewing yourself as “not a salesperson” weakens your entrepreneurial impact

    • The importance of accepting that revenue drives sustainability

    [06:31 - 12:53] The Core of EQ in Sales

    • What emotional intelligence looks like in high-stakes selling

    • Why listening more than talking creates deeper trust

    • The significance of making people feel heard and important

    [12:54 - 18:30] Qualifying vs. Pitching: Always Be Qualifying

    • The need to vet clients for fit—not just push a pitch

    • Why it’s smart to walk away from unqualified leads

    • How saying “no” can build more trust than saying “yes”

    [18:31 - 24:00] The Power of Slowing Down

    • What it means to own the sales process

    • Why rushing to proposals leads to rejection

    • The value of co-creating solutions with prospects

    [24:01 - 30:43] Long-Term Wins: Creating Buy-In & the IKEA Effect

    • Why co-creation increases ownership and satisfaction

    • How to handle rejection as an opportunity to learn

    • The parallel between product development and good sales

    Quotes:

    “If you brand yourself as 'not a salesperson,' you’re being disingenuous—especially if you’re an entrepreneur.” - Jeb Blount Jr.

    “The greatest gift you can give someone in sales is the gift of importance.” - Jeb Blount Jr.

    “You don’t need to always be selling—you need to always be qualifying.” - Jeb Blount Jr.

    Connect with Jeb:

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

    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

    Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

    These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

    Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!
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    31 mins
  • 9. Leading Innovation in the Digital Supply Chain with Ron Crabtree

    9. Leading Innovation in the Digital Supply Chain with Ron Crabtree
    Jun 8 2025
    What’s the real reason most digital transformation projects fail—and what are successful leaders doing differently? In this episode, Natalie welcomes Ron Crabtree, founder and CEO of MetaOps and MetaExperts. With over 30 years of experience in operations, supply chain, and digital transformation, Ron shares hard-earned insights from his work across industries—from automotive to tech to manufacturing consulting. He explains how emerging technologies like AI and automation are impacting supply chains and operational models, why change management is often an afterthought, and how organizations can better equip leaders and teams to embrace complexity. This conversation offers a practical lens into strategic leadership, future-proofing skill sets, and executing transformation in high-stakes environments.[00:01 - 05:00] From Disney to Digital: Ron’s BackstoryWhy understanding operations from the ground up shaped Ron’s leadership approachHow 17 years of night school played into his move from the factory floor to executive strategyWhat it looks like to build companies that solve real pain points in workforce transformation[05:01 - 10:46] AI Meets Supply ChainThe importance of using AI as an assistant—not a replacement—for strategic thinkingWhy decision support powered by AI improves outcomes without eliminating human judgmentThe significance of having clean, real-time data before relying on automation[10:47 - 15:50] Digital Tools in ActionWhat reverse market platforms reveal about the speed and productivity gains in procurementWhy modeling cost impacts across the supply chain leads to stronger sourcing strategiesThe need for transparency and quick “what-if” modeling when responding to market changes[15:51 - 20:37] The Pitfalls of Digital TransformationWhat most companies overlook when mapping processes for tech adoptionWhy value stream mapping and activity-based costing are crucial to measuring ROIThe importance of business process management and people-first transformation[20:38 - 26:16] Leadership’s Role in ChangeWhy alignment on the "why" must happen before executing the "how"What skills future leaders must develop to lead digital, complex ecosystemsThe need for tech fluency across departments—not just IT leadershipQuotes:"Worker plus AI will always outperform worker without AI." - Ron Crabtree"You can't check out and expect AI to do your thinking. Someone still needs to think critically and question what’s missing." - Ron CrabtreeConnect with Ron:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roncrabtreeLEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.coThese are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!
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    26 mins
  • 8. Leadership & Reputation Management with Stephanie Craig

    8. Leadership & Reputation Management with Stephanie Craig
    May 25 2025

    What’s the true cost of waiting until a crisis strikes? In this episode, Natalie speaks with crisis strategist and leadership communicator Stephanie Craig about the often-overlooked discipline of crisis vigilance. Stephanie, drawing from her experience in law enforcement families, political campaigns, and corporate turnarounds, shares how organizations can shift from reactive crisis response to proactive crisis readiness. The conversation unpacks the distinction between brand and reputation, outlines how leaders can build a crisis-ready culture, and emphasizes why clarity and trust are essential for strategic speed in moments of uncertainty. Listeners will walk away with practical ways to safeguard their teams, maintain innovation capacity, and protect organizational value when challenges arise.


    [00:01 - 05:19] Crisis Found Me

    • Why Stephanie’s upbringing shaped her career in crisis
    • The importance of calm during chaos
    • The significance of embracing discomfort to build resilience


    [05:20 - 10:46] Redefining Crisis Work

    • How Stephanie shifted her understanding of crisis roles
    • The gap between risk management and communications
    • What “doing the job right” really means in crisis prevention


    [10:47 - 15:17] Build the Core Crisis Team

    • What leaders overlook until it’s too late
    • The structure of a core crisis team and decision-making models
    • Simulations as a key tool for preparation


    [15:18 - 20:29] Strategic Speed Through Clarity and Trust

    • What clarity and trust enable in a high-stakes situation
    • Ransomware example as a case study in unpreparedness
    • The importance of clear protocols and financial readiness


    [20:30 - 24:44] Making Crisis Readiness Part of Culture

    • Why plans alone don’t work without culture
    • Where Silicon Valley Bank went wrong
    • What mid-level leaders can do today


    "You can’t innovate in survival mode. Without preparation, the cost isn’t just the crisis—it’s the lost future.” – Stephanie Craig


    Connect with Stephanie:

    Website: https://kith.co/innovation-meets-leadership/

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


    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.


    Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co


    These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

    Quotes:“A company’s reputation is 35% of its value. And the IRS even says reputation has monetary worth.” – Stephanie Craig
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    25 mins
  • 7. Learning Transformation using Data and AI with Chris Hull

    7. Learning Transformation using Data and AI with Chris Hull
    May 4 2025

    How can schools shift from drowning in data to making decisions that help students thrive? Otus founder and former educator Chris Hull joins Natalie to explain how technology in education isn't just about collecting more data, it's about making it usable. Chris shares how Otis empowers schools to act on assessment results, track student behavior, and support educators with AI-powered insights. He reflects on how the shift from fragmented tools to a centralized profile for every student can transform learning, drive earlier interventions, and tailor education to the individual, all while giving time back to teachers.


    [00:01 - 04:29] From Classroom Frustration to Founding Otis

    • How Chris’s early tech efforts as a 7th-grade teacher exposed gaps in education systems

    • Why more technology led to more chaos, not clarity

    • The significance of creating a “medical chart” model for students' educational journeys


    [04:30 - 08:00] Why Schools Struggle with Innovation

    • The importance of focusing on actual learning outcomes amid competing demands

    • How outdated methods of measuring learning obscure student needs

    • What resumes can teach us about improving student progress tracking


    [08:01 - 13:46] Building a Full Picture of Each Student

    • Why schools need data beyond grades: behavior, attendance, third-party scores

    • How Otis simplifies tracking and reporting for overburdened educators

    • The need for personalized plans that scale across the student body


    [13:47 - 18:37] Real Insights and Impact from Otis Users

    • How earlier identification helped one Florida district reduce absenteeism

    • The importance of comparing teaching strategies and programs using real-time data

    • What schools are discovering by layering AI into trend analysis


    [18:38 - 23:54] Personalization and the Future of Education Tech

    • Why AI acts as a bridge, not a replacement, for educator decision-making

    • The role of Otis as a curriculum assistant in partnership with Discovery Education

    • The importance of capturing and passing along learning insights between teachers and grades


    Quotes:

    “Our goal isn’t to be the innovation. It’s to enable the educator to be innovative.” - Chris Hull

    “AI doesn’t replace teachers—it gives them time back to focus on what matters.” - Chris Hull


    Connect with Chris:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chull9


    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.


    Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

    These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.


    Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!
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    24 mins
  • 6. AI driven Investment Strategies with Andrew Einhorn

    6. AI driven Investment Strategies with Andrew Einhorn
    Apr 20 2025

    How can you remove emotion from investing — and make decisions backed purely by data?


    In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, Natalie Born sits down with Andrew Einhorn, CEO and Co-founder of Level Fields, an AI-driven fintech platform that analyzes real-world events to uncover investment opportunities. With a career that began in epidemiology and transitioned into defense consulting and software, Andrew shares how his fascination with data and pattern recognition led him to create tools that help everyday investors make informed decisions. He discusses how global events shape financial markets, how to identify reliable investment signals, and why emotional detachment—paired with the right data—can lead to better results.


    [00:01 - 05:00] | How an Epidemiologist Built a Fintech Tool

    • How studying environmental contamination led to software development

    • The importance of following data rather than gut feelings

    • Why building software unlocked a creative and scalable way to solve problems

    [05:01 - 10:49] | Why Past Pandemics Helped Predict the COVID Rebound

    • The importance of recognizing patterns in government and market responses

    • How comparing Zika and swine flu informed COVID analysis

    • Why emotion-free analysis led to accurate predictions while others panicked

    [10:50 - 15:34] | How AI Detects Market-Moving Events

    • The importance of CEO changes, lawsuits, and product failures as stock indicators

    • How AI tools reduce noise and increase clarity for investors

    • Why consistent events provide more reliable signals than black swan moments

    [15:35 - 21:16] | The Importance of Ignoring Headlines and Watching Behavior

    • Why dividend increases and stock buybacks signal strength

    • The importance of ignoring negative media narratives in favor of data

    • How analyzing company behavior reveals internal confidence long before analysts notice

    [21:17 - 26:04] | How to Invest Like an Insider Without Being One

    • How billionaires entering a company often triggers a turnaround

    • The importance of watching early moves like executive changes and layoffs

    • Why Salesforce’s rebound shows the power of understanding corporate playbooks

    Quotes:

    “The market reacts to events, not opinions. Patterns repeat if you know where to look.” — Andrew Einhorn

    “The same events happen again and again—and the market reacts the same way. The data proves it.” - Andrew Einhorn

    Connect with Andrew:

    LinkeIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/einhorn

    

    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

    Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

    These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

    Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!
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    26 mins
  • 5. Unlocking Innovation with Robyn Bolton

    5. Unlocking Innovation with Robyn Bolton
    Apr 6 2025
    What does it take to truly transform innovation from a buzzword into lasting business success when most corporate innovation initiatives fail to deliver? In this insightful episode, Natalie welcomes back Robyn Bolton, founder of Mile Zero and author of a brand new book on innovation leadership. Robyn shares her innovative "ABCs of Innovation" framework that addresses why, despite decades of investment and attention, corporate innovation results haven't significantly improved in 30 years. She reveals how successful innovation requires leaders to do the opposite of their instincts, explains why innovation and operations require fundamentally different approaches, and offers practical strategies for overcoming innovation fatigue in organizations.[00:01 - 04:00] The Innovation Challenge: Why Another Book?Robyn explains why she finally wrote an innovation book despite market saturationShe identifies the lack of progress in corporate innovation results over 30 yearsThe limitation of siloed approaches to innovation that fail to address leadership behaviors[04:01 - 08:26] The ABCs Framework: Architecture, Behaviors, and CultureRobyn introduces her comprehensive framework for innovation successShe explains how innovation requires high assumption/low knowledge vs. operational high knowledge/low assumptionLeaders must learn to do the opposite of their instincts to succeed with innovation[08:27 - 12:42] Starting the Innovation Journey RealisticallyThe importance of clearly defining innovation within your organizationRecognizing that incremental innovation is often already happeningHow storytelling and real-world examples can inspire innovation leaders[12:43 - 17:05] The People Challenge: Culture and ChangeWhy culture is the hardest aspect of innovation to define and transformThe critical insight that culture comes from repeated behaviors, not declarationsHow leaders' actions speak infinitely louder than their words[17:06- 23:52] Overcoming Innovation Fatigue Through Real InvestmentStrategies for addressing organizational skepticism about innovation initiativesThe power of meaningful incentives and rewards that show real commitmentWhy innovation leaders need a three-year timeline to create lasting changeQuotes:"Managers use things outside of their control as excuses. Leaders see them as challenges. Innovation leaders see them as opportunities." - Robyn Bolton"Innovation truly is a leadership challenge, and there are leaders who rise to master the challenge." - Robyn BoltonConnect with Robyn:Website: https://www.milezero.io/ LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.coThese are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!
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    24 mins
  • 4. Will AI Outcreate Us? The Future of Innovation with Mike Todasco

    4. Will AI Outcreate Us? The Future of Innovation with Mike Todasco
    Mar 23 2025

    What happens when AI fills 90% of the Internet with junk? The rise of AI-generated content is transforming the digital landscape—but at what cost? Mike Todasco, AI researcher and former Head of Innovation at PayPal, joins Natalie Born to discuss the impact of "AI slop"—a flood of low-quality, auto-generated content—and what it means for businesses, content creators, and consumers. He explores how AI is being used to create books, blog posts, and even fake news at an unprecedented scale. Will AI-generated junk take over, or will human creativity remain indispensable? Tune in to uncover how AI is reshaping everything from online search to personal productivity.


    [00:01 - 06:07] The Evolution of AI & Innovation

    • Mike Todasco shares his journey from finance to AI research

    • His experience running innovation at PayPal after its split from eBay

    • How AI became his focus at San Diego State University’s AI Center

    [06:08 - 12:48] The Rise of "AI Slop"

    • AI-generated content is flooding the internet with low-quality material

    • Many AI-generated books on Amazon are essentially unreadable

    • Gartner predicts 90% of internet content could be AI-generated by 2030

    [12:49 - 16:33] Human vs. AI: What Will Win?

    • AI-generated content lacks emotional depth and true storytelling

    • People are drawn to human-made art and stories over machine-made creations.

    • AI tools will enhance, not replace, human creativity.

    [16:34 - 24:00] AI in Daily Life: Helpful or Harmful?

    • Mike uses AI for personal productivity, parenting, and even healthcare

    • AI can analyze health data, suggest parenting strategies, and help with cooking

    • The future of AI in healthcare will see doctors using AI as an essential tool

    [24:01 - 36:16] How Businesses Should Be Using AI Right Now

    • Companies must set clear AI policies as employees are already using it

    • AI should be integrated into workflows to improve efficiency

    • Organizations should foster knowledge-sharing around AI use cases

    Quotes:

    "AI is great at generating content, but it still struggles to create anything with true heart and experience.” - Mike Todasco

    "AI slop is just junk being thrown onto the internet—words without purpose or artistry." - Mike Todasco

    Connect with Mike:

    LinkeIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todasco/

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

    

    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

    Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

    These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

    Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!
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    33 mins