Leadership Beyond Borders

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How confident are you that your hiring process consistently identifies the best person for the job? Nov 03, 2026

Show notes

Hiring the right people is one of the most important decisions any leader makes, yet many organizations still rely on instinct, unstructured interviews, and job descriptions that don't clearly define what success looks like. The result? Costly hiring mistakes that affect productivity, culture, and long-term business performance.

In today's episode, we'll explore a different approach — one that focuses on clarity, structure, and evidence-based decision-making. We'll discuss why the biggest hiring mistakes happen before the interview even begins, how organizations can reduce bias, and how a more strategic hiring framework can help leaders consistently build stronger teams.

About the Guest

Craig della Penna is the creator of the HireBest system and founder of Aesop Partners, LLC. For more than 25 years, he has helped leaders at Fortune 100 companies, private equity-backed firms, and privately held businesses make better hiring decisions through talent strategy and executive assessment.

Craig shares his proven framework in his latest book, Cipher: A Proven Framework to Hire the Best People (2026), which introduces the concept of the Job Cipher — a practical tool for defining success before a search begins. Recognizing that most hiring failures stem from a lack of clarity before interviews even begin, Craig developed the HireBest methodology, a structured approach that has achieved a 90% success rate in identifying top talent for clients.

His work focuses on replacing subjective hiring practices with data-driven processes that improve decision-making, reduce bias, and increase long-term success.

Through his consulting, speaking, and writing, Craig helps organizations build stronger teams by hiring with greater clarity, consistency, and confidence.

Guest social media

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdp/

-Website: www.HireBest.ai/Cipherbook

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HireBest.Net

Host social media - Website: www.siinda.org

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

Building a Regenerative Economy: Turning Purpose into Practice Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

What if business success meant restoring the environment and strengthening communities alongside generating profit? And what would it take to make that ambition part of everyday business decisions?

Today on Leadership Beyond Borders, we explore the ideas behind a regenerative economy—one where businesses help renew the natural and social systems we all depend on.

We'll look at how entrepreneurs, leaders, and investors can turn purpose into practice through the way they lead, invest, and structure their organizations. From protecting a company's mission as it grows to investing in prevention and community resilience, we'll discuss practical choices that can help build lasting prosperity.

About the Guest

Laurie Lane-Zucker is the author of The Impact Entrepreneur Breakthrough: A Field Manual for the Regenerative Economy (Berrett-Koehler, September 1, 2026), which maps the architecture of an economy that builds value through regeneration rather than extraction. He is the founder and CEO of Impact Entrepreneur, PBC, a global multimedia publishing platform serving more than 70,000 members across 200+ countries in the impact economy. He coined the term "impact entrepreneur" in 2011.

In the mid-1990s he co-developed and coined the term 'place-based education' with the educator John Elder of Middlebury College. As founding executive director of The Orion Society (1992–2004), publisher of Orion magazine, he edited and published Wendell Berry, Terry Tempest Williams, Barry Lopez and David James Duncan. He went on to found the Triad Institute and Hotfrog, one of the founding Certified B Corporations.

Guest Social Media

- Website: impactentrepreneur.com/breakthrough

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/impactentrepreneur https://www.facebook.com/laurie.lanezucker

- Instagram: instagram.com/impactentrepreneurglobal

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3954990/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurielanezucker/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactentrepreneur/

Host Social Media

- Website: www.siinda.org

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

Beyond Excuses: How to Lead, Sell, and Build a Business That Sets You Free Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

Welcome, everyone. Today I'm joined by Patrick Engasser, a speaker, coach, and the author of If I Can Do It, You Can Do It! We'll explore his story, his approach to sales and leadership, and practical ways to move forward when life or business gets difficult. Patrick, thank you for joining us.

About the Guest

Patrick Engasser is the author of If I Can Do It, You Can Do It! Inspiration for Eliminating Excuses, Overcoming Challenges, and Succeeding in Business and Life. He is a unique and sought-after bestselling author, business coach, and motivational speaker. He began his career as a top sales representative for a Fortune 500 insurance company, earning "Top Account Closer" by his third year and later becoming a district manager.

Patrick built and led a seven-figure sales team, coaching many agents into successful outside sales careers, and is a three-time recipient of the company's Top Award for Management Excellence, recognized for his outstanding leadership and coaching skills.

Blind since birth, Patrick inspires audiences by sharing how he overcame adversity and how others can achieve success despite their own challenges. He has delivered hundreds of presentations and trainings nationwide for corporations, sales teams, leadership groups, universities, and youth organizations.

As a coach, Patrick works with professionals, sales reps, executives, and entrepreneurs, helping top performers overcome obstacles and reach their goals faster and with less effort.

Guest Social Media

- Website: www.patrickengasser.com

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrickengassercoaching/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-engasser-645860217/

Host Social Media

- Website: www.siinda.org

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

The Retention Revolution: Why People Stay (or Go) Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest challenges facing business leaders today—retaining top talent. Why do employees stay—or walk away? How can companies turn professional development into a real competitive edge?

Join us as we unpack one CEO's firsthand experience navigating the shifting world of talent and retention. Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or simply curious about the future of work, this conversation will leave you with fresh insights and actionable strategies for building teams that last

About the Guest

Mark Peters is the author of The Retention Trap: Stop Measuring Turnover, Start Measuring Talent Investment (Post Hill Press, June 3, 2025), which builds on the insights from his first book, The Source.

He is CEO of Butterball Farms, Inc., recognized nationally as one of The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® from 2018 to 2024.

In 2003, Mark founded a pioneering coalition of West Michigan CEOs and community leaders to create the SOURCE, a nonprofit that has helped hundreds of workers overcome challenges impacting their jobs while delivering an average annual ROI of 200 percent to partner organizations.

An engaging speaker and storyteller, Mark has presented at TEDx and other major events. Learn more at RetentionTrap.com.

Guest social media

- Website: https ://i-3leadership.com/ ,

s://www.grsource.org/

https://butterballfarms.com/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/i3leadership1, https://www.facebook.com/ButterballFarm

https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-3-leadership , https://www.linkedin.com/company/butterball-farms-inc-/posts/?feedView=all

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

Beyond Growth: Building a Business That Lasts Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Almost every business pursues growth, but growth alone does not guarantee a stronger, more valuable, or more sustainable company. The real challenge is knowing what you are building toward, understanding where your organization stands today, and making deliberate choices about leadership, strategy, people, capital, and execution along the way. In this conversation, we explore a framework for moving beyond reactive growth toward building a company with greater purpose, resilience, value, and optionality—whether the goal is to scale, raise capital, remain independent, or eventually pursue an exit.

About the Guest

Matt Andersen is the author of Intentional Growth: A Proven Guide to Higher Performance and Better Outcomes for Your Company. He is the CEO of Westlake Securities and one of North America's leading voices on growth, capital, and M&A. Over the past 27 years, he has worked on more than 175 completed transactions totaling over $5.7 billion in value. Since joining Westlake in 2014, Matt has advised companies with a combined annual revenue of over $4 billion in the areas of strategy, capital, finance, and M&A. He currently sits on the board of three companies.

Matt is a two-time author including the number one bestselling Completing the Deal and his newest release, Intentional Growth, published by Fast Company Press. He speaks internationally on growth, capital, and M&A, holds an MBA in banking, and has attended executive programs at Harvard and the University of Chicago.

Matt is the CEO of Westlake Securities, a middle-market M&A advisory firm with offices across the United States, including Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Greenville, and Tampa. Westlake advises founders and business owners on their most important growth, capital, and M&A decisions.

Guest Social Media

- - Website: http://westlakesecurities.com/

- - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583561863523%20%20Instagram:

- - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westlake_securities?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

- - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-andersen-8861811b/?skipRedirect=true

- - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WestlakeSecurities

Host Social Media

-Website: www.siinda.org

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

From Survival to Strategy: Cracking the Glass Ceiling Without Apologies Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Today's conversation is with Karolina Pelc — entrepreneur, former casino dealer, and author of Her Play. Her story is not a story about shortcuts or formulas, but about risk, resilience, and the invisible moments that shape who we become.

From the casino floors of post-communist Europe to building and exiting a global tech company, Karolina's journey challenges how we think about luck, ambition, and belonging. This is a conversation about how life is really played.

About the Guest

Again, Karolina Pelc is the author of Her Play: Making Your Own Luck, available via the following links on Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble.

The book is the foundational volume of her Her Playbook series and captures practical insights drawn from a two-decade career across real-money gaming, technology, and executive leadership.

Karolina Pelc began her career dealing cards in land-based and cruise casinos before progressing into senior leadership roles and ultimately serving as a board director of a Nasdaq-listed company.

In 2021, she founded BeyondPlay, an engagement SaaS startup focused on player experience and retention. She raised over €7 million in angel and venture capital and scaled the business rapidly.

In under three years, BeyondPlay was acquired by FanDuel in 2024, where Pelc subsequently served as Vice President.

Her Play was launched on Necker Island with Richard Branson in attendance. Today, Pelc advises venture capital firms and founders, supports M&A and investment due diligence, and actively invests in and mentors early-stage founders through HerPlay, helping them build resilient companies and create their own luck.

Guest social media

Website: https://www.herplay.com/
Instagram: @storiesbypelc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karolinapelc

Host social media

Website: www.siinda.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

Why Great Leaders Adapt: The Power of Situational Leadership Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Today, we explore why Situational Leadership still matters—and how leaders can adapt their approach to people, performance, change, and an increasingly AI-driven workplace.

About the Guests

SAM SHRIVER, EdD, is co-author of Situational Leadership: The Model for Leading Others, Navigating Change and Unlocking Performance with Suzie Bishop, author of From Coach to Coach and The Four Moments of Truth, and co-author of Lessons from Leaders with Marshall Goldsmith and Kathy McDermott.

He is Executive Vice President of Thought Leadership at The Center for Leadership Studies (CLS) and has more than 45 years of experience with the Situational Leadership® Model. A leading authority on leadership development, executive coaching, and organizational behavior, S

has designed more than 200 custom leadership and coaching programs worldwide. His work has been recognized by Bersin, Brandon Hall, and the Association for Talent Development. A graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, Pepperdine University, and North Carolina State University, Sam began his career working with Situational Leadership® founder Dr. Paul Hersey and has

SUZIE BISHOP is Vice President of Product Development at The Center for Leadership Studies (CLS) and co-author of Situational Leadership: The Model for Leading Others, Navigating Change and Unlocking Performance alongside her father.

Since joining CLS in 2012, she has helped advance how the Situational Leadership® Model is taught and applied worldwide and is the architect of Situational Leadership® Essentials, CLS's next-generation flagship program. S

Suzie was named to Elliott Masie's "30 Under 30," has received CLS's Situational Leader Award three times, and won a 2025 Silver Stevie Award for "Most Resilient Female Leader." She is a Certified Stakeholder-Centered Coach through

Marshall Goldsmith's methodology, a member of MG100, and a graduate of North Carolina State University. She brings more than a decade of experience teaching, developing, and applying

Guest Social Media

- Website: https://situational.com/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzie-bishop

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-shriver-6479763/

Host Social Media

- Website: www.siinda.org

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

Aqueducts, Art and AI — What Rome Still Has to Teach Us Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Today we are going to explore something different.

When we think of an advanced society, we usually think of technology. But technological sophistication is not always the same as civilizational sophistication.

Rome's genius was not simply invention. It was how it used roads, engineering, architecture, and art to connect people and communicate ideas. Later, Christian Rome used those same instincts through painting, sculpture, and urban design to communicate faith.

Today's conversation with historian and art historian Elizabeth Lev is about technology, art, and the human person—and what Rome might still teach us about what it really means to be an advanced civilization.

About the Guest

Elizabeth Lev is the author of How Catholic Art Saved the Faith and several other books on art, technology and history. . She holds degrees in art history from the University of Chicago and the University of Bologna and has been teaching art history at Duquesne University's Italian campus since 2002. She is a well-known tour guide and serves as a consultant to the Vatican Museums for their art and faith itineraries and has worked on projects with the Vatican Patrons of the Arts, including "Vatican Treasures: The Via Pulchritudinis," a film presented to Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.

She is a Vatican analyst for NBC and has appeared on the Today Show, Nightline, and 60 Minutes, and her TED Talk on the Sistine Chapel has garnered over 1.8 million views. She and her husband, Thomas Williams, both became certified sommeliers in 2015.

Guest Social Media

- Website: https://www.lizlevtours.com/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizlevtours/?modal=admin_todo_tour

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-lev-085581a/

- Twitter/X: https://x.com/lizlevrome?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

Why Identity — Not the Network — Is Your First Line of Defense Against Tomorrow's AI Agents Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

As AI becomes embedded in everyday work, businesses are being forced to rethink long-standing assumptions about IT, cloud and cybersecurity.

Traditional controls are increasingly colliding with how employees work, while AI is introducing new questions around identity, data access, governance and user experience. This interview explores how these trends are reshaping the workplace in 2026—and what business and technology leaders should be preparing for as they look toward 2027.

About the Guest

Denis O'Shea is the author of Mobile Mentor's 2026 International Endpoint Ecosystem Study. He is the founder and CEO of Mobile Mentor, a global leader in the Microsoft Partner Ecosystem, dedicated to helping organizations modernize the way their people work.

With more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry, Denis helps businesses navigate the shift to cloud-native, Zero Trust, and AI-enabled work. He has worked closely with enterprise leaders across the globe to rethink how security and productivity intersect in the modern workplace.

Denis brings a practical perspective on how to balance security and productivity, based on deep empathy for the employee experience. His work focuses on helping organizations design technology environments that support, rather than hinder, the people who rely on them every day.

Guest Social Media

- Website: https://www.mobile-mentor.com/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mobilementor

- LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobile-mentor-ltd/posts/

- Twitter/X: https://x.com/mobilementor

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mobile-mentor

Host social media

Beyond the Last Disruption: The Leadership Upgrade the AI Era Demands Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

Today we're exploring how leadership is being reshaped by the age of AI.

As technology changes the way we work, make decisions and solve problems, leaders are being asked to do more than simply keep up with new tools. They also need to rethink how they lead, how they respond to uncertainty, and which human capabilities will become even more important as AI becomes part of everyday work.

So, what does it take to lead with clarity, adaptability and confidence in this new era? That's what we'll explore in today's conversation.

About the Guest

Anna is the author of, Leaderwired: The AI-Era Leadership Playbook for Transforming How You Think, Decide, and Lead, blends psychology, behavioral science, and modern leadership research into a practical methodology for real, lasting transformation.

Anna Barnhill has spent sixteen years studying why even the most accomplished leaders get stuck, and exactly how they break through.

Anna is a Professional Fellow at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School and taught Leadership and Innovation at MIT Professional Education. She holds the ICF Master Certified Coach credential, a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of coaches worldwide and is also a Marshall Goldsmith Certified Coach. Her insights on leadership regularly appear in Forbes.

Guest social media

- Website: https://www.leaderwired.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabarnhillmcc

Host social media

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