Leadership Beyond Borders

Latest Episodes:

How confident are you that your hiring process consistently identifies the best person for the job? Jul 21, 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/

Clear Thinking in Complex Business Decisions Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Today's podcast explores how strong reasoning supports better decision-making, clearer communication, and the pursuit of truth in business. It examines how to navigate uncertainty, assess conflicting information, and apply sound judgment when outcomes are unclear. The discussion also highlights the importance of evidence, probability, and intellectual humility when advising others and making high-stakes decisions.

About the Guest

Haywood Spangler, Ph.D., M.Div., author of the new book Reasoning for Business: The Inquirer's Guide to Decision Making (Routledge, 2026), is the founder and principal of Work & Think, LLC.

He advises clients on complex choices by combining rigorous analysis with a realistic understanding of uncertainty, risk, and human judgment.

His Spangler Ethical Reasoning Assessment® (SERA®) is used across industries and around the world to help individuals unite critical thinking and personal values when making difficult decisions.

He is a keynote speaker, corporate consultant, researcher, and author whose work strengthens leadership, accountability, and sound decision making in changing environments.

Through practical frameworks, engaging presentations, and measurable tools, he equips organizations and professionals to reason clearly, act responsibly, and navigate ambiguity with confidence.

Organizations value his ability to translate difficult ethical questions into clear action steps, improve team dialogue, and build cultures where better decisions become repeatable habits.

Leaders trust his calm guidance during high-stakes moments and rapid change daily.

Guest social media

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haywood-spangler-ph-d-m-div-b34715121/

-Website: www.haywoodspangler.com

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/

Leadership in the Age of AI Discovery with Wendi Sturgis Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

In this Episode of Leadership Beyond Borders, Kimberli Lewis welcomes Wendi Sturgis, Senior Vice President International at Yext, for a powerful conversation about leadership, disruption, and what AI-driven discovery means for brands today .

This episode explores a pivotal moment in digital transformation — one that feels strikingly familiar to those who have lived through previous platform shifts, from the early internet to search and social media. But this time, AI is fundamentally reshaping how brands are discovered, interpreted, and trusted.

About the Guest

Wendi Sturgis is Senior Vice President International at Yext, leading strategy and growth outside North America with a focus on EMEA.

She brings decades of experience across technology, ecommerce and digital innovation, with senior roles at Yahoo!, Oracle and Gartner.

As CEO of Cleverbridge, a global ecommerce and subscription platform, she drove growth and expanded its partner ecosystem.

Previously CEO of Yext Europe and an early member of Yext's leadership team, she played a key role in establishing and scaling the company's European operations.

Her career reflects a strong commitment to innovation, customer focus and diversity in technology, alongside board roles including Sabre and the Georgia Tech Foundation.

Yext (NYSE: YEXT) is a leading brand visibility platform built for a world where discovery happens across AI search, traditional search, social media, websites and direct channels.

Powered by more than 2 billion trusted data points and integrated products, Yext gives brands clarity, control and confidence across digital touchpoints.

Through real-time insights and AI-driven recommendations.

Guest social media

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

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

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 Personal Brand Advantage Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

Personal branding has never been more important—or more misunderstood. In a world where visibility often gets confused with self-promotion, today's conversation explores a different path: building a reputation through value, credibility, and impact. We'll discuss why personal branding is no longer optional, how professionals can stand out without becoming influencers, and what it really takes to create lasting authority in the age of AI. Join us for an insightful discussion on becoming both valuable and visible.

About the Guest

Vanessa Errecarte is the author of the new book, Valuable & Visible: Redefining Personal Branding by Leading with Impact Over Image, published by Wiley in Spring 2026.

An award-winning lecturer, marketing consultant, and founder of Marketing Simplified, Vanessa has spent more than two decades helping organizations and professionals clarify their value, stand out authentically, and create meaningful impact.

She teaches one of the nation's only for-credit MBA courses in personal branding at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management, along with several highly regarded marketing courses, and has twice been named Teacher of the Year.

Recognized as a "favorite professor" by Poets & Quants in its Best & Brightest MBA feature, she considers guiding students toward their goals one of her greatest honors.

Vanessa is also a sought-after speaker whose insights have appeared in the Financial Times.

In addition to her professional work, she actively supports boards and philanthropic initiatives dedicated to service and community impact.

Guest social media

- Website: http://vanessaerrecarte.com/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.errecarte/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessaerrecarte/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-errecarte

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/

Rethinking Employee Turnover: Building Workplaces Where People Stay Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to today's episode, where we're exploring one of the biggest challenges in business: employee turnover.

For years, organizations have accepted churn as a fact of life. But what if turnover isn't inevitable? What if the key to solving talent shortages isn't better recruiting, but creating a workplace where people choose to stay?

In this conversation, we'll challenge conventional thinking on talent management and explore practical strategies for building a truly engaged, committed workforce.

Let's dive in.

About the Guest

Clark A. Ingram, author of Churn: Proven Strategies to Overcome Failing Conventional Talent Management and Achieve Zero Turnover and founder of People Profits, is a leading expert in workforce strategy, employee retention, and organizational performance

As Founder and President of People Profits, he helps companies solve three of the costliest human capital challenges facing modern organizations: employee turnover, chronically open positions, and widening skills gaps.

Working with businesses across multiple industries, Clark has consistently reduced turnover rates by more than 40 percent within the first year while helping organizations achieve staffing levels above 90 percent.

His work combines practical leadership strategies, operational insight, and data-driven talent management systems designed to create stronger workplace cultures and long-term organizational stability.

Through consulting, speaking, and writing, Clark advocates for modern workforce practices that improve retention, strengthen employee engagement, and help companies build sustainable competitive advantage in an increasingly challenging labor market.

Guest social media

Social Media and Website

- Website: www.peopleprofits.com

www.clarkingram.com

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009934092005

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clark-ingram-mba-shrm-scp-cebs-cpcu-06385111/

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 Process: The Behaviors That Drive Project Success Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Project success is often viewed through the lens of schedules, budgets, methodologies, and tools. Yet many projects still fall short despite having all the right processes in place. So, what really determines whether a project succeeds or fails?

In this episode, we explore the hidden behavioral drivers that shape outcomes inside teams and organizations. We'll discuss the difference between accountability and ownership, why fear can undermine performance, how leaders can foster greater engagement and decision-making, and why conflict and tension may be signs of progress rather than problems. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the human side of project success and what it takes to build behaviors that drive lasting results.

About the Guest

Kursten Faller, co-author of the new book The Hidden Project Drivers: Building Behavior that Drives Success (Business Expert Press, April 3, 2026), available at www.Kurstenfaller.com , is a leadership and project management advisor with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations navigate complexity, change, and transformation.

Founder of Midgard, a consulting firm, he has worked with executives and teams across sectors, providing executive coaching, leadership development, and strategic advisory services.

Known for practical insight and calm guidance Faller helps leaders align people, priorities, and performance during demanding periods of growth and uncertainty.

His work focuses on strengthening culture, improving accountability, and turning difficult initiatives into sustainable progress.

By combining experience, behavioral insight, and disciplined execution, he equips organizations to lead change with confidence, improve collaboration, and deliver stronger results.

Clients value his ability to simplify challenges, develop capable leaders and create momentum where teams once felt stuck.

He inspires clear action resilience and measurable success daily for clients worldwide.

Guest social media

- Website: www.Kurstenfaller.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kf-midgard/

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

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

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 Success Puzzle: Strategic Thinking for Business Leaders Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

What separates top performers from everyone else? In this episode, we speak with Andres Kuusk—author of Unlocking the Success Puzzle, seven-time World Pentamind Champion, Game Theory professor, and C-suite executive—about the power of strategic thinking and better decision-making. Discover how overcoming cognitive biases and adopting a champion's mindset can help leaders and entrepreneurs achieve sustainable success. About the Guest

Andres Kuusk, author of Unlocking the Success Puzzle and founder of www.andreskuusk.com , is a seven-time World Pentamind Champion, Game Theory professor, and C-suite executive whose work bridges elite competitive thinking, leadership, and human performance.

Drawing on decades of experience in strategic decision-making, business leadership, and high-level mind sports, he explores how intelligent, ambitious people can recognize and overcome the hidden cognitive biases and mental distortions that often limit success.

His research and teaching focus on decision architecture, strategic clarity, performance under pressure, and the psychology behind sustainable achievement.

Through his writing, speaking, and advisory work, Andres helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals develop sharper thinking, stronger self-awareness, and more effective systems for long-term personal and professional growth.

Guest social media

- Website: www.andreskuusk.com

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andres.kuusk.50

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andres-kuusk-1081b25b/

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 Discipline Edge: From Training Floor to Business Strategy Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

What can one of the most demanding physical disciplines teach us about leadership, decision-making, and success in business?

In this episode, we explore how principles like alignment, adaptability, discipline, and awareness—developed through intense training—can be applied far beyond the physical arena. From handling pressure and navigating failure to improving negotiations and leadership, these lessons offer a powerful framework for growth.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or simply looking to sharpen your mindset, this conversation will challenge how you think about performance and resilience.

Let's get started.

About the Guest

Benjamin Chen is the author of the new book Lessons from the Mat: The 12 Martial Arts Principles that Will Help You Succeed in Business and in Life, available at www.FromtheMatAcademy.com , is a serial entrepreneur, supply chain expert, and black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

He has built successful businesses across industrial, enterprise software, cloud, and consumer internet sectors, earning a reputation for disciplined execution and strategic growth.

He has served on the boards and senior management teams of four companies that later went public in the United States, raised more than $500 million in investment capital, and helped lead mergers and acquisitions across 30 transactions.

His from-scratch lighting and controls business generated more than $250 million in revenue during its first six years.

He is also a professor at Freedom Jiu Jitsu in Carlsbad, California, where he teaches the mindset, resilience, and leadership principles that shape both business success and personal growth.

His experience blends finance, operations, negotiation, and elite training into practical lessons for modern leaders worldwide today.

Guest social media

- Website: www.FromTheMat.academy

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.chen?mibextid=wwXIfr

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminchen88/?hl=en

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminchen88/

- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fromthemat.academy?si=QY1hSSIIYH5mwt2O

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/

Clear Thinking in Complex Business Decisions May 26, 2026

Show notes

About the Guest

Haywood Spangler, Ph.D., M.Div., author of the new book Reasoning for Business: The Inquirer's Guide to Decision Making (Routledge, 2026), is the founder and principal of Work & Think, LLC.

He advises clients on complex choices by combining rigorous analysis with a realistic understanding of uncertainty, risk, and human judgment.

His Spangler Ethical Reasoning Assessment® (SERA®) is used across industries and around the world to help individuals unite critical thinking and personal values when making difficult decisions.

He is a keynote speaker, corporate consultant, researcher, and author whose work strengthens leadership, accountability, and sound decision making in changing environments.

Through practical frameworks, engaging presentations, and measurable tools, he equips organizations and professionals to reason clearly, act responsibly, and navigate ambiguity with confidence.

Organizations value his ability to translate difficult ethical questions into clear action steps, improve team dialogue, and build cultures where better decisions become repeatable habits.

Leaders trust his calm guidance during high-stakes moments and rapid change daily.

Guest social media

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haywood-spangler-ph-d-m-div-b34715121/

-Website: www.haywoodspangler.com

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/

Speaking to Influence: Communication That Drives Impact May 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we take a deeper look at what it truly means to communicate with influence, inspired by Dr. Laura Sicola's Speaking to Influence. Why do some people naturally command attention while others struggle to be heard? And what role do perception, authenticity, and executive presence play in shaping how our message is received?

We explore the fine line between persuasion, manipulation, and genuine influence, uncover the common blind spots that hold people back, and break down practical strategies for crafting messages that resonate. From choosing the right words and using storytelling effectively to managing first impressions and navigating difficult conversations, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately.

About the Guest

Dr. Laura Sicola, author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice, is a leadership communication and influence expert, renowned speaker, and coach.

She empowers executives to become confident, inspiring leaders through on-camera training, workshops, and personalized coaching.

Laura's mission focuses on helping leaders master the 3Cs of "Vocal Executive Presence": Command the room, connect with the audience, and close the deal.

With over 20 years of experience, she has coached TED speakers, delivered her own TED talk with more than 7 million views, and appeared in major media outlets.

Her clients include Comcast, GSK, and IBM. Laura holds a PhD in educational linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania, where she also served as faculty for ten years.

Through her firm, Laura Sicola, Inc., she partners with executives, entrepreneurs, and experts to communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact in high-stakes moments.

Guest social media

- Website: www.laurasicola.com

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

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlaurasicola

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

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc/featured

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/