Leadership Beyond Borders

Latest Episodes:

The Retention Revolution: Why People Stay (or Go) Mar 03, 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 the Buzzwords: What Inclusion Really Means Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

What does inclusion really mean beyond policies and buzzwords?

This podcast explores inclusion as a human experience and a leadership imperative—how people feel seen, valued, and able to contribute. Through real conversations on bias, belonging, and leadership, we look at what inclusion truly looks like in everyday moments.

Because inclusion isn't just about who's in the room—it's about how people experience being there.

About the Guest

Dr. Riza Kadilar was the President of EMCC Global between 2017 and 2024, and she is the author of The Contemporary Leader: The Value of Inclusion in Successful Leadership, published by Wiley in December 2024. The book explores how inclusive leadership drives success in today's complex organizations and is available through major retailers like Amazon and Wiley.

With over 30 years of senior banking leadership experience across France, the UK, the Netherlands, and Turkey, Dr. Kadilar has built a career focused on human capital and business growth. He also founded RK Academy to expand access to high-quality learning.

A visiting professor, international keynote speaker, and author of seven leadership books, Dr. Kadilar is widely recognized for his contributions to leadership and professional development.

Guest social media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BjJSKBsxZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.facebook.com/share/19e3XT75g4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rizakadilar

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/

Leading with Intention: How Purpose Fuels Power and Impact Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

In Today's episode is about intention—and what happens when you stop operating on autopilot and start leading with purpose. We're diving into how clarity fuels confidence, how inner power is built during life's hardest moments, and how true leadership creates impact long after the spotlight fades. This is a conversation about resilience, alignment, and making intentional choices that shape not just success—but meaning.

About the Guest

Bianca D'Alessio is the author of the forthcoming book Mastering Intentions: 10 Practices to Amplify Power and Lead with Lasting Impact (Savio Republic, Aug. 5, 2025), a practical guide for high achievers seeking to lead with clarity, purpose, and sustainable influence. Drawing on her experience at the top of one of the world's most competitive industries, the book offers actionable practices for harnessing intention as a source of power, presence, and long-term success.

She is also the star of HBO Max's acclaimed series Selling the Hamptons and the top-ranked real estate broker in both New York City and New York State. As the founder of one of the highest-producing brokerage teams in the United States, Bianca oversees a $10 billion international real estate portfolio spanning luxury residential and investment markets.

In addition to her brokerage work, Bianca writes a weekly column for Money Magazine and is a frequent expert voice in Forbes, The New York Times, Fox Business, Medium, and The Real Deal. Known for combining strategic precision with mindset mastery, she continues to shape how leaders think about power, growth, and lasting impact.

Guest social media

- Website: www.biancadalessio.com

- Facebook: facebook.com/bianca.dalessio.3

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

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

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/

Leading Becomes You: The Inner Work of Flourishing Leadership Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

What if leadership isn't about doing more—but about becoming more yourself? In this podcast, Dr. Natalie Pickering invites us beneath the surface of performance and position to explore the inner terrain of leadership. Through honest conversation, real stories, and practical insight, we'll examine identity, awareness, connection, and what it truly takes to lead from the inside out. This is a conversation for leaders who are ready to stop surviving—and start flourishing.

About the Guest

Natalie Pickering, PhD, is the author of the forthcoming book Leading Becomes You: A Real-World Framework for Leading from Inside Out (Sept. 18, 2025), a practical and deeply human guide that reframes leadership as an inside-out practice grounded in self-awareness, integrity, and courage.

She is a TEDx speaker, organizational psychologist, and executive coach known for helping leaders trade relentless performance pressure for authentic, sustainable influence.

Drawing on decades of research and real-world experience, the book offers leaders a clear framework for leading in ways that are both effective and deeply aligned.

Natalie is the founder of The BECOMING WORKS, a leadership development firm dedicated to helping organizations scale without losing their soul.

Guest social media

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

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

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

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/

Turning Pressure into Performance: The 8% System Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

Pressure is everywhere—but does it really make us perform better? Most of us believe it does, yet research shows that pressure often disrupts our best work. In this episode, we're breaking down why that happens, the common traps individuals and teams fall into, and three powerful truths about pressure that can change how you perform.

We'll also explore the 8% System—a research-backed approach built on high connection and high courage. Designed to help teams and individuals thrive under pressure, make better decisions, and achieve real results, this system has been used by Olympic coaches, NFL teams, and top organizations. Our guest shares practical strategies to transform pressure from a threat into your greatest advantage.

About the Guest

Dr. JP Pawliw, a globally recognized author and expert on culture, leadership, emotional intelligence, and performing under pressure, wrote the New York Times bestselling book -Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most.

As Co-Founder of the Institute for Health and Human Potential, he surveys more than 40,000 people each month, uncovering behavioral insights that help elite teams—from United States Navy SEALs to Fortune 100 executives—excel in high-stakes environments.

His groundbreaking research on the "Last 8%," the critical moments when people hesitate to speak up or decide, has transformed how organizations build courageous, emotionally intelligent cultures.

Featured in Harvard Business Review and major global media, JP has created a neuroscience-based Last 8% Culture System that equips leaders to act with courage, connection, and accountability. His work has impacted leading organizations including IBM, Microsoft, NASA, The Coca-Cola Company, and National Football League.

Guest social media

- Website: https://www.jppawliw-fry.com/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/last8project

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

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFQNKGG6__gKdxb4OYeIPzwdz5Va82HHf

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 End of Search as We Know It: AI's 2026 Revolution Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

As we move into 2026, the way people search and interact with brands is rapidly changing. AI is shifting discovery from traditional search toward personalized, context-aware experiences, and even the interfaces we use are evolving into agent-driven tools that act on our behalf.

In this interview we explore what these changes mean for businesses and how they can prepare for a year where search, ranking, and customer experience will look very different than they do today with one of the worlds experts in search and data.

About the Guest

Christian J. Ward is Executive Vice President and Chief Data Officer at Yext. He specializes in knowledge graphs and data asset optimization, helping clients identify, value, and structure their knowledge to maximize its impact in AI and search.

Christian is the co-author of the Amazon top release Data Leverage and has built hundreds of data partnerships worldwide, working with both startups and major global data companies.

He previously served as Chief Data Officer at Arizent and Data Axle, and as Global Head of Content Innovation at Thomson Reuters. His insights have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune, and Search Engine Journal. He frequently speaks on data strategy, partnerships, and the influence of AI.

Yext helps organizations build digital experiences across any channel on its open, composable platform. The Yext Digital Experience Platform organizes content to deliver AI-driven experiences for customers, employees, and partners.

For more than 15 years, thousands of companies have trusted Yext to create seamless experiences across search engines, websites, mobile apps, and hundreds of digital touchpoints.

Guest social media

- Website: https://mobile.twitter.com/yext

https://www.yext.com/index.html

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

- https://www.linkedin.com/company/yext/

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

- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/YextDE/

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 Business of Nature: Lessons from Ecosystems Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the show. Have you ever thought about the similarities between nature and business. Well to be honest until I read the book of todays' guest I never did. So today we're going to look at this. We will explore how nature can be one of our greatest teachers in business and leadership. We'll look at what ecosystems can teach us about collaboration, competition, and change—and how these lessons can help organizations not just survive, but truly thrive.

About the Guest

Ines Garcia is an organizational coach and the Founder and CEO of Get Agile.

She is the author of the forthcoming book Nature's Blueprint for Business: Harnessing the Hidden Power of Edges (Routledge, September 8, 2025), in which she explores how principles found in nature can help organizations create greater impact, adapt to complexity, and reduce waste.

Through her work, Ines supports leaders and teams in rethinking how value is created, delivered, and sustained in fast-changing environments.

With extensive experience across industries, Ines partners with organizations that want to move beyond frameworks and tools to achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes. Her approach combines systems thinking, Agile and Lean principles, and practical experimentation, always with a strong focus on people and purpose. She is known for translating complex ideas into actionable practices that teams can apply immediately.

Ines designs and delivers hands-on programs for Agile, Project, and Product professionals, helping them strengthen decision-making, collaboration, and delivery capabilities.

Her work emphasizes learning by doing, continuous improvement, and aligning strategy with real customer and business needs. More information about her work, programs, and speaking can be found at www.inesgarcia.me.

Guest social media

Website: www.inesgarcia.me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inesgarciaagile/

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 Jan 13, 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/

Tech That Scales: Digital Tools Powering Small Business Growth Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

In today's episode, we turn our focus to small businesses, technology, and the evolving role of digital tools in helping companies grow and stay competitive. We'll be talking about how technology can balance automation with human connection, and how agencies and organizations can better serve small businesses in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

About the Guest

Rachel is Vice President of Brand & Product Marketing at vcita, where she helps companies serving small businesses turn technology into practical, human-centered tools that owners actually use and trust.

Her journey began in college, when she founded her first business helping local companies build their web presence and transition from offline to online marketing. Since then, she has worked across the tech industry, leading marketing and sales enablement initiatives designed to help small businesses grow and thrive in a digital-first world.

At vcita, Rachel partners closely with enterprise organizations to define go-to-market strategies, train teams, and launch branded solutions built on the vcita platform. A self-described tech enthusiast, she is passionate about simplifying digital tools to create real opportunities and smoother everyday business operations.

vcita is an SMB technology company dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses manage and grow their operations. Its AI-driven platform supports scheduling, billing, messaging, and marketing—balancing automation with human interaction. Through inTandem by vcita, enterprise partners can deliver white-label AI solutions that unlock new revenue, reduce churn, and deliver measurable value at scale.

Guest social media

Website: https://www.vcita.com
inTandem: https://intandem.vcita.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vcitainc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vcita
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcita
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vcitaofficial

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 End of Search as We Know It: AI's 2026 Revolution Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

About the Guest

Christian is the co-author of the Amazon top release Data Leverage and has built hundreds of data partnerships worldwide, working with both startups and major global data companies.

For more than 15 years, thousands of companies have trusted Yext to create seamless experiences across search engines, websites, mobile apps, and hundreds of digital touchpoints.

Guest social media

- Website: https://mobile.twitter.com/yext

https://www.yext.com/index.html

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

- https://www.linkedin.com/company/yext/

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

- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/YextDE/

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/