Leadership Beyond Borders

Latest Episodes:

Mastering the Art of Delivering Difficult News Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we will delve into the intricate art of conveying difficult news. From discussing strategies and techniques to showcasing real-life examples, we aim to equip you with the skills needed to deliver bad news with both empathy and clarity.

Listen as we discuss how to navigate challenging conversations, explore the nuances of communicating such news to diverse groups in various situations, and reflect on the experience of being on the receiving end. Learn how to handle difficult news gracefully both as a communicator and a receiver.

About the Guest

Mahesh Guruswamy is an experienced product development executive with over 20 years in software development and a decade of managing teams of various sizes. He currently serves as the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Kickstarter.

Prior to this, he led product development teams at Mosaic, Kajabi, and Smartsheet. Inspired by his favorite author, Stephen King, Mahesh developed a passion for writing, beginning with short stories and evolving into long-form writing.

This led to his book, How to Deliver Bad News and Get Away with It: A Manager's Guide (Greenleaf Book Group, January 14, 2025), aimed at helping managers navigate challenging situations. Mahesh is dedicated to mentoring others, particularly those interested in becoming people managers and those new to management.

Guest social media

- Website: www.maheshguruswamy.com

https://maheshguruswamy.substack.com/

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

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/

Awakening: Navigating Self-Discovery and Transformation Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention leads to personal growth and transformation.

Through introspection, we uncover our beliefs and values to find clarity of purpose. Embracing change and stepping outside our comfort zones are crucial on this path.

By prioritizing self-care and new perspectives, we align with our true passions. This process of self-discovery and reinvention deepens our understanding of ourselves and the world.

Our guest today has done just that, and she shares her journey with us, and helps guide us on how we could start on a journey of self-discovery ourselves.

About the guest

Katia Vlachos is a reinvention coach and bestselling author of Uncaged: A Good Girl's Journey to Reinvention which explores the themes of breaking free from social conditioning and reclaiming one's authentic self. As a coach, Katia helps accomplished women navigate reinvention and chart their paths towards a fulfilling, uncaged life.

With a master's from Harvard and a PhD from RAND, Katia began her career as a policy analyst before pivoting into coaching. She has been an expat for 30 years and a global mobility expert, which led her to write her first book A Great Move: Surviving and Thriving in Your Expat Assignment.

Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and other media outlets globally.

Guest social media

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

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

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katia.vlachos/

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

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

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

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

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

Empower: LGBTQ Leadership Insights Shared Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

This episode is dedicated to exploring what makes great leadership and how all leaders can embrace these qualities. We are going engage in an insightful discussion on key leadership traits such as empathy, communication, authenticity, and resilience.

About the guest

In addition to exploring universal leadership characteristics, we also shine a spotlight on how we can support and empower leaders in the LBGTQ community. In addition Dr. Steve Yacovelli, known as "The Gay Leadership Dude®" shares with us his personal experiences, challenges, and successes, and while providing practical advice and strategies for LGBTQ leaders to thrive in their roles.

Guest social media

- Website: https://topdoglearning.biz/home

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

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

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

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

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

Navigating the AI-Powered Search Revolution Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In this engaging episode as we speak with Michael Walrath, the esteemed CEO of Yext, to delve into the transformative role of AI in shaping the search landscape. Together, we unravel the implications of AI-driven search experiences for businesses and how they can adapt their marketing strategies to thrive in a post-Google world. With Michael's expert insights, we unravel the nuances of enhancing brand visibility through structured data and explore practical ways for businesses to future-proof their search strategies in an era dominated by AI. We demystify the misconceptions surrounding AI and search, as we embark on a journey to uncover the immense possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of AI-powered search.

About the Guest

Michael Walrath is CEO and Chair of the Board at Yext, serving on its board since 2009 and as Chair since 2011.

He co-founded WGI Group, LLC, investing in early and expansion-stage startups in enterprise software, consumer internet, and digital media. Previously, he co-founded and chaired Moat Inc., acquired by Oracle in 2017. In 2003, he founded Right Media, the first open exchange for digital advertising, serving as Chairman and CEO until its acquisition by Yahoo! in 2007, where he led global advertising marketplaces.

Mr. Walrath holds a B.A. in English from the University of Richmond.

Yext is the leading digital presence platform for multi-location brands, ensuring accurate, trustworthy customer interactions across search, AI, reviews, and social media. By centralizing their digital presence, brands create consistent, engaging experiences, turning their online footprint into a competitive advantage.

Guest social media

- Website: www.yext.com

- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-walrath-b63166

Host social media

- www.siinda.org

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

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

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

Embracing Challenges: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

In the dynamic world of business, obstacles are inevitable, but they can serve as powerful catalysts for growth and innovation. Instead of viewing challenges as setbacks, successful entrepreneurs and organizations learn to embrace them, using adversity as a steppingstone for new opportunities. By fostering resilience, creativity, and adaptability, businesses can not only navigate difficulties but also emerge stronger and more competitive in their respective markets. Our guest in this episode has written a book on just how to do this, and shares with us his insights and stories.

About the Guest

Pat Alacqua is a seasoned business growth strategist who has built successful companies and helped others achieve rapid, sustainable growth. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, he founded the Entrepreneur to Enterprise Program to guide business leaders through every stage of their journey.

His latest book, Obstacles to Opportunity: Transforming Business Challenges into Triumphs – Stories and Strategies from Leaders Who've Mastered It (Entrepreneur to Enterprise, May 6, 2025), shares powerful lessons from top-performing entrepreneurs who turned setbacks into success. His book is available on Amazon.

Guest social media

- Website: www.PatAlacqua.com

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

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

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

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

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

The Evolving Landscape of Work-keeping employees engaged Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Today's interview explores key themes affecting the modern workforce, including employee engagement, mental health awareness, and technology's dual role. It highlights how traditional work-life balance is shifting, especially for Millennials and Gen Z, and raises concerns about AI's impact on human connection.

We discuss the significant focus on mental health in the workplace and how it reflects the significant societal changes, accelerated by public figures discussing their struggles and events like the pandemic that demand more humane practices.

We discuss the need for employers to create environments that prioritize well-being and engagement, aligning workplace practices with evolving societal expectations

About the Guest

Nick Smallman is Founder and CEO of Working Voices, a consultancy and training provider. For the last 25 years he has been advising global blue-chip clients on engagement, productivity, and retention. He is based in London, UK.

He is the co-author of the new book Engaging Teams: How to Use Social Wellbeing to Boost Performance, Retention, and Culture (Kogan Page, March 25, 2025) along with along with Dan Parry, Head of Communications at Working Voices.

Guest social media

- Website: https://www.workingvoices.com/engaging-teams/

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

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

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

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

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

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

The Future of Search: The Impact of AI on User Behavior and SEO Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Today we are going to talk about the transformative impact of AI in search technology, a topic that has garnered significant attention it is at events like VivaTech. Just returning from VivaTech a couple weeks ago I can vouch for the fact that all eyes were on AI.

AI tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity continue to reshape user behavior and trust in traditional search platforms; we explore these shifts and their implications for businesses.

In this episode will delve into the evolving landscape of SEO strategies, the challenges of factual accuracy, and the importance of personalized search experiences with an expert in this area.

About the Guest

Aaron is the Vice President of Business Development and Partners at Boostability. With 25+ years in online marketing, he has led successful global partnership growth across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa. Passionate about local search, e-commerce, and digital strategy,

Aaron is driven to help small businesses thrive in today's digital landscape. His diverse career includes roles as a consultant, marketer, entrepreneur, and strategist.

Boostability is the global leader in white-label SEO for SMBs. Its proprietary platform, LaunchPad, powers scalable, affordable SEO solutions, tracking over 4.4 million keywords monthly. This data-driven approach helps 86% of customers reach Google's first page within 6–9 months.

Boostability pioneered affordable SEO at scale and now serves SMBs in 15 countries and 9 languages—more than any other provider globally.

Guest social media

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

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

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

- Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boostability

- Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronpresbury

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

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Boostability

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

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

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

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

Cultivating Personal Energy for Job Success Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

Personal energy is a key factor in achieving job success. By cultivating a positive mindset and managing our energy effectively, we can approach our work with clarity and motivation. When we prioritize activities that energize us, we create a foundation for sustainable success in our careers. By tapping into our personal energy, we unlock our potential and pave the way for meaningful professional achievements. In this episode we explore and try to understand what personal energy really is, and how we can cultivate our own energy to foster success and how we can help our teams and organizations adapt constructive energy.

About the Guest

Rebecca Ahmed, an award-winning speaker, business consultant, and an Energy Leadership IndexTM Master Practitioner (ELI-MP). She is also a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Her new book is, The Energy of Success: Power Up Your Productivity, Transform Your Habits, and Maximize Workplace Motivation. In the book she illustrates how you can shift your energy to increase your joy and enthusiasm at work or how you can transform your own experience no matter what's going on with your colleagues. It is the jolt of motivation we all need to turbocharge our businesses and teams. Her work has been featured in Forbes, National Association of Colleges and Employers, Talent Management & HR, Recruiting Daily, and Talent Culture. Under her direct supervision, Allegiant Airlines won Glassdoor's "Best Places to Interview" award. Caesars Entertainment, the largest casino-entertainment company in the U.S. retained Rebecca as their new "Chief Energy Officer" in 2021. Her role includes speaking twice monthly on how to shift their emerging leaders' energies from surviving to thriving using energetic principles at their Emerging Leader Summits across their 55 U.S. based properties. Find out more at https://www.energeticimpact.com/.

Guest social media

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

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

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

- Other Social Media Accounts: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebeccaeahmed

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

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

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

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

Navigating the New Digital Frontier Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

As the CEO of a cutting-edge technology company, "Navigating the Digital Frontier," navigating today's ever-evolving landscape of digital trends is not easy. From the latest advancements in artificial intelligence to changes in customer demands and the impact of social media on digital advertising, it is hard to keep up. In this episode, we discuss the innovations that are transforming digital presence, redefining customer relations, and impacting consumer behavior. Listen to this insightful discussion with a top CEO in digital, along with practical tips to help you stay ahead in this fast-paced digital world.

About the Guest

Pete Urmson is an experienced CEO who has led tech and marketing businesses from startup to rapid growth. He has founded, invested in, and transformed companies, specializing in large enterprises in publishing, telco, and hosting. As CEO of Spotzer Digital, he and his team developed a strategy for rapid innovation. He launched Online Essentials and Agency Essentials, expanding Spotzer's reach, including enterprise customers through Yext Business Solutions.

Spotzer Digital is a fast-moving, tech-enabled services company providing digital solutions to enterprises and SMBs. It partners with major corporations and mid-tier enterprises to offer white-labeled websites and marketing products. Through its Online Essentials program, resellers generate leads and earn a margin share of subscription fees while Spotzer manages marketing, sales, billing, and support. The company is advancing its AI strategy, integrating AI agents into its platform to simplify SMB business management.

Guest social media

- Website: https://spotzerdigital.com/

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

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

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotzer-digital/

- Twitter/X: @SpotzerDigital

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

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

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

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

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

The Heart of the Office: Embracing Love at Work Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

In todays podcast we are going to talk about two works that are not normally used in the same sentence- Love and Work. We explore the transformative power of love in the workplace while discussion how compassion, empathy, and connection can enhance productivity and create a thriving work environment. We are going to share insights, stories, and practical tips to cultivate a culture of love that benefits everyone in the workplace.

About the Guest

KELLY WINEGARDEN HALL is a leadership expert and business strategist dedicated to helping individuals and organizations shift from merely surviving to truly thriving.

With three decades of experience, she has led diverse teams and turned underperforming businesses into high-performing, self-sustaining organizations. She is the founder of Live L.A.R.G.E., a platform focused on growth through purpose, authenticity, and strong leadership.

Her book, Love Works: Transforming the Workplace with Purpose and Authenticity (Fedd Books; March 4, 2025), offers a practical guide to building healthier, more productive work environments.

Guest social media

- Website: www.kellywinegardenhall.com

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_hall824/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-hall-0a23a11

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

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

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

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