Love in Action

Building Emotionally Intelligent Teams that Outperform the Rest with Vanessa Druskat

Episode recap
Vanessa Druskat, social and organizational psychologist and author of The Emotionally Intelligent Team, joined the Love In Action podcast to unpack what truly separates average teams from exceptional ones. Her decades of research reveal that it’s not brilliance at the top or superstar individual contributors that drive sustained performance. The real differentiator is a team’s emotional ecosystem—the shared norms, routines, and habits that create trust, belonging, and collaborative energy. By shaping the everyday habits discussed, leaders can create a culture where people feel safe, energized, and committed—conditions that ultimately drive exceptional performance.
 
Bio
Vanessa Druskat is an associate professor at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire. As an internationally recognized leadership and team performance expert, Vanessa Druskat advises leaders and teams at over a dozen Fortune 500 and Fortune Global 500 companies. She is the recipient of multiple research and teaching awards. She is the author of The Emotionally Intelligent Team. 
 
Quotes: 
“We spend a lot of time trying to hire the best people or fix people, but we don’t spend enough time asking the collective what it needs to work better together.” 
“To experience belongingness, a person must feel seen, known, understood, and supported by the entire team. We are wired to perform at our best under these conditions.” 
“Leaders have the power to change their teams’ cultures and add practices that respect members’ universal human need to belong.” 
Takeaways: 
Emotionally intelligent teams thrive by creating routines that build trust, psychological safety, and belonging. 
Successful collaboration is driven by helping team members succeed, improving constantly, and seeking new ideas. 
Understanding teammates’ unique strengths and personalities is key to engagement and high performance. 
Addressing unacceptable behavior with caring, actionable feedback strengthens team dynamics. 
Leaders should assess team needs regularly and set collective norms to foster a culture of continuous improvement. 
Timestamps: 
0:00:02 Introduction & Episode Overview 
0:02:40 Guest Welcome & Background 
0:05:32 Motivations for Studying Teams 
0:07:10 Defining Team Emotional Intelligence 
0:10:40 Team Norms & Three Core Buckets 
0:15:33 Helping One Another Succeed 
0:16:37 Understanding Team Members 
0:18:55 Demonstrating Caring 
0:23:15 Addressing Unacceptable Behavior 
0:29:43 Measuring Team Success 
0:32:11 Groupthink & Decision Making 
0:33:29 Speed Round: Personal Insights 
0:36:26 Hopes for 2026 
0:37:53 Leadership, Love, and Final Advice 
0:40:53 Connecting with Vanessa Druskat 
0:41:41 Closing Remarks 
Conclusion: 
As we wrap up this episode, remember that extraordinary teams aren’t built by perfect individuals—they’re powered by collective trust, curiosity, and care. Let today be your reminder to reach out, understand, and uplift those around you. When we lead with empathy and foster true connection, the results speak for themselves. Here’s to building teams where every voice matters, and collaboration leads the way. 
Links/Resources: 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-druskat/  
Website - https://www.vanessadruskat.com/  
Team EI Survey – https://www.vanessadruskat.com/survey  
Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647824877?tag=bk00010a-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true  
University of New Hampshire -  https://paulcollege.unh.edu/person/vanessa-druskat  

Modeling Servant Leadership with the “Sing Second” Theme, Featuring Dean Wegner

Episode recap  
What happens when a West Point–trained Army Ranger turns his convictions about faith, entrepreneurship, and country into a fast-growing, American-made apparel brand? In this episode, Marcel sits down with Dean Wegner, founder and CEO of Authentically American, to explore how military discipline, servant leadership, and a mission-driven business model are reshaping what “Made in the USA” can mean today. 
 
Note: You can purchase one of the sweat-activated T-shirts here: https://www.authenticallyamerican.us/collections/army-west-point-screenprint 
 
If you use the code FOUNDER, you will get 25% off.
 
Bio:
Dean Wegner is the Founder and CEO of Authentically American, a Veteran-owned, American-made premium apparel brand. They are a company that celebrates patriotism, supports the American worker, and donates 10% of its profits to Veteran and First Responder charities. A West Point graduate, Dean served 7 years as a helicopter pilot and Army Ranger. Dean and Authentically American have been featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, FOX News, MSNBC, Nasdaq, Newsmax TV, and SiriusXM Radio. 
 
Quotes: 
“When things are really challenging, you cannot do it on your own. You need a team.” 
“No one cares about how much you know until they know how much you care.” 
“You do not get to sing second unless you have a tireless work ethic.” 
 
Takeaways: 
Servant leadership becomes even more important in moments of difficulty 
Values create the foundation for how a leader shows up each day 
Having a Ranger buddy or trusted partner increases your chances of success 
Great ideas do not always come from the leader; they come from the team 
Mission-driven work fuels perseverance and purpose 
 
Timestamps: 
[01:55] Dean joins and aligns with servant leadership 
[02:13] Dean shares his personal story and values 
[03:27] What Authentically American is and why American-made matters 
[04:38] The impact of creating American jobs 
[05:45] Business model explanation and pricing strategy 
[06:49] Military experiences shaping Dean as a leader 
[08:53] The meaning of sing second and respect in leadership 
[11:15] Leadership lessons from Ranger School and corporate life 
[15:20] Servant leadership during challenging times 
[16:27] Counterintuitive leadership lesson about thought leadership 
[18:15] Advice for aspiring founders and servant leaders 
[19:16] Future growth and building a sales team 
[20:34] Dean demos the sweat-activated T-shirt 
[23:29] Custom apparel for businesses and nonprofits 
[24:08] How Authentically American serves charities at cost 
[25:09] Speed round: family, fitness, and inspirations 
[27:29] Dean’s biggest hope for 2026 
[28:33] Leading with practical love in action 
[29:19] Final takeaway about having a Ranger buddy 
[30:09] How to connect with Dean and the brand 
[31:06] Closing remarks and Army-Navy game reminder 
 
Conclusion: 
Dean Wegner leaves listeners with a clear message that leadership is ultimately an act of service. Through his military lessons, commitment to American manufacturing, and daily devotion to putting others first, he demonstrates that meaningful leadership is built on humility, teamwork, and purpose. His story calls us to lead with care, stay rooted in our values, and pursue missions that create real impact in the lives of others. 
 
Links/Resources: 
Website: https://www.authenticallyamerican.us/    
Dean Wegner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanwegner93/ 
Facebook: @AuthenticallyAmericanCo  
Instagram: @authentically_american  

Helping Leaders Embrace Authenticity and Purpose at Work with Dr. Jaime Goff

Episode Recap
This week on the podcast, I sat down with Dr. Jaime Goff — executive coach, therapist, and author of The Secure Leader. Our conversation goes deep into something many leaders feel but rarely explore: how our early attachment patterns quietly follow us into the workplace. 
 
Dr. Jaime breaks attachment theory down into something extremely practical for leaders. At the core are two questions we all carry: 
Am I worthy of connection?
Can I trust others to show up for me? 
Our answers tend to show up at work in three ways. One of those ways is that of a “secure leader”: Grounded, steady, and empowering — the hallmark of modern servant leadership. 
Leaders who do the inner work of a Secure Leader create workplaces where people can flourish. 
 
Guest Bio
Dr. Jaime Goff is the founder of The Empathic Leader, LLC, where she specializes in helping leaders unlock their full potential through executive coaching, insightful workshops, and thought-provoking keynotes. Jaime holds a PhD in Couple and Family Therapy from Michigan State University and a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Southern Methodist University
 
Quotes: 
“We are not prisoners to our previous patterns, because we all have the power to become more secure.” 
“Your leadership is shaped long before you ever enter a leadership role.” 
“To love others well as a leader, you first have to believe you are worthy of love yourself.” 
“Emotional regulation is the first step toward showing up as a secure and present leader.” 
“All behavior makes sense in context, especially when you understand your story.” 
 
Takeaways: 
“We are not prisoners to our previous patterns, because we all have the power to become more secure.” 
“Your leadership is shaped long before you ever enter a leadership role.” 
“To love others well as a leader, you first have to believe you are worthy of love yourself.” 
“Emotional regulation is the first step toward showing up as a secure and present leader.” 
“All behavior makes sense in context, especially when you understand your story.” 
 
Timestamps: 
00:02 Intro and podcast milestones 
05:12 Meet Dr. Jaime Goff and her personal story 
07:21 The “latchkey kid” upbringing and over-independence 
10:55 Why she wrote The Secure Leader 
13:26 Attachment theory explained 
15:21 How unworthiness shapes controlling or approval-seeking leadership 
18:50 Jaime’s aha moment as a young leader 
21:34 Gaining awareness and deconstructing your story 
24:07 Avoidant, anxious, and secure leadership styles 
28:44 Trauma, triggers, and past patterns repeating at work 
32:18 The cost of skipping inner work 
37:49 First steps to becoming a secure leader 
40:06 Where to take the Secure Leader style scan 
41:37 Speed round 
45:52 Jaime’s hope for more secure leadership 
48:31 Leading with love and building self-worth 
50:56 Final takeaway on moving slow to move fast 
52:57 How to connect with Dr. Jaime Goff 
 
Conclusion: 
As we close this inspiring conversation, remember that real leadership begins within. When you commit to self-discovery, you build the foundation to lead others with empathy, purpose, and resilience. Growth is a lifelong journey where each step forward helps you make a positive impact on those around you. Lead with clarity, nurture meaningful connections, and watch your influence create ripples of transformation in your team and beyond. 
 
Links/Resources: 
Website (take the assessment)- https://drjaimegoff.com/  
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjaimegoff/  
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Secure-Leader-Discover-Leadership-Story/dp/B0FBZ39H8Y/  
Email Dr. Goff: jaime@drjaimegoff.com   
 
 

How to See What’s Holding You Back as a Leader with Martin Dubin

Episode recap  
 
In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Martin Dubin — a clinical psychologist turned entrepreneur and executive coach — to unpack the blind spots that quietly sabotage leaders. Marty’s journey from therapy rooms to boardrooms shaped his book Blindspotting, where he helps executives see what they can’t see about themselves. We dug into why even the smartest leaders miss their own patterns, how to build self-awareness without beating yourself up, and why humility and small shifts matter more than big transformations. 
 
Key Insights: 
Blind spots aren’t flaws — they’re unseen patterns. Marty explained how our minds naturally focus on familiar territory, leaving some behaviors invisible to us.
Six areas to watch: identity, motives, traits, emotions, intellect, and behavior — all interconnected layers that shape how leaders show up. 
Awareness beats overhaul. Growth happens through small, intentional adjustments, not massive self-reinventions. 
Humility is the gateway to insight. The best leaders don’t try to be perfect — they stay curious about what they might be missing. 
Self-awareness drives effectiveness. Understanding your motives and emotional triggers helps you lead with more clarity, empathy, and confidence. 
BIO:
 
Martin Dubin is a clinical psychologist, serial entrepreneur, business coach, and adviser to C-suite executives and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. He founded several companies, including a multimillion-dollar health care company where he also served as CEO. A former coach at the Center for Creative Leadership and a partner at talent firm RHR International, he worked directly with hundreds of C-suite senior executives from Fortune 500 companies and with Silicon Valley venture capital firms and their portfolio companies. 
 
Quotes: 
 “Self-awareness is the single most important tool of your leadership.”
“You are the tool of your leadership, so the better you know yourself, the better you lead.”
“Your greatest strength becomes a blind spot the moment you overdo it.”
“Stress narrows your motives, so you default to survival instead of wise leadership.”
“Real change in leaders comes from small tweaks, not dramatic transformation.” 
 
Takeaways: 
Name your core strengths, then ask what happens when you are too much of that strength to uncover likely blind spots.
Notice when your role has changed but your identity has not and ask if you are still leading like your old job.
Pay attention to emotional overreactions after meetings; they are clues to motives or values you may not fully understand.
Stop trying to be the smartest person in the room and start asking more questions to draw out the intelligence of your team.
Focus on small, intentional behavioral changes rather than chasing a complete personal transformation. 
 
Timestamps: 
 
[00:00] Marcel’s intro: why what used to work in leadership suddenly stops working
[02:40] Marty’s story from clinical psychologist to entrepreneur to executive coach 
[07:20] The spark behind Blind Spotting and why entrepreneurs reveal raw blind spots 
[09:06] Why is it so hard for leaders to see their own blind spots 
[11:31] The six blind spot areas and the “target” model are explained 
[13:15] Identity blind spots and the pain of transitioning into new roles 
[16:12] Traits, emotions, and intellect as hard-to-change parts of our wiring 
[20:37] Emotional blind spots, EQ, and using feelings strategically at work 
[22:41] Different kinds of intellect and how over-reliance on smarts backfires 
[27:49] Motives at the center: power, achievement, affiliation, and values 
[32:30] How stress distorts motives and narrows our leadership choices 
[33:16] A simple exercise to find blind spots by adding “too” to your strengths 
[34:17] Why sustainable growth comes from small behavioral tweaks, not wholesale reinvention 
[35:13] Speed round: what makes Marty smile, big life lessons, and hopes for the future 
[37:45] Leading with love by accepting yourself and using what you have 
[38:16] Final takeaway: start somewhere small and let self-awareness do its work 
 
Conclusion: 
 
This conversation reminds us that leadership is fundamentally an inside job. Blind spots are not signs of failure but evidence that we are human, shaped by patterns, histories, and motives we do not always see. By understanding identity shifts, naming our traits and emotional patterns, and getting honest about what truly drives us, we gain more choice in how we show up. Rather than chasing dramatic transformation, Marty urges leaders to embrace small, focused behavioral changes—asking more questions, listening longer, or dialing down an overused strength. Over time, those small tweaks compound into deeper authenticity, healthier relationships, and more effective, human-centered leadership. 
 
Links/Resources: 
Website: https://www.martindubin.com/   
Blind Spotting assessment and resources: https://www.blindspotting.com/  
Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRZFK8J6?tag=bk00010a-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true
 

Discover How to Unlock a Brighter, Happier, Bolder You with Dr. Paul Zak

Today’s episode is made possible by TerraSlate. TerraSlate Waterproof Paper is waterproof, rip-proof, and recyclable — no more laminating sheets, and no more wasted paper. TerraSlate prints through any standard laser printer and can be written on with a regular ballpoint pen. Powered by 100% renewable energy and recently named a Denver Broncos Small Business Partner, TerraSlate combines durability with sustainability. From ocean dives to mountain summits, it’s trusted by the NFL, the U.S. military, and Michelin-starred restaurants to perform when nothing else does. If your work matters, make it last. 
Visit TerraSlate.com and make your ideas indestructible. 
 
Episode Recap: 
In this Love in Action episode, Marcel sits down with neuroscientist and author Dr. Paul Zak to unpack what truly makes us happy—and how love, connection, and neuroscience intersect to create thriving workplaces and healthier lives. Drawing on research from The Little Book of Happiness and his company, Immersion Neuroscience, Zak reveals how happiness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a measurable state shaped by our relationships, daily choices, and leadership behaviors.
 
Bio:
 
Paul Zak is a distinguished university professor at Claremont Graduate University. His research has taken him from the Pentagon to Fortune 50 boardrooms to the rainforest of Papua New Guinea. He is ranked among the top 0.3 percent of most cited scientists, with over 200 published research articles. His lab and company, Immersion Neuroscience, help people live longer, happier, and healthier lives. 
 
Quotes:
 "Vulnerability is one of the best ways to build bonds with people, whether in your family, your circle of friends, or your professional team and organization. Vulnerability teaches them that you are approachable and that you need others to help you develop answers and embrace feedback."
"The more you go in an organization, the more people you lead, the more you become a role model. You're also visible as a role model to people you do not interact with daily, both inside and outside your organization."
 "If the map differs from the terrain, go with the terrain. This means assessing the situation in real time, getting inputs from every team member on that special assignment, and making a new plan, which hopefully is a winning plan."
Takeaways:
·Reflect on Your Leadership Style: Take 10 minutes to write down how you respond to mistakes and feedback. Are you open to vulnerability, or do you default to defensiveness? Identify one behavior you can adjust to build trust with your team.
·  Build Genuine Connections: Schedule one conversation this week with a team member to learn their personal or professional story. Ask questions that show you care about their perspective and challenges.
·Challenge Long-Held Beliefs: Identify one assumption you rely on when making decisions. Ask yourself, “What if this isn’t true?” and explore how adapting your approach could improve outcomes.
 Practice “Fearless Learning”: Pick a recent setback and outline what went wrong without assigning blame. Write down one concrete action to improve your approach next time.
Create a Commitment Plan: Draft a one-page outline with three areas to focus on: how you’ll lead yourself, lead your team, and lead your organization. Revisit it regularly to stay aligned with your goals.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction & Why Happiness Matters
[04:00] The Science Behind Social Connection
[08:00] Redefining Happiness for Introverts
[10:00] The 45 Cardinal Virtues Explained
[12:00] The Six App and Measuring Key Moments
[17:00] How the Brain Creates Happiness
[19:00] Longevity and Social Bonds
[20:00] Love vs. Fear in Leadership
[24:00] Oxytocin, Trust, and Connection
[30:00] Healing Division Through Empathy
[33:00] Emotional Fitness and Therapy
[36:00] Building Happy, Sustainable Organizations
[38:00] Personal Lessons & Reflections
[44:00] Leading with Love and Practical Kindness
[45:00] Final Takeaways & Resources
 
Conclusion:
To thrive in today’s demanding world, leaders must embrace human-centric leadership. Great leadership starts with self-awareness and a commitment to personal growth. By fostering empathy, encouraging open feedback, and seeing vulnerability as a strength, leaders create environments where teams feel valued and empowered. Practicing fearless learning—letting go of rigid assumptions—enables leaders to adapt and guide their organizations through uncertainty. Ultimately, the most effective leaders prioritize authentic relationships, inclusion, and continuous growth, ensuring their teams can innovate, collaborate, and succeed while building cultures that endure beyond immediate challenges.
 
Links/Resources:
Website: https://www.getimmersion.com/ 
Download the SIX app here: https://your6.com/ 
Book: https://a.co/d/9IIYijt 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-j-zak-91123510/

Mark C. Crowley: Beyond Engagement: Building Workplaces Where People Truly Flourish

Today’s episode is made possible by TerraSlate. TerraSlate Waterproof Paper is waterproof, rip-proof, and recyclable — no more laminating sheets, and no more wasted paper. TerraSlate prints through any standard laser printer and can be written on with a regular ballpoint pen. From ocean dives to mountain summits, it’s trusted by the NFL, the U.S. military, and Michelin-starred restaurants to perform when nothing else does. If your work matters, make it last.
 
Visit TerraSlate.com and make your ideas indestructible.
 
Episode recap:
In this powerful conversation with Mark C. Crowley, author of Lead from the Heart and The Power of Employee Wellbeing, we discussed the growing realization that employee engagement without well-being is hollow—and how genuine human connection, frequent feedback, and emotional awareness drive real performance.
 
Other highlights from the episode:
Why belonging is the new foundation of well-being.
How unresolved trauma shapes leadership—and how awareness leads to healing.
Why resilient leaders embrace uncertainty and learn through “two-way doors.”
How care and accountability together create workplaces people want to stay in.
 
Mark’s message is simple but radical: when people feel cared for, they thrive—and so do organizations.
 
Tune in to explore how leading with heart isn’t soft—it’s smart, strategic, and deeply human.
 
Guest Bio:
With twenty-five years in the competitive financial services industry, Mark C. Crowley rose to national roles, earning Leader of the Year for his emotionally connected, heart-centered approach that drove exceptional performance and employee growth. His book Lead from the Heart (2011, second edition 2023) disrupted conventional management with research proving that traditional methods undermine employee achievement. Now taught in eleven universities, it ignited a global movement for humane leadership. In his new book, The Power of Employee Well-Being, he advances this vision, demonstrating that thriving teams fuel organizational success. Mark’s Lead from the Heart podcast, ranked in the top 1.5 percent globally, reaches 175+ countries.
 
Quotes:
Feelings and emotions drive behavior. Engagement is literally a decision of the heart."
"If you don't know yourself, how could you possibly manage other people? You're not well-informed."
"Belonging isn't just connection. It's emotional safety, respect, and the freedom to be who you are."
"When you make decisions, think about how they'll make people feel. That's what it means to lead with love."
"The work experience should not be something people dread. Create a culture where people want to belong."
 
Key Takeaways
Know yourself before you lead others. Reflect on your upbringing and motivations. Hidden childhood influences often shape your leadership habits.
Clarify your values. Define what you stand for, and let those values guide every decision—even when it costs you short-term success.
Build belonging. Create environments where people feel safe, respected, and accepted for who they are.
Lead with love. You don't need to say "I love you" at work. You show it by caring about how people feel and treating them with kindness.
Embrace uncertainty. Replace fear with curiosity and experimentation—model calm confidence during change.
 
Timestamps
[00:02] The failure of the engagement industry
[02:29] Mark's return to the show and his new book, The Power of Employee Well-Being
[02:52] A childhood without love shaped a new kind of leadership philosophy
[07:13] The evolution of "heart-based" leadership and why it's now mainstream
[10:59] Why engagement hasn't improved in 12 years—and how companies got it wrong
[16:51] Moving from engagement to well-being as a leadership priority
[17:23] The first key drivers of well-being: Know thyself and know thy values
[24:03] Why values matter more than performance—and the courage to protect culture
[27:15] The most significant driver of well-being: Belonging and emotional safety
[30:41] How to lead through uncertainty with confidence and hope
[37:04] The link between childhood wounds and leadership behavior
[41:52] Why workplace change is inevitable—and how well-being is the future
[48:56] How to lead with actionable love every day
[51:17] Why work should never be something people dread
[53:13] Where to connect with Mark and explore his work
 
Conclusion:
Mark C. Crowley's message is clear: the future of leadership depends on humanity. Employee engagement may have stalled, but well-being is the key to unlocking performance, retention, and innovation. When leaders know themselves, honor their values, and build genuine belonging, they create workplaces where people thrive. Leading with love isn't soft—it's strategic.
 
Links/Resources: 
Website – https://markccrowley.com/
Book - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Employee-Well-Being-Engagement-Flourishing/dp/B0DRXGD4YK/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markccrowley/
Podcast - https://markccrowley.com/podcasts/
Thank You!
 

Ed Frauenheim: Liberating Masculinity

Today’s episode is made possible by TerraSlate. TerraSlate Waterproof Paper is waterproof, rip-proof, and recyclable — no more laminating sheets, and no more wasted paper. TerraSlate prints through any standard laser printer and can be written on with a regular ballpoint pen. Powered by 100% renewable energy and recently named a Denver Broncos Small Business Partner, TerraSlate combines durability with sustainability. From ocean dives to mountain summits, it’s trusted by the NFL, the U.S. military, and Michelin-starred restaurants to perform when nothing else does. If your work matters, make it last. 
 
Visit TerraSlate.com and make your ideas indestructible. 
 
Episode recap: 
In this Love in Action podcast episode, guest Ed Frauenheim discusses the concept of "confined masculinity"—the traditional view that men must be stoic, dominant, and self-reliant—which often leads to emotional suppression, poor relationships, and health issues. Ed shares his personal experiences, including a mild heart attack and a cancer diagnosis, as moments that forced him to reevaluate his own masculinity. He and co-author Ed Adams propose "liberating masculinity" as an alternative—one that embraces compassion, emotional expression, connection, and vulnerability. Their book, Reinventing Masculinity, outlines how this new model can lead to better well-being, stronger relationships, and more effective leadership. The conversation emphasizes that healthy masculinity is about balance—integrating both traditionally “masculine” and “feminine” traits. It’s not about rejecting strength, but expanding what strength means. 
 
Guest Bio:
Ed Frauenheim is a soulful storyteller, a writer, speaker, and consultant who has focused on workplace, technology, and culture matters for more than 25 years. His stories have been featured in USA Today, Harvard Business Review, and Fortune. Ed spent six years as director of content at Great Place to Work, the global consultancy that produces the annual Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list. His co-written book, Reinventing Masculinity, outlines the way to better well-being, stronger relationships, and more effective leadership.
 
Quotes 
“Winning isn’t everything.” 
“We’re told to be tough all the time. The truth is, we need to be tough and tender.” 
“Clear courage today is emotional: naming pain, asking for help, and saying ‘I love you, man.’” 
“Curiosity turns know-it-alls into learn-it-alls.” 
“Liberating masculinity lets a man truly love—in every sense of the word.” 
 
Takeaways 
Name the trap. Confined masculinity prizes stoicism, domination, and lone-wolf myths; it shortens lives and weakens teams. 
Practice the Five C’s. 
Curiosity: Ask more, assume less. 
Compassion: Start with self-kindness; pain is human, not a personal failure. 
Connection: Men need men—find healthy brotherhood (walk-and-talks, groups, circles). 
Courage: Include emotional and moral courage (own privilege, apologize, seek help). 
Commitment: Build weekly habits (journaling, check-ins) so change sticks. 
+ Contemplation (BONUS): Prayer/meditation to return to your best self.  
Lead with both/and. Tough-minded on standards; tender-hearted with people. 
Model vulnerability. Leaders who share struggles (mental health, setbacks) unlock trust and performance. 
Redesign rewards. Promote for humility, empathy, and learning—not just charisma and conquest. 
 
Timestamps 
[00:00] Marcel’s intro + why masculinity matters now 
[04:00] Ed’s story: success on paper, struggle inside 
[07:00] Health wake-ups: heart attack, cancer—and choosing help 
[09:30] Defining confined masculinity (stoic, self-made, self-sacrificing) 
[13:30] How we got here: history, culture, and alternatives 
[18:00] The antidote: liberating masculinity & the Five C’s 
[22:00] Self-compassion vs. self-pity; Kristen Neff’s insights 
[27:00] Connection without shame: men’s groups that work 
[31:00] “Tough & tender” leadership in action (ski industry example) 
[36:00] Curiosity: from know-it-all to learn-it-all 
[38:30] Role models at the top: soulful leadership that performs 
[41:00] Homework: journal, join a men’s group, contemplation 
[44:00] Women & promotion: why the wrong traits get rewarded—and how to fix it 
[48:00] Faith in men: most guys are more supportive than we think 
[50:30] Leading with love: start by listening 
[51:30] Final takeaway: fuller lives are possible—for all of us 
 
Conclusion:
Ed Frauenheim’s story reminds us that true strength isn’t found in silence or self-reliance but in the courage to connect, feel, and grow. By embracing “liberating masculinity,” men can lead with both toughness and tenderness—creating healthier families, stronger teams, and more compassionate workplaces. Leadership rooted in love and curiosity fosters trust, innovation, and long-term success. As Ed’s journey shows, self-compassion and connection are not signs of weakness but pathways to wholeness. The future belongs to men who have the courage to lead with heart.
 
Links / Resources 
Book: Reinventing Masculinity: The Liberating Power of Compassion and Connection (Ed Frauenheim & Ed Adams): https://a.co/d/clezbvM  
Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-frauenheim-685294/ 
Website – https://www.edfrauenheim.com/  
Substack (Ed’s Cancer Journey) - https://frauentimes.substack.com/  

Kyle Ewing on Leading Multiple Companies, Culture, Delegation, and AI

Today’s episode is made possible by TerraSlate. TerraSlate Waterproof Paper is waterproof, rip-proof, and recyclable — no more laminating sheets, and no more wasted paper. TerraSlate prints through any standard laser printer and can be written on with a regular ballpoint pen. Powered by 100% renewable energy and recently named a Denver Broncos Small Business Partner, TerraSlate combines durability with sustainability. From ocean dives to mountain summits, it’s trusted by the NFL, the U.S. military, and Michelin-starred restaurants to perform when nothing else does. If your work matters, make it last. 
Visit TerraSlate.com and make your ideas indestructible. 
 
Marcel sits down with Kyle Ewing, CEO and founder of TerraSlate, a two-time Inc. 5000 honoree known for creating waterproof paper used by top restaurants and NFL teams. Kyle shares his journey from Olympic-level skiing to entrepreneurship and building multiple companies. He shares how his Inverted Pyramid Leadership model—where leaders serve their teams—drives TerraSlate’s success. He breaks down core values of grit, growth, focus, and candor, his “buy back your time” principle for scaling, and his Business Navigator Operating System for helping founders start and scale their businesses. Kyle also explores using AI as a “co-CEO”, documenting systems, and leading with clarity, kindness, and accountability. 
 
Kyle Ewing is the CEO and Founder of TerraSlate. Under his leadership, TerraSlate has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Denver Post, and NPR, and twice named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. Beyond TerraSlate, Kyle also founded Big Island Honey, Windward Equity, and Cube Dynamics, and invests in Sustainability Partners to advance eco-conscious innovation. He blends business acumen with heart-centered leadership, reminding us that leading with love unlocks true potential. Kyle has been recognized with Business Elite’s “40 Under 40” and as a two-time Titan 100 award winner in Colorado. 
 
Quotes 
“Leading with love is doing the hard thing, not the easy thing.”  “Don’t delegate the task, delegate the outcome—and always state the why.”  “Clear is kind. The worst thing you can do to someone is delay feedback.”  “Culture isn’t soft. It’s the system that scales your company.”  “If someone else can do it for less than your hourly rate, delegate it right now.”  “AI doesn’t replace you. It replicates your thinking so your people can lead without fear.” 
 
Takeaways 
Flip the leadership pyramid: serve your team so they can serve your customers. 
Document everything. Systems free people to lead with humanity.
Delegate outcomes, not tasks, and always explain the purpose. 
Build a “Co-CEO” AI system to preserve your company’s institutional knowledge.
 
Timestamps: 
[00:00] Welcome and intro to Kyle Ewing  [03:00] From Olympic trials to business rebirth  [06:00] The origin of TerraSlate and waterproof paper  [10:00] Redefining leadership through service and empathy  [14:50] The four values driving TerraSlate’s success  [21:30] The art of delegation and owning the outcome  [26:30] Time hacking and the buyback rate  [29:30] Building a “Co-CEO” using AI  [33:00] Speed round: lessons, decompression, and legacy  [35:00] How to lead with love and practical kindness  [37:50] Why true networking happens in service, not events  [39:10] Closing: scaling business with heart 
 
Links/Resources: 
Website: kyleewing.com
TerraSlate: terraslate.com
Instagram: @kyleewingofficial
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kyleewing 
 
 

Wes Adams & Tamara Myles: How to Create Meaningful Work in Every Employee

Episode recap: In this episode, Marcel sits down with Wes Adams and Tamara Myles, co-authors of A Meaningful Work, to explore what truly makes work meaningful in the age of AI. Drawing from positive psychology and organizational research, they unpack how leaders can move beyond removing obstacles and instead foster environments of high well-being, challenge, contribution, and connection. They highlight the role of positive, timely feedback in reinforcing meaningful contributions and show how challenge, paired with strong support, creates a “zone of possibility” where people thrive. Together, they make the case that meaningful work is a business imperative. Listeners will walk away with actionable ways to spark purpose and connection in their own workplaces. Guest Bio:Wes Adams, CEO of SV Consulting Group, partners with Fortune 500s and growing companies to develop leaders and create effective structures for high-performing teams. He researches positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on leadership practices that help employees thrive. Tamara Myles is a speaker, author, professor, and entrepreneur focused on human flourishing at work. She helps leaders and organizations like Microsoft, KPMG, and MassMutual unlock meaningful work to boost performance, innovation, and resilience. As faculty at Boston College and at the University of Pennsylvania, her work shows that meaningful work leads to thriving teams and lasting impact.Quotes “Leaders are responsible for almost half of each individual’s experience of meaning at work.”   “Community says, I matter here.”      Takeaways Leaders must intentionally foster community, contribution, and challenge to create meaningful work.  Simple practices—like synchronized breaks, positive feedback, and development conversations—can transform team culture.  Timestamps[00:00] Marcel’s introduction: why meaningful work matters in today’s world   [04:19] Tamara’s personal story: what makes work meaningful (or not)   [06:26] Wes’s journey: purpose-driven work isn’t always meaningful   [09:33] Defining meaningful work and debunking misconceptions   [12:41] Has the meaning of work changed post-pandemic?   [23:43] Research on social connection and productivity   [28:22] The “friendship effect” and overcoming challenges together   [28:31] Contribution—understanding impact and purpose at work   [52:21] The power of saying “thank you” and recognizing others Conclusion Wes Adams and Tamara Myles make it clear: meaningful work is not about what you do, but how you experience it—and leaders play a pivotal role in shaping that experience. By focusing on community, contribution, and challenge, and by practicing care, feedback, and support, leaders can ignite passion and performance in every employee. The call to action is simple: start today, with small steps, to make work more meaningful for your team and yourself. The ripple effects can transform not just organizations, but lives. Links Mentioned Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meaningful-Work-Passion-Performance-Employee/dp/1541704533 Website: https://www.makeworkmeaningful.com/  Send Marcel a text message!

Kimberly Davis: How to Unleash Brave Leadership to Achieve Results

Episode recap: Marcel sits down with Kimberly Davis, actor-turned-leadership coach and author of Brave Leadership. They explore her journey from the stage to coaching leaders worldwide, redefining what bravery means at work, and why authenticity and vulnerability matter more than ever. Kimberly shares strategies for courageous conversations, lessons from her TED talk, and her vision of helping 1 million people uncover their “super objective.” Along the way, you’ll learn how to focus on impact and bring more courage into your leadership. Guest Bio:Kimberly Davis is the founder and author of Brave Leadership, where she champions emerging leaders and senior managers navigating today’s workplace. She shares her inspirational message of personal power, responsibility, and impact with organizations across the country and teaches leadership programs worldwide. Kimberly is Adjunct Faculty for Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business’ Executive Education Program. She’s also a TEDx speaker, and her book, Brave Leadership, named among Inc. Magazine's most impactful books, became an Amazon bestseller in Business Leadership and Motivation, and received the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award for Business and Career. Quotes: "Bravery is not the absence of fear—it’s the choice to move forward in spite of it." "Authenticity isn’t about oversharing; it’s about aligning your actions with who you truly are." "The leaders who will thrive in this new world are those who dare to connect, even when it feels uncomfortable." Takeaways: Stop trying to be the “perfect” leader—focus instead on being present and authentic. Bravery is a practice: small, consistent choices to act with clarity and courage. Connection is leadership currency—without it, influence falls flat. Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to run the show. Leading bravely isn’t about heroics; it’s about showing up as your best, real self. Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome and introduction[01:07] Introducing Kimberly Davis and Brave Leadership[03:11] Kimberly's Journey from Acting to Leadership Training[07:19] From Onstage Leadership to Brave Leadership[12:36] Defining Brave Leadership in Today's World[17:36] Special Launch Announcement[22:21] Collaborative Leadership and Global Change[25:17] Authenticity in Leadership[26:32] Defining Authenticity in Leadership[27:53] The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership[29:02] Navigating Personal Vulnerability[30:38] Impact of Vulnerability on Leadership[44:07] Creating a Culture of Courage[46:23] Speed Round and Final ThoughtsConclusion: Leadership today isn’t about following old scripts—it’s about writing a new one rooted in bravery and authenticity. Kimberly Davis reminds us that the leaders who will thrive in uncertain times are those who show up with courage, presence, and connection. By practicing bravery in small, intentional ways, we not only inspire others but also unlock our own potential to lead with impact. Links:Now Be Brave - https://nowbebrave.com/Website - https://brave-leadership.com/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Leadership-Confident-Powerful-Authentic-ebook/dp/B077ZH91TG?ref_=ast_author_dp LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlydavisonstSend Marcel a text message!