Ep. 304: Guido Palazzo - From Scandal To System Design
Straight Talk For Business
In this episode, I’m joined by Guido Palazzo, co-author of The Dark Pattern, to explore how corporate scandals emerge, not from isolated “bad apples” but from deeper system design flaws. Guido’s research unpacks the repeatable patterns that underlie cases like Volkswagen’s emissions scandal or Wells Fargo’s sales fraud, showing how culture and incentives interact in ways leaders often fail to see until it’s too late. We begin with the anatomy of a Dark Pattern. Guido highlights three foundational building blocks: rigid ideology, which narrows the range of...
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Ep. 303: Jeff Leitman - The Gap Hunter
Straight Talk For Business
Straight Talk for Business frequently speaks with entrepreneurs who have evolved their business to new levels. This conversation is no different. Jeff Leitman is the Montréal-born entrepreneur who co-founded Killer Concepts Inc. in 2011 and still serves as its President & CEO from Irvine, California. Before jumping into start-ups, he spent a decade on the big-box retail side as a category buyer, experience he credits with giving him the sourcing, merchandising, and P&L chops that drive the business today. Killer Concepts began with impulse-priced...
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Ep. 302. Gareth Morgan: Winning Motivation & Leading From the Inside-Out
Straight Talk For Business
Elite performance coach and author Gareth Morgan joins Dragica to unpack his latest book The Winning Motivation: Turning Pressure into Progress and the mind-set leaders need to thrive in a hyper-volatile world. In this episode, we discuss the key takeaways from his book. Impact Substitute: Why the most valuable players often start on the bench - and how watching, spotting gaps, then stepping in with purpose creates game-changing influence. Observation = Advantage: Leaders who ask more questions than they answer unlock hidden talent, engagement and...
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Ep. 301. Ed Bernacki: Innovation - Beyond the Buzzword
Straight Talk For Business
Innovation isn’t just about technology, it’s about solving real problems in ways that create lasting value. Yet, too many organizations confuse minor improvements with true innovation, missing the deeper mindset shift required to break new ground. Real innovation demands more than just great ideas; it requires adaptability, structured problem-solving, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Global innovation expert Ed Bernacki has spent his career helping organizations move beyond innovation theater into meaningful action. He shares how companies can stop treating...
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Ep. 202: Unlock Extraordinary Potential with Tony Gareri
Straight Talk For Business
Meet Tony Gareri – He’s an entrepreneur leading a family business founded more than 35 years ago – Roma Moulding has become one of the world’s leading producers of luxury picture frame moulding companies. Tony is on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. With his practicality, faith, and unwavering belief in limitless possibilities, he empowers others to conquer challenges and unlock their extraordinary potential. Through his presentations and conversations, Tony leaves a lasting mark, inspiring others to break through barriers and create extraordinary...
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Ep. 201: BJ Gallagher speaks out about 'Fitting In'
Straight Talk For Business
If there was ever an author who has her finger on the pulse it is B.J. Gallagher. Over more than 40 years B.J. has inspired thousands through her books and speaking engagements. She writes books that educate and empower (as well as entertain) a broad population of the general public. Her message is powerful, positive and most of all, practical. Her international best seller, A Peacock in the Land of Penguins inspired me to have the conversation with her about all we can be. As a former manager of training and development she understands what it takes to develop to...
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Ep. 106: Dragica's Thinking and Tinkering
Straight Talk For Business
Recent news stories about 'resignations' and the 'quiet quitting' is cause for pause. Is this really all new? What can be at the root of all this activity? I have some thoughts and views I share with in this podcast. I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can reach me directly at: or check our website
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Ep. 105. Rebecca Sutherns - Adaptability Wins the Day
Straight Talk For Business
Good day, Business turbulence during 2020 - 2022 has caused many companies to revisit their priorities, expectations and how they achieve results. Resilience has drawn much attention as a means to get past COVID-19. Today we talk about another major contributor to the businesses' ability to get past difficult situations and create value for consumers, for their employees and stakeholders. Dragica and Rebecca talk about the 'Adaptability Factor' - Join us and better understand how adaptability adds value in ways that 'Continuous Improvement' could not. To learn...
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Ep. 104: Making Sense of Strategy in the Body of the Organization
Straight Talk For Business
Too often strategy is disconnected from the organization's capabilities. How can this be? The traditional approach to strategy is not working to address current business uncertainty and turbulence. Executives must create a future-fit culture where sense-making, decision-making and action-taking are tightly aligned and integrated. With prevailing shortages in the talent pool, new approaches are needed. Executives are becoming aware that they must take more time to make considered, data-informed decisions. This requires them to take the time necessary to...
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Ep. 103: Effect of Behaviours on Business Economics with George Elerick
Straight Talk For Business
George Elerick is a Behavioral Economist. In this episode, he sheds light on how management behaviours impact the economics of business when the execution of key strategies fails. Fascinating observations on how the mindset impacts behaviours, economics and performance results of companies. We welcome your thoughts, questions and comments at
info_outlineRecent news stories about 'resignations' and the 'quiet quitting' is cause for pause. Is this really all new?
What can be at the root of all this activity?
I have some thoughts and views I share with in this podcast.
I welcome your thoughts and feedback.
You can reach me directly at: Dragica@uvidi.ca or check our website