Libsyn Directory

EP 64 - Lessons Learned from Starting and Scaling a Startup Business with Dean van Zyl

Release Date: 07/04/2023

EP 82 UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about the Loneliness of Leadership

Leadership Live

What if one of the greatest challenges in leadership isn’t decision-making or managing stress but loneliness? In this Unfiltered Series conversation, leadership experts Amy Riley and Daphna Horowitz get real about the isolation that often hides behind confidence and success. Even the most connected leaders can feel unseen when everyone’s looking to them for answers. Amy and Daphna explore how this quiet loneliness shows up at every level of leadership and why it’s not a flaw but a signal—a call to pause, reflect, and reconnect. They...

EP 81 UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Anger and What your fire is trying to tell you

Leadership Live

UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Anger and What your fire is trying to tell you In this episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Anger and What your fire is trying to tell you, Daphna and her co-host explore the misunderstood emotion of anger, an experience many of us are taught to hide or downplay. Together, they unpack why anger is often labeled as “unprofessional” or “unproductive” and instead reframe it as a natural, informative and deeply human emotion. They discuss how anger can signal our values, highlight boundaries and even serve as a catalyst for...

EP 80 UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about The Cost of Being in Control

Leadership Live

UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about The Cost of Being in Control We all want to do things well — to be responsible, stay on top of it, make sure nothing slips through the cracks. But when does that turn into control? In this episode of UNFILTERED, Daphna Horowitz and Amy Riley get honest about the fine line between responsible leadership and the need to control everything. They unpack why leaders grip so tightly, what it costs in terms of energy, creativity, and trust, and how letting go can actually be a deeper form of wisdom. Join Daphna and Amy for a raw, relatable...

EP 79 UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Focus and Presence in a Distraction-Heavy World

Leadership Live

UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Focus and Presence in a Distraction-Heavy World In today’s world of endless notifications, overflowing inboxes and constant noise, focus and presence feel harder than ever to hold onto. In this episode of UNFILTERED Courageous Conversations about Focus and Presence in a Distraction-Heavy World, Daphna and Amy take an unflinching look at the cost of distraction from information overload (the equivalent of 16 movies a day!) to the hidden toll of multitasking. This isn’t about productivity hacks or quick fixes. It’s about courageous conversations....

EP 78 UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Grief and the Loss of Loved Ones

Leadership Live

UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Grief and the Loss of Loved Ones Grief isn’t neat, predictable, or something to “get over.” In this deeply moving episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations, Daphna and Amy explore the raw, human side of grief. What it really feels like to lose someone, how society often rushes the grieving process, and why true healing begins with acknowledgment, not avoidance. From awkward condolences to moments of unexpected laughter, this episode invites listeners to embrace grief as a natural, messy, and profoundly human experience. Join...

EP 77 UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Being an Introvert in an Extroverted Workplace

Leadership Live

UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Being an Introvert in an Extroverted Workplace You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to be a powerful leader. In this UNFILTERED episode, Daphna Horowitz and Amy Riley get real about what it means to be an introvert in an extroverted workplace. They unpack common misconceptions, explore how different energy styles show up at work, and reveal the quiet superpowers that make introverted leaders so effective. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to create space for deeper thinking, balanced conversations, and the brilliance that...

Ep 76 UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Menopause

Leadership Live

UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Menopause Is it hot in here, or is it… Menopause? In this powerful episode of UNFILTERED, Daphna and Amy crack open one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed life transitions: menopause. From brain fog to emotional turbulence, night sweats to shifting identities, they share their raw, personal experiences and invite you into a conversation that too often happens in whispers, or not at all. This isn’t about medical jargon or “grin and bear it” advice. It’s about real talk: how menopause shows up in our bodies, our moods, our...

EP 75 UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Morning Routines

Leadership Live

UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Morning Routines Feel guilty for not joining the 5 am club? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. In the latest episode of the UNFILTERED Series, Daphna and Amy break down the myth that success has to start before sunrise. Explore why early wakeups aren’t a magic formula and how tuning into your natural energy leads to more focus, creativity, and confidence throughout the day. Morning routines aren’t about checking off boxes. They’re about anchoring yourself with what feels right for you. Whether it’s a cup of coffee in silence,...

EP 74 UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about... Imposter Syndrome

Leadership Live

Ever feel like a fraud—even with all your achievements? You’re not alone. In this first episode of UNFILTERED, Daphna Horowitz and Amy Riley explore imposter syndrome: what it is, why it shows up, and how to move through it. Discover: The 5 types of imposter syndrome Why it hits women and minorities harder How to reframe self-doubt as a sign of growth Tools to name it, normalize it, and own your value Raw, real, and relatable—this is the conversation we all need to hear. 🎧 Listen now. Share with someone who needs it. Connect with Your Co-Hosts Daphna...

EP 73 - Overcoming ego to maximise business growth and potential with Richard Parker

Leadership Live

Richard Parker, an expert in acquiring businesses, shares his journey of transforming business aspirations into reality. After facing a crossroad in his personal life, he realized the importance of making decisions based on uncertainty and the worst-case scenario. He emphasizes the value of buying a good business at a great price, rather than starting a risky startup. Richard also discusses the importance of humility and surrounding yourself with people who are smarter and more skilled. This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. About the...

More Episodes

This episode of Leadership Live features Dean Van Zyl, founder and CEO of National Adhesive. Dean shares his experience in building a successful startup and how defining a "vivid vision" has helped him navigate tough times. Being a leader is not always easy. There are always challenges that make up the emotional roller coaster that comes with being a CEO of a startup. The importance of vulnerability and decision-making in tough situations shapes a leader for the longhaul. Dean emphasises the importance of culture, a cohesive team and paying attention to the unspoken topics, like personal relationships and physical and mental wellbeing. This is one of these episodes, you don’t want to miss. So tune in, and let’s dive in.

Timestamps:

[00:00:21] Experienced CEO shares ups & downs.

[00:03:17] From down in the dumps to success.

[00:06:25] Licensing brand, finding clarity, implementing vision tool.

[00:12:32] Leadership team created a product and acknowledged the contribution.

[00:15:08] Expanding brands in hardware, aiming for high profits.

[00:19:23] Self-reflection prompts to improve interactions.

[00:21:49] Phone-free bedtime and structured work routine.

[00:26:33] Seed-to-scale shift requires team delegation.

[00:37:24] "Choose: sink or swim in depression"

[00:40:13] Decisiveness in tough times: keep going.

[00:42:54] Right partner is crucial to personal growth & success.

[00:47:36] CEO relationship, vulnerability, sharing information, practicality.

[00:53:36] Asking for help, routines, and exercise is important.

[00:57:09] Upcoming books, podcasts, and giving back.

Key questions:

1. How important do you think having a supportive partner is for success in business and life?

2. Do you believe that having a vivid vision is an effective tool for creating success in business?

3. What steps do you take to maintain positivity and resilience in tough times?

4. Dean mentioned the importance of asking for help or advice when needed. Do you struggle with this?

5. How do you balance focusing on your own personal growth while also directing and leading your team?

6. How do you handle unpredictable challenges and navigate the unknown when building a startup?

7. Do you have a specific routine that helps you manage your work-life balance and achieve your goals?

8. What role do you think vulnerability plays in leadership?

9. How do you handle and overcome failure or setbacks in your business journey?

10. Dean discussed the importance of finding opportunities by having a clear definition of what he was looking for. Do you believe this is an effective way to create opportunities in your own business endeavors?

Resources:

PODCAST WEBPAGE:

www.daphnahorowitz.com/podcastlive

BOOK a coaching session with Daphna Horowitz HERE:

https://daphnahorowitz.com/services/#leadership-coaching

Purchase the book on AMAZON:

https://www.amazon.com/Weekly-Habits-Extraordinary-Leaders-Horowitz/dp/B08JDTRK9H/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24SK3E4DFMJMQ&dchild=1&keywords=daphna+horowitz&qid=1605772332&sprefix=daphna+ho%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C379&sr=8-1

Listen to all the previous episodes HERE:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573

Get access to your FREE Leadership Toolkit here:

https://daphnahorowitz.com/leadershiptoolkit

For more information about the CEO Habits Bootcamp: