Libsyn Directory

529: Ending the Cycle of Poverty with Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene with Shilpa Alva

Release Date: 02/25/2025

546: How to Succeed as a New Manager: Lessons from UPS and Beyond with Noel Massie

Leaders Of Transformation

What if the secret to thriving as a new manager is not found in your title, but in how you show up—day after day—for your peers and team? In this hands-on episode of Leaders of Transformation, we sit down with Noel Massie, former VP of US Delivery Operations at and author of the essential guide . Drawing on over forty years of frontline leadership, Noel Massie reveals what it really takes to succeed when you step into a supervisory role—no matter your age or experience. Sharing stories from UPS and practical wisdom for new managers, Noel Massie unpacks the core habits that set effective...

545: Transforming a Simple Idea Into a $75M Success Story | Collars & Co Founder Justin Baer

Leaders Of Transformation

How do you turn a personal frustration into a $75 million brand—with no experience in the industry? In this episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen interviews Justin Baer, founder of Collars & Co., who transformed a simple idea—a dress-collar polo shirt—into one of the fastest-growing luxury menswear brands in America. With no background in fashion and a long history of entrepreneurial experiments (and failures), Justin shares how he built a multimillion-dollar brand through relentless action, rapid testing, and the courage to launch imperfect ideas. His story of...

544: Unlocking Human Potential with AI: Steve Cadigan on Learning, Loyalty, and Workplace Transformation

Leaders Of Transformation

How can reframing your approach to talent, technology, and learning future-proof your entire organization? In this episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Steve Cadigan—renowned talent strategist, former LinkedIn VP of Talent, and author of Workquake—to unlock what it means to truly lead in an era where work is being reinvented at lightning speed. Drawing on experience guiding LinkedIn through explosive growth, building world-class cultures, and advising the likes of Google and Harvard, Steve shares a bold blueprint for navigating AI, fostering “career security,” and turning today’s...

543: Resilience, Honor and Commitment: Leadership Lessons from POW Survivor Lee Ellis

Leaders Of Transformation

What does it take to build lasting resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity? In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Lee Ellis—leadership coach, award-winning author, Air Force veteran, and former POW in North Vietnam for over five years. Drawing on his extraordinary experiences of captivity, Lee shares practical wisdom on resilience, leadership, honor, and the true power of mission-driven living. Lee opens up about overcoming adversity as a prisoner of war, the critical role of commitment, faith, and community, and why self-acceptance and vulnerability are...

542: Choosing Faith Over Fear: Bold Business Moves with Tamara Jackson

Leaders Of Transformation

How do you build a business that reflects your faith, fuels your purpose, and still drives results? In this power-packed episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Tamara Jackson—former Fortune 500 VP, CEO of Lead Reviver, founder of Beaconship, and creator of the GRASP faith framework. Tamara shares her journey of leaving corporate comfort to follow God’s calling, navigating unexpected pivots (including pandemic shutdowns), and proving that bold faith fuels both purpose and business success. You’ll discover how to make Spirit-led decisions with confidence, integrate faith authentically into...

541: The Future of Giving: Adapting for the Next Generation with Jonathan Beck

Leaders Of Transformation

How do you grow predictable revenue for your non-profit initiative? In this value-packed episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Jonathan Beck, founder of WeGive—a powerful SaaS platform transforming how nonprofits and faith-based organizations engage donors and fuel their missions. After co-founding PayStand, a global leader in digital payments, and building a successful career in Silicon Valley, Jonathan felt a strong pull to return to his roots and serve the nonprofit world. With WeGive, he’s merging innovative technology with purpose, helping...

540: Leading with Grace: Lessons from a Trailblazing Female CEO with Kash Rocheleau

Leaders Of Transformation

How do you lead a $30M company, raise a family, and break barriers in a male-dominated industry—all before 40? In this inspiring episode of Leaders of Transformation, Nicole Jansen sits down with Kash Rocheleau, the trailblazing CEO of Icon Foods. Kash’s unconventional journey—from stay-at-home mom to the youngest CEO in her industry—turns traditional leadership and success narratives on their heads. She opens up about redefining fulfillment, the realities of working motherhood, and her passion for unearthing and empowering unconventional talent. Discover how Kash shatters stereotypes,...

539: Saving Lives with Clean Water Solutions with Kurt Avery

Leaders Of Transformation

How do you create world-changing impact and lasting profits at the same time? In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Kurt Avery, the founder of Sawyer—the company renowned for its cutting-edge products protecting people against sun, bugs, waterborne disease, and injuries worldwide. But Sawyer’s story isn’t just one of innovation and growth: it’s a powerful example of what happens when service, strategic thinking, and generosity fuel a business model. Since 2008, Sawyer has donated over 90% of its profits annually, working alongside 40 charities in 80 countries and...

538: How to Lead in High-Stakes Environments with Jeffrey Sanow

Leaders Of Transformation

How do you lead under pressure—when the stakes are higher than ever? Join host Nicole Jansen as she welcomes Jeffrey Sanow—a highly decorated former senior CIA intelligence officer and social skills instructor—for a rare, behind-the-scenes exploration of negotiating, leading, and communicating in the world’s most demanding environments. Drawing on decades of experience from covert missions to boardrooms, Jeffrey shares hard-earned lessons in the art of human intelligence (HUMINT), the nuances of managing high achievers, and the subtle balance between respecting authority and staying...

537: Cultivating Servant Leadership in Sales with Max Cates

Leaders Of Transformation

What if sales could be transformed from a high-pressure, toxic grind into an uplifting, collaborative, and deeply rewarding experience? In this insightful episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen welcomes Max Cates—award-winning author, nationally recognized sales leader, and founder of Servant Leaders in Sales—for a powerful conversation on revolutionizing the world of sales through the principles and practices of servant leadership. Drawing from 37 years of proven sales management success, Max reveals how empathy, sacrifice, teamwork, and accountability can supercharge...

More Episodes

What can we do to help end the cycle of poverty in the world?

In this compelling episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Shilpa Alva, founder and executive director of Surge For Water. Committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, Shilpa shares how her organization delivers safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions to communities worldwide. Through her inspiring journey from management consulting to non-profit leadership, Shilpa demonstrates the significant impact of investing in fundamental human needs and championing women's voices.

Discover how prioritizing clean water and effective sanitation solutions can lift entire communities out of poverty. Shilpa's story of leaving a successful corporate career to pursue her passion offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Key Takeaways

The crucial link between water, sanitation, and poverty reduction.
The impact of empowering women in community-centric projects.
The logistical and emotional aspects of transitioning to a purpose-driven career.
The importance of partnerships with local organizations for sustainable change.
Overcoming fear and taking courageous steps towards your passion.
Understanding the sacrifices and rewards involved in social entrepreneurship.
The power of daily rituals to maintain focus and drive.
Why team engagement and celebration are critical in sustaining growth and impact.
How to contribute to Surge For Water's mission or identify your own path for social impact.

Podcast Timestamps

0:00 - Safe Water and Sanitation Impact

4:19 - Global Water Crisis: A Worldwide Issue

7:50 - From Corporate Ladder to Social Purpose

13:23 - Embracing Minimalism: Leaving Corporate Life

15:41 - Crab Mentality and Breaking Through

18:55 - Excellence Even When Departing

22:16 - Togetherness, Inspiration, and Rituals

25:11 - Rediscovering Motivation and Purpose

28:55 - Inspire Action, Explore Possibilities

Favorite Quotes

Commitment & Courage: “The fear is just this little thing, and you can get over it... It's this ripple effect.”