Uncommon Leadership

Ever feel like you are just one more cog in a machine? Ever had a manager treat you as though you were completely interchangeable with someone else on your team? Ever been stuck doing something you absolutely hated while others complained about doing something you would have loved to do? We’re not just cogs, nor are we plug-and-play replacements for anyone else. We each have unique talents. The teams I’ve most enjoyed working with, and the teams who best accomplished their goals, have always been teams who customized their approach to take full advantage of those unique gifts. The Uncommon Leadership interview series will inspire you through the stories of those who have made the shift from struggling to thriving as leaders, individually and in a team environment. Join us as we explore aligning personal fulfillment with business success, creating authentic teams, and cultivating the resilience necessary to move beyond simply surviving today’s challenges into thriving.

How Self-Prioritization Drives Better Teams, Systems, & Outcomes ft. Lynn Juang 11/12/2025

How Self-Prioritization Drives Better Teams, Systems, & Outcomes ft. Lynn Juang A lot of leaders believe that they need to sacrifice themselves to stand out. But what if prioritizing yourself—your clarity, your energy, and your pace—is the most strategic thing you can do for your team as well as your organization? What if you had to be a little selfish? Putting on your oxygen mask before you rushed to help everyone else around you? Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. I'm your host, Michael Hunter, and today I'm honored to explore what it means to pause, reset, and focus on self with Lynn Juang, the founder of Frameworks Consulting. For two decades, Lynn has helped organizations translate their big vision into actionable frameworks and systems. Take a seat and join us as we dive deep into the paradox of modern leadership in this episode. From why selfishness is your strategy to why the act of pausing deliberately is the fastest way to sustainable growth—we truly break down what it means for a leader to find their pace. If you're someone who experiences overwhelm, chaos, or burnout, please don't miss out on this episode! -- Your Leadership Takeaways From This Episode: 1/ True clarity comes from knowing exactly when to push and when to pause, not just rushing forward. 2/ You cannot lead from an empty well. Practicing healthy selfishness is a great way to prevent burnout and build inner resilience. 3/ Learn to walk away from obsolete processes. Define the "why" for every process so that your team understands where they need to go and can find faster, better ways to get there. 4/ Learn simple, low-lift practices to build your "gut feeling" muscle—a game-changer for when you need to take accurate, high-stakes decisions. 5/ Always start with the Why. Gain context through conversations before making an assumption. Having open conversations about work [ and beyond] creates a psychologically safe environment—something your team needs to trust you and each other. -- Meet the Speakers Lynn Juang Juang is an award-winning creative leader, strategic consultant, and the founder of For over two decades, she has partnered with creative leaders, moving their biggest ideas from ambition to reality through strategic clarity and operational structure. As a systems thinker, Juang advises creative agencies on workflows, brand strategy, and operations. Through her work, she aims to unlock creative flow, remove operational hurdles, and build springboards for continuous growth. Connect with Lynn Juang via email: Lynn Juang on LinkedIn: Michael Hunter Michael Hunter went from debugging code to debugging people. Now he helps people debug themselves. As the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael Hunter explores the why, how, and what of authentic leadership. He works primarily with tech leaders and founding teams, helping them navigate organizational chaos and change with resilience and grace. Connect with Michael Hunter: Read more about his work: -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: UncommonChange /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/38935255

Resilience Starts with Self-Care ft. Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith 11/05/2025

Resilience Starts with Self-Care ft. Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith For the first 15 years of her career, Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith was always the first to arrive and last to leave. And she expected the same relentless pace from everyone around. Then COVID arrived, and with it, an unexpected gift: the permission to breathe. But this isn't just a story about work-life balance. It's the story that led to a groundbreaking realization—you cannot keep pouring if your cup is empty. It's about the time when Smith realized that personal resilience is an important business strategy, something a lot of organizations overlook. Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Uncommon Leadership. I'm Michael Hunter, and today I'm honored to explore what it means to be resilient and courageous with Dr. Smith, who has worked relentlessly for over 25 years to bridge the gap between education and workforce needs. From "courageous conversations" that build unbreakable teams to a restaurant motto that redefined her leadership, we discuss how leaders can navigate the most challenging business issues by focusing on heart and integrity. Grab a seat and pay attention if you want to see how resilient your team could be when they finally learn to speak their truth and experience discomfort with grace. -- Podcast Highlights: Prioritize filling your own cup (self-care) before you pour into others. When you give permission for self-care, it cascades through teams, families, and communities. Investing in culture and employee happiness is a direct financial strategy that saves massive costs on recruitment, onboarding, and boosts customer retention. Genuine, heart-led leadership means extending an open door and treating employees like family. Uncommon Leadership stems from simple, non-negotiable personal principles: integrity, kindness, speaking your truth, accepting the uncontrollable, and faith. -- About the Speakers Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith is a dynamic, heart-led C-Suite executive who has spent the last 25 years shaping the future of education and the workforce. She specializes in scaling online education, product development, and building high-performing teams that truly believe in their mission. Smith is focused on using tech-driven solutions to make sure learning directly translates into student success and impactful career outcomes. Connect with Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith : Michael Hunter Michael specializes in moving leaders "from debugging code to debugging people to helping people debug themselves." He hosts the popular Uncommon Leadership Podcast, where he explores how vulnerability, self-awareness, and authentic connection transform teams and drive sustainable growth. His work focuses on navigating organizational chaos and turning complex challenges into stepping stones for innovation and resilient leadership impact. Connect with Micahel Hunter: -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: UncommonChange /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/38905040

Is Your Greatest Leadership Asset Hidden in Plain Sight? ft. Alfredo Borodowski 10/29/2025

Is Your Greatest Leadership Asset Hidden in Plain Sight? ft. Alfredo Borodowski Have you ever hit a personal rock bottom that threatened your entire career? Our guest today, Dr. Alfredo Borodowski, knows that feeling intimately. Alfredo’s story is one of total collapse and remarkable redemption. He didn't find his way back with better systems; he found it by discovering his own forgotten character strengths. Hello! This is Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and I'd love to welcome you to another episode of Uncommon Leadership, where we explore what it truly takes to thrive, not just survive, in today's chaotic world. Today, I sit down with Dr. Alfredo Borodowski, who helps global firms turn organizational resistance into growth, to uncover the following: The crucial difference between talent and character strengths. How knowing your 'Top Five' can boost your performance by up to 18 times. Why the old management myths (pressure brings results!) are destroying your culture. And how you can navigate personal chaos and find your internal compass through self-knowledge. Get ready to discover why knowing who you are is the ultimate secret to peak performance. Grab a seat, welcome Alfredo Borodowski, and begin a truly transformational conversation! -- About the Speakers Alfredo Borodowski Alfredo Borodowski is a bestselling author and Peak Performance expert who helps leaders harness their strengths. With over three decades of experience advising CEOs and senior leaders at firms like Motorola, his expertise lies in turning workplace resistance into tangible growth. Alfredo's powerful personal story—moving from an esteemed rabbi to overcoming severe mental illness—gives him a unique, empathetic lens for guiding organizations through complex change, always focusing on clarity, empathy, and results. Connect with Borodowski : Michael Hunter Michael specializes in moving leaders "from debugging code to debugging people to helping people debug themselves." He hosts the popular Uncommon Leadership Podcast, where he explores how vulnerability, self-awareness, and authentic connection transform teams and drive sustainable growth. His work focuses on navigating organizational chaos and turning complex challenges into stepping stones for innovation and resilient leadership impact. Connect with Micahel Hunter: -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: UncommonChange /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/38806195

The One Thing Uncommon Leaders Get Right ft. Romie Montpeirous 10/22/2025

The One Thing Uncommon Leaders Get Right ft. Romie Montpeirous Hello there! I'm Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams, and I'm so glad you found this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. I started this series because I constantly meet leaders battling burnout and searching for deeper impact. While I may not have all the answers you're looking for, I truly believe that professional and personal success hinges on aligning personal fulfillment with business objectives. And today, my extraordinary guest, Romie Montpeirous from Leadership from the Heart, talks about the role of adaptability and empathy in leadership. Uncommon leaders embrace adaptability—shifting their approach to meet their team’s needs. They're present, self-aware, and help their team find resilience in the face of chaos. Our conversation then deepens into the surprising link between a leader’s vulnerability and a team’s loyalty. We explore how to find your own version of work-life balance and why "ready" is always a decision, not a feeling. Join us, and you just might find the key to a better way of leading, in work and life. -- Key takeaways from this podcast: The most effective leaders move between different styles, adjusting their approach based on the team's needs. Trust is earned, not demanded. Authentic team loyalty is a result of a leader's care and empathy, not authority. A leader who is present and transparent builds a culture of psychological safety, allowing the team to show up as their full selves. Help your team overcome fear and uncertainty by walking them through their "worst-case scenario" to show they are resilient. Equilibrium is personal. The goal isn't a rigid work-life balance, but helping each team member find their own unique sense of harmony. -- About the Speakers Leadership Mentor| Founder & Lead Coach @ | Change Management Leader | Expert at Transforming Cultures | As the founder of Leadership from the Heart, Romie Montpeirous is dedicated to cultivating authentic and empathetic leaders. Romie's philosophy centers on the idea that true excellence emerges when leaders bring their whole selves to their teams. Specializing in empowering operations leaders, Romie helps clients overcome internal conflicts, boost collaboration, and build resilient, high-performing cultures. Holding an MBA and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Romie is an expert at merging emotional intelligence with data-driven strategies to achieve tangible business results. Founder @ | Interlocutor / Curious Host @ | Author | Change & Innovation Partner I'm Michael Hunter, the founder of Uncommon Teams. All my work is driven by a single mission: to help leaders, CXOs, and founders build uncommon teams. These are the teams where every person feels valued, psychologically safe, and confident to bring their authentic selves to work. Drawing from my experience with leaders across six continents, I've developed a battle-tested framework that is always precisely customized for you, helping you greet change like an old friend. My deepest satisfaction comes from helping leaders not just envision their legacy, but truly inhabit it. By integrating your whole self into everything you do, you can discover ease, freedom, and a resilient leadership journey that creates a safe organizational culture for everyone. -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: UncommonChange /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/38423205

The Making Of A Leader ft. Nick Goodin 10/15/2025

The Making Of A Leader ft. Nick Goodin What if the things you’ve been hiding are the very things that make you an extraordinary leader? In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership podcast, Michael Hunter sits down with Nick Goodin, a former chief product officer, to unpack a truth most leaders never discover: your personal story is your greatest asset. Nick shares his own incredible journey—from a traumatic childhood to the sudden, unexpected loss of his job—revealing how he learned to deconstruct life's challenges and rebuild with purpose. Through his unique philosophy of first principles thinking, Nick provides a roadmap for : cultivating self-awareness, empathy, and trust as your core leadership pillars. This is a profound exploration of how you can align your deepest beliefs with your professional impact, creating cultures where innovation isn't just a goal, but a natural outcome of the process you follow. -- TL; DW? Here's a rapid summary: The Problem: Some leaders often feel they have to hide their personal struggles and conform to an idea of strength, leading to burnout and mediocrity. The Solution: This episode offers an authentic, actionable playbook for leaders to navigate uncertainty and find their power by embracing their full, human story. Even if it's not as heroic as you'd like it to be. A Personal Journey: Nick Goodin shares his history of growing up with a hidden identity, which taught him the vital skill of deconstructing narratives—a practice he later applied to his professional life. The Core Idea: True leadership is not about managing teams but understanding (and acknowledging) the human side. By prioritizing self-awareness and leading with empathy, you build trust that leads to innovation. Key Takeaway: Your personal story, your curiosity, and your values are not just parts of your identity—they are your greatest leadership assets. It's time to stop hiding them and start leveraging them. -- About the Speakers: Board Member @ | Ex-CPO @ | Author | Executive Coach | Championing Human-Centered Design & Narrative Intelligence With a career spanning from product innovation to brand strategy, Nick Goodin is known for building spaces where both products and people can thrive. As the former Chief Product Officer at Ice Barrel, Nick has led cross-functional teams to scale new products, promoting empathy and psychological safety as guiding principles. He believes that every great innovation starts with a determination to transform uncertainty into possibility. Now on a mission to share the insights that redefine how we create, lead, and live, Nick challenges leaders to see the world differently. He helps them navigate uncertainty and dig deeper through the power of perspective, storytelling, and intentional choices. More on Nick Goodin: Founder @ | Interlocutor / Curious Host @ | Author | Change & Innovation Partner Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. The best way to connect with Michael Hunter is on LinkedIn: More from Michael Hunter: -- Was this podcast worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and tune into the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- For more, explore Uncommon Teams: Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/38391565

The Secret To Navigating Uncertainty ft. Keith Hopper 10/08/2025

The Secret To Navigating Uncertainty ft. Keith Hopper This story is going to resonate with so many leaders out there: Once upon a time, you built your career/business on a foundation of expertise and experience. You followed the rules and made sure every plan was perfectly laid out. But lately, you’ve started to feel stuck. You're slowly realizing the old playbook no longer works in a world of constant change. In this episode, I, Michael Hunter, the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, sit down with innovation expert Keith Hopper to expose a rather uncomfortable truth behind this feeling. The problem isn’t a lack of experience or a bad plan. It’s a fundamental confusion between risk—something you can prepare for—and uncertainty—the great unknown that you can’t possibly predict. Relying on an old-school project plan to handle the unpredictable is a trap. This trap leaves leaders paralyzed on a leadership teeter-totter. On one side, they make a massive, blind leap of faith that often leads to spectacular failure. On the other hand, they are so afraid of making the wrong move that they do nothing, allowing great ideas to die and their teams to stagnate. But what if there was another way? In this breakthrough conversation, Keith reveals the key to escaping this cycle. It’s a low-cost and high-reward way to learn exactly what you need to know—allowing you to move forward one small, intentional step at a time. Your next breakthrough might just be a small experiment away. So, it's time to stop waiting and start discovering. -- Grab a chair. Join the Conversation. Here's why: So that you finally stop confusing risk with uncertainty. Because the former can be managed with a plan, but the latter requires a renewed mindset. Learn how to avoid the Teeter-Totter of Leadership. Don't go all-in blindly, and don't let the fear of uncertainty stop you from moving at all. Understand the true impact of a series of tiny experiments and how it can help you learn and adapt through change. The concept of true innovation and how it begins the moment you admit you don't know the outcome. -- About the Speakers: Founder @ | Guest Lecturer @ | Author & Instructor @ | LinkedIn Top Voice in Innovation and Discovery As the founder of Danger Fort Labs, Keith Hopper advises executives and teams on how to drive organizational change and growth. He is also a guest lecturer at Harvard Business School and an author and instructor for LinkedIn Learning, where his course "Business Innovation Foundations" has reached over 80,000 students. Keith believes the best way to achieve breakthrough solutions is through experimentation and discovery. He helps leaders create work environments that move more quickly and build smarter, happier teams through continuous learning and discovery. More from Keith Hopper: Founder @ | Interlocutor / Curious Host @ | Author | Change & Innovation Partner Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. The best way to connect with Michael Hunter is on LinkedIn: More from Michael Hunter: -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and tune into the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- For more, explore Uncommon Teams: Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/38323630

It's Not a People Problem, It's a System Problem ft. Melissa Appel 10/01/2025

It's Not a People Problem, It's a System Problem ft. Melissa Appel Do you ever feel like your team is stuck? Like you’re hitting a wall and just can’t seem to move forward? In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, am talking to Melissa Appel, an executive product management coach, advisor, and author. We get into an uncomfortable but essential truth about leadership: a leader's behavior might be the very thing holding their team back. Melissa shares a story about a leader whose fear-based culture brought an entire company to a halt, and we dive into the psychology of why punishing mistakes is the fastest way to kill innovation. But it’s not just about the problem. We give you a powerful two-part solution for navigating change and overwhelm, from a simple framework for regaining control to a game-changing mindset for solving any problem. If you're ready to stop blaming people and start fixing systems, join us as we uncover the uncommon leadership insights you need to get your team unstuck for good. -- Why This Podcast Is a Must-Watch: Solve Your Biggest Leadership Challenge: Learn the real reason behind a stagnant team and how a simple culture fix can help. Find Clarity in Chaos: Get a simple two-step framework to handle overwhelm and uncertainty by focusing on what's in your control. Fix Broken Communication: Discover the key to getting through to everyone on your team by adapting your communication style to theirs. Make Better Decisions: End pointless debates by learning the secret to making objective decisions: aligning on an obvious goal first. -- About the Speakers Executive Product Management Coach & Advisor @ | Co-Author @: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders | Helping CPOs and teams move from Reactive to Proactive roadmaps Melissa Appel is an expert at untangling complex, "gnarly" problems across various industries. As a product coach, author, and speaker, she helps CPOs and executive teams deliver real value by getting the right people in the room and asking the right questions. Melissa focuses on the underlying people and process issues that are often the root cause of product problems. Her coaching and advisory work greatly help product leaders improve their organizations and build high-quality, effective teams. Founder @ | Interlocutor / Curious Host @ | Author | Change & Innovation Partner I'm Michael Hunter, the founder of Uncommon Teams. All my work is driven by a single mission: to help leaders, CXOs, and founders build uncommon teams. These are the teams where every person feels valued, psychologically safe, and confident to bring their authentic selves to work. Drawing from my experience with leaders across six continents, I've developed a battle-tested framework that is always precisely customized for you, helping you greet change like an old friend. My deepest satisfaction comes from helping leaders not just envision their legacy, but truly inhabit it. By integrating your whole self into everything you do, you can discover ease, freedom, and a resilient leadership journey that creates a safe organizational culture for everyone. -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: UncommonChange /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/38304750

From Rock Bottom To Resilience ft. Ken Miller 09/24/2025

From Rock Bottom To Resilience ft. Ken Miller What does it truly take to embrace your most authentic self? Join us for another episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast where I, Michael Hunter, sit down with Ken Miller, a resilience coach and national speaker—who has an extraordinary story to share. Ken shares his journey from being an Ivy League graduate to a life of addiction that led to homelessness and multiple prison sentences. He takes us through his pivotal moment of surrender that became the turning point for his entire life. This conversation goes beyond personal triumph. It's a battle-tested lesson for all leaders who are striving for growth—whether that's intellectual, emotional, personal, or professional. This episode gives you the courage you need to become truly resilient in a world that's constantly changing. It underscores the value of treating people with empathy and respect. And sketches a path you could follow to find freedom in surrender. Grab a seat, let's talk. 5 Reasons to love this podcast: You'll understand that resilience is so much more than simply bouncing back from adversity. It's a strategic act. Find an actionable (and practical) plan for personal and professional transformation. You'll learn how to free yourself from what’s holding you back. Get inspired to lead from a place of radical honesty, empathy, and a genuine investment in people as individuals, not just transactions. To find the courage to get a different result in your life or business, by ditching all the inauthentic parts of yourself and embracing an aligned, more evolved version of yourself. -- Meet the Speakers National Speaker | Author of | CEO @ As a Certified Fundraising Executive and successful multi-entrepreneur, Ken conflates his expertise in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and AI-driven solutions.Through his company, AIVAlution LLC, he is at the forefront of leveraging AI and virtual assistant technology to streamline operations and drive efficiency for nonprofits and businesses. In a nutshell, Ken Miller is a speaker, author and a resilience expert who turns adversity into action. He delivers compelling insights on topics ranging from overcoming adversity and building resilience to the future of AI in philanthropy. His mission is to empower leaders to navigate challenges with authenticity and fulfill their potential. The best way to connect with Ken Miller is on LinkedIn: More on Ken Miller: Founder @ | Interlocutor / Curious Host @ | Author | Change & Innovation Partner Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. The best way to connect with Michael Hunter is on LinkedIn: More on Michael Hunter: -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and tune into the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- For more, explore Uncommon Teams: Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/38166645

Is Your 'Work Self' Holding You Back? ft. Jason Dea 09/17/2025

Is Your 'Work Self' Holding You Back? ft. Jason Dea What if the key to being a great leader isn't about working harder, but about being more you? Hi, I am Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams, and I'm so glad you found this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. Because today, I sit down with Jason Dea, who is a CPO, a startup advisor, and a leadership coach, and explore a new way to lead. Discover why trying to be a different person in different contexts is exhausting and how being your authentic self can be your greatest strength. Join us as we also talk about the art of turning big, overwhelming problems into manageable baby steps, and why focusing on the process—not just the outcome—is the most reliable path to success. Grab a set and let's together explore a new way to lead with ease, purpose, and confidence. -- 3 Reasons Why This Podcast Is Your Next Must-Listen: If you're willing to re-examine your role as a leader/ founder/ CEO— Discover how an obsession with process and a mastery of team dynamics can be the true drivers of sustainable business growth. If you want to tackle your biggest business challenges head-on— Learn how to turn overwhelming challenges into a series of tiny, manageable experiments that build momentum and confidence. If you want to truly build an incredible workplace culture— Get ready to build a resilient, adaptable organizational culture where authenticity and psychological safety are not just buzzwords, but the foundations for a powerful and lasting legacy. -- While others are bogged down by miscommunication and a constant sense of overwhelm, the most resilient leaders are operating with an uncommon advantage. The question is: Are you ready to stop guessing and start leading with purpose? If yes, let's talk: -- Meet the Speakers CPO @ | VP of Product | Startup Advisor & Coach| Helping Seed to C SaaS startups find PMF and scale to predictable growth Hi, this is Jason Dea. Here's something you should know about me: For over 20 years, I’ve navigated the startup world—from an idea on a napkin to successful exits. I’ve lived the grind: balancing vision with execution and scaling without breaking. My passion is helping founders cut through the noise and turn their ambitious product visions into scalable realities. I specialize in AI-driven product strategy, helping teams align their roadmap and drive growth. I’ve been in your shoes, scaling SaaS products to millions in ARR and through multiple successful exits. Founder @ | Interlocutor / Curious Host @ | Author | Change & Innovation Partner I'm Michael Hunter, the founder of Uncommon Teams. All my work is driven by a single mission: to help leaders, CXOs, and founders build uncommon teams. These are the teams where every person feels valued, psychologically safe, and confident to bring their authentic selves to work. Drawing from my experience with leaders across six continents, I've developed a battle-tested framework that is always precisely customized for you, helping you greet change like an old friend. My deepest satisfaction comes from helping leaders not just envision their legacy, but truly inhabit it. By integrating your whole self into everything you do, you can discover ease, freedom, and a resilient leadership journey that creates a safe organizational culture for everyone. -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: UncommonChange /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/38126435

The Price of Having It All ft. Chad Brown 09/10/2025

The Price of Having It All ft. Chad Brown What makes a leader finally decide it's time to change? Hey there! This is Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and welcome to another episode of The Uncommon Leadership Podcast, where I have real, unfiltered conversations with successful leaders about their journeys—the highs, the lows, and the moments that forced a change. Here, we go beyond the business talks and dive into the human side of leadership, exploring the crossroads and points that redefine success. In this episode, I'm in conversation with Chad Brown, a business owner and leadership coach, who opens up about a time in his life when he was forced to confront the opportunity cost of his career. Brown also reveals the one mindset shift that saved his life and his family—making every decision based on the future he wanted to create, not on the instant gratification of the moment. Later, we also uncover why leadership is a lifelong practice, and how you can find joy in the constant challenges and uncertainty of business. I truly feel like this conversation is a wake-up call for every leader on the brink of burnout. Watch the full episode to uncover the lessons you need to hear. A sneak peek of our conversation... How Professional success can be a lie if it's driven by a need for external validation rather than a genuine purpose. A leader must make decisions based on the future they want to create, not on what is most urgent or loudest in the present. Leadership is a practice, a lifelong process of attempting, discovering, and refining—it's not something you can master or achieve. Self-leadership trumps everything. You cannot effectively lead a team until you have done the work to lead yourself well. The key to navigating a world of constant change is to change your relationship with uncertainty and find joy in the next challenge, rather than trying to escape it. -- About the Speakers Chad Brown Coach | Cornerman to Business Owners and Founders | Head of Talent Development @ | CEO & Owner @ | Associate Partner @ As a coach and cornerman for business owners and founders, Chad Brown thrives in conversations with the restless and relentless. Drawing on his experience as a founder and entrepreneur, he is intimately connected to the unique challenges of those pursuing something bigger than themselves in business and relationships. Chad's philosophy is rooted in the belief that there is reward in discomfort, and he sees himself as a living invitation into the work that produces change, growth, and vitality. Ways to get in touch with Chad Brown LinkedIn: Website: Email: Founder @ | Interlocutor / Curious Host @ | Author | Change & Innovation Partner Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and follow the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series for more. Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: UncommonChange /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/38100580

Thriving In The New World Of Work ft. Jillian Reilly 09/03/2025

Thriving In The New World Of Work ft. Jillian Reilly Many leaders find themselves at a crossroads today. Because they understand that the traditional "command and control" style of leadership is no longer working across the nuanced human dynamics of today's workplace. So if you're here looking to explore this concern or need help navigating change, you've come to the right place. Hello, this is Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams. With me, I have Jillian Reilly, founder, author of The Ten Permissions, and a visionary who's spent decades at the forefront of social and organizational change. Together, we explore how to build a new adult operating system—so you can stand resilient on the volatile ground of the modern workspace. -- Things you'll learn from this conversation: How to transform workplace confusion into clarity by understanding the "new rules" of engagement. The surprising power of boundaries and why being direct about expectations creates profound psychological safety. How to move beyond "fake permission" to truly empower yourself and your team. Strategies for leading in constant change Practical steps to lead with humanity: Learn how small shifts can create significant impact and a culture of true fit. Tune in now to gain the insights and practical tools to lead your team with greater connection, psychological safety, and authentic impact. -- Meet the Speakers Author | Founder | Keynote Speaker | Leadership Facilitator | Re-invention Mentor for anyone ready to ditch outdated rules and design a life that fits now From the front-lines of the HIV/AIDS crisis to executive coaching in London, Jillian has guided people and organizations through uncertainty and change. She is also the author of book like Shame: Confessions of an Aid Worker in Africa and , a bold framework for personal and social reinvention. Her work empowers individuals and institutions to unlearn outdated scripts, give themselves permission to thrive with clarity, courage, and creativity. Founder @ | Interlocutor / Curious Host @ | Author | Change & Innovation Partner Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and tune into the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: UncommonChange /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/37961210

How Do You Go From Stressed To Strategic? ft. Evie Brockwell 08/27/2025

How Do You Go From Stressed To Strategic? ft. Evie Brockwell Hey there! I'm Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and I'm genuinely glad you're here. If you've found your way to this podcast, it tells me you're ready to embrace change like an old friend, and I'm here to make that process easy for you—especially if you're currently feeling like you're running on empty or sacrificing your well-being just to keep up. Because in this powerful episode, I sit down with the incredible Evie Brockwell to dive deep into something that I'd like to call the Energy Paradox. Here, we uncover why chasing "more" might actually be holding you back from the outcomes and impact you truly desire. If you're ready to break free from the hustle culture, understand your own energy patterns, and cultivate a life where you genuinely thrive, this conversation offers the path forward. -- Key Takeaways: That "always on" feeling? It might be working against you. Don't mistake busyness for real progress. Rest isn't a reward. It's a strategic move. Learn why slowing down can actually make you a more impactful leader. Understand & learn to use your unique energy rhythms to unlock a whole new level of performance. Don't wait until burnout to change your pace. Start experimenting with what feels sustainable now, not later. -- Show Notes: 00:00 - 14:30 The Energy Trap: Why Constant Motion Leads to Burnout 14:30 - 25:00 Find Your Pace: Debunking the "Always On" Myth 25:00 - 38:00 Guest Stories: Personal Wake-up Calls and Self-awareness 38:00- End Beyond Metrics: The True ROI of Solid Company Cultures Well-being -- Meet the Speakers Product Tank Organiser @ | Product Expert (Consultant + Coach) @ | Podcast Host @ Evie is a leading product consultant and coach, trusted by global brands like TUI, Channel 4, Megabus, and to drive product maturity, amplify impact, and optimize ways of working. Struck by the alarming statistic that 92% of product managers face burnout, she found her mission: proactively empowering over 300 product professionals through keynotes, workshops, and direct company engagements to reverse this trend. Founder @ | Interlocutor / Curious Host @ | Author | Change & Innovation Partner Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, there's so much more to explore→ LinkedIn: Website: Newsletter: Podcast: Presented By: Uncommon Change /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/37889010

Beyond Reacting: Lead with Uncommon Clarity ft. Eric Charran 08/20/2025

Beyond Reacting: Lead with Uncommon Clarity ft. Eric Charran As leaders, we often find ourselves navigating a landscape of constant change. Unexpected challenges. And the constant pressure of having all the answers. So, if you're feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or simply know there's a deeper, more authentic way to lead—you are in the right place. Hello and welcome to another episode of the Uncommon Leadership podcast. Today, I'm honored to sit down with Eric Charran, an author and thought leader, who has spearheaded innovative data strategies and AI/ML solutions at giants like Microsoft and Capital One. Eric is known for bridging the gap between complex technology and tangible business results across diverse industries. In our conversation, Eric and I dive into the profound insights from his book, "Have You Ever Had a Boss That...", and explore what it truly means to lead with resilience, adaptability, and ease. Here are some critical insights unpacked in this episode: How vulnerability, seeking diverse perspectives, and acknowledging your blind spots pave the way for innovation and holistic problem-solving within your team How to identify the subtle signals of rising emotions in high-pressure situations How to process, and not just bury, feelings like frustration or injustice, enabling professional growth for both yourself and your team Understand the profound business value of shifting from rewarding "busyness" to truly empowering your team Diplomatic yet potent approaches to address recurring, unhelpful patterns. If you're ready to embrace change like an old friend and build a legacy where your team truly brings their best, you won't want to miss this. -- About the Speakers Eric Charran For more than 25 years now, Eric Charran has helped organizations scale in an increasingly digital economy through innovative data strategies, AI/ML solutions, and scalable enterprise platforms. Charran is recognized for building next-generation data ecosystems and AI/ML solutions that drive measurable business impact, operational excellence, and a culture of innovation. Eric's work focuses on future-proofing enterprises through strategic data and AI adoption. Get in touch with Eric Charran ↓ LinkedIn: Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and host of the Uncommon Leadership podcast series. With 35+ years guiding leaders worldwide, Michael empowers teams to beat burnout and thrive for the long run—helping them move beyond overwhelm to create meaningful impact. Michael's mission is to help leaders, CEOs, and founding teams create and inhabit their legacy, elevating themselves in a way that is safe and sustainable. Want to build an uncommon, unstoppable team? Get in touch with Michael Hunter ↓ LinkedIn: Website: Newsletter: Podcast: Presented By: Uncommon Change /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/37835085

Beyond Business as Usual ft. Dr. Heather Backstrom 08/13/2025

Beyond Business as Usual ft. Dr. Heather Backstrom Are you a leader, founder, or CXO grappling with change, overwhelm, or burnout in your organization? Do you wonder about the real ROI of focusing on employee well-being and internal development? If so, you've come to the right place! Hello and welcome to another episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. Here, I, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, explore how you can align personal fulfillment with business success, create authentic teams, and cultivate resilience to thrive in today's fast-paced business world. Joining me today is the incredible Dr. Heather Backstrom—an executive coach, author, and speaker who empowers leaders to model psychological safety and integrate their whole selves for greater business impact. Today's episode is a deep dive into why treating your team as humans isn't just a nice practice, but a non-negotiable for sustainable success. In this newest episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, you'll discover: The shocking business value behind soft skills. The concept of integrating your whole self and why it's critical for authentic leadership. Why psychological safety isn't just a buzzword, but the foundation for a truly empowered team. A practical framework for understanding organizational overwhelm. The profound power of value alignment and why recognizing your choices, even in tough situations, can bring peace and clarity. If this intrigues you or might help with some of the concerns you're facing within your organization, tune in now. For more help, feel free to connect with us—we'd love to help in any way we can! Happy Watching! -- About the Speakers Dr. Heather Backstrom Dr. Heather Backstrom is an accomplished executive coach, speaker, and author—dedicated to cultivating strong, confident, and inclusive leaders. With a doctorate in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University and an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential, Dr. Heather coaches executives across diverse industries like finance, biotech, retail, municipalities, aerospace, media, healthcare, and nonprofit. She's the award-winning author of Collaborative Confidence: How Women Leaders Can Activate Self-Awareness, Amplify Their Authentic Talents and Accelerate Workplace Change, reflecting her passion for empowering women leaders. Dr. Heather focuses on helping leaders elevate their impact, build psychologically safe teams, and strengthen cross-organizational relationships. Get in touch with Dr. Heather Backstrom ↓ LinkedIn: Email: Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and the compelling voice behind the Uncommon Leadership podcast. For over 35 years, he's guided leaders across six continents, helping them navigate the demanding realities of burnout, overwhelm, and the multifaceted challenges of today's global business landscape. He champions the creation of truly authentic and resilient teams, guiding leaders to align their personal fulfillment with profound business success. His unique approach enables individuals and teams to move beyond merely surviving daily pressures, into a state where they can truly thrive and innovate with ease. Michael's mission is to help leaders, CEOs, and founding teams create and inhabit their legacy, elevating themselves in a way that is safe and sustainable. Want to build an uncommon, unstoppable team? Get in touch with Michael Hunter ↓ LinkedIn Website: Newsletter: Podcast: Presented By: Uncommon Change /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/37718525

What's Really Holding Your Team Back? ft. Natasha Sell 08/06/2025

What's Really Holding Your Team Back? ft. Natasha Sell What if I told you that the key to unlocking even greater success isn't another strategy, but a raw, honest look at how you lead yourself and your team? In this Uncommon Leadership episode, I'm joined by Natasha Sell, co-founder of Sutra.co. Natasha's journey reveals that true leadership, especially for entrepreneurs, is a profound path of personal growth that demands your whole self. We explore why ignoring this inner work can quietly hinder your venture, and how even a few minutes of stillness can pave the way to unparalleled clarity and engagement. Discover how cultivating a heart-centered team culture, where vulnerability is a strength, directly translates to stronger retention, improved financial outcomes, and genuinely sustainable growth. This conversation isn't just theory. It's about reclaiming the very essence of your leadership and connection. If you're ready to bridge the gap between where you are and where you could be, this episode should be your next listen. Ready to transform your leadership from the inside out? Tune in now. -- Your Key Lessons from the Episode: You need to integrate deep self-awareness and continuous personal growth. Knowing your "why" and staying inspired builds authentic, sustainable business relationships. The busier you get, the more you should slow down. Even 5 minutes of quiet observation can boost your efficiency. Build a heart-centered team. Focus on human-level check-ins, not just projects. Be confident and clear about your vision. Then, prototype everything: take tiny, feasible steps to gather real-world data. Reframe experiments as learning opportunities, not successes or failures. Support your employees' personal and professional development, even if it means they eventually leave the company. This attitude fosters deep trust and attracts even better talent in the long run. -- About the Speakers Natasha Sell Natasha Sell is the co-founder of Sutra.co, a pioneering social learning platform that has empowered over 65,000 individuals through online group learning experiences. Her work centers on developing tools that foster collaborative awareness through co-creation. Since 2012, she has been relentlessly focused on uniting communities through dynamic, collaborative learning. Through extensive iteration and rigorous testing, Natasha has proven that small-scale, group online learning offers a refreshing pathway to new, more effective ways of being and working together. Beyond her impactful work in the digital space, Natasha is also a certified yoga teacher, bringing a holistic understanding of connection to everything she does. Get in touch with Natasha Sell: Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and the compelling voice behind the Uncommon Leadership podcast. For over 35 years, he's guided leaders across six continents, helping them navigate the demanding realities of burnout, overwhelm, and the multifaceted challenges of today's global business landscape. He champions the creation of truly authentic and resilient teams, guiding leaders to align their personal fulfillment with profound business success. His unique approach enables individuals and teams to move beyond merely surviving daily pressures, into a state where they can truly thrive and innovate with ease. Michael's mission is to help leaders, CEOs, and founding teams create and inhabit their legacy, elevating themselves in a way that is safe and sustainable. Want to build an uncommon, unstoppable team? Get in touch with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn Website: Newsletter: Podcast: Presented By: Uncommon Change /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/37592810

Your Biggest Mistake Is Your Best Data Point ft. Phil Hornby 07/30/2025

Your Biggest Mistake Is Your Best Data Point ft. Phil Hornby With 56% of leaders hitting burnout in 2024 and a staggering 43% of companies losing half their leadership teams, it's clear modern leadership is heading into a burnout phase. But the question remains: Why? On this episode of the Uncommon Leadership podcast, I dive into the core issues with highly experienced product leader and coach — Phil Hornby. Phil's unique blend of technical acumen, business insight, and human-centric skills makes his perspective invaluable. Together, we unpack some crucial reasons behind this alarming trend: ↪ The immense pressure to hide our true selves fosters stressful and inauthentic work environments. ↪ A default to rigid command-and-control methods strips away team safety and empowerment. ↪The crippling fear of failure that paralyzes action and prevents vital growth. ↪ An overemphasis on tasks that overshadow human connection leads to disengaged teams and stifled collaboration. We explore the profound problem of how conventional leadership often inhibits team potential, which leads to worse outcomes precisely when superior performance is most needed. Phil and I reveal how well-intentioned instincts to "take control" can actually sabotage creativity, innovation, and overall business success—leaving an organization vulnerable. If you're tired of seeing your team's immense talent go untapped and your efforts leading to more exhaustion than impact—then this conversation is for you. --- Your Key Learnings From This Episode of Uncommon Leadership: The power and the true meaning of bringing your whole self to a leadership role. Learn why small, intentional steps remove the fear of failure by turning every outcome into valuable data for growth. A deep understanding of the control paradox: loosening control often leads to better results! Find out how a deliberate approach to building relationships creates effortless trust and deep collaboration. Understand why micromanagement and rigid leadership can stifle a team's potential. How to design intentional structures that encourage collaboration and mutual support. --- About the Speakers: Phil Hornby Phil Hornby is a highly experienced product leader, coach, technologist, and facilitator with a career spanning over 20 years across diverse sectors including SaaS, IoT, InsuranceTech, MarineTech, Advertising, Manufacturing, BioTech, and Automotive. Phil has directly helped thousands of individuals across hundreds of companies to think clearly, make strong decisions, and take powerful action that drives high-impact outcomes. His approach centers on collaboration, context-driven leadership, and continuous learning. As a coach, Phil serves as a trusted sparring partner for senior leaders, helping them gain clarity and perspective on challenges related to change, uncertainty, and team effectiveness. Get in touch with Phil Hornby↓ Connect on LinkedIn: Resources for further exploration: | Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and the compelling voice behind the Uncommon Leadership podcast. For over 35 years, he's guided leaders across six continents, helping them navigate the demanding realities of burnout, overwhelm, and the multifaceted challenges of today's global business landscape. He champions the creation of truly authentic and resilient teams, guiding leaders to align their personal fulfillment with profound business success. His unique approach enables individuals and teams to move beyond merely surviving daily pressures, into a state where they can truly thrive and innovate with ease. Michael's mission is to help leaders, CEOs, and founding teams create and inhabit their legacy, elevating themselves in a way that is safe and sustainable. Want to build an uncommon, unstoppable team? Get in touch with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn Website: Newsletter: Podcast: Presented By: Uncommon Change /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/37545465

Stop Hiding: Your Company Can't Afford It! ft. David Mantica 07/23/2025

Stop Hiding: Your Company Can't Afford It! ft. David Mantica Is your leadership style secretly costing your company millions? Many leaders today fall prey to the dangerous pressure of hiding their true selves. And this is draining more than just energy. It's slowly piling up invisible walls within your team—stifling innovation, and quietly sabotaging your bottom line. The old playbook for leaders is failing in today's unpredictable world. It's creating environments of fear, distrust, and burnout, leaving organizations vulnerable to the chaos of rapid change. So today, on the newest episode of the Uncommon Leadership podcast, I sit down with the Managing Director at SoftEd, David Mantica, to pull back the curtain. David has seen how businesses operate from every angle, and with that insight, we explore how true leadership isn't about control, but about authentic connection. It's about bringing your whole self to work, understanding your brain's biases, and cultivating curiosity to truly empower your people. If you want to create a workplace where people are truly engaged and excited about "why" they do what they do, then grab a seat and join in the conversation. -- Is this podcast right for you?: Yes, if you want to build trust and create a long-lasting impact at your organization by showing up as your whole self. Yes, if you are ready to let go of micromanaging or controlling behaviors and lead your team by empowering them. Yes, if you're open to understanding your own biases, recognize when you're not at your best, & actively seek feedback from your team members or colleagues. Yes, if you're determined to create a culture where people feel safe to be themselves, express ideas, and even make mistakes. Yes, if you're just a leader, CEO, or CXO—trying to lead your organization through burnout or stifled growth. -- About the Speakers David Mantica As Managing Director at SoftEd, David Mantica is dedicated to empowering knowledge workers by providing comprehensive training, coaching, and advisory services. Leveraging his deep expertise, he equips professionals with critical skills in areas like AI, Agile, and leadership, enabling them to thrive and innovate effectively in today's complex, VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) business world, all while advocating for sustainable, trust-driven profitability. With over 30 years of experience and more than 700 speaking engagements, David actively equips professionals with the knowledge, credentials, and confidence needed to lead, deliver, and innovate effectively. Get in touch with David Mantica↓ Connect on LinkedIn: Or Email: Michael Hunter↓ Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and the compelling voice behind the Uncommon Leadership podcast. For over 35 years, he's guided leaders across six continents, helping them navigate the demanding realities of burnout, overwhelm, and the multifaceted challenges of today's global business landscape. He champions the creation of truly authentic and resilient teams, guiding leaders to align their personal fulfillment with profound business success. His unique approach enables individuals and teams to move beyond merely surviving daily pressures, into a state where they can truly thrive and innovate with ease. Michael's mission is to help leaders, CEOs, and founding teams create and inhabit their legacy, elevating themselves in a way that is safe and sustainable. Want to build an uncommon, unstoppable team? Get in touch with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn Website: Newsletter: Podcast: Presented By: Uncommon Change /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/37516780

What You're Afraid to Face Will Cost You Everything ft. Dan Tocchini 07/16/2025

What You're Afraid to Face Will Cost You Everything ft. Dan Tocchini Imagine being constantly caught off guard by problems you never saw coming, while carrying the weight of leadership decisions that could make or break your organization. It's a tough spot, and frankly, a sad reality for many leaders who've unintentionally built walls, missing crucial insights that could save them millions. Welcome to another powerful episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast! I'm Michael Hunter, and today, I'm honored to speak with someone who's witnessed this costly pattern firsthand: Dan Tocchini. Tocchini is a true leadership transformation expert, with over 35 years of experience helping executive teams break through seemingly impossible barriers. In this conversation, he reveals exactly how siloed processes create dangerous blind spots—blind spots that can cost millions or, even worse, derail your entire venture. He also tackles the hard questions head-on: How do you balance openness with authority? How do you create cultures where people feel genuinely confident to take risks? And most importantly, how do you turn obstacles into opportunities through what he calls "fascination"—a deeper level of curiosity that transforms breakdowns into breakthroughs. You'll also get a sneak peek into his three pillars of effective leadership and his proven change management framework that explains why a surprising 40% of your team sits on the fence during transitions—and, crucially, how to win them over. This isn't just a feel-good leadership theory. It's a practical roadmap to prevent small problems from becoming million-dollar crises. So tune in now! -- Key Learnings from this Conversation: Isolating aspects of your leadership or team guarantees costly surprises and missed opportunities. Openness about challenges empowers your team to deliver solutions you'd never find alone. Don't avoid discomfort or difficult conversations. Foster a culture where genuine inquiry, not rigid authority, drives rapid learning and pivots. Your actions, not just your words, build the trust and define the culture your team will embody. Unite your team around collective success to navigate conflict effectively and achieve breakthrough results. A leader's discipline to care, even when others don't, is vital for long-term team health and preventing future issues. -- Want to get in touch with the speakers? About Dan Tocchini: Dan Tocchini brings over 35 years of experience transforming executive teams for companies like Microsoft and ESPN. He champions a no-fluff approach, focusing on courageous leadership and creative conflict resolution. Dan Tocchini believes a leader with a clear vision is never held hostage by circumstance or history. Get in touch with him: About Michael Hunter: Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. He is dedicated to exploring leadership principles that empower individuals to lead with authenticity and impact. You can connect with Michael Hunter by clicking on this link: -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: Uncommon Change /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/37426945

Build Teams That Will Follow You Anywhere ft. Wes Clines 07/09/2025

Build Teams That Will Follow You Anywhere ft. Wes Clines Ever wonder why some teams thrive through chaos while others crumble? It's not about micromanagement or perfect plans—it's about trust. It's about fierce loyalty. In this powerful episode, I, Michael Hunter, and DocuSign's Director of Engineering, Wes Clines, decode the true essence of an uncommon leader. Wes shares his battle-tested "hacks" to transform teams through transparency, consistency, and non-negotiable, genuine communications. More than just theory, this conversation offers a peek into a leader's essential toolkit, showing you how to move beyond management and truly begin to lead. Discover how investing in genuine connection, embracing imperfection, and fostering open dialogue creates a culture where people don't just perform—they're empowered, resilient, and ready to follow you anywhere. Ready to transform your leadership and unleash your team's full, untapped potential? Tune into the full Uncommon Leadership Podcast episode now! -- Your learnings from the podcast: Transparency cultivates trust. Openly communicate "why" and how decisions are made to build psychological safety. A leader's reactions to mistakes (learning over blame) can empower teams to take strategic risks. Prioritizing deep, 1-on-1 connections can help uncover individual talents, strengths, and weaknesses. Embrace continuous progress and learning from inevitable mistakes for sustainable team performance. Lead beyond management through genuine connection, driving higher output and retention. -- Want to get in touch with the speakers? About Wes Clines: Wes Clines is the Director of Engineering at DocuSign, leading developer infrastructure and tools teams. With a rich background from his 15 years at Microsoft, Wes is passionate about fostering authentic team cultures built on trust and open communication. Connect with Wes Clines on LinkedIn by clicking here: About Michael Hunter: Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. He is dedicated to exploring leadership principles that empower individuals to lead with authenticity and impact. You can connect with Michael Hunter by clicking on this link: -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: Uncommon Change /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/37347035

Empathy: The Foundation of Powerful Teams 07/02/2025

Empathy: The Foundation of Powerful Teams Hello there! I'm Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams, and I'm so glad you found this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. I started this series because I constantly meet leaders battling burnout and searching for deeper impact. While I may not have all the answers you're looking for, I truly believe that professional and personal success hinges on aligning personal fulfillment with business objectives. And today, my extraordinary guest, Stephen Snyder, reveals how he found his compass. Stephen, a seasoned insurance and employee benefits expert, shares how a quirky DISC assessment helped him uncover his unique personality. This self-discovery fundamentally reshaped his approach to every interaction—especially the tough ones. You'll also hear Stephen's powerful realization about navigating uncomfortable situations, like networking events, where he discovered that authentic connection isn't about rigid tactics or hard sells, but about embracing shared vulnerability and genuine curiosity. Our conversation then deepens into why Stephen's profound empathy isn't just a personal trait, but an indispensable asset in leadership. Join us, and you just might find the key to unlocking your true self for greater happiness in work and life. -- Learnings in a Nutshell: Understand your own personality and triggers to lead yourself and others more effectively. Realize most people feel awkward in new situations; this shared vulnerability builds confidence and connection. Empathy is your superpower. Seeing people as individuals, not just roles, builds trust, solves problems, and creates psychological safety. Communication and relationships are two-sided. When we invest in people authentically, the ripple effects extend far beyond our direct interactions. -- Want to get in touch with the speakers? About Stephen Snyder: Stephen Snyder is an insurance and employee benefits expert with over 16 years of experience, passionate about helping people navigate complex systems and build genuine connections. He champions a people-first approach, using his insights to foster empathetic leadership and empower thriving teams. Get in touch with him: About Michael Hunter: Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams, empowers leaders to cultivate harmony, unlock team potential, and help people "debug themselves." He guides clients to integrate mind, heart, body, and spirit, fostering safe environments where individuals and teams achieve uncommon impact. You can connect with Michael Hunter by clicking on this link: -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: Uncommon Change /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/37256065

The Uncommon Path to Time, Trust, and Thriving Teams 06/25/2025

The Uncommon Path to Time, Trust, and Thriving Teams Whether you're battling burnout, striving for breakthrough innovation, or simply sense that something isn't quite right with your leadership journey, you are far from alone. And, you've arrived at an exciting episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, which just might help you navigate these feelings. In this episode, I, Michael Hunter, sit down with the incredible Viveka von Rosen—a celebrated LinkedIn expert, bestselling author, and transformational speaker who literally lives by her philosophy of "playing all day." Together, we uncover the hidden truths behind genuine success, radical self-trust, and building truly empowered teams. Viveka shares her own raw, vulnerable journey from corporate burnout—a path that led her to question everything. She reveals how ignoring the subtle whispers of intuition can escalate into loud, undeniable shouts, forcing us to finally listen. Her story is a powerful reminder: don't wait for a crisis to make your pivot. But how do you find the time for these shifts? Will you need to wake up at 4:30 AM or work late nights? The answer is shockingly simple and extremely practical. So, take a seat and join in the conversation that goes beyond just finding time. It’s about fundamentally changing how we approach work and lead. -- Here's what you can expect to learn from this podcast↓ Learn why approaching work with joy and enthusiasm is a proven path to unprecedented productivity, less procrastination, and real, sustainable success. Discover simple, low-stakes ways to practice trusting that inner knowing, saving yourself from future regret. Discover the ultimate hack for truly valuing your team members. Learn why allowing team members to "outgrow" their roles isn't a cost, but a powerful opportunity for your business to transform and thrive. Learn to build a work culture of open communication and flexibility that empowers everyone to bring their unique brilliance to the table. -- Want to get in touch with the speakers? About Viveka von Rosen Viveka von Rosen is a celebrated LinkedIn expert, bestselling author, and transformational speaker. Having successfully pivoted from corporate burnout herself, she now empowers executives and entrepreneurs to align their authentic selves with their business goals, helping them build their legacy and unlock their full potential through her work at Beyond the Dream Board. Get in touch with her: About Michael Hunter: Michael Hunter is the host of the Uncommon Leadership podcast and founder of Uncommon Teams, guiding leaders to align personal fulfillment with business success and cultivate authentic teams. You can connect with Michael Hunter by clicking on this link: -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: Uncommon Change /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/37137280

The Unconventional Secret to Authentic Leadership 06/18/2025

The Unconventional Secret to Authentic Leadership Just can't shake the feeling that your career isn't quite aligning with who you truly are? If so, you're not alone. Many leaders wrestle with these exact challenges every single day. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter, am diving deep into these very real struggles with the brilliant Dr. Rebecca Parsons, former CTO of ThoughtWorks. We intend to uncover unconventional insights that can transform your leadership, your team, and your entire sense of fulfillment. Dr. Parsons pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey, starting with a surprising truth: even at a young age, she knew the secret to preventing that "off" feeling. It was all about defining success on her terms and embracing her authentic self—someone who truly loved math, science, and everything geeky! This is her story about how she relentlessly refused to compromise who she really was. What allowed her to develop such profound self-awareness so early? What empowered her to challenge norms and even prove a university professor wrong when he doubted women's capabilities in tech? Let's find out together. We'll discover why the authentic ability to say "I don't know" is a superpower and how focusing on outcomes instead of micromanaging unlocks creativity. Dr. Rebecca Parsons wraps her compelling journey with a bombshell: if 100% of your "innovations" succeed, you're taking too little risk. She goes on to explain the crucial difference between a bad idea and a constructive failure—a distinction that could be the key to your organization's very survival. Take a seat and join us as we tackle some of the most troublesome quandaries in organizational leadership. -- Want to get in touch with the speakers? About Dr. Rebecca Parsons: A former CTO of ThoughtWorks for 17 years, Dr. Parsons is a renowned technologist and advocate for diversity in STEM, known for her expertise in tech strategy and evolutionary architecture. About Michael Hunter: Michael Hunter is the host of the Uncommon Leadership podcast and founder of Uncommon Teams, guiding leaders to align personal fulfillment with business success and cultivate authentic teams. -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Spotify- Presented By: Uncommon Change /episode/index/show/0024e0c4-40e0-4fd5-91b3-a5cd09f08bb7/id/37051220

An Uncommon Approach to Self-Fulfilment ft. Dr. Maria H. Andersen 06/11/2025

From Stuck to Authentically ALIGNED ft. Tamar Stolz 05/21/2025

A Masterclass in Effective Communication by an FBI-Trained Crisis Negotiator 05/14/2025

The True ROI of Leading With Genuine Care and Affection 05/07/2025

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Resilient Leaders 04/23/2025

Leading with Intention ft. Sonya Siderova 04/08/2025

Mastering the Human Element ft. Garrett Delph 03/25/2025

The Art of the Ask: How To Negotiate & Feel Good About It 03/18/2025

Uncommon Leadership

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