Snack Leadership

Bite size leadership skills and techniques at your fingertips. Do you want to know how to build trust or if your organization is having trust issues? Are you leading everyone the same way and don't understand why it isn't working or how to lead differently? Have you struggled with truly connecting with others because leaning into empathy and compassion feels awkward? The Snack Leadership Podcast is your quick resource and support that you can listen to on the way to work or on a short walk when you are processing how to navigate a situation. Invest in your leadership growth now by subscribing.

Metacognition with Steve Scanlon 06/01/2025

Metacognition with Steve Scanlon Metacognition is the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. It involves thinking about thinking, which includes self-regulation, reflection, and control over how one learns, remembers, and solves problems. “Name it to tame it.” Dr. Dan Siegel Steve Scanlon is the founder and CEO of Rewire, a coaching and development company that helps companies, teams and individuals better understand how to make effective changes for radical improvement in their businesses and in their personal lives. He owned and operated three companies by the time he was 30 and had since dedicated over 30,000 hours to one-on-one coaching with business executives and other top performers. He is certified by the ICF, has a certification in Interpersonal Neurobiology from the Mindsight Institute, and is a senior fellow at the Institute of Coaching. Favorite snacks are salt and vinegar chips. Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/36804610

Sustainable Success with Ali 05/11/2025

Sustainable Success with Ali Sustainable success is achieving long-term, positive results that can be maintained over time, focusing on balance, resilience, and adaptability, and often encompassing environmental, social, and economic aspects. article by Forbes “Sustainable success is not built over night. Real success is the result of consistent, sustained effort.” Ed Mylett Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/36524005

Sustainable Success with Marisol Solarte-Erlacher 04/27/2025

Sustainable Success with Marisol Solarte-Erlacher Sustainable success is achieving long-term, positive results that can be maintained over time, focusing on balance, resilience, and adaptability, and often encompassing environmental, social, and economic aspects. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou Marisol Solarte-Erlacher, M.A., LPC is an award-winning trauma expert, keynote speaker and corporate consultant. She is also the creator and host of the podcast Resilience and Resistance. Marisol started her work as a psychotherapist providing bilingual and culturally resonant services. She has spearheaded research on ethnic and ego identity among. A leader in her field, Marisol was a clinical supervisor for Masters of Counseling students at the University of Colorado at Denver, and continues to coach therapists whose work focuses on trauma and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapies. Favorite snack is oysters Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/36327210

Business Ethics with Ali 04/13/2025

Business Ethics with Ali Business Ethics are the moral principles, policies, and values that govern the way companies and individuals engage in business activity. “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.” Potter Stewart By Harvard Business School Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/36116140

Business Ethics with Christian Muntean 03/30/2025

Business Ethics with Christian Muntean Business Ethics are the moral principles, policies, and values that govern the way companies and individuals engage in business activity. "Leaders should be judged by how we impact the people around us" Robert Greenleaf Christian Muntean is an advisor to owners, executives and boards. As the founder of Vantage Consulting, Christian has empowered owners and executives of small and medium-sized businesses to boost their top-line revenues by over $500 million. Even more valuable, they've achieved this while expanding their bottom-line margins and reclaiming precious time for their loved ones and passions. He is also an author. His most recent book, "Train to Lead," is a tested and proven 90-day leadership development guide built on athletic training principles. Favorite snack includes chocolates of all types Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/35922695

AI with Ali 03/16/2025

AI with Ali Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that uses algorithms, data, and computational power to create machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. “Artificial intelligence is a tool, not a threat.” Rodney Brooks Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/35712975

AI with Marlee Strawn 03/02/2025

AI with Marlee Strawn Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that uses algorithms, data, and computational power to create machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. “Let your resilience be your signature” Marlee Strawn Marlee Strawn brings almost 2 decades in educational leadership, including founding and leading a trailblazing school with top ratings and national recognition. She is deeply committed to integrating innovative solutions in education for transformative outcomes such as developing and implementing an AI-powered platform and personalizing education for a diverse range of learning needs. Favorite snack is charcuterie. Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/35501570

Strategic Planning with Ali 02/16/2025

Strategic Planning with Ali Strategic planning is a process that helps organizations define their direction and allocate resources to achieve their goals. “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision and relentlessly drive it to completion.” Jack Welch by Quantive by Forbes Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/35301115

Strategic Planning with Jay Patterson 02/02/2025

Strategic Planning with Jay Patterson Strategic planning is a process that helps organizations define their direction and allocate resources to achieve their goals. “If he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” The Man in The Arena by Theodore Roosevelt Jay Patterson is a seasoned speaker and coach with a unique background in military service and business turnarounds. Drawing from his experience as a US Navy Submariner and his success in leading corporate transformations, Jay inspires audiences to embrace resilience, foster leadership, and live with purpose. His journey—from navigating life aboard submarines during the Cold War to reinventing businesses in challenging environments—offers valuable lessons for individuals and organizations alike. Jay believes in continuous growth and the power of purpose, helping others unlock their potential even in the most trying times. Favorite snack is mac and cheese. Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/35116235

Self-Actualization with Ali 01/12/2025

Self-Actualization with Ali Self-Actualization is the realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potentialities. “In any given moment we have two options: To step forward into growth or step back into safety.” Abraham Maslow Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/34824540

Self-Actualization with Laura Ahern 12/29/2024

Self-Actualization with Laura Ahern Self-Actualization is the realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potentialities. “Your experiences, even the undesirable ones have never made you less. They have always ever made you more. It is up to you to decide how.” Laura Ahern Laura Ahern, author of "The True Calling," is a transformative healer and speaker who bridges spiritual wisdom with scientific understanding. With a background in psychology and ongoing studies in natural medicine, Laura empowers others to transform their perceptions and experiences, fostering lasting change and a life of profound meaning. As the founder of Ascension Healing, she combines her spiritual gifts with psychological expertise and holistic practices to help clients break free from limiting patterns and unlock their authentic potential Favorite snack is traditional hummus. Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/34645480

Interdependence with Ali 12/15/2024

Interdependence with Ali Interdependence is universal collaborative value that grows and develops from a sense of community and the spirit of team support. "The fundamental law of human beings is interdependence. A person is a person through other persons." Desmond Tutu Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/34456970

Interdependence with Bob Carrothers 12/01/2024

Interdependence with Bob Carrothers Interdependence is universal collaborative value that grows and develops from a sense of community and the spirit of team support. "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Albert Einstein With 29 years of experience, Bob Carrothers facilitates peer-to-peer boards of CEOs and executives, creating environments conducive to skill enhancement, informed decision-making, and superior results. He offers individual coaching, arranges expert speakers, and provides access to a global network of over 45,000 board members spanning 35 countries. Favorite snack is chips and dip. Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/34217355

Pause with Ali 11/17/2024

Pause with Ali A Pause is a temporary stop in action or speech. The power of the pause may be the best strategy to have more thoughtful and impactful interactions. It's often counterintuitive (or uncomfortable), yet an essential leadership communication skill. “The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.” Mark Twain Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/33964442

Pause with Helen Young-McLaughlin 11/03/2024

Pause with Helen Young-McLaughlin A Pause is a temporary stop in action or speech. The power of the pause may be the best strategy to have more thoughtful and impactful interactions. It's often counterintuitive (or uncomfortable), yet an essential leadership communication skill. "Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just stop and breathe." Brene Brown Helen Young-McLaughlin is CEO and founder of The Leverage Academy. She coaches managers and leaders on how important empathy, listening, and effective communication is to the health of any organization.  As an ICF-certified coach, she brings 25+ years of experience and a unique blend of coaching, counseling, and consulting to your company to transform your middle managers into your most valuable asset. In her group program, The Leverage Academy, and through 1:1 coaching, Helen helps small and medium-sized businesses slash turnover, boost morale, improve relationships, and develop employees into productive (and happier) managers.  Favorite snack is Bud & Elsie’s Sea Salt Popcorn Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/33761937

Behavioral Change with Ali and Sandie Dodson 10/13/2024

Behavioral Change with Ali and Sandie Dodson Behavioral Change refers to the process of modifying an individual's actions, attitudes, and habits to improve their performance, productivity, and overall well- being in the workplace. “Thy Will Be Done.” Favorite snack is pickles with Tillamook cheddar cheese Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/33436142

Behavioral Change with Todd Holzman 09/29/2024

Behavioral Change with Todd Holzman Behavioral Change refers to the process of modifying an individual's actions, attitudes, and habits to improve their performance, productivity, and overall well-being in the workplace. “That which we need the most will be found where we least want to look.” Carl Jung Todd Holzman has dedicated his life to empowering the difference makers. As the founder of Holzman Leadership Todd’s Real Work Process is used by CEO’s, Senior Leaders, and HR Executives at numerous Fortunate 500, FTSE100, and Global 2000 companies to transform their leaders, cultures, and business results. He has taught leadership at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and Columbia University, and clients include American Express, Bristol Myers Squibb, British Telecom, Editas, Nestle, and Red Bull. Favorite snack is pizza. Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/33250537

Life Work Balance with Ali 09/15/2024

Life Work Balance with Ali Life Work Balance making decisions where you are putting your life and yourself first. “In every aspect of life, balance is the key.” Karolina Kurkova Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/33060712

Life Work Balance with Jeanne Collins 09/02/2024

Life Work Balance with Jeanne Collins Life Work Balance making decisions where you are putting your life and yourself first. “Building a life is not something one does with a wandering mind or insecure fears. While it can be nice to daydream, our lives can only be created with real commitment. Hence, feet, two of them in particular should be planted firmly in the world we want to live in.” Jeanne Collins Jeanne Collins is an award-winning interior designer who left the corporate world behind to find her true self through design and internal reflection. Her firm, JerMar Designs, works with executives and entrepreneurs, focusing on projects that combine sophistication and balance with inner and outer wellness. Winner of the 2022 Luxe Magazine Red Award, she was also recently nominated as an HGTV Designer of the Year. She chronicles her journey and the approach that changed her life and work in her memoir, Two Feet In: Lessons from an All-In Life. Favorite snack are roasted, salted pumpkin seeds. Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/32864872

Forgiveness with Ali 08/18/2024

Forgiveness with Ali Forgiveness is the ability to release the power a past event has over us and mitigate the amygdala’s guarding power to protect us so that we can navigate future risks. “The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world.” Marianne Williamson Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/32628032

Forgiveness with Joseph Myers 08/05/2024

Forgiveness with Joseph Myers Forgiveness is the ability to release the power a past event has over us and mitigate the amygdala’s guarding power to protect us so that we can navigate future risks. “There is hardly ever better than here. It is just different.” Joseph Myers’ Grandfather Joseph Myers stands as a beacon in the realms of trust, belonging and cultural development, bringing over two decades of dedicated research and profound insights into the essential human need to trust and belong. With a career spanning 25+ years in studying the intricate dynamics of connection, Joseph has cultivated a unique perspective on the power of trust and belonging and its transformative effect on organizations and societies. His seminal work, as highlighted in his acclaimed publications including "The Search to Belong," "Organic Community," and the best-selling "Trust Me," explores the depth of relational connections and the fabric of communal ties. Joseph's exploration into the nature of trust and his innovative concept of Distrusting Differently™ offers invaluable wisdom for organizations aiming to build resilient, trusting communities. Joseph's expertise is not just theoretical but deeply practical. He offers actionable insights into how organizations can nurture spaces where individuals feel truly valued and connected. Favorite snack is chocolate chip ice cream on a chocolate dipped waffle cone. Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/32438402

Relish Uncertainty with Ali 07/15/2024

Relish Uncertainty with Ali Relish uncertainty is the idea in the face of new pursuit or challenge, to welcome the unknown of the future, because that is where we find our greatest opportunities and growth. “Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.” Bob Goff Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/32145732

Relish Uncertainty with Carla Fowler 06/30/2024

Relish Uncertainty with Carla Fowler Relish uncertainty is the idea in the face of new pursuit or challenge, to welcome the unknown of the future, because that is where we find our greatest opportunities and growth. “We live at the edge of the miraculous.” Unknown Carla Fowler, MD PhD founded THAXA out of a passion for performance science, where the fields of strategy, productivity, and psychology intersect. Since its inception in 2013, THAXA’s scientific approach to individualized coaching has attracted a devoted client base of dozens of executives at firms ranging from Fortune 500 technology companies to venture-backed startups to innovative nonprofits. Carla’s coaching methods draw upon the multidisciplinary field of performance science to generate the best ideas surrounding strategy, execution, and mindset to assist leaders in their endeavors. Over the past 10 years, she has distilled the key principles of performance into understandable concepts and a method that helps leaders incorporate these ideas into their day-to-day performance, helping them go faster and improving their results. Favorite snack are apple wedges. Resource from THAXA- Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/31950037

Zen Leadership with Ali 06/18/2024

Zen Leadership with Ali Zen leadership encompasses humility, self-awareness, and empathy. “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” Dalai Lama article by Forbes Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/31782982

Zen Leadership with Jeff Eschliman 06/03/2024

Zen Leadership with Jeff Eschliman Zen leadership encompasses humility, self-awareness and empathy. “I want to be happy with what I have, while I pursue what I want.” Jim Rohn Jeff Eschliman (Esch-Lemon) is an executive coach with 30 years of experience, ranging from combat in Iraq to the corporate boardroom. He’s a sought-after expert for building and scaling results-driven teams, and his leadership style is characterized by personal development, consistency, and a tenacious work ethic. Favorite snack is mixed nuts. Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/31581147

Ambition with Ali 05/13/2024

Ambition with Ali Ambition is an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction. “Forget that blind ambition and learn to trust your intuition.” Jimmy Buffett Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/31269872

Ambition with Shannon Talbot 04/30/2024

Ambition with Shannon Talbot Ambition is an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction. “Let no one cage who you were meant to be.” Unknown Shannon Talbot is a Certified Health, Life & Transformational Coach. A former corporate leader in the financial services and advertising industries, Shannon started her own company, Shannon Talbot Coaching & Consulting, to help working professionals maximize their well-being and success and have more energy and joy across every area of their life. Shannon has an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and has been featured on CBC Radio and in Today’s Parent, Chatelaine, LifeHack and Thrive Global. She has helped hundreds of working professionals and dozens of organizations through her coaching and speaking programs. Favorite snack is potato chips Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/31035043

Clarity with Ali 04/15/2024

Clarity with Ali Clarity is the state or quality of being clear or transparent. “The best way to succeed is to have a specific Intent, a clear Vision, a plan of Action and the ability to maintain Clarity. Those are the Four Pillars of Success. It never fails!” Steve Maraboli Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/30828583

Clarity with Stan Gibson 04/01/2024

Clarity with Stan Gibson Clarity is the state or quality of being clear or transparent. “When leaders learn to coach employees learn to lead.” Stan Gibson Stan Gibson is a corporate executive turned author, entrepreneur, speaker, and success coach of Oxygen Plus. He is a long time corporate real estate executive with over 35 years of leadership with Fortune 500 firms. His ability to mix and communicate strategies on the athletic field and in the business, world is timely to all leaders wanting a reset “at home and in the workforce”. Stan has a tremendous passion for well-being as a consultant helping businesses, leaders, and their teams go through transformation and positive leadership training. His passion for leadership inspired his best-selling book Living a Rich and Intentional Life. Favorite snack is ice cream. Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/30622468

Manifesting with Ali 03/18/2024

Manifesting with Ali Manifesting is the ability to make something happen by imagining it and consciously thinking that it will happen. “Thoughts become things. If you see it in your mind. You will hold it in your hands.” Bob Proctor Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA). /episode/index/show/snackleadership/id/30426393

Snack Leadership

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