“True leadership isn’t just about performance—it’s about purpose.”

In this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline Podcast, Danielle Cuomo, MBA, and Nicole Gallicchio-Elz sit down with Rick Yvanovich, Chief Master Coach, serial entrepreneur, and CEO of TRG International. With decades of experience as an accountant, author, speaker, CEO, and CFO, Rick’s mission is clear: to inspire and transform humans toward balanced fulfillment.

Rick unpacks his framework for the 7 Ikigai Needs at Work—a guide to building purpose-driven organizations where people thrive, leaders grow, and legacies endure.

💡 What We Cover:

The 7 Ikigai Needs at Work: satisfaction, growth, vision, resonance, freedom, self-actualization, and meaning.

Why alignment between personal purpose and company values drives long-term success.

Practical ways leaders can create environments that foster innovation, resilience, and fulfillment.

Rick’s take on continuous learning and why Kaizen (constant improvement) fuels effective leadership.

Top Takeaways for Leaders:

✔️ Fulfillment is multi-dimensional—address all 7 needs to unlock Ikigai at work.

✔️ Freedom and psychological safety drive innovation and growth.

✔️ Leaders must align company vision with individual purpose for lasting engagement.

✔️ Continuous learning and Kaizen are non-negotiables for sustainable success.

Why This Matters:

Rick reminds us that leadership isn’t just about profits—it’s about people, purpose, and building a legacy that lasts. His approach blends integrity, lifelong learning, and balance, offering actionable insights for CEOs, founders, and leaders ready to elevate their impact.

Closing Thoughts:

When companies meet these seven needs, they don’t just create jobs—they create meaning. And that’s the true foundation of a thriving organization.

📌 Call to Action:

Take a moment to reflect: are you fostering satisfaction, growth, and freedom for your team? Which Ikigai need could you strengthen today?

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Helping CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

🔗 Connect with Rick Yvanovich:

🌐 Website: https://rickyvanovich.com

📧 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rickyvanovich/

#NYAELPodcast #Leadership #Ikigai #EmployeeEngagement #NotYourAverageCEO #WorkplaceFulfillment #Kaizen #ContinuousLearning