About George Pesansky:

George Pesansky is a recognized leader in Operational Excellence, with a career spanning more than 30 years in performance optimization, executive coaching, and systematic improvement. He has trained and coached over 10,000 professionals across six continents and helped Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits alike drive measurable results.

He is the founder of Capacity2Care, a nonprofit encouraging Superperformers to donate their talent—not just their time—to improve outcomes in their communities. Known for his clarity, candor, and hands-on approach, George is now sharing his best practices with readers everywhere through Superperformance.

In this episode, Kevin and George Pesansky discuss:

• Why empathy is a non-negotiable for modern leadership
• The importance of listening with curiosity instead of judgment
• Building trust through consistency and transparency
• How a growth mindset fuels resilience and innovation
• Practical ways leaders can adapt in times of uncertainty

Key Takeaways

• Empathy is more than a leadership skill — it’s a leadership stance. By choosing to understand rather than control, leaders create environments where people feel valued and safe to contribute.
• Listening isn’t passive. It’s an active discipline that requires curiosity, patience, and the willingness to suspend judgment long enough to truly hear what’s being said.
• Trust is built in layers. Every consistent action, honest word, and transparent decision either reinforces or undermines the foundation leaders stand.
• A growth mindset changes the way challenges are perceived. Instead of threats, they become opportunities to learn, evolve, and test creative solutions that wouldn’t exist without the pressure.
• Adaptability is the currency of leadership in uncertain times. Leaders who remain flexible, open to feedback, and willing to adjust their approach are the ones who keep their teams moving forward.

"It's not about reaching that moment where everything is clicking. It's embracing the journey." – George Pesansky

Connect with George Pesansky:

Websites: georgepesansky.com & https://myblendedlearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliberateimprovement/

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Gui Costin:

Gui Costin is the Founder and CEO of Dakota, a financial software, data, and media company based in Philadelphia, PA.

Dakota’s flagship product, Dakota Marketplace, is a database of institutional investors used by over 6,000 fundraisers and many of the leading global investment firms.

Prior to starting his entrepreneurial career, Gui earned his Bachelor of Science in Rhetoric and Communications from the University of Virginia. In 2001, he relocated to Philadelphia, working for a number of firms in the area before founding Dakota in 2006.

In this episode, Kevin and Gui Costin discuss:

• Building a purpose-driven company culture
• Leadership philosophy of problem-solving and innovation
• Personal growth and self-awareness in leadership
• Hiring and retaining top talent
• Entrepreneurial journey and risk-taking

Key Takeaways

• Problem-solving is a leadership superpower. By approaching challenges with creativity, openness, and a "get to yes" mindset, leaders can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Risk is unavoidable in entrepreneurship, but resilience determines whether risk leads to collapse or transformation. Leaders who bounce back from setbacks learn how to turn uncertainty into strength.
• In a world obsessed with transactions, connection is a differentiator. Relationships built on trust, presence, and authenticity are what keep organizations thriving long after products and strategies evolve.
• Culture doesn’t just “happen.” It’s shaped daily by choices, conversations, and behaviors, and leaders who ignore it soon discover that silence builds the wrong kind of culture by default.
• Continuous learning and adaptability are the hallmarks of exceptional leadership. Leaders who remain committed to personal growth, embrace new technologies, and stay open to evolving their strategies can create a lasting impact in their organizations.

"Culture comes down to how you treat people, how you treat people comes down to the words that come out of your mouth and your tone of voice, but even more importantly, the words that you use." – Gui Costin

Connect with Gui Costin:

Websites: https://www.dakota.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dakota-about/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/guicostin/

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Lamell McMorris:

Lamell grew up on Chicago’s South Side, navigating challenges and learning early that persistence isn’t just a mindset—it’s a necessity. From there, he built Phase 2 Consulting and now advises Fortune 100 executives, civic leaders, and organizations working to bridge public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

His journey inspired The Power to Persist: 8 Simple Habits to Build Lifelong Resilience, and the podcast of the same name. Both explore how we can lean into struggle, turn setbacks into setups, and live a life of impact.

In this episode, Kevin and Lamell McMorris discuss:

• The roots of resilience and work ethic from childhood experiences
• Why vulnerability strengthens leadership and connection
• Faith as both a guiding principle and a lived practice
• The role of servant leadership in building trust and influence
• Eight habits that sustain leaders through adversity and success

Key Takeaways

• Work ethic isn’t just about putting in hours—it’s about persistence, resilience, and refusing to give up even when circumstances are stacked against you.
• Vulnerability in leadership is not a weakness; it’s a doorway to deeper trust and stronger relationships within teams. A leader who shares struggles invites authenticity in return.
• Faith serves as both compass and fuel. By believing in possibilities that can’t yet be seen, leaders are able to make courageous decisions in moments when logic alone might say “stop.”
• Leadership is best expressed through service. When leaders model humility and prioritize serving others, they become approachable and authentic.
• Failure is not the opposite of success — it is part of it. Mistakes, missteps, and hard lessons often contain the most powerful opportunities for growth, if leaders are willing to face them with honesty and reflection.

"Everyone can lead because everyone can serve." – Lamell McMorris

Connect with Lamell McMorris:

Websites: http://www.phase2-consulting.com/

http://www.lamellmcmorris.com/

http://www.greenliningrealtyusa.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamellmc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamellmcmorris

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088140180810

Reserve a copy of Lamell’s book, The Power to Persist: https://www.lamellmcmorris.com/the-power-to-persist#order-section

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63