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

About David Bellar:

David Bellar is a dynamic leader at the intersection of faith, education, and service. He is the President and CEO of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University — a role that combines academic leadership with a deep commitment to the mission of forming compassionate, purpose-driven professionals.

He is not only a seasoned educator and visionary administrator, but he’s also a thought leader when it comes to aligning institutional excellence with enduring values. With a background that spans science, research, and mission-focused leadership, Dr. Bellar brings a rare blend of intellect, heart, and humility to everything he touches.

Under his leadership, FranU is not only preparing students for careers — it’s forming leaders for life. Whether it’s in healthcare, ministry, or the broader marketplace, his impact is echoing far beyond the classroom.

In this episode, Kevin and David Bellar discuss:

• How coaching experiences shape servant leadership principles
• The power of listening and genuine connection in building partnerships
• Navigating career transitions with purpose and faith
• Why understanding institutional dynamics matters in leadership
• The transformative impact of mission-driven education on future professionals

Key Takeaways

• Coaching taught more than strategy — it became the blueprint for leadership. From motivating athletes to navigating team dynamics, those early lessons built a foundation for guiding diverse groups toward a common goal, both in sports and in academia.
• Curiosity is a leader’s renewable energy source. The leaders who keep asking questions, seeking perspectives, and exploring possibilities are the ones who stay relevant, innovative, and able to navigate complex challenges with creativity.
• Life seasons require intentional pivots. What works in one chapter may not fit the next, and leaders thrive when they’re willing to adapt.
• Ambition is powerful, but without balance it can quietly erode the very relationships that give life meaning. Choosing to prioritize family is not a compromise — it’s a leadership decision that sustains long-term well-being and effectiveness.
• Mentorship is leadership multiplied. Every time a leader invests in developing others, they plant seeds of influence that continue to grow and bear fruit long after their direct involvement ends.

"Spend more time with the people. Spend more time, you know, building relationships and then plan." – David Bellar

Connect with David Bellar:

Website: https://franu.edu/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bellar-a0804746/

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

About Meg Crosby and Howard Cleveland:

Meg Crosby is a seasoned strategist, trusted advisor, and champion of culture. With a deep background in organizational development and executive leadership, Meg brings clarity, compassion, and candor to the often-complex work of aligning people with vision.

Howard Cleveland is a big-picture thinker with a gift for systems, structure, and sustainable solutions. Howard’s career spans nonprofit leadership, executive coaching, and change management, and he’s widely respected for helping leaders turn good intentions into measurable impact.

Together, they co-founded PeopleCap Advisors with one core belief: people are the capital that drives change. Their work empowers nonprofits, foundations, and social enterprises to scale purposefully—with strategy, alignment, and leadership at the core.

In this episode, Kevin, Meg, and Howard discuss:

• Developing and retaining talent
• Relational vs. transactional leadership
• The importance of people strategy in organizational success
• Preparing high performers for leadership roles
• Building trust and authentic connections within teams

Key Takeaways

• A thriving partnership isn't about sameness — it's about balance. When Meg and Howard combine their unique backgrounds in law, HR, and organizational development, they create a powerful approach to leadership that transcends individual expertise.
• Talent is the most critical capital in the knowledge economy. Leaders who invest in developing, valuing, and sometimes liberating their employees create organizations that are more innovative, resilient, and successful.
• Relational leadership transforms transactional management. By focusing on trust, understanding, and individual potential, leaders can create environments where people feel genuinely valued and motivated to excel.
• Purpose drives performance more powerfully than control. When leaders shift from monitoring tasks to developing people, they unlock creativity, commitment, and sustainable organizational growth.
• Leadership is a skill that can be learned, not an innate trait. By providing clear frameworks, ongoing development, and time to lead, organizations can transform high performers into exceptional leaders who build thriving teams.

"Everyone deserves to find a place where they are valued, where they feel valued, and where they can add value." – Meg Crosby

"Delegation is often viewed as a transaction, but to be effective, it's a relationship, and it takes time to develop and it takes time to explain." — Howard Cleveland

Connect with Meg and Howard:

Website: https://www.peoplecap.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-thomas-crosby-6424781a/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardcleveland/

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

In this episode, Kevin and Patrick Ungashick discuss:

• Why a successful business exit depends more on the team than the transaction
• The myth of “building a great company” vs. building a great team
• How leadership culture often fails when founders remain the sole point of value
• The impact of mentorship and storytelling on leadership development
• Lessons from D-Day and how wartime leadership translates into modern business growth

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t build a great company — you build a great team, and they build the company. That mindset shift changes everything about how leaders operate.
• The culture of any organization will form whether leaders shape it or not. Leaving it unattended is still a decision, and usually not a good one.
• Legacy isn’t what you leave behind; it’s what keeps growing after you’re gone. And that only happens when leadership becomes shared, not hoarded.
• Mentorship and team development aren’t soft skills; they're exit strategies. The stronger your people, the more valuable and sustainable your business becomes.
• Leadership stories are more than entertainment. They’re the bridge between data and transformation, especially in cultures resistant to change.

"Culture is not a strategy for growing a business. Culture is THE strategy for growing a business." – Patrick Ungashick

About Patrick Ungashick:

Patrick Ungashick has more than thirty years’ experience helping business owners and their teams maximize the value of their companies. Today, he is the CEO of NAVIX Consultants, an exit strategy consulting firm that has helped more than five hundred business owners plan for and achieve successful exits. He is also a partner in three additional companies, including a private equity, investment banking, and wealth management firm.

Connect with Patrick Ungashick:

Website: http://www.patrickungashick.com

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

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

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

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

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