In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Aamer Hasham, Vice President of Client Partner at Bits In Glass, to explore what it really means to lead digital transformation without losing the human element.

As organizations race to adopt AI, automation, and new technologies, Aamer challenges a common assumption: that transformation is purely digital. Instead, he reframes transformation as a deeply human process — one that requires clarity of purpose, empathy, conscious leadership, and the courage to slow down in order to move forward.

Together, they explore leadership blind spots in AI adoption, the importance of understanding why before how, and how mindfulness, reflection, and human connection can actually accelerate performance in complex, fast-moving environments.

This episode is a thoughtful conversation for leaders navigating uncertainty, scale, and change — and for anyone asking how to balance efficiency, innovation, and humanity in the age of AI.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed

00:32 – What this podcast is about

00:45 – Today’s focus: digital transformation & humanity

01:15 – Introducing Aamer Hasham, VP at Bits In Glass

01:58 – Business fads vs human-centered leadership

02:54 – The tension between efficiency and humanity

03:27 – Why “digital transformation” misses the human

03:51 – Understanding the why before acting

04:47 – Leadership responsibility & creating safe spaces

05:55 – Clear thinking in complex initiatives

06:18 – How AI can create space for deeper thinking

07:01 – Organic leadership vs rigid methodologies

08:06 – Mechanics vs meaning in transformation

09:21 – Asking “why” repeatedly

10:24 – Qualitative vs quantitative value

11:42 – Alignment before acceleration

12:45 – Leadership blind spots in digital change

13:34 – “Failing forward” and cognitive overload

14:27 – Slowing down thinking vs slowing operations

15:33 – Time as a leadership variable

16:45 – Fixed mindsets & unconscious habits

17:19 – Mindfulness and awareness in leadership

18:13 – Meditation, biking & conscious detachment

20:22 – Slower speed as growth

21:47 – Deep thought as productivity

22:43 – Creating human connection in fast teams

23:34 – Getting to know your people

24:25 – Modeling wellbeing as a leader

25:49 – Airline transformation case study

27:14 – Communication breakdowns vs technical issues

28:28 – Reducing chaos through clarity

29:54 – Burnout, flexibility & team awareness

31:14 – Relationships as the core of leadership

32:20 – Productivity vs happiness research

33:28 – Finding balance between efficiency & empathy

34:09 – Lessons from entrepreneurship & legacy

35:30 – Innovation driven by listening

37:14 – Empathy, honesty & difficult conversations

38:58 – Humanity as a leadership advantage

41:03 – AI freeing time for human connection

43:13 – Data, insight & reducing stress

45:01 – Automation enabling better collaboration

46:22 – Using AI for responsiveness, not reactivity

47:31 – Measuring trust and team sentiment

48:52 – Reflection, impermanence & leadership growth

49:57 – Loss, learning & mindset

51:23 – Presence, purpose & relationships

54:10 – Where to find Aamer

56:31 – Closing & subscribe

Get in touch with Aamer:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aamer-hasham-66ab543/

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In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Jo Knowler, Head of People & Talent at SBE Media Group, to explore how leaders can build resilient teams in fast-changing, founder-led and AI-driven workplaces.

From team culture to learning environments, neurodiversity, adaptability, and leadership under rapid growth — Jo brings deeply human insights from the front lines of scaling brands like Supercar Blondie and SBX Cars.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed

00:32 – Introduction & episode setup

01:11 – Meet Jo Knowler: Head of People & Talent

02:10 – Frank the office dog joins the conversation

02:57 – Building teams in the age of AI

03:24 – Why long-term planning is disappearing

05:09 – AI reshaping roles and recruitment

06:09 – No AI experts: test, learn, evolve

07:12 – Rethinking hiring & CVs

08:35 – Gamification and neurodiversity in recruitment

09:18 – Human-centered talent strategies

10:14 – Skills & attributes leaders look for

11:07 – Feedback, adaptability & being thick-skinned

12:22 – Why stubbornness slows growth

14:06 – Rapid change & agility

15:42 – IT and People merging under one leader

16:48 – Founder-led businesses: why Jo thrives

18:09 – Trust, strategy & leadership partnership

19:33 – Where founders get stuck

20:48 – Balancing vision with stability

22:00 – Finding the “adult in the room”

23:21 – Structuring communication

24:19 – Culture, training & growth

25:29 – Transparency from day one

27:04 – Weekly communication rhythms

28:23 – Cross-functional collaboration

29:46 – Clarity & psychological stability

30:34 – Recruiting with honesty

31:35 – Engagement, happiness & retention

32:38 – Listening, empathy & solving problems

33:56 – Coaching & career development

35:17 – Creating learning pathways

37:07 – Rapid innovation & knowledge sharing

39:15 – Turbo Talks & internal learning

41:00 – AI tools, law, and internal education

42:11 – Keeping teams aligned across regions

43:46 – Masterclass in internal learning

45:30 – Leadership lessons from bad managers

47:47 – Showing up consistently as a leader

49:18 – Presence over reactivity

50:52 – Repairing relationships after conflict

51:49 – Support systems & recharge

53:20 – Boundaries, parenting and switching off

55:07 – Book club, community & self-care

57:00 – Intentional wellbeing for leaders

59:39 – How to connect with Jo

01:01:30 – Window-shopping luxury cars

01:02:31 – Closing & next episode preview

01:03:04 – Subscribe for more

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In this powerful episode of Leading Minds Revealed, former UK Member of Parliament Chris Ruane joins host Michael Apollo for a rare and deeply personal conversation on leadership, humility, service, and the lifelong journey of self-transformation. From being labeled a “parliamentary thug” to becoming known as a “mindful fellow,” Chris offers a compelling look at what it means to lead with clarity, compassion, and purpose in an increasingly chaotic world.

🎧 Join us as Chris opens up about his evolution, the role mindfulness played in reshaping his leadership, and the wisdom he gained from decades in public life.

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed

00:45 — Introduction to the episode

01:21 — Guest introduction: Chris Ruane

02:21 — Catching up with Chris

03:07 — Defining power and leadership

04:36 — Chris’ upbringing and political foundations

06:26 — Serving with humility

07:14 — Leadership styles in times of crisis

08:41 — Authoritarian vs. democratic leadership

10:13 — Citizens assemblies and democracy

11:11 — Human-focused leadership

13:20 — Ego, intention, and authentic leadership

15:12 — Staying connected to the people

16:47 — From “Parliamentary Thug” to “Mindful Fellow”

20:21 — Mindfulness inside Parliament

23:21 — Retaining your spark while transforming

25:46 — Practical impact of mindfulness for leaders

27:55 — Responding vs. reacting

28:53 — Nourishment vs. depletion

29:41 — Gratitude and inner stability

30:31 — The importance of silence

34:04 — Mindfulness and resilience through loss

36:41 — Working on your parachute

38:19 — Navigating uncertainty and overwhelm

40:59 — Why equanimity is essential for modern leaders

41:33 — Learning from great leaders like Mandela and MLK

43:02 — Finding stillness amid pressure

44:46 — Creating space despite commitments

45:55 — The cost of distraction

48:47 — Breaking free from the societal treadmill

50:12 — Are we “wired” to stay the same?

52:38 — The lifelong journey of self-awareness

53:59 — Mindfulness as a creative act of living

56:26 — Values, upbringing, and modern pressures

58:33 — Why mindfulness must start early

59:59 — Polarization and bridging divides

01:01:27 — Mindfulness inside governments globally

01:02:51 — Vulnerability in leadership

01:05:46 — Seeing humanity in others

01:07:11 — Institutionalizing mindful leadership

01:08:33 — Global best practices

01:10:29 — Mindfulness in Canada

01:11:34 — Additional resources and links

01:12:00 — How to reach Chris Ruane

01:13:21 — Closing reflections

01:14:39 — Final message & episode close

01:15:12 — Outro

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Welcome to another enlightening episode of Leading Minds Revealed! Join host Michael and global HR leader Gabi Loureiro as they delve into the transformative power of diversity and inclusion in organizational culture.

Gabi shares her extensive experience building inclusive cultures, including her tenure as Vice President of HR at Rose Life Science. They discuss the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, generations, and cultures to unlock high performance and foster innovation.

Learn how leading with vulnerability, empathy, and understanding can create a safe and thriving workplace. Tune in for rich storytelling and actionable insights on effective leadership in today's dynamic environment.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed

00:51 Meet Gabi Loureiro: A Global Leader in Diversity and Inclusion

01:17 The Importance of Embracing Diversity in Leadership

04:16 Challenges and Misconceptions in Diversity and Inclusion

08:02 Generational Perspectives on Work and Diversity

11:42 Developing Leaders to Foster Diversity and Inclusion

22:58 The Role of Psychological Safety in the Workplace

28:33 The Power of Diverse Perspectives in Decision Making

30:44 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership

34:12 Building a Positive Workplace Culture in a Stigmatized Industry

41:09 Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership

45:56 The Immigrant Experience and Leadership

53:47 Launching Arise: A New Consulting Firm

56:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Building a Resilient Team Culture During Hyper Growth with Jen Pax

In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, Michael sits down with Jen Pax, Vice President of People and Talent at Roofer, to discuss strategies for shaping and maintaining a high-performing company culture during times of significant change. Jen shares her unique insights on emotional regulation in leadership, the importance of clear communication, and how to foster a cohesive team environment even during rapid growth. Additionally, she provides actionable advice for leaders navigating high-growth phases, all while maintaining their own sense of groundedness and self-awareness. Tune in to learn how to effectively manage change, retain talent, and cultivate a positive company culture.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:55 The Importance of Emotional Regulation in Leadership

02:26 Navigating Emotional Responses During Change

03:39 Building Effective Communication Strategies

10:06 Balancing Leadership and Personal Life

14:27 Team Building and Organizational Growth

32:08 Handling Leadership Challenges and Feedback

46:49 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

In this transformative episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Daniel McDonald, Head of HR and Chief of Staff at Spartan Race, to explore how embracing discomfort becomes the ultimate catalyst for leadership growth.

From restaurants to manufacturing to leading HR at one of the world's most challenging endurance events, Dan's journey exemplifies the power of saying "yes" before you're ready. In this candid conversation, you'll discover:

Key Takeaways:

• Why "the answer is always yes" - and how to build the roadmap after committing
• The critical shift from traditional training methods to immersive, conversation-based leadership development
• How to have difficult conversations with team members who aren't meeting expectations
• The difference between following your passion and doing what gives you energy
• Why today's leaders need mentorship moments, not just information downloads
• How physical and mental fitness routines create the foundation for resilient leadership

00:00 Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed

00:50 Meet Daniel McDonald: From Restaurants to Spartan Race

02:09 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

04:25 The Journey to Spartan: A Leap of Faith

07:21 Building a Resilient Team at Spartan

14:32 Training and Mentorship at Spartan

25:48 The Importance of Immersive Experiences

29:18 Lessons from Leadership Mistakes

31:26 Understanding and Motivating Your Team

39:10 Personal Practices for Mental and Physical Health

41:45 Finding Passion and Energy in Work

47:58 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

50:03 Special Offer and Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned executive or emerging leader, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting until you're "ready" and start building your capacity for growth through intentional discomfort. Dan's insights on creating psychologically safe environments while pushing teams beyond their comfort zones offer a masterclass in modern leadership development.

In this transformative episode, Lauren Dunn, Chief People Officer at WISS (a progressive accounting firm), shares her journey of reimagining workplace culture in an industry known for burnout and high turnover. With a background in hospitality and a passion for human potential, Lauren reveals how WISS is breaking the mold by prioritizing culture first, then performance - creating a workplace where employees are valued for who they are, not just what they do.

From mindfulness practices with accountants to navigating AI adoption with empathy, Lauren brings practical wisdom on building resilient, high-performing teams during times of rapid change.

00:00 Introduction and Lauren's Background at WISS

02:00 What Drew Lauren to WISS and the Culture Transformation

05:00 The Importance of Female Leadership and Representation

08:00 Defining Resilience Through Mindfulness and Presence

13:00 Supporting Employees Through Life Changes

16:00 The Philosophy: "Why Does an Accounting Firm Have to Be a

Crappy Place to Work?"

21:00 Culture First, Performance Second - The WISS Approach

25:00 Introducing Performance Metrics with Transparency

30:00 The Power of Seeing Potential in Others - Restaurant Industry

Story

35:00 Helping People Embrace AI and Technological Change

40:00 Learning and Development Through Mindfulness and DEI

44:00 Advice for Leaders Building Culture and Performance

47:00 Where to Connect with Lauren and Learn More About WISS

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In this powerful episode, Mark Fam, President and CEO of Oak Valley Health, shares his transformative journey from being perceived as a "machine" or "robot" in his early career to becoming a vulnerable, authentic leader who prioritizes human connection. Serving a community of over half a million residents with over 100,000 emergency visits annually, Mark reveals how vulnerability became his secret weapon for building high-performing teams and creating psychological safety in healthcare settings.

00:00 Introduction and Mark's Background

03:00 The Value of Vulnerability in Leadership

07:00 Mark's "Robot" Wake-Up Call

13:00 Building Team Connection Through Personal Stories

18:00 Creating Psychological Safety

25:00 Self-Care Practices for Leaders

32:00 Mindfulness and Daily Rituals

38:00 Building Culture at Oak Valley Health

42:00 Advice for Emerging Leaders

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