What Happens When Pressure Builds—and You Don’t Even Know It?

In this episode, Natalie Born sits down with Ryan Dunlap, conflict strategist, former hostage negotiator, and author of How to Untie a Balloon: A Negotiator’s Guide to Avoid Popping Under Pressure. Ryan brings real-life strategies from both interrogation rooms and executive coaching sessions, helping leaders recognize how pressure impacts their behavior and decision-making.

Through powerful metaphors—like the overinflated balloon—and practical frameworks such as FIRST and STOP, Ryan offers a roadmap for decompressing emotionally, resolving deep-seated conflict, and returning to leadership with clarity and strength. If you’re leading while stressed, burned out, or in constant response mode, this episode is a must-listen.

[00:01 - 04:16] The Balloon Metaphor and Hidden Pressure

Why law enforcement prepared Ryan less for pressure than pastoring did.

How a balloon exercise revealed the emotional buildup leaders carry.

The surprising connection between suspects and CEOs under pressure.

[04:17 - 08:00] The FIRST Framework

Feelings, Interests, Relationships, Situations, and Toll—breaking down complex issues into manageable parts.

Why most leaders try to solve everything at once—and how that backfires.

How FIRST builds sustainable emotional progress through small wins.

[08:01 - 12:00] Resilience, Conflict, and the Grudge Trap

Stats on how long we hold grudges—and the hidden cost.

Why strategy and resources don’t matter when we’re emotionally depleted.

The critical need to “suffer well” and build a healthier foundation before scaling.

[12:01 - 16:00] Identifying Internal Pressure Before You Explode

How to self-audit your automatic responses to stress.

The difference between seeking relief and pursuing resolution.

Recognizing that what you normalize might actually be a high-pressure state.

[16:01 - 20:59] Reclaiming Your Baseline

Understanding the hedonic treadmill and the identity toll of constant pressure.

The STOP model: Space, Time, Opportunity, Perspective.

A powerful question: “Who were you before the world hurt you?”

[21:00 - 26:00] Sabbaticals, Rest, and Redefining Productivity

Why many leaders are running unsustainable lives—and don’t know it.

The paradox of rest: You’re more productive when you pause.

Choosing the right kind of consequences: business strain vs. personal collapse.

[26:01 - 28:00] Daily Tips, Deeper Coaching & the Conflict-ish Community

Where to find Ryan’s 90-second daily videos.

How to get your copy of How to Untie a Balloon.

A look at Ryan’s upcoming academy for personal and professional transformation.

Quotes:

“Pressure causes us to lean into relief instead of resolution.” – Ryan Dunlap

“If you don't stop working, something bad is going to happen anyway. You have to choose—do you want the business to suffer or your family?” – Ryan Dunlap

“Who were you before the world hurt you?” – Ryan Dunlap

Connect with Ryan:

Website: https://www.conflictish.com

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

Social (TikTok, IG, YouTube): @conflictish

Book: How to Untie a Balloon (Available wherever books are sold)

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🎙️ Check out Natalie’s new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co.

These are proven tools to transform your leadership and innovation approach. Visit our website at innovationmeetsleadership.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

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What happens to marketing when AI becomes not just a tool, but a partner?

In this episode, Natalie Born speaks with Nick Jain, founder of Content Hurricane and former CEO of IdeaScale. Nick shares insights from building a scalable AI-powered content marketing platform, diving into how AI is reshaping marketing departments, team structures, and creativity itself. He unpacks the transition from manual content creation to automated, expert-level blog generation—and what that means for businesses trying to stay relevant in a fast-changing digital world. Whether you're a marketer feeling overwhelmed by AI or a business leader wondering where to begin, this episode lays out clear, actionable ideas for navigating the shift.

[00:01 - 04:16] From Scaling to Starting

• How Nick’s background in growing companies to $100M+ informed his new venture.

• Why simplicity and usability are at the core of Content Hurricane’s tools.

• The significance of managing complexity in large teams and tech stacks.

[04:17 - 08:46] AI and the Restructuring of Marketing Roles

• What makes AI different from traditional tools.

• How AI shifts the focus from production to orchestration.

• The importance of giving AI a defined purpose.

[08:47 - 12:29] The Creativity Paradox

• Why AI doesn’t kill creativity—it redistributes it.

• How people without artistic skill can now create at a high level.

• The significance of democratizing creativity with AI.

[12:30 - 16:53] Building AI-Powered Content Engines

• Why Content Hurricane focuses on expert-level, not generic content.

• How inbound leads and evergreen marketing outperform paid ads.

• The importance of simplicity for both junior and senior users.

[16:54 - 24:21] The Future of Marketing Departments

• Why creating content may no longer be a marketing team's job.

• What new roles—like AI architects and performance analysts—are emerging.

• The need for upskilling and continual learning in AI-driven work.

Quotes:

“AI doesn’t need your talent—it needs your direction.” - Nick Jain

“Once you understand AI is not a tool, but a partner, your role changes completely.” - Nick Jain

Connect with Nick:

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

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

What does it take to keep people laughing while tackling tough topics—and why does humor open unexpected doors for influence?

In this episode, Natalie welcomes Ben Price, widely known as Australia’s Best Impersonator. With more than 200 voice impressions in his repertoire, Ben shares how a childhood talent led him to national TV, comedy tours, and street outreach. From his journey on Australia's Got Talent to his performances at faith-based events, Ben brings a unique blend of entertainment, authenticity, and thoughtful storytelling. He discusses the importance of balancing humor with conviction and gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at impersonating figures like Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Elon Musk, and Robert De Niro. Whether you're curious about managing a room or staying grounded in your values, this episode delivers laughs and insight in equal measure.

[00:01 - 05:00] The First Voice

• How mimicking a friend at age 10 sparked a lifelong skill
• Why church performances played a key role in his development
• The significance of support from family and community

[05:01 - 10:16] Australia’s Got Talent

• What changed his mind about going on the show
• How being humbled reshaped his motivation
• Why faith became the foundation for navigating success

[10:17 - 15:49] Characters, Controversy, and Comedy

• How Ben chooses which voices to perform
• The importance of equal-opportunity humor
• What audiences reveal about cultural moments

[15:50 - 21:31] More Than Just a Joke

• Why some crowds are easier than others
• How Ben handles pushback and offense
• The need to stand firm in personal values without losing connection

[21:32 - 26:16] Humor With a Higher Purpose

• What the importance of laughter means in dark or hard moments
• How Ben uses comedy for community and street outreach
• Why his performances are about more than laughs

Quotes:

“Comedy comes from the Lord. Laughter is good medicine.” - Ben Price

“I don’t want to offend some people. I want to offend everybody—equally.” - Ben Price

Connect with Ben:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benpricecomedy/?hl=en

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!