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)

Want More?

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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!

What if the secret to career satisfaction isn't changing what you do, but rediscovering who you are?

In this episode, Natalie welcomes back career coach and author Kene Iloenyosi for a conversation about purpose, identity, and how understanding your natural abilities can unlock clarity in both life and work. Kene shares insights from his workshops and books, including “Finding Your Sweet Spot” and “DNA of Talent,” emphasizing the importance of aligning career paths with intrinsic wiring. They also explore the generational impact of AI, the evolution of workplace structures, and how companies can prepare for an increasingly unstructured, remote-first future.

[00:01 - 06:27] You Are How You Are

• The significance of knowing your learning and communication style

• Why self-awareness can reframe frustration and unlock growth

• The importance of embracing your wiring, not correcting it

[06:28 - 12:43] Purpose Is Wired In

• Why the need to “get over” introversion misses the point

• The importance of aligning purpose with natural strengths

• How to avoid living someone else’s life by knowing your design

[12:44 - 18:09] | AI & Career Security

• What AI can and cannot replace in the workplace

• The importance of identifying irreplaceable human value

• Why leading the AI conversation within your company matters

[18:10 - 23:52] Generational Shifts & Workplace Culture

• The need for new leadership models that embrace flexibility

• Why Gen Alpha will be AI natives, not just digital natives

• The significance of creativity and play in future career models

[23:53 - 27:11] Redefining Structure and Leadership

• The need to rethink rigid return-to-office mandates

• Why perks no longer drive engagement—freedom does

• The importance of embracing change rather than resisting it

Quotes:

"You are how you are for why you are." - Kene Iloenyosi

"God doesn’t make multiples. You are one in one." - Kene Iloenyosi

Connect with Kene:

Website: https://www.talentrevolution.me/

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

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.

Why do so many entrepreneurs fail to close deals, not because they lack a great product, but because they misunderstand the real nature of sales?

In this episode, Natalie welcomes Jeb Blount Jr., division leader at Sales Gravy and host of the Sales Gravy podcast. They dive into the crucial but often misunderstood role of sales in entrepreneurship. Jeb breaks down the emotional intelligence behind effective selling, why listening trumps pitching, and how entrepreneurs can turn sales conversations into meaningful business relationships. Whether you’re just starting or scaling, this conversation offers a practical lens into qualifying leads, slowing the sales process, and collaborating with clients to build long-term trust.

[00:01 - 06:30] Rethinking Sales: Everyone Is in Sales

• The significance of redefining sales as relationship-building, not manipulation

• Why viewing yourself as “not a salesperson” weakens your entrepreneurial impact

• The importance of accepting that revenue drives sustainability

[06:31 - 12:53] The Core of EQ in Sales

• What emotional intelligence looks like in high-stakes selling

• Why listening more than talking creates deeper trust

• The significance of making people feel heard and important

[12:54 - 18:30] Qualifying vs. Pitching: Always Be Qualifying

• The need to vet clients for fit—not just push a pitch

• Why it’s smart to walk away from unqualified leads

• How saying “no” can build more trust than saying “yes”

[18:31 - 24:00] The Power of Slowing Down

• What it means to own the sales process

• Why rushing to proposals leads to rejection

• The value of co-creating solutions with prospects

[24:01 - 30:43] Long-Term Wins: Creating Buy-In & the IKEA Effect

• Why co-creation increases ownership and satisfaction

• How to handle rejection as an opportunity to learn

• The parallel between product development and good sales

Quotes:

“If you brand yourself as 'not a salesperson,' you’re being disingenuous—especially if you’re an entrepreneur.” - Jeb Blount Jr.

“The greatest gift you can give someone in sales is the gift of importance.” - Jeb Blount Jr.

“You don’t need to always be selling—you need to always be qualifying.” - Jeb Blount Jr.

Connect with Jeb:

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

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’s the true cost of waiting until a crisis strikes? In this episode, Natalie speaks with crisis strategist and leadership communicator Stephanie Craig about the often-overlooked discipline of crisis vigilance. Stephanie, drawing from her experience in law enforcement families, political campaigns, and corporate turnarounds, shares how organizations can shift from reactive crisis response to proactive crisis readiness. The conversation unpacks the distinction between brand and reputation, outlines how leaders can build a crisis-ready culture, and emphasizes why clarity and trust are essential for strategic speed in moments of uncertainty. Listeners will walk away with practical ways to safeguard their teams, maintain innovation capacity, and protect organizational value when challenges arise.

[00:01 - 05:19] Crisis Found Me

• Why Stephanie’s upbringing shaped her career in crisis
• The importance of calm during chaos
• The significance of embracing discomfort to build resilience

[05:20 - 10:46] Redefining Crisis Work

• How Stephanie shifted her understanding of crisis roles
• The gap between risk management and communications
• What “doing the job right” really means in crisis prevention

[10:47 - 15:17] Build the Core Crisis Team

• What leaders overlook until it’s too late
• The structure of a core crisis team and decision-making models
• Simulations as a key tool for preparation

[15:18 - 20:29] Strategic Speed Through Clarity and Trust

• What clarity and trust enable in a high-stakes situation
• Ransomware example as a case study in unpreparedness
• The importance of clear protocols and financial readiness

[20:30 - 24:44] Making Crisis Readiness Part of Culture

• Why plans alone don’t work without culture
• Where Silicon Valley Bank went wrong
• What mid-level leaders can do today

"You can’t innovate in survival mode. Without preparation, the cost isn’t just the crisis—it’s the lost future.” – Stephanie Craig

Connect with Stephanie:

Website: https://kith.co/innovation-meets-leadership/

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

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.

Quotes:“A company’s reputation is 35% of its value. And the IRS even says reputation has monetary worth.” – Stephanie Craig

How can schools shift from drowning in data to making decisions that help students thrive? Otus founder and former educator Chris Hull joins Natalie to explain how technology in education isn't just about collecting more data, it's about making it usable. Chris shares how Otis empowers schools to act on assessment results, track student behavior, and support educators with AI-powered insights. He reflects on how the shift from fragmented tools to a centralized profile for every student can transform learning, drive earlier interventions, and tailor education to the individual, all while giving time back to teachers.

[00:01 - 04:29] From Classroom Frustration to Founding Otis

• How Chris’s early tech efforts as a 7th-grade teacher exposed gaps in education systems

• Why more technology led to more chaos, not clarity

• The significance of creating a “medical chart” model for students' educational journeys

[04:30 - 08:00] Why Schools Struggle with Innovation

• The importance of focusing on actual learning outcomes amid competing demands

• How outdated methods of measuring learning obscure student needs

• What resumes can teach us about improving student progress tracking

[08:01 - 13:46] Building a Full Picture of Each Student

• Why schools need data beyond grades: behavior, attendance, third-party scores

• How Otis simplifies tracking and reporting for overburdened educators

• The need for personalized plans that scale across the student body

[13:47 - 18:37] Real Insights and Impact from Otis Users

• How earlier identification helped one Florida district reduce absenteeism

• The importance of comparing teaching strategies and programs using real-time data

• What schools are discovering by layering AI into trend analysis

[18:38 - 23:54] Personalization and the Future of Education Tech

• Why AI acts as a bridge, not a replacement, for educator decision-making

• The role of Otis as a curriculum assistant in partnership with Discovery Education

• The importance of capturing and passing along learning insights between teachers and grades

Quotes:

“Our goal isn’t to be the innovation. It’s to enable the educator to be innovative.” - Chris Hull

“AI doesn’t replace teachers—it gives them time back to focus on what matters.” - Chris Hull

Connect with Chris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chull9

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!