Best Thinkers50 Podcasts (2025)

1
Ethics at Scale: Navigating AI Risk | Reid Blackman | 648 21:19

1d ago21:19

21:19

What happens when a philosopher, a pyrotechnics entrepreneur, and a tech ethicist walk into a boardroom? You get Reid Blackman—author of "Ethical Machines", host of a podcast by the same name, and founder of Virtue, a consultancy helping Fortune 500 companies navigate the ethical risks of AI. In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, we exp…

1
Empowering Frontline Leaders: Strategies and Tools for Success | Noel Massie | 647 41:47

6d ago41:47

41:47

How do you prepare a first-time leader to succeed when everyone’s watching? In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Bill speaks with Noel Massie, former VP of US Operations at UPS and author of the upcoming book "Congrats, You've Been Promoted "(June 2025). Noel spent his distinguished career at UPS mentoring new leaders and guiding them …

1
Human-Centered Marketing in an Automated World | Ashley Faus | 646 55:07

13d ago55:07

55:07

How do you build genuine trust when AI-driven automation floods our lives? In this engaging episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, I sit down with Ashley Faus, author of "Human Centred Marketing: How to Connect with Audiences in the Age of AI", to explore the irreplaceable role of authentic human connection in today's tech-heavy marketing landsc…

1
Build Influence Before the First Call | Jim Schleckser | 645 19:24

15d ago19:24

19:24

What if your next client already feels like they know you—before you’ve ever spoken a word? This week on Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter talks with Jim Schleckser, founder of The CEO Project, a peer advisory group for high-performing CEOs. Jim shares insights from advising over 125 CEOs across 40 states, leading organizations with revenues fro…

1
Fundraising Beyond Size: Secrets for Scaling Nonprofit Impact| James Misner | 644 17:11

23d ago17:11

17:11

Have you ever wondered why some nonprofits make a huge impact while others struggle to grow? The difference isn't always their mission—it’s their ability to fundraise and scale effectively. James Misner, founder of the Kipos Group, joins us today to reveal why bigger doesn’t always mean better in the nonprofit sector. James spent 25 years witnessin…

1
Jennifer Fondrevay on Fixing the Human Side of M&A 39:43

23d ago39:43

39:43

When companies go through a merger or acquisition, most leaders obsess over financials and spreadsheets. But according to Jennifer Fondrevay—founder of Day1 Ready and author of Now What?—the real failure happens when leadership ignores people. In this episode of Leadership NOW, we explore what really drives post-acquisition chaos, the arrogance of …

1
Leading with Data, Scaling with Purpose | Aaron Marcum | 643 28:57

26d ago28:57

28:57

What if your greatest business challenge could become your launchpad into thought leadership? Today, Bill Sherman sits down with Aaron Marcum, visionary behind Breakaway 365 and bestselling author of EntreThrive, to explore how a journey from entrepreneur to industry thought leader unfolds—often unintentionally. Aaron shares how his frustration wit…

1
From Local Landmark to Global Platform: The Digital Evolution of the 92nd Street Y | SethPinsky | 642 21:29

29d ago21:29

21:29

Can a 150-year-old New York City institution thrive in the digital age? Seth Pinsky, CEO of the iconic 92nd Street Y, joins us to reveal how they turned crisis into innovation. Founded to support immigrant communities, the Y evolved into a world-renowned cultural hub. Seth shares how, despite the initial shock of COVID-19 closures, the organization…

1
The Provocateurs Episode 32: Katie McGinty 39:30

1M ago39:30

39:30

Katie McGinty is the vice president and chief sustainability and external relations officer at Johnson Controls. In this episode she shares insights from her remarkable career spanning both public service – including as the first woman to chair the White House Council on Environmental Quality under President Clinton – and private sector leadership.…

1
Accidental Thought Leadership: When a Minor Point Becomes a Major Movement | Ellen Joan Ford | 641 26:46

1M ago26:46

26:46

What happens when leadership, military service, and motherhood collide with a mission for change? Dr. Ellen Joan Ford didn’t set out to become a thought leader—she became one by accident, driven by action. A former army officer, academic, and founder of Belonging, Autonomy and Purpose Leadership, Ellen first spoke about the challenges of working pa…

1
Crafting Books that Grow Your Brand and Business | Cathy Fyock | 640 17:42

1M ago17:42

17:42

What’s the real reason you want to write a book? If your answer doesn’t connect directly to your business goals, you may be missing the mark. In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter sits down with Cathy Fyock, a book strategist who helps authors write the right book—the one that aligns with their business, audience, and long-term st…

1
Ageism is Hurting Your Organization with Maureen Wiley Clough 35:02

1M ago35:02

35:02

Maureen Wiley Clough, seasoned technology leader and host of the podcast It Gets Late Early, joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to discuss the overlooked yet costly issue of ageism in today’s workplaces. Clough highlights why age diversity isn’t simply an ethical responsibility but a strategic advantage. She dismantles harmful myths about older…

1
Turning Industry Disruption into Thought Leadership Success | Kerim Kfuri | 639 19:42

1M ago19:42

19:42

When the world stopped getting its stuff, why did supply chain suddenly matter? In this episode, Peter Winick speaks with Kerim Kfuri, global entrepreneur, author of "Supply Chain Ups and Downs," and CEO of Atlas Network. Kerim reveals why he stepped into thought leadership—especially when his industry became the center of public attention overnigh…

1
Breaking Through the Noise: Targeted Thought Leadership That Drives Results | Paige Velasquez Budde | 638 23:09

2M ago23:09

23:09

Are you spending your resources wisely to amplify your thought leadership—or just making noise? In today's fast-paced marketplace, standing out from the crowd is tougher than ever. Peter Winick is joined by Paige Velasquez Budde, CEO at Zilker Media, one of Austin's fastest-growing agencies specializing in building people-driven brands. Paige share…

1
CEO Gary Officer Wants Organizations to Stop Ignoring Older Workers 38:30

2M ago38:30

38:30

Gary Officer, President and CEO of CWI Labs, joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to discuss why organizations repeatedly overlook older workers—and why it's strategically and socially damaging. Officer explains how ageism impacts organizational productivity, innovation, and culture. He debunks common myths around older employees' technological s…

1
How Reluctant Thought Leaders Can Amplify Their Impact | Christina Wedgwood | 637 29:01

2M ago29:01

29:01

Does thought leadership belong only to bold personalities and charismatic speakers? Christina Wedgwood doesn't think so. In her book, "Better: A More Authentic Path for the Reluctant Thought Leader", Christina explores how deep thinkers, perfectionists, and even those uneasy about taking center stage can still powerfully shape ideas and conversatio…

1
Author Faisal Hoque on Preserving Humanity in the Artificial Intelligence Era 36:21

2M ago36:21

36:21

In this insightful episode of Leadership NOW, Dan sits down with entrepreneur and acclaimed author Faisal Hoque to discuss the transformative power—and hidden perils—of artificial intelligence. Drawing from his latest book, "TRANSCEND: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI," Faisal explores why the greatest leadership challenge today is balancing AI’…

1
Sales Isn’t Sleazy - If You’re Doing It Right | Lisa McLeod | 636 22:42

2M ago22:42

22:42

What if the secret to extraordinary sales success wasn't pressure—but purpose? Lisa McLeod believes the best salespeople aren't chasing quotas. They're chasing impact. Lisa is a bestselling author of "Selling with Noble Purpose", keynote speaker, and creator of the Noble Purpose business philosophy. Her work has reached over 2 million people on Lin…

1
Transforming Discomfort into Influence | Sean Barnes | 635 35:43

2M ago35:43

35:43

Can an introvert become an influential thought leader? Today, Bill Sherman speaks with Sean Barnes, executive coach, speaker, and host of The Way of the Wolf Podcast. Sean didn't start out comfortable on stage. In fact, his first speaking experience—presenting technical details to executives—was uncomfortable enough to make many quit. Instead, it s…

1
75-Year-Old Founder Rose Fass Wants Leaders to Stop Ignoring the Messy Middle 37:47

2M ago37:47

37:47

Rose Fass, founder of Fass Forward Consulting Group and former CTO at Xerox, joins Dan Pontefract on Leadership NOW to discuss why organizations repeatedly overlook the crucial layer of middle management.Rose reveals the critical role of the "messy middle" in translating strategy into execution and why senior leaders must meaningfully engage rather…

1
Unlocking Careers Without College | Lawrese Brown | 634 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

Is college really the only path to career success? In this compelling episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Bill Sherman speaks with Lawrese Brown, author of "I Don't Have to Go to College: Discover Well-Paying Jobs that Don't Require a Four-Year College Degree". Lawrese passionately challenges outdated ideas about success, advocating alte…

1
Leveraging Awkward Moments for Business Success | Henna Pryor | 633 23:20

2M ago23:20

23:20

Ever felt awkward in a meeting, on stage, or in a tough conversation? What if that discomfort wasn’t a weakness—but an advantage? In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter sits down with workplace performance expert Henna Pryor, author of Good Awkward, to explore the hidden power of social discomfort. Henna breaks down why avoiding aw…

1
Author Kevin Eikenberry Wants Leaders to Stop Clinging to Habit 36:01

2M ago36:01

36:01

Rigid leadership is failing us—especially now. On this episode of Leadership NOW, Dan Pontefract speaks with bestselling author and leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry about his latest book, "Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence."Eikenberry argues persuasively that leaders trapped in habitual thinking or overly reliant …

1
The Provocateurs Episode 31: Weslynne Ashton 38:53

2M ago38:53

38:53

Profit is Not the Only ValueA sustainable systems scientist, Weslynne Ashton is professor of environmental management and sustainability at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where she also co-directs ID’s Food Systems Action Lab.Here she discusses her work in industrial ecology and the circular economy, drawing from her experiences growing up i…

1
The Science of Success: How High Achievers Think and Win | Dr. Ruth Gotian | 632 34:45

3M ago34:45

34:45

How do you turn an idea into lasting thought leadership? Dr. Ruth Gotian has done just that—translating academic research on high achievers into actionable insights that help individuals and organizations thrive. In this episode, we explore the power of mentorship, the resilience of high achievers, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Ruth sha…

1
Podcasting for Influence: How to Build Authority Without Ads | Mischa Zvegintzov | 631 21:34

3M ago21:34

21:34

Are you really a thought leader—or just claiming the title? Today's guest Mischa Zvegintzov, Chief Influence Officer at Influence Army, thought he was a Thought Leader. As a sales expert with decades of experience, he knew how to pitch. But when a podcast host bluntly told him, “You don’t look like a thought leader,” everything changed. In this epi…

1
The Expertise and Knowledge Crisis with Dr. Richard E. Clark 41:54

3M ago41:54

41:54

In this episode of Leadership NOW, we delve into the critical issue of knowledge loss within organizations. When seasoned employees retire or depart, they often take invaluable tacit knowledge with them—expertise that isn't documented in manuals or training materials.Join us as we explore the insights of Dr. Richard Clark, Professor Emeritus at th…

1
Predicting the Market with the Wisdom of Crowds | Vuk Vuković | 630 17:06

3M ago17:06

17:06

Can social media predict the stock market? Vuk Vukovic, CIO and co-founder of Oraclum Capital, believes it can. His hedge fund leverages the wisdom of the crowd and a proprietary network analysis of social media bubbles to forecast weekly equity market movements. With a PhD in political economics and a track record of accurately predicting election…

1
Dr. Keith Keating on Why L&D Is Failing and How to Fix It 46:03

3M ago46:03

46:03

Learning and Development (L&D) teams are at a crossroads. Too many still operate as order takers, delivering training on request without questioning whether it’s the right solution. Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning and Development Officer at BDO Canada and author of "The Trusted Learning Advisor," believes this outdated mindset limits impact and c…

1
AI, Leadership, and the Future: What We Know (and What We Don’t) | Nada Sanders | 629 42:42

3M ago42:42

42:42

How do you lead in a world where the future keeps shifting? Dr. Nada Sanders, a distinguished professor at Northeastern University, an expert in supply chain management and AI-driven decision-making, believes the key is humility. In this episode, we dive into why thought leaders must stay agile, question assumptions, and embrace uncertainty. AI is …

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