The workplace is changing fast.

From economic uncertainty to cultural shifts and the rise of AI, business leaders are operating in a constant state of pressure, and a troubling leadership style is on the rise.

In this episode, I sit down with CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author Kate Lowry to unpack what fear-based leadership looks like and how to protect yourself from it.

We explore:

- Why fear-based leadership is on the rise
- How to spot a fear-based leader before you sign on
- Tactical “upward management” techniques that actually work
- The psychology behind leaders who operate through shame, manipulation, and control
- Gendered differences in how fear-based leaders show up at work
- The critical skillsets you must develop to thrive in today’s environment

If you've ever felt gaslit, overworked, or subtly manipulated by someone in power, this episode is your blueprint for protection and empowerment. Listen now.

“You are not powerless. You just need new tools for a new era of leadership.”

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Kate Lowry is a CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author based in Silicon Valley. An expert in fear-based leaders, Kate developed her methodology growing up in a personal hierarchical family, then refined her approach in the elite worlds of start-ups, private equity, management consulting, and big tech at McKinsey, Meta, and Insight Partners. She is the author of Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders. In her free time, you can find her writing comedy and music and cuddling her service dog, Annie.

Learn more and grab the book at:
www.katelowry.com

You can also connect with her on:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram

In this episode, business psychologist, emotional intelligence expert, and founder of Ei4Change, Dr. Robin Hills, shares how to stay grounded in human-centered leadership while navigating the rise of AI and embracing the opportunities it brings.

We explore the emotional and ethical limits of AI, and why critical thinking, empathy, and purpose-driven leadership matter now more than ever.

"AI is not a crisis, it’s an opportunity. We’ve got to recognize it as a tool, work with it, and understand what it can and – perhaps more importantly – cannot do."

Ready to lead with purpose in the age of AI? Tune in to this powerful episode and discover how to harness emotional intelligence, rethink leadership, and future-proof your impact.

Listen now and start leading differently.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

- AI as an Opportunity, Not a Crisis

- Limitations of AI vs. Human Capability
AI offers data, speed, and analysis—but lacks emotion, intuition, and ethical reasoning.
Leadership today requires what AI cannot replicate: empathy, judgment, and authentic connection.

- Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
It’s about making quality decisions, fostering real relationships, and adapting to change with self-awareness.

- Guardrails for AI
Who should be setting them? Why political or media-driven governance isn’t the answer.
The need for diverse, informed voices shaping AI ethics.

- The Changing Role of Doctors & Medical Professionals
How AI can support medical professionals.

- Education & the Next Generation
Why traditional education must change in the age of AI.
From regurgitation to critical thinking, creativity, and emotional resilience.
Encouraging youth to become emotionally intelligent, ethical leaders.

- Emotional Resilience vs. Toxic Positivity
What it really means to be resilient in a realistic, grounded way.
Recognizing what we can and cannot control—and how to move forward with optimism.

- Future-Proofing Your Career

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Dr. Robin Hills is a business psychologist and the director of Ei4Change. A company specializing in emotional intelligence for change in educational training, coaching, and personal development (focused on emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and neuroscience). Awarded “International Impact Company of the Year” – Award Winner by Dotcom Magazine in 2025.

With the most comprehensive and detailed courses around the topic of emotional intelligence, Robin has taught and empowered more than 500,000 people across 200+ countries. He is an accomplished author and global keynote speaker (including at Harvard). Awarded “Best Emotional Intelligence Coaching & Training Enterprise 2025” by Corporate America Today and the Global 100 Awards by EMG Publishing.

In early 2024, Robin was presented with an Honorary Doctorate in Advanced Studies in Psychology in recognition of his contributions to Emotional Intelligence training.

Learn more at ei4change.com, or connect with him on...
LinkedIn
Facebook, Instagram, or X: @Ei4Change

You can also check out his YouTube channel.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, and author Rob Gallaher to discuss the importance of self-leadership, the mechanics of implementing a sustainable profit-sharing model, and what it takes to create a culture of shared success.

We explore how Rob transitioned from micromanaging every detail to empowering leaders at every level of his businesses. He shares the exact frameworks that helped his team members start thinking—and acting—like owners, along with the hard lessons he's learned along the way.

This episode is filled with practical insights for founders, managers, and anyone interested in profit-sharing or building a culture of shared success.

“If you want your team to act like owners, give them a reason to care whether the business wins or loses.”

“[With this model] I have seen monthly profits triple. I just don’t know another way to make that happen as quickly. If there is, let me know!”

—

Rob Gallaher is an entrepreneur, CEO, and author with over a decade of experience building and leading successful businesses. Recognizing the power of aligning employee interests with company performance, Rob has become a passionate advocate for and expert in implementing effective profit-sharing strategies. Through years of practical application and refinement, he has developed a successful model that fosters a collaborative, motivated, and productive workplace. His book, "Profit Sharing: The Power of Shared Success," provides a comprehensive guide for business leaders looking to leverage this powerful tool to enhance company culture, boost productivity, and drive significant growth.

To learn more about Rob and his course on profit sharing, visit profitx.co.

"When things are going well, it’s exciting. When they’re not, you don’t know where the bottom is."

In this episode, entrepreneur, author, and developer Jose Berlanga and I discuss navigating complexity and leadership lessons learned from childhood adversity and many years of leading through high-stakes moments.

We specifically discuss the importance of calculated risk-taking, building resilient teams, creating contingency plans, and the difference between leadership under pressure and micromanaging out of fear.

In high-stakes moments, success often hinges not on avoiding risk, but on knowing which ones are worth taking, and leading with conviction when the path forward is unclear.

Key Takeaways:

--> Discomfort is Constant
Leading through difficulty isn’t an exception—it’s the norm, especially in entrepreneurship.

--> Risk as a Way of Life
Early adversity can build resilience; successful leaders develop a tolerance for discomfort and pressure.

--> Preparation > Prediction
Contingency planning is critical. Leaders can’t afford denial or false optimism in crisis moments.

--> Delegation is a Skill
Let go of tasks incrementally, starting with repetitive, non-critical areas. Avoid micromanaging.

--> Team Power
Build a proactive team that can think and act independently. Leadership shifts you from doing to coordinating.

--> Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking
In crises, long-term strategy narrows to survival mode—prioritize urgent, essential tasks.

This episode will help you navigate those complex, high-stakes moments with more clarity, confidence, and ease. Listen in!

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Jose Berlanga, an entrepreneur from Mexico City with over 35 years of experience, has made a significant mark in Houston's real estate industry, notably through co-founding Tricon Homes. His diverse background, including degrees in Business Administration, Economics, and Philosophy, has fueled his success in various sectors, making him a source of inspiration and mentorship in the business community. He is the author of The Business of Home Building and is working on his second book.

You can connect with him or learn more at https://joseberlanga.com, on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-berlanga-900a9518/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/authorjoseberlanga), or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/authorjoseberlanga/).

“We tend to do things because that’s the way it’s always been, not because it’s the right answer.”

In this episode, Belonging and Connection Strategist, Dr. Roz Cohen, shares a practical approach to hiring practices that foster employee engagement and belonging at work, as well as how leaders can share the mental load of being the person who does it all.

This conversation is so refreshing in that Dr. Roz takes big concept ideas, such as hiring practices, employee engagement, inclusive leadership, connection and belonging, and breaks them down into incredibly relevant questions and actionable behaviors, specific to you and your organization.

The more we can create the environment Dr. Roz suggests, the happier people will be in our organization, including us!

—

Dr. Roz Cohen has spent over two decades proving that great workplaces aren't built on policies alone—they're built on real human connections. As Chief People Officer at LNW Advisors and founder of Socius Strategies, she's made it her mission to help organizations create cultures where everyone truly belongs. Roz's journey through HR leadership has taken her from the magic of Disney to the fast-paced world of Banc of America Securities and Hall Capital Partners. Along the way, she's discovered that whether you're entertaining millions or managing billions, the secret ingredient is always the same: authentic relationships and inclusive leadership.

With her Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University and credentials as both an SPHR® and SHRM-SCP, Roz brings serious expertise to her work. But ask anyone who's worked with her, and they'll tell you she's just as likely to roll up her sleeves and dig into the real challenges facing teams today.

When she's not busy changing workplace cultures one connection at a time, you might find Roz training for the NYC Marathon, exploring new cuisines, or planning her next travel adventure. Her philosophy is simple: we all thrive when we feel genuinely connected to the work we do and the people we do it with.

Learn more about and connect with Dr. Roz at https://lnwadvisors.com/bio/rosalind-f-cohen-ph-d-sphr/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalindfcohen.

“Charisma is really about how we portray ourselves and engage with people on a deeper level.”

In this episode, organizational psychologist Richard Reid talks to us about the power of charisma and why being charismatic may not mean exactly what you think it does.

Learn about the difference between our System 1 and System 2 brains, how to unlock your charisma, and engage people to create the best outcomes for everyone.

We also talk about how leaders can more effectively lead through crisis, why emotional intelligence is key and silence is underrated.

Plus, so much more!

“When we create space in conversations and validate positions, even if we don’t agree with them, it makes people feel psychologically safe. When they do, they bring the best versions of themselves, speak up when they don’t understand things, etc. When they don’t, they shut down or leave.”

Charisma is a continuum, as well as a leadership skill that can be developed. This episode is a great temperature check and place to tap into your charismatic leadership style.

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Richard Reid is a highly qualified psychologist, coach, and organisational consultant with over twenty years of experience. He has consulted with several prominent organisations, including the City of London Police, Transport for London and the Witness Protection programme.

In addition, he runs a boutique international practice that provides therapy, coaching, and psychology-related consultancy services to entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and C-Suite-level leadership. His particular spheres of interest lie in the areas of Trauma, Resilience, Workplace Culture and Charisma.

Richard is a regular media spokesperson on channels such as Sky News, CNBC, BBC and ITV and has co-hosted the Sky One series "Extreme Phobias, Extreme Cures". Moreover, he is a published author with Penguin Books and a global keynote speaker.

His corporate portfolio includes Sophos, Novartis, Ernst & Young, Cap Gemini and the Ministry of Defence.

Learn more about Richard and his work by heading to richard-reid.com or connecting with him on LinkedIn.

“Don’t let your situation define who you are. You define who you are.”

Today’s guest, Kijuan Amey, is a dynamic speaker, author, and advocate for resilience. He shares how a motorcycle accident that nearly took his life became the catalyst for growth and why he’s so passionate about helping others win in life’s lessons.

In a moment, his entire life changed (as it sometimes does), and he learned some invaluable lessons in guiding himself–and now countless others–through it.

Listen in for a harrowing and inspirational story from a man who may have lost his sight, but didn’t lose his vision.

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Kijuan Amey, founder of Amey Motivation, is a dynamic speaker and advocate for resilience. Born and raised in Durham, NC, he graduated from Southern High School before serving a decade in the U.S. Air Force as an In-flight Refueling Specialist, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After being medically retired, he pursued higher education and established Amey Motivation LLC to inspire others. Kijuan has served as the vice president of the Carolina regional group of the Blinded Veterans Association and is a dedicated mentor and ambassador for the Air Force Wounded Warriors program. With over 25 years of drumming experience, on-stage acting, and his book, Don’t Focus on Why Me, his talents extend far beyond the stage.

On May 5, 2017, a motorcycle accident took his eyesight, but not his vision. Embracing his journey, Kijuan empowers audiences with his story of perseverance. Whether speaking to thousands or engaging in intimate discussions, he is a catalyst for transformation, ready to inspire and uplift. For speaking engagements, contact Kijuan at (919) 641-8150 or kijuan@ameymotivation.com. You can also connect with him on all social platforms by searching his name, Kijuan Amey.

In this episode of Leading Through Crisis, speaker, coach/trainer, and former opera director, Elizabeth Bachman, shares about overcoming communication problems at work, particularly between men and women.

We cover:
- The two main thinking styles
- What gets lost in translation
- Showing the value of things NOT going wrong
- How women get better at communicating who they are

“Society teaches women how to listen to men; it doesn’t teach men how to listen to women...” But we need both; companies and society are better for it.

Listen in to find out the gendered expectations and "proud victimhood" we have around communication breakdowns at work, what to watch for, and how to speak up in a way that you can be heard.

—

Elizabeth Bachman is THE go-to person for advanced-level training in Speaking, Presentation Skills, and Leadership. With a lifetime spent perfecting the art of presenting, she helps high-level clients show up as a leader who should be followed, promoted or hired, thus getting the recognition they deserve. A sought-after speaker and strategist in Silicon Valley, nationally and internationally, Elizabeth works with leaders and influencers who need to become concise and compelling presenters. Having spent over 30 years directing such luminaries as Luciano Pavarotti & Placido Domingo in more than 50 operas around the world, Elizabeth brings a wealth of tools to help business professionals become respected presenters. Fluent in 5 languages, she brings her global experience to her clients.

Learn more about Elizabeth and her work at elizabethbachman.com. Or connect with her on social…
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethbachman
Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrategicSpeakingForResults
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhAhQGSpCOeBIkyO7MUCJg?view_as=subscriber