Inspired Leadership Podcast

Dr. Douglas Scherer is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and leadership strategist whose work helps leaders navigate uncertainty with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Drawing on his personal journey—overcoming chronic pain and leading global IT teams—Douglas combines the science of mindfulness with the discipline of strategic thinking to empower others to lead with flexibility and agency. In this episode, Douglas unpacks the core ideas from his book F.O.R.G.E.D.: Six Practices of Great Leaders in Volatile Times, identifying the areas where leaders often struggle most and how they can develop decision-making skills that withstand high-pressure environments. He shares what it truly means to “liberate the leadership mind,” why flexibility is essential in today’s complex world, and how to sustainably address burnout through personal and organizational change. Douglas also reflects on the leadership lessons that have remained constant across corporate, academic, and consulting spaces—and offers grounded advice for leaders feeling overwhelmed by the weight of today’s challenges. For listeners seeking practical tools to become more intentional, strategic, and grounded in their leadership, this conversation delivers invaluable perspective and inspiration.

Katleho Queen Mojakisane, Sustainable Futures Coordinator and founder of Youth on the Rise, is a visionary leader whose work bridges traditional African wisdom and modern innovation to address global challenges like energy poverty and climate change. Growing up in South Africa, Queen overcame systemic barriers including gender inequality, experiences that now fuel her mission to empower youth through education, leadership, and sustainable development. In this episode, Queen shares her inspiring leadership journey—from launching a grassroots nonprofit to driving clean energy solutions at Tangelic. She dives into how her philosophy of empathetic, systems-based leadership shapes her work, how she balances bold vision with grounded action, and the tools she uses to uplift underserved communities through meaningful impact. Queen also offers powerful insights on leading in the face of adversity, staying mission-driven, and how young changemakers can rise despite overwhelming challenges. For leaders seeking to create lasting change by combining community empowerment with global impact, this conversation is both energizing and deeply instructive.

Vivian Acquah, a Certified Diversity Executive and Inclusive Workplace Wellness Advocate, has worked with global brands like Heineken, LinkedIn, Google, and Deloitte to implement practical, actionable DEI strategies. With her unique DEI carrot cake metaphor and the Amplify DEI Cards initiative, she helps leaders and teams turn DEI efforts into real, lasting change. In this episode, Vivian shares her journey into DEI and the challenges that shaped her mission. She discusses how organizations can move from talking about DEI to putting strategies into meaningful action, the most overlooked aspects of workplace empathy, and how AI and technology will shape workplace culture in the next decade. She also explores the powerful lessons she has learned from working with leaders and teams and the one message about unlocking empathy in leadership that she wants every listener to take away. For those looking to integrate DEI and workplace wellness into their leadership approach, this conversation provides a practical and thought-provoking roadmap.

Aneace Haddad has spent decades working with senior leaders across 15 industries worldwide, guiding them through transformation and growth. His Three Winds of Change framework explores how leaders can harness midlife shifts to bring fresh perspective, renewed purpose, and greater influence to their organizations. In this episode, Aneace shares his personal and professional evolution, offering insights on breaking free from self-imposed limitations, the hidden power of workplace culture, and the universal human behaviors that shape leadership across industries and cultures. He also discusses the role of storytelling in leadership, how the definition of success changes over time, and the key lessons leaders must embrace to foster meaningful change. With deep experience and a global perspective, Aneace brings actionable strategies for leaders looking to navigate change, build stronger teams, and create lasting impact in their organizations.

From physicist to entrepreneur, Randy Lyman mastered the power of emotions to build and exit multiple 8-figure businesses—including an Inc. 500 company. Now, he’s on a mission to help leaders and high achievers unlock abundance, fulfillment, and success through The Third Element, a unique fusion of science, strategy, and spirituality. In this episode, Randy shares how integrating emotional mastery into leadership fosters trust, encourages innovation, and creates a calmer, more connected workplace. He also reveals how physics and business intersect, offering a fresh perspective on navigating challenges with logic and emotional intelligence.