Affiniti for Infiniti

#28: Angela Burges: The Right Seat On The Bus

In this episode of Affinity for Infiniti, Chaya Abelsky sits down with leadership strategist and author Angela Burgess to explore one of the most powerful questions in leadership and life: Are you sitting in the right seat on the bus? Drawing from the principles in her book Sitting in the Right Seat on the Bus, Angela shares how individuals and organizations can unlock their highest potential by aligning strengths, purpose, and role. When people are positioned correctly, work becomes more meaningful, teams function more effectively, and impact expands. Together, Chaya and Angela discuss: • Why talent alignment is one of the most overlooked leadership strategies • How leaders can recognize when someone is in the wrong seat • Practical ways to reposition people so they thrive • The connection between personal clarity and organizational excellence This conversation is especially relevant for leaders, coaches, and nonprofit professionals seeking to build stronger teams and create environments where people can bring their full gifts forward. If you have ever asked yourself “Where do I best contribute?” or “How do I build a team where everyone thrives?” — this episode offers powerful insights and practical wisdom. Listen and reflect: Are you — and the people around you — sitting in the right seat on the bus?

#27: Shmuly Rothman: Building a Culture of Philanthropy

In this episode of Affinity for Infiniti, host Chaya Abelsky sits down with Shmuly Rothman of Rothman Consulting, a seasoned fundraising strategist who works with nonprofits and Jewish organizations to strengthen their development efforts and build sustainable fundraising strategies. Together they explore the deeper principles behind successful fundraising—why relationships and trust are at the heart of philanthropy, how leaders can mobilize their communities, and what it takes to inspire people to support a meaningful mission. Drawing on years of experience guiding organizations and campaigns, Shmuly shares practical insights about donor engagement, community-driven fundraising, and how thoughtful leadership can create momentum that turns generosity into lasting impact. Affinity for Infiniti brings conversations with leaders and practitioners who are shaping the way people grow, lead, and create meaningful change in their communities.

#26 Esther Margalit: Motherhood Is a Leadership Advantage

What does leadership look like when capacity is stretched, compassion is high, and everyone is tired? In this episode, Chaya Abelsky sits down with Esther Margalit to explore Motherhood as Leadership Intelligence—a model of leadership forged not in ideal conditions, but in real life: responsibility without opting out, boundaries without guilt, and strength defined as stability rather than force. Drawing from Esther’s work at Northwell Health and the ideas in Mother Leads Best, the conversation reframes burnout, emotional labor, and presence, offering leaders a language for care without collapse and authority without hardening. This episode is for leaders navigating exhaustion—at work, at home, and within themselves—and looking for a way to lead that actually sustains. You’ll hear about: * Why the old leadership playbook breaks down under chronic pressure * What motherhood teaches about responsibility, decision-making, and containment * The invisible emotional load many women (and leaders) carry * How to hold care and authority at the same time * One grounded practice you can use immediately when things feel too much Key takeaway: Leadership today isn’t about doing more. It’s about holding better.

18: Dr Irena O'Brien: Self-Leadership as the Foundation of Impact

In this episode of Affinity for Infiniti, host Chaya Abelsky sits down with Dr. Irena O’Brien for a thoughtful conversation on personal transformation and resilient leadership. Drawing from her background in psychology and her work with leaders and helping professionals, Dr. O’Brien explores how inner awareness, emotional resilience, and intentional self-work shape the way we lead, coach, and show up for others. She speaks candidly about navigating pressure, uncertainty, and responsibility—and why sustainable leadership begins with understanding ourselves first. This episode bridges deep inner work with real-world leadership, offering listeners practical insights on how growth, self-regulation, and reflection create leaders who are not only effective, but grounded and human. Listeners will take away: * 🔹 How personal transformation fuels strong, resilient leadership * 🔹 Why inner awareness is essential for coaches and leaders * 🔹 Tools for navigating pressure without burnout * 🔹 The connection between emotional insight and leadership presence * 🔹 How leading yourself well changes how you lead others A meaningful listen for coaches, leaders, and professionals committed to growth—from the inside out.

#25 David Lipsky Coaching Across Cultures

Coaching Across Cultures — A Conversation with Dave Lipsky What happens when coaching meets culture? In this episode of Affinity for Infiniti, we sit down with Dave Lipsky to explore what it truly means to coach across cultures—geographic, organizational, generational, and emotional. Drawing from decades of global leadership and coaching experience, Dave unpacks how culture quietly shapes communication, trust, power dynamics, motivation, and what “success” even means. Together, we explore: * Why one-size-fits-all coaching doesn’t work across cultures * How to listen beyond words—to values, context, and unspoken norms * The difference between cultural competence and cultural humility * How coaches and leaders can avoid assumptions while still creating momentum * Practical tools for building trust and alignment in diverse teams This conversation is both reflective and practical—filled with real stories, sharp insights, and grounded frameworks that coaches, leaders, and changemakers can immediately apply. Whether you’re leading a global organization, coaching clients from different backgrounds, or simply navigating cross-cultural relationships in daily life, this episode invites you to slow down, listen deeper, and lead with greater awareness. Because coaching across cultures isn’t about having the right answers—it’s about asking better questions.