#27: Shmuly Rothman: Building a Culture of Philanthropy

#20 - Alex Yaroslavsky: Conflict Yes

What if the conversation you're avoiding is the one that could create the greatest breakthrough? In this episode of Affiniti for Infiniti, Chaya Abelsky sits down with executive coach, mediator, and conflict resolution expert Alex Yaroslavsky to explore one of the most important—and most misunderstood—leadership skills: navigating conflict. Many people see conflict as something to avoid. Alex offers a different perspective. He shares how conflict, when approached with curiosity and emotional intelligence, can become a catalyst for trust, alignment, innovation, and stronger relationships. Together, Chaya and Alex discuss why leaders often struggle with difficult conversations, how assumptions create unnecessary tension, and what it takes to build cultures where people feel safe to speak honestly while remaining accountable to high standards. Through practical examples and coaching insights, Alex demonstrates how shifting from judgment to curiosity can transform the quality of our conversations and our results. Whether you are leading a team, coaching clients, building an organization, raising a family, or seeking to strengthen your relationships, this episode offers practical wisdom that can be applied immediately. Listeners will walk away with tools for handling difficult conversations, understanding different perspectives, reducing defensiveness, and creating environments where trust can flourish. Key Takeaway: Conflict is rarely the real problem. More often, it is a signal that something important wants to be understood. When we replace certainty with curiosity and seek understanding before agreement, we create the conditions for trust, growth, and meaningful change. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation for leaders, coaches, educators, parents, and anyone committed to building stronger relationships and having conversations that matter.

#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.