For Leaders By Leaders

On AI’s Impact on Executive Search/ Guest: Mark McEachran – Partner, Adaptive Talent Inc.

Mark McEachran from Adaptive Talent Inc. explores how AI is transforming executive search while highlighting the irreplaceable human elements of talent acquisition. He joins Kathy Andrews to unpack strategies for hiring leaders, from crafting compelling role narratives to conducting deeper interviews that reveal true character. Mark shares insights on avoiding common hiring pitfalls, leveraging technology effectively, and ensuring cultural alignment when building teams.   In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Introduction (04:33) Transforming market mapping and sourcing with AI (11:55) Critical human judgment in leadership hiring (16:43) Values alignment and realistic role profiling (24:44) Interview strategies for cultural fit assessment (32:04) Offer negotiations revealing true character   Connect with Mark McEachran here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mceachranmark/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mceachranmark/]  Website: https://adaptivetalent.co/ [https://adaptivetalent.co/]    Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here [https://cingaleadership.com/].

On Scale and Hyper Growth/ Guest: Michelle Rider, Chief Marketing Officer

What if the secret to hypergrowth isn't about the latest marketing tools, but about completely abandoning your internal assumptions? In this episode, Michelle Rider, former Amazon marketing leader and creator of the Zero to 90 methodology, challenges leaders to stop believing their own story and start building from the customer's perspective backwards.   From her humble beginnings, secretly writing down business terms at Kellogg to scaling marketing campaigns at global giants like Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Teladoc, Michelle reveals how she consistently doubled revenue by focusing on one core principle: putting yourself in the daily life of the consumer.   In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Introduction (03:45) Combining instinct, data, and trends for business growth (05:20) The critical focus areas for rapid scaling (07:03) The Xero to 90 methodology (14:49) How AI tools like ChatGPT do not replace strategic thinking (18:49) The Teladoc case study about customer-focused messaging (25:52) Scaling strategies – repeat what works, stick to the top ideas (29:54) Getting authentic customer language by solving their pain points   Connect with Michelle Rider here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejrider/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejrider/]  Website: http://www.michelle-rider.com/ [http://www.michelle-rider.com/]  Article – How Telemedicine Helped Me Save My Son: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-use-telehealth-services-michelle-rider/ [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-use-telehealth-services-michelle-rider/]  Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here [https://cingaleadership.com/].

On Needs Based Communication/ Guest: Mark Watson, Leadership Consultant at McLean Watson

Leadership coach Mark Watson to dive deep into needs-based communication, a powerful framework rooted in the work of Marshall Rosenberg and popularised through Nonviolent Communication.   Tune into this episode as we unpack how this four-step approach – starting with the facts, naming feelings, identifying needs, and making clear requests – can transform the way leaders connect, build trust, and navigate challenging conversations. Mark also shares how mastering authentic communication isn't just for conflict resolution but is foundational for thriving teams and organisations.   In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Introduction (05:38) Leading with strategy and clear communication (08:28) Using NVC (Nonviolent Communication) as a leadership tool (11:07) The difference between feelings and judgments (15:05) When a CEO shuts down input in a meeting (18:22) Connecting feelings to underlying needs (21:27) Doing the inner work to resolve conflict (23:49) The legacy of nonviolent communication (26:28) The power of observing and asking (31:16) Building empathy through compassionate communication (34:03) Authentic leadership through better communication   Connect with Mark Watson here: Mark Watson’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-watson-m-a-c-e-c-a310b626/] McLean Watson Website [https://www.mcleanwatsonltd.com/] The Center for Nonviolent Communication [https://www.cnvc.org/] Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg [https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Life-Changing-Relationships/dp/189200528X/] Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here [https://cingaleadership.com/].

On Decision Making Quality/ Guest: Phil Neil, CEO, Founders Compass

Decision-making isn’t just about data, it’s about judgment, emotion, and leadership under pressure. Phil Neil, CEO of Founders Compass, brings a powerful perspective shaped by building a $70M company and losing it in a devastating fire.   Phil reveals how leaders can cut through information overload, develop sharper intuition, and navigate emotional patterns that influence critical decisions. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, clarity, and leading yourself before you lead others.   Tune in to this episode as we explore: (02:00) Introduction and Phil Neil’s background (05:33) Pressure, founders and inner resilience (12:13) Finding your anchor (14:36) Leading yourself through hard moments (16:26) Leadership archetypes and personal transformation (20:30) Personality patterns and better decisions (23:44) Courage without a clear plan (29:46) Building self-awareness and balance (32:33) Mindful decisions and strategic clarity (35:28) Better leaders build better businesses   Connect with Phil Neil here: Phil Neil on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-neil/] Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here [https://cingaleadership.com/].

On Leading Inclusively in 2025/ Guest: Anne-Marie Pham, VP, Engagement, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI)

As a political refugee who crossed three countries before finding home in Canada, Anne-Marie Pham turned her lived experience into a career dedicated to creating workplaces where everyone belongs. She is now the Vice President of Engagement at the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. In this episode, Anne-Marie unpacks why leadership demands courage and a willingness to get uncomfortable. She shares practical frameworks leaders can use today, along with mindset shifts that transform diversity from a checkbox into a superpower.   Tune in to this episode as we explore: (00:00) Building inclusion across Canada (04:23) Embracing industry collaboration challenges (07:44) Building inclusive, equitable workplaces (11:32) Six traits of inclusive leadership (15:08) Courage, accountability and collaboration (17:41) Embracing cultures with open minds (23:35) Flexible holidays for inclusion (27:51) Understanding cultural influences in leadership (31:12) Shared responsibility in leadership feedback (33:01) Future of work and immigration (36:13) Diversity resources and programs offered   Connect with Andrea Seale here: Anne-Marie Pham on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariepham] Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here [https://cingaleadership.com/].