ABOVE CENTER® Leadership Podcast

How to Lead When AI Changes Everything with Georgia Groc

Guest: Georgia Groc | AI Automation & Process Transformation Leader, U.S. Bank In this Above Center® episode, Georgia Groc shares a grounded, real-world view of what leadership looks like when the pace of change is relentless and the stakes feel personal. Georgia makes the case that leaders don’t need to be experts overnight, but they do need to get in the arena. Her advice: block time to learn, start experimenting, and let AI handle the “nonsense work” so people can double down on what makes them uniquely valuable. Georgia connects the fear many professionals feel about AI to a fear she knows intimately: a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis at 36. What helped her move forward wasn’t pretending the fear wasn’t there. It was getting informed, building clarity, and choosing a mindset that refused to let a hard season become her identity. The result is a leadership posture that is both resilient and human: acknowledge what’s real, learn what we can, and keep choosing the path that aligns with our best self. 🧠 Don’t Wait to “Be Ready” for AI The biggest risk is not starting. Leaders don’t need massive budgets or advanced expertise; they need intentional practice. An hour a week of learning and tinkering builds fluency, confidence, and momentum. 🧩 AI Raises the Bar on Human Value Georgia encourages teams to focus on what can’t be automated: judgment, vision, relationship-building, creative problem solving, and leadership presence. Let AI do the repetitive work so people can lead at a higher level. 🤝 Psychological Safety Is the New Adoption Strategy Georgia emphasizes creating a team environment where people can voice skepticism, fears, and frustrations without shame. Real progress happens when leaders “double-click” on what’s underneath the resistance. 🧭 Knowledge Reduces Fear From navigating AI uncertainty to navigating cancer, Georgia returns to one theme: information is empowering. When people understand what they’re facing, fear quiets down enough for clear action to emerge. 🔥 Choose Your Life—Daily Georgia’s resilience is rooted in choice. When life feels fragile, clarity sharpens. Her approach is to go all-in on what matters: family, impact, career, and presence. Choosing above center is not denial of hardship; it’s ownership of response. Favorite Quote“What a day, what a life!” For Georgia, this quote is a reset. The day might be hard, messy, or exhausting, but the larger story is still worth celebrating. It’s a reminder to hold both truths at once: reality can be heavy—and life can still be beautiful. Georgia Groc is an AI Automation and Process Transformation leader who turns complex problems into scalable solutions. Over the past decade, she has helped highly regulated financial organizations reimagine how work gets done—delivering millions in cost savings and revenue, accelerating operational efficiency, and empowering teams to do their best work. Today, Georgia leads an AI Automation Solutions Team at U.S. Bank, managing a team of eight and overseeing high-visibility AI and automation use cases across Operations for Consumer, Business and Treasury, Wealth Management, Contact Center, and Transaction Processing & Shared Services. ABOVE CENTER® is brought to you by REVEL®, an Executive Search and Coaching firm that helps people and companies grow through the power of great leadership. Our ABOVE CENTER® approach is about staying grounded, clear, and resilient, especially when the stakes are high. In this podcast, we feature leaders in corporate America who share how they navigate the pressures of leadership while living ABOVE CENTER®. We uncover the mindsets, strategies, and personal philosophies that drive high-performing executives to lead themselves and their teams to success. From hiring and retaining top talent to thriving in the first 90 days of a new role, these conversations go beyond leadership—they’re about building a career and a life with purpose, impact, and joy in the journey.

Pick Up the Phone with Warner Siebert

Guest: Warner Siebert | Entrepreneur, Sales Leader,Advisor Warner Siebert brings hard-earned wisdom from the trenches of entrepreneurship, tech startups, and high-performance sales teams. With a career spanning food & beverage, wellness, and SaaS, Warner shares his story with humor, honesty, and a deep belief in the power of simplicity. From building venture-backed companies to leading nationalsales teams, Warner’s approach: know your must-haves, scale through delegation, and never underestimate the power of picking up the phone. Looking to lead with purpose—and stay above center when the pressure’s on, this is the episode for you. Key Takeaways from Warner’s Approach to Leadership & Growth 📈 Sales Is a Crash Course in Confidence Warner began his career with a phonebook and a commission-only job at a rock radio station. That first sales meeting? He froze and walked out. But those early no’s built his grit—and shaped how he leads others through fear and failure today. 📚 Leadership Is Clarity + Empowerment Great leaders set a clear direction, communicate expectations, and then get out of the way. Warner learned that scaling isn’t about doing more—it’s about hiring great people, delegating well, and aligning on what success looks like. 💬 Storytelling Builds Trust Warner uses storytelling to show he’s been there too. From botched pitches to tough transitions, his stories aren’t just lessons—they’re bridges of empathy that help others grow without fear. 📊 Data + Gut = Smart Decisions Whether hiring, launching, or investing, Warner blends analytics with instinct. He believes in stress-testing hires with small projects and looking beyond résumés to see how people think, communicate, and recover from setbacks. 📞 Pick Up the Phone In a world of automation and inbox overload, Warner reminds us that connection builds momentum. Sometimes, the next deal, breakthrough, or relationship is just one phone call away. 🧭 Fear Is Paper-Thin Warner’s philosophy on fear? It only feels like a brick wall. Push through, ask for help, try again. Whether mentoring young founders or guiding his kids through Lego frustrations, Warner shows that resilience is a muscle we all can build. 💬 Favorite Quote “Life is really simple, but we insist on making itcomplicated.” – Zhu Xi This quote from a Chinese philosopher—discovered duringWarner’s senior thesis—guides how he leads, lives, and prioritizes. It’s his weekly gut check: Is this a must-have or a nice-to-have? About Warner Siebert A seasoned entrepreneur, advisor, and sales executive, Warner [https://www.linkedin.com/in/warnersiebert/] Siebert [https://www.linkedin.com/in/warnersiebert/] scales revenue, simplifies systems, and builds high-performing teams. He’s the former Co-Founder & CEO of Good Day (CBD wellness), former SVP at Sysco LABS, and founder of multiple startups, including BuzzTable (acquired by Sysco). Warner blends creative hustle, operational rigor, and human-centered leadership to every venture. He’s currently Chief Revenue Officer at ColdTrack, a direct-to-consumer perishable logistics company. When he’s not building businesses, Warner’s playing club lacrosse, cycling, or parenting twin boys. His personal mantra? Try again—or ask for help. ABOVE CENTER® [https://www.revelcoach.com/]is brought to you by REVEL® [https://www.therevelcompanies.com/], an Executive Search and Coaching firm that helps people and companies grow through the power of great leadership. Our ABOVE CENTER® [https://www.therevelcompanies.com/above-center]approach is about staying grounded, clear, and resilient, especially when the stakes are high. In this podcast, we feature leaders in corporate America who share how they navigate the pressures of leadership while living ABOVE CENTER®. We uncover the mindsets, strategies, and personal philosophies that drive high-performing executives to lead themselves and their teams to success. From hiring and retaining top talent to thriving in the first 90 days of a new role, these conversations go beyond leadership—they’re about building a career and a life with purpose, impact, and joy in the journey.

How AI Helps Leaders See People Clearly with Kirsten Moorefield

Guest: Kirsten Moorefield | Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Cloverleaf. [https://cloverleaf.me/] In this ABOVE CENTER® [https://www.therevelcompanies.com/above-center] episode, Kirsten Moorefield shares how she went from a first-time manager drowning in self-doubt to co-creating one of the most powerful psychology-based coaching tools in the workplace: Cloverleaf. With deep empathy and bold vision, Kirsten takes us inside the messy, human reality of leading in high-growth environments—and how AI can become an unlikely but powerful ally in fostering emotional intelligence, trust, and performance. Kirsten’s story is a testament to what happens when you stop labeling people and start seeing them. She believes thriving teams don’t just need better tools—they need better understanding. Key Takeaways from Kirsten’s Leadership Philosophy 🧭 Stress Is a Signal, Not a SetbackFor Kirsten, stress isn’t failure—it’s information. When tension arises, it’s often a cue to pause, reflect, and recalibrate—not power through. 🧠 AI Can Deepen Human ConnectionWhile others feared AI, Kirsten saw its potential to support—not replace—people. Cloverleaf uses psychology and automation to give teams real-time coaching tips that foster awareness and reduce friction. 💬 Communication Needs ContextHer breakthrough? Conflict often isn’t about competence—it’s about clashing styles. Tools like Cloverleaf help leaders understand not just what happened, but why someone reacted a certain way—and how to respond with clarity and care. 🔁 Rupture and Repair Builds TrustKirsten’s guiding quote—“All trust is built through rupture and repair”—reminds us that tension isn’t the enemy of strong teams. Avoiding conflict kills momentum; facing it with empathy fuels growth. 📊 Data-Driven, Human-CenteredCloverleaf analyzes over 214 personality traits across multiple assessments, making it nearly impossible to box someone in. The result? Less labeling, more listening—and better performance across diverse teams. 🤝 Above Center Starts With YouWhether she’s noticing a pattern of defensiveness or guiding a stressed-out team through a product launch, Kirsten uses Cloverleaf herself. The goal? To lead by example—embracing self-awareness as a daily practice, not just a leadership buzzword. 💬 Favorite Quote“All trust is built through rupture and repair.”This psychology insight grounds Kirsten’s approach to leadership. Conflict isn’t a sign of failure—it’s an invitation to build something stronger. Real trust isn’t built through comfort. It’s built through courage. About Kirsten Moorefield: Kirsten Moorefield is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Cloverleaf, a technology company pioneering Automated Coaching™ to help teams thrive. Launched in 2018, Cloverleaf now delivers over 5 million coaching insights per month to more than 45,000 teams. With a background in leadership, psychology, and people-first innovation, Kirsten leads with both vision and vulnerability—empowering organizations to turn human differences into team strengths. Her mission? To make self-awareness, empathy, and high performance a normal part of every workday. ABOVE CENTER® is brought to you by REVEL® [https://www.therevelcompanies.com/], an Executive Search and Coaching firm that helps people and companies grow through the power of great leadership. Our ABOVE CENTER® approach is about staying grounded, clear, and resilient, especially when the stakes are high. In this podcast, we feature leaders in corporate America who share how they navigate the pressures of leadership while living ABOVE CENTER®. We uncover the mindsets, strategies, and personal philosophies that drive high-performing executives to lead themselves and their teams to success. From hiring and retaining top talent to thriving in the first 90 days of a new role, these conversations go beyond leadership—they’re about building a career and a life with purpose, impact, and joy in the journey.

Do Less, Better: The Neuroscience of Change with Jamey Maniscalco

Guest: Jamey Maniscalco, PhD | Neuroscientist, Coach, Founder of Manifest Wellness In this Above Center® [https://www.therevelcompanies.com/above-center] episode, Jamey Maniscalco [https://manifestwellness.co/] brings clarity, compassion, and brain science to the conversation around wellness and personal growth. As a neuroscientist, former professor, and cancer survivor, Jamey’s perspective is grounded in research and lived experience. His approach? Wellness isn’t the goal—it’s the tool to help you live a purpose-driven, energized life. From navigating personal health crises to launching a business that makes wellness accessible, Jamey offers a fresh take on how high performers can thrive—without burning out. He blends practicality with neuroscience, showing us that you don’t need a total life overhaul to see real change. Key Takeaways from Jamey’s Approach to Living Above Center® 🧠 Start With the Brain Jamey believes peak performance and emotional resilience begin in the brain. Sleep, food, movement, and mindfulness aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re essential for cognitive clarity, emotional regulation, and decision-making. 💡 Your Why Drives Your Wellness Forget external motivators. Whether your goal is to be a present parent or a high-impact leader, Jamey encourages clients to anchor behavior change in intrinsic purpose. When wellness supports what truly matters to you, it becomes sustainable. ⏳ The Knowing-Doing Gap Is Real We know what to do—eat better, sleep more, move daily—but the hard part is doing it. Jamey helps close that gap by making change bite-sized, frictionless, and science-backed. 📈 The Difference Between 0 and 1 Is Huge If you can’t get in a 60-minute workout, do air squats between meetings. Can’t meditate for 10 minutes? Try two. Jamey reminds us that doing something—however small—is far better than doing nothing. 🌊 You’re Swimming Upstream In a fast, overstimulated world, intentional living requires effort. Jamey describes wellness as a daily rebellion against distractions, urgency, and burnout. Success, he says, is about choosing direction over default. 🧘 Practice in Peace, Use in Chaos His coaching and mindfulness cards promote “practice before pressure.” Whether it’s naming emotions (“Name it to Tame it”) or calming your nervous system with a physiological sigh, the goal is to build resilience before you need it. 💬 Favorite Quote“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson For Jamey, this quote fuels bold decisions—including his leap from tenured academia to entrepreneurship. It’s a reminder that growth is intentional, not accidental. About Jamey Maniscalco Dr. Jamey Maniscalco [https://manifestwellness.co/] is the founder of Manifest Wellness, a neuroscience-informed coaching and wellness company. With a PhD in Neuroscience, experience in academia and consulting, and a deeply personal health journey, he empowers individuals and organizations to unlock clarity, energy, and resilience. His latest innovation: a brain-boosting coffee enhancer paired with 2-minute mindfulness cards—making wellness more accessible, one sip at a time. Jamey’s mission is simple: help people do less, better, and build the life they truly want. _________________ ABOVE CENTER® [https://www.therevelcompanies.com/above-center] is brought to you by REVEL®, an Executive Search and Coaching firm that helps people and companies grow through the power of great leadership. Our ABOVE CENTER® approach is about staying grounded, clear, and resilient, especially when the stakes are high. In this podcast, we feature leaders in corporate America who share how they navigate the pressures of leadership while living ABOVE CENTER®. We uncover the mindsets, strategies, and personal philosophies that drive high-performing executives to lead themselves and their teams to success. From hiring and retaining top talent to thriving in the first 90 days of a new role, these conversations go beyond leadership—they’re about building a career and a life with purpose, impact, and joy in the journey.

From SEAL Grit to Mindful Leadership with Jon Macaskill

A conversation on grind culture, growth, and gettinggrounded with Retired Navy SEAL Commander, Mindfulness Teacher, and Leadership Coach Jon Macaskill [https://jonmacaskill.com/].   In this Above Center® conversation, retired Navy SEALCommander Jon Macaskill brings a powerful blend of grit and grace to the conversation on leadership. Drawing from his experience in elite military service and now as a leadership coach and mindfulness teacher, Jon sharespractical tools for navigating pressure with clarity, composure, and compassion. From combat missions to boardrooms, Jon teaches that trueleadership starts within. Grounded in faith and forged through adversity, his approach combines mental toughness with emotional intelligence.   Key Takeaways from Jon’s Leadership Philosophy   1. Mental Toughness Starts Early Jon credits his high school track coach for instilling gritand resilience long before SEAL training. That foundation—built on discipline, consistency, and accountability—shaped how he approached stress and setbacks throughout his life. 2. Know Your Why (Big and Small) Staying “above center” requires a clear purpose. Jonbelieves leaders need both a broader mission and day-to-day motivation. Whether pushing through cold water in SEAL training or leading a team through chaos, it’s your “why” that keeps you focused. 3. Sleep Is the First Strategy Jon doesn’t believe in reducing stress—he believes in managing it. And it starts with sleep. As a father of three and former SEAL, he’s seen firsthand how rest impacts patience, clarity, and emotional regulation. Rest isn’t weakness—it’s readiness. 4. Busy ≠ Productive Grind culture isn’t a badge of honor. Jon challenges leadersto unplug, slow down, and prioritize presence over productivity.   5.  Presence Is More Powerful Than Perfection Jon believes leadership is about showing up fully. You don’t need perfect conditions. You need presence, resourcefulness, and the courage to start.  6.  Start Small With Mindfulness Jon teaches that meditation doesn’t require silence,incense, or long hours. Start with two minutes. Sit still. Be with your thoughts. 7.  Lead with Awareness and Action From pulling teeth in Nepal to managing morning chaos with his kids, Jon shows that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about how you show up in the hard moments. Favorite Quote “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” –Theodore Roosevelt This quote grounds Jon through life’s transitions—combat,career change, even divorce, and reminds him that leadership is about movement,not perfection.  Jon Macaskill is a retired Navy SEAL Commander turnedmindfulness teacher, leadership coach, and resilience practitioner. He blends elite military experience with deep emotional intelligence to help leaders manage stress, sharpen clarity, and lead with heart. Through keynotes,workshops, and 1:1 coaching, Jon works with top-performing teams at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and PepsiCo. He’s also the co-host of Men Talking Mindfulness, a podcast on showing up fully—especially when it’s hard. His mission?To help leaders integrate grit and compassion in service of something greater. ABOVE CENTER® is brought to you by REVEL® [https://www.therevelcompanies.com/], an ExecutiveSearch and Coaching firm that helps people and companies grow through the power of great leadership.   Our ABOVE CENTER® [http://revelcoach.com/] approach is about staying grounded, clear, and resilient, especially when the stakes are high. In this podcast, we feature leaders in corporate America who share how they navigate the pressures of leadership while living ABOVE CENTER®.   We uncover the mindsets, strategies, and personal philosophies that drive high-performing executives to lead themselves and their teams to success. From hiring and retaining top talent to thriving in the first 90 days of a new role, these conversations go beyond leadership—they’re about building a career and a life with purpose, impact, and joy in the journey.    Theme: Mental Toughness, Presence, and Purpose-DrivenLeadership