The Human + AI Connection

From the British Battlefield to the Executive Boardroom

⭐ Get Excited ⭐ What does it truly take to lead under pressure—whether in war or in business? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Neil T. Thubron, an ex-IBM Director, Executive Coach, and Leadership Mentor, as we unpack the realities of leadership at scale—from command environments to corporate boardrooms. This conversation goes beyond theory—it’s about discipline, decision-making, and the mindset required to lead when everything is on the line. Why should you listen to Neil? He is an executive coach, leadership mentor, and sales performance expert dedicated to transforming the professional and personal lives of executives and business leaders. With over 30 years of experience in corporate leadership, the British Army, and personal endurance challenges, he brings a distinct blend of business acumen and strategic insights to coaching. This combination helps him provide practical strategies for professional roles and everyday life. ⚡️CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Executive Leadership - Led a 450-person sales team across 38 countries for a top US corporation, achieving a $1.6 billion sales target. Entrepreneurship - Founded and managed multiple businesses, driving growth and resilience. Coaching Credentials - Certified by Henley Business School, a member of the International Coaching Federation, with 16 years of experience coaching over 300 executives and accumulating thousands of hours. 🔑 Key Learnings for Leaders ✅ Leadership is built on clarity under pressure The battlefield teaches one thing most executives miss: decisiveness beats perfection. Waiting too long is often the biggest risk. ✅Scale exposes weak leadership habits Managing 450+ people across 38 countries isn’t about control—it’s about trust, structure, and consistency. Micromanagement breaks at scale. ✅ The 7P Formula = disciplined execution High-performing leaders don’t just plan—they align priorities, people, and performance with precision and consistency. ✅ Confidence comes from preparation, not ego In high-pressure environments, strong decisions are rooted in training and clarity—not second-guessing. ✅ Mental resilience is built physically and mentally Pushing your limits outside of work strengthens your ability to lead through uncertainty. ✅ Success evolves From the battlefield to the boardroom, success becomes less about winning—and more about impact, legacy, and people. 🎙️From the British Battlefield to the Executive Boardroom 📍Podcast Location: Umatta Consulting [https://www.linkedin.com/company/umatta-consultinghr/] on Spotify [https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotify/] 📅May 4 |⏰8:00 AM EST 💡Neil T. Thubron, Executive Coach | Sales Performance Expert | Leadership Mentor | Transforming Leaders & Teams to Achieve Extraordinary Goals 🔗 Follow us on Spotify here: https://lnkd.in/e9FtG7_b [https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnkd%2Ein%2Fe9FtG7_b&urlhash=KKHs&mt=4oaAoDH8BY50pHYp-E8d31RXUoGEDNBB1Qzy2xyZcQMuCtio2hIIVpR8_pwX54M0TJt_fQ03BhzJcU2nwqg-R-jwh8pdDLoN_UQkkIkWKGXY0fpZ-myZaN6U&isSdui=true] ✨ This episode is for leaders who want to operate at a higher level—with discipline, clarity, and purpose. #Leadership [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23leadership&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #ExecutiveStrategy [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23executivestrategy&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #HRLeadership [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23hrleadership&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #Performance [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23performance&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #GrowthMindset [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23growthmindset&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #FutureOfWork [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23futureofwork&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #UmattaConsulting [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23umattaconsulting&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23podcast&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED]

The Human + AI Connection

⭐ Get Excited ⭐ We’re excited to feature Mike Hruska [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehruska/], CEO of BARYONS [https://www.linkedin.com/company/baryons-ai/], on the Umatta Consulting [https://www.linkedin.com/company/umatta-consultinghr/] Podcast — where we explore what it truly means to build the future of work at the intersection of human potential and AI. In this episode, Michael breaks down how leaders can rethink innovation, talent, and organizational design in a world where humans and AI don’t compete—they collaborate. This conversation is not theoretical—it’s a practical roadmap for leaders navigating complexity, scale, and transformation. Why should you listen to Mike? He is a former researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He sees great potential for technology to impact people if it is married with purpose. He founded Problem Solutions because he believes that if people articulate the problem well enough, the solution will appear in the middle of it. The company focuses on design and innovation for applying emerging technology to an organizational challenge or to spur business growth. They leverage elite talent, vast experience, creativity, and imagination to solve complex problems and create award-winning products and custom solutions for mobile, tablets, wearables, remote sensors, and desktops. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Energy + persistence aren’t just quotes—they’re execution principles that drive long-term impact ✅ The real power of technology comes from amplifying human capability, not replacing it ✅ Clearly defining the problem is the fastest way to unlock meaningful, scalable solutions ✅ The future isn’t AI vs. humans—it’s high-performing human + AI teams ✅ Most companies fail at AI because they adopt tools without redesigning how people work ✅ Misaligned AI creates friction, not efficiency—workflow and decision-making must evolve together ✅ Innovation fails when organizations ignore the human experience behind the technology ✅ Scaling AI requires a new operating model + leadership system, not just new tools ✅ Talent development will shift toward continuous learning embedded in daily work ✅ Leaders feeling behind on AI should start with understanding their workflows, not the technology ✅ “Accelerating human potential” means designing systems where people do their highest-value work—supported by AI 🎙️The Human + AI Connection   📍Podcast Location: Umatta Consulting on Spotify 📅Apr 27 |⏰8:00 AM EST 💡Mike Hruska, Enabling Human Flourishing | Baryons (co-founder) 🔗 Follow us on Spotify here:https://lnkd.in/e3Bk_su6 [https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnkd%2Ein%2Fe3Bk_su6&urlhash=xG4u&mt=uomhtAVu3mszQyKvYHawWPBcg00p1CAC531NHuuog0JX5eGmCNcQfJf0JHu0ljEx5LlaKVD-XK9tGkU-8UNGKTVJ9pwxhgyqyc5AjCC1WqGCEPZvDg6GGnM9&isSdui=true] If you’re a leader, founder, or executive thinking about the future of your organization, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. #FutureOfWork [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23futureofwork&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #ArtificialIntelligence [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23artificialintelligence&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #Leadership [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23leadership&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #HumanCenteredAI [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23humancenteredai&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #ExecutiveStrategy [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23executivestrategy&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #UmattaConsulting [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23umattaconsulting&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23podcast&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED]

Scaling Culture, Driving Results: Inside the Mind of a Chief People Officer

⭐ Get Excited ⭐ I’m excited to announce an upcoming episode of the Umatta Consulting [https://www.linkedin.com/company/umatta-consultinghr/] Podcast featuring Lisseth Zouhbi [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisseth-zouhbi/], Chief Human Resources Officer—a transformational leader who has successfully scaled people strategies across organizations, supporting thousands of employees. In this episode, we go beyond traditional HR conversations and dive into what it really takes to align culture, leadership, and business outcomes in today’s fast-paced world. Why should you listen to Lisseth? Lisseth is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Child Care Resource Center [https://www.linkedin.com/company/child-care-resource-center/]. In her role, she is responsible for overseeing, developing, and executing the human resource strategy in support of the overall business plan, individual division needs, and strategic direction of the organization, specifically in the areas of talent management, employee and retirement benefits, organizational and performance management, recognition programs, compensation, payroll, wellness, and training and organizational development. She also provides strategic leadership by consulting with all levels of management, participating in the OST and leadership teams, and articulating ideas and plans to help shape the agency. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Scaling culture means embedding values into everyday operations—not just messaging ✅ People strategy should directly align with revenue, growth, and business goals ✅ The biggest mistake companies make is treating HR as reactive instead of strategic ✅ HR becomes a strategic driver by using data and speaking the language of business ✅ Emotional intelligence is a critical leadership advantage for driving trust and engagement ✅ Real employee engagement comes from growth, communication, and strong leadership—not perks ✅ Successful change management requires clear communication, stakeholder buy-in, and quick wins ✅ The Chief People Officer role is becoming more data-driven, tech-enabled, and business-focused 🎙️Scaling Culture, Driving Results: Inside the Mind of a Chief People Officer 📍Podcast Location: Umatta Consulting on Spotify 📅Apr 20 |⏰8:00 AM EST 💡Lisseth Zouhbi [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisseth-zouhbi/], CHRO | Author | Speaker | Board Member | CHIEF Member | Change Agent | Transformational Leader 🔗 Follow us on Spotify here:https://lnkd.in/e3Bk_su6 [https://lnkd.in/e3Bk_su6] If you’re an executive, HR leader, or building a high-growth organization—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. #HRLeadership [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23hrleadership&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #ChiefPeopleOfficer [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23chiefpeopleofficer&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #FutureOfWork [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23futureofwork&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #OrganizationalCulture [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23organizationalculture&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #Leadership [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23leadership&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #PeopleStrategy [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23peoplestrategy&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #ExecutiveLeadership [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23executiveleadership&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #HRTransformation [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23hrtransformation&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #UmattaConsulting [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23umattaconsulting&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23podcast&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED]

Breaking Records. Losing Everything. Finding Yourself Again

⭐ Get Excited ⭐ What happens after the success… when everything falls apart? In this powerful episode of the Umatta Consulting [https://www.linkedin.com/company/umatta-consultinghr/] Podcast, I sit down with Mikael Avatar Stjernvall [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaelavatar/]—Paralympic World Record Holder turned Inner Leadership Architect—to unpack a journey most people never talk about. Mikael's journey has taken him from achieving global recognition to reaching the bottom. From identity tied to achievement… to rebuilding from within. This conversation is raw, real, and transformational. Why should you listen to Mikael? From Paralympic Podium to Personal Resurrection. In 1996, he broke a world record in the long jump at the Atlanta Paralympics. Built businesses. Achieved "success." Yet he hit zero – lost everything and asked: "How the hell did I end up here?" From that darkness rose The Mikael Avatar Method: simple 1% daily shifts that wake up your true power—the unbreakable avatar you buried along the way. Today, from his beach base in Thailand, he guides leaders, entrepreneurs, and high achievers worldwide to: ⭐ Break free from stress, emptiness and unconscious patterns ⭐ Ignite lasting confidence, creativity and inner peace ⭐ Transform life from surviving to "Wow... this is my life" He is also featured in Authority Magazine [https://www.linkedin.com/company/authority-magazine/] (2025) 🔑 What you’ll learn: ✅ What it really felt like to break a world record—and what came after ✅The hidden struggles behind success that no one sees ✅What “losing everything” actually looks like—and how it changes you ✅The emotional reality of hitting rock bottom (and not giving up) ✅How high achievers lose themselves in success—and how to reclaim identity ✅The turning point that sparked mental and spiritual transformation ✅The philosophy behind the “Unbreakable Avatar” mindset ✅How 1% daily shifts can completely rebuild your life ✅Why so many successful people still feel stuck or empty A new definition of success rooted in purpose, not performance A powerful message for anyone who feels lost, stuck, or disconnected This isn’t just a story—it’s a blueprint for rebuilding. 🎙️Breaking Records. Losing Everything. Finding Yourself Again 📍Podcast Location: Umatta Consulting [https://www.linkedin.com/company/umatta-consultinghr/] on Spotify [https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotify/] 📅Apr 6 |⏰8:00 AM EST 💡Mikael Avatar Stjernvall [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaelavatar/], Paralympic World Record Holder | Inner Freedom Architect | Creator of The Mikael Avatar Method | 1% Coach | Speaker & Artist · Thailand 🔗 Follow us on Spotify here:https://lnkd.in/e3Bk_su6 [https://lnkd.in/e3Bk_su6] If you’ve ever questioned your path… your identity… or your definition of success—this episode is for you. #Leadership [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23leadership&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #PersonalGrowth [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23personalgrowth&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #MindsetShift [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23mindsetshift&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #HighPerformance [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23highperformance&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #Resilience [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23resilience&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #UmattaConsulting [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23umattaconsulting&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23podcast&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED]

Making the Invisible Visible: A Global HR Leader on Crisis, Rest, and the Future of Human-Centered Work

⭐ Get Excited ⭐ I’m excited to welcome Rena Kokalari, SHRM-SCP [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rena-kokalari/], Global People & Culture Leader, to the Umatta Consulting [https://www.linkedin.com/company/umatta-consultinghr/] podcast for a powerful conversation on the future of human-centered work. We’re diving into what it really means to make the invisible visible—from culture and crisis leadership to scaling people strategy across continents. Why should you listen to Rena? After 25 years leading HR across war zones, refugee crises, and Fortune 500s, Rena took the most radical step of her career: she stopped. In this episode, we sit down with a global HR executive who has worked in over two dozen countries — from Afghanistan and Syria to Pakistan and Myanmar — to talk about what it really means to lead with humanity. We explore the program she built to make invisible experiences visible in the workplace, why she believes the future of work is less about productivity and more about people, and what a year-long sabbatical is teaching her about presence, purpose, and what comes next. What you’ll learn: ✅ People strategy = business strategy → How aligning talent, culture, and operations directly drives business outcomes ✅ Global insight → The one truth about people and culture that holds across all geographies ✅ Scaling culture → Lessons from supporting 22,000+ employees globally at the International Rescue Committee ✅ Profit vs. purpose → Key differences in culture strategy between corporate and mission-driven organizations ✅ Common leadership mistake → Why “fixing culture” often fails—and what to do instead ✅ Blind spots at the top → What CEOs and boards often miss about their workforce ✅ Leading through crisis → Non-negotiables for trust, engagement, and stability ✅ M&A success → The real key to merging cultures effectivelyPerformance vs. humanity → How to deliver results without losing your people 🎙️Making the Invisible Visible: A Global HR Leader on Crisis, Rest, and the Future of Human-Centered Work 📍Podcast Location: Umatta Consulting on Spotify 📅Mar 30 |⏰8:00 AM EST 💡Rena Kokalari, SHRM-SCP [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rena-kokalari/], Global People & Culture Leader | Talent Amplifier | Driving Organizational Growth, Inclusion & Transformation Across Mission-Driven Enterprises | Chief Member 🔗 Follow us on Spotify here:https://lnkd.in/eKaxk8PT [https://lnkd.in/eKaxk8PT] This is a must-listen for executives, founders, and HR leaders navigating growth, transformation, and complexity. #Leadership [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23leadership&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #PeopleStrategy [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23peoplestrategy&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #HR [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23hr&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #FutureOfWork [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23futureofwork&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #Culture [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23culture&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #ExecutiveLeadership [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23executiveleadership&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #UmattaConsulting [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23umattaconsulting&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED] #Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23podcast&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED]