Why Soft Skills Win in Leadership: Science vs Art, with Abbas Alimorad

Why Soft Skills Win in Leadership: Science vs Art, with Abbas Alimorad

Will AI replace great leaders? Not if leadership remains human. In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Abbas Alimorad, executive leader, board member, AI and strategy advisor, and project management expert, to explore why the future of leadership isn't about choosing between technology and people. It's about mastering both. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience leading complex initiatives across higher education, government, and healthcare, Abbas explains why AI excels at processing information, analyzing data, and improving efficiency, but will never replace the human qualities that define exceptional leadership. Empathy, emotional intelligence, communication, trust, resilience, and integrity remain the competitive advantages every leader must develop. The conversation also explores mentorship, networking, lifelong learning, raising resilient children, overcoming setbacks, and staying grounded in your values when facing pressure. Abbas shares why every challenge is an opportunity to grow and why authentic leadership begins with putting people before performance. About Abbas Alimorad A recognized executive leader and keynote speaker, Abbas specializes in transforming project management and organizational performance through intelligence, innovation, and strategic leadership. He is known for advancing organizational growth through evidence-based planning, inclusive change management, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership. Abbas holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from the University of Guelph, a Master of Professional Education in Educational Leadership from Western University, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Whether you're leading a team, implementing AI, managing complex projects, or preparing for the future of work, this episode will help you embrace technology without losing the human connection that great leadership requires. Because technology may transform the way we work. But it's our humanity that determines how we lead. Connect with Abbas Alimorad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbasalimorad/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbasalimorad/]Email: abbas@jhmjconsulting.com [abbas@jhmjconsulting.com]

Building High-Performance Human Teams in the Automotive Industry, with Jill Trotta

What's the secret to building high-performing teams that deliver results without burning people out? In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Jill Trotta, Managing Director of One Guard Inspections, a Repairify company, to explore what it really means to lead people instead of simply managing numbers. With more than 30 years in the automotive and mobility industry, Jill shares how trust, empathy, integrity, and authentic relationships create stronger teams, better performance, and lasting success. About Jill Trotta From navigating personal loss while leading a new team to mentoring future leaders and championing women in the automotive industry, Jill offers practical leadership lessons on empowering people, preventing burnout, giving meaningful feedback, and creating cultures where individuals can thrive. She also explains why sustainable business success begins by recognizing that your greatest asset isn't your product or process. It's your people. Known for her high-energy, people-first leadership style, Jill has built a career leading growth across startups and enterprise organizations, overseeing multi-million-dollar P&Ls, driving strategic partnerships, scaling operations, and leading successful business exits. She is respected for combining high standards with low ego, clear accountability, and a commitment to building organizations that honor the people behind the work. Whether you're leading a small team or a global organization, this conversation will inspire you to lead with purpose, humanity, and courage. Because great leaders don't just build successful companies. They build successful people. Connect with Jill Trotta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilltrotta/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilltrotta/]

Serving Nonprofits with Compassion, While Showing God's Grace, with Dr. Kimberly Terry, EdD

In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Dr. Kimberly Terry, consultant, nonprofit leader, and humanitarian, to discuss what it means to lead with compassion, humility, and faith. Dr. Terry shares her journey from corporate America to building a mission-driven consulting business and nonprofit organization serving women and children in Sierra Leone. Together, they explore powerful leadership lessons about personal transformation, healing from past wounds, receiving difficult feedback, and allowing faith to shape how we show up in the world. This conversation dives into overcoming adversity, embracing humility, practicing financial stewardship, and discovering how God's grace can guide leaders through both success and challenge. Dr. Terry also shares how servant leadership, compassion, and authentic relationships can create lasting impact in both professional and personal settings. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, nonprofit professional, or person of faith looking to make a greater impact, this episode will encourage you to lead with authenticity, serve others with purpose, and stay focused on your calling. Tune in to learn how faith-driven leadership, resilience, and genuine human connection can transform both your life and the lives of those you serve. About Dr. Kimberly Terry Dr. Kimberly Terry, EdD, is a Consultant, Group Facilitator, and Program Evaluator. She is an experienced leader in health and human services with strong emotional intelligence and compassion. Dr. Terry possesses a unique blend of technological expertise and business acumen and is passionate about travel, writing, and movies. She is always ready for her next adventure. Connect with Dr. Kimberly Terry Website: https://www.drkim-speaks.com/ [https://www.drkim-speaks.com/]Email: kterry@magnifiedigc.com [kterry@magnifiedigc.com]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkimspeaks/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkimspeaks/]

From Freelancer to Founder: Uncertainty, Courage, and Business Growth, with Annett Forcier

What do you do when there is no clear path forward? In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with entrepreneur, email marketing expert, and business owner Annett Forcier, Founder of EmailBoutique.io, to discuss the realities of building a business, embracing uncertainty, and creating opportunities where none seem to exist. About Annett Forcier Annett shares her journey from freelancer to founder, the lessons she's learned about leadership, client relationships, AI, productivity, and business growth, and why some of the most important breakthroughs happen when you're willing to step outside your comfort zone. From navigating risk and learning through failure to building trust, creating systems, and developing resilience, this conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone building something meaningful. With more than a decade of experience in email design and development, Annett specializes in custom email design systems, modular templates, and scalable email infrastructure for growing brands. As the founder of EmailBoutique.io and recipient of the Litmus Email First Innovator Award, she helps organizations move beyond fragile, one-off email builds to sustainable systems that improve efficiency, consistency, accessibility, and performance. Known for her candid, no-fluff approach to leadership, boundaries, and business ownership, Annett also shares valuable perspectives on building a company on your own terms while navigating the worlds of technology, consulting, and creative work. If you've ever felt uncertain about your next step, struggled with growth, or wondered how successful entrepreneurs keep moving forward despite the unknown, this episode will remind you that confidence doesn't come before action. It comes from taking the next step anyway. Connect with Annett Forcier Website: https://emailboutique.io [https://emailboutique.io]Email: welcome@emailboutique.io [welcome@emailboutique.io]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emailboutique/ [https://www.instagram.com/emailboutique/]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettforcier/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettforcier/] Because leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about having the courage to keep moving forward when you don't.

Culture and Growth, The Leadership Principles That Transfer Across Every Industry, with Russell Warner

What do mortgages, marketing, and skateboards have in common? More than you think. In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with entrepreneur, CEO, and sales leader Russell Warner to explore the leadership principles that transcend industries. From building businesses and leading teams to creating strong cultures and navigating rapid growth, Russell shares lessons learned from decades of entrepreneurship across multiple sectors. Together, they discuss the importance of hiring people smarter than you, creating a culture of collaboration, avoiding "CEO-itis," embracing innovation, listening to customers, and developing what Russell calls an "Us-Em" mindset where teams focus on solutions rather than blame. Whether you're leading a startup, managing a growing organization, or building a legacy business, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, culture, adaptability, innovation, and sustainable growth in a rapidly changing world. About Russell Warner Russell Warner is the CEO of Ghost Boards, where his leadership has helped drive more than $10 million in sales through strategic product launches, operational excellence, and market expansion. With expertise in sales leadership, marketing, B2B and B2C growth, and P&L management, Russell has built a brand known for innovation, creativity, and customer engagement. His passion for building high-performing teams and fostering cultures built on trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement has made him a respected leader across multiple industries. Connect with Russell Website: https://ghostboards.com/ [https://ghostboards.com/]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russelldeewarner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/russelldeewarner/]Instagram: @ghostlongboard Phone: +1 (801) 599-7447 Because great leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about building a team that can find them together.