Pilot 2 Co-Pilot: A Leadership Podcast on Growth and Collaboration

Episode 8 - How to Stay Grounded When Life Feels Heavy

Join Antonio Neves [https://www.linkedin.com/in/theantonioneves/] and Jason Lindstrom [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlindstrom/] for this episode of Pilot 2 Co-Pilot as they unpack what happens when life feels too heavy - not always necessarily because something is going wrong but because everything is happening at once: full calendars, constant responsibilities, and seasons when you realize that you’ve stopped coming up for air. They explore how staying grounded in such moments requires more than just pushing through and instead calls for intentional habits that create space for presence, joy, and clarity. From work pressures and leadership demands to personal seasons of stress and change, Antonio and Jason examine how both structure and self-awareness can help prevent overwhelm from taking over and causing burnout. Tune in as they share how easy it can be to slip into reactive mode when schedules are packed and distractions are constant and why being proactive with time, attention, and attitude can make a major difference in how we experience each day. They discuss the role of movement such as bike-riding, real connection, and simple breaks that don't even necessarily require money. They also get open about how guilt and productivity pressure often block people from doing things that are actually helpful, especially when it comes to rest, hobbies, and “non-productive” joy. Toward the end of their conversation, Jason and Antonio reflect on mindset, resilience, and the difference between simply feeling grateful and recognizing daily wins, especially during difficult seasons. Jason shares how his personal experiences have shaped his ability to compartmentalize, stay grounded, and show up for others with empathy, while still maintaining focus and discipline in his own life. This episode ultimately centers on the idea that even in full and demanding seasons, we still have choices about how we show up, what we prioritize, and how we create space for meaning, connection, and joy in the middle of it all!  What You'll Take Away: * Why full seasons of life aren’t always bad can still feel overwhelming * How staying grounded comes from being intentional with time and energy * Why breaks, movement, new experiences, and real human connection are essential tools for clearing mental overload * Examples of how fun, rest, and joy don’t have to be expensive or rare * Why a strong mindset also matters: focusing on what you can control and      recognizing small wins If you like our podcast, send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2518430/fan_mail/new]

Episode 7 - Why Leaders Need Time Off

In this episode of Pilot 2 Co-Pilot, Antonio Neves [https://www.linkedin.com/in/theantonioneves/] and Jason Lindstrom [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlindstrom/] discuss a real challenge that almost every leader faces but rarely ever solves: taking real time off. Hear how Jason recently took 100 hours of PTO for the first time in nine years, traveling across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, while Antonio reflects on months spent abroad with his family. The two of them unpack the tension that leaders feel between wanting to disconnect and the deep sense of responsibility that keeps them tethered to work, from checking emails across time zones to worrying about how their absence affects their teams. Hear Jason openly reflect on the internal struggle of leaving behind oversight for 130 employees and how being truly disconnected (especially on international trips) can surprisingly evoke both anxiety and unexpected clarity. Antonio brings his perspective as someone with a nontraditional schedule, reflecting on the rare mental space that extended time off can create, allowing for creative thinking, big-picture reflection, and personal growth. Their conversation also goes beyond epic adventures, highlighting that meaningful PTO doesn’t require crossing oceans, and they explore practical strategies to plan time off without overburdening colleagues or feeling guilty. Jason shares the steps that he took to prepare for his absence - coordinating coverage, setting boundaries, and thinking through contingencies - while Antonio touches upon some of the subtle ways that even a few days away can reset your nervous system, refresh your mindset, and deepen connections with loved ones. Antonio and Jason also dig deep into culture: how leaders can create an environment where employees feel safe to take time off, why modeling PTO is crucial, and how celebrating or sharing personal time away strengthens the workplace. Beyond vacations, PTO becomes a tool for healing, perspective, and renewed energy, benefiting both individuals and organizations, so whether you’re an executive, manager or anyone juggling responsibilities and burnout, this episode of the show offers both inspiration and insights to reclaim your time, recharge fully, and come back to work with clarity, focus, and gratitude! What You'll Take Away: ●     How leaders often struggle to fully disconnect, even while encouraging their teams to take time off ●     Why extended PTO creates space for reflection, big-picture thinking, and renewed perspective ●     How planning ahead, setting clear boundaries, and preparing the team are important for taking meaningful time off ●     Why it is that PTO isn’t just a vacation; it supports mental health, prevents burnout, and allows employees to return energized and focused ●     An explanation of how even short breaks or small excursions can be powerful tools for resetting! If you like our podcast, send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2518430/fan_mail/new]

Episode 6 - Why Storytelling Still Works in Credit Union Marketing

In this episode of Pilot 2 Co-Pilot, Antonio Neves [https://www.linkedin.com/in/theantonioneves/] and Jason Lindstrom [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlindstrom/] sit down with Edward Budway [https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-budway-bb04228b/], Vice President of Marketing at Evergreen Credit Union [https://www.egcu.org/], to talk about one of the most powerful tools in credit union marketing: storytelling! They cover everything from the evolution of media, word-of-mouth marketing, and social media strategy, to community partnerships and real-time marketing tactics. Ed shares how his team uses member stories, social content, and even local rivalries to build trust and grow Evergreen’s presence across Maine. You will also hear practical ideas for low-budget marketing teams, how to measure ROI without obsessing over every number, and what it takes to stay creative, consistent, and connected in a crowded digital world! What You'll Take Away: * What makes a credit union story worth telling * Why word-of-mouth still drives trust * How real-time marketing can work if done right * Why consistency beats constant change * Low-budget moves credit unions can use today to build community and brand loyalty * How CEOs and marketing teams can build trust and stay aligned If you like our podcast, send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2518430/fan_mail/new]

Episode 5 - Leading While Human: Mental Health at Work

In this episode of Pilot 2 Co-Pilot, hosts Antonio Neves [https://www.linkedin.com/in/theantonioneves/] and Jason Lindstrom [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlindstrom/] sit down with two deeply respected leaders: Robbie Young [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbie-young-cude-42a95332/], VP of Strategic Growth at CUInsight.com [http://cuinsight.com], and Laura Briggs [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-briggs-ccuf-cuce-3048406/], VP of Training and Development at Evergreen Credit Union [https://www.egcu.org/]. Together, they dive into a conversation we don’t have nearly enough, mental health in the workplace. What does it mean to lead when you’re not okay? How do you create a culture where people feel safe to speak up? And what does real emotional honesty look like between teammates, leaders, and friends?  With raw stories, personal reflection, and practical wisdom, this episode is a reminder that performance without presence is unsustainable and that grief, anxiety, and struggle don’t disappear just because we walk through the office doors. This is not a clinical conversation. It’s a human one. What You’ll Take Away * Why “you don’t have to be okay to lead powerfully * The ripple effects of grief, burnout, and emotional silence at work * How vulnerability from leadership creates safety for others * What it looks like to ask for help and respond with grace when someone else does * Tactical ways to lead through hard seasons with empathy, transparency, and strength * Why culture is built in small everyday conversations, not just company values If you like our podcast, send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2518430/fan_mail/new]

Episode 4 - Friendly, Fierce, and What-the-Heck Moments

For the first time on Pilot 2 Co-Pilot, we have not just two people part of the conversation but three, as we are joined by special guest Susan Toalson McGinity [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/susantoalson/%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1757343846443328%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw3xMFD0fsGdpdKu586-Tep4&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1757343846454222&usg=AOvVaw0qfe-sDQ0SQc2Tb7aZokIx], Chief Growth and Advocacy Officer at the University of Illinois “U of I” Community Credit Union [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.uoficreditunion.org/%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1757343846443687%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw1rNPWigtcLFjyNkmfgZx2g&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1757343846454439&usg=AOvVaw1Z5_Wzopt9horaWUvVl7mO]. Tune in as we get into some of the "what-the-heck" moments that leaders often face - the unexpected challenges that force us to re-evaluate everything and shape who we become. Susan shares her experiences getting through these turbulent times and how she has become a leader who is both friendly and fierce. Susan also describes how her career journey, starting at 40 after leaving a difficult marriage, instilled a strong sense of fierce determination and confidence which she has had to work through. She emphasizes the importance of "vulnerable trust" on teams, where leaders can openly own their mistakes, setting an example for others. Meanwhile, Jason highlights the value of compartmentalizing work and personal life, using the workplace as a "blessing" and "solace" from daily challenges. He stresses the need for grace and transparency as a leader, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and the power of revisiting issues once emotions have settled down. Both share some incredible insights into developing meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, where the exchange of advice and expertise is reciprocal. They encourage listeners, especially young leaders, to be proactive in seeking guidance rather than waiting to be approached. Ultimately, our conversation highlights the true human side of leadership - the importance of empathy, compassion and self-awareness, even (or especially) when facing the unexpected. Along with Susan, we provide some practical tips for taking on those tough "what-the-heck" moments and emerging as a stronger, more authentic leader! If you like our podcast, send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2518430/fan_mail/new]