A podcast for people who know deep inside that there is more.
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Why Choosing Leadership?
This podcast is called “Choosing Leadership” – because that is what leadership is: a choice.
The choice to step into the unknown. The choice to see fear as a friend. The choice to take courageous action rather than waiting for readiness. The choice to see how powerful you are.
And the choice to use your life for something bigger than yourself. The choice to live a life of commitment instead of just a life of convenience. The choice to be unapologetically you.
I choose leadership every time I record this podcast. My invitation to you is to “choose” leadership and to step up as a leader in your life – be it at work, health, impact in society, or family.
This podcast is not about giving you more “content”. It is about shifting the “context” under which you operate. This is a podcast for those who refuse to play small and who want to take a stand for human excellence.
This is what I do most naturally – to lovingly and gently provoke you to help you see what you are really capable of.
Recent Episodes
- Leadership Journeys [284] – Mark Coscarello – “Fulfillment comes from who you build with, not where you work”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
Most leaders chase success—but still feel something is missing. In this episode, Sumit Gupta sits down with Mark Coscarello to unpack why fulfilment in leadership has less to do with titles and money and everything to do with human connection.
Mark shares his raw transition from corporate life to building a career rooted in trust, meaning, and aligned values—and what it really takes to discover your “why.”
They dive into the uncomfortable realities of change, from redefining success to learning how to sell your value without losing your integrity.
If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or ready to lead in a way that actually feels right, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what success means on your terms.
You can find Mark Coscarello at the links below
In the interview, Mark shares
- “Leadership isn’t about position—it’s about the choices you make when no one is watching.”
- “Too many brilliant leaders stay stuck in survival mode instead of stepping into their full potential.”
- “Fulfilment doesn’t come from climbing the corporate ladder—it comes from meaningful human connection.”
- “Your ‘why’ isn’t something you find overnight—it’s something you uncover by paying attention to what actually matters to you.”
- “If the work you’re doing doesn’t energise you, it’s not a career—it’s a slow drain.”
- “Leaving the corporate world isn’t just a career shift—it’s an identity shift.”
- “Building a business is hard, but building it with people you trust makes it worth it.”
- “Transparency, integrity, and authenticity aren’t buzzwords—they’re the foundation of a life and business that actually work.”
- “Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s the training ground for it.”
- “Mediocrity is a choice—and so is excellence. The question is, which one are you practising daily?”
- Leadership Journeys [283] – Katie Tamblin – “ Very big egos often hide very fragile people”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What if the biggest thing holding you back as a leader isn’t strategy—but how you relate to people?
In this episode, Katie Tamblin breaks down what it really takes to lead through uncertainty, build trust, and create teams that actually thrive.
She shares hard-earned lessons on navigating change, managing emotions under pressure, and why curiosity might be your most underrated leadership skill.
You’ll hear a refreshing take on success—one that prioritizes peace, authenticity, and long-term impact over ego and short-term wins.
If you’re tired of surface-level leadership advice and ready to lead in a way that actually works, this conversation will challenge how you think—and how you show up.
You can find Katie Tamblin at the links below
In the interview, Katie shares
- Leadership isn’t a fixed path—it’s a series of transformations driven by curiosity and a willingness to change.
- The hardest transitions in leadership aren’t about skills—they’re about trust, relationships, and team dynamics.
- Great leaders don’t control everything—they build trust, delegate, and let people take ownership.
- Success isn’t just performance—it’s creating a sense of peace in how you and your team operate.
- Ego and righteousness often show up together—real leadership is choosing collaboration over being right.
- Emotional mastery isn’t optional in leadership—it’s the foundation for stability in chaotic environments.
- Curiosity is a leader’s greatest advantage—it keeps you learning, adapting, and open to better solutions.
- Growth will challenge your identity—not just your ability—and that’s where real development happens.
- Non-toxic workplaces don’t happen by accident—they’re built through conscious, values-driven leadership.
- Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity, learning as you go, and creating space for others to thrive.
- Leadership Journeys [282] – Bob van Luijt – “Starting early compounds everything.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really take to lead when everything in you wants to hold on tighter?
In this episode, Bob van Luijt shares the unexpected journey from music to building a cutting-edge tech company—and why that path gave him an edge most leaders overlook.
You’ll hear a raw take on letting go of control, building trust at scale, and leading without losing what makes you unique.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the weeds or unsure how to grow without breaking your culture, this conversation will challenge you.
It’s an honest, refreshing look at leadership as a choice—and what becomes possible when you actually make it.
You can find Bob van Luijt at the links below
In the interview, Bob shares
- “Leadership isn’t something you stumble into—it’s a choice you make, especially when it’s uncomfortable.”
- “Most leaders are stuck in daily firefighting, but real impact begins the moment you decide to step out of it.”
- “Your background doesn’t define your ceiling—sometimes the most unconventional paths create the most innovative leaders.”
- “Discipline from one world can become your unfair advantage in another.”
- “As your company grows, your job is to let go—not hold on tighter.”
- “Trust isn’t just a leadership trait; it’s the foundation for innovation to exist.”
- “Standing out is powerful—but only when it’s grounded in purpose, not ego.”
- “Technology should amplify human potential, not replace it.”
- “AI can scale efficiency, but it can’t replace genuine human connection.”
- “The values you refuse to compromise on will define the company you build—and the leader you become.”
- Leadership Journeys [281] – Kishan Ananthram – “Give more than you take and never forget where you came from.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really take to build something meaningful that lasts for decades?
In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Sumit Gupta sits down with Kishan Ananthram to unpack the mindset, values, and courage required to lead through uncertainty.
Kishan shares hard-won lessons from a 30-year entrepreneurial journey—from choosing people over profit, to letting go of control so others can rise.
If you are navigating growth, pressure, or the fear of making the wrong call, this conversation will challenge you to lead with more conviction, clarity, and heart.
It is a powerful reminder that great leadership is not about playing safe—it is about choosing what matters most, even when it is uncomfortable.
You can find Kishan Ananthram at the links below
In the interview, Kishan shares
- “Leadership is not about the title you hold—it’s about the choices you make when comfort and courage collide.”
- “My father taught me two things: always aim for the top, and in every relationship, give more than you take.”
- “Building a business is not just about profit; it’s about creating something that people can trust with their future.”
- “There were moments I could have walked away with the money, but real leadership meant staying—for the sake of the people who built this with me.”
- “In difficult times, your values are no longer theory. They become the standard by which every decision is made.”
- “Growth begins the moment you stop treating the business like your possession and start building it as a shared legacy.”
- “Bringing in partners was not about giving up control—it was about multiplying possibilities.”
- “The real purpose of success is not accumulation; it is contribution to something greater than yourself.”
- “Leadership without inner work is incomplete. The deeper you understand yourself, the more responsibly you can lead others.”
- “Comfort is the enemy of greatness. If you want an extraordinary life, you have to be willing to choose discomfort in service of something bigger.”
- Leadership Journeys [280] – Kunal Thakker – “Entrepreneurship gives you freedom but it quietly takes your presence.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really take to walk away from a “safe” career and build something that changes an entire industry?
In this conversation, Kunal Thakker shares the raw, unfiltered reality of leaving banking to reinvent dentistry—and why fear was actually his greatest advantage.
You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the mental load of entrepreneurship, the sacrifices no one talks about, and how to stay grounded while scaling fast.
Kunal also breaks down how he’s built a culture-first company in a highly technical field—and why that’s been his real edge.
If you’re navigating growth, uncertainty, or big leadership decisions, this episode will challenge how you think and remind you what’s actually worth building.
You can find Kunal Thakker at the links below
In the interview, Kunal shares
- “Sometimes the biggest industry disruptors are the ones who start as outsiders.”
- “Fear didn’t stop him—it became the reason he built something better.”
- “Leaving a stable career isn’t reckless when you’re building something that actually matters.”
- “Entrepreneurship gives you freedom—but it also rents space in your mind 24/7.”
- “You can be with your family physically and still be miles away mentally—that’s the hidden cost of building something big.”
- “Scaling a business is easy compared to preserving its culture.”
- “Culture isn’t a department—it’s the foundation everything else stands on.”
- “Great leadership is a constant balance between vision and adaptation.”
- “If you’re not open to feedback, you’re not serious about growth.”
- “The future belongs to those willing to rethink even the most traditional industries.”
- Leadership Journeys [278] – Ron Rubin – “There’s gold in your backyard – if you’re willing to dig deep enough.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really take to hold onto a dream for 40 years—and actually bring it to life?
In this conversation, Ron Rubin shares hard-earned lessons on patience, succession, and making bold decisions without losing your footing.
You’ll hear how great leaders balance risk with wisdom, let go at the right time, and build businesses that last beyond them.
More importantly, this episode challenges you to stop chasing distant opportunities and start recognising the “gold” already within your reach.
If you’re navigating growth, transition, or uncertainty, this one will hit closer to home than you expect.
You can find Ron Rubin at the links below
In the interview, Ron shares
- “Dreams don’t expire—they just wait for the person patient enough to build them.”
- “What looks like a long delay is often just the time required to do something meaningful.”
- “The best business advice I ever received was simple: stay debt-free and sleep well at night.”
- “Succession isn’t about stepping away—it’s about setting someone else up to win.”
- “If you don’t have a plan to let go, you don’t have a leadership strategy—you have control issues.”
- “Most people chase opportunity in distant places, while ignoring the gold sitting in their own backyard.”
- “The real lessons of leadership aren’t taught in classrooms—they’re earned through decisions, risks, and consequences.”
- “Great leaders don’t avoid risk—they understand it, respect it, and move anyway.”
- “Innovation matters, but never at the expense of the human touch that built your business in the first place.”
- “Success means very little if you’re not lifting others as you climb.”
- Leadership Journeys [278] – Lindsay Nahmiache – “Growth feels like discomfort. Comfort feels like stagnation.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
Growth doesn’t feel like confidence—it feels like discomfort, doubt, and stepping into rooms where you’re not the smartest person yet.
In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Sumit Gupta sits down with Lindsay Nahmiache to unpack what it really takes to grow when comfort is no longer an option.
They dive into how embracing uncertainty, building systems, and telling better stories can unlock exponential growth in business and life.
If you’re leading a team, building something ambitious, or feeling stuck at your current level, this conversation will challenge the way you think about progress.
Expect real talk, practical insights, and a nudge to stop waiting until you feel ready—because leadership starts the moment you choose to move anyway.
You can find Lindsay Nahmiache at the links below
In the interview, Lindsay shares
- “If growth feels comfortable, you’re probably not growing at all.”
- “Discomfort isn’t a sign you’re failing—it’s proof you’re evolving.”
- “Entrepreneurship is learning to feel at home in the unknown.”
- “Every breakthrough I’ve had came from stepping into situations I couldn’t control.”
- “Storytelling isn’t marketing—it’s how people decide whether to trust you.”
- “You don’t stumble into opportunity; you recognise it because you’re paying attention.”
- “The edge of growth is uncomfortable, and that’s exactly where leaders are built.”
- “Systems don’t limit freedom—they create it.”
- “Not everyone is meant to want more, and that’s okay. Leadership is choosing to want more anyway.”
- “Authenticity isn’t a brand strategy—it’s how you stop lying to yourself about who you’re becoming.”
- Leadership Journeys [277] – Joe Seddon – “Be delusional about the mission. Be ruthless about the execution.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really take to build something meaningful when you have no money, no network, and no permission?
In this episode of Choosing Leadership, host Sumit Gupta sits down with Joe Seddon, who built Zero Gravity from his student bedroom with his last £200 and a healthy dose of bold belief.
They unpack the uncomfortable truths about execution, rejection, and why a little “delusion” might be the edge most leaders are missing.
You’ll hear how to cut through distraction, build a culture of accountability, and stay grounded while chasing ambitious goals.
If you’ve been playing it safe, this conversation will challenge you to step up, think bigger, and lead with courage—starting now.
You can find Joe Seddon at the links below
In the interview, Joe shares
- “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Our job as leaders is to close that gap.”
- “Sometimes you have to be a little delusional to build something meaningful—especially when you don’t have money, connections, or permission.”
- “Naivety isn’t always weakness; sometimes it’s the fuel that keeps you moving when the odds say stop.”
- “If you wait until you feel ready, you’ll never start. Real leaders move before confidence shows up.”
- “Cold-calling, handwritten letters, uncomfortable asks—that’s what execution looks like when you have no leverage.”
- “In a world competing for attention, leadership means helping people invest their time in their future, not just their entertainment.”
- “Culture isn’t your values on a wall—it’s whether people actually do what they say they’ll do.”
- “Standing up straight means saying what you intend to do and doing what you said you would do.”
- “Growth doesn’t come from adding more to your day; it comes from changing the context you operate in.”
“Comfort is the enemy of greatness—choosing leadership means choosing discomfort on purpose.”
- Leadership Journeys [276] – Kaihan Krippendorff – “Most companies lack the space to talk about impossible ideas”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What if the ideas you’ve been quietly dismissing are the very ones that could change everything?
In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Kaihan Krippendorff joins Sumit Gupta to unpack why most leaders struggle to create space for bold thinking—and how to break out of safe, stale patterns.
You’ll learn how courage, language, and choice shape the future of your leadership more than any strategy deck ever will.
This conversation challenges you to stop predicting outcomes and start committing to what you want to create, even when it feels uncomfortable.
If you’ve been playing it safe while hoping for extraordinary results, this episode will shake you awake—in the best way.
You can find Kaihan Krippendorff at the links below
In the interview, Kaihan shares
- “Most companies don’t fail because they lack ideas; they fail because they don’t create space for impossible ones.”
- “Innovation begins the moment you stop borrowing other people’s beliefs and start trusting your own logic.”
- “Courage isn’t loud confidence—it’s the quiet decision to bet on your thinking when the world disagrees.”
- “If your language can’t imagine a new future, your strategy won’t create one.”
- “Leaders don’t just predict outcomes—they commit to creating them.”
- “Without choice, there is no accountability. Leadership begins the moment you choose.”
- “The fourth option appears only after you’ve exhausted the obvious three.”
- “Breakthroughs don’t come from better answers; they come from better questions.”
- “Comfort is efficient, but it’s also the enemy of greatness.”
- “Leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about choosing what truly matters and committing to it boldly.”
- Leadership Journeys [275] – Janardan Dalmia – “Success has many fathers and failure is an orphan”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
What does it really take to walk away from certainty and choose leadership in the unknown?
In this episode of Choosing Leadership, host Sumit Gupta sits down with Janardan Dalmia to unpack his journey from Wall Street banking to building Trukkin in one of the world’s most complex logistics markets.
JD shares the unglamorous truths of entrepreneurship—unlearning old mindsets, navigating uncertainty, and building resilience when the playbook no longer exists.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about linear growth or perfect balance, but about endurance, self-awareness, and choosing courage over comfort.
If you’re a leader facing big decisions, internal resistance, or the fear of starting over, this episode will challenge you to raise your bar and play a longer, bolder game.
You can find Janardan Dalmia at the links below
In the interview, Janardan shares
- “Leadership isn’t a title you earn once — it’s a choice you make every day.”
- “Leaving Wall Street didn’t make me brave — staying uncomfortable did.”
- “Entrepreneurship isn’t a straight line. It’s a messy, non-linear journey, and that’s the point.”
- “You don’t rise in business by avoiding failure — you rise by learning to recover faster.”
- “Success is temporary. So is failure. What lasts is who you become through both.”
- “Unlearning the banker mindset was harder than learning how to build a startup.”
- “Real leadership is about endurance — staying in the game when the excitement wears off.”
- “You can’t professionalise chaos without first learning to operate inside it.”
- “Work-life balance isn’t about equal hours — it’s about protecting your energy.”
- “Growth isn’t about doing more. It’s about becoming more.”
- Leadership Journeys [274] – Christopher Graham – “Transformation starts when the founder steps back and the team steps up.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
This episode is a masterclass in what happens when a leader stops reacting and starts thinking.
Christopher Graham shares how stepping back from daily chaos unlocked scale, clarity, and a completely new way of leading at Crown Capital.
You’ll hear why micromanagement feels productive but quietly kills growth—and what to do instead.
The conversation dives into curiosity, mental space, and building businesses that don’t depend on the founder for every decision.
If you’re tired of being the bottleneck in your own leadership, this episode will challenge how you run your company and yourself.
You can find Christopher Graham at the links below
In the interview, Christopher shares
- “Leadership changed for me the moment I stopped reacting to daily problems and started blocking time to actually think.”
- “Growth didn’t come from working harder—it came from creating mental space to see what was possible.”
- “My move into private equity wasn’t planned; it emerged by saying yes to opportunities my clients put in front of me.”
- “Ego convinces founders they need to touch everything. Scale demands the opposite.”
- “Real leadership begins when the business can operate and grow without the founder being in every decision.”
- “Micromanagement feels productive, but it quietly suffocates innovation and limits scale.”
- “Mapping a business forces clarity—it exposes inefficiencies you can’t see when you’re too close to the work.”
- “When leadership teams are involved in diagnosing problems, change stops being forced and starts becoming owned.”
- “Curiosity is a competitive advantage—it keeps leaders adaptable in environments that won’t slow down for them.”
- “The future belongs to leaders who can step back, challenge tradition, and build systems that outlive them.”
- Leadership Journeys [273] – Liza Roeser – “Panic means I’ve lost the bigger picture. Faith brings it back.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Liza Roeser, founder and CEO of 50Flowers, opens up about what it really takes to lead when fear, ego, and uncertainty show up uninvited.
She shares raw lessons from nearly three decades of entrepreneurship—moments where faith mattered more than strategy and pausing was more powerful than reacting.
This conversation challenges leaders to rethink success, shift from control to trust, and build businesses that don’t depend on their constant presence.
Liza’s honesty about letting go, saying no, and leading with vulnerability offers practical insight for anyone feeling stretched, stuck, or overly responsible.
If you’re ready to lead with more courage, clarity, and calm, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.
You can find Liza Roeser at the links below
In the interview, Liza shares
- “Leadership isn’t about position; it’s about the choices you make when fear shows up.”
- “For nearly three decades, I didn’t lead without fear—I learned how to face it and keep going anyway.”
- “Entrepreneurship wasn’t a plan; it became a path to freedom, impact, and empowering women around the world.”
- “When something goes wrong, panic is optional. You can pause, respond, and fall back on what you know to be true.”
- “Faith has been my rock—not because challenges disappear, but because perspective returns.”
- “Success isn’t about what you build; it’s about how people feel when they work with you and leave your presence.”
- “The business truly scaled when I separated my ego from my role and trusted my team to lead.”
- “Implementing EOS didn’t just free up my time—it forced me to let go and become a better leader.”
- “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no. Focus is saying no to good things so you can say yes to what matters.”
- “You don’t lead others well until you learn how to lead yourself—especially in moments of fear and vulnerability.”
- Leadership Journeys [272] – Jason Stone – “My faith and family come first”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
Most leaders say they value relationships—then build systems that quietly destroy them. In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Jason Stone, President and CEO of Frontline Selling, challenges the obsession with automation and reminds us why human connection still wins in leadership and sales.
He shares the hard lessons of stepping into the CEO role, navigating patience-demanding change, and leading with integrity when shortcuts are tempting.
This is a grounded, honest conversation about trust, transparency, faith, and what it really takes to scale without losing your soul.
If you’re leading people, selling ideas, or building something that actually matters, this episode will hit close to home.
You can find Jason Stone at the links below
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonstonefrontline/
- jStone@frontlineselling.com.
- https://frontlineselling.com/
In the interview, Jason shares
- “We’re not in the business of rushing to leads. We’re in the business of creating real human conversations.”
- “Automation can scale activity, but it can’t replace trust. People still buy from people.”
- “Sales isn’t about pushing a product—it’s about offering a solution that actually serves the person in front of you.”
- “Becoming CEO taught me patience in a way nothing else could. Real change takes time, alignment, and humility.”
- “That eight-month CRM overhaul wasn’t a tech project—it was a leadership lesson in listening and involving everyone.”
- “Integrity isn’t a value you put on the wall. It’s what you choose when the easy shortcut is right there.”
- “If a deal doesn’t feel right, we don’t do it. Long-term trust always beats short-term wins.”
- “Faith and family keep me grounded. Doing the right thing has a way of working out—even when it’s uncomfortable.”
- “Scaling fast is easy. Scaling without losing who you are—that’s the real challenge.”
- “Great salespeople don’t come from one background. Hospitality, sports, service—those worlds understand humans.”
- Leadership Journeys [271] – Fredrik Meurling – “Great leaders know when to turn it on and when to let go.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Fredrik Meurling—CEO of Yazen Health—shares what it really takes to lead a fast-growing healthcare startup without losing your soul (or your sanity).
We talk about the tension between passion and metrics, why sustainable results matter more than vanity numbers, and what happens when leadership shifts from “doing everything” to building leaders around you.
Fredrik offers an honest look at scaling in a heavily regulated industry, navigating uncertainty, and staying mission-driven when the pressure is on.
If you’re a founder or leader wrestling with growth, energy, and impact, this conversation will feel uncomfortably familiar—in the best way.
You can find Fredrik Meurling at the links below
In the interview, Fredrik shares
- “I’ve always been drawn to early- and mid-stage companies—the energy, the uncertainty, and the challenge of finding real product–market fit.”
- “What hooked me about startups wasn’t the title or the metrics; it was the adrenaline of building something that didn’t exist yet.”
- “Healthcare isn’t just another industry—you’re dealing with regulation, culture, and real human lives, all at the same time.”
- “At Yazen, we don’t see obesity as a simple calorie problem; it’s a complex disease that requires a holistic solution.”
- “Medication alone isn’t the answer—sustainable weight loss only happens when lifestyle change and coaching are part of the journey.”
- “Our North Star metric is sustained weight loss, because if we get that right, the revenue follows.”
- “Leadership, especially as a CEO, is a constant exercise in knowing when to lean in and when to let go.”
- “As the company grows, my job shifts from doing the work to creating the conditions where others can lead.”
- “Scaling across Europe forces you to balance speed with responsibility—especially in a regulated healthcare environment.”
- “Great leadership isn’t about being ‘on’ all the time; it’s about managing your energy so you don’t burn out while building something meaningful.”
- Leadership Journeys [270] – Prashant Issar – “Integrity is simple: if I give my word, I keep it – especially when it’s hardest.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
This episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to lead with integrity in a world obsessed with shortcuts.
Prashant Issar shares how purpose, grit, and an almost stubborn commitment to his values helped him build businesses that actually change lives—not just balance sheets.
If you’re wrestling with culture, scaling, or staying true to your word when the pressure is suffocating, this conversation will feel like a breath of fresh air.
You’ll hear how inclusivity, long-term thinking, and courageous leadership can become your unfair advantage.
Tune in and walk away with the kind of clarity that makes you rethink what you’re building—and why it matters.
You can find Prashant Issar at the links below
In the interview, Prashant shares
- “Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a choice to step into courage and vision every single day.”
- “Integrity isn’t negotiable. When everything is falling apart, your word is the only anchor that keeps your team together.”
- “Purpose-driven leadership outlasts profits, trends, and even the leaders themselves.”
- “Inclusivity isn’t charity—it’s good leadership. When you bet on people, they bet on you.”
- “If your business doesn’t stand for something bigger, it won’t stand for long.”
- “Scaling a company is easy. Scaling culture is where most leaders fall asleep at the wheel.”
- “Hire people who believe in your mission—not people looking for the next shiny thing.”
- “Challenges are temporary. Human connection, experience, and dignity are forever.”
- “Legacy isn’t built in boardrooms. It’s built through the lives you elevate along the way.”
- “Comfort is the enemy of greatness. Mediocrity is a choice—and so is excellence.”
- Leadership Journeys [269] – Mark Rampolla – “Your calendar tells the truth your mind refuses to admit.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
In this episode, Mark Rampolla pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to leave the comfort of corporate life and build a business—and a life—on your own terms.
He shares the unfiltered truth about dancing with bankruptcy, rediscovering purpose, and learning that freedom isn’t a future milestone but a present-moment choice.
Together, we explore how self-awareness, curiosity, and intentional living can transform not just your work, but your entire relationship with leadership.
Mark’s journey from Zico Coconut Water to becoming an investor reveals the mindset shifts that separate leaders who feel trapped from those who feel truly liberated.
If you’re ready to rethink success and design a life you don’t need an escape from, this conversation is exactly what you’ve been needing.
You can find Mark Rampolla at the links below
In the interview, Mark shares
- “Freedom doesn’t show up after the exit—it begins the moment you choose differently.”
- “Leaving corporate wasn’t a leap of logic for me; it was a leap of self-respect.”
- “Entrepreneurship isn’t about a perfect idea—it’s about a relentless desire for autonomy.”
- “Everything changed when I stopped filling my calendar and started aligning it with who I wanted to become.”
- “Success without self-awareness is just another form of imprisonment.”
- “You don’t build freedom in the future—you build it in the choices you make right now.”
- “Corporate life taught me efficiency; entrepreneurship taught me who I really am.”
- “If you’re not curious, you’re not growing—and if you’re not growing, you’re not free.”
- “The biggest risk I took wasn’t leaving my job—it was learning to trust myself.”
- “Leadership is simply choosing—again and again—to live aligned with your values, not your fears.”
- Leadership Journeys [268] – Hanim Dogan Jain – “Self-confidence comes from outside but self-worth is from the inside”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
In this episode, Hanim Dogan Jain takes you on a journey from humble beginnings across two cultures to building a multimillion-dollar company grounded in purpose, grit, and heart.
She breaks down the difference between self-confidence and self-worth—and why most leaders mix the two up at their own expense.
You’ll hear how embracing her roots, trusting her inner voice, and leading with authenticity reshaped not just her career, but her entire identity.
Hanim also opens up about blending spirituality with business, and why inner peace might just be your most underrated leadership advantage.
If you’ve ever questioned your value, your path, or what leadership really demands, this conversation will recharge you and challenge you in all the right ways.
You can find Hanim Dogan Jain at the links below
In the interview, Hanim shares
- “Self-confidence comes from what you achieve; self-worth comes from who you already are.”
- “Leadership isn’t a title—it’s the courage to show up as your truest self.”
- “Growing up between two cultures didn’t divide me; it expanded my empathy and strengthened my identity.”
- “Education is the one asset no one can take from you—my father called it a ‘golden bracelet,’ and he was right.”
- “Entrepreneurship, at its best, isn’t about money—it’s about uplifting communities and contributing to something bigger.”
- “Authenticity and vulnerability aren’t weaknesses; they are the real engines of power in leadership.”
- “I didn’t build a multimillion-dollar company because I had everything—only because I believed I could create something meaningful.”
- “Balancing spirituality and business isn’t a contradiction; it’s the key to leading from a place of inner peace.”
- “Female founders don’t need permission—they need equitable opportunities and a system that finally sees them.”
- “True leadership begins the moment you stop waiting for external validation and start trusting your inner worth.”
- Leadership Journeys [267] – Tom Alexander – “Today’s employees want more than a job -they want to make the world better.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
In this episode, Tom Alexander flips the script on what modern leadership really demands, showing why the old “command-and-control” playbook keeps failing today’s workforce.
We dive into the mindset shift leaders must make if they want to build organizations where people feel energized, purposeful, and proud of the work they do.
Tom shares hard-earned wisdom from moving between government, entrepreneurship, and fatherhood—and how those experiences shaped his belief that action beats perfection every time.
You’ll hear why optimism is a practical leadership tool, not a fluffy one, and how embracing uncertainty can actually unlock your team’s potential.
If you’re ready to lead with more courage, clarity, and heart, this conversation will give you the spark you’ve been looking for.
You can find Tom Alexander at the links below
- https://www.holisticindex.com/
- tom@holisticindex.com.
In the interview, Tom shares
- “Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a choice we make every single day.”
- “Environments change, industries change, but the heart of great leadership never does.”
- “People don’t just want a job anymore—they want their work to matter.”
- “Uncertainty isn’t an excuse for inaction. Leaders move even when the path isn’t crystal clear.”
- “Sustainable cultures are built when leaders balance organizational goals with genuine care for people.”
- “Optimism isn’t fluffy—it’s a strategic advantage in a world that won’t stop shifting.”
- “Adaptability is no longer optional. The faster the world moves, the calmer leaders must become.”
- “Remote work proved something big: when you trust people, they almost always rise to the occasion.”
- “Sometimes leadership is as simple as seeing right and wrong with the clarity of a child—and acting on it.”
- “Human potential is the greatest asset in any organization; the boldest leaders design everything around it.”
- Leadership Journeys [266] – Dr. Julian Nesbitt – “Money doesn’t make you happy, but helping someone else does.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
In this episode, you’ll meet Dr Julian Nesbitt, a GP-turned-tech-entrepreneur who refused to accept the broken state of mental healthcare and decided to rebuild it from the inside out.
He shares how spotting a simple but painful gap in patient access led him to create a platform that’s now transforming mental health support across entire countries.
Leaders will appreciate his raw honesty about resilience, hiring the right people, and learning to step back so the vision can scale.
His story is a masterclass in reinventing yourself, embracing discomfort, and using technology to solve real human problems.
If you’re navigating growth, change, or the weight of big decisions, this conversation will give you both clarity and courage.
You can find Dr Julian Nesbitt at the links below
In the interview, Dr Julian shares
- “I wasn’t meant to be doing what I do today — I’m living an impossible life, reinvented multiple times over.”
- “The biggest gap I saw as a GP wasn’t expertise, it was access — people were waiting far too long for the help they needed.”
- “Technology isn’t just a tool; it’s the bridge that finally connects patients to timely, personalized mental healthcare.”
- “Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster, but resilience and learning by doing are what keep you on the ride.”
- “Bring people together who complement each other — that’s the real engine behind meaningful innovation.”
- “Scaling a company means stepping back from the day-to-day and stepping into the bigger vision.”
- “Our mission is simple: try and help as many people as you can, wherever they are in the world.”
- “AI-driven tools can democratize mental healthcare and bring support to communities that have never had access before.”
- “Cold-water skiing and reiki keep me grounded — balance fuels my ability to lead and create.”
- “Comfort is the enemy of greatness. Mediocrity is a choice, and so is excellence.”
- Leadership Journeys [265] – Mallika Kapur – “Leadership can be lonely—but effectiveness matters more than approval.”
This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.
In this episode, Mallika Kapur pulls back the curtain on what leadership actually looks like when you stop chasing approval and start focusing on impact.
She shares her unexpected leap from medicine into health tech and how that shift forced her to think bigger, lead bolder, and reinvent herself at every stage.
Mallika talks openly about the loneliness of being a woman leader, the pressure of carrying an entire organization through COVID, and the courage required to keep choosing effectiveness over comfort.
Her insights on prioritization, delegation, and building a team that thinks beyond the small stuff will hit home for anyone feeling stretched thin.
If you’re navigating growth, battling overwhelm, or figuring out how to lead without losing yourself, this conversation will give you a refreshing dose of clarity and fire.
You can find Mallika Kapur at the links below
In the interview, Mallika shares
- “Leadership isn’t about approval — it’s about effectiveness, even when you’re the only woman in the room.”
- “I loved my patients, but I realized I couldn’t serve them if I was burning myself out.”
- “Shifting from medicine to health tech opened my eyes to how much bigger the impact could be.”
- “Technology isn’t a luxury in healthcare — it’s the only way to close the massive demand-supply gap.”
- “As a leader, your superpower is knowing what’s non-negotiable and what must be delegated.”
- “My MBA humbled me — regression nearly killed me — but it expanded my world.”
- “During COVID, my biggest responsibility wasn’t just survival — it was protecting every livelihood in my organization.”
- “Leadership gets lonely, especially for women, but loneliness isn’t a reason to shrink.”
- “If your team keeps obsessing over the small things, your company stays small too.”
- “Every stage of growth demands that you reinvent yourself — leadership is never a finished journey.”