Intro To 7:47 Conversations Podcast

What if your inner critic isn’t the enemy—but a misdirected inner coach waiting for the right conversation?On today’s soul-shifting episode, Chris Schembra sits down with licensed clinician and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Britt Frank to explore the untapped potential of your internal world. Britt’s new book, Align Your Mind, blends Internal Family Systems (IFS), neuroscience, trauma therapy, and radical compassion into a user manual for becoming a better leader—by leading yourself first.In this raw, riveting, and often funny dialogue, Britt shares the ALIGN framework: a five-step method to transform the swirl of internal chaos into clarity, confidence, and calm leadership. You’ll walk away with tools to stop spinning, drop shame, and start collaborating—with all the voices in your head.Chris and Britt explore:How circus training helped Britt tame her mind and discover flow Why shadow parts aren’t saboteurs—they’re secret allies The real difference between solitude and loneliness How to negotiate wi

Welcome back to another episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times! Today, your host Chris Schembra is joined by the insightful and inspiring Dr. Steve Elias, Dean of the Katz School of Business at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Amidst the polar vortex sweeping through New York City, we dive into a heartwarming discussion about mentorship, leadership, and the power of gratitude in shaping our personal and professional journeys. Tune in as we explore how small acts of kindness, mutual respect, and a commitment to connection can create a lasting impact in our lives and communities.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How a simple shoulder tap can change the course of a careerThe importance of mentorship and building reciprocal relationshipsLessons from Governor Gary Carruthers on leadership and respect across differencesWhy celebrating the success of others (Mudita) is key to fulfillmentThe Platinum Rule: Treating others the way they want to be treatedHow small, cumulative actions can create meaningful changePr

Welcome to a soul-stirring episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times with your host, Chris Schembra. Set against the festive backdrop of New York City during the holiday season, this conversation is an inspiring reminder of the power of gratitude, connection, and intentional living. Joining Chris is Felipe Gómez, a world-renowned thought leader, virtuoso pianist, and keynote speaker who has captivated audiences across 33 countries with his unique blend of music and leadership insights.Felipe’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days learning piano under a patient and dedicated teacher to delivering over 1,000 electrifying performances on global stages, Felipe’s life is a testament to the power of passion and purpose. As a speaker, he combines ancient philosophies, modern leadership principles, and his prodigious musical talent to create experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. In this episode, Felipe and Chris unpack timeless lessons on gratitude, love, learning, and leadership, o

In this captivating episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra welcomes innovation expert, entrepreneur, and jazz musician Josh Linkner to explore the profound connection between creativity, gratitude, and success. Josh, a New York Times bestselling author and founder of five tech companies, shares how his diverse experiences—from navigating high-stakes business ventures to performing over 1,000 jazz concerts—have shaped his unique philosophy on unlocking human potential.Josh dives deep into the principles behind his latest book, Big Little Breakthroughs: How Small Everyday Innovations Drive Oversized Results. He explains how small, consistent acts of creativity—not risky moonshots—are the key to driving transformational outcomes in business and life. Together, Josh and Chris unpack the importance of mindset, the power of gratitude in unleashing creative potential, and why celebrating others' success (a concept known as Mudita) can bring unparalleled fulfillment.This episode is packed with a

In this inspiring episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with David Landman, a former senior HR executive at Goldman Sachs, to explore his transformative journey from corporate success to living a life centered on joy, gratitude, and purpose.David, who is passionate about making work more sustainable, fulfilling, and inclusive for everyone, shares how his career transition was sparked by a desire to escape stagnation and create a more meaningful life. After 20 years at Goldman Sachs, David now dedicates his time to supporting visionary founders, investors, and innovators who are redefining what it means to thrive in the workplace.Through his work, David:Advises some of the world’s most innovative HR tech startups and venture capitalists.Builds communities of CHROs and HR executives passionate about giving back.Shares his knowledge with the next generation of HR leaders.In the episode, David introduces “The Long Exhale,” a framework for rediscovering joy and purpose. He shares a

In this insightful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra welcomes Mitch Warner, Managing Partner at The Arbinger Institute and co-author of Leadership and Self-Deception. Mitch guides us through the core principles of Arbinger’s groundbreaking work, exploring the central idea of self-deception—a psychological barrier that prevents individuals from seeing others clearly and, ultimately, impedes personal and organizational growth.Mitch introduces the concept of self-deception as the tendency to see ourselves inaccurately, often with a biased or distorted lens, which leads us to misjudge others as obstacles or tools rather than as people with legitimate needs and perspectives. This inward mindset results from what Arbinger terms self-betrayal, a failure to act on our internal sense of how we should treat others. Mitch emphasizes that self-deception is not just a personal issue but a core problem in organizations, affecting everything from team collaboration to leadership effectiveness. He

In this deeply moving and insightful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sandeep Angra, Chief Information and Technology Officer (CIO/CTO) of the 40,000 person strong company, Unifi, the largest airport ground-handling company in North America and Europe. With over three decades of IT leadership experience spanning various industries, Sandeep’s professional achievements are significant, but today’s conversation takes us beyond his impressive resume.This episode focuses on the themes of gratitude, humility, and spirituality, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the personal beliefs and life lessons that have shaped Sandeep's journey. He reflects on his upbringing in a small village in India, where his parents made enormous sacrifices to provide him with the opportunity to pursue education—a theme that resonates deeply throughout the episode. Sandeep’s father, a schoolteacher who walked 15 kilometers to work to save money for his children's tui

In this insightful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with Michael J. O'Brien, founder of The BluePrint Toolset®, Inc., to explore how leaders can ignite the joy of work and foster positive cultural transformation within organizations. With over 35 years of experience coaching executives and consulting across diverse industries, Michael shares his journey from finance to becoming a leader in behavioral economics and corporate culture.Michael explains the significance of focusing on strengths through appreciative inquiry—shifting attention from solving problems to amplifying what works well. He introduces his coaching model based on five key questions that help leaders foster growth and resilience in their teams. They discuss how mindset plays a crucial role in shaping outcomes, drawing on Barbara Fredrickson’s Broaden and Build Theory to highlight how positive emotions drive innovation and productivity.The conversation also touches on the parallels between leadership and pa

In this powerful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Dr. Tony Nader, a leading neuroscientist, global head of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement, and author of the groundbreaking book Consciousness Is All There Is. Together, they explore the profound impact of understanding and expanding consciousness on personal well-being and collective transformation.Dr. Nader shares his journey from his early life in Lebanon to his academic pursuits at MIT and Harvard Medical School, and ultimately to his role as a global leader in the TM movement. He explains the core idea that consciousness is the foundation of reality, challenging the traditional belief that the material world is the primary source of existence. The discussion dives into the four states of consciousness—sleeping, dreaming, waking, and transcendental consciousness—and how TM uniquely allows access to a deeper, more restful state that enhances creativity, peace, and fulf

In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with Ash Shehata, Chief Information Officer of AHMC Healthcare System, to explore the intersection of leadership, adaptability, and human connection. Ash shares the story of a life-changing health crisis that transformed his perspective on healthcare and leadership, leading him to adopt a philosophy inspired by the adaptability and humility of water.Chris and Ash dive into the importance of human connection in leadership, emphasizing the value of truly listening to understand rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. Drawing on lessons from Ross Perot Sr., Ash discusses how vulnerability, empathy, and the courage to make mistakes are crucial for effective leadership. They also explore the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, highlighting the need for proactive pauses—moments to step back, prioritize, and move forward with purpose.In addition to his professional insights, Ash reflects on how the principles he

In this episode of "Gratitude Through Hard Times," host Chris Schembra welcomes Francesco Pastore, the Chief Marketing & Sales Officer and Corporate Communication Director of the global paper leader, Sofidel.Francesco discusses the concept of a "portfolio career," emphasizing the importance of diverse experiences, continuous learning, and adaptability. He shares his strategy for balancing short-term business results with long-term personal and professional growth, using a blend of strategic focus and the Pareto principle (80% execution, 20% learning).The conversation delves into the significance of soft skills in leadership, with Francesco stressing the importance of humility, vulnerability, and communication. He shares his approach to inspiring his team, especially those early in their careers, to invest in their long-term growth.A key takeaway from Francesco's leadership philosophy is the importance of creating space for failure and learning. He highlights how AI can facilitate rapid testing and learnin

In this episode of "Gratitude Through Hard Times," host Chris Schembra welcomes Steve Tcherchian, Chief Product Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at XY Pro, to discuss the profound impact of gratitude, resilience, and vulnerability in leadership. The conversation begins with Steve’s journey through the competitive cybersecurity industry, where he transitioned from a high-pressure, success-driven mindset to a gratitude-centered approach that transformed his personal and professional life.Steve shares his experience of hitting rock bottom after being passed up for a promotion and losing his marriage. These events became catalysts for a profound transformation, leading him to embrace gratitude and vulnerability as core principles in his leadership. Steve introduces the concept of "return on rock bottom," highlighting how the lowest points in life can lead to significant personal growth and renewed purpose.Throughout the episode, Steve and Chris explore the importance of empathy, communication, and c

In this episode of "Gratitude Through Hard Times," Chris Schembra welcomes Elaine Knight, the Chief People Officer at Behavioral Health Link. Elaine shares her journey and insights on creating a positive and supportive work culture in the behavioral health sector. The conversation delves into the importance of gratitude, mindfulness, and empathy in leadership, and how these values can transform workplace dynamics. Elaine also discusses the challenges and rewards of crisis work, the significance of servant leadership, and the systems that support employee well-being and engagement. Join Chris and Elaine for a heartfelt discussion on leading with purpose and compassion. Takeaways:1. Gratitude in Leadership: Integrating gratitude into leadership can foster a positive and resilient work culture.2. Servant Leadership: Effective leadership involves removing obstacles to help team members perform their best.3. Importance of Onboarding: A smooth onboarding process is crucial for setting employees up for success.4. Pe

In this conversation, Chris Schembra interviews Enrico Galasso, the CEO of Peroni, an iconic Italian beer brand. They discuss Enrico's new book, “Per I Prossimi 175 Anni”, the importance of empathy and meaningful connections in leadership, and the challenges and opportunities of managing a brand with a long history. Enrico emphasizes the need for leaders to be adaptable, to learn from both successes and failures, and to create a culture of connection and psychological safety. They also explore the value of investing in a premium experience and the role of emotions and experiences in building a brand.Enrico talks about Peroni's efforts to translate the Italian lifestyle into a global success, focusing on rugby and Ferrari as partnerships that embody the brand's values. He emphasizes the importance of empathy in leadership and shares his personal journey of becoming more empathic. Enrico's purpose is to leave a better place for future generations and to give his children the opportunity to be happy. The convers

In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, we're thrilled to welcome Lisa Besserman, a luminary in both the technology and venture capital worlds. Lisa, the Founder of Startup Buenos Aires—which was successfully acquired—has made remarkable strides in the tech industry, earning her a spot among Business Insider's "Top 100 Most Influential Women in Tech," alongside notable figures like Sheryl Sandberg and Arianna Huffington. It's worth noting, with a humble chuckle, that she ranked #94 on this illustrious list.Currently, Lisa serves as the Head of Innovation at JP Morgan Chase Operations. In her role, she collaborates with startups and leverages emerging technologies to address complex challenges within the world's leading financial institution. Before this, she was the Managing Director at Expa VC, a venture fund and startup studio with a $350M investment focus ranging from pre-seed to series A startups.Lisa's entrepreneurial spirit was sparked as the Founder and CEO of Startup Buenos Aires, an accelera

We’ve all experienced it: that feeling of being stuck on an endless treadmill. It can be soul-crushing, but our guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times is a peak performance coach is here to help us change the narrative heading into 2024. Erin Stafford, author of "The Type A Trap: Five Mindset Shifts to Beat Burnout and Transform Your Life," explains to Host Chris Schembra the underpinnings for her five mindset shifts. Each of her valuable techniques is designed to check and challenge the assumptions that leave us stuck in overdrive. You’ll learn how to interrupt hyper-focused pursuits, be agile in the face of dead-ends, let go of counter-productive self-criticism and celebrate the wins that are often all too fleeting. “Burn-out will keep knocking on our door. It’s not going anywhere,” says Erin, who has herself been on the frontlines as marketing director for a healthcare brand undergoing exponential growth, “but there are tools you can gather to get you out of that black hole.” Find out about

Nothing creates team buy-in more effectively than the “ownership mindset” espoused by our guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times. What’s the secret sauce? Kerry Siggins, CEO at StoneAge Inc., shares with Host Chris Schembra her powerful building blocks for cultivating workplace cultures rooted in accountability. It’s about caring – for colleagues, customers and ourselves – and ensuring that everyone feels seen and heard as well as empowered to act. She explains how StoneAge, an employee-owned manufacturer of waterjet tools and equipment for industrial cleaning based in Colorado, instills a sense of community and the safety to fail among its 250 employees (all of whom Kerry hopes to see become millionaires one day, thanks to their Employee-Owned Stock Plan, or ESOP). You’ll also hear all about Kerry’s latest passion project, her recently released book, "The Ownership Mindset: A Handbook for Transforming Your Life and Leadership." In it, she highlights her personal “hero’s journey” as well as har

Seek the stress. Scale with soul. Embrace your uniqueness. These are just a few of the pearls of wisdom flying fast and furious when Christina Luconi, Chief People Officer at Rapid7, visits with Host Chris Schembra on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times. Her self-awareness, strength and positive vision have not only been central to building out staff for some amazing startup companies (from inception through IPO). These are also the traits that have defined her full and fascinating life – whether taking her teen-aged daughters on a transformational trip to Tanzania or snatching life-giving lessons from a life-changing cancer diagnosis. This is a woman who brings her whole, authentic self to every interaction and in the process offers connection and empathy to others. You’ll learn about how Christina expresses gratitude and the powerful benefits it confers, rippling out in how she frames “negative autobiographical experiences.” Where did she find the courage to reinvent herself at the age of 14 withou

Core values take center stage on this heartfelt episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, featuring a highly successful entrepreneur whose accomplishments reflect his commitment to creating human connection. Rich Balot, CEO at Victra (the largest authorized retailer of Verizon products in the nation), is all about fostering innovation, collaboration and integrity – at home, on the job and in his community. That passion for doing the right thing infuses the ethic you’ll encounter at any of his 1,700 locations across all 50 states and in the dedication his 7,500 employees bring to their work. Host Chris Schembra gives us a window into what drives Rich – from his reverence for family to his belief in offering kids alternatives to traditional four-year college educations; from thoughts on how to build a great and growing company to why celebration is critical to making a meaningful life. “If you get a really well-functioning group of people together, you can get way more out of them and they can accomplish much mo

Are you all in? Our guest, Valeria Torres, wants to know! As Director of Operations & Strategic Consulting at 8 Figure Firm – a fast-growing Atlanta-based provider of professional services for law firms – she is sharing with Host Chris Schembra the key ingredients for leadership success on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times. A research maven, Valeria explains the value in personality assessments and has stats to back up her approach to increasing workplace flow (and life flow, too, for that matter!). You’ll learn about the pivotal figures (shout out to her brother, Pablo) and very personal experiences that have shaped Valeria’s dynamic approach to life. She’s also teaching us how to managing through those inevitable “fight-or-flight” moments and highlighting the benefits that accrue to leaders (at law firms and everywhere else) who recognize the good in themselves and extend that gratitude out towards others. As we know, both from science and lived experience, an atmosphere of empathy in which p