On The Brink With Andi Simon

In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, Lisa Woodruff, founder of Organize 365, shares a powerful reframe of what it means to be organized. Moving beyond clutter and to-do lists, she explores how organization is a learnable skill that can reduce "overwhelm", improve time management, and create space for purpose and meaning. Drawing on her research in applied psychology and years of hands-on experience, Lisa introduces practical systems to manage the "invisible load" of daily life, treat your household like a business, and redesign your routines for greater productivity and well-being. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone navigating life transitions—including retirement—who wants to regain control, build better habits, and create a more intentional and fulfilling life. How are you going to manage organizational chaos in your home? Listen in and learn more. The Real Problem: We Know Organization Matters—But Don't Know How to Get Organized In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon

Summary Retirement is often framed as a personal milestone—a moment when we step away from work and into freedom. But what if retirement isn't just about leaving a job? What if it's about navigating the deep relationships, identity shifts, and responsibilities we carry with us into what comes next? In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, Andi speaks with Katherine Crewe, a Tech/Vistage chair in Canada, whose thoughtful approach to retirement reveals a powerful truth: transitions are not events—they are processes. The Myth of the Clean Exit: Leaving Work Isn't Leaving Relationships  Katherine's story challenges the idea that retirement is a simple, clean break. After decades in biomedical engineering and leadership, she moved into a role guiding CEOs and executives. Now, in her late sixties, she is not "done"—she is reflecting, recalibrating, and carefully designing her transition. What makes her journey so compelling is this: she is not just leaving a role—she is stepping away from a community. As a

Podcast Summary In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, Dr. Andi Simon speaks with Joe Davis, former senior partner at Boston Consulting Group and author of The Generous Leader. Their conversation explores how leadership has evolved in a fast-changing world—and why the most effective leaders today succeed by developing others, listening deeply, and embracing humility. The discussion offers practical insights on leadership, team development, and navigating uncertainty with confidence and compassion. Why Leadership Must Change in a World of Constant Disruption We are living through an era of continuous transformation—technological disruption, shifting workforce expectations, and evolving organizational cultures. As Dr. Andi Simon notes, the past is no longer a reliable guide for the future. Leaders must adapt, not by controlling change, but by learning how to move with it. Joe Davis's career journey reflects this reality. From Procter & Gamble to Harvard Business School and ultimately to leadersh

Summary Meetings dominate our workdays—but what if they could become a source of intelligence rather than inefficiency? In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I speak with Ramsey Pryor, CEO and founder of Rumi, an AI‑powered meeting intelligence platform that is redefining how organizations capture knowledge, collaborate, and make decisions. Together, we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work by transforming everyday conversations into actionable insights. The Problem with Meetings Today Let's start with a simple truth: most meetings underperform. Professionals spend 30% or more of their time in meetings, and much of that time is wasted repeating information, catching people up, or trying to recall what was previously discussed. As Ramsey noted, research suggests that two‑thirds of meeting time is spent rehashing prior conversations—a staggering drain on productivity and morale. Across industries—from banking to healthcare—I've seen meetings with no agenda, no clear outc

Millions of professionals are entering retirement each year, yet few are prepared for the emotional transition that comes after leaving a career. In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, Dr. Andi Simon speaks with publishing executive Mary Lou Mackin about the unexpected challenges of retirement and how to redesign the next chapter of life with purpose, structure, and community. Listen to the full episode of the On the Brink with Andi Simon podcast to hear Mary Lou Mackin's full story about redefining life after retirement. Summary In this episode, Mary Lou Mackin shares her personal journey through early retirement and the emotional challenges that followed. After a successful career in publishing, she discovered that stepping away from work left her struggling with identity, structure, and purpose. Through honest reflection and experimentation, she began rebuilding a new life that included community, creativity, and meaningful work. Her story highlights the importance of preparing emotionally—not j

Cognitive neuroscientist Phillip Campbell explains how leaders can improve focus, adaptability, and strategic thinking by strengthening their brain skills. In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, he explores "fluid thinking," the neuroscience behind change, and why developing cognitive adaptability is essential in the age of AI. Summary In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, cognitive neuroscientist and executive brain coach Phillip Campbell shares powerful insights on how our brains shape our ability to lead, adapt, and innovate. Drawing on decades of research and coaching experience with Fortune 500 executives, Campbell explains why most change initiatives fail, how subconscious brain habits influence our thinking, and why "fluid thinking" is essential in the age of AI. As technological disruption accelerates, leaders who strengthen their brain skills—focus, adaptability, strategic thinking, and creativity—will be better prepared to thrive in uncertainty. This conversation explores how we

Summary: What if work didn't have to feel exhausting, overwhelming, or misaligned with who you are? In this powerful episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I sit down with executive coach and HR consultant Lindsay Barnett, author of Working Hell to Working Well, to explore how individuals and organizations can transform the workplace experience. In a world where burnout feels commonplace and "busy" has become a badge of honor, what if we paused long enough to ask: Does work have to feel this hard? Designing the Workplace of Tomorrow, Today In a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lindsay Barnett—executive coach, HR consultant, and author of Working Hell to Working Well. Lindsay's journey from anthropology student to organizational change leader offers a fresh and deeply human lens on how we can transform our workplaces—and ourselves. As someone who often describes myself as a corporate anthropologist, I was delighted to discover Lindsay once used that same phr

Summary: this episode of On the Brink, Andi Simon speaks with Alastair Frost about what it truly means to be future ready in a fast-changing world. Together, they explore how curiosity—asking "why" and "what if" like a child—opens the door to new possibilities, and how reclaiming our natural creativity helps individuals and organizations move beyond comfort and complacency. Rather than trying to predict the future, Frost encourages leaders to focus on what is inevitable and to build the mindset and habits that keep them adaptable, relevant, and ready for whatever comes next.   On On the Brink with Andi Simon, we often explore one central question: how do you keep from getting stuck or stalled in a world that refuses to stand still? In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Allister Frost, a former Microsoft executive turned global keynote speaker and author of Ready Already. Alastair brings a refreshing and deeply practical perspective on what it means to be "future ready" in a time when change fee

What Sets Humans Apart? Key lessons from my conversation with Dr. Robin Hills .As artificial intelligence accelerates and reshapes how we work, learn, and communicate, one question keeps resurfacing: What remains uniquely human? That was at the heart of my recent On the Brink conversation with Dr. Robin Hills, a business psychologist and one of the world's leading voices on emotional intelligence. Our discussion offered both reassurance and challenge—especially for leaders navigating rapid change, generational shifts, and technology-driven uncertainty. Here are the key lessons that stood out. 1. Emotional intelligence is not "soft"—it is foundational Emotional intelligence (EI) is often mislabeled as a soft skill. In reality, it is a core operating system for effective leadership, collaboration, and decision-making. As Robin explained, EI is about being smart with your feelings—integrating emotion and cognition to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This matters because emotions are not option

Humans need connection—not as a luxury, but as a foundation for thriving. Yet, in our hyper-connected world, loneliness persists. On this episode of On the Brink, I sat down with Todd Nilson, a community strategist with 25 years of experience in digital transformation and marketing for brands like Activision, Facebook, and SAP, to unpack what real community means and how to build it with intention. Who is Todd Nilson? Todd's journey began in journalism, driven by an authentic curiosity about people and their stories. That passion evolved into a commitment to "building a bigger family"—creating spaces where trust and belonging are central. He's clear: community isn't a "soft" strategy; it's essential for individual and organizational wellbeing. We explored the difference between networks and communities. Social platforms may connect thousands, but true communities are intimate, purposeful, and safe. As Todd put it, a network is like a busy freeway—you can make friends, but it's not where you belong. Real commu

As artificial intelligence accelerates, many leaders, founders, and professionals are quietly asking the same question: Where do I still matter? If machines can write, analyze, summarize, and even "sound" human, what is left that cannot be automated? In this episode of On the Brink, I sat down with branding strategist and neuroscientist-turned-entrepreneur Carey James, co-founder of Brand Alchemy, to explore why a personal brand—not technology—is becoming the defining asset of the future. What emerged was a powerful reframing of branding—not as self-promotion, but as survival. Branding Isn't About Visibility—It's About Trust Carey's journey began in neuroscience labs and academic research, where brilliant minds often remain invisible. In these labs, the work mattered deeply, yet few people beyond their field ever heard about it. That disconnect led him to a simple realization: impact doesn't scale unless people know who you are. Branding, in Carey's view, is not about being flashy or loud. It is about becomin

What if the fastest route to meaningful growth isn't about launching another ad campaign, hiring more salespeople, or optimizing your funnel? What if the real accelerator is simply listening—really listening—to what's already happening around you? In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Oscar Barrera, PhD—a brilliant corporate anthropologist and innovation strategist based in Mexico. Oscar and I share a core conviction: anthropology isn't just something you do; it's a way of seeing the world. It allows leaders to notice subtle patterns—those taking shape in their markets, inside their own companies, and in the everyday lives of their customers—even when the clues are hiding in plain sight. Oscar's work drives home a powerful point: the real obstacles to growth are often hidden. Not because they're imaginary, but because we haven't been trained to spot them. Meet Dr. Oscar Barrera: An Anthropologist Forging His Own Path Oscar's journey is as unconventional as it

"Curiosity isn't a soft skill. It's a performance capability—and organizations are paying the price for ignoring it." Summary What if the most powerful leadership capability isn't having the right answers—but asking better questions? In this On the Brink with Andi Simon episode, Dr. Deborah Clary, author of The Curiosity Curve, explains why curiosity is a measurable driver of performance, engagement, and innovation—and how leaders can deliberately rebuild it to create stronger, more human-centered cultures. Why Curiosity May Be the Missing Link in Leadership and Culture Change In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Deborah Clary, author of The Curiosity Curve and a purpose-driven leader whose work sits at the intersection of leadership development, organizational culture, and performance. What emerged from our conversation was both refreshing and deeply needed: a reminder that curiosity—something many leaders unintentionally abandon as they rise—may be the ver

"People aren't broken," she told me. "Our job is not to fix them. It's to hold them whole and complete." On this episode of On the Brink, I had the privilege of speaking with a remarkable woman whose life journey embodies resilience, reinvention, and the profound power of choosing joy. Nicki Keohohou—bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, global speaker, and founder of Coach School—joined me from her home in Hawaii to reflect on the experiences that shaped her, the wisdom she teaches, and the mindset shifts we all need in today's uncertain world. Nicki's path wasn't linear. She began as a teacher helping children build self-esteem and confidence. She later moved into her family's business, then into the world of direct selling, where she discovered her love for helping people grow. That passion evolved into founding the Direct Selling Women's Alliance and ultimately creating Coach School—programs that train leaders, educators, executives, and couples to coach through empathy, inquiry, and empowerment

The first step to transformation is to stop doing what no longer works." – Marcia Daszko On this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I sat down with Marcia Daszko, a visionary leadership consultant and author of Pivot, Disrupt, Transform: How Leaders Beat the Odds and Survive. Marcia's journey—from being "excruciatingly shy" to mentoring leaders at Apple, Boeing, and the U.S. Navy—reveals a rare combination of courage, curiosity, and clarity. Her lessons, rooted in the teachings of Dr. W. Edwards Deming, challenge leaders to abandon outdated management practices and embrace a deeper, systems-based way of thinking. From Management Fads to Meaningful Leadership Marcia began her career in marketing before being mentored by Dr. Perry Gluckman, a close associate of Dr. Deming, who revolutionized management thinking through systems theory and continuous improvement. What she learned was not just what to do, but how to think. Too often, organizations chase the latest management fad—Six Sigma, Lean, "best practi

What happens when two powerful women—one a psychologist devoted to leadership transformation and the other a CEO who grew up in a family-run business—join forces to rethink what it means to lead? They discover the "Sixth Level" of Leadership! On this episode of On the Brink, Stacy Feiner, PsyD and Rachel Wallis Andreasson, MBA invite us to imagine leadership not as a position of power, but as a practice rooted in purpose, connection and care. The Birth of the Sixth Level Stacy Feiner, a high-performance psychologist and coach, has long focused on helping family and mid-market companies unlock the emotional dynamics that drive sustainable success. Her fascination with human potential began early—her mother introduced her to the groundbreaking Self-in-Relation theory at Wellesley's Stone Center, which challenged male-centered models of psychology and placed women's experiences at the center of understanding human behavior. From that foundation grew The Sixth Level: Capitalize on the Power of Women's Psychology

On this episode of On the Brink, I sat down with Dr. Max Teplitski—Chief Science Officer at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)—to explore how a  mindset is reshaping food safety, member value, and the future of a global industry. Max has practiced Blue Ocean thinking since his days as a professor, and today he's applying it at scale across a trade association that represents the entire fresh produce supply chain—from seed and inputs to retailers worldwide. From Competing to Creating: IFPA's Three Strategic Pillars Rather than fighting for attention in crowded "red oceans," IFPA reframed growth around three pillars that create new value for members and consumers alike: Future-proofing the industry amid climate volatility, supply chain complexity, and labor constraints. Worldwide influence for a global industry, recognizing interconnected markets and trade rules. Personalized member experience at scale—so each company (and individual) gets relevant, timely insight. This is classic Blue Ocean S

Peace Through Business: Building Peace by Empowering Women Entrepreneurs In a world often torn by conflict, peace through business may sound like a lofty goal. Yet for nearly two decades, that's exactly what Dr. Terry Neese , Monica Smiley, and the Peace Through Business Program have been accomplishing—helping women in Afghanistan, Rwanda, and now Uganda rise as entrepreneurs, leaders, and community changemakers. In the final episode of my three-part Peace Through Business podcast series, I was joined by Monica Smiley, president and founder of the Enterprising Women Foundation and publisher and CEO of Enterprising Women magazine. Monica, a long-time champion of women entrepreneurs worldwide, shared the remarkable journey of Dr. Neese, the founder of Peace Through Business, and how the Enterprising Women Foundation has joined forces to carry that mission forward. A Vision Born from a Call to Action The story began nearly twenty years ago when First Lady Laura Bush called Terry Neese with a bold request: travel

Peace Through Business: How Women in Rwanda and Afghanistan Are Rebuilding Nations Through Entrepreneurship In this special episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I continue our series spotlighting Peace Through Business, a remarkable program empowering women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan, Rwanda, and beyond. The stories are profound, the impact undeniable, and the lessons universal: when women rise, entire nations begin to heal and prosper. As a corporate anthropologist and Blue Ocean Strategist, I want to remind us at the start: "When you invest in a woman entrepreneur, you invest in her family, her community, and her country's future." This conversation brings together Monica Smiley, publisher of Enterprising Women Magazine; Chantal Munanayire, Peace Through Business Program Director for Rwanda, Uganda, Canada, and the UK; and Manisha Wafeq, who leads the Afghanistan initiative. Each share not only how the program works but how it transforms lives — economically, socially, and spiritually. Creating Peace

When it comes to peacebuilding, business might not be the first answer that springs to mind. But for almost two decades, the Peace Through Business program has proved empowering women entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to repair broken societies. This was the first webinar in a series of three aimed at introducing people to the program's roots in Afghanistan, the women whose lives were changed and how urgently this work needs continued support - and growth. Watch our Interview Here. From Vision to Reality The Peace Through Business program was started by Dr. Terry Neese nearly 20 years ago at the suggestion of First Lady Laura Bush. The aim was humble but audacious: to empower Afghan women to enter their country's economic life, become business leaders and play a role in rebuilding a nation emerging from the darkness of Taliban rule. The public-private aspect of this from the very beginning made it different. This autonomy enabled the program to be flexible, creative and genuinely responsive to w