Building Resilience, Confidence, and Human Connection

In this episode of Leading Through Crisis, John Kippen, a professional magician + resilience and empowerment coach, shares his powerful story of surviving a life-threatening brain tumor, living with facial paralysis, and rebuilding confidence through creativity, magic, and human connection.

He and Céline unpack practical tools for emotional regulation, mindset shifts, and navigating uncertainty without fear.

This conversation is a profound reminder that resilience is built and crisis can become an opportunity for growth and impact.

Whether you’re a business owner, executive, or leader navigating uncertainty, change, or burnout, this episode will challenge you to rethink failure, step outside your comfort zone, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Key topics covered:
▪️Leading through crisis vs. long-term adversity
▪️Building resilience and emotional regulation under pressure
▪️Confidence, failure, and mindset in leadership
▪️The power of authenticity and human connection
▪️Turning personal crisis into purpose and impact

A special offer for our listeners…
📘 Download John's bestselling book Playing the Hand You Are Dealt via johnkippen.com/freegift

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John Kippen is a Speaker, Professional Magician, and Resilience and Empowerment Coach whose motto is, “Being different is your superpower.“ John helps his clients challenge their limiting beliefs to achieve their dreams and bounce back quickly from adversity.

💻 Learn more at johnkippen.com or connect with him on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode, Bob Chonka and Jon Grannis of Sollah Interactive chat with us about one of the biggest issues facing organizations today: Are leaders truly equipped to guide their teams through challenging times and whatever comes next?

You'll hear:
- How leadership expectations have shifted with the rise of millennial leaders
- About the impact of technology on communication, and why relevance, realism, and relatability matter more than ever

We explore the role of healthy conflict, why unresolved tension creates dysfunction, and how organizations can build cultures where communication, collaboration, and psychological safety thrive.

Finally, we discuss:
- FOBO (the fear of becoming obsolete), especially among older generations
- How to break knowledge-hoarding behaviors
- Why mistakes should be leveraged instead of punished
-Why microlearning courses are the future of developing soft skills in a fast-paced, distracted workforce

Whether you lead a team, run an organization, or simply want to future-proof your career, this episode delivers practical, immediately applicable insights for staying strong, relevant, and equipped for whatever challenges come next.

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Sollah provides fast, flexible workplace compliance and soft skills training solutions. We design for all training platforms and modalities, helping organizations aim their message, fulfill their learning goals, and achieve performance improvement by taking into account their audience, implementation needs, and ultimate performance objectives.

Learn more at sollah.com and connect with them on all social platforms @sollahinteractive.

What does it mean to lead through crisis—not just survive it, but transform through it?

In this gripping and inspiring conversation, Zimbabwean pastor and global advocate Evan Mawarire shares how one simple video turned into a national movement that changed the course of Zimbabwe’s history. As founder of the viral #ThisFlag campaign, Evan rallied 12 million citizens to stand up for justice in one of Africa’s most oppressive regimes.

Join us for a powerful conversation about courage, purpose, and becoming who you’re meant to be through adversity.

This is an episode for leaders, executives, and change-makers who want to understand how to act with conviction when the world feels out of control, and how crisis can be the very thing that unwraps your greatest potential.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why destiny isn’t a destination, but something that unfolds from within
• How to take action when you don’t have a full plan
• Why failure shapes us more than success ever could
• How to find courage and purpose in the middle of chaos

Evan’s story is a reminder that leadership is not about control, it’s about presence, conviction, and compassion. Whether you’re leading a team, a company, or your own life, this episode will help you see crisis not as a setback, but as the portal to your next level.

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Evan Mawarire is a Zimbabwean pastor, speaker, and global advocate for human rights and democracy. In 2016, his heartfelt call for justice sparked the #ThisFlag movement, inspiring millions to take a stand against corruption and injustice in Zimbabwe. His courageous leadership led to multiple arrests and treason charges, but his unwavering commitment to non-violent activism made him an international symbol of resilience and change. A recipient of numerous global honors, including recognition as one of Foreign Policy Magazine’s Top 100 Global Thinkers, Evan has held fellowships at Stanford, Yale, and Johns Hopkins University. His book, Crazy Epic Courage, captures his extraordinary journey from faith leader to political prisoner, offering powerful lessons on courage and leadership.

Learn more and grab the book at www.evanmawarire.org.

You can also connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram (@pastorevanlive).

The workplace is changing fast.

From economic uncertainty to cultural shifts and the rise of AI, business leaders are operating in a constant state of pressure, and a troubling leadership style is on the rise.

In this episode, I sit down with CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author Kate Lowry to unpack what fear-based leadership looks like and how to protect yourself from it.

We explore:

- Why fear-based leadership is on the rise
- How to spot a fear-based leader before you sign on
- Tactical “upward management” techniques that actually work
- The psychology behind leaders who operate through shame, manipulation, and control
- Gendered differences in how fear-based leaders show up at work
- The critical skillsets you must develop to thrive in today’s environment

If you've ever felt gaslit, overworked, or subtly manipulated by someone in power, this episode is your blueprint for protection and empowerment. Listen now.

“You are not powerless. You just need new tools for a new era of leadership.”

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Kate Lowry is a CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author based in Silicon Valley. An expert in fear-based leaders, Kate developed her methodology growing up in a personal hierarchical family, then refined her approach in the elite worlds of start-ups, private equity, management consulting, and big tech at McKinsey, Meta, and Insight Partners. She is the author of Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders. In her free time, you can find her writing comedy and music and cuddling her service dog, Annie.

Learn more and grab the book at:
www.katelowry.com

You can also connect with her on:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram

In this episode, business psychologist, emotional intelligence expert, and founder of Ei4Change, Dr. Robin Hills, shares how to stay grounded in human-centered leadership while navigating the rise of AI and embracing the opportunities it brings.

We explore the emotional and ethical limits of AI, and why critical thinking, empathy, and purpose-driven leadership matter now more than ever.

"AI is not a crisis, it’s an opportunity. We’ve got to recognize it as a tool, work with it, and understand what it can and – perhaps more importantly – cannot do."

Ready to lead with purpose in the age of AI? Tune in to this powerful episode and discover how to harness emotional intelligence, rethink leadership, and future-proof your impact.

Listen now and start leading differently.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

- AI as an Opportunity, Not a Crisis

- Limitations of AI vs. Human Capability
AI offers data, speed, and analysis—but lacks emotion, intuition, and ethical reasoning.
Leadership today requires what AI cannot replicate: empathy, judgment, and authentic connection.

- Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
It’s about making quality decisions, fostering real relationships, and adapting to change with self-awareness.

- Guardrails for AI
Who should be setting them? Why political or media-driven governance isn’t the answer.
The need for diverse, informed voices shaping AI ethics.

- The Changing Role of Doctors & Medical Professionals
How AI can support medical professionals.

- Education & the Next Generation
Why traditional education must change in the age of AI.
From regurgitation to critical thinking, creativity, and emotional resilience.
Encouraging youth to become emotionally intelligent, ethical leaders.

- Emotional Resilience vs. Toxic Positivity
What it really means to be resilient in a realistic, grounded way.
Recognizing what we can and cannot control—and how to move forward with optimism.

- Future-Proofing Your Career

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Dr. Robin Hills is a business psychologist and the director of Ei4Change. A company specializing in emotional intelligence for change in educational training, coaching, and personal development (focused on emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and neuroscience). Awarded “International Impact Company of the Year” – Award Winner by Dotcom Magazine in 2025.

With the most comprehensive and detailed courses around the topic of emotional intelligence, Robin has taught and empowered more than 500,000 people across 200+ countries. He is an accomplished author and global keynote speaker (including at Harvard). Awarded “Best Emotional Intelligence Coaching & Training Enterprise 2025” by Corporate America Today and the Global 100 Awards by EMG Publishing.

In early 2024, Robin was presented with an Honorary Doctorate in Advanced Studies in Psychology in recognition of his contributions to Emotional Intelligence training.

Learn more at ei4change.com, or connect with him on...
LinkedIn
Facebook, Instagram, or X: @Ei4Change

You can also check out his YouTube channel.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, and author Rob Gallaher to discuss the importance of self-leadership, the mechanics of implementing a sustainable profit-sharing model, and what it takes to create a culture of shared success.

We explore how Rob transitioned from micromanaging every detail to empowering leaders at every level of his businesses. He shares the exact frameworks that helped his team members start thinking—and acting—like owners, along with the hard lessons he's learned along the way.

This episode is filled with practical insights for founders, managers, and anyone interested in profit-sharing or building a culture of shared success.

“If you want your team to act like owners, give them a reason to care whether the business wins or loses.”

“[With this model] I have seen monthly profits triple. I just don’t know another way to make that happen as quickly. If there is, let me know!”

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Rob Gallaher is an entrepreneur, CEO, and author with over a decade of experience building and leading successful businesses. Recognizing the power of aligning employee interests with company performance, Rob has become a passionate advocate for and expert in implementing effective profit-sharing strategies. Through years of practical application and refinement, he has developed a successful model that fosters a collaborative, motivated, and productive workplace. His book, "Profit Sharing: The Power of Shared Success," provides a comprehensive guide for business leaders looking to leverage this powerful tool to enhance company culture, boost productivity, and drive significant growth.

To learn more about Rob and his course on profit sharing, visit profitx.co.

"When things are going well, it’s exciting. When they’re not, you don’t know where the bottom is."

In this episode, entrepreneur, author, and developer Jose Berlanga and I discuss navigating complexity and leadership lessons learned from childhood adversity and many years of leading through high-stakes moments.

We specifically discuss the importance of calculated risk-taking, building resilient teams, creating contingency plans, and the difference between leadership under pressure and micromanaging out of fear.

In high-stakes moments, success often hinges not on avoiding risk, but on knowing which ones are worth taking, and leading with conviction when the path forward is unclear.

Key Takeaways:

--> Discomfort is Constant
Leading through difficulty isn’t an exception—it’s the norm, especially in entrepreneurship.

--> Risk as a Way of Life
Early adversity can build resilience; successful leaders develop a tolerance for discomfort and pressure.

--> Preparation > Prediction
Contingency planning is critical. Leaders can’t afford denial or false optimism in crisis moments.

--> Delegation is a Skill
Let go of tasks incrementally, starting with repetitive, non-critical areas. Avoid micromanaging.

--> Team Power
Build a proactive team that can think and act independently. Leadership shifts you from doing to coordinating.

--> Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking
In crises, long-term strategy narrows to survival mode—prioritize urgent, essential tasks.

This episode will help you navigate those complex, high-stakes moments with more clarity, confidence, and ease. Listen in!

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Jose Berlanga, an entrepreneur from Mexico City with over 35 years of experience, has made a significant mark in Houston's real estate industry, notably through co-founding Tricon Homes. His diverse background, including degrees in Business Administration, Economics, and Philosophy, has fueled his success in various sectors, making him a source of inspiration and mentorship in the business community. He is the author of The Business of Home Building and is working on his second book.

You can connect with him or learn more at https://joseberlanga.com, on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-berlanga-900a9518/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/authorjoseberlanga), or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/authorjoseberlanga/).

“We tend to do things because that’s the way it’s always been, not because it’s the right answer.”

In this episode, Belonging and Connection Strategist, Dr. Roz Cohen, shares a practical approach to hiring practices that foster employee engagement and belonging at work, as well as how leaders can share the mental load of being the person who does it all.

This conversation is so refreshing in that Dr. Roz takes big concept ideas, such as hiring practices, employee engagement, inclusive leadership, connection and belonging, and breaks them down into incredibly relevant questions and actionable behaviors, specific to you and your organization.

The more we can create the environment Dr. Roz suggests, the happier people will be in our organization, including us!

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Dr. Roz Cohen has spent over two decades proving that great workplaces aren't built on policies alone—they're built on real human connections. As Chief People Officer at LNW Advisors and founder of Socius Strategies, she's made it her mission to help organizations create cultures where everyone truly belongs. Roz's journey through HR leadership has taken her from the magic of Disney to the fast-paced world of Banc of America Securities and Hall Capital Partners. Along the way, she's discovered that whether you're entertaining millions or managing billions, the secret ingredient is always the same: authentic relationships and inclusive leadership.

With her Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University and credentials as both an SPHR® and SHRM-SCP, Roz brings serious expertise to her work. But ask anyone who's worked with her, and they'll tell you she's just as likely to roll up her sleeves and dig into the real challenges facing teams today.

When she's not busy changing workplace cultures one connection at a time, you might find Roz training for the NYC Marathon, exploring new cuisines, or planning her next travel adventure. Her philosophy is simple: we all thrive when we feel genuinely connected to the work we do and the people we do it with.

Learn more about and connect with Dr. Roz at https://lnwadvisors.com/bio/rosalind-f-cohen-ph-d-sphr/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalindfcohen.