Listening With Leaders

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, your host Doug Noll interviews Bobby Humes, Lead Consultant and CEO of BH Consultancy.They discuss Bobby’s journey from Army HR roles to leading Seattle’s HR department during COVID-19, and now running the consultancy BH Consultancy. The conversation explores the value of emotional intelligence, overcoming resistance to "soft skills" training, and science-based coaching methods. Personal stories, including Bobby’s theater background and Doug’s jazz violin passion, add depth to this engaging discussion on leadership, self-awareness, and the power of listening.To learn more about Bobby's work, click HERE.Connect with Bobby on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll interviews Ben Gaddis, Partner and Co-founder of Superstep Capital, and author of Embracing Irrationality. They discuss Ben’s journey from marketing to private equity, investing in SaaS companies, and the impact of AI on software. The conversation explores leadership assessment, effective board meetings, and the vital role of empathy in business. They also examine the challenges of fostering connection in virtual work environments and the importance of diverse personalities in leadership and team success.To learn more about Ben's work at Superstep Capital, click HERE.Check out Ben's book, Embracing Irrationality, HERE. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll and guest Chip Higgins, Founder of Bizzics, discuss how leadership and communication are evolving in the age of digital technology, remote work, and AI.They explore the challenges and opportunities of building genuine connections without physical presence, the impact of generational differences, and the role of listening in effective leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, personal attention, and adapting to new tools, while sharing personal stories and insights on maintaining human bonds in a rapidly changing world.To learn more about Chip's work, click HERE.Connect with Chip on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll interviews Vidar Hokstad, Founder and Consultant at Hokstad Consulting, about his journey from early computer fascination to leading startups and venture-backed companies.The conversation explores lessons learned from product failures, the importance of emotional intelligence in engineering teams, and the challenges of adopting AI. An unidentified third speaker adds thoughtful questions. Vidar shares insights on bridging technical and interpersonal skills, his preference for consulting, and his hobby of writing science fiction novels, offering listeners a well-rounded view of leadership in today’s tech world.To learn more about Vidar's work, click HERE.Connect with Vidar on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll and guest Maria Garaitonandia, Founder of Global Bridges Training, explore the complexities of communication in leadership and cross-cultural settings.Maria shares how her international upbringing shaped her passion for “untangling” communication challenges, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy. The discussion covers generational and cultural differences, the impact of technology, and practical frameworks for improving dialogue. The speakers highlight that validating emotions and listening deeply are essential for effective leadership, and they offer actionable insights to help leaders foster understanding, navigate conflict, and build stronger connections within diverse teams.To learn more about Maria's work, click HERE.Connect with Maria on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll interviews Joe Zentmyer, Founder and CEO of Snaggletooth Goby.Joe is a Chicago-based serial entrepreneur who transitioned from 18 years at Kraft Foods to founding multiple businesses, including a rock climbing gym and an aquarium service company. Joe shares insights on leadership, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of listening, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic layoffs. He reflects on balancing analytical skills with people management, personal growth, and overcoming communication challenges due to hearing loss. The conversation highlights lessons learned about empathy, resilience, and building trust within teams.To learn more about Joe's work, click HERE.Connect with Joe on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll and guest Terri Lonowski explore the transformative power of “soulful listening.”Terri shares her personal journey and introduces her five-element framework for deep, empathetic communication. The conversation highlights how unmet needs to be heard often fuel conflict, and how self-care and presence are essential for genuine listening. Terri discusses her work with organizations through her company, Soulful Listening, her upcoming book, and practical ways to connect with her. The episode closes with mutual appreciation and encouragement for listeners to cultivate more meaningful, soulful connections in both personal and professional life.To learn more about Terri's work, click HERE.Connect with Terri on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll interviews Theo Harvey, the CEO and Co-founder of SynsorMed, a healthcare technology company transforming remote patient care.Theo shares his journey from big tech to healthcare entrepreneurship, inspired by his daughter's health challenges. They discuss building a remote-first team, leadership lessons, and the integration of AI to personalize and improve patient-doctor communication. The conversation highlights SynsorMed’s broad reach, commitment to affordable and quality care, and Theo’s passion for innovation—rooted in his love for sci-fi and belief in a hopeful, technology-driven future.To learn more about Theo's work, click HERE.Connect with Theo on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll interviews Megan Boveri, Chief Media Officer of Pinnacle Advertising. They discuss her journey from rural Illinois to leading a large media team near Chicago, her accidental entry into advertising, and the evolving role of AI in the industry. She shares insights on empathetic leadership, developing future leaders, and balancing people management with business strategy. The conversation also touches on the challenges of transitioning from producer to leader, her passion for travel planning, and her ongoing commitment to learning and adapting in a fast-changing media landscape.To learn more about Megan's work, click HERE.Connect with Megan on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll talks to Anita Nayak, Founder and CEO of ClinDCast, shares her inspiring journey from a small village in India to leading a successful healthcare IT consulting firm in Florida. She discusses her company’s work in EHR integration and data migration for hospitals and insurers, her leadership philosophy rooted in trust and integrity, and her commitment to team development. Anita also highlights the importance of listening, consistency, and self-motivation, as well as her public speaking on healthcare IT and leadership. The conversation with host Doug Noll offers insights into her values-driven approach and dedication to improving patient care through technology.To learn more about Anita's work, click HERE.Connect with Anita on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll welcomes Tom Gegax, a successful CEO and cancer survivor, who shares his journey from corporate arrogance to empathetic, spiritually connected leadership. Tom discusses overcoming personal and professional struggles, including business failure, divorce, and throat cancer, and how these challenges led to profound self-awareness and transformation. Their conversation highlights the importance of empathy, vulnerability, and active listening in leadership. Doug encourages listeners to watch Tom’s documentary, "Confessions of a CEO," and invites leaders to share their stories, emphasizing the podcast’s mission of fostering emotional awareness and authentic connection.To learn more about Tom's work, click HERE.Connect with Tom on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Master Certified Executive Coach, Kristen Boss. Kristen shares her journey from hairstyling to leadership consulting, the impact of nervous system responses on behavior, and why traditional leadership strategies often fall short. She discusses the importance of emotional awareness, ethical leadership, and practical tools for nervous system regulation, encouraging leaders to embrace emotions as strengths. To learn more about Kristen's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Principal and Aviation Section Leader at Mancini Duffy, John Anthal. He discusses the complexities of designing airport lounges, the importance of collaboration and trust among stakeholders, and the challenges of building in active airports. John highlights the role of technology, emotional intelligence, and meticulous planning in delivering successful projects. He also reveals his passion for spreadsheets and balancing detail with big-picture thinking, offering listeners valuable insights into the dynamic world of aviation architecture.To learn more about John's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the CFO at Riley Construction, Vince Montemurro. Vince discusses his leadership style, the importance of listening, and his commitment to developing people and fostering teamwork. He also reflects on the company’s values, the role of skilled trades, and his aspirations for the future. Vince highlights how empathy, authenticity, and strong relationships drive both personal and organizational success in the construction industry.To learn more about Vince's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the CEO of ChurchCandy Marketing, Brady Sticker. Brady shares his journey from seminary student to entrepreneur, explains how ChurchCandy connects people to churches using targeted ads and authentic video invitations, and highlights the company’s mission-driven culture. He discusses leveraging AI for efficiency, the importance of listening in leadership, and practical marketing strategies. Brady also reveals his passion for fantasy football, offering listeners a blend of business insight, personal stories, and actionable advice for faith-based organizations.To learn more about Brady's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Founder and CEO at Rwazi, Joseph Rutakangwa. Joseph shares his journey from hardship in Tanzania—where his family lost everything—to building a successful tech startup in the U.S. He discusses overcoming adversity, the challenges of launching Rwazi, and how their AI systems help enterprises make smarter, data-driven decisions. Joseph highlights his leadership philosophy, the importance of listening, and his commitment to empowering others, offering inspiration and practical insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.To learn more about Joseph's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Owner of Peterman Design Firm, Ian Peterman. Ian shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with a childhood greeting card business, and discusses how early business lessons and his father’s influence led him to product design. He explains Peterman Design Firm’s approach to innovation, commercialization, and remote teamwork. Ian explores the importance of empathetic listening in leadership, the company’s commitment to sustainability, and adapting through challenges like COVID-19. To learn more about Ian's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the CEO and Co-Owner at Waterloo Turf, Tim Lovett. Tim shares his journey from corporate sales to franchising artificial turf installation, highlighting the company’s rapid national growth and unique business model. He discusses the importance of values alignment, franchisee support, and disciplined execution. Tim also reflects on personal experiences that shaped his leadership, emphasizing persistence and listening as keys to success. To learn more about Tim's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com