Get Unstuck & On Target

Ever made a decision under pressure that didn't reflect who you actually are as a leader? You've done the reading. You know what good leadership looks like. And still, in the moment that matters most, you react before you can catch yourself.In this episode of Get Unstuck & On Target, host Mike O'Neill sits down with Billy Mullins, author of Salt Your Thoughts and a lifelong student of the neuroscience behind human behavior. Billy has mapped a five-step sequence he calls the chain, a process that runs in just seven seconds and takes leaders from information overload straight to reactive behavior. Understanding why willpower alone can't stop it changes how you think about leadership development entirely.Billy and Mike trace each step of the chain from the information overload that starts it to the reactive behavior that ends it and then get into the practical tools Billy built specifically to interrupt it. Billy shares the story behind the reset button, a tactile tool born out of his own darkest personal and professional season, and introduces SALT seeds, a daily positive programming practice designed to point your reticular activating system toward what you actually want to see.Three key topics to look out for:- Why willpower fails under pressure and what the neuroscience says actually happens inside your brain in those seven seconds- The five-step chain from information overload to reactive behavior, and how each step feeds the next- The reset button and SALT seeds, two practical tools you can use to interrupt the chain before the wrong decision comes outFind all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/241

Tired of the hamster wheel?In this episode, Mike O'Neill sits down with Markus Neukom — a guy who's done it all... sales, HR, headhunting, government work, and now he's guiding high-achievers who've "made it" but still feel like something's missing.Here's what you'll learn:• How to recognize when you've become a hamster instead of a human being (yeah, it's a thing)• Why that nagging voice asking "is this it?" is actually your soul trying to get your attention• The difference between quiet, stillness, and breakthrough — and how to access all three• A simple question you can ask yourself TODAY that might change everything• How imposter syndrome is actually a compliment from life (Markus breaks this down beautifully)• The "deconstruction process" that helps you understand what's REALLY made you successful... so you can do it againMarkus doesn't show up with another strategy deck or some corporate BS. He creates space for leaders to think differently. And in that space? Real transformation happens.Mike brings his signature blend of curiosity and practicality to this conversation... pulling out insights that'll hit you right in the chest.If you've ever felt like you're running faster just to keep up... or wondered if there's more to leadership (and life) than checking boxes... this one's for you.Buckle up. This conversation goes DEEP.Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/229

Your top female talent is quietly walking away from her career, and you have no idea why—because nobody's talking about the one thing that's costing your business $1.8 billion a year in missed work days.In this episode, Mike O'Neill sits down with Denise Stegall, founder of Healthy Living with Denise and international best-selling author of "Healthy Living, Healthy Life," to tackle a workplace crisis that most leaders are still ignoring: menopause. With over 25 years of wellness expertise and 17 years focused specifically on menopause, Denise brings a refreshing perspective that reframes this as a business problem, not just a personal one.The conversation cuts through the myths and misconceptions that are costing companies their best people. Denise explains how menopause begins earlier than most realize—often by age 40 with perimenopause—and how symptoms like sleep disruption, brain fog, and anxiety directly impact workplace performance. But here's what makes this episode essential: Denise reveals the practical, science-backed approach she calls the "midlife metabolic flip," which focuses on reducing inflammation through nutrition and lifestyle changes. She walks through exactly how this works and shares real examples of business owners who nearly quit their companies before understanding what was actually happening to their bodies.Mike brings his signature leadership lens to the conversation, asking the hard questions about what companies can actually do right now. Denise doesn't hold back with actionable steps—from education and manager training to flexible work policies and menopause support programs that rival pregnancy benefits. She even shares the powerful story of two UK physicians who quit their jobs because of a simple request for schedule flexibility that was denied.Key Insights to Look Out For:• Menopause-related absences cost U.S. businesses $1.8 billion annually, and 13% of women have quit their jobs because of menopausal symptoms—yet most leaders still treat this as a personal issue rather than a business strategy problem.• The "midlife metabolic flip" shows how inflammation amplifies menopause symptoms, and by addressing it through targeted nutrition and sleep improvements, women regain clarity, energy, and productivity—sometimes preventing them from leaving altogether.• Companies that implement three core changes—education for leaders, flexible work arrangements, and formal menopause support policies—don't just retain top talent; they build healthier cultures and unlock higher performance from their most experienced employees.If you're a leader who's been overlooking this issue, this episode is your wake-up call. Listen now and take one action this week: educate yourself on what menopause actually is and how it affects your team. It could be as simple as reading a book, doing a search, or listening to Denise's podcast, "Healthy Living Happy Midlife." The conversation you have with your team next week could be the difference between keeping or losing your best people. Share this episode with other leaders in your network—they need to hear this too.Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/227

Your vacation is a wasted opportunity for growth.Most leaders treat travel like a checklist, moving from one destination to the next without any real change. This episode challenges that approach, revealing a powerful connection between meaningful travel and effective leadership. Mike O’Neill sits down with Zach Smith, the founder and CEO of anywhere.com, a travel company built on creating profound experiences rather than just selling trips. Zach explains the critical difference between being a tourist and becoming an explorer. He shares how stepping out of your comfort zone in a new culture builds the same resilience and perspective needed to navigate the complexities of business. Mike and Zach break down the practical steps for shifting your mindset from passive observation to active presence, turning your time off into a powerful tool for personal and professional development.Key Insights to Look Out For:- The problem with the "bucket list" mentality and how it prevents you from having truly transformative experiences.- Why intentionality is the key to both meaningful travel and impactful leadership.- How to remain patient and lead effectively when your business comes to a complete standstill.Listen now to learn how to approach your next trip as a chance to grow, not just a chance to get away. If this conversation sparks a new idea, consider sharing it with a fellow leader.Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/225

Stop letting your future self remain a blurry image.In this episode of "Get Unstuck and On Target," host Mike O’Neill sits down with Lindsay Hack, a certified coach and founder of HacktiveFit Coaching. Lindsay has developed a revolutionary AI-powered vision board experience that helps leaders visualize success with remarkable clarity. This isn't your typical vision board; it's a powerful tool that leverages AI to create a vivid, emotionally resonant picture of your future self. Mike O’Neill, known for his expertise in ethical leadership and coaching top executives, guides the conversation, sharing his own experience with Lindsay's process and offering his unique perspective on how visualization fuels leadership growth. They explore the practical applications of this AI vision board for leaders and coaches, and what happens when you can finally see your future with absolute clarity.Key Insights to Look Out For:- How traditional vision boards fall short and why AI is the missing piece for true visualization.- The neuroscience behind why seeing your future self, with emotional accuracy, makes achieving goals more likely.- Real-world examples of how this AI vision board experience has helped individuals move from feeling stuck to taking decisive action.Don't just dream about your success—see it, feel it, and then achieve it. Listen to this episode to learn how to transform your aspirations into a clear, actionable reality. If you found value in this conversation, consider subscribing and sharing it with a fellow leader.Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/223

In this powerful episode, Mike O'Neill sits down with Mike Blake, founder of High Score Strategies, who made the bold decision to relocate his business valuation firm from Atlanta to Portugal. Not for political reasons or tax benefits—but because his greatest talents were gathering dust, slowly eroding his sense of purpose and happiness.Mike Blake brings over 20 years of experience in business valuation, specializing in hard-to-value assets like software code, intellectual property, and early-stage technology companies. Throughout this candid conversation, he reveals how living abroad has transformed not just his personal life but made him a sharper, more focused business leader. His expertise in valuing complex assets combined with his natural talent for languages and cultural adaptation creates a unique perspective on leadership that business owners can immediately apply.Host Mike O'Neill expertly guides the discussion through Blake's professional transformation, drawing out practical wisdom on how curiosity becomes a competitive advantage, why non-judgmental problem-solving builds stronger teams, and how recognizing when you're stuck can be the most valuable business insight of all.Key Insights to Look Out For:- Why using your second-best talents instead of your best ones creates a spiritual drain that eventually impacts your business performance- How adopting a posture of curiosity rather than judgment transforms client relationships and team leadership- The power of acknowledging when there's no good solution to a problem—and why sometimes the best advice is telling clients they're genuinely stuckThis episode isn't just for those considering international relocation—it's for any business owner feeling misaligned with their true strengths or facing difficult transitions. Listen now to gain fresh perspective on what it takes to make meaningful change, even when it requires significant sacrifice. Mike's story will inspire you to honestly assess where your talents are being underutilized and find the courage to make necessary shifts in your business and life.Remember to subscribe to Get Unstuck and On Target for more conversations that blend strategic business insights with authentic leadership wisdom. Your next breakthrough might be waiting in this episode.Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/221

Is your success a mask hiding a deeper struggle?In this episode, Mike O'Neill speaks with Gordon D Melville, also known as the Long Bearded Guy and King of EQ, a breakthrough mentor and emotional intelligence expert. Gordon helps high-impact leaders transform not just what they do, but who they are at their core. Drawing from his work with pro athletes and elite men, Gordon shares how to identify the signs of misalignment and reclaim your true self. Mike O'Neill adds his insights on recognizing worth beyond professional achievements.Key Insights to Look Out For:Understand why separating "what you do" from "who you be" is vital for lasting fulfillment.Learn how to spot the signs of being out of sync with your true worth, even when you appear successful.Find out why awareness and ownership are the keys to getting unstuck and living a more authentic life.Ready to remove the layers and reveal your true self? Listen now and start creating a legacy that resonates with your soul. Share this episode with a fellow leader who needs to hear this message.Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/219

Is employee loss silently killing your company's growth?In this special "Clarity Live" episode, Mike O'Neill turns the tables and gets coached live by Mitchell Levy, a global credibility expert, executive coach, and two-time TedX speaker. Mitchell, who has authored over 60 books and built more than 20 businesses in Silicon Valley, uses his unique CPOP (Customer Point of Possibilities) formula to help Mike articulate his purpose and gain a clearer understanding of his business. Listen in as they discuss the challenges mid-market executives face and how to create a framework for sustainable growth. Mike also shares his personal experiences and insights on the importance of aligning one's actions with their core values.Key Insights to Look Out For:Learn how to define your CPOP and use it as a compass for better decision-making.Understand the critical link between leadership, employee retention, and company culture.Hear Mitchell's advice on how to avoid the "fake it till you make it" trap and build genuine credibility.Ready to stop the revolving door and start building a thriving company culture? Tune in now to gain actionable strategies and a fresh perspective on leadership. If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it with a fellow business owner who could benefit from these insights.Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/217