Leadership Conversations with Jonno White Podcast

In this inspiring episode, Jonno White sits down with Colin Lee — CEO and founder of Inspire Realty, strategic networker, and founder of the Kingdom Entrepreneurs Network.Colin shares his remarkable journey from migrating to Australia at 19 to building a life marked by leadership, faith, and a fierce commitment to honoring his parents' sacrifice. You’ll hear the incredible story of how he made it his mission to retire his parents — and did.We explore the challenges and rewards of building a successful property portfolio, the power of knowing your why, and how networking can transform your life and business when it’s done with authenticity and purpose. Colin also opens up about his faith and how it's shaped both his leadership and his business.Whether you're a leader, business owner, or just looking for inspiration to take your next step, this episode will challenge you to dream big, lead with purpose, and invest in what truly matters.Connect with Colin Lee: 🌐 https://inspirerealty.com 🌐 https://kingdomentrepreneurs.org

In this episode of Leadership Conversations, Jonno White sits down with Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate (IB), to explore what it takes to lead a truly global education organization serving over two million students across 160 countries.Olli-Pekka reflects on his journey from a rural Finnish village to international leadership—sharing powerful lessons shaped by music, complexity thinking, and servant-hearted leadership. With deep humility, he unpacks the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and listening in today’s complex world.He also dives into: 🔹 Why leadership starts with unknowing, not knowing🔹 The power of holding space instead of giving orders🔹 How orchestras taught him to understand non-verbal leadership and intelligence🔹 Why strategy and change must be co-created—not dictated🔹 How to shift from hierarchy to trust and psychological safetyThis conversation is a masterclass in leading with vision, humility, and systems-thinking—especially relevant for leaders navigating change, culture, and global complexity.Tune in now to hear Olli-Pekka Heinonen’s incredible leadership insights and timeless wisdom.

In this episode of Leadership Conversations, Jonno White sits down with Dominique Lamb, Queensland’s Small Business Commissioner, to discuss the realities of leadership, resilience, and advocacy for small businesses.Dominique shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to becoming a lawyer, an accidental CEO, and now a key advocate for nearly half a million small businesses in Queensland. She reflects on the challenges of leadership at the highest levels, the power of collaboration, and the hidden struggles of small business owners.She also dives into:🔹 Why financial visibility is the #1 factor for small business success🔹 The unseen toxicity leaders face at the top and how to navigate it🔹 How small businesses can leverage advocacy, dispute resolution, and financial planning to survive and grow🔹 The importance of finding a core support network and staying true to your valuesThis conversation is filled with insights on leadership, resilience, and the real struggles and triumphs of small business owners. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or someone passionate about advocacy, this episode will challenge and inspire you.Tune in now to hear Dominique Lamb’s leadership lessons and small business insights!

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, I sit down with Jill Howard to dive into what it truly means to lead with resilience, adaptability, and vision. Jill shares her leadership journey, offering deep insights into how great leaders navigate uncertainty, empower their teams, and create environments where people thrive.Jill opens up about the critical role of trust in leadership. She explains how trust isn’t just built through big decisions but through the everyday moments—how leaders show up, listen, and create space for others to grow. She emphasizes that the best leaders don’t have all the answers, but they ask the right questions and create a culture where problem-solving becomes a shared responsibility.Another key theme is navigating leadership in times of uncertainty. Jill shares personal experiences of leading teams through difficult transitions, highlighting how real leadership isn’t about having a perfect roadmap—it’s about being present, making thoughtful decisions, and fostering resilience. She reveals how leaders can embrace change rather than fear it, inspiring their teams to do the same.Jill also discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership. She explains why the ability to read a room, understand different perspectives, and adjust your approach is one of the most valuable skills a leader can have. Her advice on active listening and genuine connection will resonate with anyone looking to elevate their leadership game.Throughout the conversation, Jill provides practical strategies for leaders at all levels, from new managers to seasoned executives. Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization, her insights will challenge you to think differently about your role, your influence, and the legacy you’re creating.This episode is packed with real-world wisdom, actionable advice, and powerful leadership lessons. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will help you lead with confidence, clarity, and impact.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Mark Plitzuweit, President CEO of Edkey, Inc., a diverse charter school network serving over 11,000 students. Mark shares powerful insights on what it takes to lead in education, discussing his journey from teacher to CEO and the core principles that have guided him through the complexities of organizational growth.Mark opens up about his journey, which began on the athletic fields of high school and college, where he first discovered the power of teamwork and leadership. These early experiences in sports taught him the value of guiding others, a theme he carried forward into his career in education. He shares how, from his early days in the classroom to now leading Edkey, his approach has always centered on helping others uncover their strengths, creating an environment where each team member can thrive.One of the central themes in this episode is Mark’s commitment to developing a high-retention, purpose-driven culture. When Mark joined Edkey in 2016, he was faced with financial instability and high turnover. Through a people-first approach, he turned these challenges into successes, achieving a 97% retention rate—a rarity in the education field. Mark describes how he built trust within his team by focusing on kindness, transparency, integrity, and open communication. By putting his core values into practice, Mark has created a culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and connected to Edkey’s mission.Mark emphasizes the importance of trust in leadership, sharing his belief that leaders must release control and allow team members to grow through both success and failure. By giving school principals at Edkey the autonomy to make decisions and learn from their own experiences, Mark has fostered an environment where leadership isn’t about micromanaging but about supporting others to reach their full potential. His philosophy of “trust, yet verify” provides a balanced approach that encourages independence within a framework of accountability.Another highlight of the conversation is Mark’s unique hiring strategy, which focuses on finding the right people for Edkey’s culture before matching them to specific roles. He explains why Edkey invests heavily in professional development, seeing it as an essential component of retaining passionate and motivated employees. By hiring for culture fit and offering robust training, Mark has built a team dedicated to serving the unique needs of each Edkey school community.Mark also shares his thoughts on navigating change, especially in the rapidly evolving education landscape. He discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for schools to innovate and adapt, emphasizing that education must evolve to meet new challenges and expectations. Through his forward-thinking approach, Mark has positioned Edkey as a leader in flexible, community-centered education models that address each school’s unique needs.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in transformative leadership, team-building, and making a lasting impact in education. Mark’s story and insights offer valuable lessons on creating a resilient, mission-driven organization that thrives on trust, empowerment, and purposeful leadership.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Jethro Jones, an education consultant and host of the Transformative Principal podcast. Jethro shares his experiences from his years as a school principal, emphasizing how inspiring others and leading with vision are crucial elements of effective leadership. Whether you're an educator or a leader in any field, this conversation is packed with insights on how to build a thriving, vision-driven culture.Jethro begins by recounting his journey from leading a group of young boys in his church to becoming a school principal. He quickly learned that having a title wasn’t enough to inspire others—it required building relationships and helping people see a greater vision. This lesson carried through his leadership journey and became a foundation for his approach to working with school leaders today.The conversation explores the challenges of maintaining motivation in the face of burnout, particularly for teachers and school leaders. Jethro shares his perspective on the importance of understanding the difference between serving sacrificially and serving with purpose. He explains how focusing on putting others first doesn’t have to mean exhausting yourself to the point of burnout. Instead, he advocates for prioritizing tasks that truly serve the needs of students and teachers, rather than getting bogged down by unnecessary requirements.Jethro dives deep into the idea of personalized learning and how it can transform education. He explains why allowing students to connect their passions with their learning can create more meaningful experiences and how this approach can be adapted to leadership in any organization. By focusing on what makes each person unique, Jethro demonstrates how leaders can inspire their teams to take ownership of their roles and contribute to a shared vision.Another key theme is the power of clarity in leadership. Jethro emphasizes that being clear about your vision and expectations makes it easier to have honest, respectful conversations with your team. He shares stories of how, when he clearly communicated his vision for student-focused education, it not only led to better outcomes but also helped identify who was truly aligned with that vision.Throughout the episode, Jethro offers practical advice for leaders who want to build a strong culture within their teams. He challenges leaders to ask themselves how they can create an environment where people feel valued, heard, and excited to contribute. By sharing his own successes and failures, Jethro provides a roadmap for how to develop a leadership style that is both impactful and sustainable.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to inspire others, cultivate a vision-driven culture, and navigate the complexities of leadership in education or any other field. Tune in to learn how you can lead with authenticity, clarity, and purpose.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Leora Cruddas, the founding Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts in England. Leora shares her powerful journey from growing up in apartheid South Africa to leading a national organization that advocates for school trusts. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to social justice in education.Leora begins by reflecting on her early years teaching in a township in South Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in a community that valued learning as a means of overcoming systemic inequality. This profound experience shaped her lifelong belief that education should be a tool for social justice, not just social mobility. She explains the difference between these two concepts, arguing that true social justice lifts up all children, not just a select few.Throughout the conversation, Leora delves into the challenges of leading an organization that must balance diverse opinions and navigate the contested space of education policy. She emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership, particularly as one gains more influence. Humility, she argues, is crucial in preventing leaders from creating echo chambers that reinforce their own beliefs rather than challenging them.Leora also shares her thoughts on the importance of a knowledge-rich curriculum, which she believes is essential for providing all children with the skills they need to succeed. She critiques the global trend towards skills-based curricula, arguing that knowledge is the foundation for critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. This perspective, while controversial, is supported by evidence from around the world showing that knowledge-rich curricula benefit all students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.As the conversation unfolds, Leora offers advice for leaders in education, particularly women who may struggle with imposter syndrome. She encourages them to embrace their strengths and recognize their worth, drawing on the wisdom of literature and personal experience.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, education policy, and the role of schools in creating a more just society. Tune in to gain valuable insights from one of the leading voices in education today.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, host Jonno White engages in a compelling conversation with Holly Blair, the Executive Director of the Maine Principals Association. Holly’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and impactful leadership. From her humble beginnings as a quiet freshman in a small-town church group to leading statewide educational initiatives, Holly’s journey is filled with invaluable lessons for leaders at all levels.Holly reflects on her first foray into leadership during her freshman year of high school. Thrust into a position of influence at a young age, she shares how this early experience shaped her understanding of leadership and set the stage for her future roles. Holly’s story is a testament to how stepping out of your comfort zone can reveal hidden strengths and set the foundation for a lifetime of leadership.Moving through her career, Holly recounts the unique challenges of being a teaching principal in some of Maine’s most remote and under-resourced schools. She discusses the balancing act of leading while teaching and the critical lessons she learned about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community in leadership. This theme dives deep into the complexities of leadership in education, offering insights that are relevant to anyone managing multiple roles.One of the highlights of Holly’s career has been her commitment to mentorship. She shares how she grew a fledgling mentorship program from just five participants to over 110, making a lasting impact on educational leadership in Maine. Holly’s approach to mentorship emphasizes the importance of support networks, continuous learning, and the personal fulfillment that comes from guiding others on their leadership journey. Listeners will gain practical tips on how to build and sustain effective mentorship programs.Holly’s role at the Maine Principals Association has allowed her to influence educational leadership on a statewide scale. She talks about the initiatives she’s led, including organizing large-scale conferences and advocating for educational leaders at the state and national levels. This section of the episode explores the broader impact a leader can have when they leverage their experiences and networks to create positive change on a larger scale.In addition to her leadership roles, Holly is also a published author. She discusses her book, You Are Number One, which explores the neuroscience behind why we remember certain teachers and how these principles can be applied to leadership. Holly’s insights into brain science and leadership philosophy provide a unique perspective on how leaders can make a lasting impact on those they serve. This theme will resonate with listeners interested in the intersection of education, leadership, and personal development.Holly also opens up about the ongoing challenge of maintaining a work-life balance, particularly in demanding leadership roles. She shares candid reflections on how she manages to stay grounded and why she believes that achieving this balance is crucial for long-term success. This theme offers valuable advice for leaders who are struggling to juggle their professional responsibilities with personal well-being.Join us for an insightful episode filled with powerful stories, practical leadership advice, and a deep dive into the experiences that have shaped Holly Blair’s impactful career. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or simply someone interested in personal growth, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration to help you on your journey. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of Maine’s most influential educational leaders.Dr. Holly Blair is an educator, speaker, state executive director, college professor, and author of You Are #1: The Science and Reasons Behind Why We Remember Some of Our Teachers, Forever. Available at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09VFY6S3V

Name: Edward AmeyCurrent title: CEOCurrent organisation: Jay Nolan Community Services in the United StatesAre you ready to revolutionize the way your team interacts and performs? Tune into this compelling episode with Edward Amey, where he unveils the secrets of successful offsite meetings. Dive into the heart of team dynamics as Amey explores how stepping away from the regular workspace can forge stronger, more cohesive units. He breaks down the essence of creating a 'psychological cocoon' for your team, enabling deeper professional and personal connections. This episode isn't just about offsite logistics; it's a deep dive into the transformative power of strategic retreats. Whether you're running a small startup or a large corporation, you'll discover valuable insights on budget-friendly options, building trust, and enhancing team performance. Listen as Amey discusses overcoming common pitfalls, creating safe spaces for vulnerability, and aligning team efforts with organizational goals. This podcast is an essential tool for leaders seeking to elevate their team's potential and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.Resources mentioned in this episode:Free Download of The Leadership Survival Guide (10 World-Class Leaders Reveal Their Secrets)https://store.consultclarity.org/lead...The Leadership Conversations Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/4IB6V41...The Jonno White Leadership Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/2p8rvWr...The Leadership Question of the Day Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6eZ4lZ2...Clarity Websitehttps://www.consultclarity.org/7 Questions on Leadership Serieshttps://www.consultclarity.org/large-...We'd Love To Interview YOU In Our 7 Questions On Leadership Series!https://www.consultclarity.org/7-ques...Subscribe To Clarity's Mailing Listhttps://www.consultclarity.org/subscribeJonno White's eBook Step Up or Step Outhttps://store.consultclarity.org/step...Jonno White's Book Step Up or Step Out (Amazon)https://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Out-Di...

Name: Donnah CiempkaCurrent title: Head of SchoolCurrent Organisation: Ascot International School in ThailandEnjoy this riveting conversation with Donnah Ciempka - Dive into this captivating podcast episode where Donnah Ciempka, a seasoned head of school, delves into the profound question, "What is your extraordinary?" Inspired by Tracey Ezard's insightful book, Ferocious Warmth.This episode is not just a discussion but a journey into self-discovery and empowerment. Ciempka eloquently unfolds the layers of vulnerability and strength that come with recognizing one's unique abilities, especially in leadership roles. Learn how she navigates the challenges of aligning individual philosophies with institutional values in an educational setting, emphasizing the critical role of trust and support. This episode is a masterclass in understanding the dynamics of personal growth and institutional harmony. Whether you're a leader, educator, or someone on a path of self-improvement, this podcast is a beacon of inspiration and practical wisdom. Tune in to transform how you see yourself and your role in the workplace!Resources mentioned in this episode:Free Download of The Leadership Survival Guide (10 World-Class Leaders Reveal Their Secrets)https://store.consultclarity.org/lead...The Leadership Conversations Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/4IB6V41...The Jonno White Leadership Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/2p8rvWr...The Leadership Question of the Day Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6eZ4lZ2...Clarity Websitehttps://www.consultclarity.org/7 Questions on Leadership Serieshttps://www.consultclarity.org/large-...We'd Love To Interview YOU In Our 7 Questions On Leadership Series!https://www.consultclarity.org/7-ques...Subscribe To Clarity's Mailing Listhttps://www.consultclarity.org/subscribeJonno White's eBook Step Up or Step Outhttps://store.consultclarity.org/step...Jonno White's Book Step Up or Step Out (Amazon)https://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Out-Di...

Name: Brian DoubtCurrent title: OwnerCurrent Organisation: Skookum Exploration Services Inc.35+ years in the mineral exploration industry, working in many countries and climates has given me a unique experience set. I have spent so much time in camps working, building camps, managing work programs I feel like I lived most of my life in the bush. I love the outdoors, every climate and every environment is interesting to me. I love mineral exploration as well as alluvial gold mining and prospecting. Over the years I’ve become specialized in operational management and logistics. Making jobs run smoothly and efficiently is my passion. Recently I started my own company Skookum Exploration Services to better serve companies directly with expert pad-building services. I love my career and love any job involved in mining exploration! As a Metis person, I'm proud of my Aboriginal heritage. I've found over the years Aboriginal peoples have become a more important partner in exploration and mining activities.Resources mentioned in this episode:Free Download of The Leadership Survival Guide (10 World-Class Leaders Reveal Their Secrets)https://store.consultclarity.org/lead...The Leadership Conversations Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/4IB6V41...The Jonno White Leadership Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/2p8rvWr...The Leadership Question of the Day Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6eZ4lZ2...Clarity Websitehttps://www.consultclarity.org/7 Questions on Leadership Serieshttps://www.consultclarity.org/large-...We'd Love To Interview YOU In Our 7 Questions On Leadership Series!https://www.consultclarity.org/7-ques...Subscribe To Clarity's Mailing Listhttps://www.consultclarity.org/subscribeJonno White's eBook Step Up or Step Outhttps://store.consultclarity.org/step...Jonno White's Book Step Up or Step Out (Amazon)https://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Out-Di...

Name: Sherri Douville Current title: CEO & Board Member Current organisation: Medigram, Inc. CEO & Board Member at Medigram; honored to be recognized on top executive & U.S. CEO lists in several categories of tech and healthcare in 2022 by Startups.US as one of the highest ranked tech execs on Crunchbase #1 WW Medical & top private company executive. Serial editor, lead author, contributor to 3rd book defining advanced technology for medicine with top academic book publisher, Taylor & Francis. Editor, lead author best selling book, Mobile Medicine, only book featured by both the largest physician leadership organization, American Association for Physician Leadership and the largest engineering technical organization, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEE. Draft complete paper series (11) on security, trust in engineering, & leadership. Words that people use to describe me include PRESCIENT, COLLABORATIVE, COACHABLE. As CEO I attract top talent and influence market behavior for momentum. I bring an industry-wide record of success in market leadership in sales results for medical products in over a dozen disease states over the span of a decade including with J&J and recognized by McGraw-Hill. I've mentored dozens of execs, startups, physicians, PhD's, professional associations, board directors, investors, and higher ed administrators in mobile computing & security, data science/AI, healthcare policy, regulations and more. We've set Medigram up for incredible growth that will not only maximize EBITDA and shareholder equity but create legendary careers and personal legacies. ENTREPRENEURIAL, MULTI DISCIPLINARY CEO: My deep healthcare expertise and command of multiple domains spanning tech and policy combined with years of experience navigating the medical market guide me in my strategic leadership and focus. I am proud of my ability to 1) attract the best people in both management and engineering, make them better, both immediately and over time 2) my ability to develop strategies and execution plans for stakeholders' success 3) boost market visibility through persuasive communication, entrepreneurial passion; driving our team's market, culture, services, and technical thought leadership. CREATING SILICON VALLEY 3.0 CULTURE: I've attracted top, world class experts to develop a radically new kind of company at Medigram. I love bringing out the best in people and holding us accountable to our values and mission. We will save 100's of thousands of lives while driving potential for incredible returns. In this role, I gratefully stand on the shoulders of giants while envisioning and executing a new perspective on leadership. Resources mentioned in this episode: Free Download of The Leadership Survival Guide (10 World-Class Leaders Reveal Their Secrets) https://store.consultclarity.org/lead... The Leadership Conversations Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/4IB6V41... The Jonno White Leadership Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/2p8rvWr... The Leadership Question of the Day Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/6eZ4lZ2... Clarity Website https://www.consultclarity.org/ 7 Questions on Leadership Series https://www.consultclarity.org/large-... We'd Love To Interview YOU In Our 7 Questions On Leadership Series! https://www.consultclarity.org/7-ques... Subscribe To Clarity's Mailing List https://www.consultclarity.org/subscribe Jonno White's eBook Step Up or Step Out https://store.consultclarity.org/step... Jonno White's Book Step Up or Step Out (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Out-Di...

Name: Brett Mannion Current title: President Current Organisation: HHS, LLC Highly effective, self-motivated, engaging, and influential leader. I have a strong passion for developing, inspiring, and mentoring new leaders, with a track record of proven success. I am a strategic thinker that focuses on success as the only option. I have extensive experience in operations, business development and finance, negotiations and contract management, safety and compliance, and leadership development. I view leadership as a responsibility to your team to provide them with the direction, tools, support, accountability, and continuous drive that is needed to accomplish great things. One of the most rewarding professional accomplishments is seeing someone that you have mentored develop into an effective leader themselves. Resources mentioned in this episode: Free Download of The Leadership Survival Guide (10 World-Class Leaders Reveal Their Secrets) https://store.consultclarity.org/lead... The Leadership Conversations Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/4IB6V41... The Jonno White Leadership Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/2p8rvWr... The Leadership Question of the Day Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/6eZ4lZ2... Clarity Website https://www.consultclarity.org/ 7 Questions on Leadership Series https://www.consultclarity.org/large-... We'd Love To Interview YOU In Our 7 Questions On Leadership Series! https://www.consultclarity.org/7-ques... Subscribe To Clarity's Mailing List https://www.consultclarity.org/subscribe Jonno White's eBook Step Up or Step Out https://store.consultclarity.org/step... Jonno White's Book Step Up or Step Out (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Out-Di...