What does poker, psychology, and AI have in common? Blake Eastman. From teaching forensic psychology at CUNY to coaching elite poker players, and now running cutting-edge AI companies, Blake has built a career around decoding human behavior. In this episode, Sean and Blake dive deep into the nonverbal cues leaders often miss, the hidden org charts that drive real influence, and the future of leadership in a world where AI is reshaping everything.

Blake brings hard-hitting insights on how rising leaders can avoid critical communication mistakes, how to “play the game” inside organizations without losing authenticity, and why embracing AI isn’t optional for tomorrow’s leaders. They also explore the looming societal shifts AI will cause, the importance of agency in our personal and professional lives, and how to prepare for the uncertain future ahead.

If you’re ready to sharpen your influence, think differently about leadership, and prepare for the next decade of disruption—this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Topics & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Sean introduces Blake and their shared connection
• 02:17 – Blake’s journey: forensic psychology, poker, and building businesses
• 04:45 – The #1 nonverbal mistake leaders make on Zoom
• 07:20 – Why leadership is fundamentally about people (and adapting to culture)
• 13:27 – How to build a “real” org chart & play the political game at work
• 17:25 – Measuring true value: would your company miss you if you were gone?
• 18:55 – Generational differences, communication, and culture fit
• 23:57 – Diversity, sameness, and avoiding groupthink in organizations
• 25:31 – AI’s role in mental health, disruption, and the job market
• 33:19 – Policy, robot taxes, and the global AI arms race
• 36:11 – What individuals must do to survive and thrive in the AI era
• 39:58 – Smaller, high-agency teams vs. bloated corporations
• 42:20 – Fear of becoming obsolete & the mental health implications
• 45:30 – Why agency is everything—work, family, and personal life
• 50:03 – Could AI run governments better than people?
• 52:28 – Where to find Blake: nonverbalgroup.com/newsletter

Links

• Blake’s Newsletter: nonverbalgroup.com/newsletter
• Subscribe to Sean’s newsletter: www.nolimitleaders.com/growth

No Limit Leadership is the go-to podcast for growth-minded executives, middle managers, and team leaders who want more than surface-level leadership advice. Hosted by executive coach and former Special Forces commander Sean Patton, this show dives deep into modern leadership, self-leadership, and the real-world strategies that build high-performing teams. Whether you're focused on leadership development, building a coaching culture, improving leadership communication, or strengthening team accountability, each episode equips you with actionable insights to unlock leadership potential across your organization. From designing onboarding systems that retain talent to asking better questions that drive clarity and impact, No Limit Leadership helps you lead yourself first so you can lead others better. If you're ready to create a culture of ownership, resilience, and results, this leadership podcast is for you.

Live events aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re the highest ROI activity a leader can invest in—accelerating trust, building culture, and creating connections that no email or Zoom call can replace.

In this episode, Sean Patton sits down with Wendy Porter—founder of Wendy Porter Events, vice chair of the Live Event Coalition, and a powerhouse with 20+ years of experience designing high-impact events. Together, they unpack how leaders can reframe events as leadership tools that drive results.

🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• (02:24) Why live events deliver the highest ROI in today’s digital world
• (05:04) How intentional event design builds trust in hybrid & remote teams
• (06:12) The Ruby Ribbon Experience Strategy for unforgettable events
• (10:19) Why cramming agendas backfires—and what to do instead
• (14:41) Surprise & delight moments (including therapy horses at a trade show!)
• (16:08) If you can do it on Zoom, don’t do it in the room
• (19:03) ROI of leaders showing up authentically at events
• (25:43) Why even small leadership retreats need professional strategy
• (27:08) How to define ROI levers and measure event success
• (30:36) Staying calm and creative when things go off-script
• (34:23) Leadership lessons Wendy carried from her military family roots
• (41:34) Mistakes to avoid when planning events (and how to do it right)

🔗 Connect with Wendy Porter:
Website: wendyporterevents.com

📩 Stay in the loop: Subscribe to Sean’s newsletter for more leadership insights → www.nolimitleaders.com/growth

No Limit Leadership is the go-to podcast for growth-minded executives, middle managers, and team leaders who want more than surface-level leadership advice. Hosted by executive coach and former Special Forces commander Sean Patton, this show dives deep into modern leadership, self-leadership, and the real-world strategies that build high-performing teams. Whether you're focused on leadership development, building a coaching culture, improving leadership communication, or strengthening team accountability, each episode equips you with actionable insights to unlock leadership potential across your organization. From designing onboarding systems that retain talent to asking better questions that drive clarity and impact, No Limit Leadership helps you lead yourself first so you can lead others better. If you're ready to create a culture of ownership, resilience, and results, this leadership podcast is for you.

What role should HR truly play inside organizations? Compliance police? Culture architects? Or trusted business partners? In this episode, Celeste Warren — Global HR and DEI leader, consultant, and author of The Truth About Equity — joins Sean to answer that question with 40 years of hard-won experience.

Celeste shares her journey from leading HR and DEI at Merck to launching her own consultancy, and explains why equity is not a “nice-to-have” but a core business strategy. We dig into how HR can become a force multiplier, what inclusive leadership looks like in practice, and why today’s leaders must learn to facilitate hard conversations in an increasingly polarized world.

If you’re leading people and shaping culture, this conversation gives you actionable strategies and a long-term playbook for equity that drives business results.

Main Topics & Timestamps

• [00:39] Celeste’s career journey — from Merck to launching her own practice
• [04:50] Why HR isn’t compliance police — it’s a strategic partner
• [09:29] The CEO–CHRO partnership and how culture flows from the top
• [14:23] Building influence as an HR leader — business acumen and persuasion
• [23:35] Why Celeste wrote The Truth About Equity — and why DEI is under attack
• [27:36] The pendulum swings: social activism, backlash, and the speed of change
• [35:58] HR’s role in building inclusive policies and guiding hard conversations
• [43:24] Why facilitating productive dialogue is now a core leadership skill
• [44:49] Where to find Celeste’s book, consulting, and YouTube channel

Links

• Celeste's website: crwdiversity.com
• Book: The Truth About Equity — Amazon link
• Celeste’s YouTube: Celeste Warren Equity
• Connect on LinkedIn: Celeste Warren
• Subscribe to Sean’s newsletter: www.nolimitleaders.com/growth

No Limit Leadership is the go-to podcast for growth-minded executives, middle managers, and team leaders who want more than surface-level leadership advice. Hosted by executive coach and former Special Forces commander Sean Patton, this show dives deep into modern leadership, self-leadership, and the real-world strategies that build high-performing teams. Whether you're focused on leadership development, building a coaching culture, improving leadership communication, or strengthening team accountability, each episode equips you with actionable insights to unlock leadership potential across your organization. From designing onboarding systems that retain talent to asking better questions that drive clarity and impact, No Limit Leadership helps you lead yourself first so you can lead others better. If you're ready to create a culture of ownership, resilience, and results, this leadership podcast is for you.