Épisodes

  • Kate Grant – Listen to Your Inner Voice: Leading a Life of Impact Without Apology

    Kate Grant – Listen to Your Inner Voice: Leading a Life of Impact Without Apology
    Dec 2 2025
    What does it take to lead with both purpose and perseverance? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Kate Grant—CEO of the Fistula Foundation and author of No Woman Left Behind—whose remarkable journey from Madison Avenue to global health leadership reveals what can happen when compassion meets conviction. Kate shares how walking away from a thriving advertising career became the first step toward transforming the lives of more than 100,000 women suffering from obstetric fistula—a preventable childbirth injury that still affects over a million women in the world's most underserved regions. With honesty and humility, she opens up about redefining success, the courage it takes to stay focused on one mission, and how saying "no" to good ideas is often the price of real impact. Cathleen O'Sullivan (Merkel) Together, Cathleen and Kate explore the intersection of leadership, purpose, and humanity—what it means to build something that lasts, lead with heart, and never look away from the people and problems that need us most. This conversation is for anyone who believes leadership is less about power and more about the lives we choose to touch. Episode Timeline: 00:03:34 What is obstetric fistula and why it still exists 00:07:39 The devastating social cost: ostracism, shame, and isolation 00:16:21 A survivor's story: 30 years of suffering and the gift of a chicken 00:28:30 Building a global network: from one hospital to 35 countries 00:33:12 The fundraising approach: efficiency, focus, and saying no 00:38:25 Ensuring quality: working with expert surgeons and measuring outcomes 00:47:15 Leaving Madison Avenue: when success isn't enough 00:53:05 The earthquake and breakup that cracked everything open 01:03:11 Redefining success: career, motherhood, and the myth of having it all 01:10:00 What's next: stepping down and training as a therapist 01:19:16 Final wisdom: listen to your inner voice and own your choices Key Takeaway: A Hidden Crisis with a Solution: Obstetric fistula—a childbirth injury from obstructed labor—affects at least one million women in Africa and Asia, leaving them incontinent and ostracized. Yet 90% of cases are fixable with surgery, making this needless suffering Kate refuses to accept. Relentless Focus Drives Impact: The Fistula Foundation does one thing exceptionally well—funding surgeries—and has helped over 100,000 women by resisting mission creep, measuring outcomes rigorously, and treating the nonprofit like a results-driven business. Listen to Your Inner Voice: Kate left a successful advertising career after travel exposed her to global poverty and an earthquake cracked her life open—proving that transformation requires quieting external voices and giving your own inner compass a microphone. Empowerment Through Accountability: When problems arise, assume you created them—not to blame yourself, but to empower yourself to learn and fix what's broken rather than playing victim to circumstances or other people. You Can't Have It All at Once: Success means making intentional choices about where to invest finite energy—Kate chose her son and the foundation over remarriage, showing that owning your trade-offs without apology is more honest than pretending you can do everything equally well. About Kate Grant: Kate Grant is a global health and social-impact leader with over 25 years of experience advancing maternal health and women's rights worldwide. As President & CEO of Fistula Foundation, she has expanded access to life-changing surgeries for thousands of women across Africa and Asia while building high-performing teams and partnerships with governments and NGOs. She is also the author of No Woman Left Behind – A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth, a memoir highlighting her journey from a corporate career to leading a global health movement. Known for her equity-focused, collaborative leadership, Kate's mission is to ensure every woman has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified life. Connect with Kate Grant: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-grant-92110561/ Website: https://fistulafoundation.org/ No Woman Left Behind (Book): https://fistulafoundation.org/no-woman-left-behind/ Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan: Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/ FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS
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    1 h et 24 min
  • Donzel Leggett – Transform, Don't Just Change: The Mindset for a Destiny-Driven Life

    Donzel Leggett – Transform, Don't Just Change: The Mindset for a Destiny-Driven Life
    Nov 18 2025
    What does it really mean to design your own destiny? In this episode of Legendary Leaders Podcast, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Donzel Leggett—former Fortune 200 executive, author of Make Your Destiny Happen, and founder of Destiny Development Delta whose career has spanned three decades of transformational global leadership. From his Key West roots to the pivotal moment he walked away from professional football, Donzel shares how he turned missed opportunities and painful kicks in the butt into clarity about his calling. With warmth and honesty, he opens up about the weight of expectations, the courage to challenge them, and how a life plan created at 24 has guided everything since—including losing 90 pounds in four months and bouncing back from a million-dollar business failure that shaped his next chapter. Together, Cathleen and Donzel explore the difference between change and transformation, why spending time with yourself is the most radical act of leadership, and how his Destiny Development Delta model helps people stop leaving life to chance. This conversation is for anyone ready to lead themselves with intention, passion, and purpose. Episode Timeline: 04:49 Growing up in Key West: lessons in diversity and strong women leaders 07:41 College football and missed opportunities to lead teammates 10:12 Creating a life plan at 24—and what destiny really means 15:11 Challenging expectations: when others' dreams don't match your own 23:34 Walking away from professional football and the emotional fallout 30:36 Three pivotal moments: football, fatherhood, and finding his calling 36:14 Recognizing your calling: the feeling you can't ignore 40:45 Why 90% of people can't answer where they want to be in 10 years 47:06 First steps to self-leadership—even when life feels overwhelming 52:19 Getting back on track: losing 90 pounds and finding balance 55:44 The restaurant that failed—and the million-dollar MBA 01:01:20 The Destiny Development Delta model: A-Attitudes and iLead Change 01:04:23 Change vs. transformation: chameleon or butterfly? 01:09:05 Transformation as an iterative journey through life's shifts 01:13:32 What's next: spreading hope around the world Key Takeaway: Creating Your Own Destiny: Donzel challenges the idea that destiny is predetermined—it's something you design by getting clear on what you want, building a life plan, and taking sustained action. Leading Yourself First: Leadership isn't about titles or hierarchy—it's about taking charge of your own life, whether you're an executive, a barber, or a stay-at-home parent. Transformation vs. Change: Real transformation means becoming something different (like a caterpillar to butterfly), not just making adjustments—and it starts with spending time with yourself to uncover what you truly want. The Power of a Life Plan: Donzel created his life plan at 24 and has followed it for over 30 years, showing how vision plus intentional action creates both success and fulfillment. Learning from Failure: From walking away from football to losing a million dollars on a restaurant, Donzel shows how reframing failure as learning and taking accountability fuels growth and resilience. About Donzel Leggett: Donzel Leggett is a global operations and leadership executive with over 30 years of experience leading large-scale teams and operations in consumer products companies, including a 28-year tenure at General Mills. He is the Principal and Founder of Destiny Development Delta, LLC, where he coaches executives and teams to unlock their full potential and build inclusive, high-performing cultures. He is the author of Make Your Destiny Happen, a transformational framework for designing and living a purposeful life. Known for driving exceptional results while uplifting people, his leadership approach centers on authenticity, accountability, and helping others take charge of their destinies. Donzel's mission is to inspire people globally to transform their leadership, envision their future, and take sustained action to make it reality. Connect with Donzel Leggett: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donzelleggett/ Facebook (Donzel Leggett): https://www.facebook.com/donzel.leggett.9/ Facebook (Destiny Dev Delta): https://www.facebook.com/destinydevdelta Instagram (Donzel Leggett) https://www.instagram.com/donzel_leggett/ Linktree: https://li nktr.ee/destinydevdelta YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DonzelLeggett Make Your Destiny Happen Petite Podcast: https://feeds.captivate.fm/make-your-destiny-happen/ Website: https://destinydevdelta.com/ Make Your Destiny Happen Book: https://www.makeyourdestinyhappen.com Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan: Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/ FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU ...
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    1 h et 21 min
  • Lenya McGrath – The Compass Within: Leading with Purpose and Positivity

    Lenya McGrath – The Compass Within: Leading with Purpose and Positivity
    Nov 4 2025
    What does it really mean to bring your authentic self to leadership? In this episode of Legendary Leaders Podcast, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Lenya McGrath—global brand strategist, creative leader, and award-winning marketer whose career has shaped some of the world's most iconic brands. From her early days in Sydney's ad world to leading high-performing teams across continents, Lenya shares how she turned "too happy" feedback into her leadership superpower. With warmth and humility, she opens up about authenticity in the workplace, building psychological safety in creative teams, and how her personal compass guides her through change—from navigating anxiety during the pandemic to saying bold yeses (and firmer no's) in life and career. Together, Cathleen and Lenya explore what it means to lead with heart, why self-awareness is the ultimate growth tool, and how small acts of courage can make people, brands, and businesses truly fly. Episode Timeline: 01:03 Meet Lenya McGrath: a creative leader who makes people feel seen 03:20 Early lessons in creative partnership and leading with kindness 11:14 Why optimism is a superpower and how it builds psychological safety 21:13 Motherhood and mentoring: raising confident, self-aware daughters 24:33 Authenticity vs. oversharing—bringing your real self to work 26:44 How masking drains energy and connection 31:59 Reconnecting with your internal compass and values 33:13 Navigating anxiety during the pandemic and finding purpose 36:52 Lenya's five-step approach to move from problem to solution 40:46 Boundaries and values—knowing when to say no 45:12 Falling in love with creativity: from visual merchandising to ad agencies 48:57 How to tell if a company aligns with your purpose 50:29 Reflection and release: check-ins, "letters to self," and letting go 56:28 Saying yes to new adventures—and being firm with your no's 58:40 Why saying no can feel harder for women 01:02:34 Lenya's top two pieces of advice for aspiring creatives Key Takeaway: Authenticity as Leadership: Lenya shares how embracing her true, optimistic self—once labeled "too happy"—became her greatest leadership strength. Psychological Safety Through Positivity: She shows how lightness and empathy foster trust, creativity, and deeper collaboration. Purpose as a Compass: Whether leading teams or raising daughters, Lenya's guiding goal is to help people, brands, and businesses fly. Reflection and Renewal: Her weekly check-ins and "letters to self" reveal how intentional reflection fuels growth and resilience. Boundaries and Bravery: From saying yes to new adventures to confidently saying no, Lenya explores how alignment sustains authenticity. About Lenya McGrath: Lenya McGrath is a global brand and marketing leader with 15+ years of experience helping consumer brands stand out and scale. Her career spans agency and in-house roles, working with notable brands such as Amazon, PlayStation, Canon, Wilson Sporting Co., Herman Miller, and P&G (Olay). Known for her "market-shaper" mindset, Lenya blends brand strategy, integrated marketing, and leadership to help organizations embed authentic differentiation into their culture, behaviour, and business strategy. With a reputation for positivity, collaboration, and driving commercial results, her work has been recognised across creative and brand awards. Passionate about growth, creativity, and human-centred leadership, Lenya continues to inspire leaders to bring their whole selves to work, build purpose-driven brands, and drive meaningful impact. Connect with Lenya McGrath: Website: https://www.lenyamcgrath.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenyamcgrath/ Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan: Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/ FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS
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    1 h et 7 min
  • The Productivity Lie: Why Doing Less Makes You a Better Leader

    The Productivity Lie: Why Doing Less Makes You a Better Leader
    Oct 28 2025

    What if productivity isn't about doing more—but doing less, with purpose? In this solo episode of The Legendary Leaders Podcast, host Cathleen O'Sullivan challenges one of leadership's biggest myths: that constant hustle equals success.

    Drawing from her own journey and stories from the leaders she's coached, Cathleen exposes the "productivity lie" that glorifies busyness and burnout. She reveals why intentionality—not intensity—is what truly sets great leaders apart, and how creating space to think, rest, and reflect can actually amplify your impact.

    From practical tools like the "stop doing list" and the one-minute pause, to mindset shifts that turn overwhelm into clarity, this episode is a masterclass in reclaiming your energy and leading with purpose. It's your permission slip to slow down, focus, and lead on your terms.

    Episode Timeline:

    00:00 Introduction and welcome back to The Legendary Leaders Podcast

    00:45 The productivity myth: being busy means you're a better leader

    01:59 The cultural addiction to busyness and confusing motion with progress

    03:24 Why great leaders are intentional—not overworked

    06:57 Client stories: breaking the busy habit and rediscovering focus

    08:22 Practical tools to break the busy cycle

    13:19 Delegating with purpose and empowering your team to grow

    14:47 Escaping the busy trap and retraining others' expectations

    15:33 Redefining productivity: protecting your energy like gold

    16:01 Weekly challenge: cancel one non-essential meeting and make space to think

    16:35 Closing reflections and invitation to lead on your terms

    Key Takeaway:

    • The Productivity Lie: Cathleen challenges the belief that great leadership means doing more, showing how intentional focus creates greater impact than endless activity.

    • Redefining Worth: Your value isn't measured by hours worked or meetings attended—true leadership is about clarity, direction, and energy.

    • Breaking the Busy Cycle: Tools like the "stop doing" list, one-minute pause, and weekly calendar audit help leaders reclaim time for what truly matters.

    • Delegation with Purpose: Letting go isn't about dumping tasks—it's about growing others, building trust, and creating space to lead strategically.

    • Modeling Healthy Leadership: By slowing down, setting boundaries, and protecting your energy, you model balance and focus for your team.

    • Lead with Intention: Doing less isn't laziness—it's leadership with purpose, giving you and your team room to think, create, and thrive.

    Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:

    Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

    FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS
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    17 min
  • Neil Ghosh – The Power of Empathy: How Small Acts Create Big Change

    Neil Ghosh – The Power of Empathy: How Small Acts Create Big Change
    Oct 21 2025
    What does it really mean to do more good—and how can empathy spark genuine impact in our everyday lives? In this heartfelt episode of The Legendary Leaders Podcast, Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Neil Ghosh, social impact strategist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Do More Good, a book featuring voices from global icons like the Dalai Lama and Bill Clinton to everyday changemakers making a difference in their own communities. With over three decades of experience across 50+ countries and sectors, Neil has devoted his career to one question: How can we do more good together? From his childhood lessons in empathy growing up in Calcutta to his work uniting governments, businesses, and nonprofits, Neil reveals how compassion, courage, and curiosity can transform both our lives and the world around us. Together, Cathleen and Neil explore the framework behind his philosophy: GEMSS (Get Involved, Empower Others, Micro-Philanthropy, Show Up, Start Small) and why doing good doesn't always require money or grand gestures. They also discuss the importance of listening to empathy's whisper amid life's noise, leading with authenticity, raising the next generation with kindness, and finding purpose through action. This is a moving conversation about humanity, leadership, and how one small act of good can multiply far beyond what we imagine. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Welcome & introduction: redefining what it means to "do more good" 01:21 Meet Neil Ghosh: author, strategist, and global changemaker 03:45 Growing up in Calcutta: limited resources, unlimited empathy 06:31 The roots of Do More Good: stories that spark hope and courage 09:19 From awareness to action: turning empathy into engagement 11:23 The GEMSS framework for everyday impact 13:52 Moving from reactive to proactive living 17:07 The power of quiet: retreats, recharge, and self-empathy 19:30 Parenting and passing on empathy to the next generation 25:15 Leadership through compassion—even after personal challenges 29:28 Career pivots: from private sector to purpose-driven impact 34:11 When purpose calls louder than comfort 37:49 Authenticity, reinvention, and living a values-led life 42:00 Why helping others might just be the secret to happiness 46:32 The multiplier effect of kindness in communities 50:20 Lessons in empathy from neighbors, colleagues, and everyday life 55:40 Leading with empathy in organizations and business 57:00 The leaders who inspire Neil—and what true empathy looks like 01:05:25 Speaking up with courage (and when silence serves the mission) 01:12:01 Channeling anger into purpose: uniting through empathy 01:14:25 Final reflections: start small, stay consistent, and listen to empathy's whisper Key Takeaways: Doing good doesn't require wealth or influence—just intention. Begin with one act of kindness and let it ripple. Far from being "soft," empathy is a strategic power for resilience, leadership, and unity. GEMSS Framework: Get involved, empower others, practice micro-philanthropy, show up, and start small. Tune out the noise of division and distraction to hear empathy's quiet call to action. Whether in parenting or leadership, people learn more from what we do than what we say. Growth is about becoming a better version of yourself—again and again. About Neil Ghosh: Neil Ghosh is a social impact strategist, entrepreneur, and author dedicated to amplifying empathy as a force for good. His book Do More Good—featuring stories from the Dalai Lama, Kevin Bacon, and everyday heroes—has become a #1 Amazon bestseller, inspiring individuals and organizations to lead with compassion. Over his 30-year career spanning 50 countries, Neil has worked across government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, building bridges through purpose-driven initiatives. Today, he continues to mentor leaders, ignite conversations on empathy, and empower others to turn intention into impact. Connect with Neil Ghosh: Website: www.neilghosh.orgBook: Do More Good – Available on Amazon Book trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD0RtNTBb7U LinkedIn: Neil Ghosh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilghoshauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575673626643 Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/neilghoshauthor.bsky.social Resources Mentioned: Listen First Project: https://listenfirstproject.org Braver Angels: https://braverangels.orgFive Calls App: https://5calls.org Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan: Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/ FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS
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    1 h et 17 min
  • Jones Loflin - From Busy to Focused: Leadership Lessons from the Hive

    Jones Loflin - From Busy to Focused: Leadership Lessons from the Hive
    Sep 30 2025
    What can honeybees teach us about leadership, focus, and living with intention? In this episode of The Legendary Leaders Podcast, host Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes back Jones Loflin—speaker, coach, educator, and co-author of Focused as a Bee. Drawing from his beekeeping journey with his daughter Sydney, Jones reveals how small shifts in focus can create big changes in how we lead and live. Their book is both a practical guide and a heartfelt tribute to Sydney's late best friend Alicia, reminding us that life is too short to glorify busyness. Jones opens up about co-authoring with his daughter, navigating generational differences, and why giving ourselves "permission" may be the secret to better leadership. From consistency to the courage to be unavailable, this conversation offers golden insights—and plenty of laughs—to help you move from busy to truly focused. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction and welcome back to Jones Loflin 01:11 From busyness to focus: why activity isn't enough 03:34 Beekeeping beginnings and inspiration for Focused as a Bee 05:32 Honoring Sydney's best friend Alicia through storytelling 08:11 Three core goals of the book: focus, friendship, and tribute 11:07 Co-authoring with Sydney: lessons from generational differences 18:13 What bees teach us about teamwork, service, and focus 23:39 Progress moments: first honey harvests and surviving winter 25:30 Striking out "busy" and choosing focus with intention 28:39 What a focused day feels like: peace, accomplishment, and energy 31:09 Young professionals, multitasking, and the search for meaning 35:32 Permission to recharge and why leaders need downtime 39:35 Permission to be unavailable: setting boundaries and managing distractions 48:06 Practical first steps to build focus and giving yourself permission 54:39 Why it's hard to prioritize ourselves—and how to reframe it 01:00:30 The power of consistency: small actions with lasting impact Key Takeaway: Focus Over Busyness: Jones explains why activity alone isn't enough, and how shifting from "busy" to "focused" leads to more meaningful progress. Permission to Lead Differently: From recharging to being unavailable, Jones shares how giving yourself permission creates space for better leadership and wellbeing. Consistency Counts: Drawing inspiration from honeybees, Jones shows how small, steady actions can build lasting results in work and life. Generational Lessons: Co-authoring with his daughter Sydney revealed the power of bridging perspectives—and how younger leaders approach focus, priorities, and purpose differently. Lessons from the Hive: Honeybees model clarity, teamwork, and service to the greater good—principles leaders can adopt in their own organizations. About Jones Loflin: Jones Loflin is a dynamic speaker, coach, and educator with over three decades of experience helping people cut through the chaos and focus on what truly matters. His career has spanned keynote stages, corporate training, and leadership coaching, where he equips individuals and organizations with practical tools to thrive. An accomplished author, Jones has written several books including Juggling Elephants, Always Growing, and most recently Focused as a Bee, co-authored with his daughter Sydney. Blending humor, storytelling, and insights, his work inspires leaders to move beyond busyness, embrace clarity, and create meaningful impact. Passionate about growth and connection, Jones continues to guide leaders around the world to simplify their lives, strengthen their teams, and lead with focus and intention. Connect with Jones Loflin: Business: https://jonesloflin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesloflin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jonesloflin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH4LXwQIBMcaI0BfBLuVKK4itb3KAKvzN Resources/s Mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jonesloflin_focusedasabee-worklife-activity-7343616539427762176-ttXg Book: Focused as a Bee - https://jonesloflin.com/faab Book: A Minute To Think - https://www.amazon.com/Minute-Think-Reclaim-Creativity-Busyness/dp/0062970259 Book: Likeable Badass - https://www.amazon.com/Likeable-Badass-Women-Success-Deserve/dp/0385549148 Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan: Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/ FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS
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    1 h et 6 min
  • Laura Venezia - Compassionate Leadership Lessons

    Laura Venezia - Compassionate Leadership Lessons
    Sep 16 2025

    Get ready for an inspiring conversation with our host Cathleen O'Sullivan and Laura Venezia, an educational leader whose passion for nurturing others has taken her across the U.S., China, Hong Kong, and now Germany.

    In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Laura reflects on her early love of teaching, the challenges and lessons of working internationally, and how her commitment to kindness and inclusion continues to guide her as a leader.

    She shares practical advice on balancing technology with real connection, building collaborative relationships, and embracing those everyday moments that can have a lasting impact. Laura also talks about her shift from teacher to leader, learning to let go of needing approval, and the importance of staying true to your values when leading yourself and others.

    Episode Timeline:

    00:00 Introduction

    08:11 Discovering passion in early education

    15:48 Building a unique identity within a multicultural school setting

    17:38 Spontaneous move to China, culture shock in education, and risks of individual learning over collaboration

    26:02 Using tech wisely while embracing curiosity and unscripted teachable moments

    32:15 Making space for curiosity and role modeling openness

    37:33 Transition through COVID, values-driven community in Germany, and leadership journey

    42:11 Leadership as guiding others, building trust, and creating safe spaces

    45:43 Finding alignment through support, self-reflection, and feedback

    52:34 Growth through uncertainty, shifting from classroom teacher to school-wide leader

    55:41 Embracing authenticity and letting go of control

    59:47 Asking better questions, listening deeply, and creating presence in family life

    Key Takeaway:

    • Purpose Over Performance: Laura highlights that leadership in education and beyond is about nurturing kind and authentic people, not just chasing results.

    • Role Modelling and Connection: Laura explains why our behaviour as leaders matters most, from how we manage emotions to how we build relationships.

    • Knowing Yourself: Laura and Cathleen talk about the importance of understanding your own values and letting go of the need for approval in order to grow as a leader.

    About Laura Vinezia:

    Laura is an experienced educational leader with over 20 years experience in early childhood education. Her career has taken her across the globe, with impactful roles in schools in the United States, China, Hong Kong, and now Germany, where she continues to inspire and lead. Passionate about the foundational years of learning, Laura is deeply committed to nurturing young minds and hearts. Her work is guided by a clear and meaningful purpose: to help "make good people." Through her leadership, she strives to create inclusive, thoughtful, and compassionate learning environments that support the growth of both children and educators.

    Connect with Laura:

    Business: lis.school

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-venezia

    X/Twitter: @LauraVCole

    Connect: 


    Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan

    Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/

    Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

    Youtube:

    FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS




    Connect: 


    Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan

    Business: www.cathleenmerkel.com

    Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel

    Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7

    SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS.
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    1 h et 7 min
  • Vincent Wanga - The Art of Creative Leadership

    Vincent Wanga - The Art of Creative Leadership
    Sep 2 2025

    Do you ever feel like you're chasing status, promotions, or recognition only to arrive and still feel unfulfilled? What if leadership wasn't about control, but about creative direction and truly designing a life and career that excites you?

    In this inspiring episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen sits down with Vincent Wanga, dynamic design thought leader, brand strategist, creative executive, and author of The Art of Direction. Vincent's story bridges cultures and continents: from a Kenyan childhood, to hustling through setbacks in America, to helping build a billion-dollar tech unicorn. Along the way, he's developed a philosophy of relentless adaptability, creative courage, and leadership that unlocks the best in others.

    If you're craving more meaning, momentum, or creativity in your leadership journey, this episode will energise you to rethink what's possible.

    Episode Timeline:

    00:00 Introduction: Reframing creativity

    02:45 Why chasing titles leaves us empty

    07:02 From adversity to agency

    13:04 Immigrant perspective: adaptability, onlyness and resilience

    19:43 Building skills across industries & the power of pivoting

    22:23 Embracing (and loving) imposter syndrome

    33:47 Really listening and redefining expertise

    41:28 The humility of leadership: paying yourself last

    49:56 Nurturing leadership in teams and creating safe cultures

    1:07:07 Vincent's leap into tech, loss, and building billion-dollar unicorns

    1:13:43 Making adversity your rocket fuel (and what's next for Vincent)

    Key Takeaways:

    • Leadership is not about titles or control, but about creative direction and meaningful impact.

    • Your darkest failures and detours are the rocket fuel for reinvention.

    • If you want clients, teams, or work that truly excites you. Be both your boldest advocate and your most humble student.

    About Vincent Wanga:

    Vincent Wanga is a dynamic international design thought leader, creative keynote speaker, award-winning creative and executive, author of The Art of Direction, serial entrepreneur, and experienced brand consultant with an exceptional range of expertise over a distinguished two-decade career.

    Connect with Vincent:

    Website: https://www.vincentwanga.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-wanga

    Book:https://www.amazon.com/Art-Direction-Personal-Perspectives-Leadership/dp/B0DWR3911D



    Connect: 


    Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan

    Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/

    Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

    FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS
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    1 h et 23 min