Épisodes

  • 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 Laflin: 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 Resources/s Mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jonesloflin_focusedasabee-worklife-activity-7343616539427762176-ttXg Book: Focused as a Bee - https://jonesloflin.com/faab 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/

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    1 h et 23 min
  • Doug Hall - Stopping the Stupid & Creating a Smarter Workplace

    Doug Hall - Stopping the Stupid & Creating a Smarter Workplace
    Aug 19 2025

    Have you ever wondered why, no matter how big your ideas or how talented your team, you keep running into the same old obstacles at work? Today, in Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan, is talking to Doug Hall, renowned innovation expert, founder of Eureka Ranch and Brain Brew Distillery, and author of Proactive Problem Solving. Doug is on a mission to help leaders everywhere "stop the stupid" and restore real joy and creativity to the workplace.

    If you’re tired of endless meetings, redundant tasks, and systems that just don’t make sense, get ready. This episode is packed with real-world examples, practical strategies you can apply today, and leadership insights you won’t find anywhere else.



    Episode Timeline:

    00:00 The “Stop the Stupid” mission with Doug Hall

    02:19 Leadership’s silent killer, and the surprising truth about wasted time

    08:49 Doug’s journey; real-life stories of broken systems and how tiny changes spark massive engagement

    11:08 Enable employees to proactively solve problems

    18:13 Focus on fundamental processes and effective communication

    25:29 Getting leaders onboard

    36:09 Saving 3.5 hours a day stopping the stupid

    47:33 Collaborative problem-solving breakthrough

    01:03:56 Unclear strategic direction issues

    01:19:33 Embrace authentic innovation




    Key Takeaways:

    • “Stop the stupid” is a powerful lens: Most wasted time and disengagement in companies come from outdated or broken systems

    • Managers waste 3.5 hours a day on avoidable problems caused by dysfunctional processes and unclear communication.

    • Proactive problem-solving is a skill not an accident: Doug outlines a three-step system that can increase your team’s effectiveness by up to 500%.

    About Doug Hall

    Doug Hall is an innovation expert, founder of Eureka Ranch and Brain Brew Distillery, and the author of the book Proactive Problem Solving. With nearly 50 years of experience in leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Doug’s passion centers on helping organizations “stop the stupid”—his signature phrase for eliminating outdated systems that destroy productivity and creativity at work. Renowned for his energetic and practical approach, Doug translates complex innovation strategies into simple, actionable steps. He has worked with some of the world’s largest companies, like Nike and Disney, and brings to the table real-world stories from both consulting and running his own rapidly-scaling bourbon business. Doug’s mission is to empower leaders at all levels to create smarter, more engaging workplaces by tackling broken systems head-on and igniting the problem-solving power within their teams.

    Connect with Doug:

    Website: www.doughall.com

    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 24 min
  • Why “Being a Cow” Taught Me the Best Leadership Lessons of My Life

    Why “Being a Cow” Taught Me the Best Leadership Lessons of My Life
    Aug 5 2025

    Have you ever found yourself stuck in the cycle of trying to be the “perfect” leader (always switched on, always in control) only to end up burned out and disconnected? In this solo episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan shares what happened when she finally let go of performing leadership and started showing up as herself.

    From moments of self-doubt to the awkward reality of what she calls being a “cow at work,” Cathleen opens up about the pressures we put on ourselves to look like we’ve got it all together. She talks honestly about the impact it had on her well-being, her team, and her work and what changed when she chose presence over perfection. If you're feeling the weight of doing it all, or just wondering if there’s a more human way to lead, this episode is for you.



    Episode Timeline:

    00:00 Introduction

    04:59 Leadership thrives in authenticity; burnout taught me to lead from presence, not performance.

    09:15 I wanted to lead as me with flaws, feelings, tired days and all.

    13:06 You can’t lead well in survival mode

    14:45 The power of saying “I’m not quite on today”

    16:55 Rethink feedback and self-leadership



    Key Takeaways:

    • Authenticity over perfection: Cathleen talks honestly about moving from trying to lead perfectly to simply showing up as herself. Letting go of the pressure to always have it together helped her build real trust with others even on the messy days

    • Burnout changed everything: Working non-stop to meet impossible standards left Cathleen burnt out and disconnected. That low point pushed her to slow down, get honest with herself, and start leading with more care and clarity

    • The SPACE method makes it practical: Cathleen shares a simple five-part tool to lead with more presence, not performance.



    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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    20 min
  • Kyle McDowell - Start with We: Leading without Ego

    Kyle McDowell - Start with We: Leading without Ego
    Jul 22 2025
    What does it really mean to lead with authenticity and move from “I” to “We” in today’s ever-evolving workplace? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O’Sullivan is joined for a second time by Kyle McDowell, bestselling author of Begin With We, speaker, leadership coach, and former Fortune 10 executive. They talk about what’s changed since his book came out, how toxic cultures take hold, and why leading with principle matters more than ever. Episode Timeline: 1:38 Kyle’s mission: moving from “I” to “We” in leadership 03:13 Cathleen invites listeners to reflect on their own leadership style and authenticity. 08:38 Kyle opens up about his long-standing experience with imposter syndrome. 12:16 The fine line between confidence and cockiness 15:31 Kyle shares his anti “fake it till you make it” stance 18:26 The continued growth of Kyle’s book, Begin With We, and teases a second book. 23:03 The value of clear, jargon-free communication in leadership 26:24 How empathy and practical advice guide Kyle’s evolution as a leader. 39:09 The challenges and impact of growing polarisation and toxicity in workplaces. 01:06:46 Kyle names his struggle with obsessing over details and how he balances strengths and weaknesses. Key Takeaways: Real Leadership Starts with Principles: Kyle and Cathleen talk about what it really means to lead with values. For Kyle, it’s about shifting from “I” to “we” and living out a set of clear, practical principles. Toxic Cultures Can’t Always Be Fixed: They unpack what toxicity can look like, from one bad boss to a whole system. Kyle shares why it’s important to know when you can create change and when it’s time to walk away. Doubt Happens, lead anyway: Both Cathleen and Kyle open up about imposter syndrome and how it shows up, even years into their careers. Kyle explains how he uses self-doubt as a check-in rather than a barrier. About Kyle McDowell: Former Fortune 10 Executive turned inspirational speaker, bestselling author and leadership coach Kyle McDowell is on a quest to create cultures of excellence and reignite leaders’ passion and purpose. With nearly three decades of experience leading tens of thousands of employees at some of America’s biggest firms, McDowell’s philosophy is rooted in his trademarked principles, The 10 WEs. While today’s workforce is plagued with uncertainty and apathy, his strategy is simple - Begin With WE. McDowell’s mission is clear: crush the deep-rooted dysfunctions so many organizations passively accept. During his incredibly successful run in corporate America, McDowell’s leadership legacy was born from delivering superior results, empowering leaders, and driving massive cultural transformations. His Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller, Begin With WE, delves into the root causes of business dysfunction, offering a remedy through The 10 WEs framework. Rather than outsourcing solutions or ignoring cultural challenges, McDowell elevates leaders and sparks massive change within organizations by adopting a mindset that prioritizes “WE” over “I,” “you,” or “me.” McDowell’s insights have earned him invitations to speak at prestigious business, educational, and nonprofit institutions, and his expertise has been featured in major national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Inc. Magazine. Connect with Kyle: Instagram: www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinc/ TikTok :www.tiktok.com/@kylemcdowellinc YoutTube: www.youtube.com/@kylemcdowellinc Facebook: www.facebook.com/KyleMcDowellInc X: x.com/KyleMcDowellInc LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc Website: www.kylemcdowellinc.com 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 19 min
  • Michael Frantl - Building a Strong Workplace Culture

    Michael Frantl - Building a Strong Workplace Culture
    Jul 8 2025

    Get ready for a thoughtful and down-to-earth conversation with our host, Cathleen O’Sullivan and guest is Michael Frantl, Global Lead for Culture, Engagement, and Performance Solutions at Novo Nordisk about what really shapes strong leadership and why culture matters more than ever. With a career that’s taken him across the US, UK, and Scandinavia, Michael shares his real-world experience of building workplace cultures that go beyond posters and buzzwords.

    Together, they talk about leading with trust, creating space for belonging, and the small, everyday actions that bring values to life. Michael also reflects on the role of optimism, why control doesn’t build connection, and how to make culture feel genuine wherever you work. If you’re building a team, leading change, or just trying to show up more intentionally, this episode is for you.

    Episode Timeline:

    00:00 Introduction

    04:36 Life since we last met: moves, parenthood, and big shifts

    06:03 Taking the leap, moving to Denmark and starting fresh

    10:50 Balancing positivity and reality in leadership

    14:09 From rush to reflection: Building quiet moments Into busy days

    19:48 Lessons from the family construction business

    30:58 Listening to understand: what philosophy taught me about dialogue

    39:09 Building workplaces that support people and results

    52:06 The power of focus and consistency in culture work

    01:03:26 Practical steps for organizations tobBring values to life



    Key Takeaways:

    • Culture is about what you do every day: Michael and Cathleen stress that company culture isn’t just about posters or slogans. It’s about how people act and interact every day.

    • Positivity Matters, but keep it real: Michael talks about finding joy in small moments and connecting with others, but also warns against ignoring challenges.

    • Leading with intention and space: Move away from micromanaging to truly supporting people. Listening, clear communication, and giving teams room to grow are key.



    About Michal Frantl:

    Michael is a Global Culture, Engagement, & Performance Solutions Lead at Novo Nordisk, based in Copenhagen Denmark. He is an experienced people and culture professional with a focus on culture building and measurement, leadership development/coaching, and employee engagement who has worked across international offices both in house and as an external consultant.

    Originally from Wisconsin in the US, he has lived in the US, UK, Sweden, Italy, and Denmark and has a Masters degree in Organizational Behaviour from Birkbeck, University of London.

    Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfrantl/

    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 11 min
  • Cathleen O'Sullivan - How Leaders Can Reclaim Space for Strategic Thinking and Reflection

    Cathleen O'Sullivan - How Leaders Can Reclaim Space for Strategic Thinking and Reflection
    Jun 24 2025

    Are you constantly busy? In this solo episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O’Sullivan explores a powerful but often overlooked leadership principle: the importance of creating space. Drawing from her experience coaching leaders worldwide, Cathleen unpacks how stepping away from constant busyness and perfectionism can unlock greater clarity, impact, and presence. She introduces her signature SPACE method, offering practical ways to build in reflection, set boundaries, and lead with intention. A must-listen for anyone looking to lead with more focus, energy, and purpose, at work or at home.

    Episode Timeline:

    00:00 Introduction

    04:13 The Book that changed my view on leadership

    07:31 Introducing the SPACE Method: Leading with clarity and confidence

    10:46 Responding vs. Reacting: The impact of inner space

    15:14 The cost of carrying It all: Leadership and life load

    18:43 What your arrival says about your leadership style

    22:31 Rediscovering your light: What are your values and vision?

    25:50 Where do you need more space?

    Key Takeaways:

    • Cathleen explains that leadership isn’t about doing more, but about creating space to pause and think clearly.

    • She points out how being constantly busy, especially for women leaders, leads to burnout and stresses the need to set boundaries.

    • The SPACE Method: Cathleen’s method helps leaders stop, reflect, address limiting beliefs, and take clear steps to lead with confidence and ease.



    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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    29 min