Breakfast Leadership Show

Empathy-Driven Leadership: Transforming Work Culture in the Modern Workforce with Dr. Greg Giuliano

Adapting Leadership for the Modern Workforce
In this episode, Michael D. Levitt and Dr. Greg Giuliano explore the evolution of leadership from a rigid, top-down approach to a more coaching-driven model. Greg highlights the shift in workplace dynamics, where employees now seek empathetic, adaptable, and empowering leaders. Using the analogy of a soccer coach, he illustrates how successful organizations recognize that leaders should set the vision, but the team is responsible for delivering results.
The Power of Empathy and Curiosity in Leadership
Michael and Greg discuss the critical role of empathy and curiosity, especially in times of change. Michael shares his experience transforming a clinic with high turnover into a thriving workplace by truly understanding his team’s needs. Greg reinforces that great leaders create environments where people are motivated to give their best—not out of obligation but because they feel valued. They also discuss the importance of allowing employees to operate in their “sweet spot” and equipping them with the necessary resources to succeed.
Leveraging Summer Students to Strengthen Work Culture
The conversation shifts to the benefits of integrating summer students into an organization. Michael underscores that fostering a strong workplace culture isn’t just about productivity—it’s about creating an environment where employees feel appreciated and supported, which naturally leads to retention and attraction of top talent. He emphasizes that when leaders prioritize employee well-being, they build a workplace where people want to stay and grow.
Fostering Positive Team Culture as Leaders
Greg emphasizes that leaders can shape positive team cultures, even within large organizations. Leaders can drive engagement and retention by setting clear expectations, establishing healthy boundaries, and prioritizing team well-being. He introduces the mindset of "serving to lead"—a principle inspired by the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst—highlighting that leadership isn’t about authority but creating the conditions for teams to thrive.
Building Strong Teams Through Training and Fun
Michael shares a powerful story from his time in insurance automation software, where an overlooked installation department wholly transformed under exemplary leadership. The department became a well-respected, high-performing unit through quarterly training sessions and team-building activities. Their teamwork and strategic execution were so impactful that they were handpicked for a significant project in New Orleans, ultimately earning glowing client recommendations. This story reinforces that investing in team culture leads to stronger performance and long-term success.
The Connection Between Therapy and Team Building
Greg and Michael discuss the parallels between therapy and leadership, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence in building resilient teams. With his background in therapy and coaching, Greg explains how leaders who nurture personal connections within their teams create stronger, more engaged workplaces. They conclude that self-awareness and empathy are non-negotiable skills for today’s leaders.
Greg’s Work at Ultra Leadership
To wrap up, Greg shares insights into his work at Ultra Leadership, where he provides executive coaching, team development, and change management consulting. 
 
Dr. Greg Giuliano is an advisor and executive coach to senior leaders and teams worldwide. He founded GA | Ultra Leadership, designing leadership and team development strategies that drive organizational transformation. He aims to help leaders and teams grow their capacity to enable positive disruption for markets, organizations, teams, and individuals.Greg is the author of three #1 Amazon Bestsellers—Coaching for (a) Change (2024), The Next Normal (2022), and Ultra Leadership (2016)—as well as The Hero’s Journey (2014).
Website: ultraleadership.comLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggiuliano/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@ultraleadership

From Adversity to Empowerment: Todd Bertsch's Inspiring Journey to Transform Lives

Todd Bertsch is a dynamic entrepreneur, motivational speaker, life-optimization coach, and host of The BOLT Podcast. His remarkable journey from overcoming challenges in his youth to a life-changing transformation in his 20s has shaped his career and established him as a respected figure in digital marketing, education, and leadership. In 2009,
Todd founded Evolve Marketing, a successful digital agency that reflects his curious spirit and dedication to excellence. Driven by a passion to inspire, Todd's mission is to encourage individuals to embrace change, cultivate a growth mindset, and lead lives filled with purpose and fulfillment. His commitment to community service is evident through his involvement on numerous nonprofit boards, and he currently serves as the president of Leadership Akron Signature Class 39.• https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/• https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb• https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/• https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb
Meeting Summary ✨
Evolve Marketing’s Origin Story ⏳ 4:48
Todd shares how he founded Evolve Marketing in 2009 during the recession, leveraging his prior experience to build a digital marketing agency rooted in a positive, family-like culture for his team.
Personal Growth and Transformation 🌱 6:18
The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point for Todd, leading him to work with a high-performance coach and complete programs like Brendon Burchard’s. This journey sparked his transition into keynote speaking, life coaching, and launching a podcast focused on personal development.
The Power of Curiosity and a Growth Mindset 🧠 14:11
Todd highlights the importance of curiosity and embracing a growth mindset. He notes that many people get stuck in a fixed way of thinking, and simple habits like daily gratitude can drive meaningful personal and professional transformation.
Building a Supportive, Empathetic Workplace Culture 🤝 24:24
Todd and Michael discuss the impact of leaders fostering a safe, empathetic work environment where employees feel supported and encouraged to share challenges. This strengthens trust and cultivates a true sense of community within organizations.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps 🔗 30:06
Todd shares his website and social media details, while Michael expresses appreciation for the discussion and interest in staying connected for future collaborations.

Get Involved with Podcasthon 2025: Making a Difference Through Podcasting

Join Michael Levitt, Chief Burnout Officer of the Breakfast Leadership Network, as he dives into the exciting world of Podcasthon 2025! In this episode, Michael introduces Podcasthon—an annual event that unites the global podcasting community to support charities and amplify causes that truly make a difference. Learn how this powerful movement blends purpose-driven leadership, sustainability, and human-centered values with podcasting’s unique ability to create real-world impact.
Discover why 2025 is set to be a breakthrough year for leaders focusing on social impact and positive change. Michael shares insights on the latest leadership trends centered around people-first initiatives, sustainability, and aligning with broader causes. From donating and volunteering to simply tuning in, he explains how every bit of support counts.
🌐 Visit Podcasthon.org to learn more about this inspiring event, the causes it supports, and how you can contribute! Whether you’re a listener, a leader, or a changemaker, this episode will show you how to make a difference through the power of podcasting.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that empowers us to use our voices for good!

Unlocking Growth: The Power of Fractional Leadership with Lior Weinstein

The Power of Fractional Leadership: Lior’s Entrepreneurial and Technological Journey
In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Lior, a self-taught technologist and growth expert who has been building and scaling businesses since he was 14. Originally from Israel, Lior moved to the U.S. 14 years ago and has successfully built and sold multiple companies. Now, as a fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Growth Officer (CGO), he helps businesses navigate technology and growth strategies without the need for full-time executive hires.
Lior shares invaluable insights on problem-solving, attention to detail, and understanding cause and effect—critical skills for success in any industry. He also challenges the misconception that only certain people can excel in technology, encouraging more professionals to explore coding and tech-driven solutions.
Why Businesses Need a Fractional CTO
Technology is a game-changer for modern businesses, but navigating it can be complex and expensive. Lior and I discuss the growing need for experienced technology leaders and how companies can benefit from a fractional CTO. Rather than hiring a full-time executive, companies can leverage a senior tech expert part-time, gaining high-level strategic guidance without the hefty price tag.
We also explore a fascinating market shift: Companies are shifting away from relying solely on external tech providers and returning to in-house technology solutions. A fractional CTO helps businesses stay agile and competitive in this evolving landscape.
The Rise of Fractional Executives: A Smarter Way to Scale
Beyond technology, fractional leadership is transforming executive roles across industries. Whether it's a CTO, CMO, or CFO, businesses are realizing the benefits of bringing in high-caliber talent as needed. I highlight how fractional leaders drive performance, eliminate organizational silos, and provide specialized expertise—an especially crucial advantage in today’s remote-first world.
Lior and I also discuss how fractional executives bring expertise and a vast network of connections, helping companies access opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. He compares hiring a fractional executive to working with a law or CPA firm—tapping into top-tier professionals without the full-time overhead.
Leveraging Fractional Leadership for Business Growth
Fractional leadership isn’t just about cutting costs but elevating business strategy. Lior breaks down how fractional CTOs support leadership teams by providing strategic insights, keeping companies ahead of tech trends, and ensuring businesses adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape. I liken it to having a fractional cleaning crew—you get expert-level service without the commitment of a full-time hire.
If your business wants to level up its technology and leadership without the constraints of full-time executive salaries, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Connect with Lior to explore how fractional expertise can transform your company’s growth.
Serial entrepreneur specializing in digital transformation - mobile, web, and desktop. Founded his first company at 14, Lior built over three technology companies and exited two while still in his 20s. He's worked on anything from promoting DIY Chicken Coups to extensive scale marketing automation systems.Lior specializes in simplifying complex concepts into actionable steps that drive effective results in digital products, traffic generation, conversion, and software engineering solutions.He's worked on over 30 mobile apps used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide and hundreds of websites, both B2C and B2B. His apps were featured in publications by Microsoft, showcasing the best UI, and also featured on the Apple US App Store.Currently, Lior spends his time building new technology-oriented joint ventures with other entrepreneurs and companies or as a fractional CTO and CRO to founder-led companies with $20M-100M revenue looking to grow and supporting nonprofits with the same roles.
Website:  https://ctox.com/our-team/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/liorweinstein/
 

How to Defeat Procrastination and Boost Productivity

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, we explore the silent productivity killer: procrastination. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or managing multiple responsibilities, procrastination can hinder your ability to reach your goals. Discover seven actionable strategies to help you stop procrastinating and take control of your time, enabling you to achieve more and unlock your full potential.
Tune in to uncover proven tips to transform your workflow, enhance productivity, and stay focused on what matters most. This episode is a must-listen if you're ready to conquer procrastination and boost your efficiency.
Key Takeaways:
Set Clear Deadlines with Intent – Learn how setting firm and actionable deadlines helps combat procrastination and ensures consistent progress. Break deadlines into smaller steps to stay on track and maintain focus.
The 2-Minute Power Move – Discover how tackling tasks that take less than two minutes immediately can reduce mental clutter and create momentum for larger projects.
Use the Micro-Task Method. This strategy helps Overcome the feeling of overwhelm by breaking large tasks into small, manageable steps. It will also reduce procrastination and make tasks seem more achievable.
The Accountability Advantage – Find out how external accountability, whether through a friend, mentor, or public commitment, can keep you motivated and focused on completing tasks.
Distraction-Proof Your Environment – In today’s digital age, distractions are everywhere. Learn how to eliminate common distractions to improve concentration and productivity.
The Time-Boxing Technique – Time management is key when fighting procrastination. Discover how time-boxing and techniques like the Pomodoro method can create urgency and keep you engaged.
Motivation Stacking – Learn how pairing tasks you enjoy with ones you tend to avoid can make productivity more rewarding and increase your chances of following through.
Resources Mentioned:
Breakfast Leadership Blog – Dive deeper into time management, productivity, and leadership strategies with in-depth articles.
Time Management Tips – Explore more time management strategies that will help you maximize productivity and stay focused.
Project Management Strategies – Break down large projects into manageable tasks and prevent overwhelm with these expert tips.
Creating High-Performance Teams – Learn how accountability and collaboration within teams can enhance overall productivity.
Focus Improvement Techniques – Discover additional techniques to improve focus and concentration to reduce distractions.
Time Management Strategies – Master time management techniques and boost efficiency with these helpful resources.
Work-Life Balance – Achieve a healthy balance between work and personal life to enhance productivity and well-being.
Connect with Us:
Website: BreakfastLeadership.com
LinkedIn: Breakfast Leadership on LinkedIn
Twitter: @BreakfastLead
Instagram: @BreakfastLeadership
Leave a Review: If you found this episode helpful, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps others discover the show and motivates us to bring you more valuable content.
About the Show: The Breakfast Leadership Show provides actionable insights for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals who want to overcome burnout, increase productivity, and lead purposefully. Tune in for expert tips on leadership, personal development, and strategies to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
Stay Connected: Subscribe to the Breakfast Leadership Show to receive more episodes on leadership, productivity, mental health, and business growth delivered straight to your inbox.

Human-Centered Leadership: Sustainable Businesses & Work-Life Balance with Glen Wood

Building Sustainable Businesses Through Human-Centered Leadership
In this insightful conversation, Glen and Michael dive deep into the critical role of human capital in building sustainable businesses. They challenge the outdated mindset of treating employees as mere assets and emphasize the need to recognize them as people first. Glen shares his powerful personal experience of being fired for prioritizing his family, a moment that inspired his book advocating for work-life balance. Together, they explore how organizations must prioritize employee well-being to create business models that support both career growth and personal fulfillment.
The discussion also touches on the demographic crisis in Japan, exploring the potential ripple effects if businesses worldwide fail to adapt more sustainable and people-focused policies. Glen highlights that companies must go beyond profit generation and focus on delivering extraordinary value to society to ensure long-term success.
The Business Case for Work-Life Balance
Michael and Glen emphasize that valuing employees isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business strategy. If employees feel undervalued or overworked, it leads to disengagement, burnout, and ultimately, a less sustainable organization. Michael shares a personal story of how his spouse’s supportive boss helped her navigate a family emergency without workplace penalties—a stark contrast to companies that punish employees for prioritizing their personal lives.
Glen critiques the short-sighted approach of companies that penalize employees during crises, arguing that embracing work-life balance leads to higher engagement, retention, and performance. Sustainable success comes from investing in people, not just squeezing productivity out of them.
From Bestselling Books to Podcast Success
Michael and Glen also discuss Glen’s latest bestselling book, which is making waves globally. Glen encourages listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn and leave reviews on Amazon, reinforcing the importance of spreading this vital message about people-first leadership. Michael highlights the game-changing insights from Glen’s work and underscores how organizations that prioritize employee well-being set themselves up for long-term, sustainable success.
Want more leadership insights? Tune in, take notes, and start transforming your workplace today.
Glen Wood is the President and Co-Founder of Smart Vision Logistics (SVL), a company dedicated to building sustainable, future-ready supply chains. A recognized expert on economic trends and parental rights in the workplace, Glen has been featured on CNN, CNBC, the BBC, and in major publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Website: https://www.glenwoodparentalrights.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenwood/
Book:  https://amzn.to/4gH0xRX
 
 

Mastering Effective Leadership and Psychological Safety: Insights from David Dilger of Edge Legal

Management Training, Trust, and the Evolving Role of Leaders
In this episode, Michael sits down with David Dilger, founder of Edge Legal, to explore managers' challenges and why so many struggle in leadership roles. David shares his career journey and what led him to help organizations build positive, trust-based workplaces.
Michael highlights a common workplace issue—managers being promoted for their technical skills rather than leadership abilities—leaving them unprepared for the realities of team management. They discuss why avoiding difficult conversations is more common than outright bad leadership and how addressing challenges early can make all the difference.
The conversation also dives into:✅ The role of trust in leadership and how it impacts team performance✅ Psychological safety—why employees need to feel secure to thrive✅ The shift from traditional management to mentorship and coaching-driven leadership
If you want to build stronger, more engaged teams, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!
Building Strong Teams: Communication, Boundaries, and Leadership
Michael and David continue their conversation by tackling one of the biggest keys to effective leadership: communication. David shares his expertise on how managers can understand individual strengths, respect personal boundaries, and create a supportive, high-performing team.
They also discuss:🔹 The importance of clear, respectful communication in leadership🔹 How past workplace relationships—both successful and unsuccessful—can shape management styles🔹 Why organizations struggle with handling terminations and how to approach them with integrity
Michael and David dive deep into the challenges leaders face and how they can improve their management approach. Tune in for a conversation filled with practical strategies and expert insights!
 
David is the Co-Founder of Edge Legal, an Australia-based employment and safety legal firm that empowers employee-employer relations across organizations by challenging traditional rigid HR tools and helping build respectful workplaces free of legal fears.Backed by a deep understanding of psychosocial safety and effective communication, David has a strong track record in people management. He has worked extensively with the Government of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and top companies like Cotton On Group, Costa Group, Grant Broadcasters, and Tassal.David's ability to blend legal know-how with practical experience as a senior executive sets him apart. As a seasoned HR-legal authority, David has donned many hats — from tutoring at the University of Tasmania to presenting at national HR conferences.Topics:How self-awareness is critical to effective leadership and people management.Here are practical tips on how managers and business leaders can make employees feel psychologically safe, reduce stress, and improve performance.Actionable advice for managers to communicate clearly, respectfully, and conflict-free with employees.Balancing leIt is balancing dance with a supportive workplace that prioritizes employee well-being and reduces legal fears.More about David:Sittingmembersr has been on TAC (Ton Tasmanian Training Agreements Committee) since 2006.He was the former CEO of Banjo’s Corporation, under which the organization was a National Finalist and Joint State Winner at the AHRI People Management Awards.Ex-Partner at Page Seager Lawyers for 7+ years focused on Employment & Safety.We have delivered to businesses on behalf of the federal government following the introduction of the Fair Work Act.Regularly appears in the Fair Work Commission and other industrial tribunals, like the Tasmanian Industrial Commission and Anti-Discrimination Commission and Tribunal.https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-dilger-59b2bb58/https://edgelegal.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmanian-chamber-of-commerce-and-industry/https://banjos.com.au/https://www.pageseager.com.au/

From Combat to the C-Suite: Leadership Lessons from Veteran & Entrepreneur Schuyler Williamson

Introductions and background @ 0:00
Michael and Schuyler introduce themselves and discuss Schuyler's background, including his time in the military, his MBA, and how he got into the real estate and laundromat businesses. Schuyler shares that he has a family, multiple businesses, and around 70 employees.
Schuyler's new book @ 12:40
Schuyler discusses his upcoming book "The Steady Leader", which focuses on leadership principles and models he has developed through his diverse experiences. The book is divided into three sections: leading yourself, leading a team, and leading a company. Schuyler explains the importance of being "combat ready" as a leader by being mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy.
The power of gratitude @ 26:58
Michael and Schuyler discuss the power of gratitude, with Schuyler emphasizing that starting the day with gratitude can "send the darkness running" and set a positive tone. They agree that the language we use, whether it's "I get to" versus "I have to", can have a significant impact.
Recap and next steps @ 27:49
The conversation wraps up with Schuyler providing information on where people can find him and his book online, and Michael thanking Schuyler for his service and leadership.
Book:  Steadyleader.com
wgrouprealestate.com
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/schuylerwilliamson/