Breakfast Leadership Show

Olga Skipper on Burnout in Tech: How Founders Can Lead Better, Stay Balanced, and Build Resilient Teams

Show Notes:
In this insightful conversation, I’m joined by executive coach and cross-cultural advisor Olga, who works closely with tech leaders and entrepreneurs navigating high-pressure environments. Together, we unpack the intense demands of the tech industry—where innovation races ahead at lightning speed, but personal well-being often gets left behind. Olga highlights the unique tension of building groundbreaking technologies while maintaining a healthy life outside of work. I chimed in with what I see far too often: burnout is rampant in the tech sector, and without prioritizing self-care, decision-making—and company longevity—suffers.
We also dove deep into the entrepreneurial journey. Olga and I explored the emotional and psychological toll founders face—especially around identity, self-worth, and navigating interpersonal conflict within founding teams. It's not just about scaling a business; it's about sustaining the human behind it. Effective communication, conflict resolution, and staying grounded during turbulent times are non-negotiables for any founder.
The conversation turned toward a recurring theme in my work: leadership. I shared my concerns about poor leadership styles that, despite producing short-term success, damage team morale and engagement. When top talent walks out the door due to burnout or toxic management, entire industries suffer. Strong, people-first leadership isn’t optional—it’s foundational to innovation and impact.
Finally, we discussed the importance of addressing the real issues holding teams and organizations back. Growth doesn’t come from ignoring problems; it comes from facing them head-on with clarity and humility. Olga shared her coaching philosophy, focused on healing systems by identifying and amplifying what is working, and slowly transforming the rest.
This episode is a must-listen for tech leaders, founders, and anyone navigating leadership in high-pressure spaces. Be sure to connect with Olga to learn more about her transformative coaching work.
 
About
As a former CEO, startup executive, and investor, I’ve navigated every stage of company growth— from inception to IPO— as both a founder, business owner, and corporate executive. Early in my career, I achieved “success” and became well-known, gaining a deep understanding of the rapid and often unstructured journey of building a business.Today, I coach and advise startup CEOs, serial founders, and ambitious tech leaders who are navigating high complexity and uncertainty. I’ve mentored, advised, and coached over 200 CEOs and their teams through various stages of transformation and growth, including even pandemics, wars, and natural disasters. My mission is to help leaders walk this path consciously with a bigger life vision in mind.The benefit of working with me is having someone by your side who has seen the entire journey multiple times. Whether you're starting from scratch or scaling an established company, I can help guide you toward a successful and sustainable future.🔹 Specialized Areas- CEO Coaching - Executive and Transition Coaching- Global Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship- Tech Leaders Transition🔹 Fun Facts- 🌐 Multilingual: I live, think, and feel in three languages: English, German, and Russian.- ✈️ Global Citizen: I am a serial foreigner, calling Berlin, Vienna, San Francisco, Singapore, New York, and Zurich home.- 💻 Tech Enthusiast: With a background in mobile hardware and software, I have a strong passion for technology and innovation and a knack for fixing my husband’s computer.- 💡 Advocate: Diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, I know how it feels to be different and "not enough." I've learned to love myself despite it and achieve from a place of self-acceptance.
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgaskipperexecutivecoaching/
Website:  https://olgaskipper.com/
 

Harnessing Breath Work for Stress Management and Mindfulness with Anisa Elamin

Breath Work for Stress Management
In this episode, Michael and Anisa dive into the power of breath work as a tool for managing stress, enhancing mindfulness, and building emotional resilience. Anisa, the creator of the Yang Energy practice, highlights how intentional breathing can prevent burnout and improve overall well-being. Michael, drawing from his own experience with asthma, emphasizes the importance of proper breathing for grounding and focus. In today’s fast-paced world, they agree that breath work is a vital tool for navigating uncertainty. Anisa also shares how she integrates breath work with yoga and meditation, expressing her passion for helping others harness this powerful practice.
The Science Behind Breathing and Energy
Anisa explains the critical role of oxygen in the body's energy production and its direct impact on physical and mental health. She breaks down how proper breathing supports cellular function, energy levels, and detoxification. Michael highlights the need for a more holistic approach to healthcare, advocating for natural healing methods alongside traditional medicine. Anisa delves into the mental, prana, spiritual, and physical dimensions of breath work, showing how it aids in stress management, self-development, and deepening the connection with one's inner self. She also underscores the importance of utilizing all three parts of the lungs to optimize oxygen intake and avoid energy depletion.
Breath Work for Cognitive and Physical Health
Anisa shares how deep, intentional breathing can improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and enhance sleep quality. Michael reinforces the idea that these benefits are accessible without external stimulants—just by harnessing the body’s natural mechanisms. He compares deep breathing to daily habits like brushing teeth, stressing that making it a routine can have lasting cognitive and physiological benefits.
Integrating Breath Work with Mindfulness
Michael and Anisa explore how breath work serves as a bridge to mindfulness, creating immediate benefits for emotional regulation and focus. Anisa explains how breathing techniques engage the amygdala, reducing negative emotions and fostering positive mental states. She highlights breath work as an active form of meditation, making it an excellent starting point for those new to mindfulness. Michael reinforces that intentional breathing is an easily accessible, no-cost tool that can transform daily life.
Preventing Burnout Through Self-Awareness
Michael underscores the importance of self-awareness in avoiding burnout, emphasizing deep breathing as a simple yet effective method to check in with one’s mental and physical state. He shares concerns about the increasing strain on healthcare systems due to preventable stress-related illnesses, advocating for proactive self-care. Anisa agrees, highlighting the value of regular self-assessment and mindfulness practices in maintaining both personal well-being and professional performance.
Resources on Breath Work, Mindfulness, and Burnout Prevention
To learn more about Anisa’s work in breath work, stress management, and mindfulness, check out her YouTube channel and website.
Website:  http://www.yoganisacentre.ca/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yoganisacentre/
 

Creating Work Environments Where Employees Thrive: Insights from Eric Stone

Creating Thriving Work Environments
Eric and I dove into the essentials of workplace culture, a topic central to our careers. Eric shared his journey from a childhood fascination with business to leading large teams at Enterprise Rent-a-Car. His book on company culture and high performance has become a key resource for his speaking and consulting work.
We explored what it takes to create work environments where employees don’t just survive—they thrive. It all starts with strong relationships, clear communication, and understanding the diverse needs of a multigenerational workforce. Setting clear expectations is critical, especially in today’s workplace, where retention is a growing challenge. When organizations prioritize culture and communication, they see stronger engagement and long-term success.
Effective Communication and Planning for Success
Our discussion also highlighted the role of communication and strategic planning in driving results. I shared a case from my time at Mercedes-Benz, where we implemented an asset-tracking system to streamline operations. The key takeaway? Getting things right the first time prevents unnecessary work and improves efficiency.
Eric echoed this with his experience launching a content initiative for sales, emphasizing the importance of a steady, intentional approach to culture-building. We also tackled a critical hiring insight—focusing on a candidate’s match rather than just their fit within an organization. Engaged employees who align with company values will consistently outperform those who check the right boxes. His book profoundly covers these themes, offering practical strategies for building high-performing teams.
Hiring for Potential and Career Growth
One story that stood out was hiring a receptionist without prior healthcare experience. Over time, she thrived, earned a promotion, and eventually ran a clinic. It reinforced the idea that hiring should be about potential rather than just experience.
Eric and I agreed that asking the right questions during hiring is essential in identifying high-potential candidates. Too often, employers focus on filling a position quickly rather than considering a candidate’s long-term career trajectory. Investing in people’s growth benefits both the individual and the organization.
Connecting Beyond the Conversation
We wrapped up by discussing ways to keep the conversation going and share the episode when it’s live. If you’re interested in Eric’s work, you can find him on LinkedIn or at ClearPathVentures.com, where he offers speaking and coaching on leadership and company culture.
ERIC D. Stone’s passion for business led him to an influential twenty-six-year career at the iconic rental car company Enterprise Holdings, where he quickly became one of the most decorated Regional Vice Presidents in the company’s history. His ability to connect and motivate employees from all different generations and demographics allowed his teams to sustain top-level results and a culture of pride.
Eric attributes much of his success to his ability to create, ignite, and sustain a high-performance culture—one that enabled him to lead his teams through challenges like 9/11, the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Great Resignation—along with an extraordinary ability to adapt to the unexpected and help others do the same.Eric is the author of the award-winning book Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture and an international speaker on leadership, employee engagement, and creating high-performance organizations. He retired from Enterprise in 2018 and founded Clear Path Ventures, which specializes in guiding young professionals and businesses as they navigate their path to success.My social media handles:a. https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-stone-clear-path/b. https://www.instagram.com/clearpathventures_/c. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040382190383d. https://www.youtube.com/@ericdstone1/about 
Websites: https://clearpathventures.com/about http://www.ericdstone.com/

Why a Chief Consciousness Officer is a MUST for Your Company: A discussion with Charley Johnson

Show Notes:
In this thought-provoking episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Charley, a visionary leader whose personal and professional evolution exemplifies what it means to lead with awareness and purpose.
We begin by exploring Charley's roots—his upbringing in Utah, a deeply unique religious foundation, and the life-shaping mentorship of a profoundly enlightened teacher. These early experiences ignited Charley’s pursuit of understanding across multiple spiritual traditions, laying the groundwork for his future leadership role as a Chief Consciousness Officer (CCO).
The Rise of Conscious Leadership
Charley and I delve into why organizations today need to make the shift from reactive, unconscious practices to intentional, conscious operations. As a CCO, Charley champions the integration of awareness into business strategy—helping companies move away from performative wellness and toward environments where authenticity, compassion, and clarity are the norm.
We also confront a critical workplace issue: burnout. Charley shares how burnout often stems from misalignment—between values, leadership clarity, and wellness initiatives that lack true depth. A CCO’s role? To dismantle those barriers and build bridges of understanding, trust, and open communication.
Overcoming Bias and Reframing Organizational Dynamics
Together, we unpack the dangers of preconditioning and unconscious bias in hiring and leadership. Charley underscores the value of objective insight—approaching workplace challenges without a fixed agenda, but with curiosity and humility. As I share from my own consulting work, the best transformations often begin when we ask deeper questions and truly listen to the answers.
Spiritual Intelligence in the Workplace
We talk about the need for companies to embrace a broader view of employee potential—including their spiritual and personal growth. Consciousness, as Charley describes, isn’t a woo-woo concept—it’s a powerful, untapped resource for innovation, connection, and long-term success.
My Personal Story: Reducing Turnover with Intentional Listening
I share a powerful story from my own leadership journey—reducing turnover at a healthcare clinic not through quick fixes, but by fostering real dialogue. When I shifted from telling to asking—Why do you choose to work here? What would you change if you were in my shoes?—I created space for honesty, collaboration, and a wave of positive change led by the employees themselves.
Creating Cultures That Thrive
Charley and I agree: when organizations invest in people’s growth—when leaders actually listen and allow ideas to flourish—magic happens. I highlight a real example of a former receptionist who rose to lead a clinic, all because the culture encouraged growth over conformity.
Charley rounds out the discussion by offering a global perspective. He believes we’re in the midst of a deep, planetary shift—not just economic or environmental, but spiritual and personal. Old paradigms won’t cut it anymore. What we need now are guides—like CCOs—who can help individuals and organizations navigate this new terrain with grace and resilience.
What’s Next: Conscious Shifts and the Future of Leadership
In the closing moments, Charley speaks to the future: generational shifts, rising consciousness, and even the possibility of contact with civilizations beyond our own. It’s a bold, expansive view—but one rooted in his mission to awaken humanity, one organization at a time.
This conversation is a must-listen for leaders, change-makers, and anyone curious about the intersection of spirituality, consciousness, and business.
Want to connect with Charley or learn more about bringing conscious leadership into your organization?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjconsciousness/
 
charleypif@gmail.com
 
801 633 6033
 
Truth has no sides Book -  https://shorturl.at/Mh9Fr
 
🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations with changemakers shaping the future of work and leadership.
 

AP Automation Revolution: Transform Your Finance Operations with Yooz CFO John Gronen

Breakfast Leadership Show: Interview with John Gronen, CFO of Yooz
Episode Recap:
Michael sat down with John Gronen, Yooz's CFO, to discuss the shift from paper-based processes to automation in accounting and finance. They explored the real benefits of AP automation, including time and cost savings, reduced errors, and improved fraud detection—all while tackling the common roadblocks businesses face when adopting digital solutions. The conversation also took a fascinating turn regarding AI advancements, including the impact of voice cloning technology and security considerations.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 The Paper-to-Digital Shift: Many industries still rely heavily on paper despite technological advancements. Michael and John examined the challenges of going paperless and why organizations hesitate to switch.
🔹 Why AP Automation is a Game-Changer: John shared how automating invoice processing and payments can save time, improve accuracy, and enhance employee satisfaction. He emphasized how AP automation can help reduce fraud risks and generate revenue through virtual credit card payments.
🔹 Overcoming Resistance to Change: Transitioning from manual processes can seem daunting, but John reassured us that modern automation software is flexible and can adapt to unique workflows. Michael echoed this, emphasizing that there's no turning back once teams experience the efficiency gains.
🔹 AI in Finance & Security Considerations: The discussion expanded beyond automation to the rapid advancements in AI, including voice cloning. Michael shared a personal story about using AI to clone his late mother’s voice, highlighting this technology's incredible potential and ethical concerns. They also stressed the importance of security measures, such as setting up code words to prevent misuse.
Next Steps:
✅ Learn More About Yooz’s AP Automation Solutions – Visit getuse.com or connect with John on LinkedIn.
💡 Final Thought: AP automation isn’t just about saving time—it’s about unlocking strategic growth opportunities. As technology evolves, embracing AI-driven solutions will be a competitive advantage, not just a convenience.
🎧 Listen to the full episode to get the insights you need to future-proof your finance operations!
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gronen-4062604/
Website: https://www.getyooz.com/
 
 

SIMPLE Ways to Boost EMPLOYEE MORALE Today!

Learn how to boost employee morale with these simple yet effective strategies, which can be implemented today! Low employee morale can decrease productivity, lead to high turnover rates, and create a hostile work environment.
This episode will explore practical tips and ideas to improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall job happiness. We've covered you, from recognizing and rewarding employees to fostering open communication and creating a positive work culture. Watch to discover how to boost employee morale and take your team to the next level!
If your company needs help boosting employee morale, visit https://BreakfastLeadership.com/contact and let us help you today, before it's too late!

Creating Belonging in Leadership: Boost Engagement & Well-Being with Dr. Beth Kaplan

Belonging in the Workplace and Leadership
In this episode, Beth and I dive into the crucial role of belonging in the workplace and its direct impact on employee engagement, collaboration, and retention. When employees don’t feel a sense of belonging, they’re more likely to experience stress, anxiety, self-doubt, and even physical health issues.
We discuss how leaders play a pivotal role in fostering this sense of connection, yet many aren’t equipped with the right training or skills to do it effectively. Beth highlights that leaders must first understand their own sense of safety and belonging, as this deeply influences their leadership style and personal well-being. We also touch on the reality of leadership burnout—a growing issue that can lead to high turnover and organizational disruption when left unaddressed.
Addressing Leadership Struggles and Burnout
Leadership struggles don’t just affect leaders—they trickle down and impact productivity, morale, and workplace culture. Beth and I discuss the misuse of resilience as a blanket solution when, in reality, organizations need to tackle the root causes of burnout rather than expecting employees to simply "push through."
Instead of a "do more with less" mentality, organizations should focus on removing obstacles, supporting well-being, and creating environments where people can actually thrive. We also touch on the dangers of instant gratification in workplace culture and how companies need to prioritize long-term growth, creativity, and sustainable success.
Investing in Employees for Nurturing Work Environments
A strong workplace culture starts with leaders who embody and uphold an organization’s mission, vision, and values. Beth and I emphasize that leaders must act as performance coaches—not just managing people but truly supporting their mental health and well-being.
Surface-level efforts aren’t enough. Employees can see through performative culture initiatives. To build a genuinely nurturing environment, leaders must be intentional about investing in their teams—because when employees feel valued and supported, it translates to better customer experiences and long-term organizational success.
Leadership, Stress, and a Philosophy of Care
We round out the conversation by reflecting on stress in leadership and how critical it is to remove unnecessary interference that holds teams back. Beth underscores the need for leaders to listen, learn, and adapt, rather than relying on outdated policies and rigid structures.
I share a story from my experience in healthcare leadership, where we implemented a philosophy of care—a shift that was met with overwhelming support from the team. It reinforced a core truth: when leaders prioritize human-centered policies and well-being, organizations don’t just function better—they flourish.
Beth wraps up by emphasizing a key takeaway: you are not alone in your leadership struggles. There is always support, and together, we can create healthier, more effective workplaces.
 
Website:  https://drbethkaplan.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-kaplan/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drbethkaplan/
X:  https://x.com/drbethkaplan
Book:  https://amzn.to/4hNBTjN
 

Unlock Growth: Transform Leadership by Asking the Right Questions with Dave Reynolds

Business Coaching for Sustainable Growth
In this episode, Michael sits down with business coach Dave Reynolds to explore the strategies that drive sustainable growth. Dave shares his journey from selling his previous company and working in telecommunications to becoming a business coach. He highlights the power of asking the right questions and taking an outside perspective to help organizations uncover hidden opportunities.
Michael and Dave dive into a common challenge: many businesses have growth ambitions but lack a clear, structured plan. They discuss why scalability and sustainability are more critical than ever, especially in today’s unpredictable business environment. Dave explains how small, strategic adjustments—paired with the right structure and discipline—can lead to significant, long-term success. They also emphasize the value of collaboration, ensuring that businesses build proactive habits and internal problem-solving skills to manage challenges like capacity constraints effectively.
Dave’s Journey to Sharing His Coaching Process
Dave opens up about his decision to write a book, which started as a personal goal and evolved into a way to share his coaching insights with a broader audience. He reflects on the writing process, the challenges of recording an audiobook, and why chapters 3 through 8 are particularly impactful. These chapters outline key coaching principles, including discovery, self-awareness, focus, and commitment.
Michael reinforces the power of writing a book—not just as a tool for thought leadership, but as a gateway to other opportunities like courses, coaching programs, and speaking engagements. They discuss the importance of a follow-up culture in organizations and how Dave ensures his book provides actionable takeaways for readers.
The Power of Collaboration and Visibility
Dave and Michael wrap up by discussing Dave’s engagement on LinkedIn and how his company is expanding its reach. From Kindle to Barnes & Noble to Amazon, Dave shares how his work is gaining traction across multiple platforms. Their conversation underscores the importance of visibility, connection, and continuous learning in today’s business landscape.
Actual Growth Begins with the Right Questions
A thriving workplace isn’t built on luck but on consistency, discipline, and a commitment to continuous improvement. But before success takes root, leaders must cultivate an environment where genuine growth can happen. And that starts with asking better questions.
In Radicle Growth, Dave Reynolds shifts the leadership conversation from command and control to collaboration and accountability. He challenges leaders to do less telling and more asking, empowering their teams to take ownership of their growth. Through purposeful conversations and a fresh leadership mindset, Reynolds lays out a framework for driving meaningful, sustainable change for individuals and the organizations they serve.
It’s time to move beyond outdated, transactional leadership styles. With Radicle Growth, leaders gain the tools to foster deep engagement, inspire innovation, and create a culture of accountability. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership game, this book is your next step toward transformational leadership.
About the Author
Dave Reynolds is a serial entrepreneur and the founder/CEO of The Rumin8 Group, a growth consulting firm helping businesses think strategically, develop high-performing teams, and navigate crucial conversations. With two decades of experience in sales leadership, performance management, and succession planning, Dave is passionate about unlocking potential through the power of the right questions. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. 
Book:  https://amzn.to/42YPVdK
Website:  https://rumin8group.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-reynolds-99a71047/