Breakfast Leadership Show

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/

AI Security Risks: Protecting Sensitive Data with Alec Crawford

AI Security in High-Risk Sectors
In a recent conversation, Alec and I dove into the critical role of AI security, especially in high-risk sectors like healthcare and banking. Alec stressed that AI must be secure and aligned with business strategies while ensuring governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity remain top priorities. I couldn’t agree more—AI in the wrong hands or without proper safeguards is a ticking time bomb. Sensitive data needs protection, and businesses must stay ahead of evolving regulations. We also touched on the growing need for private AI solutions, given the rising threats of cyberattacks like prompt injections.
Cybersecurity and AI in Organizations
Our discussion expanded into cybersecurity and AI adoption within organizations. Unvetted AI solutions pose significant risks, making internal development and continuous monitoring essential. Alec’s company, Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc., deploys private AI within clients' firewalls, reinforcing security through governance and compliance measures. One key takeaway? Awareness is everything. Many organizations jump into AI without securing their systems first. I was particularly interested in the “aha moments” Alec’s clients experience when they see AI-driven security solutions in action.
AI Governance and Confidentiality Concerns
Alec shared a governance issue where a company implemented Microsoft Copilot—only to discover it unintentionally exposed confidential employee data. This highlighted a major concern: AI needs strict guardrails. Alec advocated for a “belt and suspenders” approach—limiting system access, assigning AI agents to specific groups, and avoiding over-reliance on super users who could inadvertently misuse AI. The lesson? AI governance isn’t optional; it’s a necessity.
AI Applications in Call Centers
AI’s potential spans across industries, and call centers are a prime example. Alec described a client who leveraged AI to analyze 150,000 call transcripts, leading to a 30% reduction in call length and an additional 30% drop in overall call volume—all thanks to AI-driven website improvements. Beyond customer service, AI is making waves in investment research, analyzing earnings calls and regulatory filings. I even shared a fun hypothetical—using AI to predict the Toronto Blue Jays’ performance—proving that AI’s applications go beyond business into fields like sports analytics.
AI Adoption, Security, and Privacy
Wrapping up, Alec and I discussed the double-edged sword of AI adoption. While AI presents massive opportunities, it also comes with security, ethical, and privacy risks. Alec emphasized the need for strong leadership in AI implementation, ensuring data quality remains a top priority. I pointed out that the fear of missing out (FOMO) on AI can lead companies to make reckless decisions—often at the cost of security. Alec’s company specializes in AI security solutions that safeguard against data breaches and attacks on Large Language Models, reinforcing the importance of a strategic, security-first approach to AI adoption.
 
Alec Crawford is Founder & CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc., a company that accelerates enterprise Gen AI adoption - safely. He has been working with AI since the 1980’s when he built neutral networks from scratch for his Harvard senior thesis. He is a thought leader for Gen AI with a blog at aicrisk.com and podcast called AI Risk Reward. He has more than 30 years of experience on Wall Street with his last role being Partner and Chief Risk Officer for Investments at Lord Abbett.linkedin.com/in/aleccrawford
Our Story
Dedicated to shaping the future.
 
At AI Risk, Inc., we are dedicated to shaping the future of AI governance, risk management, and compliance. With AI poised to become a cornerstone of business operations, we recognize the need for software solutions that ensure its safety, reliability, and regulatory adherence.
Learn more
Our Journey
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Founded in response to the burgeoning adoption of AI without proper safeguards, AI Risk, Inc. seeks to pioneer a new era of responsible AI usage. Our platform, AIR GRCC, empowers companies to manage AI effectively, mitigating risks and ensuring regulatory compliance across all AI models.
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Why Choose AI Risk, Inc.?
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Comprehensive Solutions: We offer an all-encompassing platform for AI governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity.
Expertise: With extensive experience across industries and global regulations, we provide tailored solutions to meet diverse business needs.
Futureproofing: As AI regulations evolve, our platform remains updated and adaptable, ensuring businesses stay ahead of compliance requirements.
Cybersecurity Focus: Recognizing the unique challenges of AI cybersecurity, we provide cutting-edge solutions to protect against threats and ensure data integrity.
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Get Started with AI Risk, Inc.
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Whether you're a large corporation or a budding startup, AI Risk, Inc. is your partner in navigating the complexities of AI implementation securely and responsibly. Join us in shaping a future where AI drives innovation without compromising integrity or security.

Innovation as a Catalyst for Growth: Insights from Dr. Bruce Vojak

Innovation as a Catalyst for Growth
Bruce and I had a deep dive into the role of innovation in driving organizational success, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that have reached maturity. Bruce underscored the necessity of renewal—companies can't afford to stay stagnant. Not every innovation initiative will hit the mark, but every attempt offers valuable lessons. I couldn’t agree more. Innovation isn't just about flashy new ideas; it’s about fostering a mindset of curiosity and resilience.
People are at the core of innovation, and the right team can make or break an organization’s ability to evolve. We both recognized that hiring the right people is one of the toughest challenges leaders face, but beyond that, organizations need to cultivate a culture that encourages innovation. It’s not just about having the right tools or processes—it’s about creating an environment where ideas can thrive.
Innovation and Workplace Engagement
The reality is, workplace engagement is at an all-time low. I shared my concerns about the lack of innovation in many workplaces, referencing a Gartner study that found only 2 out of 10 employees are fully engaged. That’s a crisis. When organizations fail to innovate, they don’t just lose competitive advantage—they lose their people.
Innovation isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for progress. Leaders must be intentional about encouraging, investing in, and even demanding innovation. A practical step? Ask job candidates about their experience with innovation in their current workplace. Are they encouraged to think creatively? Do they have the freedom to test new ideas? Bruce echoed these sentiments, reinforcing the idea that engagement and innovation go hand in hand.
Rethinking Creativity in the Accounting Industry
Most people wouldn’t associate accounting with creativity, but Bruce and I explored why it’s critical for the industry. I emphasized the importance of curiosity and thinking beyond the traditional numbers game, while Bruce pointed out the role of pattern recognition and strategic inquisitiveness. It’s not enough to be curious—you have to direct that curiosity toward solving real-world problems. The firms that embrace this mindset will be the ones that thrive in an evolving market.
Intentionality, Motivation, and Avoiding Burnout
Another major topic we tackled was workplace motivation. Burnout is a productivity killer, and leaders need to recognize that being overwhelmed stifles both creativity and innovation. Organizations must create environments where employees feel supported, empowered, and able to navigate challenges effectively.
Self-motivation plays a crucial role here. The most innovative and successful people are those who take ownership of their growth and learning. Bruce and I agreed that renewal and change within an organization can be tough, but they’re necessary for long-term success. It’s about shifting the mindset from resistance to reinvention.
Bruce’s Work and Thought Leadership
We also discussed Bruce’s extensive work in innovation consulting. His book No Excuses, Innovation and his co-authored work Serial Innovators (both published by Stanford University Press) offer incredible insights for leaders looking to drive change. For those wanting to connect with Bruce and dive deeper into his work, his website and LinkedIn are great resources.
At the end of the day, innovation is about mindset, culture, and people. If organizations want to stay relevant, they need to embrace continuous learning, encourage experimentation, and create workplaces where people feel engaged and inspired to contribute their best ideas.
 Spanning a career at the intersection of business and technology, Bruce Vojak has experienced and explored innovation purposefully and variously, first established as a successful technology practitioner and executive in industry and later, in academia, conducting groundbreaking research on the practice of breakthrough innovation across a broad cross-section of large, mature companies and industries.He is co-author of "No-Excuses Innovation: Strategies for Small- and Medium-Sized Mature Enterprises" (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2022), "Serial Innovators: How Individuals Create and Deliver Breakthrough Innovations in Mature Firms" (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2012). A Senior Fellow with The Conference Board, he has served on the boards of JVA Partners, Micron Industries Corporation, and Midtronics, Inc.Before founding Breakthrough Innovation Advisors, LLC (https://www.breakthrough-innovation-advisors.com/), Bruce served as Associate Dean and Adjunct Professor in the top-ranked Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign. Earlier, he was Director of Advanced Technology at Motorola, held research and business development positions at Amoco Corporation and was on the research staff at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. He holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.SOCIAL MEDIA LINKlinkedin.com/in/bvojak