Breakfast Leadership Show

Navigating AI, Data, and the Future of Work with Cary Sparrow

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In this insightful conversation, Michael D. Levitt, Founder and Chief Burnout Officer of the Breakfast Leadership Network, sits down with Cary Sparrow, founder of Wagescape, to explore the turbulent evolution of the modern labor market.
Adapting to a Rapidly Changing Workforce
Cary reflects on the past decade of transformation in employment trends, driven by the pandemic, artificial intelligence, and wage inflation. He compares leading through these changes to navigating whitewater rapids — requiring adaptability, clear focus, and quick course corrections. Over ten years, Wagescape has grown by bringing transparency and real-time insight to the labor market, helping businesses make smarter workforce decisions.
AI’s Uncertain Future Path
Michael and Cary dive into the unpredictable trajectory of artificial intelligence, drawing parallels to the early dot-com era. With two AI patents under his belt, Cary shares that while AI’s potential is enormous, not all current initiatives will endure. Both agree that innovation often comes from unexpected sources — not just the big tech players dominating the headlines.
Implementation and Strategic Caution
Cary shares a story about a promising AI project that quickly became obsolete due to rapid advancements. Together, he and Michael discuss the importance of balancing early adoption with strategic caution, particularly in fields like hiring and finance, where AI’s cost-saving appeal must be weighed against the need for accuracy and accountability.
AI Meets Healthcare and Employment
Drawing on his background in healthcare leadership, Michael recalls working with an ethics officer who helped make tough medical decisions using data-driven insights. He compares this to how AI could analyze healthcare and employment statistics while maintaining human oversight. He suggests that large language models could forecast labor trends over the next 6 to 12 months — a potential game-changer for workforce planning.
The Future of Hiring and Education
Cary and Michael examine the increasing demand for data-informed hiring, where AI serves as a predictive enhancement rather than a replacement. They discuss how universities must evolve their curricula to align with shifting market skills, and how business leaders often struggle to trust data that challenges traditional gut instincts.
Evolving Data Resistance
Cary highlights a cultural shift: clients are no longer rejecting data outright but are instead asking smarter questions about its sources and implications. This evolution reflects a growing collaboration between data providers and decision-makers — a key step toward data literacy and trust.
As industries accelerate toward an AI-integrated future, this episode offers grounded, real-world insight into how leaders can adapt, stay curious, and lead through uncertainty.
 
About WageScape (formerly Greenwich.HR)At WageScape, we believe leadership begins with clarity—and clarity comes from having the right data at your fingertips. We empower businesses to focus on what matters most: solving complex problems, leading with vision, and creating impact—while we provide the most comprehensive, real-time labor market data to fuel those decisions.
As CEO, my role is centered on building deep, values-driven partnerships with our clients—relationships rooted in trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to innovation. I bring over 35 years of leadership experience across engineering, the military, consulting, and operations, all focused on tackling big challenges and driving sustainable growth. Our team at WageScape is united by a mission: helping organizations make smarter, faster decisions in an $80 trillion global economy.
What Sets WageScape Apart:
✅ Trusted by Global LeadersWe’re proud to serve some of the most respected organizations in the world—Walmart, Aon, Stanford University, Yahoo Finance—offering labor market insights that drive clarity, strategy, and results.
✅ We Don’t Just Provide Data—We Build PartnershipsWhether you're a consultant, enterprise tech firm, financial institution, or developer, we collaborate closely to help you achieve transformational outcomes.
✅ Global-Scale Intelligence, Real-Time PrecisionUsing patented AI, our datasets—updated continuously from 5.6 million hiring organizations in 210 countries—equip teams with the speed, scope, and scale to lead confidently.
✅ Powering Innovation and Market ReadinessOur data fuels everything from predictive market modeling to product innovation and workforce planning—unlocking trends before they hit, and enabling bold, informed decisions.
Impact That Speaks Volumes
🟢 Elite universities have leveraged our labor data to build financial trading models that consistently outperform the S&P 500 by over 5%.🟢 A global consulting firm launched a brand-new product line—anchored in our insights—creating an entirely new revenue stream.🟢 One of the world's largest media companies used our data to launch a high-impact product that drew 20,000 users and generated $25M in revenue.
We’re not just shaping the future of labor intelligence—we're partnering with those who are building it.
Connect with us: https://wagescape.com/
 

Julius Lassalle on Preventing Burnout Through Embodiment: How Leaders Can Manage Stress and Build Resilience

Preventing Burnout Through Embodiment
In this episode, I sit down with Julius, a leadership coach who knows firsthand what burnout feels like from his years in management consultancy. Julius shares how embodiment practices and organizational behavior can bridge the gap between what we know about burnout and what we actually do to prevent it. By tuning into body awareness and reconnecting with our physical vitality, leaders can develop practical ways to manage stress and protect their energy.
Understanding and Preventing Burnout
Julius and I opened up about our personal experiences with burnout, from sleepless nights and rising anxiety to withdrawing from activities that once brought joy. I emphasized the importance of digging into the deeper motivations that fuel burnout, while Julius outlined his approach using gestalt therapy and embodiment practices to restore balance and resilience in leaders.
Balancing Emotions in Leadership
Julius shared a story about coaching a leader to find the right balance between professional composure and authentic emotional expression. Rather than shutting down emotions, he helps leaders integrate them into healthier ways of working. I reflected on the historical challenges female leaders have faced and highlighted the urgent need for better leadership training that supports both emotional skills and professional growth.
Enhancing Leadership Through Practical Skills
We both agreed that leadership demands more than theory. Universities often miss the mark by not equipping students with the life skills they will actually need in the workplace such as emotional regulation, communication, and professional behavior. Together, Julius and I explored how these skills could reshape both education and organizational success.
Self-Awareness in Leadership Development
A key theme in our conversation was self-awareness. Julius and I discussed how clarity on personal values, needs, and goals drives more meaningful action and prevents burnout. I shared my own journey of recovery, where asking “why does this matter to me?” shifted everything. Julius emphasized that while organizations may fear the vulnerability that comes with self-exploration, the real risk lies in avoiding it altogether.
Self-Regulation and Organizational Development
Julius introduced his 4A model which stands for awareness, attraction, action, and alignment. This practical framework supports self-regulation and leadership growth. I recalled my time at Daimler-Benz, where inviting outside perspectives into project debriefs expanded capacity and improved results without additional hiring. Both of us stressed that feedback and reflection are non-negotiable for personal and organizational growth.
The Value of Dialogue in Leadership
Julius highlighted dialogue as a cornerstone of healthy organizations, helping leaders and teams release pressure and broaden perspective. I agreed, noting that genuine communication tears down silos and prevents misunderstandings before they grow into bigger issues.
Embodied Leadership in Action
To close, we explored Julius’s work on embodied leadership and how listeners can learn more. If you want to deepen your leadership through embodiment, you can connect with Julius through his website or LinkedIn.
Julius went from executive burnout in high-pressure tech environments to pioneering Embodied Leadership, a method that blends psychology, neuroscience, and somatic practices. As founder of the Alive School of Embodied Leadership & Transformation in Berlin, he helps leaders from startups to global enterprises sustain performance without burning out. A published author and Harvard Business Manager contributor, Julius shares practical “bodyhacks” and strategies to move from leadership frustration (Führungsfrust) to leadership joy (Führungslust). His approach offers listeners actionable tools to prevent burnout and thrive.
 
Connect with Julius Lassalle at: 
www.lassalle.berlin
julius@lassalle.berlin
www.alive.berlin 
book a free intro chat HERE

Daniel McDavid Breaking Barriers: How Move Mountains Credit Repair Helps Christian Entrepreneurs Rebuild and Rise

In this inspiring episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, host Michael D. Levitt sits down with Daniel McDavid, founder of Move Mountains Credit Repair, to discuss how faith, financial resilience, and ethical leadership can help people overcome credit challenges and step confidently into entrepreneurship.
Founded in 2024 in Southern California, Move Mountains Credit Repair was built on one clear mission — to empower Christian W2 workers and aspiring entrepreneurs to rebuild their credit, access funding, and form the financial foundation they need to achieve their dreams.
Daniel shares the story behind his company’s founding, the why that drives their mission, and how his team combines professional credit repair, LLC formation, and business funding readiness to help clients rise above past setbacks.
This conversation dives deep into how purpose-driven leadership transforms industries that often lack integrity — and how ethical credit restoration can become a vehicle for both personal and spiritual renewal.
🧭 Key Takeaways
Why financial redemption starts with trust and transparency
How Move Mountains helps clients prepare for $50K+ in business funding
The importance of care, community, and professionalism in financial services
Common misconceptions about credit repair — and what ethical firms actually do
How faith and integrity shape the company’s approach to every client interaction
🙌 About Move Mountains Credit Repair
Founded by Daniel McDavid in 2024, Move Mountains Credit Repair helps Christian professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs break free from credit struggles and build lasting financial confidence.Their services include:
Legal removal of negative credit items
Personalized coaching for better credit habits
LLC formation support for business setup
Credit monitoring and transparent updates
Preparation for funding opportunities of $50K+
With a focus on care, trust, and integrity, Move Mountains has become a trusted name for those seeking honest guidance and real results.
🎧 Why This Episode Matters
Too many people feel trapped by their financial past — but this episode proves it’s never too late to turn things around. If you’ve ever felt disqualified from opportunity because of credit challenges, Daniel’s story will remind you that faith, focus, and professional guidance can move mountains.
🔗 Connect with Move Mountains Credit Repair
https://movemountainsfunding.com/strategybreakdown for a no obligation discussion to help you with your credit!  Be sure to mention Breakfast Leadership during your call!
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/danielmcdavid1/
 
🔗 Connect with Michael D. Levitt
🌐 BreakfastLeadership.com📚 Read Michael’s books:Burnout Proof | Workplace Culture🎧 Listen to more episodes on the Breakfast Leadership Show
🗣️ Call to Action
If you’ve been held back by credit challenges, visit Move Mountains Credit Repair today and take the first step toward financial freedom.  Be sure to Mention Breakfast Leadership during your call!
Because when faith meets action — you can truly move mountains. 

Deep Dive: Stop Managing Busywork. The CEO Guide To Claw Back Hours

Leaders often believe they’re making the most of their time, but the reality is different. Hours slip away in meetings that don’t move the needle, endless follow-ups, and decision bottlenecks that stall progress. In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, we break down where time gets lost and how the right mix of technology and culture can help leaders reclaim it.
You’ll learn:
The most common ways leaders unknowingly waste time.
How dashboards, automation, and streamlined systems reduce unnecessary follow-ups and delays.
Why creating a time-respecting culture is as important as adopting new tools.
Practical steps to cut wasted hours and boost team productivity.
The takeaway? Reclaiming time isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing less of what doesn’t matter, and focusing on what does. Tech helps you work smarter, but culture ensures those gains last.
 
Article:  https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/why-leaders-waste-more-time-than-they-think-and-how-tech-fixes-it
Need help with your Workplace Culture? Find out More
 

Kym Ali on AI Implementation and Business Strategy: How to Leverage Artificial Intelligence Without Failing Your Organization

In this episode, Michael sits down with Kym to talk about how businesses can not only survive but thrive with artificial intelligence.
After her company lost 80% of its revenue due to executive orders, Kym led a bold pivot into AI. She shares how her team automated workflows, cut costs, and freed up resources to launch new ventures. Michael points out why this kind of hands-on experience sets her apart in guiding other organizations through AI transformation.
Why Strategy MattersDid you know that 95% of AI implementations fail? Michael and Kym dig into the reasons why. Too many organizations jump in without understanding their current systems, creating more chaos instead of solutions. The two stress the importance of starting with an AI audit—identifying inefficiencies and revenue leaks—before ever choosing a tool.
AI and Organizational InsightMichael and Kym highlight the gap between executive views and front-line experiences. By listening to employees who work closest to the systems, leaders can uncover real bottlenecks and opportunities. They argue that AI should enhance processes, not replace people, and that smart adaptation to current economic conditions matters more than long-term guesswork.
Addressing Employee ConcernsKym addresses the fear of AI taking jobs. Instead, she frames AI as a companion—augmenting employees’ abilities and giving them space for creativity and productivity. Michael adds that when used wisely, AI helps businesses find new growth opportunities and sharpen their focus. Both stress the importance of thoughtful planning, privacy safeguards, and data responsibility.
Technology’s Broader ImpactThe conversation also explores how innovations like predictive analytics are already woven into everyday life, from mortgages to personalized ads. Michael emphasizes using technology to increase efficiency and create meaningful work, while also recognizing the ongoing debates around privacy and data use.
Skills That TransferKym also shares how her background in nursing shaped her approach to consulting, underscoring the power of transferable skills. She encourages listeners to examine their own roles, projects, and metrics for growth opportunities.
Michael closes by highlighting Kym’s expertise and her commitment to helping businesses and communities adapt to an AI-driven world.
About Kym Ali
Kym Ali is an award-winning Registered Nurse, dynamic speaker, and CEO of Kym Ali Consulting, a boutique firm specializing in leadership development, workplace wellness, coaching, and AI-driven solutions for modern leaders. With more than 20 years of nursing experience — including five years abroad helping launch Qatar’s first Women’s and Children’s Hospital — Kym brings a rare global perspective to building healthy, high-performing organizations.
Her expertise has been trusted by federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and global institutions like the Department of Health and Human Services, Pfizer, Stanford University, and Meta, where she has consistently earned client satisfaction ratings above 96 percent.
Recognized as a 2024 Enterprising Woman of the Year, recipient of a Maryland Governor Citation, and ranked among the Top 25 Speakers of 2023, Kym blends proven leadership strategies with AI innovation and wellness practices to help leaders prevent burnout, navigate uncertainty, and inspire engaged, motivated teams.
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadershiptransformer/
 

Journey from Burnout to Transformation with Mindset Coach Michael Shaw

Journey from Burnout to Transformation with Michael Shaw
In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sat down with Michael Shaw, a mindset coach who knows firsthand what it’s like to climb the mountain of achievement, only to find emptiness at the summit. Michael’s story is one of relentless drive—building and selling fitness businesses, excelling in competitions, and constantly chasing that next big win. Yet behind the accolades lived an undercurrent of anxiety and the haunting belief of never being enough.
His breaking point came through emotional collapse, a moment that forced him to dismantle old belief systems and rebuild his life with clarity, resilience, and alignment.
Overcoming Unfulfillment in Success
Michael and I unpack the paradox of high achievers who look successful on the outside but feel unfulfilled within. He shared the story of a businesswoman who overcame financial struggles to hit impressive revenue milestones, only to realize tenacity without alignment doesn’t guarantee joy. Burnout, as Michael reminds us, often stems from a misalignment between our actions, values, and identity. The cure isn’t just time off—it’s reconnecting with who we truly are.
Understanding and Addressing Burnout
We also explored Michael’s personal encounter with burnout. Poor boundaries and unhealthy habits played a role, but the deeper issue was misalignment. Taking a vacation wasn’t enough—it took honest reflection on his motivations and alignment with his current goals. Michael emphasizes that recovery requires slowing down, seeking feedback from trusted advisors, and courageously reassessing one’s path.
Identity Transformation Through Mindset Mastery
Michael introduced his Mindset Mastery Method, which revolves around five pillars: revisiting trauma, awareness, rewiring beliefs, alignment, and activation. At the heart of this method is alignment—living in congruence with one’s core values and chosen identity. He stressed the importance of crafting an “I AM Declaration,” a personal anchor that drives both growth and fulfillment.
Career Transition and Belief Transformation
Michael also reflected on his own career shifts—from accounting to marketing—choosing creativity and joy over routine. Through coaching, he helps clients identify and release limiting beliefs that weigh them down, replacing them with empowering ones that fuel breakthroughs.
Leadership Alignment and Self-Realization
We talked about leadership, self-doubt, and how misalignment trickles down into organizations. Michael cited T-Mobile’s success under Mike Sievert as an example of how self-realized leaders fuel thriving companies. When leaders shift from surviving to thriving, the entire culture benefits.
From Burnout to Aligned Leadership
Michael views burnout not as a failure but as a portal to transformation. He generously offered listeners two free resources: his Fear to Freedom Formula and a complimentary 60-minute Mastery Mindset Breakthrough Session. Listeners can DM him the word FREEDOM on Instagram to access these tools.
If you’re a high achiever running on empty or a leader carrying the weight of misalignment, this conversation will inspire you to step into clarity, alignment, and authentic growth.
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/michaelshaw.mindset
This episode's partner is MRPeasy.  Link to sign up:  https://try.mrpeasy.com/rzhgcr9jcov5
 
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Deep Dive: Adaptive Leadership in a Volatile World — Lessons from Gartner’s Q4 2025 Report

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In this episode, we unpack key findings from Gartner’s Q4 2025 Report, revealing how adaptive leadership is redefining success in today’s volatile workplace. From the collapse of annual planning cycles to the rise of “strategy sprints” and AI-driven decision support, leaders are being challenged to stay agile without burning out their teams.
We share insights on:
Why continuous adaptation now outperforms rigid long-term plans
How AI can enhance, not replace, human judgment
The role of psychological safety in resilient organizations
Practical ways to embed adaptability into daily leadership
Discover how to lead with calm focus amid chaos — and why adaptive leadership is the essential skill for 2026 and beyond.
Read the full article: Adaptive Leadership in a Volatile World
More insights at BreakfastLeadership.com/blog
 

Midday Centering Gratitude Practice

A 2-minute guided mindfulness reset designed to help you pause, breathe, and reconnect with gratitude in the middle of your day. Narrated with a warm, calming voice and soft ambient background.