Leading Visionaries Podcast

What if the biggest leadership mistake isn’t doing too little but trying to do too much alone? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Daria Rudnik, former Chief People Officer and ex-Deloitte professional, who shares a powerful shift in modern leadership. Drawing from her global executive experience and transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, Daria breaks down what it really takes to lead in uncertainty, reduce overwhelm, and create teams that thrive without constant direction.
This conversation is a must-listen for leaders who feel stretched, responsible for everything, and unsure how to keep their teams engaged in a rapidly changing world.
What You Will Learn
How leadership is often developed later in life through experience, not just natural ability.
What it means to uncover a clear vision and why clarity is the key to execution.
How external challenges can accelerate major life and business decisions.
Why trying to do everything at once slows growth and how focus creates momentum.
How to determine when to pivot versus when to keep going in business or leadership.
What separates disengaged teams from high-performing, self-sufficient ones.
Why modern leadership is shifting away from control and toward collaboration.
How leaders can create environments where teams feel empowered and motivated.
What causes employee disengagement and how leaders unintentionally contribute to it.
Why clarity remains one of the biggest challenges even for experienced leaders.
FAQ:
How can leaders reduce overwhelm in fast-growing companies?
Leaders can reduce overwhelm by shifting from doing everything themselves to trusting their teams, involving them in decision-making, and creating systems that allow shared responsibility.

Why do so many employees become disengaged at work?
Most employees start motivated, but become disengaged due to lack of autonomy, poor communication, and leadership styles that limit their ability to contribute meaningfully.

How do you know when to stop pursuing an idea or strategy?
You evaluate whether the effort supports your larger vision, whether you are still learning from it, and whether it continues to energize you. If those elements are missing, it may be time to pivot.

Connect with Daria Rudnik
Website
Book: Clicking
Leading Visionaries Podcast
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What if the reason your business feels scattered isn’t a lack of effort but a lack of clarity? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Clare Treston, strategic planning consultant and author of The Where and The Why, endorsed by professors at Wharton and London Business School. Clare shares her proven framework for turning complex, overwhelming strategies into one clear, powerful “moonshot” goal that aligns your entire team and drives real results.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing too much without real traction, this conversation will help you refocus, realign, and move forward with confidence.

What You Will Learn
How to simplify a complex business vision into one clear and actionable goal that aligns an entire team.
Why most companies lose momentum when their strategy becomes too overwhelming or unclear.
How to apply the STARS framework to define a powerful and focused “moonshot” goal.
Why a strong sense of purpose drives motivation and keeps teams engaged through challenges.
How co-creating a vision with a team leads to stronger buy-in and better long-term results.

FAQ:
What is a moonshot goal in business?
A moonshot goal is a bold, ambitious objective that feels about 80% impossible and 20% possible, designed to push a team beyond normal thinking and unlock creativity, alignment, and growth.

What does the STARS framework stand for?
STARS stands for Stretch, Tangible, Aspirational, Relevant, and Singular, which are the key criteria used to define a powerful and effective moonshot goal.

How do you get team buy-in for a big vision?
Buy-in is strongest when the vision is co-created with the team, allowing everyone to contribute, feel ownership, and stay committed to the outcome.

Connect with Clare Treston
The Where and The Why
Book: The Where and The Why
Leading Visionaries Podcast
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What does it really take to rise into leadership when no one is handing you the roadmap? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Lara Hamilton, Director of IT Services for the HelpDesk Realty, a division at Tectonic (formerly eResources), where she has excelled for over 15 years, to unpack a leadership journey built on resilience, persistence, and vision. Lara didn’t set out to work in technology. She created her path by solving problems, improving systems, and proving her value again and again.
If you’ve ever felt like you had to figure it out on your own, this episode will remind you that your persistence is your power.

What You Will Learn
Leadership can begin in unexpected places when you step up and take ownership of a vision.
Improving systems and solving problems can create opportunities even when you weren’t looking for them.
Persistence and resilience are essential traits for navigating challenges and advancing in your career.
Building trust and working alongside your team creates stronger engagement and better results.
Developing others to take your place is key to growing as a leader and advancing your career.
Innovation often comes from seeing possibilities others overlook and acting on them.
AI is not replacing jobs but reshaping roles and increasing efficiency within organizations.
Clear communication and vision are necessary to enroll others in your ideas and gain support.

FAQ:
What makes someone an effective leader?
An effective leader combines vision, persistence, and the ability to support and develop others. Lara emphasizes that leadership is not about control but about working alongside your team and helping them grow.

How do you get decision-makers to support your ideas?
You must clearly communicate your vision and demonstrate its value. Showing results and building trust over time helps leaders gain buy-in from executives and stakeholders.

Is AI going to replace jobs?
No, AI is more likely to transform jobs rather than eliminate them. It helps reduce repetitive tasks and allows employees to focus on higher-value work.

Connect with Lara Hamilton
Team Tectonic
Leading Visionaries Podcast
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What does it really take to turn a big idea into meaningful, measurable impact? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., PhD, Founder and CEO of the SCHEQ (STEMM & Cancer Health Equity) Foundation, where he leads national efforts to improve cancer outcomes and diversify the STEMM workforce. A first-generation scholar and nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Manley bridges science, policy, and lived experience to drive measurable, community-centered change. Dr. Manley shares his powerful journey from navigating undiagnosed ADHD and systemic barriers to becoming the founder of the SHE STEM and Cancer Health Equity Foundation and launching his consulting firm, Innovation for Impact LLC.
This conversation goes deep into the realities of leadership, the challenges of building a nonprofit from scratch, and the importance of understanding both impact and income when bringing a vision to life.

What You Will Learn
THow lived experiences can shape powerful, purpose-driven innovation.
Why vision alone is not enough and how to operationalize big ideas into action.
What it takes to launch and sustain a nonprofit organization.
How to navigate healthcare systems and advocate for yourself or others.
The importance of combining impact with income for long-term sustainability.
How leadership is developed through both experience and self-awareness.
Why celebrating small wins is essential for long-term success and motivation.

FAQ:
What is health equity and why does it matter?
Health equity ensures that everyone has fair access to healthcare, resources, and outcomes regardless of background, income, or identity. Dr. Manley highlights how systemic gaps can lead to disparities in care, making advocacy and education essential.
How do you turn an idea into a nonprofit organization?
It starts with a clear mission and vision that resonates with people. From there, founders must establish structure, secure funding, build a board, and develop sustainable systems to create long-term impact.
Can nonprofits make money?
Yes, nonprofits can and should generate revenue. The key difference is that profits are reinvested into the mission. Sustainable nonprofits often rely on multiple income streams, including grants, services, and partnerships.
Connect with Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., PhD
Innovation for Impact LLC
Leading Visionaries Podcast
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Creative Age Consulting Group

What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted and it still feels empty? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Kevin Howard, U.S. Army veteran, former FEMA Lead Disaster Assistance Loan Officer, who had a successful 25-year career in commercial banking before transitioning to climate risk & sustainability advisory services. Kevin Howard shares his journey from military service and a successful 25-year banking career to a deeply personal turning point that changed everything.
This episode serves as a masterclass in leadership, identity, and the courage it takes to redefine success on your own terms.

What You Will Learn
True leadership often begins as a reluctant journey rooted in service rather than ambition.
Success without alignment to personal values can lead to feelings of emptiness and lack of purpose.
Clarity comes from looking inward and redefining your life based on your own values, not societal expectations.
Discipline and attention to detail learned in high-stakes environments can translate into long-term professional excellence.
Starting a business requires strategic financial planning, especially understanding runway and minimizing risk.
External economic factors play a larger role in business success today than ever before.
Aligning your work with your personal passions creates both fulfillment and long-term impact.

FAQ:
Why do successful people still feel unfulfilled?
Because success built on external expectations rather than internal values can create achievement without meaning. When your life reflects what you “should” want instead of who you truly are, it often leads to emptiness.

How can I find my true purpose?
Purpose is discovered through introspection, examining your lived experiences, values, and what genuinely fulfills you, rather than following societal definitions of success.

What should I know before starting a business?
You need a clear understanding of your financial runway, minimal reliance on debt, and awareness of how external economic factors may impact your business.

Connect with Kevin Howard
Website
Book: Onward at Last (2024 Presidential Election Edition)
Podcast: Breadcrumbs – The Podcast for People Who Know It’s Not Working
Leading Visionaries Podcast
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Creative Age Consulting Group