In this episode, we deep dive into the world of performance culture with Dr. Oliver Finlay. With over 23 years of experience as a performance director, coach, and physiotherapist, Dr. Finlay has collaborated with some of the most elite sports organizations in the world—including the English Premier League, National Hockey League (NHL), Formula 1, and Team GB Athletics. His career spans a wide variety of sports, from soccer and basketball to motorsport and rugby, showcasing his unparalleled expertise in high-performance environments.

Dr. Finlay is also the founder of Beautiful Game Group, a modern sports investment company focused on driving growth and long-term success in professional sports organizations.

But this isn’t just about sports. Drawing from his impressive career and PhD research at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Finlay unpacks lessons that apply to any organization aiming for sustained success. From understanding the markers of high performance to managing change, creating a culture of excellence, and overcoming plateaus, his insights are invaluable for leaders across all fields.

Tune in to learn how to apply the principles of high-performance sports to your organization, unlock potential, and build a winning culture that thrives in any arena.

I’m thrilled to share this episode of For Leaders By Leaders!

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael J. Goldrich, the brilliant mind behind Too Many Hats, Too Little Time. If you’ve ever wondered how AI can actually help us work smarter (not just faster), Michael is the person to listen to.

In this episode, he takes us beyond the buzzwords and into the real, practical ways leaders can use AI to make work not just efficient but meaningful. He’s all about creating more joy and less toil—empowering teams to thrive by weaving AI into everyday tasks thoughtfully and intentionally.

Michael’s insights are fresh, grounded, and incredibly actionable—perfect for anyone curious about where AI fits in your workday or your team’s future.

Check it out, and let me know what resonated most with you. 🚀 Let’s navigate this AI journey together!

I’m excited to have Pamela Hampel join us for this episode. With 18 years of experience in Human Resources, Pamela currently serves as the VP of People and Culture at Bits in Glass. In her role, she’s redefined how workplace culture can drive personal and team success. Pamela has championed innovative practices in employee relations, strategic growth, and cultivating an environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute and thrive. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes to share the tangible strategies and cultural principles that have shaped Bits in Glass into a standout workplace.

In this episode, we sit down with Denise Hamilton, a nationally recognized DEI leader, founder and CEO of WatchHerWork, and head of All Hands Group, a workplace culture consultancy. Denise has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, and her thought leadership has been featured in outlets such as Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg, and MIT Sloan Management Review. She is also the author of INDIVISIBLE, a powerful exploration of unity and equity in the workplace.

Denise’s passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the core of her work. In this conversation, she shares her personal journey, including the challenges she’s faced and the lessons learned along the way. Through powerful stories and real-life examples, Denise offers strategies to foster more inclusive workplace cultures, showing how leaders can create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Let’s dive in!

Today’s guest is someone who embodies the true essence of courage in leadership—Janelle Aaker, founder of Janelle Aaker Consulting. With over 20 years of experience in the corporate world ranging from Nike, lululemon and more recently at Vancity, Janelle has worked across all aspects of HR. She has spent the last five years specializing in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

In this episode, we’ll dive into how courage has shaped Janelle’s career and life, explore the role it plays in leadership, and uncover the ways in which courageous, inclusive leadership can foster authenticity and growth in teams. From challenging the status quo to leading with empathy, Janelle’s insights will inspire leaders to tap into their own bravery to make lasting impacts.

Get ready to learn how courage and leadership truly go hand-in-hand!

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Naz Kullar, an expert in Human Resources who brings decades of experience and deep insights into leadership and organizational culture. Naz joined the Insurance Council in 2023 as Director of People and Culture and has been a member of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) since 1988. Naz currently participates as member of the Board of Directors for CPHR BC & Yukon and currently serves as Board Chair.

Naz will share her career journey and provide practical advice on fostering connection within teams—especially in the new hybrid work model. As remote and hybrid work environments become more common, leaders face the challenge of maintaining a sense of connection, culture, and inclusivity across geographically dispersed teams. Naz will offer strategies for leaders and HR professionals to navigate these challenges, with a focus on helping new managers lead effectively in this changing landscape.

Tune in to hear from a true HR leader who’s here to help you build stronger, more connected teams in today’s hybrid world!

In this episode of For Leaders By Leaders, I sit down with Liane Davey, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and organizational psychologist, to explore a leadership skill that many shy away from—conflict. Liane is the author of The Good Fight: Use Productive Conflict to Get Your Team and Organization Back on Track among other books. With over 25 years of experience advising Global Fortune 500 companies and teams across industries, Liane has a unique perspective on how to turn conflict into a productive force that drives teams forward.

Liane explains what healthy conflict looks like in high-performing teams and shares actionable strategies to prevent dysfunction and build a culture where teams can engage in the "good fight"—the kind of conflict that leads to better collaboration and outcomes. We also explore the concept of "conflict debt" and the high cost leaders pay when they avoid dealing with conflict.

If you’ve ever wondered how to address the inevitable challenges that come with leading teams, this conversation will equip you with tools to embrace conflict and use it to create stronger, more effective teams.

In this episode of the For Leaders By Leaders podcast, I sit down with Steve Vanagas, Vice-President of Customer Communications and Public Affairs at TransLink, to explore the vital role of leadership during times of crisis. With a proven track record in leading through challenging situations, Steve shares his insights on maintaining calm, navigating unexpected events, and supporting teams under pressure.

We wrap up with a quick lightning round where Steve offers concise advice on what leaders should think, do, and say when faced with a crisis.

Join us as we uncover practical tools and lessons on leading through crises with resilience and clarity.