Philippe Johnson is a retired United States Air Force officer and advocate for principled and ethical leadership in public service.

• What are the essential character traits and competencies all leaders need to exhibit to most effectively do their jobs?
• Using the core traits you have identified for what makes a competent and principled leader, how does former President Trump serve as a case study of poor leadership, and what have been the material outcomes of his failings?
• There are so many critics out there who decry Trump’s personal character and leadership style, but very few actually posit specific criteria for why he is such an aberration, other than pointing to the more sensational aspects of his court cases and social media rants. Can you clearly outline his shortcomings from a practical, on-the-job perspective?
• The Trump administration seemed to place a premium on loyalty. Your book talks about the difference between “principled” and “unprincipled” loyalty.
• Which term best applies to those within Trump’s inner circle and why? Please define “courageously selfless leadership,” and why is that such an integral part of governing an organization or company?

Philippe Johnson is a retired United States Air Force officer and advocate for principled and ethical leadership in public service. The son of a language teacher and career United States Army officer, he was raised in the United States, France, and Germany. During his 24 years on active duty, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson served as a fixed- and rotary-wing pilot, intelligence offi cer, and diplomat (militaryattaché), and was honored with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He also served on the staffs of two Air Force major commands as his final two assignments. Philippe received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida and earned his master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. He can be reached at www.philippejohnson.com.

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The EEC podcasts are sponsored by MKB Excellent Executive Coaching that helps you get from where you are to where you want to be with customized leadership and coaching development programs. MKB Excellent Executive Coaching offers leadership development programs to generate action, learning, and change that is aligned with your authentic self and values. Transform your dreams into reality and invest in yourself by scheduling a discovery session with Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC to reach your goals.

Your host is Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC, founder and general manager of Excellent Executive Coaching a company that specializes in leadership development.

Dr. Danielle Griffin is a speaker, educator, and coach dedicated to helping people live healthier, happier lives. Whether leading a workshop or delivering a keynote, her goal is to empower individuals to understand their bodies and minds.

• How do you help them integrate mind-body practices into their daily routines to manage stress and enhance their overall performance, especially when they feel they have 'no time'?
• Can you share a specific client success story where you helped an executive overcome a significant challenge, such as pain, anxiety, or grief, and how those modalities played a role in their transformation?
• How do you coach executives to build their emotional resilience?
• How do you help them shift their mindset and prioritize self-care without compromising their professional goals?
• What are some common misconceptions about mind-body work?

Dr. Danielle Griffin is a speaker, educator, and coach dedicated to helping people live healthier, happier lives. Dr. Danielle was awarded the "Best Pain and Stress Management Expert in Houston" and the International Impact Book Award for "Somatic Exercise Made Simple."

Dr. Danielle holds a Doctorate degree and numerous certifications as a Yoga instructor, Clinical hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, and Coach. She's also studied with renowned hypnotist Paul McKenna. Her "Somatic Exercise Made Simple" book series provides practical guidance for incorporating somatic exercises into daily routines. With over a decade of experience teaching in higher education and working directly with individuals through coaching, yoga, and hypnotherapy, she delivers practical, actionable advice.

Whether leading a workshop or delivering a keynote, her goal is to empower individuals to understand their bodies and minds. She provides audiences with tangible tools they can use immediately to reduce pain and stress, manage anxiety, and improve overall well-being.

If you have enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast on iTunes. We would love for you to leave a review.

The EEC podcasts are sponsored by MKB Excellent Executive Coaching that helps you get from where you are to where you want to be with customized leadership and coaching development programs. MKB Excellent Executive Coaching offers leadership development programs to generate action, learning, and change that is aligned with your authentic self and values. Transform your dreams into reality and invest in yourself by scheduling a discovery session with Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC to reach your goals.

Your host is Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC, founder and general manager of Excellent Executive Coaching a company that specializes in leadership development.

Jenny Mitchell is an executive coach, a podcaster, and a published author who is on a mission to help people have more meaningful conversations.

• What are the key messages in your book Embracing Ambition?
• How did your doctorate in Musical Arts shape your business?
• Why do so many women in leadership roles often place their value in the hands of others?
• How can women take back control and reclaim the word ambition?
• You say there are five key pillars that play a role in women's leadership journeys. What are they?

Jenny Mitchell is an executive coach, a podcaster, and a published author who is on a mission to help people have more meaningful conversations. She is a lifelong learner who holds an executive coaching degree for Royal Roads University, a CFRE fundraising designation, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from SUNY Stony Brook in piano performance.

Jenny is the Founder & CEO of Chavender and most frequently works with executive level leaders in both non-profit and corporate settings.

If you have enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast on iTunes. We would love for you to leave a review.

The EEC podcasts are sponsored by MKB Excellent Executive Coaching that helps you get from where you are to where you want to be with customized leadership and coaching development programs. MKB Excellent Executive Coaching offers leadership development programs to generate action, learning, and change that is aligned with your authentic self and values. Transform your dreams into reality and invest in yourself by scheduling a discovery session with Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC to reach your goals.

Your host is Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC, founder and general manager of Excellent Executive Coaching a company that specializes in leadership development.

Ashley Rudolph is an Executive Coach for high achievers and next-gen leaders. Her coaching blends strategic insight with practical tools to help leaders achieve their goals without burning out.

• When a high achiever feels stuck at a career crossroads, what’s the first conversation you have with them?
• You’ve coached leaders through major transitions—what patterns do you see in those who successfully step into their next chapter?
• What’s a common blind spot holding leaders back from the roles they say they want?
• How do you help leaders separate what they truly want from what they’ve been told they should want?
• If someone listening feels they’re at a plateau, what’s one question they can ask themselves today to unlock their next step?

Ashley Rudolph is an Executive Coach for high achievers and next-gen leaders. With a background as a tech executive and a track record of helping leaders hit business targets, she empowers her clients to unlock their full potential, lead with confidence, and drive performance cultures that deliver results. Ashley's coaching blends strategic insight with practical tools to help leaders achieve their goals without burning out.

If you have enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast on iTunes. We would love for you to leave a review.

The EEC podcasts are sponsored by MKB Excellent Executive Coaching that helps you get from where you are to where you want to be with customized leadership and coaching development programs. MKB Excellent Executive Coaching offers leadership development programs to generate action, learning, and change that is aligned with your authentic self and values. Transform your dreams into reality and invest in yourself by scheduling a discovery session with Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC to reach your goals.

Your host is Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC, founder and general manager of Excellent Executive Coaching a company that specializes in leadership development.

Dan Silvert is a behavioral expert, keynote speaker, and author published in nine languages. As Co-Founder and Partner at Velocity Advisory Group — ranked in Inc. magazine’s 5000 list of fastest-growing companies.

• How do you help leaders build trust and connection within their teams, especially in high-pressure environments?"
• Can you explain your Birds framework and share a real-world example of how it has transformed leadership dynamics within an organization?
• How can leaders flex their communication to foster stronger collaboration?
• What are the most common leadership blind spots you encounter, and how do you coach executives to overcome them?
• As AI continues to reshape the workplace, what leadership skills do you believe will be most critical for executives to thrive in the future?"

Dan Silvert is a behavioral expert, keynote speaker, and author published in nine languages. As Co-Founder and Partner at Velocity Advisory Group — ranked in Inc. magazine’s 5000 list of fastest-growing companies five times — Dan has guided hundreds of leaders to greater organizational and career success, and trained thousands of sales professionals to increased revenues through the power of deep relationships.

If you have enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast on iTunes. We would love for you to leave a review.

The EEC podcasts are sponsored by MKB Excellent Executive Coaching that helps you get from where you are to where you want to be with customized leadership and coaching development programs. MKB Excellent Executive Coaching offers leadership development programs to generate action, learning, and change that is aligned with your authentic self and values. Transform your dreams into reality and invest in yourself by scheduling a discovery session with Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC to reach your goals.

Your host is Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC, founder and general manager of Excellent Executive Coaching a company that specializes in leadership development.

John W. Sigmon is an esteemed executive coach, speaker, and organizational transformation expert, boasting a vast range of expertise that spans across all sectors of the economy.

• How has your experience as a 2-time C-Suite executive shaped your understanding of leadership?
• How do you see parallels between natural ecosystems, observation and getting leaders unstuck?
• What are your book, Wild Leadership, key message?
• Many leaders struggle with resilience and adaptability in volatile environments. What can leaders learn from ecosystems about navigating uncertainty?
• Your book explores leadership through the lens of nature. How can executives adopt a more “wild” approach to leadership while maintaining the strategic rigor needed to drive measurable business outcomes?

John W. Sigmon is an esteemed executive coach, speaker, and organizational transformation expert, boasting a vast range of expertise that spans across all sectors of the economy. With a remarkable career as a people leader and two-time C-Suite executive (CFO and CHRO), he brings unparalleled insights to create impactful experiences for individuals and organizations through coaching, organizational transformation, and personalized consulting.

John's client base is diverse, encompassing not-for-profit, global for-profit, healthcare, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations. He guides his clients towards their desired goals, employing methods of inquiry, awareness, reflection, and action. Certified as a Master Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation (ICF) and a Master Corporate Executive Coach, John received his coach training from the prestigious Coaches Training Institute. He also holds the distinction of being a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and a Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder-Centered Coach.

John focuses on working with leaders who aspire to transcend traditional leadership approaches. He empowers them to embrace fearlessness, present their authentic selves, cultivate a devoted following, and wholeheartedly engage in all aspects of their lives.

If you have enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast on iTunes. We would love for you to leave a review.

The EEC podcasts are sponsored by MKB Excellent Executive Coaching that helps you get from where you are to where you want to be with customized leadership and coaching development programs. MKB Excellent Executive Coaching offers leadership development programs to generate action, learning, and change that is aligned with your authentic self and values. Transform your dreams into reality and invest in yourself by scheduling a discovery session with Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC to reach your goals.

Your host is Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC, founder and general manager of Excellent Executive Coaching a company that specializes in leadership development.

Darius Ross is a pro arbitrager, business consultant, and motivational speaker with 30+ years of entrepreneurial experience behind him.

• How did your experiences growing up in inner-city Chicago shape your entrepreneurial journey?
• How can the right mentality help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and seize opportunities?
• What key traits define true leadership?
• What strategies have helped you crack high-stakes deals while fostering a strong business culture?
• What advice would you give your younger self?

Darius Ross is a pro arbitrager, business consultant, and motivational speaker with 30+ years of entrepreneurial experience behind him. Darius recently co-authored Leadership DNA, a USA National Bestseller that brings together expert insights on mastering the art of leadership. The anthology explores how to cultivate a thriving business culture, drive meaningful change, and build high-performing teams.

Additionally, he is working on the upcoming book Dealing with the Entrepreneurial Mindset, which taps into his journey as a self-starter and includes strategies for leadership. His expertise covers the scope of SMEs and large businesses, and he has cracked deals in the range of $250K to $1B+. In his role as a business consultant, Darius has advised top-ranking corporate leaders on deals worth $100B+.

If you have enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast on iTunes. We would love for you to leave a review.

The EEC podcasts are sponsored by MKB Excellent Executive Coaching that helps you get from where you are to where you want to be with customized leadership and coaching development programs. MKB Excellent Executive Coaching offers leadership development programs to generate action, learning, and change that is aligned with your authentic self and values. Transform your dreams into reality and invest in yourself by scheduling a discovery session with Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC to reach your goals.

Your host is Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC, founder and general manager of Excellent Executive Coaching a company that specializes in leadership development.

Mike Manazir has a passion for stories, leadership, and lifting up people. Mike is a graduate of Top Gun and commanded a US Navy F-14 squadron, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and a Carrier Strike Group.

• What motivated to write your book, "Learn How To Lead To Win"?
• Is there a similitude difference between leading as a naval officer and as a civilian executive? Value and bigger than yourself. Give guidance.
• What are the basic themes of your book?
• What is your top tip about effective leadership?
• What are your three top tenets for an effective leader?

Mike Manazir has a passion for stories, leadership, and lifting up people. Mike is a graduate of Top Gun and commanded a US Navy F-14 squadron, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and a Carrier Strike Group. He retired as a Two-Star Navy Admiral after 36 years of service, spent seven years as an executive with a Fortune 100 aerospace and defense company, and is now a Vice President for Hadrian Automation, a startup specializing in high-end automated manufacturing. Mike mentors a leadership style based on heart and trust that champions inclusion. Mike believes that if you have one or more people looking to you to show the way, you are a leader. He wants to help you be the best leader you can be so you can lead to Win by leading from the Heart.

If you have enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast on iTunes. We would love for you to leave a review.

The EEC podcasts are sponsored by MKB Excellent Executive Coaching that helps you get from where you are to where you want to be with customized leadership and coaching development programs. MKB Excellent Executive Coaching offers leadership development programs to generate action, learning, and change that is aligned with your authentic self and values. Transform your dreams into reality and invest in yourself by scheduling a discovery session with Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC to reach your goals.

Your host is Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC, founder and general manager of Excellent Executive Coaching a company that specializes in leadership development.