Ep. 066 Holly Benner - Metta Performance

🎧 Show Summary

In this heartfelt and high-energy conversation, I sit down with Holly Benner, Metta Performance, to explore what it really means to pursue excellence — not just in sport, but in life. From her journey as a rower chasing Olympic dreams to her evolution as a leadership and performance coach, Holly shares how she helps high-achievers balance ambition with self-compassion.

We talk about the power of values, redefining what it means to “coach,” and the subtle art of translating lessons from endurance sports into business and personal growth. Along the way, we touch on courage, community, and the surprising ways physical challenges mirror the inner ones.

It’s an inspiring reflection on drive, balance, and the transformative energy of doing hard things — not to prove something, but because you love it.

💡 Episode Highlights

• The story behind Holly’s transition from Olympic training to leadership coaching

• How Metta Performance (METTA) blends athletic and executive coaching

• What it truly means to be a “Type A+” personality — and how to thrive with it

• The difference between training plans and coaching

• How values evolve and serve as a compass for fulfillment

• “Metta” as loving-kindness: why softening your inner dialogue changes everything

• Why everyone is an athlete — and how movement becomes meditation

• Lessons from endurance sports that fuel clarity, courage, and compassion

Living Between Two Selves | Duality, Identity & My Type 1.5 Diabetes

🎙️ Show Summary

This quick rant - something to get off my chest - goes into the space between who we think we are and who the world expects us to be. I open up about a personal health diagnosis—Type 1.5 diabetes—and how it’s reshaped my understanding of control, identity, and duality. From the Brooks Brothers “A side” to the Bukowski “B side,” it’s an honest exploration of living in between, and what it means to finally bring more of yourself—flawed, whole, and human—into every part of your life.

What this episode explores:

• The lifelong tension between the polished professional and the creative rebel

• The shock of a Type 1.5 diabetes diagnosis—and how it reframed control and vulnerability

• Why identity and illness can both strip away illusion and reveal truth

• The call to live with more honesty, imperfection, and presence

• The reminder that our core values are the very anchors we need most in uncertain seasons

Ep. 065 Marcia Reynolds, PsyD, MCC

🎧 Show Summary

In this rich, human conversation with Marcia, we explore what it truly means to know who you are. From childhood expectations to career pivots, from judgment to curiosity, and from the noise of doing to the quiet of being seen—this exchange goes deep into values, identity, and the timeless search for meaning.

Together, we reflect on:

• The intersection of values and identity—how knowing what fulfills you shapes who you are.

• The tension between shoulds and authentic joy—why so many live by others’ expectations.

• How coaching helps people see the narratives they can’t see themselves.

• The role of education and why self-awareness should start early.

• How judgment shows up in our bodies—and how curiosity transforms it.

• The need for human connection in an AI-driven world.

• Finding courage in uncertainty, resilience in heritage, and meaning in contribution.

This isn’t just a conversation about coaching—it’s about being human and remembering what it means to be truly seen.

Ep. 064 Gina Martin - Executive Coach

🎙 Show Summary

In this conversation, I chat with executive coach Gina Martin, whose journey to executive coach and cancer survivor reveals the power of living in alignment with one’s values. Together they explore how self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and integrity shape the way we lead and love — both in business and in life.

Gina shares how her experience with breast cancer redefined her core values, moving achievement to the backseat and elevating love, health, and family. She offers thoughtful insights on behavioral change, conscious choice, and the balance between results and empathy in leadership. Their discussion also touches on coaching’s evolving relationship with AI, and the reminder that our humanity — love, gratitude, and connection — remains irreplaceable.

Key themes include:

• The link between values, fulfillment, and self-awareness

• How life-changing events realign what truly matters

• The intersection of emotional intelligence and leadership accountability

• Why trust and data are the twin pillars of effective coaching

• The evolving conversation around AI and the “flight to humanity”

• The enduring importance of love as a core value and leadership force

Ep. 063 Ryan Miller - Founder Peaky Hat

🎧 Show Summary

In this conversation, I sit down with Ryan Miller, founder of Peaky Hat, a small business redefining what it means to wear confidence — one cap at a time.

What began as a simple Facebook ad turned into a deep dialogue about craftsmanship, values, and legacy. Ryan shares how his journey from corporate consulting to hat design became an act of creative and personal renewal.

This episode explores what happens when you infuse business with heart — when quality, purpose, and humanity guide every decision. It’s about finding meaning in the making, honoring family, and building a community around something more than style.

We talk about:

• The evolution from digital strategy to handcrafted design

• The three pillars behind Peaky Hat: quality, experience, and integrity

• Turning a simple cap into a symbol of confidence and connection

• The story behind the “Bob Wayne” hat — and how it honors Ryan’s father

• How entrepreneurship can bring family, creativity, and values together

Ep. 062 Lewin Keller - Founder CoachBot.ai

In this conversation with Lewin from CoachBot.ai, we explore the evolving relationship between technology, coaching, and humanity. There is a deep reflection on presence, values, and how we define freedom in a rapidly changing world.

Together, we examine how personal growth, spiritual awareness, and technology intersect — and why the rise of AI makes it more essential than ever to stay rooted in what makes us human.

Episode Highlights:

• How love, growth, and freedom interact in moments of peace and stress

• Redefining freedom — from financial independence to spiritual surrender

• The evolution of AI coaching and the call for ethical, values-driven design

• Why the future of technology must include philosophers, not just engineers

• A candid look at what makes human coaching irreplaceable

Ep. 061 Dr. Joanne Ciulla, Professor and Director of the Institute for Ethical Leadership - Rutgers University

🎙️ Show Summary

In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, I chat with Dr. Joanne Ciulla, Professor and Director of the Institute for Ethical Leadership at Rutgers University, to explore the intersection of AI, ethics, philosophy, and humanity.

What unfolds is a rare philosophical deep dive into how artificial intelligence challenges our understanding of agency, morality, and consciousness—and what it reveals about us as human beings.

Together, they discuss everything from moral decision-making in AI, the trolley problem, and the role of fear and courage in modern society, to the importance of critical thinking, literature, and philosophy in shaping ethical leaders of the future.

🧭 This is a grounded, deeply human reflection on what it means to live—and lead—consciously in the age of intelligent machines.

Key topics explored:

• The philosophical roots of AI and what they reveal about human understanding

• What makes an entity an “agent” — and whether AI can ever qualify

• Moral accountability, bias, and the illusion of AI objectivity

• The “trolley problem” and the ethics of decision-making in autonomous systems

• Why humanities and philosophy are essential in an AI-driven world

• The dangers of fear—and courage as a modern moral virtue

• How critical thinking and kindness shape ethical leadership

Ep. 060 Mike Whitney, Adoria Vineyeards, Owner

In this episode, I talk with with Mike Whitney, an American entrepreneur who left the corporate boardroom to build one of Poland’s first modern wineries. What began as a risk has become a story of quality, grit, and values shaping not only a business but a life.

We dive into what it means to hold firm to standards, how core values translate into wine and leadership, and why mistakes and humility might be the greatest teachers of all. Mike shares his journey from CFO and global executive to farmer, winemaker, and father—and what it takes to build something lasting from the ground up.

What this episode explores:

• Building Poland’s first modern winery and the courage to start from scratch

• How quality standards become non-negotiable values in business

• Reflections on family, sacrifice, and choosing presence over corporate success

• Insights from mentors, Stoic philosophy, and ancient wisdom

• Why mistakes are essential to growth and freedom

• A story of Easter eggs, cotton candy, and learning by failing forward

Ep. 059 Luka Pelicarić, Lead Guide & Tour Creator Free Spirit Tours - Croatia

🎙 Show Summary

In this reflective and deep spirited conversation, I chat with Luka—a historian, cultural anthropologist, a modern philosopher who happens to be the Lead Guide and Tour Creator for Free Spirit Tours in Croatia. He brings history to life with humor, passion, and authenticity. We dive into how his journey led from studying law to guiding thousands of people through Zagreb and beyond, and why he sees guiding as equal parts teaching, storytelling, and stand-up comedy. Luka shares the role of honesty and being true to oneself, the impact of growing up with a love of history, and his belief that despite politics and division, people everywhere share common values of kindness and connection.

This episode explores what it means to craft experiences, stay authentic, and live by values that guide both work and life.

Episode Highlights:

• Luka’s path from law school to history and tour guiding

• Why guiding is a blend of history, storytelling, and comedy

• The importance of museums and memory in Croatia’s cultural identity

• Core values Luka lives by: honesty and being true to oneself

• Insights on how people across the world are more alike than different

• Reflections on family influence, mentors, and heroes (including Kobe Bryant’s Mamba mentality)

• How humor, preparation, and presence create lasting impact

Ep. 058 Joel Zeff Humorist, Author and Keynote Speaker

In this conversation, I sit down with Joel to explore his incredible journey from journalism and PR into the world of comedy, improv, and keynote speaking. Joel shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path, from discovering the magic of improv to merging humor with leadership lessons. Along the way, he opens up about his values—fun, whimsy, giving back, and education—and how they’ve guided his career and life choices. This is a reflection on passion, presence, and the importance of finding joy in the work we do.

What this episode explores:

• Joel’s leap from journalism into improv and comedy

• The turning point when improv became a calling

• How humor and leadership found common ground in his career

• Lessons improv teaches about change, presence, and teamwork

• The power of giving back—scholarships, mentorship, and whimsy

• Why fun should be part of every career and workplace

Ep. 057 Dan Bissell Head Winemaker, Keuka Spring Vineyards

🎙 Show Summary

In this reflective conversation with winemaker Dan Bissell of Keuka Spring Vineyards, we explore how hospitality, community, and history intertwine with the craft of wine. Dan shares his journey from bartending in New Jersey to finding purpose in the Finger Lakes, where each vintage tells a story of nature, people, and place. Together we discuss the culture of teamwork, the balance of science and magic in winemaking, and the way intention and emotion end up in every bottle.

What we explore in this episode:

• How Dan’s path from hospitality led to winemaking

• The “bug” of wine and why it’s a never-ending pursuit

• Vintage variation in the Finger Lakes and why it matters

• Balancing science with the magic of winemaking

• Hospitality roots, culture, and teamwork in both service and cellar

• The importance of community, wine clubs, and shared stories

• How history and place shape Keuka Spring’s wines

Ep. 056 Aleksandar Zecevic, WineEnthusiast Writer

🎙️ Authenticity, Wine Hybrids, and Hemingway: A Conversation with Aleksandar Zecevic

In this killer episode, I chat with a wine writer for WineEnthusiast and former Wine Spectator reviewer Aleksandar Zecevic. What starts as a deep dive into PIWIs (fungus-resistant hybrid grapes) for my WSET Diploma research paper becomes a thoughtful exploration of authenticity, sustainability, and the shifting values in the wine world and beyond.

What we explore in this episode:

• The ethics and environmental promise of hybrid grape varieties (PIWIs)

• The paradox of wine marketing vs. wine’s agricultural roots

• Alexander’s personal journey into wine and journalism

• The challenges of tasting notes, subjectivity, and structure in wine reviews

• Reflections on authenticity, storytelling, and the influence of Hemingway

• Why describing a cat says just as much about your values as your job does

• A touch of philosophy, a dash of sarcasm, and plenty of honesty

Here is the WineEnthusiast article I referenced: https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/hybrid-and-piwi-grape-climate-change/?srsltid=AfmBOooW3tzvU3osg06ZHzB4FIqRu3V7jc4eFZ8Fo2nd84iReE0KPqxR

Ep. 055 Daniel Budmen, Scout Vineyards

In this grounded and thoughtful conversation, I chat with Daniel Budmen, co-founder of Scout Vineyards on the west side of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York. What started as a shared dream between two young winemakers evolved into something much more — a story of community, intention, and inherited wisdom.

Daniel shares what drew him and his wife Olivia back to the Finger Lakes, their mission-driven approach to starting Scout Vineyards, and the deep roots of collaboration that define the region. We explore the often-overlooked values baked into winegrowing — patience, generosity, stewardship — and what it means to carry forward both ancestral and community-driven values in every bottle.

💡 Highlights from this episode:

• Why a sense of place and people defines the Finger Lakes wine region

• The origin story of Scout Vineyards, and why its name carries layered meaning

• How mentorship, shared wisdom, and generosity shape the winemaking community

• The importance of mission statements in aligning growth with purpose

• What happens when wine becomes more than a product — and instead, a shared story

VOICES - A Value of Values Micropod - Daniel Budmen from Scout Winery

A sneak peek into our Value of Values Podcast with Daniel Budmen co-founder of Scout Vineyards on the west side of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

If this doesn’t '“wet your whistle” on what this values journey is all about…well then go listen to another podcast. Who is Daniel referring to in this 1 min and 30 second clip?

Full episode to be released soon…..!

Ep. 054 Michele Siekerka, CEO NJBIA

🎙️Community, Certainty, and Core Values – A Conversation with Michele Siekerka

In this grounded and eye-opening episode, I chat with Michele Siekerka, CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), for a heartfelt and informed conversation on the values that drive business and leadership in today’s evolving economy.

Together we explore:

• The foundational values of integrity, authenticity, and advocacy in Michele’s work

• How NJBIA supports small and midsize businesses beyond policy, including healthcare, HR, and training resources

• The often-overlooked role businesses play in strengthening their communities

• Real stories of companies connecting with purpose through mission-driven work and workforce engagement

• How COVID exposed the truth about trust, values, and workplace culture

• The importance of lifelong learning, skill development, and flexible education pathways

• Michele’s personal journey from first-generation college student to passionate community advocate

Whether you're a business leader, educator, policymaker, or student—there’s wisdom here about values, trust, and the power of showing up with purpose.

Ep. 053 Mike Gibbs, Toast Winery

🎧Mutuality in a Bottle: The Story of Toast Winery

In this episode of The Value of Values, I chat with Mike, co-owner of Toast Winery on Seneca Lake, to explore the unexpected, inspiring journey from first-time Finger Lakes tourist to hands-on winery owner. This grounded conversation blends business savvy, personal philosophy, and a shared love of the region.

To be totally transparent, I knew Mike from another life, which resurfaced recently. We both worked for a company in New Jersey and worked not closely, but enough to know each other. I had NO idea he was a winery owner now! It was only thought my posts in a FB group associated with FLX wines that we reconnected. It’s the old, dreaded message from social media - for those of us who were alive before social media - “hey, are you the (insert name) from (insert time of life you are unaware if you were an @sshole to this person)?” I’m glad Mike remembered me and reached out, because he is the same GREAT GUY, I remember him to be (can’t say the same for myself).

This episode explores:

• The wild story of how Mike ended up with that specific winery

• Why “mutuality” and “attention to detail” are a few elements of the Toast culture (more to learn from this aspect)

• How Mike and Jane’s shared dream became a business rooted in purpose, not ego

• The emotional and strategic journey from corporate finance to full-time winemaking

• Innovation in the glass: why Mike and Toast are pushing the industry

• And what happens when you ask your partner: “What do you think our values are?”

Ep, 052.5 (Part DEUX) - Dana Bernstein, Coach and Author

🎙️ Uncovering Pillars & Radical Self-Honesty with Dana Bernstein (Part Deux)

In Part Deux of my conversation with coach and author Dana Bernstein, we get personal — Dana guides me through her Pillar Discovery process in real time, and what unfolds is a conversation filled with humor, reflection, and surprising clarity.

This isn’t just a demonstration of working with her book — it’s an honest exploration of what makes us us, and how the language we use to describe our inner world can unlock compassion, resilience, and choice.

In this episode, we dive into:

• 🧠 The difference between values and pillars — and why it matters in daily life

• 🎯 Using values like “jackets” you can put on and take off with intention

• 🌀 What internal conflict really reveals — and how to move through it

• 💬 Why mischievousness, kindness, curiosity, and adventure showed up as my own pillars

• 🧃 The chicken parm vs. razor clams metaphor you didn’t know you needed

• 💛 A real moment of gratitude and community that reminded me why this work matters

Dana is equal parts playful and profound in this episode — and the clarity that comes out of the messiness is something I hope listeners sit with, just like I am.

📖 More info on the book: https://danalynnbernstein.com/
📲 Connect with Dana: linkedin.com/in/danabernstein

Ep. 052.0 - Dana Bernstein, Coach and Author

🎙️ The Value of Values: Pillars, Conflict & the Power of Who - with Dana Bernstein (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I’m joined by Dana Bernstein, leadership coach and author of It’s the Thought That Counts: Mastering the Art of You First. We go deep into the heart of her framework — where values, pillars, and internal conflict all come together to shape who we are and how we show up.

This episode explores:

• 🧭 The difference between values and pillars — in Dana’s model and why confusing them can keep you stuck

• 🧠 How values show up in moments of conflict and frustration

• 💥 When two core values collide — and how to decide which one leads

• 💬 Why naming your internal experiences helps you reduce the emotional weight

• 📖 Behind the scenes of writing her book — and why she almost titled it No One Gives a ****

• 🔁 How values, triggers, and pillars each signal different emotional responses

• 🔍 Why understanding your ideal emotion can guide you through hard choices

Dana brings clarity, energy, and honesty to every part of this episode — and in Part 2, she’ll walk me through one of her most powerful coaching exercises. But first, we unpack the foundation of the work.

📍 Learn more about Dana and the book: https://danalynnbernstein.com/
📲 Connect with Dana on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danabernstein

Ep. 051 Mel Goldman, Keuka Lake Vineyards

🎙️ Legacy, Land, and a Life of Purpose with Mel Goldman

From Peace Corps volunteer to vineyard founder, Mel Goldman has always been driven by something bigger than himself. In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Mel reflects on the values that shaped his decades of work across continents — from building schools in Nepal to starting a wine legacy in the Finger Lakes.

We cover the why, the where, and the how of his story — and at the center of it all is Mel’s unwavering belief in doing meaningful work, no matter the odds or the season.

In this episode, we explore:

• 🌍 What the Peace Corps taught Mel about humility, community, and contribution

• 🧪 The surprising link between international development and winemaking

• 🧭 The foundation of Keuka Lake Vineyards — and why they planted against the grain

• 🍇 The terroir, tradition, and tension of growing Riesling and hybrids in the Finger Lakes

• 🧤 The value of collaborative learning in a “non-fancy” wine region

• 🛠️ Why starting over at age 50+ might be the most values-aligned move you make

• 💬 Reflections on legacy, mentors, and what makes the Finger Lakes… the Finger Lakes

Whether you’re curious about global development, entrepreneurship, or just love a good origin story — Mel delivers it all with heart, humor, and honesty.

📍 Learn more: https://www.klvineyards.com

Ep. 050 Gavin Wells, COO FX, LSEG

🎙️ Finding Meaning, Coaching with Depth, and the Work of Values with Gavin Wells

In this expansive and deeply thoughtful episode, I’m joined by Gavin Wells — leadership coach, former army officer, financial services executive, and author of the paper Finding Your Values: Why You May Want To — and Why It Shouldn’t Be a Lonely Task.

Gavin’s journey threads through military leadership, global business, coaching psychology, and personal introspection. What emerges is a powerful, researched-based perspective on how values give us not only meaning — but direction, dignity, and resilience.

In this episode, we explore:

• 🧭 Why values aren’t just words on a wall — but internal compasses that shape our decisions

• 🔍 The academic roots of values research, from Maslow to Rokeach to Stelter

• 💬 What happens when your behavior is in conflict with your values — and how that dissonance shows up

• 🧠 Why most people don’t know their values — and why it’s worth the deep work to find them

• 🔨 The research behind Gavin’s paper — including 12 discovery methods and real-world coaching insights

• 🤝 What values-based coaching requires from coaches: vulnerability, trust, structure, and congruence

• 🏢 How organizational values relate to — and sometimes clash with — individual ones

• 🌟 A powerful reflection on legacy, leadership, and making space for meaning at work

Whether you’re a coach, a leader, or someone exploring your own core beliefs, Gavin brings clarity and warmth to a topic that deserves far more depth than it usually gets.

📄 Read the paper: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-83189-014
📲 Connect with Gavin on LinkedIn: Gavin Wells | LinkedIn