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

Ep. 049 Jimmy Smith, Wine Educator, Bar Proprietor and YouTube Creator

🎙️ Communicating Wine, Building Businesses and Legacy with Jimmy Smith

In this episode, I talk with Jimmy Smith, founder of West London Wine School, co-founder of Streatham Wine House, co-owner of South London Wine School & the YouTube channel Wine with Jimmy, and more recently, a winemaker. What began as a teenage rebellion turned into a life-long commitment to breaking down barriers in wine education — and building a business (and life) grounded in curiosity, accessibility, and care. An entrepreneur at heart!

Jimmy shares the story of how a single compliment (“you communicate wine well”) set him on a path that now reaches across the globe. From launching his first wine school during a recession, to navigating a fire and a pandemic, to redefining what it means to be a leader and mentor — this conversation is filled with honesty, heart, and hard-earned wisdom.

This episode explores:

• 🧠 Why accessibility and respect are foundational to Jimmy’s wine education philosophy

• 🗣️ How communication became his guiding force — and core value

• 🚀 The early pivot from wine retail to education

• 🧃 From cellar work to classroom — how science caught up to curiosity

• 🔥 Starting over after recession, fire, and COVID — and growing from each one

• 🌍 Building a global brand (Wine with Jimmy) rooted in clarity and generosity

• 🧭 The values that drive Jimmy’s team: progression, ownership, and belonging

• 🧑‍🎓 Why students aren’t just “students” — they’re friends in the journey

• 🧤 Why mentorship, family, and trust are woven through his whole story

At its heart, this is a story about believing in people, staying curious, and knowing when it’s time to shift — again and again. Next time we’ll talk about Jeff!

📍 Learn more: https://winewithjimmy.com
📲 Follow Jimmy: YouTube

Ep. 048 Alfred Poor, PhD - Health Tech Futurist

🎙️ Be Nicer, Be Intentional, Leave It Better with Alfred Poor

In this episode, I talk with Alfred Poor — Health Tech Innovator, writer, speaker, mentor, and lifelong entrepreneur — about what happens when your values become your compass for life and work. From international childhood experiences to building a career based on clarity and service, Alfred shares stories and truths that are simple… but never simplistic.

This is a conversation about how small ideas like “be a little nicer” can ripple out to shape the way we treat each other, the way we lead, and the way we show up.

In this episode, we explore:

• 🌍 How living in India as a teen shaped Alfred’s lifelong worldview

• 📚 The moment 9th-grade comparative religion became a lifelong framework

• ✨ “Be nicer” and “leave it better than you found it” — two deceptively simple guiding values

• 🧭 How Quaker philosophy helped him define worth, dignity, and belonging

• 🤝 The mindset of service: doing things for others with no expectation of return

• 💼 What trust has to do with business — and why values-alignment builds loyalty

• 🔄 Why intention, not just action, is the foundation of authenticity

• 💬 His entrepreneurial truth: “Choosing not to make a choice… is still a choice.”

Alfred reminds us that our legacy isn’t built all at once — it’s built in small, daily acts of integrity, clarity, and compassion.

📍 Connect with Alfred: alfred@alfredpoor.com

Ep. 047 Lynne Fahy - GM & Winemaker, Hillick & Hobbs

🎙️ Intention, Intuition & Impact with Lynne Fahy

This conversation with Lynne Fahy, General Manager and Winemaker at Hillick & Hobbs, really brought together so many of the themes I’ve been exploring in the Vines and Values series.

I learned from our discussion that Lynne didn’t originally set out to be a winemaker. She was on track to become a physical therapist when she took a leap, and that leap turned into harvest work in New Zealand, Oregon, and eventually the Finger Lakes. Now she’s leading one of the region’s most exciting Riesling-focused wineries with a values-first approach that comes through in every decision — and every bottle.

In this episode, we talk about:

• 🌱 How “leave it better than you found it” became more than advice — it became a life philosophy

• 🍇 Making intuitive decisions in the vineyard and why grape tasting is more art than science

• 🎓 Her path from PT to GM, and what she's learned along the way

• 💡 What it means to lead with clarity, care, and curiosity

• 🌍 Sustainability, team culture, and building something that lasts

• 🍬 “Jellybeans,” vintage variation, and letting the wines speak for themselves

This is a story about listening (to yourself), legacy, leadership, and letting your values show up in every detail.

📍 Visit: https://hillickandhobbs.com

Ep. 046 Dr. Kent Tonkin - Professor Saint Francis University

🎙️ Empathy, Education & “Becoming That Someone” with Dr. Kent Tonkin

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kent Tonkin, professor, consultant, musician, and grief educator. What starts as a discussion about leadership and values in the classroom quickly unfolds into something more: a story of grief, healing, self-awareness, and living with purpose.

Kent shares how early loss, emotional resilience, and powerful mentors shaped both his teaching style and his life. Whether he's consulting with manufacturing leaders or guiding students through transformational learning, Kent’s message is clear: values aren’t just personal — they’re relational.

This episode explores:

• 🎓 How vulnerability and transparency create more effective classrooms — and workplaces

• 💬 “Empathy doesn’t equal agreement” — why understanding matters more than convincing

• 🔥 Why Gen X might be the bridge between generations

• 📚 How grief shaped Kent’s journey — and led him to peer support, nonprofit fundraising, and research

• 🦇 Why Batman helped him believe in hope when he needed it most

• 🎸 What a Gibson bass and a student wedding have in common

• 💡 How “Become That Someone” is more than a motto at Saint Francis University — it’s a path forward, no matter your age

This one’s rich, real, and remarkably open — a story about how people grow, how values evolve, and how connection keeps us going.

📍 Learn more about Kent’s work at Saint Francis University: https://www.francis.edu

Ep. 045 John McGregor, McGregor Vineyard

🎙️ Love and Legacy with John McGregor of McGregor Vineyard

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, I talk with John McGregor of McGregor Vineyard, one of the oldest vinifera producers in the Finger Lakes.

John shares how his parents' bold leap from corporate life into winemaking planted more than just vines — it planted the roots of a life built on love, compassion, and presence. With a background in philosophy and anthropology, John brings a rare lens to his leadership, blending hands-on farming with thoughtful reflection.

Together, we explore:

• 🧬 The influence of family legacy — and how his father’s quiet integrity still guides the winery

• 🪵 Growing up with both independence and structure — from vineyard truck beds to competitive swimming

• 📚 How Daoist thought, Eastern philosophy, and the idea of “doing without doing” shaped his worldview

• 💭 The difference between information and knowledge — and why presence is everything

• 🍷 What it means to put your energy, your values, and even your ego into the wine itself

• 🛠️ Reclaiming the idea of terroir — not just as soil and slope, but as the character of the people who tend it

• 💡 Why “fun with integrity” may just be the guiding light McGregor has followed all along

This episode is about more than wine — it’s about knowing when to listen, when to let go, and what happens when you build something that reflects who you are.

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

Ep. 044 Jon Lokhorst, Speaker, Trainer, Coach and Author

🎙️ Transitions, Leadership & Core Foundations with Jon Lokhorst

In this values-rich conversation, I talk with Jon Lokhorst, CPA turned leadership coach, speaker, and author of Mission-Critical Leadership. Together, we explore what it means to lead with intention, build a strong personal foundation, and honor the values that shape who we are — and who we’re becoming.

Jon shares his personal journey, from becoming a managing partner in public accounting to working in the nonprofit space, before launching his own leadership development practice. Throughout it all, his core values — especially growth mindset — have been a quiet compass, guiding him through transitions, both personal and professional.

This conversation explores:

• 🧭 How Jon’s “non-linear path” still lined up with his values

• 📈 Why growth mindset and lifelong learning shaped his identity

• 🧱 The importance of building a strong personal foundation — vision, mission, purpose, and values

• 🪞 Why core values aren’t one-and-done, but a reflection tool for life and leadership

• 📚 The story behind his book Mission-Critical Leadership and the power of leading in all directions

• 🔄 How transitions — big and small — reveal our deepest values

• 💬 Why self-awareness is the gateway to better leadership, deeper relationships, and long-term impact

From boardrooms to stages, Jon brings clarity and care to the practice of leadership — reminding us that values are not plaques on a wall, but daily decisions that build trust and character.

📍 Learn more: https://yourbestleadership.com

Ep. 043 Peter Weis, Weis Vineyards

🎙️ Building on Heritage with Peter Weis of Weis Vineyards

This conversation is part of what I’ve been calling the “Core Four” — the foundational wineries that helped launch the Vines and Values series of The Value of Values podcast. And with Peter Weis, it went somewhere I didn’t quite expect… deeper.

Peter is the 6th generation of a winemaking family from Germany’s Mosel Valley, now building a values-driven winery on Keuka Lake with his wife and partner, Ashlee Weis. Together, they’ve built Weis Vineyards from the ground up — often literally — and they’ve done it with intention, grit, and care.

A quiet but powerful thread through this episode is Peter’s Opa, whose legacy of hard work, craftsmanship, and care for the land shaped Peter’s own approach to wine and life. That influence is felt in the smallest details — and in the biggest choices.

This conversation explores:

• 🧬 How Peter’s Opa’s influences and shapes his values

• 🧱 For our business and entrepreneurial friends - listen up! Find out what it’s like building a winery today in a historic region, with no outside investors — just passion, reinvestment, and a deep belief in what they’re doing

• 💖 Ashlee and Peter’s partnership, from scrubbing out an 1887 barn to hosting their wedding in it

• 🌱 Why sustainability means more than just vineyard practices — it’s about people, intention, and community

• 🍷 How terroir is also about the people behind the wine

• 🔄 A reflection on legacy, family, and what it means to build something you’d be proud to hand down

This one is part history, part entrepreneurship, and all ❤️ — a masterclass in values, family, and quiet excellence.

📍 Learn more about Weis Vineyards: https://www.weisvineyards.com

Ep. 042 Jordan Harris, Winemaker/COO of Heron Hill Winery

🎙️ The Value of Values: Jordan Harris of Heron Hill Winery

In this thoughtful and entertaining episode of The Value of Values, I chat with Jordan Harris, seasoned winemaker and current head of winemaking and operations at Heron Hill Winery on Keuka Lake.

From wine education in Canada to competing internationally in sommelier competitions, Jordan’s journey is rich with twists, laughter, and deliberate choices. But it’s his deep clarity of values, both personal and professional, that grounds the conversation.

Together, we explore:

• 🍷 Why Jordan chose steel-toed boots and cellar floors over suits and Michelin stars

• 🌱 How Heron Hill is returning to its core mission: make world-class wines with sustainability, integrity, and people at the heart

• 🎯 The winery’s renewed focus on its values: sustainability, quality, people, and philanthropy — and how they show up in everything from vineyard practices to decision-making

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How doughnuts and long-standing vineyard crews are part of Heron Hill’s people-first culture

• 🌍 Why sustainability means more than eco-practices — it’s also about community impact and financial health

• 🪵 The joy of getting your hands dirty, walking the vineyard, and being involved from vine to glass

This episode is a masterclass in intentional leadership, legacy-building, and choosing a values-aligned path — in wine and in life.

📍 Learn more about Heron Hill Winery: https://www.heronhill.com

Ep. 041 Sanjay Batra, Co-Founder WETHRIVV

🎙️ Curiosity, Ethos, and the Four Corners with Sanjay Batra, Co-Founder of WETHRIVV

In this reflective and deeply personal episode, I chat with Sanjay Batra, scientist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of WETHRIVV, a wellness and aesthetics company rooted in truth, beauty, and curiosity.

What emerges is a conversation not just about success, but about meaning — how values, science, and art intersect in business, family, and the way we live and lead.

Together, we explore:

• 🧠 How Sanjay’s upbringing and his father's influence shaped a lifelong pursuit of truth and curiosity

• 🧪 Why he left corporate pharma to build science-first, best-in-class products — including in his own family-run lab

• 🎨 The intersection of art and science in aesthetics, beauty, and product design

• 🧭 The role of ethos in guiding leadership and company culture

• 📞 Why he still picks up the phone to call customers directly — and what that reveals about connection

• 🧱 The importance of knowing your "four corners" — and how staying within them helps avoid burnout and regret

• 🤝 A mentor’s view on paying it forward, showing up, and staying curious — at every stage of life

This episode is about more than building a great company — it’s about building a meaningful life, grounded in values and driven by wonder.

📍 Learn more: https://wethrivv.com
📲 Connect with Sanjay on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sanjaybatraphd

Ep. 040 Citi Medina, Founder =Space

🎙️ Citi Medina Founder =SPACE

In this powerful episode of The Value of Values, I chat with Citi Medina, founder of =SPACE (Equal Space), and discover that Medina is building something far beyond a coworking space.

Depth + Connection “=SPACE” — in my opinion, the equation behind everything Medina stands for.

What began as a few extra desks in Newark has grown into a values-driven ecosystem rooted in equity, intentionality, and radical listening. Medina shares the journey of building Equal Space not as a business, but as a response — to the deep need for safe, affirming spaces where people can grow, rest, and lead.

This conversation explores:

• 🌱 How personal healing revealed deeper clarity and purpose

• 🔍 The difference between offering space and creating belonging

• 🔊 Listening as a leadership strategy — and when stepping out of the room is the right move

• 🧘 Why rest is not earned — it’s essential to sustainable leadership

• 🧱 The intentional design of a community-first environment that scales without losing soul

• 🤝 Why real connection, not transactions, is what drives growth and impact

Whether you're a leader, founder, builder, or someone reimagining how we live and work, this episode is a blueprint for building something meaningful — where your values don’t just guide the mission… they become the model.

📍 Learn more: https://equalspace.co
📲 Follow Medina: @citimedina

Ep. 039 Vineyard View Winery with Adam and Nikki Folts

🎙️ Vines & Values: Vineyard View Winery with Adam & Nikki Foltz

In this episode of The Value of Values, I chat with Adam and Nikki Folts, the passionate husband-and-wife team behind Vineyard View Winery, nestled in the heart of the Keuka Lake wine region.

Adam, a fifth-generation farmer and Air Force veteran, and Nikki, a nurse-turned-winery-owner, share their journey from grape growers to winery founders, rooted in legacy, stewardship, and deep connection to the land. They reflect on how values like family, integrity, hard work, and care are not only foundational to their personal lives but are also poured into every bottle they craft.

This conversation explores:

• How Adam and Nikki explored and aligned their core values before they even thought about marriage or starting a winery — and how that foundation still shapes everything they do

• The meaning of generational farming and sustainability

• The emotional bond to land and legacy

• How their values show up in their wine and visitor experience

• The influence of mentors like the late Tim Moore, a beloved winemaker and founder of Inspire Moore Winery, whose generous spirit and dedication to sustainable viticulture left an indelible mark on the Finger Lakes wine region

• Embracing new varietals like Traminette and Pet-Nat wines

• The unique spirit of the Keuka Lake wine region

🎖️ In Memory of Tim Moore – I didn’t know Tim, but what Adam & Nikki said makes me want to know about him a little more. They say if you speak someone’s name they live on, so thanks for sharing Tim’s name during the podcast. Learn more about Tim’s life and legacy: canandaigualakewinetrail.com/tim-moore-inspire-moore

Whether you listen to the pod for the wine, the values, or the people behind both — this episode is a reminder that great wine isn’t just made, it’s lived. What Adam and Nikki have built at Vineyard View is rooted in legacy, care, and a deep sense of place. It’s a perfect reflection of what Vines & Values is all about — where who you are shows up in what you create.

🌐 Learn more: https://vineyardviewwinery.com

Ep. 038 Rebecca Rutschmann - AI Coaching Consultant

AI, and the Future of Coaching with Rebecca Rutschmann

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Rutschmann, thought leader, technologist, and coach, to explore the evolving relationship between AI and human-centered coaching. From her early values-based approach to her career in tech, Rebecca’s journey has led her to the forefront of AI-driven coaching tools and frameworks.

We dive into why values like radical acceptance, presence and curiosity are more essential than ever—especially as coaching integrates AI into practice. Rebecca also explores the ethical, emotional, and technical challenges that come with building humanized AI systems, and how coaches can work with (not against) this technology.

Whether you're a coach, leader, or simply curious about the intersection of humanity and innovation, this is a must-listen conversation filled with honesty, insight, and inspiration.

Key Topics:

• The role of values congruence in family, coaching, and leadership

• How AI tools can enhance—not replace—the coaching relationship

• The importance of building ethical and principled AI frameworks

• The future of hybrid coaching: human and machine in collaboration

🎧 Tune in to explore how embracing change and staying rooted in values can guide us through the future of coaching and beyond.

Ep. 037 Meaghan Frank, Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars

Vines & Values: Exploring the Essence of Finger Lakes with Meaghan Frank

Welcome to the first episode of Vines & Values—a special series of the Value of Values podcast where we explore the intersection of core values, viticulture, winemaking and the wine business. 🍷✨ In this kickoff episode, I sit down with Meaghan Frank, fourth-generation leader of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, one of the most historic and influential wineries in the Finger Lakes region and the USA.

Meaghan shares how her family's deep-rooted values—from “people as a source of our strength”, integrity and respect to education and empowerment—shape not just their wines, but also their company culture. We also explore a powerful question: Does a wine region have its own values framework? Can Keuka Lake and the Finger Lakes embody a distinct "Valroir"—a fusion of core values and terroir?

Key Topics:
🍇 The evolution of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery and its commitment to people as a source of our strength
🍷 How core values shape a winery’s culture and long-term success
🍷 Why the H.E.L.M. (Hilda, Eugenia, Lena & Margrit) is central to the winery’s history and importance in steering the culture
🌍 Exploring the concept of Valroir—how values and terroir intertwine
📚 The role of education and mentorship in the wine industry
🛠️ Unique company initiatives—from team-wide WSET training to workplace meditation circles

This conversation sets the stage for an exciting journey into how values define winemaking, leadership, and legacy. If you love wine, culture, and deep conversations, you won’t want to miss this episode.

🎧 Listen now and explore the soul of winemaking beyond the glass!

Ep. 036 Vines and Values...?

What if a wine region had more than just terroir—what if it had a values framework?

In this special new series, Vines & Values, I take my exploration of core values into the world of winemaking, starting with the Finger Lakes wine region. I’m interested in exploring the deep traditions, passion, and philosophy of winemakers, this series goes beyond the technical aspects of wine and uncovers the values that shape the people, the businesses, and ultimately, what ends up in the bottle!

I’m sharing a little behind the reason for doing a series called Vines & Values, introducing the wineries that helped launch this project, and sets the stage for the compelling conversations ahead.

Topics Covered:

• The origins of Vines & Values and how it connects to The Value of Values podcast

• Why values matter in winemaking and business

• What to expect from future episodes

Let us know—what do you think shapes a winery beyond terroir? BTW…I’ll be talking about this in terms of “Valroir” (values + terroir).

So if you're interested in how values shape businesses, communities, and industries, stay tuned. Vines & Values is coming soon, and I can’t wait to share these conversations with you.

Ep. 035 - June Toth - A Values-Driven Leader in Action

Core Values, Leadership, and Building Community with June Toth

In this episode, I chat with June Toth, the 2024/2025 President of the New Jersey Society of CPAs and a principal at WilkinGuttenplan to discuss the power of core values, leadership, and building a thriving professional community.  June is truly a values-driven leader in action, embodying resilience, integrity, and service in every aspect of her career.

Her journey—from working full-time while attending college at night to becoming a CPA and a sought after leader in the accounting profession—highlights how mentorship, authenticity, and purpose-driven leadership can shape careers and create a culture of trust and collaboration.

We explore the importance of culture and values in the workplace, why fostering a community-driven mindset leads to success, and how organizations can attract and retain talent by staying true to their core values.

Key Topics:

• The role of values and ethics in leadership

• How mentorship can change careers and lives

• Building a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration

• The evolving landscape of the accounting profession and what the next generation values

• Why authenticity and resilience are key traits for success

June’s passion for leadership and service is truly inspiring—this conversation is packed with insights for professionals at all levels looking to align their work with their values.

Ep. 034 - Steve Lang, CEO

Building a Values-Driven Organization with Steve Lang

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Steve Lang, CEO of dancker, to explore how core values shape leadership, culture, and long-term success. Steve shares insights from his journey leading a nearly 200-year-old company, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, candor, and curiosity in fostering a workplace where employees feel engaged and valued.

We dive into the powerful role of company culture, how values influence decision-making, and why aligning personal and organizational values is crucial for sustainable growth. Steve also reveals a unique onboarding approach where he personally meets with every new hire to discuss the company’s core values—an initiative that ensures alignment from day one.

Key Topics:

• The impact of values-driven leadership on organizational culture

• How leaders can foster candor and curiosity to drive innovation

• The importance of self-awareness and personal growth in leadership

• How values alignment influences employee engagement and retention

• Why challenging assumptions leads to stronger leadership and better decision-making

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to create a meaningful, values-based workplace, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Ep. 033 - John Garrett - Speaker, Author, Podcaster

Uncovering the Power of Core Values and What’s Your “And" with John Garrett

I pod with John Garrett, author of What’s Your “And"? and host of the What’s Your "And"? podcast. John shares his journey as a keynote speaker, semi-retired comedian, and advocate for embracing the human side of professional life. Through humor and insightful storytelling, John dives into the importance of discovering and celebrating the "and"—the hobbies, passions, and personal values that make us unique.

We explore how core values shape personal and professional decisions, why they are sometimes overlooked, and how acknowledging them can lead to greater self-awareness and success. John also reflects on how organizations can create deeper connections by valuing their employees as whole people.

Key Topics:

• The concept of the "and" and its role in professional fulfillment

• How core values serve as a personal lighthouse in navigating life’s challenges

• The importance of human connection in an increasingly tech-driven world

• Practical insights for balancing professional goals with personal identity

• Stories from John’s career as a comedian and keynote speaker

John was instrumental in helping me overcome the hurdle of starting this podcast. His encouragement and challenge to define my intention inspired me to finally take the step and do this podcast (so blame him!). John was one of my very first guests, and while I held on to this episode, I’m very excited to release it now, as the podcast is gaining traction, finding its voice, and contributing positively to our listeners’ lives. Thank you, John, for helping me take that leap!

Tune in to hear John’s unique perspective on living authentically and embracing all the dimensions of who we are. You can find John:

https://www.thejohngarrett.com/whats-your-and-book

https://whatsyourand.com/

https://www.thejohngarrett.com/podcast

(or at a local comedy club bustin’ the bookers chops for some stage time)

Get his book from the links above or from our Amazon affiliate link (but get if freom him first - https://amzn.to/4fIn4NC)

Ep. 032 - Isabelle Kent, CEO Philly Startup Leaders

Empowering Startups Through Values and Collaboration with Isabelle Kent

In this episode, I sit down with the powerhouse - Isabelle Kent, CEO of Philly Startup Leaders (PSL), to discuss how values and collaboration are reshaping Philadelphia's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Isabelle shares her personal journey as an immigrant, a serial connector, and a dynamic leader focused on creating spaces where innovation thrives.

If you know Philly, you’ll know why she was made for that town! If you don’t know Philly - you should - it’s people like Isabelle that make it the city that it is! The startup community is not just thriving in Philly, its exploding and PSL is one reason why. So, now you know about the startup community in Philly - it’s not cheesesteaks and Rocky references - it’s about the WORK and how your values support and fuel that work ethic - Isabelle is great and a shining example of that work ethic!

We explore how PSL fosters trust, collaboration, and inclusion is making Philadelphia a standout startup hub. From hosting unique community-driven events to building a supportive network for early-stage founders, Isabelle emphasizes the power of core values in leadership, the importance of listening, and the role of community in fostering innovation.

Key Topics:

• How PSL’s core values drive its mission to support startups and leaders

• The importance of trust, collaboration, and inclusion in an entrepreneurial ecosystem

• Isabelle’s personal journey as an immigrant and how it shaped her leadership style

• Lessons from PSL’s unique five-year vision and its impact on Philadelphia’s startups

• How leaders can create meaningful spaces for innovation and connection

The PSL website - https://www.phillystartupleaders.org/

Ep. 031 - Stephen Tang, PhD MBA - Author, Thought Leader, CEO

Leading with Values: Navigating Crisis and Innovation with Stephen Tang

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Stephen Tang, an accomplished CEO and author of A Test for Our Time: Crisis Leadership in the Next Normal. Together, we explore the profound connection between core values, leadership, and navigating crises. Dr. Tang shares insights from leading Orasure Technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how embracing values like empathy, curiosity, and resilience helped the organization create transformative solutions under extraordinary circumstances.

We discuss his perspective on hybrid work, leadership in times of crisis, and how values-driven decisions can foster innovation and align diverse teams. Dr. Tang also reflects on the universal truths of leadership, including his belief in seeking truth through curiosity and authenticity.

Key Topics:

• The power of values-driven leadership in crisis

• Insights on hybrid work and the evolving workplace

• How empathy and curiosity foster innovation and resilience

• Lessons learned from navigating personal and professional challenges

• The importance of truth-seeking in leadership and life

Dr. Tang’s wisdom offers a roadmap for anyone looking to lead with purpose and integrity in uncertain times.

You can get his book at our affiliate link - https://amzn.to/4198fQH

Or get his book, more information about Stephen and how to book him for speaking engagements on his Web site it www.tang.ceo.