Confessions Of A Successful Leader

What can a first-generation refugee teach us about courageous, purpose-driven leadership?Andrew Tallents interviews Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health and national expert in workforce development. Van shares her childhood journey escaping Vietnam, her parents’ resilience, and the experiences that shaped her mission to expand opportunity for others. She reflects on leading the largest community college system in the US, founding a nonprofit now active in 10 states, and learning to lead through influence rather than authority.Van also discusses the demographic reality facing healthcare, the shrinking working-age population, and the urgent need to rethink how society values and rewards caregivers.Key TopicsPurpose-driven leadershipLeading through influenceHow to take feedback wellWorkforce development modelsHealthcare staffing challengesLeadership storytellingAligning work with purposeTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction00:27 Van’s background03:00 Taiko drumming and hobbies04:20 Childhood, Vietnam War, and resilience08:30 Finding courage to lead and start over13:00 Learning to accept feedback17:30 Early career lessons21:00 Aligning purpose and work28:00 Workforce partnerships32:00 Becoming more human as a leader35:00 The future of healthcare38:00 How to connect with VanGuest BioVan Ton-Quinlivan is the CEO of Futuro Health, former Executive Vice Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, author, podcaster, and national leader in workforce development. Her work has been featured by WHO, BBC, the UN General Assembly, and G7 Canada.

Are you leading for validation, or for something that actually matters?In this episode, I speak with Gina Panayiotou, maritime lawyer turned sustainability strategist and founder of Oceans Arena, about her shift from chasing external recognition to building a leadership path rooted in authenticity, purpose and impact.With over a decade in the maritime industry (advising international organizations, startups and NGOs), Gina shares how letting go of performance-based leadership allowed her to reconnect with what truly energizes her. Today, she empowers others through sustainability strategy, board leadership at WISTA and coaching for women navigating traditional industries.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to recognize when confidence is masking disconnection from your valuesWhy showing vulnerability makes you a more trusted, engaged leaderWhat it means to find your “true north” beyond titles and expectationsHow to shift from authority-based leadership to collaborative, purpose-driven influenceSimple practices for building self-awareness and identifying what fuels vs. drains youKey topics:Leadership identity and authenticitySustainable career transitions in traditional industriesWomen in maritime and purpose-led influenceImpact-driven business strategy and self-leadershipGina’s story is a timely reminder that real leadership isn’t about performing, it’s about aligning your values with your actions to create change that lasts.📣 If this episode resonated with you, hit like, share your takeaway in the comments, and subscribe for more honest conversations on leadership, sustainability and self-awareness.Connect with Gina Panayiotou: 🔗Connect with Gina Panayiotou on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginapanayiotou/Write to Gina: gplegalportal@gmail.comCheck Gina’s website: https://www.oceans-arena.com/Connect with me here:🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.comKey Moments:00:00:00 – Introduction & Gina’s mission with Oceans Arena00:03:30 – Performing leadership vs. embodying it00:08:15 – The mindset shift: Finding her true north00:14:50 – Vulnerability and trust in leadership00:22:10 – Advice for leaders feeling misaligned or stuck

What happens when a leadership coach loses connection with himself?In this episode, I speak with Olivier Malafronte, French entrepreneur and pioneer in AI-powered coaching, whose work bridges cutting-edge technology with deep self-awareness. From founding startups to becoming a father, Olivier reflects on how personal growth, emotional complexity and professional ambition intersect - and how easy it is to lose balance when self-awareness takes a back seat.A PhD researcher in AI coaching and leadership development, Olivier opens up about how childhood loneliness shaped his need for connection, how fatherhood reshaped his definition of success and why even experienced coaches must return to self-reflection to lead effectively.In this episode, you’ll learn:How family dynamics shape leadership behavior and relational patternsSigns you're disconnected from yourself and how to realign before burnout hitsWhy openness and vulnerability are essential in high-performance environmentsPractical ways to integrate self-awareness into fast-paced leadershipHow AI coaching enhances self-leadership by sharpening reflexivityKey topics:AI coaching and leadership developmentEntrepreneurial self-awareness and emotional regulationBalancing fatherhood and professional ambitionBuilding trust through authenticity in leadershipOlivier’s story is a raw, thoughtful reminder that growth isn’t just about moving forward, it’s about pausing to reconnect with the person behind the title.📣 If this episode challenged how you think about leadership, hit like, drop your insight in the comments and subscribe for more honest conversations at the intersection of business, self-awareness and innovation.Connect with Olivier Malafronte: 🔗Connect with Olivier Malafronte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviermalafronte/Write to Olivier: olivier_2203@hotmail.frCheck Olivier’s website: https://www.magif.ai/Connect with me here:🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.comKey Moments:01:22 - Olivier's Background and Current Focus02:59 - Childhood Shaping: Only Child and Brotherhood Values10:59 - Parental Influence and Freedom to Choose13:56 - Early Career Challenges and Serendipitous AI Discovery23:48 - Self-Leadership Lessons and Waiting for Events31:03 - The Future of AI Coaching and Reflexivity34:09 - Future Focus and Contact Information

What does it take to turn two suitcases and $2,000 into a seven-figure business?In this episode, I speak with Daniel Botero, entrepreneur, career strategist and founder of Opny, about how his immigrant journey from Colombia shaped his mindset, work ethic and mission to help others succeed.Arriving in the U.S. at age nine with limited resources, Daniel built a life rooted in resilience, resourcefulness and the belief that opportunity is something you create. From climbing the corporate ladder at PepsiCo to launching a business that now empowers thousands, Daniel’s story is packed with practical lessons and powerful insights.In this episode, you’ll learn:How early adversity shaped Daniel’s entrepreneurial mindsetThe turning points that transformed setbacks into career winsWhy adaptability is key in both business and personal growthHow to build and leverage meaningful professional relationshipsWhat it takes to align personal values with business success while scalingKey topics:Immigrant entrepreneurship in the U.S.Transitioning from corporate roles to founder lifeCareer coaching and business buildingPurpose-driven leadership and long-term impactDaniel’s mission is clear: equip people with tools to grow their careers and transform their lives in the process.📣If this episode resonated with you, hit like, share your favorite takeaway in the comments and subscribe for more conversations with leaders who turned their struggles into strategies for success.Connect with Daniel Botero: 🔗Connect with Daniel Botero on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedanielbotero/Write to Daniel: daniel@opny.coCheck Daniel’s website: https://www.opny.co/Connect with me here:🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.comKey Moments:00:00:40 - Meet Daniel Botero: From Colombia to the American Dream00:03:11 - Childhood Experiences Shaping Daniel's Work Ethic00:07:31 - Finding Male Role Models and Learning Life Lessons00:10:11 - Discovering the Power of Leverage and Efficiency00:12:20 - Early Career Challenges and Opportunities at PepsiCo00:18:01 - Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship00:25:58 - Pivoting and Growing a Successful Coaching Business00:31:55 - Current Leadership Challenges and Personal Growth00:34:14 - Connecting with Daniel Botero

Can high performance and personal fulfillment coexist in global leadership?In this episode, I speak with Isabelle Ducellier, seasoned executive and board member, whose career spans the wine and spirits industry, consumer health and the nonprofit sector. Her story is one of personal transformation: from chasing perfection to leading with purpose, balance and impact.Drawing from over 20 years of international leadership, Isabelle shares how early expectations shaped her drive, how cultural fluency influenced her management style and how stepping back from the corporate spotlight helped her realign with her values.In this episode, you’ll learn:How childhood patterns can shape your leadership and how to reframe themWays to adapt your leadership style across global teams and cultural contextsWhy personal adversity often sparks deeper purpose and career clarityHow gratitude and vulnerability can strengthen executive presenceWhat it takes to transition from C-suite roles to meaningful board contributionsKey topics:Purpose-driven leadershipCross-cultural managementEmotional intelligence in executive rolesCareer reinvention and board-level impactIsabelle’s journey offers a roadmap for leaders navigating the space between ambition and authenticity - showing how personal evolution can unlock deeper professional influence.📣 If this conversation resonated, hit like, drop your insights in the comments and subscribe for more real-world leadership stories and strategies.Connect with Isabelle Ducellier: 🔗Connect with Isabelle Ducellier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-ducellier-239aa311/Write to Isabelle Ducellier: isabelle@ducellier.seConnect with me here:🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.comKey Moments:00:01:15 - Isabelle's Background and Career Journey00:07:42 - Childhood Influences on Leadership Style00:16:20 - Expat Experiences and Cultural Adaptations00:25:04 - Personal Challenges and Career Shift00:33:39 - Transition to Portfolio Career

Can ancient strategy help solve today’s leadership and cultural challenges?In this episode, I speak with Dr. Gilda Carle, media personality, relationship strategist and executive coach, who brings Sun Tzu’s Art of War to life in boardrooms, classrooms and social conversations alike.From helping corporate leaders navigate conflict without combat, to addressing the male mental health crisis, Dr. Carle blends tactical wisdom with real-world urgency. Her work cuts across leadership, identity, generational divides and cultural norms; making this a conversation for anyone rethinking what effective leadership looks like today.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to use strategy to win without confrontationWhat’s driving the male suicide crisis and why leadership plays a roleHow authenticity, not conformity, drives real impact in corporate spacesTactics for bridging generational gaps in modern teamsWhy transparency builds trust and how to practice it dailyFeatured topics:Sun Tzu and strategic leadership in today’s workplaceMen’s identity, vulnerability and emotional healthDiversity, communication and executive influenceDr. Carle’s latest book: Real Men Don’t Go WokeDr. Carle’s career spans classrooms in the South Bronx to coaching Fortune 500 executives and this conversation brings together decades of practical wisdom on leadership, identity and human connection.📣 If this episode challenged your thinking, hit like, share your takeaway in the comments and subscribe for more deep dives into strategy, leadership and culture.Connect with Dr. Gilda Carle: 🔗Connect with Dr. Gilda Carle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgilda/Write to Dr. Gilda Carle: drgilda@drgilda.comCheck Gilda’s website: https://drgilda.com/Connect with me here:🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.comKey Moments:00:02:02 - Introduction and the Crisis of Male Suicide00:08:38 - Dr. Carle's Background and Early Career00:15:32 - Challenges in Helping Others and Being Transparent00:23:05 - Generational Differences in the Workplace00:28:13 - Dr. Carle's Current Challenges and Legacy00:30:59 - Addressing Male Suicide Rates

Is your drive to achieve pulling you away from what really matters?In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Petrone, executive coach and former international corporate leader, to unpack the often-overlooked tension between ambition and patience - and how mastering both is key to sustainable leadership.With 20+ years of global business experience, Andrea shares how personal setbacks, cultural expectations and career pivots shaped his philosophy on high performance, vulnerability and legacy.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why urgency without patience can sabotage long-term goalsHow curiosity and challenging assumptions lead to real growthThe role of self-reflection in finding your leadership edgeHow to define legacy beyond profit and titleWhat top CEOs are doing differently to lead with clarity and impactKey topics:Executive coaching and conscious leadershipPersonal growth after corporate burnoutBalancing performance with purposeLessons from coaching global CEOs and foundersAndrea’s journey offers a rare behind-the-scenes view into what it really takes to lead with intention - especially when ambition alone isn’t enough.📣 If this conversation resonated, hit like, leave a comment with your biggest insight and subscribe for more episodes on leadership, clarity and long-term success.Connect with Andrea Petrone: 🔗Connect with Andrea Petrone on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/Write to Andrea Petrone: andrea@andreapetrone.comCheck Andrea’s website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/Connect with me here:🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.comKey Moments:00:04:24 - Andrea's Childhood and Early Career Ambitions00:11:24 - Reflections on Early Career Success and Challenges00:16:28 - Career Setbacks and Personal Growth00:24:21 - Transition to Executive Coaching00:28:33 - Entrepreneurial Journey and Future Vision

How do you go from selling drugs on the streets to building a business that saves lives?In this powerful episode, I speak with Craig Brown, founder of Rage Fitness Wellbeing Group, about his journey from addiction and homelessness in Liverpool to leading a thriving health and wellness enterprise.Craig shares raw insights on how personal pain became the foundation for building a business focused on purpose, community and long-term change. His leadership is shaped by lived experience and it shows in how he empowers others to break cycles and find meaning.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Craig turned his lowest point into a mission to help othersWhy building trust and giving up control are critical to scaling impactHow to grow a business from nothing - with resilience as your fuelWhy leadership starts with self-awareness and serviceHow community and belief can change the course of a life and a businessKey topics:Recovery and entrepreneurshipLeadership shaped by adversityCommunity-driven business modelsWellness, purpose and giving backCraig’s story is not just inspiring, it’s a blueprint for how anyone can turn personal struggle into meaningful leadership and social impact.📣 If this episode moved you, hit like, share your takeaway in the comments, and subscribe for more real stories of resilience, leadership and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.Connect with Craig Brown: 🔗Connect with Craig Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-brown-wellbeing/Write to Craig Brown: craig@ragefitnesscompany.comCheck Craig’s website: https://www.ragefitnesscompany.com/Connect with me here:🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.comKey Moments:00:00:40 - Meet Craig Brown: Passionate About Improving Health00:04:47 - Survival Mechanisms and Lack of Role Models00:07:32 - Realizing ADHD and Its Impact00:11:02 - Craig's Troubled Youth and Drug Involvement00:14:46 - Turning Points in Craig's Life00:22:10 - The Gambia Trip and Charlotte's Influence00:24:25 - Starting Rage Fitness Wellbeing Group00:34:39 - Rage Fitness Wellbeing Group's Current Success00:37:32 - Key Leadership Lessons00:38:45 - Contact Information for Craig Brown

Can clean energy scale without sacrificing speed, precision or profit?In this episode, I speak with Stephan Röß, CEO of AI Charge Technologies, about his transition from corporate leadership in global automotive firms to building a clean-tech startup focused on intelligent EV charging infrastructure.With 25+ years in automotive and electronics (including roles at companies like BMW and Siemens) Stephan shares how his engineering mindset, passion for sustainability and leadership evolution are shaping the future of electric mobility.In this episode, you’ll learn:How early experiences shaped Stephan’s leadership mindsetWhy perfectionism can hinder innovation and how to overcome itHow to balance long-term sustainability with commercial viabilityWhat it takes to leave corporate life and lead in a startup environmentTools for time management, clear communication and scaling clean techKey topics:EV infrastructure and the future of sustainable transportationStartup leadership vs. corporate managementEngineering mindset in business strategyBuilding green innovation with real-world applicationStephan’s story is a practical roadmap for anyone curious about leadership at the intersection of technology, climate impact and entrepreneurship.📣 If this conversation sparked ideas, hit like, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway and subscribe for more real-world insights from leaders driving innovation in tech and sustainability.Connect with Stephan Röß: 🔗Connect with Stephan Röß on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-r%C3%B6%C3%9F-6732b08a/Write to Stephan Röß: stephan.roess@ai-charge.comCheck Stephan’s website: https://www.ai-charge.com/Connect with me here:🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter📞 Write me: team@tallents-partnership.comKey Moments:00:00:39 - Introduction to Stephan Röß and AI Charge Technologies00:05:44 - Childhood influences on leadership style00:14:07 - Balancing perfectionism and practicality00:22:10 - Strategies for sustainable leadership00:26:25 - Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship00:31:02 - Future vision and legacy