12 O'Clock High

Hosted by Tom Fox

Business History

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Episodes

116

Latest episode

Aug 2025

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About the show

A podcast about business leadership with Tom Fox, The Voice of Compliance.

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60 recent

August 22, 202525 min

Navigating Life's Challenges: A Journey from Military Service to Mental Health Advocacy with Nick Padlo

12 O'Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports, movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom Fox speaks with Nick Padlo, a mental health advocate and Founder and CEO of Sophros Recovery, about his diverse professional journey. Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Padlo attended West Point and served in the U.S. Army, during which he witnessed significant combat. Post-military, he attended business school at Stanford and founded a pet cremation business. He also shares his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse and his path to recovery, touching on the leadership lessons he learned from the military, the importance of asking for help, and how he integrates his experiences to aid others through ROS Recovery. The discussion includes building resilience, empathy, and trust within a team, family involvement in recovery, and advice for business leaders facing personal and professional challenges. Key highlights: · Nick Padlo's Military Background · Transition to Civilian Life and Business Ventures · Personal Struggles and Path to Recovery · Leadership Lessons from the Military · Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help · Incorporating Experiences into ROS Recovery · Building Resilience, Trust, and Empathy · Family's Role in Recovery · Advice for Business Leaders Resources: Follow Nick Padlo on LinkedIn Check out Sophros Recovery Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 15, 202528 min

Leadership in Cybersecurity and Privacy with Robert Meyers

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports, movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom Fox welcomes Robert Meyers, a veteran with over 30 years in cybersecurity, privacy, M&A security, and education. The discussion spans Meyers’s vast professional journey from the early days of IT to the modern challenges and practices of data protection. They also explore the differences in cybersecurity and privacy perspectives between the US and Europe, the importance of cross-functional collaboration in organizations, and how new technologies like autonomous AI systems are reshaping security models. Meyers also shares his passion for Comic-Con and offers advice for students and new professionals considering a career in cybersecurity and privacy. The episode wraps up with insights into Meyers’s books and practical advice for integrating privacy principles and cybersecurity tools in today’s business environment. Key highlights: Robert Meyers’ Professional Background Early Cybersecurity Challenges and Lessons Evolution of Cybersecurity and Privacy Privacy Perspectives: US vs Europe Role of Executives in Cybersecurity and Privacy Cross-Functional Collaboration in Privacy and Security Innovative Cybersecurity Tools Agentic AI and Its Implications Comic-Con and Professional Insights Career Advice for Aspiring Professionals Resources: Privacy Snippets for the Cybersecurity Professional on Amazon Robert Meyers’ Profile on Amazon Robert Meyers ‘on LinkedIn Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 1, 202524 min

Building Trust and Relationships: The Power of Compliance and Ethics with Jacqui Pruet

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports, movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom Fox interviews Jacqui Pruet, founder of A. C. E. Austin Compliance & Ethics Professional. Pruet shares her journey of creating ACE to address the lack of local networking opportunities for compliance professionals in Austin, Texas. She discusses her passion for ethics and compliance, stemming from her background as a state regulator and strategist, as well as her innovative approach to building high-trust leadership communities. Pruet emphasizes the importance of relationships and trust in compliance, sharing insights on how effective compliance can drive business efficiency and profitability. She also explores the evolving alignment between innovation, governance, and compliance, and discusses how her regulatory background gives her a unique perspective in the compliance field. Key highlights: Jacqui Pruet’s Journey to Founding ACE The Importance of Compliance and Ethics Executing the Vision of ACE High-Trust Leadership Communities Confidentiality and Trust in Leadership Building Relationships and Trust Revenue and Ethics: A Strategic Advantage Regulatory Background and Compliance Strategy Resources: Jacqui Pruet on LinkedIn Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 16, 202525 min

Empowering Female Entrepreneurs: A Conversation with Linda Fisk

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. Tom takes a solo turn to visit Linda Fisk, the leader of LeadHERship Global, to talk about the challenges and opportunities female entrepreneurs face. Linda shares her extensive professional journey from being a CMO at notable media companies to founding LeadHERship Global. They discuss women entrepreneurs’ impressive yet under-recognized contributions to the U.S. economy, highlighting stats and trends around new business ventures led by women, especially women of color. Linda emphasizes women’s ongoing difficulties in accessing capital and offers practical steps for success, including addressing stereotypes, learning from each other, and creating supportive networks. The conversation closes with insights on how LeadHERship Global helps women thrive professionally and how men can support this movement. Linda also mentions her recent anthology,” LeadHERship Unveiled,” which features inspiring stories from women leaders. Key highlights: Current Landscape for Female Entrepreneurs Challenges in Funding for Women Entrepreneurs Practical Steps for Women Entrepreneurs The Vision Behind LeadHERship Global Resources: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn LeadHERship Website Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 9, 202528 min

Emotional Health and High Achievers: A Journey to Balance with Dr. Karthik Ramanan

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. Tom takes a solo turn to visit with Dr. Karthik Ramanan (Dr. K), a licensed naturopathic physician specializing in emotional health for entrepreneurs and executives. Dr. K shares his professional background and insights into emotional health, defining it as the absence of disease and the ability to identify, process, and act upon emotions. He introduces his book, ‘The Emotionally Healthy You,’ and discusses his unique writing process. The discussion is about the five pillars of emotional health: psychology, relationships, nutrition, sleep, and body movement. Dr. K emphasizes the importance of morning routines, maintaining a sense of purpose, and balancing high achievement with emotional resilience. Key highlights: Emotional Health and Mentorship Defining Emotional Health The Five Pillars of Emotional Health Balancing High Achievement and Emotional Well-being Finding Purpose and Mentorship Resources: Instagram: @dr.karthikramanan LinkedIn: Dr. Karthik Ramanan X (Twitter): @drkramanan YouTube: Dr. Karthik Ramanan Channel Facebook: Dr. Karthik Ramanan Website Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

February 14, 202529 min

Leadership Insights from ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. Tom and Richard Lummis return with their fan-favorite series on leadership lessons from Oscar-winning Best Picture movies. Today, we look at leadership lessons from ‘All Quiet on the Western Front.’ Their discussion centers on the graphic depictions of war and how they provide insights into extreme leadership, adaptability, and the disconnect between officers and soldiers. They explore the themes of teamwork and human resilience demonstrated by the characters, especially in challenging situations. A poignant exploration of emotional intelligence and empathy in high-stress environments is also examined, relating these themes to the business world and modern leadership challenges. Join Richard and Tom as they reflect on how these lessons from a nearly century-old text are still relevant today in navigating uncertainty and building resilient frameworks in corporate compliance. Key highlights: Overview of ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ Themes of War and Leadership Modern Reflections on Military Lessons Emotional Intelligence and Empathy in War Resilience and Decision Making The Role of Data in Leadership Resources: All Quiet on the Western Front and Everyday Leadership Employer Branding Lessons from All Quiet on the Western Front All Quiet on the Western Front Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 20, 202436 min

Navigating the Slippery Slope of Business Ethics: Alec Burlakoff’s Story

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom is joined by Alec Burlakoff, who shares his compelling journey from a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry to a cautionary tale of white-collar crime. Alec recounts his background in coaching and social work before transitioning to the pharmaceutical field, where his rapid climb to senior vice president halted due to off-label drug promotion and bribery charges. He discusses the ethical pitfalls he encountered, the consequences of his actions, and his subsequent indictment, pleading guilty, and serving a federal prison sentence. Alec emphasizes the importance of compliance departments in preventing ethical lapses and the necessity for sales and compliance to work in synergy. He also sheds light on the mindset of white-collar professionals, the dangers of working in the gray, and how organizations can cultivate a culture of accountability and integrity. Throughout the conversation, Alec’s transformation offers invaluable lessons for compliance professionals and corporate leaders on fostering ethical practices in heavily regulated industries. Key highlights: Alec’s Background and Career Transition The Downfall: Off-Label Promotion and Indictment Shifting Mindsets: Understanding White Collar Crime The Role of Compliance in Sales Accountability and Personal Journey Resources: Alec Burlakoff on LinkedIn Limitless! Consulting Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 6, 202430 min

Jared Connors on Navigating PFAS Regulations, Trade Sanctions, and Sustainability Reporting in 2025

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom is joined by Jared Connors to navigate PFAS Regulations, Trade Sanctions, and Sustainability Reporting in 2025. Tom welcomes former colleague Jared Connors to discuss key compliance issues as 2024 approaches. Their conversation dives into PFAS regulations, trade sanctions, sustainability reporting, and how businesses must navigate these complex landscapes. Jared explains the critical impact of PFAS ‘forever chemicals,’ shedding light on state-level and federal restrictions and the international obligations of companies involved in manufacturing and distribution. The episode also tackles the implications of trade sanctions and how companies can manage their supply chains to avoid disruptions, especially in light of global tensions and shifting political dynamics. Moving forward, Jared provides insight into upcoming sustainability reporting obligations, such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and California’s new stringent laws, emphasizing the importance of data collection and transparent reporting in mitigating risks. This episode provides a comprehensive overview for compliance professionals looking to stay ahead of regulatory changes and market expectations. Key highlights: PFAS: The Forever Chemicals Sanctions and Trade Restrictions Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) Impact of Tariffs on Companies Resources: Jared Connors on LinkedIn Assent Compliance Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 15, 202429 min

Sabine Kvenberg on Enhancing Leadership Through Effective Listening

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom is joined by Sabine Kvenberg to discuss the skill of listening in leadership. Sabine Kvenberg, a celebrated speaker and expert in corporate communication, brings a unique perspective shaped by her diverse background in performing arts and her career transition from a claim adjuster. Her expertise underscores the significance of effective communication, particularly for women in tech who may struggle with confidence in voicing their ideas. Kvenberg advocates for strategies such as setting clear objectives, rehearsing key points, and integrating storytelling to engage and connect with audiences, enhancing leadership and team dynamics. By focusing on body language, vocal variety, and the intricacies of word choice, she helps individuals improve their self-communication and overall interaction skills, fostering a more positive and collaborative corporate environment. Key highlights: Enhancing Corporate Communication Through Storytelling and Rehearsing Enhancing Communication Skills through Training and Coaching Fostering Collaboration Through Active Listening Resources: Sabine Kvenberg on LinkedIn Sabine Kvenberg Website Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 8, 202411 min

Leadership Lessons from A Man For All Seasons

12 O’Clock High, a podcast on business leadership brings together stories from history, the arts and movies, research and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, we consider the movie Man for All Seasons. · Movie Storyline · What is conscience? • “Let Your Conscience Be your Guide” • More never condemned the King. “The king’s good servant, but God’s first.” • Wrongdoing Makes You Lose Your Conscience-Cromwell and Richard Rich · Leadership Lessons • Practicing integrity for the modern business leader is not a simple and straightforward endeavor. Social media only exacerbates this. • A modern leader is “poured into the world’s mold of compromise and deceit”. You need an ethical grounding. • Practicing integrity demands that we, as leaders, constantly assess our relationships. Business and Personal · Standard of Trust Leadership • Competence, Pro-active and Accountable. • Creating an environment that allows strong moral roots to grow and be sustained. · Wrap Up and Close · Final Thoughts · Watch the Movie; see the play, read the book Resources Ten Timely Lessons from A Man For All Seasons Leadership Lessons from St. Thomas More A Leader for All Seasons Virtuous Leadership-Thomas More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices