Listening With Leaders

Hosted by Doug Noll

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365

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Hi there! I'm Doug Noll, an award-winning author, speaker, and trainer. I am, among many other things, a lawyer-turned-peacemaker, mediator, and expert in deep, empathic listening. I left a 22-year career as a trial lawyer, earned my Masters Degree in Peacemaking and Conflict Studies, and have helped thousands of companies and organizations with internal conflicts and poor communication. I am the co-founder of the award-winning Prison of Peace Project. I have trained mediators and leaders in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia in my innovative peacemaking and mediation processes. My honors include California Lawyer Magazine Attorney of the Year, a Purpose Prize Fellow, and Best Lawyers of America Lawyer of the Year. My 20 to 30-min podcast shares amazing founder stories that reveal the smartest strategies for scaling TODAY.

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60 recent

April 28, 202642 min

365 - Emotional GPS: How Emotions Guide Us Through Business, Conflict, and Life with Doug Johnston

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll interviews Doug Johnston, a former corporate executive turned emotional researcher. Johnston shares how his daughter's struggle with depression sparked a decade-long journey documenting 272 emotional states through 8,000 quotes, culminating in a book.Together, they challenge cultural misconceptions about emotions, emphasizing that emotions are fundamental to rational decision-making. They introduce "nervous system leadership," highlighting how naming emotions regulates the brain and transforms leadership. Drawing on neuroscience and personal stories, they advocate for expanding emotional vocabulary as a practical tool for healthier lives and more effective leadership.To learn more about Doug's work, click HERE and HERE. Connect with Doug on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

April 21, 202643 min

364 - Mastering Mind, Body, and Spirit: How to Build a Revolutionary Training System with Mark Divine

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll interviews Mark Divine, whose extraordinary journey took him from small-town upstate New York to becoming a top Navy SEAL graduate.Starting as a CPA in Manhattan, Mark discovered martial arts and Zen meditation, which sparked a profound personal transformation. These practices led him to pursue becoming a Navy SEAL, where visualization and mental training proved crucial to his success. He later founded SEALFIT and the Unbeatable Mind program, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual development to help others achieve their full potential through what he calls the "Five Mountains" approach.To learn more about Mark's work, click HERE.Connect with Mark on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

March 10, 202628 min

363 - From Military Service to Executive Coaching: A Journey of Leadership and Emotional Awareness with Bobby Humes

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, your host Doug Noll interviews Bobby Humes, Lead Consultant and CEO of BH Consultancy.They discuss Bobby’s journey from Army HR roles to leading Seattle’s HR department during COVID-19, and now running the consultancy BH Consultancy. The conversation explores the value of emotional intelligence, overcoming resistance to "soft skills" training, and science-based coaching methods. Personal stories, including Bobby’s theater background and Doug’s jazz violin passion, add depth to this engaging discussion on leadership, self-awareness, and the power of listening.To learn more about Bobby's work, click HERE.Connect with Bobby on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

March 3, 202625 min

362 - Building Connections in a Virtual World: The Importance of Empathy in Remote Work with Ben Gaddis

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll interviews Ben Gaddis, Partner and Co-founder of Superstep Capital, and author of Embracing Irrationality. They discuss Ben’s journey from marketing to private equity, investing in SaaS companies, and the impact of AI on software. The conversation explores leadership assessment, effective board meetings, and the vital role of empathy in business. They also examine the challenges of fostering connection in virtual work environments and the importance of diverse personalities in leadership and team success.To learn more about Ben's work at Superstep Capital, click HERE.Check out Ben's book, Embracing Irrationality, HERE. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

February 24, 202624 min

361 - Embracing Technology Without Losing the Human Touch in Leadership with Chip Higgins

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll and guest Chip Higgins, Founder of Bizzics, discuss how leadership and communication are evolving in the age of digital technology, remote work, and AI.They explore the challenges and opportunities of building genuine connections without physical presence, the impact of generational differences, and the role of listening in effective leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, personal attention, and adapting to new tools, while sharing personal stories and insights on maintaining human bonds in a rapidly changing world.To learn more about Chip's work, click HERE.Connect with Chip on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

February 17, 202626 min

360 - From Code to Connection: Transforming Engineers into Emotionally Intelligent Leaders with Vidar Hokstad

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll interviews Vidar Hokstad, Founder and Consultant at Hokstad Consulting, about his journey from early computer fascination to leading startups and venture-backed companies.The conversation explores lessons learned from product failures, the importance of emotional intelligence in engineering teams, and the challenges of adopting AI. An unidentified third speaker adds thoughtful questions. Vidar shares insights on bridging technical and interpersonal skills, his preference for consulting, and his hobby of writing science fiction novels, offering listeners a well-rounded view of leadership in today’s tech world.To learn more about Vidar's work, click HERE.Connect with Vidar on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

February 10, 202624 min

359 - Untangling the Communication Knot: Mastering Emotions in Leadership with Maria Garaitonandia

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll and guest Maria Garaitonandia, Founder of Global Bridges Training, explore the complexities of communication in leadership and cross-cultural settings.Maria shares how her international upbringing shaped her passion for “untangling” communication challenges, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy. The discussion covers generational and cultural differences, the impact of technology, and practical frameworks for improving dialogue. The speakers highlight that validating emotions and listening deeply are essential for effective leadership, and they offer actionable insights to help leaders foster understanding, navigate conflict, and build stronger connections within diverse teams.To learn more about Maria's work, click HERE.Connect with Maria on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

February 3, 202621 min

358 - The Puzzle of Business: Finding Harmony in Leadership and Team Dynamics with Joe Zentmyer

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll interviews Joe Zentmyer, Founder and CEO of Snaggletooth Goby.Joe is a Chicago-based serial entrepreneur who transitioned from 18 years at Kraft Foods to founding multiple businesses, including a rock climbing gym and an aquarium service company. Joe shares insights on leadership, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of listening, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic layoffs. He reflects on balancing analytical skills with people management, personal growth, and overcoming communication challenges due to hearing loss. The conversation highlights lessons learned about empathy, resilience, and building trust within teams.To learn more about Joe's work, click HERE.Connect with Joe on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

January 27, 202623 min

357 - Listening Like a Pro: How to Break the Cycle of Misunderstanding with Terri Lonowski

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll and guest Terri Lonowski explore the transformative power of “soulful listening.”Terri shares her personal journey and introduces her five-element framework for deep, empathetic communication. The conversation highlights how unmet needs to be heard often fuel conflict, and how self-care and presence are essential for genuine listening. Terri discusses her work with organizations through her company, Soulful Listening, her upcoming book, and practical ways to connect with her. The episode closes with mutual appreciation and encouragement for listeners to cultivate more meaningful, soulful connections in both personal and professional life.To learn more about Terri's work, click HERE.Connect with Terri on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com

January 20, 202621 min

356 - Remote Care for Everyone: The Future of Accessible Healthcare Solutions with Theo Harvey

In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll interviews Theo Harvey, the CEO and Co-founder of SynsorMed, a healthcare technology company transforming remote patient care.Theo shares his journey from big tech to healthcare entrepreneurship, inspired by his daughter's health challenges. They discuss building a remote-first team, leadership lessons, and the integration of AI to personalize and improve patient-doctor communication. The conversation highlights SynsorMed’s broad reach, commitment to affordable and quality care, and Theo’s passion for innovation—rooted in his love for sci-fi and belief in a hopeful, technology-driven future.To learn more about Theo's work, click HERE.Connect with Theo on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Doug's work? Check out his website at https://dougnoll.com