OneSharpSword

Hosted by Dr. Wayne Pernell, CEO and Founder, DynamicLeader, Inc.

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Facebook Instagram YouTube

Episodes

227

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

Most people live their lives using a dull blade, hoping to make it through to another day. Even a thousand dull blades would be no match for One Sharp Sword!One Sharp Sword is about breaking free and cutting through the veil that holds us back from living fully into our own truth. Who would you be if you weren't listening to someone else's voice? What job or career path would you be on? Where might you be living? Who would you surround yourself with? What would you eat? What music would y

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 25, 202653 min

Before You Fly: Jacob Baumler on Building Trust in Private Aviation

Can you verify that a private charter is legal and safe before you board—and before your money moves? CoachAir founder and CEO Jacob Baumler joins Dr. Wayne Pernell to reveal a largely hidden problem within private aviation: passengers may have no simple way to confirm an operator’s authority, aircraft status, pilot qualifications, insurance, and trip legality. Jacob’s mission began after he personally experienced an illegal charter and fraud. In response, he and his wife founded CoachAir to help replace aviation’s fragmented, trust-based processes with connected verification and protected transactions. In this episode: The personal experience that inspired CoachAir • What makes a private charter legal or illegal • Why Part 135 certification matters • How passengers can verify before they fly • Why aviation still relies on paper, spreadsheets, and phone calls • How protected payments can serve passengers and operators • How better aircraft visibility could improve emergency response • What FBOs and vertiports do • How air taxis will change transportation • Why advanced air mobility needs verified trust • Jacob’s leadership vision for scaling CoachAir • The future of safer, frictionless aviation Jacob also explains why this issue extends beyond today’s private travelers. As air taxis, electric aircraft, drones, and other new forms of mobility become more accessible, the industry will need a safety and trust infrastructure capable of scaling with them. Learn more about Jacob and CoachAir: https://www.GoCoachAir.com/ Subscribe to One Sharp Sword for candid conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers who are cutting through to what matters most. 🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/wRs1ltHFQA0 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DrWaynePernell #OneSharpSword #WaynePernell #JacobBaumler #PrivateAviation #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #AviationSafety #BusinessLeadership #CoachAir

August 18, 20261 hr 2 min

Reject the Default Script and Choose Your Future with Steve Rolle

Are you consciously creating your future—or simply following the script you were handed? Dr. Wayne Pernell talks with entrepreneur, Army veteran, business operator, and author Steve Rolle about rejecting inherited limits and deliberately building the life you want. Steve shares how growing up in a low-income community outside Washington, D.C., shaped his early expectations—and how mentorship, books, an Army ROTC scholarship, and exposure to business ownership expanded his sense of possibility. You’ll learn how environment influences identity, why the right mentor can interrupt a limiting pattern, and how small, repeatable wins help you prove a new identity to yourself. Steve also explains why joining higher-level communities requires bringing value to the table and shares his motivation formula: value × belief × immediacy ÷ friction. The episode’s central challenge is simple but powerful: actively reject the future you did not choose, decide who you want to become, and prove it through action. Learn more about Steve at [SteveRoll.com](https://steveroll.com), follow **@RollWithSteve** on social media, and find his book, *The Future You Choose*, on Amazon. If this conversation helped you, follow *One Sharp Sword*, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who is ready to stop living by default. Steve Rolle's LinkedIn Page: linkedin.com/in/steverolle 🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/7JMatzv3Wy8 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DrWaynePernell #OneSharpSword #WaynePernell #SteveRolle #Leadership #PersonalAgency #Mindset #Identity #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #ChooseYourFuture

August 11, 202652 min

Choose Self-Trust Before Certainty Arrives with Dawn Ledet

What if self-trust is not something you build over time, but a decision you can make right now? Dr. Wayne Pernell talks with self-trust business coach, author, strategist, and podcast host Dawn Ledet about moving before certainty arrives. Dawn shares how a season of “overworking and underliving” exposed her reliance on external validation—and led her to rethink confidence, identity, self-sabotage, and follow-through. You’ll discover why fixed labels such as “procrastinator” or “self-saboteur” can weaken your agency, how to treat decisions as data, and how Dawn’s “lobby” and “inner room” metaphor can help you relate differently to difficult thoughts. The conversation also explores productivity, ADHD-friendly work patterns, outcome-based leadership, and why a strong identity floor matters more than trying to break through another ceiling. Key takeaway: choose self-trust first. Follow-through is its expression, not the price you pay to earn it. Learn more about Dawn, explore the free **Meet You in the Lobby** tool, and find her books at [TheSelfTrustCoach.com](https://theselftrustcoach.com). Connect with Dawn Ledet on LinkedIn and listen to *The Self-Trust Solution* podcast. If this conversation helped you, follow *One Sharp Sword*, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who is ready to trust themselves and take the next step. 🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/pmWyxkaRmtw 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DrWaynePernell #OneSharpSword #WaynePernell #DawnLedet #SelfTrust #LeadershipDevelopment #Mindset #ExecutiveCoaching #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipPodcast Dawn Ledet's LinkedIn Page: linkedin.com/in/dawnledet

July 14, 20261 hr 8 min

Leadership in Chaos: Why Old Playbooks No Longer Work with Julie Peck

What happens when the rules no longer apply? In this episode of One Sharp Sword , Dr. Wayne Pernell sits down with transformational CEO Julie Peck to explore leadership in a rapidly changing world. From AI disruption to shifting business models, Julie shares why traditional “playbooks” are breaking down—and what today’s leaders must do instead. They dive into navigating uncertainty, building organizational courage, and leading with clarity when the path forward isn’t obvious. If you’re leading through complexity, this conversation will challenge how you think about risk, strategy, and success. Key Takeaways: You can’t risk-mitigate your way to success Chaos isn’t a threat—it’s an invitation Old leadership playbooks are becoming obsolete Organizational risk = individual risk tolerance scaled into policy The best leaders balance vision (zoom out) and execution (zoom in) Failure, when used well, accelerates success Leadership today requires courage, clarity, and adaptability Memorable Quotes: “You can’t risk-mitigate your way to greatness.” “Chaos isn’t a threat—it’s an invitation.” “Playbooks have become our security blankets.” Topics Covered: Leadership under pressure AI and organizational transformation Letting go of outdated strategies Building cultures that embrace failure Decision-making in uncertainty Vision vs. planning Connect with Julie Peck: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juliepeckceo About the Show: One Sharp Sword cuts through to what matters most—helping leaders think clearly, act decisively, and lead powerfully. 🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/XxdzlQncU0g 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DrWaynePernell #OneSharpSword #WaynePernell #JuliePeck #Leadership #AILeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessTransformation #FutureOfWork #Innovation

July 7, 202657 min

Former Marvel CEO Peter Cuneo on Leadership, Resilience & Raising Strong Leaders | One Sharp Sword

What does it take to build resilient leaders in a world dominated by technology, distraction, and constant change? In this episode of One Sharp Sword , Dr. Wayne Pernell sits down with Peter Cuneo , former CEO of Marvel Entertainment and author of Superhero Leadership: 28 Essential Lessons for Managers from a Former Marvel CEO . Peter shares timeless leadership lessons drawn from decades of executive leadership, including why resilience matters more than perfection, why face-to-face relationships still outperform technology, and why parents and leaders alike must allow people to fail if they want them to grow. Whether you're leading an organization, raising children, or building your own career, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating today's increasingly complex world. In this episode, you'll learn: Why face-to-face experiences build stronger leaders The hidden cost of overparenting Why failure is essential for growth How technology impacts communication and leadership Why travel and diverse experiences expand leadership capacity Building resilience in young professionals Leadership lessons from decades of executive experience Memorable Quotes: "Let your kids fail." "You can't learn a thing by spending hours on your cell phone." "We're all feeling the same emotions." "People will say things online they'd never say face-to-face." #Leadership #PeterCuneo #WaynePernell #OneSharpSword #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #Resilience #Management #PersonalGrowth #BusinessLeadership 🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/X5RNRC54cNs 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DrWaynePernell Peter Cuneo 's LinkedIn Page: linkedin.com/in/peter-cuneo

June 30, 202656 min

AI, Human Judgment, and the Future of Talent with Sameer Ranjan

Artificial intelligence is everywhere. The question is no longer whether AI will change work. The question is whether humans will continue to think critically while using it. In this episode, Dr. Wayne Pernell sits down with Sameer Ranjan, CTO and Director of Data Science at Catenate, to discuss how AI can be used to enhance human potential rather than replace human judgment. Sameer shares how his company helps organizations identify talent, improve workforce mobility, reduce turnover, and create measurable learning outcomes. Together they explore behavioral economics, Ikigai, career transitions, critical thinking, creativity, and the growing importance of curiosity in an AI-driven world. They also discuss: Human-centered AI • Workforce intelligence • Career transitions and upskilling • Learning and development measurement • Emotional intelligence and data • Curiosity as a leadership advantage • Critical thinking in the age of AI • The future of work and talent development If you're a leader, educator, founder, HR executive, or simply curious about how humans and AI can work together more effectively, this conversation is for you. Sameer Ranjan 's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sameerranjan009 Hosted by Dr. Wayne Pernell. 🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/OsAU85Sphqc 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DrWaynePernell #OneSharpSword #WaynePernell #SameerRanjan #AIandLeadership #HumanJudgment #FutureOfWork #TalentStrategy #DataScience #Leadership

June 23, 202653 min

Leadership, Complexity, and Why Trust Reduces Complexity with Dr. Tobias Bartholomé

Leadership isn't about having all the answers. In this episode of One Sharp Sword , Dr. Wayne Pernell interviews Dr. Tobias Bartholomé, psychologist and strategic workforce leader at Lufthansa Group, about leading through complexity, transformation, and uncertainty. Tobias shares lessons from more than twenty years inside one of the world's largest aviation organizations, including navigating mergers, workforce restructuring, leadership development, and the disruptions of COVID-19 and AI. Together, they discuss why leaders should focus less on being experts and more on creating environments where people can grow, why employees should be treated as adults rather than managed through outdated assumptions, and how organizations can preserve culture while adapting to rapid change. The episode concludes with a powerful leadership principle: Trust reduces complexity. In This Episode: Leadership in complex environments Human-centered organizational transformation Employee engagement and motivation Workforce strategy and future talent planning Cultural integration after acquisitions Resilience during uncertainty The future of leadership Connect with Dr. Tobias Bartholomé on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tbartholome 🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/4KYPLrtjmDA 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DrWaynePernell #OneSharpSword #WaynePernell #TobiasBartholome #Leadership #TrustInLeadership #OrganizationalChange #FutureOfWork #ExecutiveLeadership #Complexity

June 16, 202655 min

The Future of Cybersecurity, AI & Quantum Computing with Anna Murray

Quantum computing is closer than most people realize — and it may change cybersecurity, privacy, leadership, and digital trust forever. In this episode of One Sharp Sword , Dr. Wayne Pernell speaks with technology strategist and post-quantum security expert Anna Murray about the rapidly approaching “Q-Day,” the future moment when quantum computers can break current encryption systems. Anna explains quantum computing in accessible language while exploring the real-world implications for business leaders, governments, organizations, and everyday people. Together, they discuss “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later,” AI-driven vulnerabilities, decentralization, leadership under uncertainty, and why leaders don’t need to become technologists to ask better questions and make better decisions. If you’ve heard about quantum computing and wondered why it matters — this conversation is your starting point. Topics Covered Quantum computing explained simply Q-Day and the future of encryption AI + cybersecurity risks Leadership during technological disruption Data privacy and digital sovereignty Post-quantum readiness Organizational adaptation and decision-making Guest Anna Murray Co-Founder, Six3RO Author of Quantum Computing 101 Technology strategist, speaker, and systems thinker 🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/FgEFrx0QiJ0 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DrWaynePernell #OneSharpSword #WaynePernell #AnnaMurray #QuantumComputing #Cybersecurity #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfTechnology #Innovation #TechnologyLeadership

June 9, 202641 min

From Data Overload to Decision Clarity: Leading with Intelligence in the Age of AI with Tim Piemonte

Most companies aren’t lacking data—they’re lacking clarity. In this episode, Dr. Wayne Pernell sits down with AI and technology strategist Tim Piemonte to explore why organizations struggle to turn data into decisions—and what leaders must do differently. Tim shares lessons from leading large-scale enterprise initiatives and explains why success with AI isn’t about tools—it’s about people, process, and clear strategy. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by technology, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually works. In This Episode: Why “data intelligence” matters more than “artificial intelligence” The real reason organizations fail with AI adoption How silos destroy value (and how to fix them) The correct order of transformation: People → Process → Platform How to start small and scale technology successfully What leaders must clarify before implementing AI Tim Piemonte – Founder, Empire Intelligence Group 🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/-c8jOnGhTKQ 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DrWaynePernell Connect with Tim: Email: tim@empireintelgroup.com Tim Piemonte's LinkedIn Page: linkedin.com/in/timpiemonte #OneSharpSword #WaynePernell #TimPiemonte #AILeadership #DataStrategy #DecisionMaking #BusinessClarity #FutureOfWork

June 2, 202647 min

From Science to Strategy: Leading at the Edge of Uncertainty with Graham Wood

What do clinical trials, leadership, and mountain biking have in common? More than you think. In this episode, Dr. Wayne Pernell sits down with clinical pharmacology expert Graham Wood, who has led over 350 first-in-human trials, to explore how innovation actually happens—under pressure, with uncertainty, and through collaboration. You’ll learn: Why scientists are always “selling” ideas How great leaders build teams that don’t depend on them How to make decisions when you don’t have all the data Why discomfort is a sign of growth—not failure Where drug development is heading (and how AI is changing everything) If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or high performer navigating complexity, this episode will shift how you think about risk, leadership, and progress. Guest: Graham Wood Host: Dr. Wayne Pernell 👉 Follow, rate, and review One Sharp Sword to support the show. 🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/WkYlT4qYKOU 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DrWaynePernell 📌 Connect with Graham on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/grahamkeithwood #OneSharpSword #WaynePernell #GrahamWood #LeadershipUnderPressure #DecisionMaking #InnovationLeadership #RiskAndReward #HighPerformance