Soul of Business with Blaine Bartlett

Hosted by Blaine Bartlett

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253

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Soul is the blueprint inside of every thing that tells it what it is and what it can become. When we meet anything at that level, we will respect, protect, and love it. Capitalism as it is practiced today is designed to destroy the two resources it needs to function – the planet and the people. Compassionate Capitalism may sound like an oxymoron AND it is the most powerful model we have for ensuring sustainable success - for ourselves, our businesses and our planet. Every organization has a “soul” or spirit that is its founding source. It is a non-replicable creative advantage that connects to literally everything. This connection is fueled by compassion and knowing how to access and leverage this unique “soul” is a crucial key to sustainable success for all life on the planet!

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60 recent

June 15, 202628 min

Conversational Debt...It Will Break Your Company with Gustavo Razzetti

“The Cost Of Conversational Debt” Join me and my guest Gustavo Razzetti (https://gustavorazzetti.com), a culture change instigator, speaker, and CEO of Fearless Culture, a culture design consultancy. He helps leaders build teams that talk about what matters—even when it's uncomfortable. His real-life insights come from leading more than 1,500 workshops with teams at Mars, Microsoft, Merck, Globant, and the Inter-American Development Bank. A regular contributor to Psychology Today, his work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, and Forbes. He is the author of Remote, Not Distant and Stretch for Change. His newest book is Forward Talk: The Bold New Method For Getting Teams Unstuck. Gustavo helps teams say what everyone's thinking but no one's saying. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://bit.ly/SOBECommunity Summary Explore the transformative power of effective communication and culture in organizations with Gustavo Razzetti, author of Forward Talk. Discover how mastering conversational depth, trust, and addressing conversational debt can unlock team potential and foster a thriving organizational culture. Key Topics The role of communication in organizational culture The concept of conversational debt and how to address it Building trust within teams and organizations The importance of masterful communication and conflict management Takeaways Effective communication is the foundation of organizational success. Conversational debt accumulates when conversations are avoided or misunderstood. Building trust requires intentional actions and positive requests. Cordial harmony can mask underlying issues that weaken teams. Small, forward-moving actions can start transforming organizational culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 8, 202630 min

Navigating AI's Ethical Frontier with Fern Halper, Ph.D.

Join me and my guest Fern Halper, Ph.D., VP of Research at TDWI (https://tdwi.org) and the Founder of the AI Foundations Group (https://aifoundationsgroup.com). Fern is a nationally recognized expert and thought leader on data and AI. She has been recognized as a top 10 thought leader in AI governance and a top 50 Women Thought Leaders, Analysts & Influencers on AI. Her career includes serving as a lead analyst at Bell Laboratories and a partner at industry analyst firm Hurwitz & Associates, as well as teaching at both Colgate University and Bentley University. She has been published hundreds of times and her most recent book is Data Makes the World Go ’Round: The Data, Tech, and Trust Behind AI Success. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://bit.ly/SOBECommunity Summary In this engaging conversation, Blaine interviews Dr. Fern Halper, a leading expert in AI governance and data-driven business strategies. They explore the ethical, societal, and organizational implications of AI, emphasizing the importance of human judgment, critical thinking, and responsible AI development. Key Points AI governance and standards The role of human judgment in AI Ethical challenges and bias in AI The future of work with AI and agents The importance of critical thinking in AI adoption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 26, 202635 min

Business' Biggest Threat with Doug Stephens, Founder and CEO of Retail Prophet

“Business' Biggest Threat” Join me and my guest Doug Stephens, Founder and CEO of Retail Prophet (www.retailprophet.com) and widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost retail industry futurists. His creative and intellectual work have influenced the strategies of global brands including IKEA, Nike, Coca Cola, Louis Vuitton, and L’Oréal. He is an international bestselling author of three books on the future of retail including his most recent, Resurrecting Retail: The Future of Business in a Post-Pandemic World. His unique perspectives on retail and consumer behavior have been featured in many of the world’s leading publications and media outlets including The New York Times, The BBC, The Business of Fashion, The Wall Street Journal and Fast Company. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/sobecommunity Summary In this engaging conversation, Blaine and Doug Stephens explore the evolving role of business in society, emphasizing the importance of organizational values, trust, and purpose. They discuss how the soul of a business influences its competitive advantage and the need to reconnect with foundational principles to ensure sustainability, democracy, and customer delight. Key Topics The importance of organizational values and the soul of a business The impact of corporate culture on trust, loyalty, and performance The shift from shareholder primacy to stakeholder engagement and democracy Historical evolution of business ethics from the 1950s to today A practical business plan for sustainable competitive advantage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 18, 202635 min

Building Fulfillment: Letting Go Of Outcomes with Jack Wagoner

“Building Fulfillment Thru Letting Go” Join me and my guest Jack Wagner. At 19 years of age, Jack is the youngest guest I’ve had on the show, and he is amongst the wisest. Jack moved to the south of France alone at the age of 16, learned to speak French, and started his first business at 17. Today he's a TEDx speaker, host of The Grateful Podcast (top 2.5% globally, 130+ episodes), and a keynote speaker whose work lives at the intersection of behavioral neuroscience and peak performance. His framework, the Duality of Gratitude and Ambition, helps leaders perform at the highest level without losing what makes it worth it. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://bit.ly/SOBECommunity Summary Join Blaine Bartlett and Jack Wagoner as they explore the duality of gratitude and ambition, the nature of reality, and how to cultivate fulfillment and meaningful connections in life and business. Discover insights on letting go of attachment, creating shared realities, and living as a distribution center of positivity. Key Topics • The duality of gratitude and ambition • The construction of reality and shared perceptions • Letting go of attachment to outcomes • The role of neuroscience and philosophy in understanding the mind • Building deeper human connections and shared realities • Reality is a construct of many minds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 11, 202632 min

Disrupted - Embrace Chaos For Growth with Andre Thornton

“We’re All A Work In Progress” Join me and my guest Andre W. Thornton, Founder & CEO of Whitman Consulting (consultwhitman.com). Above the bathroom sink in his home is a phrase that reads, “Change lives by helping people reach their full potential”. This desire has evolved into a purpose statement for Whitman Consulting that serves its clients by accelerating the development of their leaders. Andre has lived his life as an example of how someone can pursue their purpose while in the corporate world. The results he has created are rooted in the competencies that advanced his career and are now transferred to others through Whitman Consulting’s leadership development services. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://bit.ly/SOBECommunity Summary Join Blaine and Andre Thornton in a candid conversation about reconnecting with your "founding fount," navigating disruptions, and leading with purpose and authenticity. We unbundle how chaos and disruption are essential drivers for growth, both personally and professionally and the profound connection between the soul of business, leadership, and personal growth. Discover how disruption, self-awareness, and purpose drive sustainable success and authentic leadership. Key Topics In this episode: The concept of the "soul of business" as a source of life and purpose How businesses and individuals lose connection to their original source as they grow The importance of self awareness and self management in leadership Andre's personal journey from Lockheed engineer to leadership coach and author of Disrupted The role of chaos and disruption as catalysts for growth and innovation The stabilizers and accelerators of growth through chaos The metaphor of knowing how to return to one's center during disruptions The influence of metaphysics, frequency, and manifestation in leadership and life Practical insights on fostering resilience and resourcefulness in turbulent times Sound Bites "I know where my center is and I can come back to it quickly." "When you're off balance, you're overcompensating." "Disruption gives us an opportunity to reimagine who we are." Guest Links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewthornton Website - https://www.andrewthornton.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 27, 202632 min

The Role Of A Lifetime with Pam Sherman

“The Role Of A Lifetime” Join me and my guest Pam Sherman (thepamsherman.com). Pam is an actor, writer, leadership consultant and recovering lawyer who was profiled in People Magazine about her transition from lawyer to actor. She works with Fortune 50 companies, law firms, advertising agencies, and is a highly rated global resource for the leadership organizations EO, Vistage, and YPO. Her nationally syndicated column, The Suburban Outlaw was published in the Democrat + Chronicle and on the USA Today Network for 15 years. Her new book Play You, the Role of a Lifetime has just been released. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this engaging conversation, Blaine and Pam Sherman explore the intersection of theater, leadership, and the Soul of Business. They discuss how authenticity, believability, and relationship management are vital for effective leadership and building trust in organizations. Key topics The connection between theater and leadership The concept of believability versus authenticity The importance of relationship management in business How to bridge the believability gap for better influence The role of emotional intelligence and relational awareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 20, 202632 min

Courage Doesn't Feel Good

Join me and my guest James "Mac" McPartland (jamesmcpartland.com), a keynote speaker, author of the Unopened Gifts® series, and a Mindshift & Performance Coach. For over 25 years, he has been helping leaders and their teams access breakthrough performance and results. James has worked with organizations such as Bank of America, IBM, Nespresso, Kellogg’s, Dow Chemical, Athletes First, and 24-Hour Fitness to transform their cultures into ones of exceptional collaboration and achievement. Our conversation emphasizes the need for courage in leadership and the significance of fostering an environment where employees feel valued and understood. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this conversation, Blaine and James McPartland explore the themes of personal growth, leadership, and the importance of understanding one's own gifts. They discuss the concept of 'unopened gifts'—the potential within individuals that often goes untapped due to fear and societal expectations. McPartland shares his journey of self-discovery and the realization that true leadership involves connecting with others on a personal level. The discussion emphasizes the need for courage in leadership and the significance of fostering an environment where employees feel valued and understood. Takeaways The soul of business is the only true differentiator. Understanding what matters to employees is crucial for engagement. Courage in leadership often feels uncomfortable. People hear what they see; actions speak louder than words. Unopened gifts represent untapped potential within individuals. Leadership is about influencing others to co-create a worthy ideal. Personal growth often involves facing uncomfortable truths. The hardest relationship to navigate is often with oneself. True leadership requires vulnerability and humility. Creating a culture of openness can lead to greater organizational success. #business #leadershipdevelopment #personalgrowth #unopenedgifts #courage #organizationalculture #coaching #self-awareness #transformation #employeeengagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 13, 202638 min

The Ethics of Conscious AI Development

In this timely episode I've invited back Wade Chumney (wade.chumney@csun.edu), a speaker, consultant and transformational leader who is a recognized thought leader on AI and Human Ethics. Ethics is arguably the most important issue facing us today. Wade hosts two podcasts: The AI Ethics Dude and The Reflective Revolution, and co-hosts the Consciousness RenAIssance YouTube channel. Wade is an Associate Professor of Business Ethics & Law and holds a Juris Doctor and a Masters of Information Systems. He is an adherent of the Platonic wisdom tradition and has written a book about developing one’s consciousness: Conscious Business Ethics: The Practical Guide to Wisdom. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this conversation, Blaine and Wade Chumney explore the intersection of AI, consciousness, and ethics. They discuss the implications of AI development on ethical behavior, the nature of consciousness, and the importance of teaching ethics in business. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the ripple effect of ethical behavior in society. Chumney shares insights from his teaching experience and the practical applications of virtue ethics, highlighting the need for a conscious approach to AI and business ethics. Takeaways AI is progressing at an exponential rate, raising ethical concerns. Ethics is the most important issue facing our species today. Your intention shapes your experience with AI. There is a significant difference between theory and practice in ethics. Everything in the universe is interconnected, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior. The golden rule serves as a fundamental principle of ethics. Consciousness is the foundation from which all forms arise. We need to actively spread the principles of ethics in society. AI has the potential to change everything if it becomes conscious. Understanding our interconnectedness can lead to a more ethical future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 30, 202635 min

Co-creation Shifts The Leader’s Role with Dr. Michael Hein

“Co-creation Shifts The Leader’s Role ” Join me and my guest Dr. Michael Hein, Sr. VP with MEDI Leadership (medileadership.org), the premier leadership coaching organization for physicians and hospital administrators. Drawing on experience as a former CEO of a regional network of hospitals and health systems and Chief Medical Officer within Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) – alongside his background as a clinician, educator, researcher, and athletic coach – Dr. Hein partnerswith executives to elevate leadership performance in complex, adaptive environments. In this episode we discuss his new book Shifting Toward Unorthodoxy and explore the evolving landscape of leadership in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of purpose, co-creation, and unorthodoxy. The dialogue highlights the significance of distributed leadership. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this conversation, Blaine and Dr. Michael Hein explore the evolving landscape of leadership in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of purpose, co-creation, and unorthodoxy. They discuss the challenges faced by healthcare leaders, including burnout and workforce issues, and the need for a shift in mindset to navigate uncertainty. The dialogue highlights the significance of distributed leadership and the role of every individual in creating movement within organizations. The conversation concludes with reflections on the nature of leadership and the lessons learned from nature. Takeaways The soul of business is about expressing the founding core. Leadership is about causing movement, not just control. Everyone is a leader, regardless of title. Co-creation shifts the role of leaders from creating to collaborating. Purpose is more enduring and trustworthy than vision. Burnout is a significant challenge in healthcare leadership. Unorthodoxy invites leaders to explore alternative approaches. Mindsets shape our choices and how we perceive challenges. Distributed leadership empowers individuals at all levels. Nature teaches us about distribution, not accumulation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 16, 202633 min

AI, AI, oh....First Do No Harm with Noelle Russell

Join me and my guest Noelle Russell, founder of the AI Leadership Institute (aileadershipinstitute.com) and a multi-award winning TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and AI Executive who specializes in transforming businesses through delivering responsible AI Solutions that scale. She says "we talk about AI like it’s a magic wand that will transform everything. But what if the most powerful force for innovation isn’t artificial intelligence—it’s inclusive leadership?" Noelle has built over 100 conversational AI applications since 2014 and has over 2 million unique users. She also influenced almost a $1 billion in revenue for Microsoft AI during her tenure there speaking to Fortune 500 executives, running whiteboarding technical sessions, and leading internal hackathons for her clients. In the last year, she was awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award for Responsible Artificial Intelligence as well as being listed at one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders in Generative AI. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this episode, Blaine interviews Noelle Russell, a leading expert in responsible AI, exploring the intersection of AI, inclusive leadership, and ethical business practices. They discuss how leadership influences AI development, the importance of inclusive design, and the future of responsible AI. Key Topics The importance of inclusive leadership in AI development Building AI systems with ethical guardrails The concept of constitutional AI and its role in responsible AI Leadership's influence on AI ethics and responsible innovation The personal motivations behind AI development and leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices