The Sync Leadership Lab

Hosted by Suken Jain

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The Sync Leadership Lab is a discussion based podcast that is always cooking up and developing ideas around self and team leadership. It takes an authentic and relatable approach to real life challenges and provides inspiration and ideas on how to address them. Specific areas of focus are around leading and managing teams, as well as mid-life/career perspective shifts. The Sync Leadership Lab is hosted by Suken Jain. Suken brings two decades of experience growing his career in the corporate world, and brings in guests who have faced the everyday challenges leaders face to share.

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48 recent

August 19, 202623 min

From Reflection to Results: The Power of Intentional Leadership

Intentional leadership requires us to slow down enough to reflect, understand ourselves and the people around us, and make decisions with purpose. Matthew Adam and Andrew Davies, two experienced leadership and organizational development professionals from the UK, join host Suken to explore what it really means to lead with intention and how to develop that skill. Throughout the conversation, the importance of creating alignment around a shared vision and understanding how our actions impact the people and organizations we lead is stressed. Andy shares his perspective on intentional leadership and why building reflection into decision-making can help leaders move beyond the pressure-driven, reactive patterns that often dominate the workplace. Matthew also introduces his 5x5 Model® of Relational Leadership that can help organizations create the conditions for high performance. That insight of intentional leadership only creates value when we do something with it. Matthew and Andy have both seen how easily leadership training, retreats, and great ideas can become a memorable experience that never actually changes what happens back at work. They discuss the importance of creating a clear next step, following up on commitments, and building systems that turn learning into action. That philosophy is at the heart of Zen•ith Intentional Executive Leadership Retreats, a research-informed experience designed to give leaders the space to disconnect from the noise, reflect on how they lead, develop new perspectives, and return to their organizations with a plan. Rather than simply adding more information, the retreat sojourns intentionally balance learning with reflection, mindfulness, and time to allow new ideas and connections to take hold. Whether you are leading a team, an organization at high level, or navigating your own leadership development, sustainable results come from being intentional about how you learn, reflect, and put that material into action. Matthew and Andy’s work with Zen•ith is a great reminder that leadership development is not simply about gaining more knowledge, but is about creating meaningful change that carries forward into the way we lead every day. Links & Resources: Zen•ith Intentional Executive Leadership Retreat Website: https://www.zenithexecutiveretreats.co.uk/ Follow Matthew Adam on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-adam1/ Follow Andrew Davies on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-davies-consulting/ Follow Suken on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukenjain/ Email Suken at: suken@synergysyncsolutions.com Synergy Sync Solutions Website: https://www.synergysyncsolutions.com/ This episode was brought to you by Pivot Ball Change .

July 29, 202619 min

Time for a Mid-Year Leadership Check In with Host Suken Jain

In this episode, Suken provides a comprehensive mid-year check-in, exploring current trends in AI, change management, psychological safety, and leadership burnout. He shares personal updates, insights on leadership development, and practical advice for achieving goals in the second half of the year. keywords: Leadership, AI, Change Management, Psychological Safety, Burnout, Mid-Year Review, Leadership Development, Personal Growth key topics: AI as change management Balancing automation and human elements Psychological safety as a performance lever Burnout among middle managers Mid-career reinvention and personal growth Leadership development programs Retreats and transformational experiences Setting and adjusting goals mid-year

July 8, 202655 min

AI In Business: What Leaders Need to Know Right Now with Raakhi Agrawal

Artificial intelligence is evolving at a remarkable pace, and the leaders who learn how to use it strategically today will be better positioned for tomorrow. In this episode Raakhi Agrawal, Managing Director and Partner at one of the world's leading consulting firms, discusses practical ways professionals can begin integrating AI into daily workflows. AI works best when you treat it like a member of your team. The quality of the output depends on the quality of the input, which means providing context, background information, and clear guidance just as you would when delegating work to a colleague. Raakhi shares simple ways to start using AI in your personal life, helping build the skills and confidence that can later translate into business applications. Since the AI landscape has changed dramatically over the past year, Raakhi shares what that means for leaders navigating this rapidly evolving technology. She walks through the tools she uses personally and professionally, discusses the balance between leveraging AI and maintaining the human element of work, and explains why leaders must become users of AI themselves before they can successfully inspire adoption across their teams. The episode also reveals the realities of implementation, including the time, training, and process development required to integrate AI effectively into existing workflows. While the upfront investment can be significant, the potential gains in efficiency, productivity, and profitability make AI a compelling opportunity for organizations willing to embrace change. If you're wondering how to get started, this episode offers practical guidance you can put into action immediately. Raakhi shares tips for using AI to create content that still contains your authentic voice, the exciting AI capabilities available today, along with the limitations leaders should be aware of as they evaluate new technologies. Whether you're completely new to AI or already experimenting with different tools, this conversation provides a roadmap for taking meaningful first steps, building organizational buy-in, and using AI as a strategic advantage while keeping people at the center of the process. Links & Resources: Follow Raaki Agrawal on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raakhi/ Listen to Emma Grede’s Podcast, Aspire: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-with-emma-grede/id1811878340 Subscribe to Shelly Palmer’s Daily Newsletter: https://shellypalmer.com/subscribe/ Follow Suken on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukenjain/ Email Suken at: suken@synergysyncsolutions.com Synergy Sync Solutions Website: https://www.synergysyncsolutions.com/ This episode was brought to you by Pivot Ball Change .

June 17, 202647 min

The Giving Edge: How Servant Leadership Drives Success with Dan Albaum

Returning guest Dan Albaum shares practical strategies for developing a giving mindset that strengthens both leadership effectiveness and personal fulfillment in today’s episode of The Sync Leadership Lab. Dan challenges listeners to move beyond simply valuing generosity and instead make it measurable through intentional actions. Whether it's mentoring a colleague, making an intentional introduction, or offering support to someone in your network, Dan reminds us that leadership growth often starts with small acts practiced consistently. Dan is a passionate servant leader in the marketing world, author of The Impact Makers: Voices of Leadership , host of the Market Impact Insights podcast, and now author of his newest book, The Giving Edge . In this conversation, the intentionality behind choosing others first and how that mindset can lead to maximum impact in our organizations and communities is explored. He encourages leaders to set specific goals around putting others first and document the outcomes of those efforts for accountability. A good leader will ask for feedback and reflect on the impact they create. Dan shares why both providing mentorship and actively seeking mentorship are critical components of strong leadership. He dives into the neuroscience behind giving, revealing how acts of generosity not only benefit those around us but can also positively influence our own well-being, motivation, and leadership capacity. Dan encourages listeners to take the "act of motion" by intentionally doing something that serves another person and tracking the results over time. Writing down your goals, measuring outcomes, and creating accountability can accelerate both personal and professional growth. Most importantly, Dan reminds us that leadership isn't always about being the nicest or loudest voice in the room. It's often about consistently showing up for others, seeking opportunities to serve, and creating a ripple effect of positive impact through a giving mindset. Links & Resources: Follow Dan Albaum on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danalbaum/ Listen to Dan’s Podcast, Market Impact Insights: https://open.spotify.com/show/5oSGHOGAjRylnTN8AkNDNB Purchase Dan’s Book, The Impact Makers: Voices of Leadership : https://www.amazon.com/Impact-Makers-Voices-Leadership/dp/B0BGNDTNWZ Purchase Dan’s newest book, The Giving Edge : https://www.amazon.com/Giving-Edge-Putting-Greatest-Advantage/dp/B0H3BX9FLS/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0 Finding Your Summit Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3pDlz0vTnbicdNjSe9B8eM The Eddie Trunk Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NA0bZt7Ngr2IUR5oNWiHC Follow Suken on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukenjain/ Email Suken at: suken@synergysyncsolutions.com Synergy Sync Solutions Website: https://www.synergysyncsolutions.com/ This episode was brought to you by Pivot Ball Change .

May 27, 202631 min

Part 2 of 2: Dr. Brett Kessler on Recovery, Resilience & Reinventing Yourself

In this powerful two part episode I sit down with Brett Kessler, D.D.S. for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about recovery, leadership, and living with intention. Dr. Brett shares two key lessons that continue to shape both his personal and professional life: the importance of moving through challenges “one mile at a time”, and the power of intentionally designing a life aligned with your personal values, mission statement, and long-term vision. While a vulnerable topic, Brett reflects openly on how overcoming substance abuse nearly three decades ago became the foundation for mindfulness, humility, discipline, and purposeful leadership. In Part 1, Dr. Brett shares his story of being a young dentist struggling with substance abuse, recognizing he needed help to make a change. While in recovery he was taught the practice of meditation and mindfulness. Not only does this practice help maintain his recovery but he has also seen exponential leadership growth opportunities by setting an intention for his life through mindfulness and a personal mission statement. Brett also shares his journey from private practice dentist to president of the American Dental Association, including leading through the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 and advocating for wellness initiatives within the dental profession. In addition, he highlights lessons learned while competing in multiple Ironman races, including the importance of resilience, adaptability, and focusing only on “the mile you’re in” during difficult moments. In this Part 2 of 2, the conversation ultimately serves as a reminder that meaningful transformation happens through intentional daily choices rather than overnight change. Brett encourages listeners to know that you deserve to live your best life and can reach that with intention and dedication. This episode offers valuable insight for anyone seeking to lead with authenticity, embrace growth through adversity, and create lasting impact both personally and professionally. Links & Resources: The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen Covey Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t by Jim Collins Start With Why by Simon Sinek Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit by Brené Brown Email Brett Kessler, D.D.S. at: bikodds@gmail.com Follow Suken on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukenjain/ Email Suken at: suken@synergysyncsolutions.com Synergy Sync Solutions Website: https://www.synergysyncsolutions.com/ This episode was brought to you by Pivot Ball Change .

May 27, 202641 min

Part 1 of 2: Dr. Brett Kessler on Recovery, Resilience & Reinventing Yourself

In this powerful two part episode I sit down with Brett Kessler, D.D.S. for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about recovery, leadership, and living with intention. Dr. Brett shares two key lessons that continue to shape both his personal and professional life: the importance of moving through challenges “one mile at a time”, and the power of intentionally designing a life aligned with your personal values, mission statement, and long-term vision. While a vulnerable topic, Brett reflects openly on how overcoming substance abuse nearly three decades ago became the foundation for mindfulness, humility, discipline, and purposeful leadership. As a young dentist struggling with substance abuse, Brett recognized he needed help to make a change. While in recovery he was taught the practice of meditation and mindfulness. Not only does this practice help maintain his recovery but he has also seen exponential leadership growth opportunities by setting an intention for his life through mindfulness and a personal mission statement. Brett also shares his journey from private practice dentist to president of the American Dental Association, including leading through the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 and advocating for wellness initiatives within the dental profession. In addition, he highlights lessons learned while competing in multiple Ironman races, including the importance of resilience, adaptability, and focusing only on “the mile you’re in” during difficult moments. This conversation is filled with a myriad of valuable takeaways, so we split it up into two easily digestible episodes. Thanks for listening to Part 1 with Dr. Brett - Part 2 is also live, where we dive into his plans post ADA presidency and his last messages for our listeners. Links & Resources: The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen Covey Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t by Jim Collins Start With Why by Simon Sinek Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit by Brené Brown Email Brett Kessler, D.D.S. at: bikodds@gmail.com Follow Suken on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukenjain/ Email Suken at: suken@synergysyncsolutions.com Synergy Sync Solutions Website: https://www.synergysyncsolutions.com/ This episode was brought to you by Pivot Ball Change .

May 6, 202659 min

Former USC QB Max Browne on Persevering Through Failure

What happens when years of discipline, performance, and expectation lead to an outcome you never planned for? In this episode, former USC quarterback Max Browne shares two powerful leadership takeaways: why acknowledging failure is a critical step toward growth, and how maintaining focus amid uncertainty can shape long-term success. His journey offers a candid look at what it means to persevere when the path forward no longer looks the way you expected. Max reflects on his experience as the nation’s top high school quarterback and his decision to attend USC, where early expectations quickly shifted. After losing the starting quarterback position, he was forced to confront adversity in a way he never had before. He credits his upbringing for instilling accountability and resilience, explaining how those values helped him navigate disappointment, stay grounded, and continue showing up as a leader despite changing circumstances. Throughout his college career, Max experienced significant instability, including multiple coaching changes and evolving team dynamics. Rather than viewing this as a setback, he chose to see it as an opportunity to learn from a variety of leadership styles. He shares how these experiences strengthened his perspective and ultimately prepared him for his career as a broadcaster. He also opens up about one of the lowest points in his life, when he lost his starting role after finally earning it, and how seeking support outside of football played a pivotal role in his ability to move forward. Following a career-ending injury and the realization that his future would extend beyond football, Max began intentionally preparing for what came next. By investing time in content creation and relationship building before his career officially ended, he created new opportunities that aligned with his evolving identity. One of his most impactful lessons is the importance of setting aside pride in order to grow, a mindset that ultimately opened unexpected doors. His story reinforces a final key takeaway: long-term success is built not just on talent, but on the willingness to adapt, take ownership, and consistently invest in what comes next. Links & Resources: Follow Suken on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukenjain/ Email Suken at: suken@synergysyncsolutions.com Synergy Sync Solutions Website: https://www.synergysyncsolutions.com/ This episode was brought to you by Pivot Ball Change .

April 15, 202654 min

Maximizing Productivity by Curating Team Chemistry with Laura Lillie Goodridge

Maximizing team productivity isn’t about doing more, it’s about aligning the right people to the right work. In this conversation, Laura Lillie Goodridge shares how leaders can improve output by focusing on team chemistry and intentional work allocation. Two takeaways you can apply immediately: align tasks with individual strengths rather than relying on role assumptions, and shift from solving to exploring. Curiosity around how your team naturally operates leads to stronger, more sustainable performance. With a global HR background spanning McLaren Automotive and Clear Channel UK, followed by senior leadership roles in Toronto, Laura brings a well-rounded perspective to leadership development. Since launching Laura Lillie Coaching in 2023, she has focused on helping leaders better understand and leverage individual differences within their teams. We explore how self-awareness shapes leadership, including the role of human design in understanding how individuals show up at work. Laura emphasizes that leaders are not limited to one style and can expand how they lead in ways that feel more natural and effective. A key challenge many leaders face is misaligned work allocation. While assessments have their place, Laura highlights a simpler approach: ask people what they enjoy and where they feel most capable. This shift can significantly improve both performance and engagement. She also introduces a valuable reframe on development. Teams don’t need to excel at everything. Instead, focus on excellence in core responsibilities while allowing flexibility in less critical areas. When individuals are aligned to roles that match their strengths, productivity increases and work becomes more energizing. Laura reinforces this with a simple reminder that slow is fast. Taking time to thoughtfully align people and priorities leads to better long-term results. As a final takeaway, start viewing your team through the lens of strengths rather than tasks. Have a direct conversation with each team member about where they feel most effective and where they want to grow. This small shift can create a more aligned, engaged, and high-performing team. Links: Follow Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-manager-coach/ Laura’s Coaching Website: https://www.lauralilliecoaching.com/ Follow Suken on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukenjain/ Email Suken at: suken@synergysyncsolutions.com Synergy Sync Solutions Website: https://www.synergysyncsolutions.com/ This episode was brought to you by Pivot Ball Change .

March 25, 202646 min

5 Tips to Turn Great Product Strategy into Successful Execution

Turning strategy into execution is where many organizations struggle. Even with a strong product and a talented sales team, success often depends on how effectively customers are guided from first awareness to becoming confident advocates. In this episode, Manasi Shukla, founder and CEO of Safrela Consulting, shares how companies can close the gap between strategy and real-world results. With a background in engineering from the University of Ottawa and a master’s in biomedical engineering from Cornell, Manasi brings a highly structured, systems-based approach to customer education and product adoption. She introduces her SCALE framework, a model designed to help organizations better understand their customers, map their journeys, and create meaningful engagement beyond onboarding. Manasi explains how leaders can build stronger feedback loops, ensure teams are aligned on delivery, and clearly define ownership across the customer experience. To bring the framework to life, we also walk through a practical example of applying the SCALE framework to event planning, demonstrating how these principles can guide complex initiatives from concept to execution. If you are looking for a structured approach to transforming strategy into meaningful action, this conversation offers a practical roadmap. Connect with Manasi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manasi-shukla/ Visit Manasi’s Website: https://www.safrela.com/ Links & Resources: Follow Suken on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukenjain/ Email Suken at: suken@synergysyncsolutions.com Synergy Sync Solutions Website: https://www.synergysyncsolutions.com/ This episode was brought to you by Pivot Ball Change .

March 4, 202644 min

Honoring Women's History Month With a Powerful CEO and Leader: Stephenie Goddard

In this special Women’s History Month conversation, Stephenie Goddard offers a clear call to action for ambitious leaders: stop disqualifying yourself before anyone else does. If you are waiting until you meet 100 percent of the qualifications to raise your hand, you are likely holding yourself back. Instead, Stephenie challenges you to lead with curiosity, articulate the unique value you bring beyond bullet points, and take strategic risks that align with what energizes you most. This episode will help you rethink how you position yourself for your next opportunity and give you practical ways to show up with confidence, even before you feel fully ready. Stephenie’s career path was anything but linear. After starting in banking, consulting with PwC, and serving in HR at the International Finance Corporation, she eventually transitioned into the dental industry and joined Glidewell in 2006. In 2022, she stepped into the CEO role, becoming only the second person in company history to hold the title. Along the way, she learned that passion fuels mastery. When something genuinely interests her, she finds a way to get exceptional at it. She shares a powerful journaling exercise that helps clarify what you want to be remembered for decades from now, giving today’s decisions deeper meaning and direction. As a woman rising in a male dominated executive space, Stephenie has faced moments of bias and misperception, including being mistaken for a secretary while sitting at the same leadership table. Rather than centering her career around those challenges, she focused on building solutions. She founded Guiding Leaders, a professional development program designed to equip dentists with stronger business and leadership skills. What began as a women focused initiative evolved into a more inclusive program that ultimately strengthened the entire organization. She also opens up about imposter syndrome, the evolving definition of mentorship, and the realities of balancing ambition with motherhood, reminding us that our children remember our presence more than our perfection. If you are in middle management and wondering how to make your next big leap, Stephenie’s final insight is both simple and powerful: stay when it gets hard. Promotions often go to those who demonstrate resilience, loyalty, and the ability to lead through uncertainty. Invest in developing your people, even if it means they may eventually leave. Seek mentors in ways that feel authentic to you. Define what legacy you want to build, then let that vision guide your decisions. This episode is a masterclass in courageous leadership and a reminder that sustainable success is built through grit, growth, and a willingness to keep showing up. Links & Resources: Follow Suken on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukenjain/ Email Suken at: suken@synergysyncsolutions.com Synergy Sync Solutions Website: https://www.synergysyncsolutions.com/ This episode was brought to you by Pivot Ball Change .