The Sync Leadership Lab

Hosted by Suken Jain

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Sep 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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51 recent

October 21, 202655 min

Why Trust Is the Foundation of Great Leadership with Dr. Elizabeth Carr

Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers or fixing every problem yourself. Great leadership is about building trust, creating a safe place for openness and critique, and helping others grow into their potential. Dr. Elizabeth Carr joins today to share lessons from her 22-year career in dental hygiene education and leadership, including why listening before acting, recognizing your own triggers, and repairing relationships after difficult conversations can transform how you lead. She shares why just because you can do something better or faster yourself doesn’t mean you always should. Elizabeth reflects on the leadership mistakes that shaped her, from moving too quickly to stepping in to fix work delivered by her team rather than allowing others to learn and grow. She calls this the “tyranny of I can do better” and explains how coaching, delegation, and a growth mindset has helped her become a more effective leader. It is also explored how leaders can balance accountability with psychological safety and why trust gives people the confidence to take risks. Elizabeth is bringing these lessons into her next chapter of her career through leadership development, coaching, and education. For leaders looking to put these ideas into practice, Elizabeth offers a simple framework: lead with your whole body; your feet, ears, heart, and hands. Be present with your team, listen to understand rather than respond, show genuine appreciation, and model the behaviors you expect from others. Leadership means resisting the urge to rescue every situation and instead creating an environment where people feel safe enough to learn, take ownership, and grow. Follow Elizabeth Carr on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-carr-dha/ 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 .

September 30, 202643 min

What 50 Episodes Has Taught Me About Leadership

To celebrate the 50th episode of The Sync Leadership Lab, host Suken switches into the guest seat as his wife, Hetal Jain, turns the tables and asks the questions. Suken reflects on what he has learned through 50 conversations with his guests, why he took a chance on creating the podcast, and what he is most proud of along the way. At the heart of the conversation is a lesson that has continued to shape his own leadership journey: getting comfortable doing the uncomfortable. This special episode pulls back the curtain on the person behind the podcast, including Suken’s winding professional journey and the transitions that ultimately led him from corporate life to entrepreneurship. He shares how a layoff became a catalyst for creating the Sync Leadership Lab, what he has learned from building a business, and how adaptability has been a constant throughout his career. Suken also talks about his lifelong passion for sports and the athletes who have influenced his leadership perspective, including Kobe Bryant and his “Mamba Mentality” and Muhammad Ali’s ability to pair confidence with kindness. Hetal asks Suken some hard-hitting questions submitted by listeners before ending the episode with a special twist on the Leadership Corner. Today’s celebratory 50th episode offers a reminder that growth often happens when you are willing to step outside your comfort zone. Suken’s journey highlights the value of embracing change and staying adaptable, being willing to take a chance before you have everything figured out, and how with a wonderful support system like his wife, Hetal, and their children, dreams can become reality. And perhaps the biggest lesson from 50 episodes is that leadership is not about having all the answers…it’s about staying true to who you are, opening your mind to possibilities and growth, and being willing to learn alongside the people you lead. 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 .

September 9, 202647 min

Dave Fechtman on Perseverance, Leadership & Building a Business from Scratch

Leadership growth rarely happens when everything is comfortable. Sometimes it comes from saying “yes” before you feel completely ready. By putting in the extra effort, or believing strongly enough in your path to keep going when things get difficult, anything is possible. Dave Fechtman, CEO of Velocity Advisory Group, today’s guest, talks about resilience, perseverance, leadership, and what it takes to build something that lasts. One of the biggest takeaways is Dave’s advice to have a point of view and become an expert on something. Especially essential for emerging leaders, developing expertise, volunteering for opportunities, and intentionally building relationships can create opportunities that might not otherwise come your way. Dave shares the very real story behind building Velocity Advisory Group, including the moment when his company was down to just $17, credit cards were maxed out, and he had to choose between gas and groceries. That moment became a catalyst, but perseverance alone wasn't enough. Dave had to change his pricing, expand beyond his local market, stay flexible and creative, and continue adapting until he found a formula that worked. Dave also elaborates on belief, putting yourself in situations where you can get “lucky,” staying uncomfortable, and adapting to rapid changes like COVID and AI. Dave explains why empathy can be both a leadership superpower and a challenge, and gives us a first look at his upcoming book on executive team alignment. If you're an emerging leader, find something you can become an expert in and develop a clear point of view. Don't just attend - volunteer, serve on a committee, or pursue a board role and become part of making things happen. When opportunities stretch you, don't let imposter syndrome convince you that you're not ready; trust that you can and will figure things out. And remember, working harder doesn't mean working endlessly. Dave's challenge is to lean in when the moment calls for it, stay curious, and remain uncomfortable enough to keep learning and adapting. Follow Dave Fechtman on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davefechtman/ Velocity Advisory Group Website: https://www.velocityadvisorygroup.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 .

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 .