The Balancing Act with Andrew Temte, PhD, CFA

Incorruptible: Protecting Your Corporate Ethos After Achieving Success with Eric Ries 28.05.2026 41min

What if the corruption of great companies isn’t an ethics problem at all — but a design problem? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy speaks with Eric Ries — creator of the Lean Startup methodology, and New York Times bestselling author of The Lean Startup and The Startup Way. His new book, Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great, argues that corporate corruption is not primarily ethical — it is structural — and offers a practical blueprint for organizations that can grow, prosper, and endure without losing their soul. Eric revisits the Lean Startup methodology fifteen years after its publication — what’s changed, what’s been distorted, and how he thinks about the MVP, the pivot, and the build-measure-learn loop today. Tune in to episode 247 to hear Eric’s rocket-booster moment, his mentorship moment for the chief product officer trying to adopt Lean Startup at scale, and his closing reflection on equanimity as one of the most underrated attributes of the entrepreneurial journey. AndrewTemte.com

Resilience Isn't Powering Through: Jay Abbasi on Adaptability 21.05.2026 32min

What if everything you've been told about resilience is wrong? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy speaks with Jay Abbasi — CEO and founder of The Conscious Professional, former Tesla leader, and international keynote speaker who has coached leaders at Google, Amazon, and Wells Fargo. After his father’s sudden passing in 2014 woke him up to the costs of living on autopilot, Jay rebuilt his life around one question: how do leaders perform at a high level without burning out? Andy and Jay unpack the Three Rs framework — recharge, reframe, reconnect — the myth that resilience means powering through, why the most burnt-out leaders are the ones who built their entire identity on a single pillar, and the research connecting negative thinking to physical illness. It’s a conversation about adaptability, multi-dimensionalism, and what changes when leaders stop being self-absorbed long enough to actually engage with their work. Tune in episode 246 to hear Jay's story and learn how to recharge before you hit zero. AndrewTemte.com

Why Your Team Is Burned Out (and It’s Not the Workload) with Dr. Liane Davey 14.05.2026 37min

Thoughtload — not workload — is what’s breaking your team. In this conversation, Dr. Liane Davey explains why, and what leaders can actually do about it. Dr. Liane Davey is an organizational psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and co-founder of 3COze Inc., where she advises executive teams at companies like Amazon, Walmart, TD Bank, and Sony PlayStation. Known as the Teamwork Doctor, she has spent 25 years helping cross-functional teams — from Boston to Bangkok — move from dysfunction to high performance. She’s a regular contributor to the Harvard Business Review and the author of The Good Fight, You First, and Thoughtload: Manage the Madness and Free Your Team to Do Great Work (Page Two Books, May 2026). Liane’s rocket-booster moment came twice: once when she failed first-year calculus and stumbled into organizational psychology, and again when she made the deliberate decision — six years into her first firm — to “repot” herself at a smaller, more strategy-focused practice. That repotting set the trajectory for everything that followed. Whether you’re a senior leader watching your team burn out, a manager trying to make sense of context-switching chaos, or a knowledge worker who can feel the weight of 20 mental tabs open at once, this episode offers a new vocabulary for what’s actually wrong — and a practical path toward lighter, more focused work. AndrewTemte.com

How the Brain Learns at Work, with Dr. Tessa Forshaw 07.05.2026 36min

What does cognitive science actually tell us about how adults learn at work — and why are most corporate learning programs still built on myths? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy speaks with Dr. Tessa Forshaw — cognitive scientist, co-founder of the Next Level Lab at Harvard University, and co-author of Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World (Wiley, 2025). Tessa and Andy explore why learning takes effort (and why frictionless tools often don’t teach), what “innovation hesitation” is and how leaders can disarm it, why the apprenticeship model still matters, and what’s coming out of Harvard’s new Workforce Learning and Innovation Initiative. Tune in to episode 244 to hear Tessa’s story and learn how to design learning that actually changes the brain — and how to lower the bar to innovation so your team can actually take the first step. Dr. Forshaw is offering a discount for our listeners to Harvard Graduate School of Education's The Future of Workforce Learning and Innovation Certificate Program. Here's the discount code: BAP5 (5% off). The link is here: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/unbound/future-workplace-learning1600 AndrewTemte.com

Leading Through Change with Dave Garrison 30.04.2026 32min

What if the biggest untapped resource in your organization is the energy your team members are holding back? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy speaks with Dave Garrison—CEO and co-founder of Garrison Growth, Harvard MBA, former CEO of NETCOM On-Line Communication Services (one of the first public internet companies), and author of The Buy-In Advantage: Why Employees Stop Caring and How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Give Their All. Dave draws on 25 years of CEO and board experience—spanning the broadcast, wireless, and internet industries—to explain why traditional engagement metrics miss the mark and what leaders can do instead. The conversation explores the critical difference between compliance and genuine buy-in, practical tools for cascading strategic objectives through every level of an organization, and hard-won lessons from leading companies through hypergrowth. Tune in episode 243 to hear Dave’s story and learn why creating a culture of buy-in doesn’t cost a dime—it just requires leaders willing to invite people in rather than tell them what to do. AndrewTemte.com

Work-Based Learning: Bridging Education and Industry with Stephanie Reisner 23.04.2026 38min

What if the answer to the skills gap isn’t competing for talent—but developing it before graduation? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte speaks with Stephanie Reisner—President and CEO of GPS Education Partners and co-author of Make School Work: Solving the American Youth Employment Crisis Through Work-Based Learning. Andy and Stephanie dig into the mindset shift from buying talent to developing it, the power of mentorship in work-based learning, GPS Ed’s partnership with 3M to scale manufacturing career pathways, and the four A’s framework—authentic learning that develops aspiration, ability, and agency. Stephanie also offers pointed advice for school superintendents and parents navigating workforce readiness with their teens. Tune in to episode 242 to hear Stephanie’s story and learn how communities, employers, and educators can build career pathways that actually lead somewhere meaningful.

De-Escalate Conflict in 90 Seconds | Doug Noll 16.04.2026 34min

How do you calm an angry person in 90 seconds or less—without defending yourself, explaining, or arguing back? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte speaks with Doug Noll—a trial lawyer turned peacemaker, award-winning mediator, and author of De-Escalate: How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less. Doug is also the co-founder of the Prison of Peace project, where he trained maximum security inmates to reduce violence using empathy skills, and he teaches decision making under uncertainty and conflict at Pepperdine’s Straus Institute. Doug shares the neuroscience behind affect labeling—the simple practice of naming someone’s emotions to quiet the brain’s threat response—and reveals how two words (“you feel”) can transform relationships, resolve team conflict, and build trust. From the story of a prison inmate who reconnected with her son after 18 years to a CEO who turned a toxic culture around in six months, this conversation makes the case that empathy isn’t a soft skill—it’s the hardest and most important leadership skill there is. Tune in to episode 241 hear Doug’s story and learn what it really means to listen someone into existence. AndrewTemte.com

I Bottled My Mother: Building Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day | Monica Nassif 09.04.2026 26min

What happens when a nurse-turned-speechwriter has a eureka moment in a big-box store and decides to reinvent the way America cleans? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte talks with Monica Nassif—the founder of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and Caldrea—about building brands rooted in authenticity, disrupting a $30 billion market, and knowing when to let go of the business you built from nothing. Monica Nassif is a serial entrepreneur, brand builder, consultant, and author based in Minneapolis. She founded Caldrea in 2000 and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day in 2002, scaling the brands into more than 20,000 stores nationwide before selling to SC Johnson in 2008. Her career began at Target Corporation (then Dayton Hudson) as an executive speechwriter, and she went on to found the marketing communications agency Kilter Inc. Monica has been inducted into the Minnesota Business Hall of Fame and named University of Minnesota Entrepreneur of the Year and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Midwest Division). Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Fast Company, and Real Simple. She also appeared on NPR’s How I Built This with Guy Raz. Her new book, I Bottled My Mother: The Mrs. Meyer’s Story: Grit, Grime & Growing a Business (IdeaPress Publishing, March 2026), is her third book. Monica’s rocket-booster moment came at 28—the oldest intern in Target’s history—when her English advisor slid an internship application across the table and changed the trajectory of her career. That experience ignited a love for retail and consumer products that eventually led her to walk a big-box store in Atlanta, look at a pallet of garish cleaning products, and ask, “What if that was awesome?” Guest: Monica NassifWebsite: monicanassif.comBook: I Bottled My Mother: The Mrs. Meyer’s Story: Grit, Grime & Growing a Business (IdeaPress Publishing, March 2026)LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/monica-nassif-686876335 Host: Andy TemteWebsite: andrewtemte.comAvailable on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and all major streaming platforms.

How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders | Kate Lowry 02.04.2026 22min

Fear-based leaders are forming networks—and they’re not hiding anymore. In this return episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte sits down with CEO coach and author Kate Lowry to unpack practical tools for navigating toxic leadership without losing yourself in the process. Kate Lowry is a CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author based in Silicon Valley. She developed her expertise on fear-based leadership growing up in a hierarchical family, then refined her approach across startups, private equity, management consulting, and big tech—including roles at McKinsey, Meta, and Insight Partners. She is the founder of Scaleheart Co. and the author of Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders (October 2025). Kate first appeared on the Balancing Act in Episode 213. In this conversation, Kate describes the cultural whiplash she’s witnessed over the past three years—a dramatic swing from emotionally intelligent, employee-centered leadership to an environment where fear, dominance, and cruelty are openly celebrated. She shares how she recognized that her coaching clients—accomplished leaders from top institutions—were paralyzed by this shift, and realized she had a survival toolkit they desperately needed. Guest: Kate Lowry Website: katelowry.com Coaching: scaleheart.co Book: Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katherinejlowry Instagram: @kaitunbreakablelaury Host: Andy Temte Website: andrewtemte.com

Mental Health at Work: Skills for Leaders and Teams | Melissa Doman 26.03.2026 33min

Why do leadership titles make it harder — not easier — to talk about mental health at work? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte speaks with Melissa Doman, MA — organizational psychologist, former mental health therapist, and author of Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work and her new book, Cornered Office: Why We Need to Talk About Leadership Mental Health. Melissa shares why awareness alone isn’t enough — people need conversational literacy to discuss mental health in the workplace. From coaching hyperventilating leaders behind closed doors to watching entire organizations transform their conversations over 18 months, Melissa makes the case that mental health is a core strategic business priority, not an optional wellness add-on. Tune in to episode 238 hear Melissa’s practical framework for starting these conversations — and why the quiet part needs to be said out loud.

Career Growth Through Mentorship and an Open Mind | Bolaji James 19.03.2026 23min

How does a 16-year-old immigrant from Nigeria end up leading global trade marketing at Bose Corporation? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte speaks with Bolaji James — Head of Global Trade Marketing & Retail Operations at Bose and a proud member of the very first cohort of the Kaplan Leadership Program. Bolaji shares the story of how a persistent transfer advisor and a challenge from his then-girlfriend (now wife) led him to write the essay that changed his life — and how the Kaplan Educational Foundation didn’t just offer a scholarship, but molded him into the leader he is today. From his emotional arrival at Morehouse College to the career lessons he carries into senior management at Bose, this conversation is a masterclass in the power of mentorship, an open mind, and asking for help. Tune in to hear Bolaji’s story and learn why the best career advice often comes from simply asking one question: “What do you wish you knew?”

Leveraging AI to Enhance Human Connection | Allison Shapira 12.03.2026 28min

What does authentic leadership communication look like in the age of AI? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy speaks with Allison Shapira—opera singer turned keynote speaker, Harvard Kennedy School lecturer, and bestselling author of Speak with Impact and AI for the Authentic Leader. Allison shares her career rocket-booster moment—quitting a prestigious consulting job on day three to launch her own business—and reveals why the leaders who communicate most effectively are the ones who listen first. The conversation covers the fear of public speaking, the trust gap created by AI over-reliance, the hidden cost of corporate jargon, and why folk music taught her more about authentic leadership than opera ever did. Tune in to hear Allison’s story and learn how to lead with your voice—authentically.

Stop Competing, Start Co-creating | Chris Deaver 05.03.2026 28min

In this episode of The Balancing Act Podcast, Andy sits down with Chris Deaver, the co-founder of BraveCore and the "quiet force" behind leadership initiatives at Apple and Disney. Chris shares how he helped these global giants navigate massive growth by moving away from "rock star" individualism toward a culture of co-creation. Discover how to move beyond efficiency and effectiveness to embrace a future where humans and AI work together to build something super-abundant. Whether you are a mid-career manager feeling stuck or an executive looking to reduce friction in your organization, this episode provides a roadmap for leading with curiosity and bravery. Chris is the co-author of Brave Together, a breakthrough leadership book featured in The Next Big Idea Club with Malcom Gladwell and Adam Grant. Through his consultancy, BraveCore, he helps leaders rethink their influence and build cultures where teams can do the impossible. AndrewTemte.com

The Evolution of ADA and FMLA | Rachel Shaw 26.02.2026 28min

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy speaks with Rachel Shaw, a nationally recognized ADA expert and president of Shaw HR Consulting, about the complexities of disability accommodation in the workplace. They discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the cultural challenges surrounding these laws. Rachel shares her personal journey in HR, the importance of proactive planning, and how organizations can create a supportive environment for employees with disabilities. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassionate leadership and the value of understanding the modern workforce's needs. Tune into episode 234 to hear Rachel's story, her career rocket-booster moment, and her thoughts on all things ADA and FMLA. AndrewTemte.com

Swiftynomics: The Intersection of Pop Culture and Economics | Misty Heggeness 19.02.2026 25min

In this episode of The Balancing Act podcast, host Andy speaks with Misty Heggeness - co-director of the Kansas Population Center, an associate professor of economics at the University of Kansas, and author of Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy. They discuss Misty's journey in economics, her passion for increasing women's representation in the field, and her innovative teaching methods that incorporate pop culture to engage students. Misty shares insights from her research, the importance of valuing caregivers' contributions to the economy, and her personal growth journey centered around authenticity. Tune into episode 233 to hear Misty's story, her career rocket-booster moment, and her thoughts on the complex economic lives of American women through the lens of pop culture. AndrewTemte.com

Empowering Diversity in STEM Careers | Dr. Eugene Manley 12.02.2026 25min

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Dr. Eugene Manley discusses his journey in STEMM education, the importance of diversity in the workforce, and the challenges of healthcare equity. He emphasizes the need for mentorship, early engagement in science for underrepresented populations, and the critical role of patient advocacy in addressing systemic biases in medical research. Dr. Manley is the Founder & CEO of the SCHEQ Foundation and comes to us with over 20 years of experience across engineering, molecular & cell biology, nonprofit strategy, and workforce development. Tune into episode 232 to hear Eugene's story, his career rocket-booster moment, and his thoughts on STEMM education in underrepresented populations and healthcare equity. AndrewTemte.com

The Cost of Bad Hiring Decisions | Jason P. Carroll 05.02.2026 28min

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy speaks with Jason P. Carroll, a leadership strategist and entrepreneur, about the importance of self-awareness, the costs of bad hiring decisions, and the innovative Aptive Index assessment tool. They discuss the challenges of current pre-hire assessments, the role of technology in improving hiring practices, and the significance of understanding behavioral traits in leadership and team dynamics. Tune into episode 231 to hear Jason's story, his career rocket-booster moment, and his thoughts about pre-hire assessment tools and making better hiring decisions. AndrewTemte.com

Why Are We Still Talking About Culture? (with Rob Van Craenenbroeck) 29.01.2026 31min

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy speaks with Rob Van Craenenbroeck, co-founder of Culture@Work, about the importance of organizational culture transformation. They discuss the unique approach of Culture@Work, the challenges organizations face in defining and maintaining their culture, and the impact of AI on work dynamics. Rob shares insights on mentorship for HR professionals and introduces Culture Camp, a new initiative aimed at enhancing business outcomes through proactive HR strategies. Tune into episode 230 to learn more about the importance of organizational culture and the ever-changing world of work. AndrewTemte.com

The Art of Trust Building (with Michelle Reina) 22.01.2026 34min

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy speaks with Michelle Reina, an expert in organizational trust. They explore the significance of trust in the workplace, the common pitfalls that lead to its erosion, and the essential role of leadership in fostering a high-trust culture. Michelle shares her journey in trust building, practical steps for leaders and mid-level managers, and the importance of self-reflection in maintaining trust. The conversation emphasizes that trust is a continuous process that requires intentional behavior and commitment from everyone in the organization. Michelle is the co-founder of Reina Trust Building, and bestselling co-author of the groundbreaking Trust and Betrayal in the Workplace. More than three decades of research and practice have culminated in her new book, The Art of Trust Building (January 2026). Tune into episode 229 to hear Michelle's story, her career rocket-booster moment, and her thoughts on building organizational trust. AndrewTemte.com

The Future of Work: Embracing AI in Business (with Steve Brown) 15.01.2026 31min

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy interviews Steve Brown, a futurist and AI expert, discussing the transformative impact of AI on business and society. Steve shares insights from his career, the concept of agentic AI, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of rapid technological change. He emphasizes the need for businesses to embrace AI thoughtfully, engage employees in the process, and focus on education to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. AndrewTemte.com