Best MBA SuperStars Podcasts (2026)

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REPLAY: High Performance, Low Engagement: An Overlooked Business Risk 41:15

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7d ago41:15

41:15

High performers are often seen as the ones you don't have to worry about. But behind consistent output and quiet competence, there can be early signs of burnout and disengagement. In this episode, Melanie Naranjo joins Karina Young to challenge how companies define top talent and why performance without support leads to retention risk. Melanie, Chi…

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Why Most Leaders Think They Have a Marketing Problem When They Actually Have a Clarity Problem 44:39

8d ago44:39

44:39

Most business leaders believe they have a marketing problem. In reality, they have a clarity problem. In this episode of The Mason Duchatschek Show, Mason Duchatschek sits down with branding and positioning expert Luna Battalia to explore why so many capable business owners, CEOs, and executives struggle to clearly articulate what makes them differ…

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What 61 Books Taught Me About Leadership, Sales, and Life 24:26

12d ago24:26

24:26

What happens when you stop drifting in your learning—and start paying attention on purpose? In this year-end review episode of The New Generation Leader Podcast, Aaron reflects on one simple but transformative habit: tracking what he read in 2025. What started as a sobering realization — he only read 6 books in all of 2024! — turned into an unexpec…

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Breaking the Mold & Making Bold Moves in 2026 With Crystal Boysen 41:39

19d ago41:39

41:39

If HR wants to evolve, doing things the same way year after year won't cut it. Change requires bold, new strategies. In this episode of HR Superstars, Karina Young is joined by Crystal Boysen, Chief People Officer at Sprout Social, to challenge traditional HR thinking around risk, planning, and employee value. Crystal discusses why fear-based polic…

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Stop Measuring Hours. Start Measuring Impact. A Leadership Conversation. 38:27

20d ago38:27

38:27

About This Episode In this episode of The Mason Duchatschek Show, Mason Duchatschek sits down with Stephen Puri, a rare leader who has built teams and products at the highest levels of both Hollywood and the startup world. Stephen Puri brings real-world credibility to this conversation. He worked as a studio executive and film producer on major mot…

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The industrial evolution of brand: Inside Schneider Electric’s shift 45:30

21d ago45:30

45:30

What happens when a 190-year-old industrial company starts calling itself an energy technology company? Join Gabe and Holly as they explore how Schneider Electric is repositioning from a behind-the-walls manufacturer to a global energy tech leader, and what that means for brand, communications, and marketing leaders. Chief Brand and Communications …

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Combat as the Minimum Viable Product | Cix Liv, REK 1:03:02

1M ago1:03:02

1:03:02

Cix Liv challenges the Silicon Valley consensus that humanoid robots belong in the warehouse or the battlefield. By explicitly rejecting the “Terminator” military arbitrage and the “Jetsons” domestic servant model, REK validates a new thesis: entertainment is the only sector where the reliability is acceptable and economically viable. The discussio…

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Unlocking Creativity at Work—Even in ‘Serious’ Corporate Roles 48:02

1M ago48:02

48:02

Summary In this conversation, Mason Duchatschek speaks with Kate Volman, CEO of Floyd Coaching, about the importance of building a great company culture, balancing corporate responsibilities with personal passions, and fostering creativity in the workplace. They discuss the role of journaling in leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, and definin…

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Is The Venture Capital Model Broken? | Andrew Romans, 7BC 51:49

1M ago51:49

51:49

The venture capital model of the last two decades, characterized by the "30-minute rule" and the race to a quick IPO, is obsolete. We are witnessing a fundamental decoupling of capital from geography and a restructuring of how liquidity is manufactured. In this episode, Andrew Romans of 7BC Venture Capital argues that we have entered a new era wher…

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Demystifying Data: A Practical Guide for HR Leaders With Dieter Veldsman 38:30

1M ago38:30

38:30

If you're in HR, you're already working with data, whether you realize it or not. Every time you spot a pattern, have a feedback conversation, or reflect on team dynamics, you're using data to make decisions. In this episode, Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief HR Scientist at AIHR, shares ways HR leaders can feel more confident using data in their everyday…

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The Human-to-Human Shift: How Forward-Thinking Leaders Build Stronger Companies 49:04

1M ago49:04

49:04

Summary In this conversation, Mason Duchatschek and Dr. Nataliya Storozhylova explore the evolution of business towards a more human-centric model. They discuss the importance of authenticity, connection, and heart intelligence in leadership, as well as the emergence principle that reflects the collective consciousness shift. Dr. Storozhylova share…

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Intelligent AI Starts with Quality Data With Nelson Spencer 24:15

1M ago24:15

24:15

Everyone is rushing into AI, but few teams are preparing their data well enough to truly benefit from it. This episode features a recorded session from Thrive 2025. Guest host Anthony Onesto, VP of Platform and Product Marketing at 15Five, sits down with Nelson Spencer, Founder & CEO of efora, to discuss the data foundations HR needs before bringin…

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The Sales Superstar Lie: Why Your “Top Performer” Might Be Killing Your Revenue 41:45

2M ago41:45

41:45

Summary John Golden is the author of the books Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling and Winning the Battle for Sales. In this conversation, he discusses the pitfalls of relying on superstar sales performers and emphasizes the importance of building scalable sales systems. He also shares insights on optimizing sales processes, the significa…

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Humanity and Productivity Aren't Opposites With Jordan Peace 38:52

2M ago38:52

38:52

Too many leaders still separate people and performance, as if caring about one cancels out the other. In this episode, Fringe CEO and co-founder Jordan Peace joins Karina Young to challenge that mindset. He explains how trust and genuine care empower people to do great work. Together, they explore what happens when organizations lose their sense of…

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Segment to superstar: How SiriusXM grows passionate audiences 1:13:03

2M ago1:13:03

1:13:03

Can a brand built on car radios win in a streaming world? JulieAnne Evanina, Former SVP of Brand, Creative and Media at SiriusXM Radio, joins hosts Gabriel Cohen and Holly Osborne to unpack how the company moved from free trials to true fandom. You’ll hear how segmentation and product strategy shaped a brand evolution, why “personal connection” bea…

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Aligning Pay with Purpose: Scott Trumpolt on the New Rules of Compensation 34:09

2M ago34:09

34:09

Summary: In this conversation, Scott Trumpolt discusses the importance of aligning compensation with purpose and career development. He emphasizes the need for transparency in pay structures and how it can transform employee engagement and retention. Scott shares insights on common pitfalls in compensation strategies, the impact of new transparency…

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Why Great HR Leaders Are Great Storytellers With Karina Young 9:40

2M ago9:40

9:40

We talk a lot about strategy in HR, but not enough about the stories behind it. Too often, people-first initiatives lose their power because the "why" gets buried under data, process, and policy. In this minisode, Karina Young, VP of People at 15Five and host of HR Superstars, discusses why storytelling is one of the most overlooked skills in HR le…

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Building a Media Presence for Your Business | Steve Ramona 44:38

3M ago44:38

44:38

Summary In this engaging conversation, Mason Duchatschek interviews Steve Ramona, host of the podcast 'Doing Business with a Servant's Heart.' They discuss the importance of viewing businesses as media outlets, the power of storytelling, and the impact of serving others. Steve shares his journey in podcasting, the fears he overcame, and the lessons…

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Brand building from the ground up: Utilities, B2B, and the power of starting fresh 51:39

3M ago51:39

51:39

When customers barely notice your brand, how do you earn trust and drive action without a big budget? David Pendery shares how a comms-first mindset helped a utility make the “invisible” feel tangible, why he measured success through program participation instead of revenue, and how masterbranding simplified a complex B2B portfolio at CSG. You’ll h…

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How to Forecast in a World of Price Elasticity and Chaos 29:39

3M ago29:39

29:39

Prices are rising. Consumers are reacting. And demand planners? We're somewhere in the middle, stuck trying to model behavior that doesn't follow the rules anymore. In this episode, I sit down with Stephen McClurkin, Senior Demand Manager at T-Mobile, to unpack the reality of price elasticity in today's volatile market. From the ripple effects of p…

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Unlocking Rapid Business Growth with Strategy Sprints | Simon Severino Interview 26:57

3M ago26:57

26:57

Summary: In this conversation, Simon Severino discusses the Strategy Sprints Method, which promises to double a company's revenue in just 90 days. He emphasizes the importance of simplifying processes, focusing on high-leverage activities, and executing strategies in short, focused sprints. Simon shares insights from his experiences as both an advi…

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AI That Helps HR Go From Insight to Impact With Anthony Onesto and Theresa Fesinstine 34:29

3M ago34:29

34:29

AI can give HR leaders what they've always wanted: more time to focus on people, not paperwork. In this episode, Karina Young chats with Anthony Onesto and Theresa Fesinstine about how people leaders can confidently adopt AI without losing the human side of leadership. They discuss what most teams get wrong about AI, how to start small without fear…

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Data, emotion, and design: Walmart’s private brand playbook 43:44

3M ago43:44

43:44

Can private labels be brands people actively seek out? Walmart SVP Courtney Carlson explains how data, emotion, and design come together to build preference, not just parity. What you’ll learn A practical framework for measuring what matters across digital funnels, SEO, reviews, and store performance When to trust common sense and human stories alo…

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Timeless Business Leadership and Employee Engagement Principles | Les Landes 46:28

3M ago46:28

46:28

Summary In this conversation, Les Landes, President of Landes & Associates, shares his insights on employee engagement, leadership, and organizational culture. He emphasizes the importance of timeless principles over fleeting trends, the need for systematic continuous improvement, and the critical role of trust and transparency in the workplace. Le…

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Zachary Levi | Can Austin Build an Ark for Human Creativity? 1:23:38

3M ago1:23:38

1:23:38

How do we nurture and protect the most human endeavors of creation and discovery? Zachary Levi joins us to discuss calling, technology, and a creative Ark in Austin. We move from one’s life mission to concrete plans for land and film incentives. The central question of our time is whether we ride the AI tsunami or get swept under it. Highlights 00:…

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Becoming Powerfully Likeable: How HR Leaders Build Confidence and Influence With Kate Mason 41:06

3M ago41:06

41:06

HR leaders hold immense responsibility but too often lack the authority and confidence to match. In this episode, executive communications coach and world-champion debater Kate Mason joins Karina Young to explore how leaders can use everyday conversations to earn trust and build influence. Kate is the author of Powerfully Likable and has coached ex…

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Demand Planning 101: What Every Planner Needs to Know 25:54

3M ago25:54

25:54

No fluff. Just real talk from the field, made simple. Whether you're new to the world of planning or a seasoned pro looking for a refresher, this episode breaks down the fundamentals of demand planning in a way that’s practical, approachable, and actually useful. I cover the essentials who owns the forecast, what makes a good one, which KPIs matter…

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Why Vision Fails and How Elite Leaders Fix It | Featuring Ash Seddeek 34:28

4M ago34:28

34:28

In this conversation, Ash Saddeek discusses the critical role of vision in leadership, emphasizing how a compelling vision can inspire and align teams. He shares practical frameworks for creating and communicating vision, adapting it in response to changing circumstances, and the importance of co-creation and collaboration. The discussion also high…

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Is Austin a Music Incubator? | Terry Lickona, Austin City Limits 57:48

3M ago57:48

57:48

Austin exports culture the way it exports tech. Terry Lickona, longtime executive producer of Austin City Limits, argues Austin is a music incubator, not the music industry, and that’s a feature. We map venues, economics, the tech crossover, and what keeps the scene original. Highlights 01:12 Austin Music Today: vibrant, original, authentic. 06:49 …

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The Achievement Trap: Business Success and Work-Life Balance Strategies with Cindy Van Eeckhout 31:49

4M ago31:49

31:49

In this conversation, Cindy Van Eeckhout discusses the emotional toll of success, the importance of self-care, and how to navigate ambition without falling into burnout. She shares her personal journey of redefining success through the Joy of Life Method, emphasizing the need for balance between professional achievements and personal well-being. Th…

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Is AI Making Us Less Human? Why Presence and Creativity Still Matter 49:50

4M ago49:50

49:50

In a world where AI is rapidly automating everything from emails to artwork, what does it mean to stay fully human? In this rich and timely conversation, Micah Voraritskul unpacks the themes of his new book Human is the New Vinyl. From handwritten thank you notes to Blackwing pencils and vinyl records, this episode challenges leaders, creatives, an…

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From Wristbands to AI: A New Cancer Playbook | Suzanne Stone, CEO, Livestrong 1:03:24

4M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

How do you go from a cultural icon like the yellow wristbands to building AI products? Livestrong’s CEO Suzanne Stone argues that the through line is a focus on survivorship, the life you live from diagnosis onward. This is the leap from story to community to software and back again. Highlights 01:34 Mission: Survivorship Over Cures 06:18 The Wrist…

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The Future of HR Is Already Here with Loren Blandon 40:16

4M ago40:16

40:16

The future of work is already here, so why does HR still feel stuck in the past? Despite rising expectations, many HR teams are still relying on outdated tools like annual surveys, rigid change models, and compliance-first programs. The result: employee experiences that feel transactional instead of inspiring. In this episode, Loren Blandon joins K…

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Where have we been? Season 9 starts this week. 2:02

4M ago2:02

2:02

Hey friends, it's been a while. Last spring, our team decided to launch a company podcast, which we launched in June. We're eight episodes in with our ninth scheduled to release soon. Follow along at LeadersRisingNetwork.com/Podcast. When we launched the podcast, I honestly thought I would shut down the New Generation Leader podcast for a bit. But …

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Did Austin Turn Soda Into Fashion? | Stephen Ellsworth, Co-founder, Poppi 52:51

4M ago52:51

52:51

Poppi is a fashion brand that happens to be soda. Stephen Ellsworth, Co-founder of Poppi, joins us to walk through the operating choices behind turning a vinegar problem into a modern soda badge. It’s how you build, scale, and exit a consumer brand. It’s another signal that Austin’s flywheel is real and accelerating. Highlights 01:48 Dark days, PMF…

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Fast Growth, Happy Employees & Remote Work: Unlocking Business Culture with Chris Dyer 57:26

4M ago57:26

57:26

Summary In this conversation, Chris Dyer, a leading expert on company culture and remote work, shares insights on how to build a thriving workplace culture that drives performance and productivity. He discusses the importance of transparency, positivity, and recognition in fostering a great culture, as well as the challenges leaders face in managin…

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Stop Using AI Notetakers: 15 Bots, and a Broken S&OP Process 18:22

5M ago18:22

18:22

This may be my most important, and urgent, episode yet. I recently audited an executive S&OP meeting where something alarming happened: 9 people in the room… and 15 AI bots taking notes, summarizing, and listening in. We’ve crossed a line, and we don’t even realize it. In this episode, I sound the alarm on how companies are accidentally sabotaging …

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Autonomy’s Moment Is Now. Austin Is the Autonomy Capital | Jeff Cavins, Outdoorsy Group 59:02

5M ago59:02

59:02

Autonomy’s moment is now as the operating stack goes live across software, hardware, availability, and insurance. Outdoorsy Group CEO Jeff Cavins joins the show to unpack how RoboTaxis integrate with marketplaces, city systems, and the consumer experience. Austin’s talent, technology, and risk appetite are making it the Autonomy Capital. Highlights…

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Am I a Leader or a Person? Choosing Both in Modern HR with Nicole DuBois 37:39

5M ago37:39

37:39

Authenticity in leadership is often encouraged, but rarely modeled at the top. And in HR, the pressure to stay polished can make vulnerability feel off-limits. In this episode, Nicole DuBois joins Karina Young to reflect on what happens when people leaders stop compartmentalizing and start leading from their full selves. Nicole, CHRO at Graham Wind…

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Understanding Human Behavior for Effective Leadership 28:26

5M ago28:26

28:26

Summary In this conversation, Dr. Nicolas Pokorny, is the author of the book, The Mammoth in the Room. He's a neuroscientist and leadership expert, and explores the intersection of human behavior and effective leadership. He emphasizes the importance of understanding individual motivations within teams, the balance between competition and collabora…