In this inspiring episode, Michael welcomes leadership expert, author, and advocate Hacia Atherton to discuss her remarkable journey of reinvention, resilience, and impact. Hacia shares how a profound sense of peace during a 2023 visit led her to relocate from Australia to Florida. Her decision was shaped by speaking engagements, meeting her publisher, falling in love, and listening deeply to her own intuition as she entered a new chapter of life. Through her work with Empowered Women in Trades, she encourages others to embrace transitions with courage and authenticity.

Hacia opens up about the devastating equestrian accident that left her with multiple fractures and nerve damage, and the powerful healing journey that followed. Drawing from positive psychology, she transformed her experience into a mission to help others thrive in their careers and lives. Michael relates through his own health scare, a heart attack at age 40, and they discuss how gratitude, mindset, and resilience can reshape recovery and fuel a renewed purpose.

The conversation dives into Hacia’s deep connection to the trades, shaped by her upbringing in a family plumbing business. After a welding accident first introduced her to the field, she realized the potential for women to thrive in these roles. Hacia identifies the barriers many women face entering trades careers and explains her work in bridging the gap between employers and female candidates. Her insights highlight the importance of industry awareness, supportive workplace cultures, and empowering women to step confidently into male-dominated fields.

Michael and Hacia explore the themes in her new book, "The Billion Dollar Blind Spot," which examines workplace culture and how it impacts retention, engagement, and overall performance. They discuss what it means to lead with empathy, positivity, and psychological safety, especially within industries where women have historically been underrepresented. Hacia reflects on her personal leadership journey and the importance of cultivating environments where everyone feels valued. The episode also touches on her excitement about experiencing her first Thanksgiving in the United States.

Website: https://www.haciaatherton.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haciaatherton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hacia.atherton/ YouTube Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFNDhI9g0AY Media features: • RMIT • She’s The Boss • The Sydney Morning Herald • The Canberra Times • Steel Blue • Cover Entrepreneur • Women’s Agenda • Daily Mail

How can companies make hybrid work seamless, engaging, and stress-free? Michael sits down with Saskia to explore Seatti — a workplace management software designed to help organizations optimize office usage, enhance collaboration, and make hybrid work truly work.

Saskia shared how her company created Seatti, an innovative workplace management platform that helps organizations manage hybrid work environments. Originally built before the pandemic, Seatti addressed early challenges of coordinating office space and desk usage. Over time, it evolved to include social nudging and meetup features that encourage in-person connections and make returning to the office a positive experience. The goal: to improve visibility into office resources, eliminate friction, and make the workday smoother for everyone.

Michael reflected on how efficient workplaces function when spaces are booked in advance, much like reserving a vacation rental. This approach minimizes frustration, breaks down silos, and ensures that rooms and equipment are used purposefully. Together, Michael and Saskia emphasized that a well-organized office experience increases employee satisfaction and motivates people to return to shared spaces.

The conversation turned to the challenges of bringing employees back after extended remote work. Michael and Saskia discussed how physical environments impact culture and engagement. They stressed that a thoughtfully designed office experience can reenergize teams, foster collaboration, and strengthen culture — provided there’s a balance between flexibility and structure.

Michael discussed the ethics and realities of working remotely, touching on how flexible workdays often blend personal and professional responsibilities. He underscored the importance of creating fulfilling work experiences where both employee well-being and customer satisfaction are prioritized. The pandemic revealed that when silos are removed and systems are well-designed, productivity and collaboration naturally improve.

Michael and Saskia unpacked the mindset shifts needed for organizations to truly embrace flexible work. Saskia noted that fear and outdated managerial habits often slow progress, while Michael warned that rigidity leads to obsolescence. They agreed that younger generations value flexibility over salary, and that trust and training are essential for leaders to manage effectively in a hybrid world.

To close, Saskia discussed Seatti’s seamless integration into platforms like Microsoft Teams, making hybrid work coordination intuitive and accessible. Michael praised Seatti’s approach and confirmed that details about the software would be included in the episode’s show notes for listeners interested in exploring the tool.

This episode explores the future of hybrid work through technology, culture, and leadership. Michael and Saskia dive into the tools and mindsets shaping how we collaborate, create, and connect in a post-pandemic world. Whether you’re an HR leader, facilities manager, or remote-first founder, this conversation offers practical insights on building flexible systems that empower people and optimize performance.

Learn more about Seatti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saskia-neuner-1b71a9154/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/seatti/

In this episode, Alison Dixon shares insights into the fast-evolving cybersecurity environment in Austin, Texas. She discusses the rising importance of protecting both personal and corporate data amid growing cyber threats, emphasizing the dual challenge of convenience versus protection. Alison and Michael explore how AI complicates the landscape—accelerating innovation but also introducing new vulnerabilities. They underscore the urgent need for smarter, password-free security solutions and thoughtful tech adoption that prioritizes user safety.

Michael and Alison explore the importance of deliberate, strategic integration of AI into business operations. They agree that AI should serve genuine business value, not simply act as a marketing add-on. Clear processes and structured systems must precede AI adoption to avoid inefficiencies. Michael points out that transparency in AI systems, such as chatbots identifying themselves and providing human contact options, can significantly enhance customer trust. Both emphasize the need for balance, restraint, and purpose when embracing new technologies.

The conversation turns to the tension between investing in AI and maintaining strong cybersecurity foundations. Alison warns that over-investing in AI while cutting cybersecurity budgets increases the risk of attacks like phishing and ransomware. Michael shares a real-life story about a senior manager’s phone hack that illustrates the importance of vigilance and response protocols. Alison reinforces the need for proactive defenses and risk-reduction strategies rather than reactive training.

Michael recounts a growing trend of AI-driven voice scams, where criminals mimic loved ones’ voices to exploit victims. He shares a case involving an elderly Toronto couple who lost nearly $100,000 to a voice fraud scheme, stressing the importance of using family “safe words” to verify identity. The discussion underscores how easily anyone—public figure or private citizen—can become a target, highlighting the growing sophistication of AI misuse.

Alison and Michael discuss why human behavior remains the weakest link in cybersecurity. They argue that education alone is insufficient and that organizations should focus on eliminating risk exposure through stronger systems and policies. Practical steps such as multi-factor authentication, unique passwords, and an “assume it’s fake” mindset can dramatically reduce vulnerability. Alison notes that leadership accountability and proactive system design are the true foundations of digital safety.

In closing, Michael and Alison revisit the vital role of two-factor authentication (2FA). While it adds a few extra seconds to login, they agree it is a small price for peace of mind. They also caution that the holiday season often brings a spike in cyberattacks, as people let their guard down. Their message is clear: cybersecurity is not just about technology—it’s about disciplined habits, awareness, and making security a leadership priority.

Alison Dixon, the Chief Customer Experience Officer at Portnox, a leading zero trust network access control platform. Alison is at the forefront of shaping how technical, high-stakes industries like cybersecurity can deliver world-class customer experiences.

With a background that spans HR, Sales Enablement, and IT, she brings a uniquely holistic view to customer success—balancing strategy, empathy, and execution. At Portnox, she’s led the charge in transforming onboarding into a competitive advantage, expanding CX beyond support, and building programs that reduce churn and drive long-term value.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-dixon-msod/

In this episode, Michael sits down with Ryann to explore the evolving landscape of marketing and the undeniable rise of video content. Ryann shares her experience working with Fortune 500 companies to produce everything from commercials and documentaries to HR training videos, while Michael highlights the growing demand for dynamic, story-driven content that connects brands with younger audiences. Together, they discuss why video and social media are no longer optional. They are essential.

The conversation dives into the challenges businesses face when creating content, especially with limited bandwidth or resources. Ryann explains how her agency, Light Touch Media Group, acts as an extension of in-house teams, delivering both urgent content solutions and long-term strategy. Michael and Ryann also emphasize the importance of carefully vetting marketing providers, avoiding costly missteps, and balancing AI-driven support with the human creativity that fuels authentic storytelling.

Michael brings his own perspective, sharing how renegotiating contracts once saved a nonprofit $250,000 in overhead costs. Those funds were redirected into new programs. He also underscores the role of storytelling in business success, from Kmart Australia’s detailed brand story to overlooked industries struggling to recruit due to weak branding efforts.

This episode is packed with practical insights on adapting to today’s video-driven world, outsourcing effectively, and making marketing a top priority even when budgets are tight.

lighttouchmg.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lighttouchmediagroup/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighttouchmg/posts/?feedView=all

Ryann LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryann-liebl-488887240/

Roberta shared her mission to help people rediscover joy and fulfillment by believing that change is possible. She explained how many individuals stay stuck in pain because they cannot envision a different reality. Michael reflected on his own journey, describing how meaningful work has been a powerful source of joy. Together, they encouraged listeners to evaluate their daily habits and make small, intentional shifts that lead to a more fulfilling life.

Michael opened up about his unconventional career path, from accounting to IT to non-profit leadership, before founding Breakfast Leadership Network. Roberta emphasized that people often view career changes through a lens of judgment or failure rather than exploration. She invited listeners to reconnect with curiosity and imagination instead of constantly chasing the next milestone. Both agreed that fulfillment comes from living with intention, not from accumulating achievements.

Michael described how curiosity has shaped his career decisions, allowing him to adapt and thrive across industries. Roberta expanded on the connection between burnout and curiosity, explaining that chronic stress can suppress creativity and focus. She emphasized that rest and nervous system recovery are essential steps toward reigniting curiosity and personal growth.

The conversation turned to burnout in high-pressure fields like the mortgage industry. Michael and Roberta discussed how identity and self-worth often become tied to professional success. Roberta shared her experience of losing her job during the 2008 market collapse and the emotional toll it took on her confidence. Michael noted that while workplace stress is real, much of it stems from internal expectations. They encouraged listeners to replace fatigue with curiosity and focus on what can be controlled.

Roberta opened up about how losing her career led to deep questions about identity and purpose. Michael shared that his own journey through adversity helped him rediscover meaning and direction. They agreed that personal growth requires reflection and a willingness to define happiness on one’s own terms. Both highlighted the importance of mindset ownership and the courage to rebuild with clarity.

Michael and Roberta concluded with a discussion on the intersection of joy, curiosity, and entrepreneurship. Drawing insights from Roberta’s book Open for Business, they explored how business owners can integrate playfulness, experimentation, and authenticity into their work. They encouraged listeners to pursue their goals with curiosity rather than fear, reminding them that joy is not the absence of struggle—it is the presence of purpose.

Episode Theme: Rediscovering joy, curiosity, and fulfillment by embracing change, managing burnout, and building a mindset of exploration in both work and life.

Related Links:

• BreakfastLeadership.com/blog – Articles on leadership, burnout recovery, and workplace culture.

• The Joy Experiment – Learn more about Roberta’s work helping people find joy and meaning through lifestyle transformation.

Helping Women Build a Life & Business Rooted in Joy, Ease, and Aligned Success Roberta Gill Ravella is the visionary behind The Joy Experiment—a transformative framework designed to help women step out of struggle and into a life and business filled with joy, ease, and flow. Drawing from her decades of experience in sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, and personal development, Roberta helps clients rewrite the rules of success by leading with alignment, worthiness, and purpose. After years of chasing achievement through hustle and burnout, Roberta asked a powerful question: What if success didn’t have to be so hard? That question sparked the creation of The Joy Experiment, a values-based coaching approach that guides women to reconnect with their core, simplify their path to growth, and build success that feels just as good as it looks. Roberta works with purpose-driven women entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders who are ready to replace self-doubt with self-trust, confusion with clarity, and pressure with peace. Her message is a refreshing antidote to hustle culture—and a rallying cry for those seeking a more intentional, fulfilling way to grow. When she’s not coaching or speaking, you’ll find Roberta exploring the mindset shifts that turn burnout into balance and teaching others how to lead with joy, not just chase it.

In this episode, Michael D. Levitt sits down with Erik Braund, CEO of Katmai Tech, to explore how immersive 3D virtual collaboration is transforming the future of work. Katmai’s groundbreaking platform redefines remote interaction by combining video presence with spatial freedom—creating an environment that mirrors the energy and spontaneity of a physical office.

Erik explains how Katmai bridges the gap between traditional video conferencing and in-person work. Unlike static grid calls, Katmai enables users to move freely in a 3D virtual space, sparking natural, spontaneous conversations. The result?

• A 70% reduction in standing meetings for users

• Average engagement of 23 hours per week—nearly double the time people typically spend on Zoom or Teams

• Shorter, more meaningful interactions, averaging 15 minutes among small groups

Erik shares how these immersive environments foster authentic collaboration, serendipitous moments, and stronger team culture—elements often lost in remote work setups.

Michael builds on the conversation by highlighting the evolving nature of work. He references insights from leaders like Jamie Dimon, exploring how workplace flexibility enhances autonomy, engagement, and performance. Michael notes that trust and choice are central to preventing burnout and driving productivity.

He humorously recalls a company that had to schedule a meeting—ironically—to discuss having too many meetings, reinforcing the idea that tools like Katmai can make communication more efficient and human-centered.

Erik and Michael dive into the psychology of remote work, discussing the pitfalls of multitasking and blurred boundaries. Both stress the need for intentional systems that support focus and well-being.

Erik explains how Katmai’s user-friendly interface helps teams stay connected without overwhelming them with constant pings or apps. The platform promotes mindful communication, encouraging quick, productive exchanges rather than endless calls.

Michael connects this to his Breakfast Leadership Network philosophy, emphasizing that burnout prevention begins with designing work environments—virtual or physical—that support energy, creativity, and balance.

• Immersive collaboration is redefining remote culture by bringing “office energy” online.

• Flexibility and autonomy are critical to engagement and performance.

• Meeting reduction and better-designed communication tools lead to happier, more focused teams.

• Technology should enhance human connection, not replace it.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Katmai Tech: https://www.katmaitech.com

• Related reading on burnout, leadership, and workplace culture: BreakfastLeadership.com/blog