This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Alay Jhaveri opens up about the delicate balance between heart and numbers in leading a growing business.

From running a family enterprise to investing in startups, he shares how adaptability, authenticity, and trust shape his leadership style.

Alay reminds us that while data drives decisions, it’s empathy, respect, and empowerment that truly move teams forward.

He also highlights the importance of building a life beyond business—one that includes family, personal growth, and giving back.

Whether you’re leading a team or steering a company, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you measure success and inspire you to lead with both vision and humanity.

You can find Alay Jhaveri at the links below

• alay.jhaveri@jhaveriflexo.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/alayjhaveri/

In the interview, Alay shares

• “Leadership isn’t about managing tasks—it’s about inspiring people and creating an environment where they thrive.”
• “Numbers drive decisions, but heart and intuition give leadership its soul.”
• “True growth comes from adaptability—being willing to shift paths while staying true to yourself.”
• “Data builds structure, but it’s empathy and trust that build lasting teams.”
• “Leadership is not about imposing your way but empowering others to find their own.”
• “A well-rounded life—family, business, and giving back—fuels resilience and long-term success.”
• “Authenticity is not optional in leadership; it’s the foundation of trust and influence.”
• “In times of crisis, leadership is choosing to navigate uncertainty with courage and conviction.”
• “Mutual respect in the workplace is the true currency of sustainable growth.”
• “Great leaders balance vision with realism, ambition with humility, and intellect with heart.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode of the Choosing Leadership podcast, Griff Parry, CEO and co-founder of M3ter, shares how he traded a successful corporate career for the uncertain but rewarding path of entrepreneurship.

Griff opens up about starting his first venture in his 40s, the lessons he learned from selling to Amazon, and what it really takes to build something meaningful from scratch.

He offers a candid look at the challenges of leadership—balancing transparency, trust, and the weight of tough decisions—while keeping a clear vision for the future.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to take the leap or how to navigate the chaos of scaling a business, Griff’s story will inspire you to think bigger and act bolder.

Tune in for practical insights and the reminder that the entrepreneurial journey is less about perfection and more about progress.

You can find Griff Parry at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffinparry/
• https://www.m3ter.com/

In the interview, Griff shares

• “I didn’t become an entrepreneur until my 40s—it’s never too late to start building.”
• “Corporate life taught me structure, but entrepreneurship gave me agency.”
• “At M3ter, we’re solving problems I personally struggled with in past ventures.”
• “Building something from scratch is messy, but that’s what makes it meaningful.”
• “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating space for others to thrive.”
• “The challenges you face as a founder aren’t signs of failure; they’re part of the growth process.”
• “Usage-based pricing is complex, but done right, it can transform how software businesses grow.”
• “Transparency and trust aren’t optional—they’re the foundation of strong leadership.”
• “I’ve learned that the excitement of direct impact is worth the risk of leaving stability behind.”
• “The entrepreneurial journey isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the people and lessons along the way.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this inspiring episode of Choosing Leadership, Adewale Yusuf, founder and CEO of Alt School Africa, shares his bold journey from humble beginnings to leading one of the most ambitious educational missions on the continent.

He opens up about the tough choices behind leaving a successful business to pursue a purpose-driven vision, and the challenges of carrying the weight of leadership when others don’t yet see what you see.

Adewale’s story is a masterclass in resilience, accountability, and staying true to your mission even when the road gets lonely.

Leaders will walk away with practical lessons on vision, mentorship, and building cultures that value impact over handouts.

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with courage while shaping the future, this conversation will both challenge and inspire you.

You can find Adewale Yusuf at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/adewaleyusuf/
• https://altschoolafrica.com/

In the interview, Adewale shares

• “Leadership is a choice—a decision to shape the future, tackle challenges, and inspire others.”
• “Coming from a humble background, I knew education was the key to breaking cycles of limitation.”
• “Alt School Africa was born from a mission—to equip 400 million Africans with the skills for tomorrow.”
• “True leadership is about walking away from comfort to pursue what deeply matters.”
• “The hardest part of leadership isn’t strategy—it’s carrying the weight of responsibility and loneliness.”
• “A leader’s vision must be clear enough to inspire even when others can’t yet see it.”
• “If we want to solve global problems, we must first believe in the talent and potential within Africa.”
• “Impact should never be about leftover handouts—it’s about creating systems where people can thrive.”
• “Leadership is not measured in metrics alone, but in how many lives are empowered through your vision.”
• “My dream is a world where language and background never limit learning, growth, or innovation.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What if chaos wasn’t something to fear, but the very fuel for your success?

In this episode of the Choosing Leadership podcast, I sit down with Jason Hayes, founder and chairman of Luxury Property LLC, who has built a thriving career by boldly embracing uncertainty.

From disrupting the U.S. real estate market to bouncing back from failed ventures, Jason shares hard-won lessons on adaptability, resilience, and leading with vision.

He opens up about building teams that thrive without hierarchy and how he turns setbacks into strategic advantages.

Whether you’re navigating rapid growth or wrestling with failure, Jason’s story will challenge you to see chaos not as a threat—but as your greatest opportunity.

You can find Jason Hayes at the below links

• https://www.luxuryproperty.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhayes-luxuryproperty/

In the interview, Jason shares

• “Chaos isn’t a barrier—it’s an invitation to adapt, pivot, and grow.”
• “I never thought about who would employ me—I asked, who on earth would?”
• “The courage to act on opportunities, even in chaos, is what sets true entrepreneurs apart.”
• “Failure taught me to double down on my strengths and know when to cut my losses.”
• “Innovation in real estate meant breaking away from outdated practices and building direct partnerships with banks.”
• “A strong team thrives on shared vision, not hierarchy.”
• “If you embrace chaos, it can become the greatest catalyst for success.”
• “The future of luxury real estate is digital, seamless, and global.”
• “Every setback sharpened my business instincts and clarified my strategy.”
• “Surround yourself with excellence, and chaos becomes opportunity instead of threat.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

Ryan Howsam’s entrepreneurial journey is a masterclass in resilience, focus, and bold decision-making.

In this candid conversation on the Choosing Leadership podcast, Ryan shares how he rebuilt his life after a crushing business collapse, turning setbacks into stepping stones.

He reveals the lessons behind scaling Staysure, building teams that thrive without you, and why health and mindfulness are just as critical as strategy.

This isn’t just a success story—it’s a roadmap for leaders who want to stay sharp, avoid burnout, and create lasting impact.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn adversity into your greatest advantage, this episode is for you.

You can find Ryan Howsam at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-howsam-01698414/
• https://careers.staysuregroup.co.uk/

In the interview, Ryan shares

• "Leadership isn’t about content—it’s about choosing a context that drives bold decisions."
• "Resilience is built when you’re knocking on doors, not when everything is going your way."
• "A financial collapse taught me more about risk than any business school ever could."
• "Focus on mastering one thing—people underestimate what they can achieve in ten years."
• "Money doesn’t make you successful; learning to manage it does."
• "A great business is one that doesn’t fall apart when you step away."
• "Health isn’t optional for leaders—your body is the engine of your ambition."
• "Scaling is about empowering capable leaders, not clinging to control."
• "Setbacks aren’t failures—they’re invitations to rebuild stronger and smarter."
• "The future of entrepreneurship will be fueled by AI and human resilience working together."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What does it really take to lead in the climate tech space—beyond the buzzwords and boardrooms?

In this candid conversation, Steven Meersman, co-founder of Zenobi Energy, shares how he went from resisting entrepreneurship to leading a company that's transforming energy infrastructure across 11 countries.

You’ll hear hard-won lessons on scaling with purpose, building a culture of ownership, and navigating the messy middle of leadership.

Steven’s insights on balancing innovation with financial viability are gold for any leader trying to do work that actually matters.

If you’re building something bold and want to stay grounded while growing fast, this episode is for you.

You can find Steven Meersman at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevencgmeersman/
• https://www.zenobe.com/

In the interview, Steven shares

• “Leadership is a pendulum—you don’t want perfect balance, you want movement. Knowing when to push back is key.”
• “We don’t just hire startup veterans—we hire passionate people who care deeply about our mission. Ownership can be taught.”
• “If sustainability isn’t financially viable, it won’t scale. Our job is to make green solutions make business sense.”
• “My journey into entrepreneurship was reluctant at first, but purpose pulled me in—climate tech gave me a reason to build.”
• “Lessons from oil and gas—like managing risk and optimizing cost—are surprisingly useful when scaling clean tech.”
• “I don’t make decisions based on labels. I look at the opportunity, the timing, and the impact we can make.”
• “A good leader supports without micromanaging and communicates without creating silos.”
• “We’re solving the first mile, the last mile, and everything in between to make renewable energy work at scale.”
• “We’ve repurposed EV batteries to replace diesel generators—real innovation happens where the grid doesn’t reach.”
• “Culture isn’t just values on a wall—it’s what people do when no one’s looking. That’s what drives innovation.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

Professor Jag Dhanda’s journey from surgeon to tech educator is a masterclass in courage, vision, and relentless innovation.

In this episode, he shares how leaving home at 17, working his way through medical school, and pioneering virtual reality in surgical training shaped his belief that true leadership is about service, not status.

You’ll hear how he’s breaking down barriers in global healthcare education, empowering doctors in low-resource settings to save more lives.

His insights on balancing ambition, well-being, and impact will challenge you to rethink what’s really possible in your own leadership journey.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn bold ideas into real-world change, this conversation is your blueprint.

You can find Professor Jag Dhanda at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-jag-dhanda-ab59aa146/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/extended-reality-in-medicine-and-surgery-xrims/

In the interview, Professor Jag shares

• "Resilience and innovation aren’t separate paths—they’re the same road when you refuse to accept limits."
• "Leaving home at 17 taught me that courage often comes before clarity."
• "Virtual reality isn’t about replacing surgeons—it’s about equipping them to save more lives."
• "Education should not be bound by geography, privilege, or language."
• "Empathy in medicine starts long before you pick up a scalpel."
• "Balancing surgery, entrepreneurship, and family is less about time management and more about energy management."
• "Technology is only powerful when it levels the playing field for those who need it most."
• "The next generation of leaders must value significance over hierarchy."
• "If you want to create global impact, start by serving one person really well—and then scale that love."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this powerful episode of Choosing Leadership, Tom Gegax shares how a harsh truth—that he was the problem in his own company—sparked a complete transformation in his leadership.

From building Tires Plus into a thriving enterprise to facing cancer, divorce, and near business collapse, Tom reveals how vulnerability and spirit reshaped his life and business philosophy.

He challenges leaders to rethink corporate culture, nurture the whole person—intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional—and lead with both heart and accountability.

Through his film Confessions of a CEO, Tom calls for leaders to question whether their decisions truly align with their mission and serve all stakeholders.

If you’re ready to trade burnout and fear for meaning and impact, this conversation will inspire you to lead differently—starting now.

You can find Tom Gegax at the below links

• https://ceoworld.biz/
• https://www.confessionsofaceomovie.com/

In the interview, Tom shares

• "The hardest truth I ever heard was this: I was the problem in my own company—and that truth set me free."
• "Leadership isn’t about driving harder; it’s about leading with heart, spirit, and service."
• "When you nurture the intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional sides of people, you don’t just build better leaders—you build better workplaces."
• "If people live for Fridays and dread Mondays, your culture is broken—and it’s your job to fix it."
• "Servant leadership is not being a dictator or a doormat; it’s being warm-hearted and tough-minded at the same time."
• "I put the customer at the top of our org chart—and myself at the very bottom, serving everyone else."
• "Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s the birthplace of real, lasting leadership."
• "Question every decision: does it align with your mission and truly serve all stakeholders?"
• "Even when my voice gave out, I kept spreading the message—because better leadership is worth the fight."
• "Choosing leadership is a commitment to live with joy, meaning, and impact—not just to run a business."