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."

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 take to walk away from corporate success and step into purpose-driven leadership?

In this inspiring episode, Syed Ahmed shares his journey from the safety of a thriving corporate career to launching a mission-led vaccine company that’s reshaping global health access.

He opens up about the inner shifts, tough choices, and cultural foundations that helped him build a company grounded in integrity and impact.

Whether you're a leader considering a bold move or simply seeking deeper alignment in your work, Syed's story offers both a roadmap and a reminder of what truly matters.

Tune in to discover how real leadership starts with a powerful choice—and the courage to follow it through.

You can find Syed Ahmed at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssyedahmed/
• https://techinvention.biz/

In the interview, Syed shares

• "Leadership is not a title—it's a choice to stand for something bigger than yourself."
• "Leaving corporate comfort wasn’t easy, but purpose gave me the courage to jump."
• "Access to innovative vaccines should not be the privilege of the affording."
• "True leadership emerges when strategy meets a culture of integrity and unity."
• "We weren’t just building a business—we were building trust, equity, and access."
• "The vaccine gap isn’t just a healthcare issue; it’s a social justice issue."
• "My growth as a leader came from learning to accept what I can’t control—and owning what I can."
• "People-first leadership isn’t just moral—it’s the only sustainable path forward."
• "I’m an introvert leading with extroverted clarity—because my silence fuels my strength."
• "Leadership isn’t about scaling heights alone—it’s about creating ripples that uplift communities."

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 happens when a CEO stops chasing titles and starts chasing truth?

In this powerful episode, Conor McGowan Smyth, CEO of Brava Solutions, opens up about how fatherhood, spirituality, and cultural curiosity transformed his leadership journey.

From making gut-based decisions to navigating global teams, Conor shares raw and relatable lessons on leading with heart and clarity.

Whether you're feeling stuck, burned out, or just seeking a deeper sense of purpose, this conversation will spark reflection and growth.

Tune in to discover how real leadership begins the moment you choose to lead yourself first.

You can find Conor McGowan Smyth at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravasolutions/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/galoras/

In the interview, Conor shares

"Leadership isn't about titles—it's about showing up authentically, especially when things fall apart."
"Becoming a father changed everything. It taught me that leadership starts at home."
"Real leadership emerges in crisis—not when things are going well, but when they’re falling apart."
"Intuition is just as important as data. Some of my best decisions came from listening to my gut."
"You can’t lead effectively without cultural awareness—leadership looks different across borders."
"Spirituality helped me find clarity in chaos. It made me a better leader, husband, and human."
"If you want to scale your company, start by scaling your people."
"The most powerful leaders I’ve met weren’t the loudest in the room—they were the most authentic."
"I dream of taking a year off—not to escape, but to go deeper into who I am and what I want to give back."
"Choosing leadership is choosing growth. Every day, every decision, it’s a path you walk consciously."

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 take to lead across cultures, scale impact across continents, and stay grounded in your values?

In this episode, Gillian-Alexandre Huart, CEO of Engie Energy Access, shares how his multicultural upbringing shaped a leadership style rooted in empathy, adaptability, and trust.

We dive into the evolving nature of leadership—from crisis response to cultivating a thriving, empowered team.

Gillian’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t static; it grows with you, especially when anchored in character and curiosity.

If you’re navigating complexity or shifting your leadership style, this episode offers real-world insights you can apply today.

You can find Gillian-Alexandre Huart at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-alexandre-huart/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/engieenergyaccess/

In the interview, Gillian shares

• "Leadership isn’t a role—it’s a daily choice to step beyond fear and serve something bigger than yourself."
• "Growing up between cultures taught me to value differences—today, it shapes how I lead."
• "You can’t build trust without fairness, loyalty, and transparency. These aren’t buzzwords—they’re leadership essentials."
• "Real leadership is knowing when to drive hard—and when to slow down, listen, and empower your team."
• "Navigating across cultures taught me this: read the room without judgment."
• "In times of crisis, people don’t need perfection. They need clarity, honesty, and direction."
• "The best leaders are like coaches—not stars on the field, but strategists setting the team up to win."
• "Strong values are a leader’s compass—they keep you grounded when everything else is shifting."
• "When leadership becomes playful, creative energy flows and people come alive."
• "Leadership evolves—mine moved from command and control to connection and collaboration."

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 take to leave behind a legacy business and redefine success on your own terms?

In this episode, Kahraman Yigit—co-founder and CEO of Olive Hospitality—shares his bold journey from Turkey to India, navigating culture shifts, economic crises, and rapid innovation.

We dive into his philosophy of leadership, why empowering others is the real mark of success, and how personal passions fuel professional vision.

Whether you're building a startup or leading a team, Kahraman’s story offers practical insights on resilience, reinvention, and staying grounded while growing big.

Tune in to discover how choosing leadership—every day—can unlock possibilities you didn’t know existed.

You can find Kahraman Yigit at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kahraman-yigit-68110a24/
• https://www.instagram.com/kahraman_yigit/

In the interview, Kahraman shares

• "True leadership begins the moment you choose to step out of a predetermined path and forge your own."
• "At just 13, Kahraman embraced discomfort, moving abroad alone—a bold first step toward the leader he would become."
• "Crises don’t crush visionaries—they fuel them. Kahraman built opportunity out of economic chaos."
• "Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about making yourself replaceable and lifting others up."
• "Moving to India wasn't just a business decision—it was a leap of faith rooted in long-term vision."
• "You can’t grow a business on copy-paste leadership. Kahraman tailors growth paths to individual strengths."
• "From real estate in Turkey to reimagining hospitality in India, Kahraman's journey is a lesson in adaptability."
• "Olive Hospitality's rise shows how global thinking paired with local insight creates market-leading innovation."
• "Leadership thrives where creativity and business intersect—Kahraman’s passions for aviation and photography keep his perspective fresh."
• "Choosing leadership is not a one-time decision. It’s a daily act of courage, curiosity, and conscious choice."