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, host Sumit Gupta sits down with Don Hammond, CEO at Tech Consulting, for an unfiltered conversation on what it really takes to lead with authenticity and courage in today’s fast-changing world.

From turning around struggling teams to aligning entire organizations, Don shares hard-earned lessons on building trust, accountability, and progress that lasts.

Together, they challenge the myth that leadership is about being liked — revealing instead how fairness, honesty, and clear expectations drive true excellence.

Whether you’re leading a startup or scaling a global team, this episode will help you rethink how you empower people and make bold, strategic moves without burning out.

Tune in to discover how to lead with more clarity, courage, and joy — starting Monday morning.

You can find Don Hammond at the links below

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/donhammond100/

In the interview, Don shares

• "Leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers — it’s about creating the space where everyone can make progress together."
• "Authenticity in leadership isn’t about being nice — it’s about being honest, fair, and consistent, even when it’s uncomfortable."
• "True empowerment only happens when accountability is shared — between the individual and the organization."
• "Great leaders don’t chase perfection. They take bold, strategic risks that move the whole team forward."
• "If your people are dreading Mondays, it’s not a motivation problem — it’s a leadership problem."
• "Turning B and C players into A players is the ultimate act of leadership — it starts with clarity, courage, and care."
• "Leadership negligence often hides behind being 'nice.' Authentic leaders tell the truth with love — no sugarcoating, no surprises."
• "Progress beats perfection. Leaders who wait for the perfect moment often miss the moment that matters most."
• "When leaders explain their decisions with fairness and transparency, they earn trust — not compliance."
• "Choosing leadership is a daily act of courage — to design not just success, but a life of joy, meaning, and impact for everyone around you."

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 math and computer science guy stumbles into leadership and realizes he’s completely unprepared?

That’s exactly what happened to Bill Benjamin, now a partner at the Institute for Health and Human Potential, and his journey into emotional intelligence holds powerful lessons for today’s leaders.

In this episode, Bill shares how vulnerability, courage, and connection can transform not just your leadership style, but the very culture of your team.

From handling the “last 8%” tough conversations to building psychological safety in hybrid workplaces, he offers practical insights leaders can apply immediately.

If you’ve ever struggled with feedback, avoided conflict, or wondered how to inspire true accountability, this conversation is one you can’t afford to miss.

You can find Bill Benjamin at the links below

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-benjamin-12b671/
• https://hbr.org/2025/09/the-secret-to-building-a-high-performing-team
• https://ihhp.com/

In the interview, Bill shares

• “Leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about managing your emotions in the toughest moments.”
• “The feedback that hurts the most is often the feedback that helps us grow the most.”
• “Avoiding difficult conversations doesn’t protect your culture—it poisons it.”
• “True leadership starts when you embrace vulnerability instead of hiding behind perfection.”
• “Courage and connection are the twin pillars of a thriving workplace.”
• “If you don’t address underperformance, you’re quietly teaching your team that mediocrity is acceptable.”
• “Culture change begins at the top—leaders must model the behavior they want to see.”
• “Leadership is a choice you make every day, not a title you hold.”
• “Psychological safety fuels performance—without it, courage and innovation wither.”
• “The moments you least want to face—the ‘last 8%’—are the ones that define you as a leader.”

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, Dr. Santosh Honnagunti pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to jump from engineer to CEO without losing your curiosity or your courage.

He shares how mentors, disciplined habits, and a willingness to take risks shaped every major pivot in his career—and how those same ingredients can accelerate yours.

You’ll hear the surprising moments that opened doors, the leadership philosophies that keep his teams empowered, and the mindset that allows him to thrive across industries and continents.

Dr. Santosh also reveals how sports and personal discipline fuel his energy and focus as a leader.

If you're navigating growth, reinvention, or the pressure to “figure it out,” this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to take your next bold step.

You can find Dr. Santosh Honnagunti at the links below

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/santoshhonagunti/
• santosh.kumar@tayana.in

In the interview, Dr. Santosh shares

• “Mentors don’t just teach you—they redirect your whole trajectory.”
• “My biggest career leaps came from stepping into roles I wasn’t fully ready for.”
• “When you start solving real customer problems, you stop being an engineer and start becoming a leader.”
• “Risk isn’t something to fear; it’s the price you pay for growth.”
• “A disciplined upbringing taught me that consistency beats talent every single time.”
• “Leadership is simple: empower people, trust them, and get out of their way.”
• “Succession planning isn’t about replacing yourself—it’s about multiplying leaders.”
• “Every new geography, every new role expanded not just my career, but my worldview.”
• “Sports keep me grounded. If I don’t push my body, my mind gets lazy.”
• “Curiosity has been my north star; it’s the one trait that has carried me from engineer to CEO.”

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, CEO Benoit Honnart shares how trust and adaptability shaped his journey of leading across cultures and scaling Electra into new markets.

From building bridges between diverse business practices to sustaining quality while expanding globally, Benoit offers practical insights leaders can use today.

He opens up about the power of trust, the art of delegation, and why purpose-driven teams are the future of business.

You’ll also hear a powerful story of resilience as Electra pivoted during COVID-19 to meet urgent community needs while safeguarding jobs.

If you’re navigating growth, cultural complexity, or the challenges of a modern workforce, this conversation will spark ideas and remind you that leadership is always a choice.

You can find Benoit Honnart at the links below
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoit-honnart-703a2b1/
https://www.electrasolutions.com/

In the interview, Benoit shares

• “Adaptability isn’t about losing your identity—it’s about building a bridge between cultures while staying true to who you are.”
• “Trust opens more doors than opportunity itself.”
• “Scaling isn’t just about growth—it’s about sustaining quality, wherever you operate.”
• “Delegation is the art of leadership; without it, growth will always hit a ceiling.”
• “Employees today want more than paychecks—they want purpose and values they can believe in.”
• “Respecting local customs while leveraging your strengths is the key to thriving across cultures.”
• “Governance, trust, and empowerment aren’t buzzwords—they’re the backbone of successful leadership.”
• “Resilience is built in moments of adversity—like turning a pandemic into an opportunity to serve society.”
• “Leadership is a choice: moving beyond fear and standing for a vision greater than yourself.”
• “The best leaders don’t just adapt to change—they create environments where their teams can adapt and thrive.”

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.”