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Latest Episodes
Ep 311: Designing the Future of Transportation with Michael Kelly, Chief Strategy Officer at Mozee; Dallas, TX, USA
What if machines could sense the world like we do and use that awareness to make cities safer and more connected?
In this episode, I sit down with Michael Kelly, Chief Strategy Officer at Mozee, to unpack Generative Perception Intelligence (GPI)—a fundamentally different approach to machine perception that goes beyond today’s catch-all “AI.” Michael shares how Mozee’s “community-first, human-centered” mission shows up in beautiful, real-world transportation experiences, why GPI is their beachhead for autonomous mobility (and far more), and how a band of “super builders” scaled from 4 to 20 people while preparing for a big Series A year.
We also get personal: Michael’s path from JP Morgan to startups, his passion for entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, and the books he recommends for anyone intent on building meaningful work and stronger communities. If you’re near a browser, peek at Mozeealong.com while you listen.
Here are some highlights:
-GPI vs. AI—what’s different: Michael explains “perception lag” and why Mozee built a single “brain” that processes multiple sensor inputs simultaneously rather than stitching together separate systems.
-On-device, ultra-fast, resilient: GPI runs entirely on device (no cloud dependency), reacts orders of magnitude faster than human pain response, and is designed to operate even in disconnected or high-risk environments.
-Autonomy as the beachhead: While autonomous vehicles are the first proving ground (and the inspiration behind “Mozee Along”), the same perception engine translates to drones, robotics, warehouses, traffic systems, and city-scale applications.
-Scaling the builder culture: From 4 to 20 team members, a move into a 63,000-sq-ft facility, and a pipeline of large city contracts, including work tied to 2026 global events and groundwork for 2028, Mozee is preparing to launch its Series A off a major public milestone.
-Purpose, category design, and careers: Michael’s take on entrepreneurship as a path to meaning and mobility, why Play Bigger belongs on every builder’s shelf, and how to apply category-creation thinking even as an intrapreneur.
About the guest:
Michael Kelly is the Chief Strategy Officer at Mozee, an autonomous mobility company revolutionizing urban transit with AI-powered, electric shuttles. Before joining Mozee, Michael spent 12 years at JPMorgan as VP of Investments, managing a global portfolio. He held Series 7, Series 66, and insurance licenses across 20+ states and was recognized for driving 60x business growth under his leadership.
A serial entrepreneur, Michael launched his first venture in 2005 and now sits on the Dallas Entrepreneur Center’s Venture Board, fostering startup growth in DFW. He mentors with Plug and Play, Capital One, and MassChallenge accelerators and was an Entrepreneurship Fellow at SMU. Outside of work, Michael is an avid sports fan and enjoys serving as his daughter’s jester in his free time.
Connect with Michael:
Website: https://www.mozeealong.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resolutemichael/
Connect with Allison:
Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/
Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/
#CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast
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Ep 310: The Antidote to Leadership Fatigue with Grace Najean, former Platinum Tony Robbins coach; Perth, Australia
Ep 309: Does Your Leadership Voice Connect? With Dr. Laura Sicola, linguist, leadership coach, and author; Philadelphia, PA, USA
Want to be the leader people lean in to hear—without getting louder, longer, or “less you”? This conversation shows you how to turn your ideas into influence and how to say them.
Today I’m joined by Dr. Laura Sicola—executive presence mentor, TEDx advisor, and author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice. We dig into the moment that matters most: those first seven seconds and the next seven when you open your mouth. Laura unpacks the “authenticity myth,” shares her simple “digital mixing board” for tuning your delivery (without changing who you are), and explains why even the quietest voice can command a room. We also talk about pitch coaching for founders, crafting a TED-worthy talk, and how to make networking feel natural. If you’re climbing to the C-suite, raising a round, or leading a mission-driven team, this is a masterclass in aligning what you say with how you say it so your credibility, clarity, and confidence are undeniable.
Here are highlights:
-7 + 7 Seconds Rule: First impressions land fast—and the next seven seconds (your first words) either confirm or rewrite them. Make those opening lines count.
-The Authenticity Myth: Being “authentic” isn’t being unfiltered. Leadership requires tact, intention, and alignment—not a louder version of you.
-Your Digital Mixing Board: Don’t flip an on/off switch—tweak levers like pace, volume, jargon, and intensity to fit the audience while staying you.
-Quiet Can Command: Authority comes from congruence and presence, not decibels. Calm, focused delivery can move 200 people without raising your voice.
-From Pitch to TED: Win investors (bet the jockey!) and craft a killer TED talk by challenging assumptions, telling real stories, and driving to one clear takeaway.
About the guest:
Dr. Laura Sicola is a leadership communication and influence expert based in Philadelphia, PA. She is the founder of Vocal Impact Productions and the author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice. With over 20 years of experience, she helps executives, entrepreneurs, and rising leaders develop executive presence, master the art of influence, and align how they speak with what they want to achieve. A TEDx speaker and advisor, Laura has worked with leaders from Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofits worldwide, guiding them to communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.
Connect with Laura:
Website: https://laurasicola.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP4D611Z?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_6GKSA3X8WMAPHBGSDH0B
Connect with Allison:
Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/
Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/
#CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast
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Ep 308: The Wisdom of Ignorance: Unlocking Innovation by Thinking Differently with Alan Gregermann, Keynote Speaker and Author; Silver Spring, MD, USA
If you’ve ever felt stuck running the day-to-day while the future rushes past, this conversation is your permission slip to step outside the building and rethink how your company actually innovates.
In this episode, I sit down with innovation strategist and author Alan Gregerman to challenge the way leaders pursue “new.” We unpack his upcoming book The Wisdom of Ignorance and the counterintuitive idea that breakthrough ideas often come from not being the expert. Alan shares why most companies confuse process improvement with innovation, how to unlock the genius in your teams (especially your newest hires), and six leadership habits that keep organizations relevant in a world that won’t slow down. You’ll leave with practical ways to fuel curiosity, test faster, and future-proof your business.
Here are highlights:
-Innovation ≠ Incrementalism: Alan draws a sharp line between improving what exists and pursuing big, valuable problems, urging CEOs to imagine their company five years out and backcast a path to get there.
-The 99% Rule: Breakthroughs are rarely born on a whiteboard. 99% of new ideas build on something that already exists. Get your team out into the world (museums, neighborhoods, other industries) to borrow and remix smarter.
-Six Keys to Relevance: Be purposeful, curious, humble, respectful, future-focused, and a bit paranoid. You’re creating value while scanning for the competitor who might “eat your lunch.”
-Use Fresh Eyes on Purpose: In onboarding, hand new hires a clipboard and ask them what you’re doing well, where you’re stuck, and what other industries are doing better—before you “teach” them your way.
-Ship the Half-Bake (Responsibly): Stop waiting for perfection. Launch minimally viable ideas that deliver real value and let customers help you iterate your way to remarkable.
About the guest:
Alan Gregerman is an innovation strategist, author, and the President & Chief Innovation Officer of Venture Works. For more than two decades, he has helped companies of all sizes remain relevant in fast-changing markets by unlocking the “genius” in their people and organizations. Alan has been featured in over 250 outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, NPR, and CNN. He is the author of Lessons from the Sandbox, Surrounded by Geniuses, The Necessity of Strangers, and the forthcoming The Wisdom of Ignorance, a blueprint for leading breakthrough innovation. Based in the Washington, D.C. area, Alan works across industries and donates 20% of his time to small nonprofits, bringing the same tools and rigor he uses with corporate clients to missions that make the world better.
Connect with Alan:
Website: www.alangregerman.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-gregerman-a33b236/
Connect with Allison:
Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/
Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/
#CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 307: AI with Integrity: Scaling Smart, Staying Human with Ron Green, co-founder and CTO of KungFu.AI; Austin, TX, USA
Ever wondered how AI can actually make a real impact on your bottom line?
In this episode of Disruptive CEO Nation, Ron Green, co-founder of KungFu.AI, shares how he helped a publicly traded company cut their fraud rate, reduce turnaround times to mere seconds, and add $250 million to their market cap with the power of AI.
Join me for an enlightening conversation with Ron Green as we explore the true potential of AI beyond the buzzwords. From real-world case studies to the challenges and opportunities AI presents, Ron explains how businesses are using AI to drive innovation and growth. Whether you're a CEO looking to understand AI’s role in your company or just curious about its impact, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for today’s leaders.
Here are highlights:
-AI in Business Transformation: Ron shares how AI is being used to drive real, measurable results across various industries, including healthcare and finance.-Avoiding the AI Boondoggle: Learn why many AI projects fail and how to avoid common pitfalls that waste time and capital.
-Case Study Successes: Discover how Kung Fu AI helped a loan factoring company transform its operations, saving time and money while increasing customer satisfaction.
-Practical Advice for CEOs: Ron discusses the best approach for CEOs to adopt AI, stressing the importance of starting small and focusing on ROI.
-The Future of AI in Programming: Hear about the impact of AI on software development, and why junior programmers are particularly affected.
About the guest:
Ron Green is an AI expert and serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the technology and business sectors. As the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of KUNGFU.AI, Ron leads a team of talented machine learning engineers and data scientists in developing cutting-edge AI solutions. With a proven track record in deploying AI systems across a variety of industries including healthcare, government, retail, real estate, and financial services, Ron has consistently driven innovation and measurable impact. He is also the host of Hidden Layers: Exploring the People and Tech Behind AI, where he delves into the world of AI, its evolution, and its transformative potential.
Connect with Ron:
Website: https://www.kungfu.ai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rongreen/
Resources: https://www.kungfu.ai/resources/hidden-layers
Connect with Allison:
Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/
Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/
#CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ep 306: Choose Audacity & Bold Success with Anne Marie Anderson, award-winning broadcaster and author; Los Angeles, CA, USA
When life throws chaos at you like typhoons, tech meltdowns, or 87 million live viewers; Anne Marie Anderson’s rule never changes: work the problem.
In this week’s energizing conversation, broadcaster and author Anne Marie Anderson joins Allison to explore the mindset behind her book Cultivating Audacity: How to Dismantle Doubt and Take Bold Risks. Drawing on three decades in elite sports and leadership rooms, Anne Marie breaks down the four barriers that stall careers and shows how to turn each into fuel.
She shares the now-famous mantra “work the problem,” reframing failure as data, not drama, and walks us through practical frameworks like Your Two Lives, the Front Row (your accountability circle), Jump (taking the leap before you feel ready), and the continual Reevaluation Loop. From international travel snafus with her 13-year-old to her first on-air moment beamed into 87 million homes, Anne Marie reveals how calculated risk builds resilience, clarity, and results.
Here are highlights:
-Work the Problem (Always): Strip out ego and emotion, identify what’s actually true, list options, act, then iterate.
-Name the Four Barriers: Most stalls trace back to fear, time, money, or the inner critic; bring each into the open and use it.
-Failure = Data, Not Identity: Trade shame for information. What did you try, what happened, what will you change next?
-Your Two Lives & the Jump: You can keep the life you have or take a calculated leap; you’ll never feel fully “ready.”
-Build Your Front Row: Curate challengers, not cheerleaders, who push, check in, and keep you accountable without jealousy.
About the guest:
Anne Marie Anderson is a three-time Emmy Award–winning broadcaster, keynote speaker, and author with over three decades in sports television, covering six Olympic Games, heavyweight title fights, golf’s majors, NBA and MLB playoffs, and the Super Bowl. As one of the most experienced female play-by-play announcers in the country, she calls more than 75 live events each year for ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, and TBS, and has been nationally recognized for her journalism and leadership in advancing sport. She is the author of Cultivating Audacity: How to Dismantle Doubt and Take Bold Risks, a guide to overcoming barriers like fear, time, money, and the inner critic by reframing failure as data and embracing persistence, resilience, and curiosity. Known for her humor, authenticity, and storytelling, Anne Marie is also a sought-after keynote speaker and emcee who inspires audiences to pursue audacious and fulfilling lives.
Connect with Anne Marie:
Get the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646871693
Website: https://annemarieanderson.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-anderson-3557ab39
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemarieandersontv/
Connect with Allison:
Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/
Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/
#CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ep 305: From Head Down to Chin Out: Building Trust in Business with Neil Ghosh, Entrepreneur and Author; Baltimore, MD, USA
What does it mean for business leaders to not just keep their heads down—but lift their chins up? In this episode, we explore how CEOs and entrepreneurs can step into authentic leadership that unites, inspires, and drives change.
In this thought-provoking conversation, we sit down with Neil Ghosh, President of MGR Professional Services and author of Do More Good. With a career spanning government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors, Neil has reinvented himself as a bridge builder and champion of authentic business leadership. Together, we unpack the unique role businesses play in today’s culture and governance, and why trust, empathy, and purpose are no longer “nice to haves” but essential pillars of leadership.
Neil also shares powerful insights from his book, which features stories of inspiring leaders and provides actionable steps for anyone who wants to move beyond inspiration to meaningful action. From cultivating moral leadership to embedding corporate social responsibility into a company’s DNA, this episode challenges us all to consider what kind of citizen—corporate and personal—we want to be.
Here are highlights:
-The Trust Recession: Why Neil calls this moment in history a “trust recession”—and why business leaders are now more trusted than governments and media.
-Shifts in the Workforce: The three major shifts reshaping the workforce: cultural diversity, generational expectations, and the demand for moral leadership.
-Navigating Polarization: How leaders can unite their teams without diluting core values in today’s divisive climate.
-CSR as Strategy, Not Charity: Why doing good isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s good business, and how companies can integrate CSR into their DNA.
-Purpose, Empathy, and Action: The pillars of Neil’s book Do More Good and how small steps can drive outsized impact.
About the guest:
Neil Ghosh is a seasoned executive whose expertise spans the nonprofit, government, philanthropic, and private sectors. His book, Do More Good, showcases some of the most captivating individuals in modern history—people he has met and interacted with on his mission to inspire meaningful change. With 30+ years of experience, Neil has successfully launched and scaled both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, building teams, business models, partnerships, and strategies to drive impact and support vulnerable populations in more than 50 countries. Neil’s work has been featured in national outlets including CNN, Devex, the Washington Post, Economic Times, Voice of America, the Australian, the Huffington Post, Patheos, and Stanford Social Innovation Review.
Connect with Neil:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilghosh1/
Website: https://www.neilghosh.org/
Connect with Allison:
Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/
Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/
#CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 304: Modern Leadership and Mental Resilience with Dr. Andrew Wittman; St. Petersburg, FL, USA
What does it mean to be the kind of leader who doesn’t break even in the face of chaos, uncertainty, and relentless pressure?
In this episode of Disruptive CEO Nation, we sit down with Andrew Wittman, PhD– author, speaker, and founder of the Mental Toughness Training Center. With a background ranging from U.S. Marine Corps combat to protecting high-profile leaders as a Federal agent, Andrew now equips CEOs and entrepreneurs with the “inner armor” needed to thrive under pressure.
Together, we explored the concepts of mindset, resilience, and problem-solving skills that allow leaders to safeguard their reputation, make better decisions, and lead with confidence in unpredictable times…and we have to add that Andrew was one of our most humble and down-to-earth guest that we are sure you will enjoy listening to.
Here are highlights:
-Perpetual resilience vs. bouncing back: Why true leadership is about pre-deciding who you are before the crisis hits.
-Thinking as a physical skill: How to train your mind to stay calm, ordered, and in control under stress.
-Cellular problem-solving: The importance of diagnosing the root cause instead of treating surface-level symptoms in business.
-Guarding your reputation: Why CEOs must see themselves as brand ambassadors and protect both their image and their people.
-Thriving in chaos: How to lead decisively when uncertainty, AI disruption, and global instability make predictability impossible.
About the guest:
Andrew D. Wittman, PhD, is a United States Marine Corps infantry combat veteran, former police officer, and federal agent. As a Special Agent for the U.S. Capitol Police, he led the security detail for Nancy Pelosi and personally protected high-profile figures including Hillary Clinton, Benjamin Netanyahu, King Abdullah of Jordan, and Sir Elton John. As a private military contractor for the U.S. State Department, he trained former Navy SEALs, Marines, Army Rangers, and Special Forces in high-threat diplomatic security. These are the real-world crucibles where he forged the system behind Inner ArmorTM—his powerful framework for mastering pressure, mental toughness, and emotional control.
Wittman’s latest book, INNER ARMOR: Perpetual ResilienceTM, is the centerpiece of his national media campaign and corporate speaking tour. Drawing on three decades of elite military, law enforcement, and leadership experience, this tactical guide provides the tools to build emotional sovereignty and thrive in the chaos of today’s world. It’s more than just another book on grit—it’s a field manual for rewiring your mental operating system.
Connect with Andrew:
Email: info@getwarriortough.com
Website: https://getwarriortough.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin/com/Andrew-D-Wittman
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheWarriorMonk316
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriortoughphd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetWarriorTough/
Connect with Allison:
Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/
Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/
#CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 303: Mission First, People Always: Leading with Empathy and Grit with Angie Morgan, Best-Selling Author, Keynote Speaker, and Executive Coach; Traverse City, MI, USA
What does it really take to lead with empathy in today’s fast-paced world? Today we invited Angie Morgan, a New York Times bestselling author and Marine Corps veteran. She reveals how blending mission-driven leadership with genuine care for your people creates unstoppable teams.
In this insightful conversation, Angie dives deep into the evolving world of leadership. From her time in the Marine Corps to leading multinational companies, Angie teaches us how empathy, clarity, and courage are the foundation for effective leadership. Learn how to strike the balance between caring for your team and driving results without compromising your mission. Whether you're a leader or aspiring to be one, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom that will help you rise to your best leadership potential.
Here are highlights:
-Empathy in Leadership: How understanding and connecting with your team's emotions fosters stronger performance and results, without lowering expectations.
-Leading from the Front: The Marine Corps philosophy of "Mission First, People Always" and how it can transform your approach to leadership in any business.
-The Power of Clarity: Angie explains how getting clear on your vision and purpose is the first step toward leading yourself and others effectively.
-Courage to Take Risks: Why embracing calculated risks is essential for leadership growth, and how to overcome the fear of failure.
-Authenticity in Leadership: Angie reflects on the importance of leading as your true self and how authenticity breeds trust and respect within your team.
About the guest:
Angie Morgan is a respected author, leadership expert, and thought leader, having written three books on leadership: Leading from the Front, Spark, and Bet on You. She’s a regular contributor to publications like Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Inc.
For the past 20 years, Angie has worked with major organizations such as Google, FedEx, and Boston Scientific, helping them develop leadership potential through keynotes, consulting, and coaching. Passionate about empowering others, she shares insights via her blog, social media, podcast, and online courses.
When she's not helping others succeed, Angie enjoys spending time with her two boys and training for her next race by the lakeside in Traverse City, Michigan.
Connect with Angie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theactualangie/
Website: https://angieconnect.com/
Connect with Allison:
Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/
Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/
#CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bio of Disruptive CEO Nation
Disruptive CEO Nation, is an empowering podcast hosted by Allison Summers. As an Executive Coach, Global Business Leader Advisor, Speaker, and Author, Allison has dedicated over 30 years to guiding smart individuals toward growing their influence and creating opportunities.
Throughout her extensive career, Allison has collaborated with remarkable organizations, impressive individuals, and influential industry leaders across six continents. With experience in both corporate and non-profit settings, she has achieved, delivered, and coached success in the C-Suite and international board rooms. Her diverse background has provided her with cross-cultural insights into the talents, skills, and measures required to not only reach the top but thrive at the pinnacle of business.
Now, Allison is thrilled to share her knowledge and support listeners in their pursuit of influence, empowerment, and ultimate success. Through Disruptive CEO Nation, she provides a platform for inspiring discussions, expert insights, and practical guidance to help individuals unleash their potential and excel in their professional journeys.