Disruptive CEO Nation

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

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

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

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

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

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

What if your biggest business breakthroughs aren’t just about strategy or hard skills but about building real, meaningful connections? In this thought-provoking episode, Noah Askin, a professor and leadership expert at UC Irvine, explores the powerful intersection of culture, vulnerability, and connection in the business world. Through a detailed discussion of his research, he uncovers how business leaders can intentionally craft an environment that nurtures authentic relationships. Noah explains how to balance results with meaningful cultural practices and why understanding yourself is the key to building thriving networks and communities.  Whether you're a CEO, manager, or entrepreneur, Noah’s insights are sure to inspire new strategies for achieving both personal fulfillment and business success. Here are highlights: -Building Trust Through Vulnerability: Noah explains how being vulnerable is a cornerstone of trust-building, both personally and professionally. -The Importance of Self-Awareness for Leaders: Discover why great leadership begins with understanding your own biases, values, and assumptions. -The Role of Connection in Business: Learn how intentional connection not only improves workplace culture but drives better results across teams. -Creating a Thriving Company Culture: Noah shares practical tips for CEOs and leaders on cultivating a culture that aligns with both organizational goals and personal values. -The 8 Archetypes of Connection: Get introduced to different ways people connect and how understanding your own archetype can enhance your leadership style. About the guest: Noah Askin is an Associate Professor of Organization and Management at UC-Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, where he also serves as Faculty Director of their Leadership Development Institute. An award-winning teacher and researcher, Noah is an expert in organizational dynamics, leadership, and culture, focusing on the informal networks of communication and connection that drive organizational life.  Noah’s work has garnered him recognition on the Thinkers 50 Radar list and has been covered by various publications, including the BBC, The Economist, Rolling Stone, NPR, Vox, and Forbes. He lives with his family in Southern California. His book, Orchestrating Connection: How to Build a Purposeful Community in a Tribal World has been co-authored with David Homan. Connect with Noah: Website: https://noahaskin.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahaskin/  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

What happens when a former automotive executive pivots into e-commerce logistics and builds one of the fastest-scaling fulfillment companies in the world? You’ll find out in this revealing conversation with Abel Horvath. In this episode of Disruptive CEO Nation, Abel Horvath, Founder and CEO of Fulfillment Hub USA joins the conversation. Starting out in Miami just months before the pandemic, Abel scaled his business to include facilities across the U.S., Europe, and South America—all while navigating global supply chain chaos, customer needs, and explosive e-commerce demand. Abel shares what it takes to lead a fast-growing logistics company, why customization is the future of fulfillment, and the unexpected lessons he’s learned along the way. If you’re in the business of physical products or curious about global entrepreneurship, this is a must-listen episode packed with operational wisdom, leadership insights, and inspiring grit.   Here are highlights: -Abel’s Journey from Volkswagen to Founder: He left a corporate job at VW to start his own fulfillment business beginning with package forwarding and expanding into global e-commerce logistics. -Global Growth in Just a Few Years: Fulfillment Hub USA now has facilities in Miami, New York, LA, San Francisco, Poland, Germany, Colombia, India, and more. -Helping Clients Sell More, Not Just Ship: The company offers product customization, website setup, and marketing support to help clients grow, not just store and ship products. -Adapting to Tariffs and Changing Margins: When tariffs increased, Abel noticed which clients could absorb the cost and which couldn’t. This helped shape new strategies to serve different types of businesses. -Hard Lessons from Rapid Scaling: Abel shares the importance of cash reserves, having multiple backup plans, and building a team that’s willing to grow with you even during 14-hour workdays.   About the guest: Abel Horvath is the visionary founder and CEO of Fulfillment Hub USA, a rapidly scaling e-commerce logistics company. With a Ph.D. in economics and years of experience at Volkswagen Group, Abel pivoted during the early days of the pandemic to build a global fulfillment network—from Miami to Europe and South America. Under his leadership, the company has grown to include multiple U.S. hubs and international operations in Poland, Germany, Colombia, and India, with new facilities on the horizon. Passionate about innovation, Abel empowers clients with value‑add services like product customization, marketing support, and full business setup. A relentless problem‑solver, he advocates for strong cash reserves, agility, and a loyal, dedicated team to support fast-paced growth.   Connect with Abel:   Website: https://fulfillmenthubusa.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abelhorvath/   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

It’s the 300th episode of Disruptive CEO Nation, and Allison Summers is flipping the script! Join her as she’s interviewed by Seth Greene, CEO of Market Domination LLC, for a special celebration filled with powerful leadership insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and a look at the incredible journey that led to this milestone. You won’t want to miss this!   Together, they revisit the journey that led to this milestone and share invaluable insights on leadership, business growth, and the power of storytelling. With deep reflections on her evolving mission and what it truly means to be a disruptive CEO, Allison reveals how the show has influenced her leadership style and impacted her guests. From breakthrough moments to hidden gems of wisdom, this episode is a testament to the impact of business storytelling and the incredible leaders that shape it.   Here are highlights:   -The Journey to 300 Episodes: Allison reflects on her podcast journey, from initial self-doubt to confidently hosting deep, meaningful conversations with top CEOs and thought leaders across the globe. -The Power of Storytelling: Seth shares how Disruptive CEO Nation has embraced the art of storytelling to build authentic, profitable relationships for listeners, proving that the right message reaches the right ears at the right time. -Leadership Lessons: Allison discusses how her perspective on leadership has evolved through her conversations with innovative leaders, highlighting the importance of adaptability, trust, and fostering culture. -Impactful Guests & Global Business Insights: Allison shares touching stories of inspiring guests from around the world, including female entrepreneurs breaking barriers and global leaders shifting the way business is done. -Advice for Disruptive CEOs: Seth and Allison dive into what it takes to be a disruptive CEO, with Allison stressing the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and staying true to your mission in business.   Features:   Seth Greene is Chief Executive Officer at Market Domination, one of the fastest growing privately held marketing firms. Seth is the only person to be nominated 3 years in a row for Dan Kennedy's prestigious Marketer of the Year award. He is the author of the Ultimate Podcast Book, how to grow your business with a podcast.   https://www.marketdominationllc.com/   A note from the producer:   Shout out to you, the listeners, and to Allison! Allison, your weekly stories are so inspiring and I am so happy to be here celebrating 300 episodes with you. This milestone is truly an accomplishment. So excited to see the next one!   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