Leading Minds Revealed

In this episode, Michael Apollo speaks with Sahana Mukherjee, Chief Strategy Officer at Providentia Advisors LLC and former Global Head of HR at Citi, about leading when uncertainty is a constant part of work. They discuss how digital transformation and AI are changing the pace of decision-making, why clarity matters more than a detailed plan, and how design thinking and systems thinking can help leaders identify friction across teams.
Sahana shares practical ways to build trust, involve people in change, and make adoption part of everyday workflows. For leaders shaping the future of work, the conversation offers a way to connect cross-functional leadership with the decisions, processes, and human support an AI-enabled workforce needs.
Leading Minds Revealed with Michael ApolloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelapollo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelapolloofficial/Website: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcastNewsletter: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast#section-1751049894114
Sahana MukherjeeChief Strategy Officer, Providentia Advisors LLCFormer Global Head of HR, CitiWebsite: https://sahanamukherjee.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahanamukherjee/Founder, Unveiled: Bridging the Gap
Timestamps00:00 — Why uncertainty calls for a different approach to leadership03:00 — How the pace and reach of change have shifted06:00 — Choosing clarity over certainty09:00 — Connecting the technical roadmap to the human experience12:00 — Design thinking for people; systems thinking for scale16:00 — Finding friction across the workflow20:00 — Rethinking operating models for AI transformation25:00 — Building trust and bringing people into change31:00 — Decision frameworks and priorities that reduce overwhelm36:00 — Connecting strategy, execution, and measurable impact41:00 — Why Sahana moved from engineering toward human behaviour45:00 — Designing systems that can adapt49:00 — Unveiled and equitable access to career opportunities
#LeadingMindsRevealed #DigitalTransformation #ChangeLeadership #FutureOfWork #AIWorkforce

In this episode, Michael Apollo speaks with The Honourable Filomena Tassi, P.C., Senior Advisor at Barrack Hill Public Affairs and a former federal Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament, about how leaders can make difficult decisions with integrity, clarity, and compassion when the stakes are high. We discuss how she stayed grounded through the pace and pressure of public office, why thorough briefings and trusted counsel are essential to sound judgment, and how deep listening builds trust—even when a final decision cannot satisfy everyone. Drawing on her experience navigating the Port of Montreal strike during COVID-19 and bringing mindfulness into the House of Commons, Filomena offers practical ways leaders can hear competing perspectives, take difficult meetings, communicate honestly, and choose the most responsible path when no option is perfect. This conversation explores how presence, humility, and respect without agreement can help executives, teams, and organizations make better decisions, sustain trust, and lead without losing sight of who they are.
Leading Minds Revealed with Michael ApolloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelapollo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelapolloofficial/Website: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcastNewsletter: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast#section-1751049894114
The Honourable Filomena Tassi, P.C.Senior Advisor, Barrack Hill Public AffairsWebsite: http://www.barrack-hill.caLinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/filomenatassiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbop3lTv88N/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FilomenaTassi/
Timestamps:
00:00 Leading with integrity when decisions have consequences02:00 From law and chaplaincy to federal politics07:00 Staying grounded in a high-pressure leadership role12:00 Mindfulness, reflection, and physical exercise15:00 A framework for making well-informed decisions21:00 Carrying the weight of leadership responsibility23:00 Giving your best and taking the leap27:00 The Port of Montreal strike: when no choice is easy30:00 Why leaders must take difficult meetings34:00 Mindfulness as preparation for deep listening37:00 How listening builds trust40:00 Listening without judgment or an agenda45:00 Bringing mindful moments to Parliament47:00 Jon Kabat-Zinn, protesters, and the power of presence50:00 Why respect does not require agreement52:00 Closing reflections and connecting with Filomena
#LeadingMindsRevealed #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipUnderPressure #DecisionMaking #DeepListening

In this episode, Michael Apollo speaks with Scott Morgan, General Manager at Thomson Reuters, an accomplished operating executive with 25 years of experience helping technology companies create value, accelerate growth, and scale through strategic transformation. 
We discuss how leaders can navigate AI adoption and workforce change without losing the human core of leadership, including the pressure to improve efficiency, the importance of change management and employee enablement, and why judgment, creativity, empathy, trust, and psychological safety become even more important as technology reshapes work. Scott shares practical perspectives on introducing AI incrementally, redesigning roles rather than simply eliminating them, communicating openly during periods of uncertainty, and building high-performing teams that can adapt while carrying culture. 
This conversation offers executives, senior leaders, and organizational decision-makers a grounded approach to treating AI as a partner while maintaining the human capabilities and relationships required for sustained performance.
Leading Minds Revealed with Michael Apollo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelapollo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelapolloofficial/ Website: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast Newsletter: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast#section-1751049894114
Scott Morgan
General Manager, Thomson Reuters
Website: http://tr.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottemorgan/
Timestamps
00:00 — Why leadership must remain human in an AI-enabled world 02:00 — What leaders are misunderstanding about AI 04:00 — Avoiding the dehumanization of the workplace 05:00 — AI adoption, workforce fear and organizational pressure 07:00 — Why change management matters in AI transformation 08:00 — Scott’s 30% approach to introducing AI into work 10:00 — The risks of prioritizing efficiency over humanity 11:00 — AI as a partner, not a replacement 13:00 — Why human skills become more valuable as work changes 15:00 — Balancing executive pressure with bottom-up adoption 16:00 — Redesigning roles instead of simply eliminating them 18:00 — Communication, trust and high-performing teams 19:00 — Using bottom-up experimentation to drive AI adoption 20:00 — Why great leadership starts with “How are you doing?” 22:00 — Psychological safety and the human factors of performance 23:00 — How Scott thinks about selecting and building teams 25:00 — Why organizations shouldn’t overlook their “B players” 28:00 — Developing people during periods of rapid change 29:00 — How service, stewardship and accountability shaped Scott’s leadership 31:00 — Scott’s most important principle for leaders today 32:00 — Psychological safety, relatability and leading through uncertainty 34:00 — Closing reflections and where to connect with Scott
#LeadingMindsRevealed #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #AILeadership #FutureOfWork #HumanCenteredLeadership #ChangeLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #OrganizationalChange #ArtificialIntelligence

In this episode, Michael Apollo speaks with Rudy Newbury, Chief Programs Officer at Taproot , about why effective leadership begins with a healthy relationship with oneself. Drawing on his experience in government, non-profits, Indigenous relations, children and family services, executive coaching, and organizational transformation, Rudy explores how self-awareness, healing, emotional regulation, and authentic relationships shape the way leaders show up.
We discuss practical approaches to cultivating presence, developing mid-level leaders through coaching, navigating conflict without becoming defensive, leading people through organizational change, and introducing AI in ways that protect human connection, confidentiality, and organizational values.
This conversation offers leaders practical ways to become more grounded, listen more deeply, create developmental relationships, and build cultures where people feel seen, heard, and understood.
Leading Minds Revealed with Michael ApolloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelapollo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelapolloofficial/Website: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcastNewsletter: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast#section-1751049894114
Rudy NewburyChief Programs Officer, Taproot Website: https://taproot.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-newbury-91716b77/
Timestamps
00:00 – Why healing and self-relationship matter in leadership02:15 – Leadership as a practice of healthy relationships03:00 – What it means to have a healthy relationship with yourself04:15 – Practical first steps: journaling, reflection, and grounding05:45 – How presence helps leaders move through overwhelm07:40 – The impact of putting down distractions and becoming present08:50 – Why leaders cannot take people somewhere they have not been10:30 – Building genuine relationships across distributed teams11:00 – Developing mid-level managers through a coaching culture12:05 – Helping people feel seen, heard, and understood13:00 – What prevents leaders from being fully present14:15 – Using breathing and intentional pauses to begin meetings15:35 – Leading organizational transformation alongside employees17:30 – Creating developmental relationships at work18:10 – Using AI to reduce administrative demands19:15 – Addressing employee apprehension about AI21:00 – Practices that strengthen grounded leadership22:00 – Why silence is an essential leadership skill23:30 – The importance of community, mentors, and wise advisors24:30 – Lessons from Indigenous ceremony and healing practices26:00 – Recognizing that wisdom exists throughout an organization27:00 – Why leadership sometimes means knowing whom to follow29:50 – Responding to conflict with curiosity instead of defensiveness32:20 – How self-awareness changes behaviour in difficult moments33:30 – Building a balanced and developmental relationship with AI35:00 – Why human connection must remain the priority37:15 – Where to begin with healing-centred leadership38:25 – Setting clear intentions for coaching conversations39:20 – Learning more about Taproot and Rudy’s work40:30 – Leadership as deeply human work
#LeadingMindsRevealed #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #SelfAwareness #OrganizationalCulture

In this episode, Michael Apollo speaks with Jordan Redshaw, Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Communications at NATIONAL Public Relations, about how leaders can navigate crisis, urgency, and rapid change without creating unnecessary panic. 
We discuss how to distinguish between a true crisis and an urgent issue, why a clear North Star helps teams stay focused under pressure, and how trust, empathy, decentralized leadership, and clear communication support stronger decision-making. 
Drawing on Jordan’s experience in crisis response, stakeholder relations, high-pressure client advisory, and the Fort McMurray wildfire response and recovery, this conversation offers practical insight for leaders, executives, teams, and organizations seeking to lead with greater clarity, calm, and confidence during uncertain times.
Leading Minds Revealed with Michael ApolloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelapollo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelapolloofficial/Website: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcastNewsletter: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast#section-1751049894114
Guest Jordan RedshawVice President, Strategy and Corporate CommunicationsNATIONAL Public RelationsEmail: jredshaw@national.caWebsite: https://www.national.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanredshaw/
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: Leading Through Crisis, Urgency, and Change02:00 Why Leadership Feels Harder in an Age of Urgency03:00 The Importance of Clear Outcomes and Simple Communication04:30 Why Organizations Lose Their North Star06:00 Calm, Confidence, and Clarity from Senior Leaders08:30 How a Clear Mission Enables Decentralized Leadership10:30 What Happens When Teams Lack Direction12:30 Crisis vs. Urgent Issue: How Leaders Can Tell the Difference14:00 Why Long-Term Trust Matters More Than Short-Term Reputation Management16:00 Preventing Reactivity and Emotional Contagion in Leadership Teams17:00 Building Trust Before Problems Escalate18:30 Giving Teams Visibility Into What’s Ahead20:00 Listening to Loud and Quiet Voices in the Room23:30 AI, Change, and the Need for Humble Leadership24:30 Supporting the Next Generation of Talent26:00 Why Attitude Matters in Hiring and Development29:30 How NATIONAL Builds Leadership Skills Through Training and Exposure32:00 Breaking Down Silos and Aligning Communications Around Business Outcomes35:00 Lessons from the Fort McMurray Wildfire Response36:00 Leading with Empathy Under Extreme Stress38:00 Selflessness, Service, and Human Behaviour in Crisis39:30 The Power of a Clear Mission During Emergency Response41:00 How Listening to Frontline Insight Shaped Recovery Support44:00 What High-Performing Teams Have in Common45:00 Empowerment, Trust, and Fast Decision-Making48:30 Jordan’s Closing Advice for Leaders Facing Pressure49:00 Look Inward First: What Environment Are You Creating?49:30 Prioritization, Control, and Influence50:30 Helping People Grow Through Leadership52:30 How to Connect with Jordan Redshaw53:00 Closing Reflections
#LeadingMindsRevealed #Leadership

In this episode, Michael Apollo speaks with Vincenzo Ciampi, MBA, ICD.D, Senior Vice President at iA Financial Group, about what it takes to lead people through rapid technological transformation, AI-driven change, and organizational complexity. We discuss the shift from command-and-control leadership to servant leadership, how executives can stay grounded while navigating uncertainty, and why leaders need to stay close to the front lines to hear the truth from employees and customers.
Vincenzo also shares practical insights on AI adoption, the importance of judgment and discernment, and why focusing on people, culture, and retention can ultimately strengthen performance. This conversation is highly relevant for executives, senior leaders, founders, and organizational decision-makers who want to lead transformation with clarity, humility, and human connection.
Leading Minds Revealed with Michael ApolloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelapollo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelapolloofficial/Website: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcastNewsletter: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast#section-1751049894114
Vincenzo CiampiSVP, iA Financial GroupCompany Website: https://www.ia.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincenzociampi/
Timestamps00:00 Introduction to leading through rapid technological change02:00 How leadership has changed over time02:45 Moving beyond command-and-control leadership03:30 Why servant leadership matters today05:00 Leading through accelerated change and AI disruption06:30 When command-and-control leadership can still be useful08:30 Balancing urgency with culture and inclusion10:00 Staying focused during overwhelm and uncertainty11:00 Why leaders need a flexible plan12:00 AI, productivity, growth, and governance14:30 Staying open while grounded in strategy16:00 The AI leadership paradox17:00 Why humility matters for senior leaders adopting AI18:00 How organizations can prioritize AI initiatives20:00 Building successful AI teams and business ownership22:30 Why leaders need to stay close to the front lines23:30 Listening beyond the senior leadership team24:00 What leaders learn from call centres and customer conversations25:30 Presence, authenticity, and making time for people27:00 Building connection through informal conversations28:00 The basketball story and breaking hierarchy29:30 Collective intelligence and knowing people beyond work31:30 Why AI cannot replace human judgment32:30 Discernment as a leadership skill33:30 Why focusing on people improves performance35:00 The risk of only caring about results36:30 Servant leadership, motivation, and development38:00 Culture, retention, and the cost of neglecting people40:00 Why employees stay when leaders invest in them42:00 Leading with presence through future uncertainty43:00 How to connect with Vincenzo44:00 Closing reflections
#LeadingMindsRevealed #Leadership

In this episode, Michael Apollo speaks with Jennifer Quaglietta, CEO and Registrar of Professional Engineers Ontario, about leading with empathy, accountability, and humanity in complex organizations. Jennifer shares insights from her leadership journey across healthcare, government, insurance, and regulation, including how she has helped modernize PEO through digital transformation, cultural change, and a more human-centred approach to regulatory excellence. 
We discuss why empathy is essential in times of disruption, how leaders can balance efficiency and human connection in the age of AI, and how systems thinking, emotional intelligence, and reflective practice can help organizations build trust, resilience, and long-term impact. This conversation offers practical insight for executives, senior leaders, teams, and organizations seeking to lead change with clarity, compassion, and accountability.
Leading Minds Revealed with Michael ApolloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelapollo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelapolloofficial/Website: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcastNewsletter: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast#section-1751049894114
Jennifer Quaglietta, P.Eng, MBA, ICD.DWebsite: https://www.peo.on.ca/Company: Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-quaglietta
Timestamps
00:00 — Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed01:00 — Jennifer Quaglietta’s role at PEO and leadership transformation02:00 — Why leaders cannot succeed without empathy03:00 — Empathy as the bridge between accountability and humanity04:00 — Building trust through listening, transparency, and presence05:00 — How empathy strengthens accountability and innovation06:00 — Empathy as a competitive advantage in complex times07:00 — Efficiency, AI, and the risk of dehumanizing work08:00 — How PEO is approaching AI with caution and purpose09:00 — Lessons in empathy from government and healthcare leadership10:00 — Why emotional intelligence cannot be replaced by AI11:00 — Risk, resilience, and leading through crisis12:00 — Regulating with people, not to people13:00 — Why empathy requires more skill than authoritarian leadership14:00 — The importance of deep listening during change15:00 — The risks of moving too quickly with AI transformation16:00 — How overreliance on AI can reduce ownership and creativity17:00 — Using AI for routine work without losing joy in work18:00 — Systems thinking and the need for a learning organization20:00 — Peter Senge, The Fifth Discipline, and leadership development21:00 — A defining leadership question from Jennifer’s early career22:00 — Seeing patterns, not silos23:00 — Emotional intelligence and sustainable influence24:00 — Learning loops, feedback culture, and reflective practice25:00 — Bringing structure to compassion and compassion to structure26:00 — How leaders cultivate self-awareness and responsiveness27:00 — Kindness in regulation as a modernization strategy28:00 — Why every regulatory decision affects a person29:00 — Transparency, fairness, and building public trust30:00 — Learning from mistakes instead of assigning blame31:00 — Accountability and compassion as partners32:00 — How PEO develops leadership capability internally33:00 — PEO Academy and investing in people’s growth34:00 — Leadership development, certifications, and micro-learning35:00 — Creating flexible learning opportunities for teams36:00 — How family and lived experience shape leadership37:00 — Jennifer’s father, quiet leadership, and the dignity of work38:00 — Disability, inclusion, and lessons in resilience39:00 — Empathy as a leadership responsibility40:00 — Compassion as a skill leaders can develop42:00 — A first step toward human-centred leadership43:00 — Moving beyond directive leadership44:00 — Why people follow leaders who see them45:00 — How to connect with Jennifer Quaglietta46:00 — Closing reflections on empathy, trust, and transformation
 
#LeadingMindsRevealed #HumanCentredLeadership #EmpatheticLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership

In this episode, Michael Apollo speaks with Jason Khan, Regional Director at Myo, about the shift from technical expertise into people-centered leadership. Drawing from his journey as a physiotherapist, clinic director, and regional leader supporting multiple clinics, Jason shares how self-awareness, clear feedback, mentorship, personal development, and human connection shape high-performing teams.
We discuss what it takes to build a culture of openness and transparency, how leaders can support growth while maintaining high standards, and why the future of leadership depends on strengthening trust, purpose, and face-to-face connection.
This conversation offers practical insight for executives, founders, and organizational leaders who are scaling teams, navigating change, and looking to build cultures where people can perform, grow, and sustain themselves over time.
Leading Minds Revealed with Michael Apollo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelapollo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelapolloofficial/ Website: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast Newsletter: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast#section-1751049894114
Jason KhanWebsite: http://www.myodetox.com/Company: Myo
Links: http://www.myodetox.com/ 
LinkedIn handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-khan-4a8508123/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayptrehab/ 
 
Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed 01:00 — Introducing Jason Khan and Myo’s growth journey 02:00 — Moving from clinical expertise to leadership 03:30 — Learning how to lead beyond personal standards 05:00 — The shift from practitioner to coach 06:15 — What people-centered leadership really requires 07:30 — Balancing care, feedback, and challenge 09:00 — Why leadership growth requires humility 11:30 — Building openness and transparency into culture 13:00 — How Myo develops great humans, not just clinicians 14:30 — Creating support systems for teams across clinics 17:00 — Futureproofing people, teams, and the business 18:30 — Why clinicians burn out and leave the field 20:00 — Myo’s learning and development approach 21:00 — Leadership training, mentorship, and the Evolve program 23:30 — Retention, growth pathways, and peer learning 24:30 — Leadership masterminds, book clubs, and executive coaching 27:00 — Finding people who challenge your thinking 29:00 — Longevity, wellness, and the future of movement 31:00 — Whole-body wellness and executive performance 34:30 — The biggest leadership challenge ahead 35:30 — Why human connection is becoming a lost art 38:30 — What leaders need to rebuild human connection 39:30 — The value of feedback, coaching, and accountability 41:30 — Purpose as a through line for leadership and life 44:00 — Where leaders should start their growth journey 46:30 — How to connect with Jason Khan and Myo 47:30 — Closing reflections on growth, culture, and leadership
#LeadingMindsRevealed #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #TeamDevelopment #HumanConnection #WorkplaceWellbeing #PurposeDrivenLeadership

In this episode, Michael Apollo speaks with Dr. Hany Demian, a leading pain management specialist, healthcare entrepreneur, and founder of Presentia Healthcare, BioSpine Institute, and PainCare Clinics, about the leadership lessons that come from building and scaling multiple healthcare organizations through uncertainty, growth, and personal transformation.
We discuss leading through COVID, defining a clear North Star, building a patient-centered culture, moving from micromanagement to empowered teams, and why continuous learning is essential for CEOs and executives.
This conversation offers practical insight for leaders, founders, and organizational decision-makers on how vision, focus, emotional intelligence, delegation, and personal resilience can support stronger teams, better decision-making, and more sustainable growth.
Leading Minds Revealed with Michael Apollo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelapollo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelapolloofficial/ Website: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast Newsletter: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast#section-1751049894114
Dr. Hany Demian
Company: Presentia Healthcare, BioSpine Institute, and PainCare Clinics
Links: https://drdemian.com, https://www.biospine.com, https://paincareclinics.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hany-demian-md-5b79b659/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhanydemian/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drhanydemain
Timestamps
00:00 — Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed 00:52 — Meet Dr. Hany Demian 02:00 — Leading multiple organizations through uncertainty 03:00 — Staying open during COVID and serving chronic pain patients 05:00 — Keeping your eyes on the job to be done 06:00 — Growth through adversity and executive education 07:30 — Turning crisis into business transformation 08:40 — Clarifying the North Star 09:20 — Defining vision, mission, and values 10:30 — Helping patients reach their maximum potential 12:00 — Expanding services around patient needs 13:20 — Would your organization leave a void? 14:30 — Why leaders must keep learning 15:10 — Learning as a CEO’s competitive advantage 16:20 — AI, negotiation, finance, and closing leadership gaps 18:30 — From command-and-control to emotional intelligence 20:00 — The cost of micromanagement 21:20 — Harvard, EQ, and self-awareness 23:00 — Learning to let go as a founder 24:00 — Scaling beyond founder dependency 26:00 — Why companies rise or fall with leadership 27:30 — Moving beyond top-down leadership 28:30 — Building a team that can carry the vision 30:00 — Direction, trust, and team freedom 32:20 — Culture, retention, and avoiding the revolving door 34:00 — Promoting from within and developing talent 35:10 — Purpose, legacy, and executive influence 37:00 — Protecting focus as a busy executive 38:00 — Morning routines, reflection, and deep work 39:00 — Protecting time and applying the 80/20 principle 40:30 — Family, health, and personal sustainability 42:00 — The regrets successful leaders often share 43:10 — Practical focus strategies for leaders 45:00 — The role of partnership and support systems 46:30 — Choosing one focus and becoming the best at it 48:00 — The BioSpine acquisition and the power of vision 50:00 — Emotional support through entrepreneurial pressure 51:30 — Advice for emerging entrepreneurs 52:00 — Growth is uncomfortable: trusting yourself through change 53:00 — Where to connect with Dr. Hany Demian 54:00 — Closing reflections
 

In this episode, Michael Apollo speaks with Petra Khan, a Social Media Strategist and Senior Marketing Leader at Sprout Social, about how leaders can navigate the intersection of AI, social media, brand authenticity, and human-centered leadership.
Drawing on her experience in social strategy, agency work, and leading teams in a fast-moving digital environment, Petra shares how AI can support more strategic and creative work when paired with human judgment, why authentic social media begins with a clear understanding of brand identity and audience, and how social platforms can serve as emotional data that helps leaders better understand culture, trust, and connection.
This conversation offers practical insight for executives, founders, marketing leaders, and teams seeking to adopt new technologies thoughtfully, build more resilient and creative cultures, and communicate in ways that remain grounded, intentional, and human.
Leading Minds Revealed with Michael ApolloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelapollo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelapolloofficial/
Website: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast 
Newsletter: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast#section-1751049894114 
Petra KhanCompany: Sprout Social 
Website: https://www.sproutsocial.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-khan/ 
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed 00:55 – Leading at the intersection of social media, technology, and creativity 02:00 – The mindset shift leaders need around AI adoption 03:30 – What is AI clickbait, and what is actually changing work? 04:45 – Why AI needs human judgment and leadership 06:30 – Using AI as an assistant, not a replacement for people 07:40 – What leaders need to understand before applying AI to social strategy 08:20 – Why authenticity starts with brand clarity 10:30 – What authenticity really means on social media 12:10 – Social media as emotional data and a cultural pulse 13:00 – Why diverse teams are essential for emotionally intelligent strategy 14:20 – Moving from broadcasting to relationship-building on social 15:20 – Building community, loyalty, and brand connection 18:00 – How Sprout Social supports intentional culture and creative work 19:00 – Why clear processes help teams focus and deliver better work 20:00 – The role of onboarding, shared philosophy, and consistency 23:00 – Creating environments where people can do their best work 24:00 – Adapting leadership to different working styles and needs 25:30 – Psychological safety, diversity, and collective intelligence 27:00 – Small leadership practices that support trust and balance 28:30 – Staying energized in an always-on digital industry 30:00 – Being choiceful with content and protecting attention 31:30 – Building professional relationships beyond your organization 34:30 – What younger generations are looking for in work and leadership 36:30 – Work-life balance, purpose, and changing expectations of corporate life 39:00 – Social media as modern anthropology 39:30 – How Petra’s multicultural upbringing shaped her leadership 42:00 – Where leaders should start to foster creativity and innovation 42:30 – Challenging biases and continuing to grow as a human being 44:00 – How to connect with Petra Khan 45:00 – Closing reflections
#LeadingMindsRevealed #AI #SocialMedia #Leadership