• Beyond the Headlines: The Real Story Behind the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
    Mar 4 2025

    Our conversation takes a deep dive into the ongoing complexities surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict as seen through the eyes of Anatoly Yakorev, a unique voice that offers a blend of personal experience and critical insight. We unpack how psychological warfare shapes public perception and the importance of conscious leadership in navigating these challenges.

    - Examining the media’s influence on public perspective
    - Understanding the nuances of the Russia-Ukraine relationship
    - Insights from Anatoly’s life experiences in Russia
    - The role of psychological tactics in modern leadership
    - Opportunities for American businesses in a thawing US-Russia relationship
    - Exploring conscious leadership as a solution for global stability
    - Strategies for navigating misinformation and shifting narratives
    - Lessons from historical and current world leaders
    - The importance of empathy and understanding across cultural divides

    If today's show brought you value, please consider subscribing to the podcast so you never miss an episode. If you found the conversation enlightening, please share it with your colleagues, friends, or on social media, because the more we broaden these conversations, the more we can collectively elevate leadership and consciousness further.

    Contact Anatoly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yakorev/

    Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist

    Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

    To access additional platforms, follow this link:
    https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • How to Lead Authentically and Fearlessly: Keys to Being a Resilient Leader
    Feb 25 2025

    Leaders today face significant challenges, navigating a world that’s often fraught with uncertainty and rapid change. Our episode dives deep into authentic leadership, resilience, and the story behind defining success. We had an enlightening conversation with Nina Sossaman-Pogue, an expert on navigating personal and professional struggles.

    • Nina shares her journey from athletics to executive leadership
    • Discussion on the concept of "Excellence Exhaustion" vs. burnout
    • Insights on authenticity's role in leadership success
    • The importance of storytelling in crafting a shared vision
    • Navigating challenges through the lens of one’s "reverse resume"
    • Tips for leaders to embrace resilience in a changing landscape
    • The significance of fostering human connections in leadership
    • Valuable advice for working mothers balancing career and personal life
    • Encouragement for leaders to redefine success on their terms

    If you're feeling inspired, help us spread the word about this transformational conversation.

    To connect with Nina, use the following links:

    On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasossamonpogue/

    Nina's website: ninasossamonpogue.com

    Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist

    Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

    To access additional platforms, follow this link:
    https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Redefining Leadership Development: A Quantum Leap into Conscious Innovation and Shared Prosperity
    Feb 20 2025

    Announcing a new era for Unfazed Under Fire. Our new format will delve into the need for a transformational shift in leadership during times of unprecedented disruption. It examines the importance of expanding consciousness for leaders to thrive and offers insights into the Terra Nova Vanguard initiative to redefine leadership’s role in a changing landscape.

    Our upcoming Episodes will emphasize the
    • Importance of proactive leadership during disruptions
    • Need for a radical shift in leadership awareness
    • Relationship between individual awareness and team performance
    • Redefining business success with human-centered values
    • Call to action for leaders ready to embrace transformation

    You can subscribe to our podcast at Apple Pocast, Spotify, Amazon Music and on YouTube by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/@unfazedunderfire

    Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist

    Access to all our platforms:
    https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

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    5 mins
  • Transforming Grief into Growth: How to Egage Compassionate Leadership and Healing through Connection
    Feb 10 2025

    Ashley Jones, CEO of the Memento Foundation, knows firsthand the depths of grief and the incredible journey to finding purpose within it. After the devastating loss of her daughter to spinal muscular atrophy, Ashley transformed her anguish into a lifelong mission to support families grappling with terminal illnesses. In our conversation, Ashley shares how her unique background in science and creative fields equipped her to revolutionize the way society handles grief, offering free services and workplace training that foster empathy and understanding. Her story is a powerful reminder of how pain, when confronted with courage, can lead to profound healing and growth.

    We discuss the essential yet challenging practice of "sitting in the suck" of grief, a concept that encourages facing discomfort head-on to truly heal. Our society often avoids pain, opting instead for distractions, but Ashley emphasizes that embracing grief can unlock our innate ability to self-heal. Drawing on trauma-informed approaches, we explore how listening to our bodies can guide us through emotional recovery, challenging outdated grief models and advocating for an authentic connection with our emotions. Ashley introduces initiatives like community support and corporate care programs, designed to bridge societal gaps in empathy and grief education.

    Leadership is redefined through the lens of compassion and mindfulness as we explore the qualities that make for truly impactful leaders. Ashley and I discuss how connecting with our emotions, as well as understanding unprocessed grief, can enhance resilience and empathy, preventing burnout. We also delve into the transformative potential of trauma-informed care and the vital role of connection in overcoming trauma and grief. As we conclude, we celebrate the power of compassionate leadership and the ongoing journey of healing, urging leaders and individuals to embrace their emotional landscapes with courage and love.

    To connect with Ashely and Her Work, use these links:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynicolejones/

    https://www.momentofoundation.org/

    ashley@lovenotlost.org

    Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist

    Access to all our platforms:
    https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Cultivating Legacy and Innovation: Arlen Sorensen's Journey from Farm Roots to Tech Leadership
    Feb 2 2025

    Unlock the secrets of transformative leadership as Arlen Sorensen, a visionary in IT and ag tech, takes us on his inspiring journey from his roots as an Iowa farm boy to becoming a trailblazer in agricultural technology. Discover how Arlen's early experiences, like buying his first Apple II Plus computer, sparked a passion for technology that would revolutionize farming practices. His philosophy of servant leadership, deeply influenced by his faith and family, offers a unique perspective on guiding others from success to significance, revealing the powerful impact of authenticity in leadership.

    Explore the cutting-edge advancements that have reshaped agriculture since the 1990s, from yield monitors to the role of drones in precision farming. Navigate the challenges small and medium-sized farms face integrating these innovations amidst consolidation trends and learn about the exciting future of autonomous machinery. Additionally, we discuss the entrepreneurial mindset with Arlen, who has founded over 22 businesses, shedding light on the importance of knowing when to pivot and the art of leaving a meaningful legacy through intentional planning.

    The episode further delves into the evolving concept of servant leadership and the transformative power of peer groups. Uncover stories of leaders who have found identity and purpose beyond their careers, underscoring the significance of community and faith in personal growth and leadership development. Through engaging conversations, we highlight the empowering potential of peer groups in enhancing leadership capabilities, providing a blueprint for unlocking your leadership potential and crafting a legacy that transcends professional achievements.

    Contact information for Alrin Sorensen:

    > LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/asorensen/

    > Email - asorensen@scci.com

    Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist

    Access to all our platforms:
    https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Foundations to Self-Care: Understanding the Body’s Self-Healing Power and Value of Metabolic Health
    Jan 21 2025

    Meet Felix Rector, a trailblazer whose journey from naval architect to health advocate and affiliate marketer provides a wealth of insight into the significance of self-mastery and maintaining a vigorous lifestyle. This episode is a treasure trove for executives who navigate the chaos of the corporate world, likening them to athletes who must prioritize their health to perform optimally. Felix's experiences, though not from a medical perspective, offer enlightening guidance on adopting a mindset that champions well-being and vitality.

    We explore the delicate balance between time and health as invaluable assets, sharing personal stories about overcoming chronic pain and learning from past poor health choices. Our discussion emphasizes the power of small lifestyle adjustments, like swapping sugary drinks for water and adopting better posture through physiotherapy. These seemingly minor tweaks can lead to significant improvements in energy and productivity. Felix reflects on how growing up in a health-conscious home shaped his dietary views, particularly concerning meat consumption and its broader impact.

    In our conversation, we touch on the community's role in a holistic approach to health, reflecting on the challenges posed by modern sedentary lifestyles and the stress of isolation during the COVID lockdowns. We discuss health trends, from hydrogen water to muscle building, underscoring the importance of personal responsibility in health education. Felix shares his vision of creating online communities for sharing health insights and future projects that blend modern research with traditional knowledge, all while fostering a connection with nature for sustainable living. Join us for this thought-provoking episode on how health fundamentally intertwines with effective leadership.

    To connect with Felix, go here:
    - https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-r-10735b99/
    - https://www.facebook.com/eraofhealth/
    - https://www.instagram.com/eraofhealth/

    Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist

    Access to all our platforms:
    https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Navigating the Top Series: Nate Melby's Journey from Cybersecurity to Power Industry Innovation
    Jan 8 2025

    What if the key to thriving in both your professional and personal life lies in the balance between leadership and curiosity? Unfazed Under Fire features an enlightening conversation with Nate Melby, the Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Dairyland Power Cooperative. Our discussion uncovers Nate's remarkable journey from IT to the executive suite, highlighting his unique leadership philosophy and his devotion to community roles, such as being a fire chief. We explore how these responsibilities and his academic pursuits enrich his approach to leadership and collaboration.

    Nate's transition from a global cybersecurity leader at American Standard to his current role at Dairyland Power Cooperative offers a compelling narrative about adaptability and resilience. We delve into the unique mission and structure of Dairyland, a cooperative serving four Midwest states, and the apprehensions that come with a first-time CIO role. The episode also underscores the vital importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding the power grid—sharing insights into the collaborative spirit within the utility industry driven by a common mission of service and innovation.

    Join us as we explore leadership through the lenses of humility, integrity, and authentic presence. Nate shares invaluable insights into how lessons from the fire service can translate into executive impact. The conversation is rich with discussions on innovation, agility, and the transformative role of mentorship. Whether you're an aspiring IT leader or a seasoned executive, Nate's journey will inspire you to embrace challenges and leverage inner resourcefulness for organizational success. Don't miss the chance to gain impactful leadership insights and apply these lessons to your own path.

    To connect with Nate, go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-melby-0199712/

    Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist

    Access to all our platforms:
    https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Overcoming Adversity and Shaping the Future of Aviation: Leadership Lessons from Jessica Cox
    Dec 18 2024

    Imagine a world where perceived limitations transform into extraordinary strengths. Join us for this inspiring Holiday edition of Unfazed Under Fire. A conversation with Jessica Cox, a true trailblazer born without arms who defies the odds by piloting planes, delivering motivational talks, and leading with courage. Jessica shares her journey of embracing challenges head-on and turning them into opportunities for growth, all while using her feet in place of hands. Her story isn't just about personal triumph; it reflects the powerful capacity of the human spirit to rise above adversity and make meaningful, lasting impacts.

    Jessica's path from overcoming societal perceptions to flying an aircraft is nothing short of remarkable. Through personal anecdotes and metaphorical references like Joseph Campbell's hero's journey, we discuss how she conquered internal battles and accepted her uniqueness. Jessica's narrative highlights the importance of connection to core values and purpose and how these elements fuel authentic leadership. Her experiences at a crowded store and a transformative gas station encounter underscore the shared human experience of overcoming obstacles, showing how authenticity can inspire those around us.

    We also shine a light on a pioneering aviation project: creating the first foot-controlled airplane, challenging stigmas around disability in the process. Jessica shares insights into this groundbreaking initiative, emphasizing the necessity of safety, reliability, and teamwork. This episode calls for leaders to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace discomfort, and stretch their capabilities. Through Jessica's journey, we explore themes of accountability, innovation, and the essential leadership qualities needed to navigate today's unpredictable world. Whether you want to be inspired or seek to grow as a leader, this discussion is packed with valuable lessons and transformative insights.

    To connect with Jessica and to learn more about her incredible story, follow these links:

    JessicaCox.com (Jessica's Company)

    rightfootedmovie.com ( Jessica's Documentary, also streamed on AmazonPrime)

    theimpossibleairplane.com (Airplane Build Project)

    https://amzn.to/41HGFKu (Link to her book - Disarm Your Limits)

    Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist

    Access to all our platforms:
    https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

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    1 hr and 14 mins