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

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

Ever wondered how personal adversity can shape remarkable leaders? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Neil Morris, the head of technology at Redaptive, who shares his incredible journey from young parenthood to leading cutting-edge technology initiatives. Neil opens up about the challenges of raising a severely autistic daughter and how these experiences have instilled resilience and adaptability in his leadership style. His story offers profound insights into building supportive communities and leading high-performing teams that thrive amidst life's challenges.

Discover the critical intersection of technology and business through Neil's unique perspective on enterprise architecture. Drawing from his passion for martial arts and other influences, Neil emphasizes the importance of aligning technological deployments with business objectives. He introduces a strategic five-pillar model that simplifies complexity and enhances decision-making, ensuring technology initiatives are tightly woven into the fabric of business goals. This approach fosters agility and operational efficiency, transforming enterprise architecture into a vital tool for navigating today's dynamic business landscapes.

As we explore the evolution of leadership philosophies, Neil champions a human-centric approach to leadership and team dynamics. Reflecting on past projects that missed the mark, he underscores the value of prioritizing the human element, recognizing team strengths, and fostering environments where safe success and failure can occur. This approach not only inspires and engages teams but also delivers tangible value to businesses and their customers. Coupled with insights on self-awareness and emerging technology trends, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for aspiring leaders eager to make a lasting impact.

To gain access to our podcasting platforms, follow this link:
Audio versoins: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2119364/directories
Video: https://bit.ly/UUF_Youtube

To connect with Guest, Neil Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildmorris/

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

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

Discover the dynamic world of resilient leadership in uncertain times as we welcome the accomplished Sarah Carlsen to "Unfazed Under Fire." Sarah, an executive coach, leadership team coach, and former operations executive, offers her profound insights on leadership development, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and accountability. Her journey from math major to leadership thought leader is a testament to embracing unique paths and continuous growth, providing invaluable lessons for executives seeking to elevate their impact in today's complex environments.

Learn how Sarah navigated her career path by making conscious choices to avoid burnout, focusing on the real needs of clients through comprehensive assessments and adaptive approaches. Together, we explore organizational dynamics and the essential role of emotional intelligence in leadership. Sarah shares her strategies for recognizing and addressing emotional dynamics within teams, especially during disruptive times, and the significance of fostering psychological safety to enhance team effectiveness.

The conversation goes deeper into the transformative power of tools like the Enneagram and Leadership Circle Profile, which aid personal and professional growth. Sarah's experience as a Type Three Achiever on the Enneagram offers insights for high achievers on integrating vulnerability and emotional awareness. We conclude with a powerful discussion on leadership and relational systems intelligence, highlighting the impact leaders can have by investing in personal growth and developing those around them. Join us for a compelling episode that inspires purposeful leadership and meaningful value creation in organizations.

To connect with Sarah, go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-carlsen-pcc/

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

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

Listen or watch this short holiday message, as the podcast takes a week off due to the holiday.

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

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

Ever wondered how authentic leadership can transform not just organizations, but communities? Join us as we welcome Saby Warwick, the CIO of Clackamas College, whose journey from Chandigarh, India, to becoming a global thought leader is nothing short of inspiring. Sabi shares his deep knowledge of leading technological transformations and the shift from tech-focused roles to influential leadership positions. His insights on self-mastery, building strong relationships, and the essential role of community are sure to elevate your understanding of effective leadership.

Saby's rich experiences managing high-stakes projects and transitioning to roles that emphasize people over technology provide a compelling narrative on the power of influence and passion. Discover how his philosophy, centered around the "Purple Cow" concept, encourages leaders to stand out by fostering positivity and strong connections. As Saby recounts his leadership journey, he talks about influential techniques like meditation and embracing discomfort that have helped him cultivate resilience and turn challenges into opportunities.

Leadership is not just about titles; it's about impacting lives and driving positive change. From discussing change management strategies encapsulated in "VIRSA" to emphasizing the importance of trust and relationship-building, Sabi sheds light on the transformative power of leadership development. Whether you're an emerging tech leader or a seasoned executive, gain valuable insights from Saby's journey as he champions resilience and development, urging leaders to inspire and uplift those around them for collective success.

To connect directly with Saby, go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waraich/

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

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

Unlock the secrets of leadership from finance veteran Stuart Brown, who has navigated the corridors of power at giants like Deloitte, Ahold, and Iron Mountain. Stuart's journey from a high school intern to an influential executive is not just a tale of career success, but a masterclass in self-mastery, mentorship, and building high-performing teams. His insights into the pivotal role of strategic onboarding and the art of nurturing talent are indispensable for anyone looking to excel in leadership roles.

Explore the evolving landscape of the CFO role as Stuart shares how financial leaders must adapt to technological advancements, particularly the integration of AI in operations. Through anecdotes and industry insights, we uncover the importance of strategic finance and corporate governance, along with the merging of CFO responsibilities with other business functions to drive performance. Stuart also shares his experience in guiding future finance leaders, emphasizing the power of adaptability and strategic relationship-building.

Beyond the boardroom, Stuart's commitment to mentoring and community involvement shines through, as he reflects on fostering leadership by sharing knowledge and insights. We delve into shifting work-life balance expectations, the significance of supporting family structures, and the enduring impact of giving back. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how meaningful contributions can enrich both personal and professional lives, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

To connect with Stuart brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-b-brown/

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

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

Ever wonder how a high school benchwarmer could pivot to become a professional basketball player and then a successful entrepreneur? Dre Baldwin, the dynamic CEO and founder of Work On Your Game, Inc., shares his extraordinary life journey, revealing the grit and passion that propelled him from the sidelines to playing ball overseas for nine years. Struggling against skepticism and embracing a late start in basketball, Dre’s story is a powerful testament to the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams despite the odds. His experience is not just about sports—it’s about the mindset and determination required to transform aspirations into reality.

Dre’s transition from the basketball court to the entrepreneurial world has been nothing short of inspiring. By developing the Work on Your Game framework, he empowers executives and entrepreneurs to achieve peak performance through consistent practice. His insights into leveraging discipline for confidence and how mindset principles transcend sports provide invaluable lessons for personal and professional growth. Dre’s foray into YouTube, initially a hobby to preserve VHS footage, evolved into a platform that united a community around shared learning, showing how digital spaces can amplify one’s influence and reach.

In a world where leadership often hinges on authority, Dre emphasizes the human element—connecting with people and understanding their unique motivations. Leadership, he argues, should inspire voluntary followership, not enforce compliance. Through his story, listeners gain fresh perspectives on the importance of team dynamics, the value of soft skills, and the art of motivating individuals. Tune in to explore how these insights can help leaders not only achieve their goals but also foster communities of meaningful engagement and shared success.

To connect with Dre, follow any of these links:

• linkedin.com/in/dreallday
• WorkOnYourGameUniversity.com
• ThirdDayBook.com

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

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