Brilliant Podcast

In this episode of BRILLIANT, I sit down with Martin Dubin, author of Blindspotting: How To See What’s Holding You Back as a Leader. Martin shares how our deepest blindspots, emotional, personal, and generational, often become the very things that shape our leadership if we’re brave enough to face them.
We unpack how storytelling, reflection, and honest conversations can help us lead with purpose and heal what’s unspoken. If you’re building something meaningful, this is one you’ll want to absorb fully.
 
 
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Martin Dubin is a clinical psychologist, serial entrepreneur, and executive coach who specializes in helping C-suite leaders and Silicon Valley founders overcome the hidden patterns that sabotage their success. He has built and led multimillion-dollar companies as a CEO and served as a trusted advisor to top executives at Fortune 500 brands like Levi Strauss & Co., Okta, and PagerDuty. As the author of the Harvard Business Review Press book Blindspotting™: Seeing—and Overcoming—What’s Holding You Back, Marty bridges the gap between clinical psychology and high-stakes business leadership to help high achievers identify their growth edges. His work is recognized by industry leaders as a masterclass in organizational psychology, providing a practical field guide for anyone looking to unlock their full potential and lead with greater clarity.Grab his book, Blindspotting: How To See What’s Holding You Back as a Leader: https://amzn.to/40rO92PConnect with Martin DubinWebsite: https://www.martindubin.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-dubin/
 
 
#BlindspottingBook #LeadershipBlindspots #TristanAhumada #BRILLIANTPodcast #MartinDubin #EmotionalLeadership #PurposeDrivenLeaders #SeeYourBlindspots #LeadershipGrowth #HealingAndLeadership

On this episode of BRILLIANT Podcast, I’m joined by Matthew Dicks, the author of Stories Sell, as we talk about how the power of storytelling can reshape how we connect with others—whether in business, relationships, or daily life. Matthew shares his techniques for transforming data into engaging stories, why vulnerability is crucial in connecting with audiences, and how to create emotional resonance through storytelling.
From his "homework for life" method to lessons on turning moments into impactful narratives, Matthew explains how to take everyday life experiences and use them as a tool for better communication and stronger relationships.
This episode is packed with insights that can help you stand out, build trust, and truly connect with your audience. Whether you're a business owner or someone looking to improve your personal communication, this episode is a must-listen.--------------------------------------------------------------------------Matthew Dicks is a record-setting professional storyteller and internationally bestselling author, currently holding the all-time record for victories at The Moth with 62 StorySLAM wins and 9 GrandSLAM championships. A veteran educator of 26 years and a former West Hartford Teacher of the Year, Dicks has translated his classroom expertise into a global consulting career, advising C-suite executives and specialized teams at organizations like Amazon, Google, Salesforce, and the FBI. He is the author of several novels translated into over 25 languages, including the acclaimed Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend, and definitive nonfiction guides like Storyworthy and Stories Sell. Through his "Homework for Life" methodology, he has trained a diverse clientele ranging from Olympic gold medalists and Yale University students to Native American tribes, proving that the mechanics of high-impact narrative are a universal, teachable skill.
Grab Matthew's book Stories Sell here: https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Sell-Storyworthy-Strategies-Business/dp/1608689042
 
Connect with Matthew:https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-dicks-84a95711/https://matthewdicks.com/https://www.facebook.com/matthewdicks/https://www.instagram.com/matthewdicks/?hl=en
#Storytelling #BusinessCommunication #MatthewDicks #StoriesSell #EmotionalConnection #AuthenticLeadership #VulnerableLeadership #BuildingTrust #SalesTips #HomeWorkForLife
 

In this episode of BRILLIANT Podcast, I talk with Kass and Michael Lazerow, co-authors of Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur’s Messy Path to Success. We dive into the reality of entrepreneurship—how it feels, why it’s worth it, and how to stay sane in the process. From giving Gary Vee his first office space to selling Buddy Media to Salesforce for $754M, they’ve lived it all.
 
We cover how to decide when to pivot, how to lead with radical transparency, how to build cult-like culture, and why great entrepreneurs embrace the mess. If you’re a founder, real estate agent, or anyone fighting to create something meaningful, this conversation will speak to your soul.
 
This is one of the most raw and actionable interviews I’ve done, don’t miss it.
 
Grab their Book! https://amzn.to/4kzkSvj
 
Follow them on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kassandmike/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasslazerow/ and https://www.instagram.com/lazerow/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kassandmike
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KassandMike
 
Get in touch with them at https://kassandmike.com/

In this episode of the BRILLIANT podcast, I sit down with linguist and award-winning author Anne Curzan to explore how language is changing in real time and what that means for how we communicate, connect, and lead.
 
Anne and I dig into everything from grammar correction on social media to the word “funner,” why kids are the real influencers of language, and how we can become more empathetic communicators. We also talk about how AI is reshaping written communication and what it means to talk like a human in a world of text and tech.
 
If you have ever felt nervous hitting send on a message, questioned your grammar, or just want to understand how language shapes our relationships, you will want to listen to this episode.

Welcome to the BRILLIANT podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Terry Szuplat, former Special Assistant to the President and senior speechwriter for Barack Obama. He’s the author of Say It Well, a masterclass on writing and speaking with precision, empathy, and impact.
 
Terry opens up about the behind-the-scenes process of presidential speechwriting, including how moments like the Boston Marathon bombing memorial were shaped by personal imagination and universal emotion. We talk about how to communicate like a leader, whether you’re writing a keynote, a social post, or simply trying to be more persuasive in meetings.
You’ll walk away with tools to structure your thoughts, tell better stories, and lead with your voice.
 
You’ll hear about:
What Terry learned from writing for a president
Why authenticity is a communication superpower
The science of rhythm in effective speeches
Mistakes most people make when giving talks
How leaders can own the room with fewer words
 
Grab Terry’s book Say It Well here: https://amzn.to/4kIoqLi
 
Follow Terry on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terryszuplat/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-szuplat-456914137
Explore more of his work: https://www.sayitwell.com
 
This episode is for anyone who wants to stop rambling and start resonating.

Welcome to the BRILLIANT podcast. In this episode, I talk with LTC Scott Mann, a retired Green Beret and author of Nobody Is Coming to Save You. We dive deep into the emotional and social challenges we’re all facing today, and how to lead through them with intention.
 
Scott shares what it means to fight the real battle happening inside us and around us. We talked about storytelling as a healing tool, why social capital is more valuable than ever, and how to reclaim your energy through intentional daily practices. Whether you're a business leader, a parent or a real estate agent, this episode will shift how you think about leadership and human connection.
 
You’ll hear about:
Why emotional burnout is on the rise
How to build trust before you need it
The science of narrative and why it works
Why your best ideas come during movement
The importance of digital breaks and state management
This is a powerful conversation that will challenge how you see your role as a leader.----------------Lt. Col. (Ret.) Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret, leadership expert, and founder of Rooftop Leadership. With combat experience in Colombia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, he now trains leaders to build trust and connection in high-stakes environments. A bestselling author of Operation Pineapple Express and Game Changers, Scott also wrote and starred in Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret. He founded Operation Pineapple Express Relief and The Heroes Journey, supporting Afghan allies and veteran storytelling. His proudest role is being a husband and father of three sons. Grab a copy of his book, Nobody Is Coming to Save You: A Green Beret's Guide to Getting Big Sh*t Done: https://amzn.to/4kDjqYf Follow Scott Mann on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottMannAuthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottmannauthor/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidscottmann?trk=org-employeesVisit Scott’s work at https://scottmann.com