In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, I sit down with John Lees co-founder of Copay Technologies, a PhD physicist, five-time Ironman, volunteer firefighter, husband, and father whose leadership lessons come from far beyond the boardroom.

John and I talk about why pretending to have all the answers is overrated, how saying “we’ll figure it out” can actually build more trust, and why situational awareness matters more than rigid strategy. We explore how firefighting, endurance sports, and entrepreneurship all demand the same core skill: staying grounded while everything around you is changing.

We also dive into:

Why healthcare is intentionally complicated — and how transparency can change lives

The myth that great leaders must sacrifice everything else

What imposter syndrome really feels like behind the scenes

How knowing your North Star helps you pivot without losing yourself

This conversation is a reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence, curiosity, and choosing impact over ego.

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