In this episode, sound strategist Herwig Kusatz, founder of Sound Strategy, invites us to tune in differently. From the hidden cost of “noise” that drains attention to the kind of signal that builds trust and clarity, Herwig breaks down how sound quietly shapes leadership, culture, and decision-making every day.

You’ll hear the fascinating story behind the Vienna transport system’s sound identity. Herwig speaks to the impact of the internal sounds of our mind on our communication and the significance of silence, and how the sounds of your organization affect how messages actually land. Plus, Herwig shares insights from his brand-new Sonic Starter Kit, a practical way for organizations to sound as intentional as they look.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by noise, curious about brand identity beyond visuals, or interested in leading with more presence and impact, this conversation will have you listening in a whole new way.

Emily & Johnny own the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of the Awakening Conscious Leadership podcasts, with all rights reserved, as well as their right of publicity.

All opinions expressed by the Podcast Guests & Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Emily & Johnny. The Podcast Guest and Participant opinions are based upon information they consider reliable, but neither Emily, Johnny nor the companies with which such guests & participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such.

No one is authorized to copy any portion of the podcast content or use Emily’s or Johnny’s name, image or likeness for any commercial purpose or use, including without limitation inclusion in any books, e-books, book summaries or synopses, or on a commercial website or social media site (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) that offers or promotes your or another’s products or services.

Johnny and Emily reflect on their podcast’s journey in 2025. They discuss key insights and moments that stood out for them, including the balance between trusting the unknown and planning, the importance of presence, and the integration of ego and soul needs. They highlight themes like surrender, somatic awareness, and the power of the present moment. Looking ahead to 2026, they express hope for deeper connections, more spiritual practices, and continued co-creation with guests. They also mention the upcoming roundtable discussion and invite listener suggestions for future guests.

Emily & Johnny own the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of the Awakening Conscious Leadership podcasts, with all rights reserved, as well as their right of publicity.

All opinions expressed by the Podcast Guests & Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Emily & Johnny. The Podcast Guest and Participant opinions are based upon information they consider reliable, but neither Emily, Johnny nor the companies with which such guests & participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such.

No one is authorized to copy any portion of the podcast content or use Emily’s or Johnny’s name, image or likeness for any commercial purpose or use, including without limitation inclusion in any books, e-books, book summaries or synopses, or on a commercial website or social media site (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) that offers or promotes your or another’s products or services.

In this episode, off the back of publishing his book ‘Be More Strategic’, Charlie explains why true strategy isn’t about plans or slide decks. It’s about self-awareness, open-mindedness, and making confident choices in uncertainty. Drawing on stories from consulting, coaching, and work with high-performing teams, he reveals how leaders can spot patterns, listen deeply, and shift from reactive doing to intentional thinking.

We explore Charlie’s four-part framework, the difference between planning and strategy, and why reflection and emotional intelligence are essential skills for modern leadership. Early readers say the book is as useful for life as it is for work, and this conversation shows why.

Emily & Johnny own the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of the Awakening Conscious Leadership podcasts, with all rights reserved, as well as their right of publicity.

All opinions expressed by the Podcast Guests & Participants are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Emily & Johnny. The Podcast Guest and Participant opinions are based upon information they consider reliable, but neither Emily, Johnny nor the companies with which such guests & participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such.

No one is authorized to copy any portion of the podcast content or use Emily’s or Johnny’s name, image or likeness for any commercial purpose or use, including without limitation inclusion in any books, e-books, book summaries or synopses, or on a commercial website or social media site (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) that offers or promotes your or another’s products or services.