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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Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com
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In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom about Conventional Wisdom, I sit down with Vivic, a former medical doctor turned business leader, for a fascinating conversation about leadership, decision-making, and what it really takes to scale a business responsibly.

Vivic shares his unconventional journey from practicing medicine including cosmetic surgery to building, scaling, and exiting multiple businesses. Today, he leads a growing network of cosmetic clinics across Australia, and he brings a rare perspective shaped by both clinical discipline and entrepreneurial risk-taking.

We talk about the critical mindset shift required when moving from medicine where risk must be minimized to business where calculated risk can drive growth. Vivic explains how the grit developed through years in healthcare prepared him for the unpredictability of leadership, and why being comfortable with uncertainty is essential for long-term success.

Throughout our conversation, we explore key topics such as:

-Why “new and shiny” isn’t always better in business or healthcare

-Making data-driven decisions instead of relying on gut instinct alone

-Hiring fast, firing faster, and what most leaders get wrong about interviews

-How to define success clearly so teams can actually meet expectations

-Leading through mission, not ego or hierarchy

Vivic also shares a simple but powerful framework for decision-making asking whether something is legal, has upside, and is reversible offering practical guidance for leaders facing constant uncertainty.

This episode is a thoughtful, grounded look at modern leadership, blending discipline with adaptability and wisdom with action. If you’re a founder, executive, or professional navigating complex decisions and rapid change, this conversation will challenge how you think and how you lead.

connect with me here:
Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com
Connect with me on Linkedin: / kmillerhershon
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In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom about Conventional Wisdom, I sit down with Ashley Bundis for an honest and reflective conversation about leadership, growth, and the realities of navigating change over the course of a career.

Ashley and I talk openly about what it means to evolve professionally when the path forward isn’t always clear or linear. She shares insights from her own journey, and together we explore how experience, perspective, and self-awareness shape the way we lead, make decisions, and define success for ourselves.

We dig into important topics including:

Trusting your instincts when facing career transitions

Letting go of outdated or inherited definitions of success

How confidence shifts over time—and how doubt still shows up

The role of self-awareness in effective leadership

Navigating change without forcing yourself into conventional expectations

This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply relatable for anyone questioning their next step or reassessing what growth really looks like at this stage of life.

If you’re looking for reassurance that you don’t need all the answers to move forward—just honesty, reflection, and the willingness to listen to yourself this episode is for you.

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In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom about Conventional Wisdom, I sits down with Kelly Schuknecht, Founder and Chief Elevation Officer of Two Mile High Marketing, for a candid, deeply human conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, and learning to trust yourself when there is no clear roadmap.

Kelly shares her own unexpected career path from studying Spanish and spending 20 years working behind the scenes to taking the leap into entrepreneurship and stepping into the spotlight as a thought leader. She speaks openly about starting a business later in life, how being laid off became a turning point rather than a setback, and why waiting to feel “ready” can quietly keep you stuck.

Together, Kim and Kelly reflect on the mindset shifts that happen when you move from employee to business owner especially the challenge of letting go of doing everything yourself and redefining what meaningful work really looks like as a leader. Kelly also opens up about her fear of public speaking, moments of imposter syndrome, and the uncomfortable growth required to build confidence, visibility, and momentum.

This conversation also dives into:
* Why you don’t need a linear career plan to succeed
* The connection between storytelling, language, and thought leadership
* Getting comfortable with sales by reframing it as service
* Why personal branding can feel awkward but still be essential
* Learning to listen to your intuition instead of external expectations
* How leadership confidence grows through action, not perfection

Listen, learn, and don’t forget to share with someone who needs this!
Listen on Spotify @Kim Miller - Hershon https://open.spotify.com/show/3roK1Ay...
Listen on Apple Podcast @Kim Miller - Hershon https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Website :https://www.kimmillerhershon.com
Connect with me on Linkedin : / kmillerhershon

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In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom about Conventional Wisdom, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Cat How, the Co -Founder and Executive Creative Director of the global branding agency How and How. Cat’s journey from studying literature to shaping one of the most admired creative studios reminds us that careers don’t have to follow the rules to be remarkable.

Our conversation explores the kind of leadership that feels both modern and deeply human. Cat opens up about why she believes transparency especially around money is a non-negotiable part of healthy company culture, and how she and her husband/partner build a team where creativity can truly thrive. One of my favorite topics we dive into is her “Goldilocks” approach to team size and structure, and how it helps keep creative teams aligned, supported, and empowered.

We also discuss the realities behind the scenes: navigating imposter syndrome, embracing flexibility as the business expands, and the underrated power of documentation. Cat brings such refreshing honesty and clarity to every topic—this episode is packed with insights for leaders, creatives, and anyone building something meaningful.

Cat’s unconventional transition from literature to design

How she built How and How into a globally recognized creative agency

The importance of transparent leadership, especially around pay

Why documentation is essential for a growing creative team

The “Goldilocks size” approach to team structure

How culture is intentionally created and maintained across continents

Navigating performance reviews and open conversations about money

This conversation is packed with practical insights and unconventional lessons for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone rethinking what success truly means.

Listen on Spotify @Kim Miller - Hershon https://open.spotify.com/show/3roK1Ay...
Listen on Apple Podcast @Kim Miller - Hershon https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Website :https://www.kimmillerhershon.com
Connect with me on Linkedin : / kmillerhershon

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In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom about Conventional Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend and incredible business leader, Esther Polson, Founder and CEO of Rare Solutions, LLC. We had a deeply insightful and candid conversation about her career journey, the importance of marketing operations, and her concept of a “Blank Slate Day”a way to reset, refocus, and rejuvenate.

Esther also shared her perspective on leadership, including the pitfalls of fostering a “family” work environment and why mutual respect, rather than fear, is the foundation of a healthy workplace culture. We talked about personal and professional growth, tackling imposter syndrome, and the invaluable lesson of understanding business finances. Her insights were honest, practical, and inspiring, and I can’t wait for you to hear them.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How a Blank Slate Day can reset focus and clarity for leaders
Why mutual respect, not fear, should guide workplace culture
Lessons on financial literacy and understanding business operations
How to navigate credit, recognition, and accountability in the workplace
Leadership strategies for handling underperformance and delivering tough feedback
Insights from tech company culture and the dot-com boom and bust
Overcoming imposter syndrome and building self-confidence

This conversation is packed with practical insights and unconventional lessons for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone rethinking what success truly means.

Listen, learn, and don’t forget to share with someone who needs this!

Listen on Spotify @Kim Miller - Hershon https://open.spotify.com/show/3roK1Ay...

Listen on Apple Podcast @Kim Miller - Hershon https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Website :https://www.kimmillerhershon.com

Connect with me on Linkedin : / kmillerhershon

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In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, I sit down with David Allred for a powerful and honest conversation about leadership, vulnerability, and what it means to truly show up for yourself and the people you serve.

David shares the lessons he has learned across a career shaped by curiosity, resilience, and the desire to create meaningful human connection. We explore the importance of integrity in leadership, why discomfort is often the doorway to growth, and how to navigate the moments that challenge your identity both personally and professionally.

We also talk about the power of telling the truth, embracing your authentic self, and understanding the deeper motivations that drive your decisions. David’s perspective on creating trust, listening deeply, and leading with intention offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to elevate their career, relationships, or inner life.

This conversation is filled with warmth, insight, and the kind of honesty that inspires transformation. I cannot wait for you to hear it.

What you will learn in this episode

✨ How vulnerability strengthens leadership and builds trust

✨ Why discomfort is often the key to personal and professional growth

✨ How to stay true to yourself in moments of high pressure

✨ The importance of self reflection and honest communication

✨ How to navigate identity, purpose, and the pursuit of meaningful work

✨ Practical insights for leading with clarity, connection, and intention

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In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, I sit down with Giorgio Natali, Head of Software Engineering and a leader in AI analytics, for a conversation that left me both inspired and deeply reflective about the future of technology and our place in it as humans.

Giorgio and I explore the idea of digital dignity, what ethical AI looks like in practice, and how companies can build systems that protect people rather than exploit them. We talk openly about leadership, empathy, vulnerability, and why so many organizations struggle to create environments where people genuinely thrive.

I also loved hearing about the unconventional habits that have shaped his career, his passion for DJing, and the surprising ways creativity influences his approach to engineering and leadership.

Inside this episode, I invite you to explore
✨ What digital dignity truly means and why it matters today
✨ How to think about AI ethics, privacy, and responsible data use
✨ Why empathy, humility, and psychological safety are essential in modern leadership
✨ The realities of navigating corporate cultures and finding the environment that fits you
and so much more.

This conversation is rich with insight, honesty, and real world wisdom, and I am excited for you to hear it.

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