Episodios

  • Mingle Over Metrics: Why Real Connection Wins at Work

    Mingle Over Metrics: Why Real Connection Wins at Work
    Jun 10 2025
    In this episode of UH-OH Conversations with Cohesive Leaders, Dr. Troy Hall and Ben-Jamin Toy sit down with John Patsch, a serial entrepreneur, curious craftsman, and co-founder of Miingl, a platform focused on rebuilding real connection in a disconnected world. John takes us behind the curtain of his leadership journey, starting with a love for DIY projects and a deep desire to understand how things work.... Not just in his garage, but in the workplace, too.

    John opens up about one of his biggest UH-OH moments: a communication breakdown with a co-founder that unraveled a promising startup. In a raw, reflective account, he unpacks how ego, miscommunication, and the need to be "right" cost him a partnership. But from the ashes came powerful lessons on active listening, humility, and focusing on the bigger picture.

    As the conversation unfolds, John shares how those hard-earned lessons inspired him to co-create Miingl, a live, interactive platform designed to bring back authentic human connection in the age of short-form content and shrinking attention spans. From hiring people for their ideas, not just their resumes, to leading with curiosity and honesty, John gives us a grounded, thoughtful perspective on leadership that values community over control.

    If you've ever found yourself in the middle of a communication mess, wondering how things fell apart, or if you're just trying to build something that actually brings people together, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and a reminder that being teachable might be the most powerful skill you can bring to the table.
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    32 m
  • The Cost of Scaling Too Fast: A Leadership Lesson

    The Cost of Scaling Too Fast: A Leadership Lesson
    Jun 3 2025
    In this episode of UH-OH Conversations with Cohesive Leaders, hosts Dr. Troy Hall and Ben-Jamin Toy sit down with Ryan DuBois, a laid-back endurance junkie with a sharp business mind and a heart for people. From scaling up startups across the Southeast to spending 20-hour days in the trenches of manufacturing, Ryan brings a no-fluff, deeply human perspective to what leadership actually looks like when the pressure is on.
    Ryan opens up about his biggest “UH-OH” moment: an aggressive expansion that pushed his team (and himself) to the brink. What followed wasn’t just a production slowdown, but a full-on leadership reset. By pulling back, focusing on lean principles, and prioritizing team readiness over output, he learned the hard truth: if your people aren’t ready, your business isn’t either.
    Throughout the conversation, Ryan hits on key leadership insights like why every organization is in the people business, how transparency builds trust, and what qualities actually matter when promoting from within. From intentional conversations to endurance mindsets, he makes a strong case for slowing down long enough to build something that lasts.
    Whether you're a founder moving fast, a team leader navigating culture shifts, or just someone trying to be a better human at work, this podcast episode is your reminder that leadership starts with listening, learning, and being willing to go the long way for the right reasons.
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    36 m
  • Values, Vision, and the OH That Changed Everything

    Values, Vision, and the OH That Changed Everything
    May 29 2025
    In this episode of UH-OH Conversations with Cohesive Leaders, Dr. Troy Hall and Ben-Jamin Toy sit down with culture renovator and strategic coach Akeela Davis for a raw and powerful discussion on purpose, pivoting, and what happens when success no longer aligns with your values.
    Akeela shares her “OH” moment: the hard decision to sell a thriving financial advisory business she spent over 15 years building. On the surface, it was a successful venture. But underneath, it was draining her drive. What started as a mission to help people had quietly morphed into a managerial grind that left her feeling disconnected from her purpose. In a move that shocked some and liberated her, she stepped away, not because the business was failing, but because she was failing herself by staying.

    From a teenage entrepreneur selling candle holders to a culture consultant helping organizations align people with purpose, Akeela walks us through the power of motivational mapping, the weight of values like integrity, and the high cost of ignoring your internal compass. Her story is a masterclass in self-awareness and the kind of courage leaders need if they want to build something that lasts... and feels worth it.

    If you’ve ever felt stuck in a role that looks good on paper but drains your spirit, this conversation will hit home. And if you're a leader trying to build a culture that keeps people engaged and fulfilled, Akeela’s insights on two-way accountability and motivation will give you a roadmap worth following.
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    30 m
  • When “That’s Not My Job” Costs You the Job

    When “That’s Not My Job” Costs You the Job
    May 20 2025
    In this episode of UH-OH Conversations with Cohesive Leaders, Dr. Troy Hall and Ben-Jamin Toy sit down with Chris Bower, CEO of Endurance Federal Credit Union, for a candid, straight-shooting conversation about what it really takes to lead well.

    Chris opens up about his leadership evolution, from a task-first, empathy-later mindset to recognizing that truly effective leadership means caring about the whole person. He shares lessons learned the hard way, the value of embracing responsibility early in your career, and why young professionals should stop waiting for permission to grow.

    What’s inside:
    • The difference between entitlement and engagement
    • How empathy became a non-negotiable leadership skill
    • Why difficult conversations are career-critical
    • Advice for emerging leaders who want to stand out
    • A sneak peek at C.A.R.L., the AI leadership assistant built to help you ask for promotions with strategy, not stress
    This is the kind of episode that might make you rethink how you lead and how you show up.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community
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    35 m
  • The Courage to Speak Up (Even When You’re Called ‘Difficult’)

    The Courage to Speak Up (Even When You’re Called ‘Difficult’)
    May 13 2025
    What happens when your gut tells you something’s off but you don’t act on it? In this episode of UH-OH Conversations with Cohesive Leaders, Cynthia Campbell joins Dr. Troy Hall and Ben-Jamin Toy for a powerful and personal conversation on leadership, intuition, and the hard lessons that come from hesitating at the wrong time.

    With two decades of experience in the credit union world and a new chapter as founder of Soul Path Leadership, Cynthia unpacks a real-world “UH-OH” moment: a delayed system upgrade that put her team under pressure and forced a fast-tracked transformation. She gets real about how confidence, collaboration, and even gender dynamics can impact decision-making, and why learning to trust your intuition is a non-negotiable leadership skill.

    Along the way, we talk about discernment, building character through choices, and Cynthia’s two surprising alternative career paths: seminary student and roller derby queen (yes, really).

    If you've ever struggled with trusting your instincts, presenting bold ideas, or wondering when to push and when to pause, this one’s for you.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community
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    34 m
  • From Setbacks to Success: Michael Lounsbury on Leadership, Confidence, and Knowing Your Worth

    From Setbacks to Success: Michael Lounsbury on Leadership, Confidence, and Knowing Your Worth
    May 6 2025
    What happens when you realize you’re just another number in a company? How do you turn career setbacks into leadership breakthroughs? In this episode, Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy sit down with Michael Lounsbury, a published author, HR consultant, and former military professional, to explore self-confidence, career growth, and the power of knowing your value in the workplace. Michael shares two major "Uh-Oh" moments, one as an employee who accepted being overlooked and underpaid, and another as a business owner trying to do it all. He reveals how these experiences shaped his leadership philosophy and led him to launch People Ops Advisors, a firm dedicated to reshaping workplace culture and advocating for employee value.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community
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    41 m
  • Thriving Through Change: Anne Legg on Leadership, AI, and Turning Setbacks into Success

    Thriving Through Change: Anne Legg on Leadership, AI, and Turning Setbacks into Success
    Apr 29 2025
    In this dynamic episode, Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy dive into a conversation with Anne Legg, founder of Thrive, to discuss her journey in leveraging data and AI to drive organizational success. Anne shares how her career in credit unions, consulting, and AI-driven projects has shaped her leadership style. She opens up about the challenges of corporate acquisitions, the importance of adaptability, and how she turned setbacks into opportunities for growth and innovation. With powerful insights on aligning work with strategy and the ethical use of AI, Anne’s story is a must-listen for leaders looking to embrace change and empower their teams.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.

    Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community
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    40 m
  • Faith, Failure, & Grit: Ben Marley on Leadership, Lessons, and Purposeful Living

    Faith, Failure, & Grit: Ben Marley on Leadership, Lessons, and Purposeful Living
    Apr 22 2025
    In this transformative episode, Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy sit down with Ben Marley to discuss his personal and professional journey through faith, failure, and leadership. Ben shares his experience with Prep Monsters, a venture that ultimately failed due to missteps, but provided critical lessons on discernment, partnership, and the cost of pursuing passion without proper planning. He highlights how aligning work with one’s purpose and strengths can unlock true impact, and reveals a powerful four-step framework for decision-making rooted in faith. Ben’s story is a blueprint for overcoming adversity, embracing growth, and leading with intention, no matter the setbacks.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.

    Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community
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    46 m
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