The other night I had this dream in which I realized I was married to Kelly Clarkson. There was a legitimate feeling of increased status and cachet in having such a direct connection to a rich, famous, superstar. Except there was one big problem. In addition to the fact that Dream Geoff had no recollection of ever having met Kelly, … Read More
Rethinking Publishing for Change-Makers with Jesse Finkelstein
In this episode, I talk with Jesse Finkelstein, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Page Two Books, a publishing firm that’s redefining what it means to bring a book to life. Jesse shares her journey from bilingual camp counselor to publishing executive, and why she and her co-founder built a company that treats authors like CEOs—with a C-suite behind them. We dig … Read More
Think like David Bowie
I can fall down a rabbit hole from time to time watching videos about music production. I love hearing about how a certain song uses a sample from a James Bond movie, but they reversed it and chopped it up and turned it into a hook that most people would never know wasn’t wholly original. And it’s wild to me … Read More
Inside Alaska’s Airport Ecosystem with Angie Spear
In this episode, I talk with Angie Spear, Director of the Alaska International Airport System, about what it really takes to run not one—but two—of the most vital airports in the state: Ted Stevens Anchorage International and Fairbanks International. Angie brings the energy and insight you’d expect from someone who never turns off her “airport radar”—whether she’s traveling or just … Read More
Breakthroughs are overrated
Once upon a time there was a couple named John and Jane and their marriage was in big trouble. They wanted to fix things, so they went to see a marriage counselor. The marriage counselor listened to their problems and advised them to wait 6-months until Valentine’s Day, go have a spectacular date – really pull out all the stops, … Read More
Lessons in Humility and Accountability with Marc Luiken
Marc Luiken has held leadership roles that span the skies, the state of Alaska, and the private sector—and in this episode, he brings a wealth of insight from all three. Marc began his career as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, later served as Alaska’s Commissioner of Transportation, and today directs business development at Michael Baker International. We … Read More
Every hero needs a guide (including you)
Luke Skywalker wouldn’t have saved a galaxy far, far away without Obi Wan Kenobi. Or Yoda. Neo wouldn’t have escaped the Matrix (and did whatever the hell he did in the second and third movies) without Morpheus. Do we really think Katniss and Peeta survive the Hunger Games without Haymitch – flawed as he was – as their guide? To … Read More
Coaching Your People For Grit And Growth with Anna Gould
In this episode, I sit down with Anna Gould, Director of Sales at GCI Communications and unofficial holder of the title “Person Most Likely to Know the Answer to Your Problem.” Anna’s career is a masterclass in growth through grit, humility, and relentless curiosity. From swapping physical tapes at her parents’ wireless cable company in Fairbanks to leading a statewide … Read More
One simple tweak, one very big difference
At the beginning of June I spent a week on a cruise ship, intentionally cut off from the internet. Before I left, I diligently tied up loose ends and set up my out of office email so that I wouldn’t leave anyone hanging. It was a blissful week of sun, sand, and sea. And naps. And then I came home … Read More
Leadership Lessons From A Marketing Mind with Dean Caravelis
This week on Leadership Huddle… I sit down with Dean Caravelis—Founder and CEO at Blezoo—to talk about what it really means to lead with intention, creativity, and a deep respect for both your team and your customers. Dean has spent nearly two decades helping brands show up in unforgettable ways, and he’s just released his first book, The Experience in … Read More
Are you making it easier for them to win?
I can now get a Mountain Dew at Subway. The sandwiches are the same as they’ve always been, but now I can get a delicious, ice cold Mountain Dew to accompany the meal. That changes my calculus when choosing a spot to grab a quick bite to eat. In a similar way, your leadership can be the frosty Mountain Dew … Read More
Bridging Journalism and Leadership with Amy Nordrum
In this episode, I sit down with Amy Nordrum, Executive Editor at MIT Technology Review and one of the sharpest minds working at the intersection of journalism, technology, and leadership. Amy shares what it’s like to lead a newsroom that covers emerging tech while producing some of MIT Tech Review’s most influential projects — including the “10 Breakthrough Technologies” list … Read More
Fight the waves or learn to surf
I recently saw a video of a guy learning to surf. He was clearly very new to the sport and spent the majority of the video in the ocean instead of on his surfboard. Every attempt to stand was a battle between his body, his board, and a massive uncaring ocean. Stiff arms and wobbly knees, fighting for balance and … Read More
From Locker Room to Leadership with Brock Anundson
What do Michael Phelps, Pearl Jam, and Arctic engineering have in common? This conversation with Dr. Brock Anundson, Athletic Director at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, weaves them all together in the most delightful way. Brock shares stories from his early days working with Olympic athletes (including a great Phelps anecdote), playing in garage bands, and climbing the ranks of … Read More
It’s time to let go
On a recent camper adventure, Nicole and I were talking about what we enjoyed most about camping. My answer: having the explicit license to not be productive. I am often so compelled to be working on something that spending AN ENTIRE WEEKEND without a project is a rarity. It’s not that I can’t find a way to kill a rainy … Read More
The Art of Letting Go with Tara Landes
In this episode, I sit down with Tara Landes, founder of Bellrock Benchmarking and a master of making leadership development feel both human and doable. We talk about the hidden costs of not delegating, the difference between delegation and dumping, and why most leaders accidentally train their teams to depend on them. Tara shares a framework for understanding growth stages—from … Read More