For Leaders By Leaders

On Coaching Culture/ Guest: Tammie Wessels, Principal of Wessels HR

What if the key to unlocking your team’s potential isn’t giving answers, but asking the right questions?
 
In this episode of For Leaders By Leaders, Principal of Wessels HR and Leadership Coach Tammie Wessels reveals how a coaching culture transforms teams. From her psychology roots to working with top Canadian brands, she shares hard-won leadership insights.
 
Hosted by Kathy Andrews, this conversation breaks down coaching vs. mentoring, the psychology of high-performing teams, and why psychological safety is essential. 
 
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(06:05) Shifting to a coaching culture
(08:07) Cultivating leadership through empowerment
(12:01) Shift to a long-term coaching mindset
(14:09) Quick coaching through conversation
(18:04) Implementing coaching culture training
(21:31) Empowering recruitment through coaching
 
Connect with Tammie Wessels here:
LinkedIn
Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

On Personal Power/ Guest: Chris Obst

In this episode of For Leaders By Leaders, I sit down with Chris Obst, a leadership and team development expert with over 20 years of experience coaching top performers and consulting for leading organizations. Chris is known for his powerful keynotes and ability to translate leadership insights into real-world strategies that drive impact.
We dive into personal power—what it is, why it matters, and how we can harness it to elevate our energy and performance at work. Chris shares practical ways to avoid common leadership pitfalls, maximize our energy throughout the day, and bring our best selves home to the people who matter most.
If you're looking for actionable strategies to boost your leadership presence and sustain your energy, this episode is for you! 
Connect with Chris Obst here
Interested in developing more effective leadership skills?
Connect with Cinga today here.
 

On Servant Leadership/ Guest: Adam Weiss, CEO of OPISystems

Ever wondered how servant leadership can transform your organization? In today’s episode of For Leaders By Leaders, Kathy Andrews is joined by Adam Weiss, CEO of OPISystems, to dive deep into the power of servant leadership. Adam opens up about his journey from engineer to CEO, leading a company that’s tackling the global issue of grain spoilage with cutting-edge technology. He shares how embracing a leadership style rooted in empathy, authenticity, and integrity has been key to building a team that’s not only committed but thriving – and how it’s helped him double revenue along the way.
 
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(02:06) Adam Weiss’ career journey
(04:51) The role of empathy in leadership misunderstandings
(06:50) Overcoming the challenges of servant leadership
(12:08) Building true connections through authenticity
(12:57) A deep dive into authentic leadership
(17:51) Leading with integrity: staying true to yourself
(21:52) Finding the balance between autonomy and guidance
(25:44) Key takeaways on servant leadership
 
Connect with Adam Weiss here:
LinkedIn
Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

On Crucial Conversations/ Guest: John Nieuwenburg, Business Coach

What makes certain conversations so difficult? It's the internal conflict. We often avoid (flight), fight, or face them without skill. It's a challenge, but one that leaders can overcome. 
 
Kathy Andrews is joined by renowned business coach John Nieuwenburg to find out what leaders can do. With over two decades of experience as a coach and a background as a senior leader in the industry, John shares invaluable insights into the art of leadership, specifically focusing on the pivotal role of crucial conversations in building successful cultures within organizations.
 
Tune in to this episode as we explore:(01:24) Becoming a business coach in Vancouver(06:06) Why great leaders master crucial conversations(09:27) What happens when you master self-awareness and saboteurs(12:41) Mastering confidence in sales situations(15:02) Build your positive intelligence with PQ Reps(18:50) Delegate low-value tasks(20:49) When strategic time management scales businesses(23:51) Exercising agency in work priorities(25:13) Crucial conversations: what leaders need to think about
 
Connect with John Nieuwenburg here:
LinkedInW5 Coaching Website
 
Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

On Community/ Guest: Mark Koch

In this episode of For Leaders by Leaders, we’re diving into the power of human connection and the role it plays in building thriving communities. My guest, Mark Koch, is a leader who truly embodies this mission.
With over two decades of experience in community development, urban planning, and local government, Mark is the Managing Director of Community and Environmental Services at the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. He oversees everything from regional parks and sustainable energy to transit services, shaping the future of communities across a vast 10,400 km² area.
Beyond his impressive leadership in local government, Mark has also worked in the private sector and internationally, advising on economic development in Trinidad and Tobago and Belize. He’s an educator, a speaker, and an innovator, recognized for his fresh, forward-thinking approaches to governance and community engagement.
But what truly sets Mark apart is his deep passion for people. He believes that strong, connected communities are the key to a better future, and he’s dedicated his career to making that vision a reality.
Get ready for an inspiring conversation about leadership,  Let’s dive in!

On Toxic Scenarios/ Guest Megan Smith

Being a leader isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about making the right decisions when it matters most. Whether you’re leading a team of one, ten, or thousands, the way you lead determines whether you and your team thrive.
Today, we’re tackling challenges every leader might face at some point: Toxic Scenarios. My guest, Megan Smith, is the Head of Human Resources for SAP North America, where she helps guide a workforce of over 20,000 employees. She knows  how toxic behaviours—whether it’s poor communication, distrust, or ineffective leadership—can derail teams and organizations.
In this episode, Megan breaks down three common toxic leadership scenarios, why they happen, and most importantly, how to fix them. If you’ve ever asked yourself, how can I do better? this conversation is for you.
Let’s dive in.

On Inspiring Others/ Guest: David Barrett

Welcome to another episode of For Leaders By Leaders, I’m thrilled to be joined by David Barrett, a visionary in internal communications and multimedia, who has spent nearly two decades at the World Health Organization, currently serving as the Internal Communications and Multimedia Manager at the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
David’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a career that started in television production and evolved into crafting engaging internal communications, he’s a master at connecting people with purpose. He draws from a unique blend of experiences, including his lifelong passion for theatre as an actor, director, and producer. For David, leadership is not about a solo performance; it’s about rallying a team, fostering collaboration, and ensuring everyone plays their part in creating something extraordinary.
In this episode, David shares insights on how he inspired others through the challenging times of COVID-19, how his theatrical background shapes his leadership philosophy, and his passion for making information accessible and engaging within an organization as impactful as the WHO. His story will resonate with leaders looking to motivate teams, navigate crises, and build a shared vision that truly sings.

On Performance Culture/ Guest: Dr. Oliver Finlay

In this episode,  we deep dive  into the world of performance culture with Dr. Oliver Finlay. With over 23 years of experience as a performance director, coach, and physiotherapist, Dr. Finlay has collaborated with some of the most elite sports organizations in the world—including the English Premier League, National Hockey League (NHL), Formula 1, and Team GB Athletics. His career spans a wide variety of sports, from soccer and basketball to motorsport and rugby, showcasing his unparalleled expertise in high-performance environments.
Dr. Finlay is also the founder of Beautiful Game Group, a modern sports investment company focused on driving growth and long-term success in professional sports organizations.
But this isn’t just about sports. Drawing from his impressive career and PhD research at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Finlay unpacks lessons that apply to any organization aiming for sustained success. From understanding the markers of high performance to managing change, creating a culture of excellence, and overcoming plateaus, his insights are invaluable for leaders across all fields.
Tune in to learn how to apply the principles of high-performance sports to your organization, unlock potential, and build a winning culture that thrives in any arena.

On Artificial Intelligence for Leaders/ Guest: Michael J. Goldrich

I’m thrilled to share this episode of For Leaders By Leaders!
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael J. Goldrich, the brilliant mind behind Too Many Hats, Too Little Time. If you’ve ever wondered how AI can actually help us work smarter (not just faster), Michael is the person to listen to.
In this episode, he takes us beyond the buzzwords and into the real, practical ways leaders can use AI to make work not just efficient but meaningful. He’s all about creating more joy and less toil—empowering teams to thrive by weaving AI into everyday tasks thoughtfully and intentionally.
Michael’s insights are fresh, grounded, and incredibly actionable—perfect for anyone curious about where AI fits in your workday or your team’s future.
Check it out, and let me know what resonated most with you. 🚀 Let’s navigate this AI journey together!

On Culture/ Guest: Pamela Hampel

I’m excited to have Pamela Hampel join us for this episode. With 18 years of experience in Human Resources, Pamela currently serves as the VP of People and Culture at Bits in Glass. In her role, she’s redefined how workplace culture can drive personal and team success. Pamela has championed innovative practices in employee relations, strategic growth, and cultivating an environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute and thrive. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes to share the tangible strategies and cultural principles that have shaped Bits in Glass into a standout workplace.