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19 episodes

Confetti and Chaos: An Inside Look at Leading an IPO with Kat Williamson and Gary Survis
22/1/2026 | 59 mins.
From the outside, an IPO can look like it's all confetti, bell ringing, and a soaring valuations. But, behind the scenes, it’s one of the most intense leadership transitions a company can face. Scrutiny increases overnight. The margin for error shrinks. And the leadership behaviors that fueled early growth can break under the weight of scale.
In this episode of A Podcast About Leadership, host Dr. Jonathan Kirchner sits down with two leaders who have seen what it really takes to navigate that shift: Gary Survis (Operating Partner, Insight Partners) and Katherine “Kat” Williamson (VP of Talent Development, Gong).
Together, they unpack the realities that rarely make it into the celebratory headlines — from the human toll of “living in transformation,” to the cultural rewiring required when a company goes from building fast to delivering predictably.
Gary and Katherine explore how founders and executives must evolve as the organization matures — including the hard truth that what got you here won’t get you there. They discuss why charisma and “good vibes” can’t substitute for clarity, discipline, and accountability — and how the best leaders learn to trade heroics for systems. You’ll hear how to identify which leadership skills will scale, which ones become liabilities, and why the companies that succeed long-term are the ones that treat reinvention as the job, not the exception.
This conversation is also a practical guide for leaders preparing for their next inflection point. Expect insights on building a “ready-now” leadership bench, managing expectations from investors and boards, and creating alignment when the pressure to execute is relentless. If you’re navigating hypergrowth, preparing for an IPO, integrating new executive talent, or trying to build a company that can thrive under constant change — this episode delivers the perspective (and the realism) you need.
The Art and Science of CEO Succession with National Vision CEO Alex Wilkes and Executive Chairman Reade Fahs
09/1/2026 | 1h 22 mins.
What does CEO succession look like when it’s planned, values-led, and built for continuity and change at the same time?
In this episode of A Podcast About Leadership, host Jonathan Kirschner, founder and CEO of AIIR Consulting, sits down with three leaders who’ve lived the succession story from every angle:
Reade Fahs, who led National Vision for more than two decades, guiding the company from a modest optical chain into one of the largest vision care retailers in America — and who recently transitioned out of the role of CEO.

Alex Wilkes, National Vision’s new CEO, who joined as president and stepped into the top role with a modernization agenda rooted in customer reality and operational urgency.

Jamie Ramsden, senior executive coach, author of Let’s Go, and a former CEO himself, who has coached both leaders and offers a behind-the-scenes view into what makes a succession succeed or fail.

Together, they explore the art and science of handing over the baton — including the internal work required of the outgoing CEO, the strategic choices required of the incoming CEO, and the practical routines that protect trust during a high-stakes transition.
Leading with Love with Bob Chavez, Former CEO of Hermès Americas
18/12/2025 | 1h 7 mins.
Can love be a serious strategy in today’s high-pressure business environment?
In this episode of A Podcast About Leadership, host and AIIR Consulting CEO Dr. Jonathan Kirchner is joined by Bob Chavez, former President and CEO of Hermès Americas, and Jamie Ramsden, author and executive coach to both Jonathan and Bob.
Together, they explore a leadership philosophy centered on trust, care for people, and long-term commitment — a deliberate alternative to fear-based leadership and short-term thinking.
Drawing on Bob’s extraordinary journey — from his childhood on what he calls “the wrong side of the tracks” in San Antonio to his years at Princeton to stewarding one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands for more than two decades — the conversation reveals how timeless values, emotional courage, and focus can produce enduring performance in even the most competitive industries.
This episode is a masterclass in human-centered leadership — and a reminder that the most powerful force in business may still be the one leaders are most hesitant to name.
Key takeaways from the conversation include:
Why leading with love is not soft leadership — and how it creates accountability, trust, and exceptional performance
How Hermès sustained long-term growth by prioritizing patience, craftsmanship, and culture over short-term wins
The role of storytelling and sense-making in helping organizations stay focused amid distraction and volatility
What it takes to build culture as a living system — not a poster on the wall
How leaders can challenge people to grow while creating psychological safety and deep belonging
Why focus, trust, and care for people may be the ultimate competitive advantage in modern leadership
Whether you lead a global organization, a growing team, or yourself, this episode offers a powerful reframing of what leadership can look like when it is grounded in humanity.
To learn more about AIIR Consulting and its executive coaching services, visit www.aiirconsulting.com.
Thriving Through Constant Change with Ian Wilcox and Dr. Joy Nissen
11/12/2025 | 39 mins.
What does it take to lead when change is no longer episodic but constant and fluid? On this episode of A Podcast About Leadership, AIIR Consulting CEO Dr. Jonathan Kirschner sits down with Dr. Joy Nissen and Ian Wilcox to explore how leaders can stay grounded, resilient, and effective in a world where stability feels increasingly out of reach.
Drawing on careers in psychology, organizational science, and global consulting, Joy and Ian unpack why traditional change models no longer fit the moment. Today’s reality demands something different. Leaders must regulate their own energy, create stability for others, and guide organizations through uncertainty without pretending to have all the answers.
This conversation is a candid, deeply human look at what leaders are experiencing right now: fatigue, fragmentation, cognitive overload, and the pressure to perform amid ambiguity. More importantly, it offers a path forward.
In this episode, we explore:
Leading Self in a Fluid World — Why constant change pushes leaders into chronic stress, how that affects cognition and health, and the practices that rebuild resilience and presence.
Communication That Actually Connects — Why more information doesn’t equal more clarity, and how leaders can create psychological space, name what people are feeling, and strengthen trust through intentional communication.
The Contagion Effect of Leadership — How a leader’s physiology, mindset, and emotional regulation shape the entire system. What it means to lead from intention instead of tension.
Organizational Leadership in an Age of Uncertainty — Why strategy can no longer rely on prediction, and how purpose, humility, and experimentation become the anchors for organizational adaptability.
Humanity as a Leadership Imperative — Why fostering connection and community is now part of the job, and how leaders can counter loneliness and fragmentation inside their teams.
If you’re navigating nonstop change — or leading others who are — this episode offers the clarity, grounding, and perspective needed to thrive. To learn more about how AIIR Consulting helps leaders strengthen resilience and lead through uncertainty, visit aiirconsulting.com.
The Evolving Role of the CHRO with C-Suite Whisperer John Touey
12/11/2025 | 41 mins.
What really determines whether a company thrives or unravels under pressure? According to John Touey, one of the country’s most trusted C-suite recruiters, it comes down to a single, often overlooked truth: the CEO, CFO, and CHRO form the power structure that governs the entire enterprise. If that trio isn’t aligned, nothing else works.
On this episode, AIIR Consulting CEO Dr. Jonathan Kirschner sits down with John — Managing Partner at Trilogy Talent Advisors and a masterful “C-suite whisperer” — to reveal what he’s seen across thousands of board conversations, CEO transitions, and high-stakes leadership searches. This conversation is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what truly determines whether leaders succeed, stall, or never see the inside of the C-suite.
John breaks down how the CHRO role has transformed more in the past five years than in the previous fifty, how AI is reshaping the talent landscape in real time, and why behavior and culture fit are the ultimate predictors of executive success.
In this episode, we explore:
The Power Trio That Runs the Enterprise. Why the CEO–CFO–CHRO relationship is the heartbeat of organizational health — and the first place to look when things break.
The Real Reason Leaders Flame Out. Why even extraordinary executives fail when their leadership style clashes with the culture — and how to spot the mismatch before it happens.
The CHRO’s Rise to Strategic Power. How the pandemic — and now AI — vaulted HR from supporting role to enterprise architect.
AI, Talent, and the Future of Work. Why HR’s access to the richest data in the company puts it at the center of AI-driven transformation.
Courage as a Leadership Requirement. The CHRO as truth-teller, stabilizer, strategist — and often the only person willing to challenge the CEO.
If you care about leadership, culture, or the future of work, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. To learn more about how AIIR Consulting can help your leaders navigate change and shape a better future, visit aiirconsulting.com.

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About A Podcast About Leadership

Leadership has the power to shape the future — of work and of the world. But in a period of history increasingly defined by complexity, uncertainty, and change, the skills and mindsets leaders need to succeed are shifting faster than ever. A Podcast About Leadership faces this challenge head-on, offering the insights and inspiration leaders need to navigate change and shape a better future.Each episode, we speak with leaders and leading thinkers in business, leadership, psychology, neuroscience, and human performance. Together, we explore the challenges leaders face today— from leading through volatility and uncertainty to developing the empathy, resilience, and strategic vision required to thrive in the years ahead.Whether you’re an individual leader looking to increase your impact or a human resources (HR), talent, or learning and development leader shaping the future of leadership across your organization, A Podcast About Leadership has the information, inspiration, and practical application you need.Meet the HostsDr. Jonathan Kirschner is the founder and CEO of AIIR Consulting, a global authority on executive coaching and leadership development. A psychologist and entrepreneur, Jonathan has nearly two decades of experience helping leaders at the world’s most respected organizations accelerate performance, transform cultures, and unlock human potential. His expertise sits at the intersection of behavioral science, business strategy, and technology, making him a sought-after advisor to executives navigating complexity and change.Dr. Joy Nissen is a psychologist and seasoned executive passionate about helping leaders unlock their full potential and accelerate business performance. Joy brings both scholarly rigor and deep human empathy to her work, and has a unique ability to translate psychological insight into practical strategies that drive organizational results. Her coaching has shaped C-suite leaders, rising executives, and high-potential talent, making her a trusted voice for anyone serious about leadership growth.Presented by AIIR ConsultingAIIR Consulting is a global leadership development firm trusted by Fortune 500 companies and forward-thinking organizations across industries. With a foundation in psychology and a commitment to measurable business impact, AIIR helps leaders and teams excel in today’s complex world. From executive coaching to team effectiveness to leadership development at scale, AIIR delivers solutions that enable organizations to thrive. You can learn more at www.aiirconsulting.com.

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