Thinking that moves you forward.

For private business owners who are ready to see their business differently. And themselves.

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The Diagnostic shows you where your business really stands. The Maturity Chart shows you what to do about it.

Conversation Tina Dao Conversation Tina Dao

New Collar Jobs Podcast

As AI agents and automation software reshape business operations, technology is only half the equation. The future belongs to leaders and technicians who can pair technical tools with deep learning agility and emotional intelligence.

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Conversation Tina Dao Conversation Tina Dao

Board Governance: A Live Podcast

Tina joins a panel of nonprofit leaders and governance experts to share real-world insights about board service, executive director relationships, fiduciary responsibilities, and the unique challenges nonprofits face in this live podcast recording.

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Conversation Alan Fuhs Conversation Alan Fuhs

A conversation: Is Your Business Really Protected?

A discussion about key questions. If something happened to you tomorrow, would your business actually survive? Not "do you have insurance?" or "do you have a plan?" Those are checkbox questions, and most successful owners can answer yes to both. The real question is: When was the last time you actually looked at that insurance or reviewed that plan?

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Conversation Tina Dao Conversation Tina Dao

A conversation: The Three Acts of Life

What does an opera have in common with your life and business? More than you think. Alan Fuhs and Tina unpack the “three acts” of life, sharing lessons on feedback, messy transitions, and why succession planning matters. Their honest conversation sheds light on how to navigate intermissions, embrace uncertainty, and write the next chapter with intention.

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Conversation Alan Fuhs Conversation Alan Fuhs

A conversation: AI Study Outcomes

AI plays a crucial role in regional competitiveness, reshaping industries while highlighting the value of diverse perspectives and collaboration. Thriving in this landscape requires grit and resilience in leadership to navigate uncertainty and change. At the same time, AI raises existential questions and workplace implications, demanding critical reflection.

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Conversation Alan Fuhs Conversation Alan Fuhs

A conversation: Business Partnerships

This discussion highlights the journey of Alan Fuhs and Tina Dao, co-founders of Liberated Leaders, as they formalized their business partnership with the guidance of Robin Funsten, a facilitator. The conversation emphasizes the importance of intentionality, vulnerability, and a strong foundation in building successful business relationships, mirroring the dedication often seen in long-term marriages.

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Conversation Tina Dao Conversation Tina Dao

A conversation: Duct Tape and WD-40

Alan Fuhs and Tina Dao explore how the balance between quick fixes and long-term strategy can shape a business’s future. Using the metaphor of duct tape and WD-40, they reveal the five D’s that influence longevity — offering insights every entrepreneur and business leader can use to build resilience and innovation.

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Conversation Alan Fuhs Conversation Alan Fuhs

A conversation: What Savvy Leaders Hear

When decisions stall at the executive level, it’s often not about skill—it’s about alignment. This story shows how one leader used the Working Genius framework to decode team dynamics, bridge communication gaps, and move a high-stakes merger forward—without ever naming the tool aloud.

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Conversation Alan Fuhs Conversation Alan Fuhs

A conversation: When Feedback Becomes a Gift

What if feedback isn’t a burden—but a gift?
In this powerful piece, we explore how one leadership team transformed their culture by shifting their mindset around feedback. When leaders stop avoiding difficult conversations and start seeing feedback as a vital tool for growth, everything changes—from team engagement to leadership development and long-term success.

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Conversation Alan Fuhs Conversation Alan Fuhs

A conversation: Building a Culture of Joy and Productivity

In Building a Culture of Joy and Productivity: The Key is Working Genius, one leader shares the quiet realization that changed everything: success without alignment drains you slowly. The 6 Types of Working Genius framework became a roadmap—not just for understanding productivity, but for rediscovering energy, clarity, and joy at work.

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Conversation Alan Fuhs Conversation Alan Fuhs

A conversation: No More Silos

The challenge of organizational silos isn't just about efficiency—it's about unlocking your team's full creative potential. The innovative leaders from one of our expert’s workshop recognized this when they shifted from focusing on creativity techniques to addressing the fundamental barriers that prevented their best ideas from flowing freely.

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Conversation Alan Fuhs Conversation Alan Fuhs

A conversation: Leading Through Disruption

Consistency once set us apart—until it held us back.

In Leading Through Disruption, one leader shares the pivotal moment when traditional success metrics clashed with a client’s demand for innovation. The result? A complete shift in how performance was defined and who was best equipped to lead in uncertain times.

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Conversation Tina Dao Conversation Tina Dao

A conversation: Beyond Engagement Surveys

The Engagement Quotient (EQ) presents a paradigm shift in how we measure and understand employee engagement. By connecting engagement to business outcomes, utilizing existing performance data, and providing continuous and objective insights, the EQ empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions that drive meaningful improvements.

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