Podcast
Leadership Beyond Borders
Hosted by Kimberli J. Lewis · EN
Leadership Beyond Borders" by Siinda explores the dynamic realm of leadership, emphasizing a range of perspectives and strategies tailored for navigating the constantly evolving globalized digital landscape.
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Beyond the Website: Building the Ecosystem Powering SMB Marketing
Mar 2400:50:43Tap to summarizeSMB marketing is rapidly evolving into an ecosystem of software platforms, AI capabilities, and agency expertise—with the website at the center. In this episode, we explore how Duda approaches ecosystem design, partner strategy, and platform bundling, and why the future of SMB growth depends less on adding more tools and more on building the right ecosystem around the website About the Guest Mel Kozun is the Head of Ecosystem Partnerships at Duda, working at the intersection of product, partnerships, and go-to-market strategy. With nearly a decade of experience in SaaS, she focuses on building and scaling channel-enabled ecosystems that drive long-term growth. Mel works closely with digital agencies, SaaS platforms, and hosting providers to help them deliver ongoing, high-value web presence services to small and medium-sized businesses at scale, aligning partner success with customer outcomes. Duda is a leading white-label website building platform for digital agencies, SaaS companies, and web professionals serving SMBs. From its industry-leading AI Assistant to advanced API-driven automation, Duda enables teams to build pixel-perfect, high-performing websites efficiently and at scale. The platform is fully customizable to match any go-to-market strategy and is a top performer for Core Web Vitals, a critical SEO metric. More than 20,000 organizations trust Duda to power over 1 million active websites worldwide. Through its flexible architecture, Duda helps businesses deliver fast, reliable, branded digital experiences at scale for customers around the world. Guest social media - Website: https://www.duda.co/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duda/ - Instagram: instagram.com/Duda platform - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/duda/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/melkozun/ - YouTube: youtube.com/@dudamobile Host social media - Website: www.siinda.org - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/
Transcribe →Online Essentials and AI Social Visibility
Mar 1700:51:25Tap to summarizeToday, we're discussing how digital marketing for small and medium-sized businesses is evolving in the age of AI and new discovery platforms. We'll explore the transformation from single-product solutions to full digital marketing platforms, the launch of Online Essentials, and how innovations like AI Social Visibility are helping SMBs stay visible and competitive online. About the Guest Pete Urmson is a seasoned digital entrepreneur with a career spanning Sensis, Fairfax's Online Marketing Group, and Domain.com.au in Australia, where he held executive roles and developed deep strategic insight into the SMB market. He later founded Spotzer Digital to help enterprise partners bring scalable digital products to their SMB customers. Internationally recognized as a leader in this field, Pete is British with a strong Australian accent, lives in Amsterdam, and enjoys staying fit at the gym, reading, and spending weekends on his boat. Spotzer Digital is widely regarded as a global leader in scalable website development and white-label digital solutions. The company has evolved from a single-product delivery model into a multi-product platform offering a broad portfolio under its white-label framework. Its own brands include Online Essentials, targeting SMBs directly, and Agency Essentials, supporting local marketing agencies. Spotzer is also a Yext partner, collaborating with major enterprise clients worldwide to deliver listings, reputation, and location-based marketing solutions. It continues to innovate through automation and scalable workflows that improve performance. Guest social media - Website: https://spotzerdigital.com/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpotzerDigital - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spotzerdigital/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotzer-digital/ - Twitter/X: @SpotzerDigital - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spotzerdigital Host social media - Website: www.siinda.org - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/
Transcribe →Leadership in the Age of AI Discovery with Wendi Sturgis
Mar 1000:51:07Tap to summarizeIn this Episode of Leadership Beyond Borders, Kimberli Lewis welcomes Wendi Sturgis, Senior Vice President International at Yext, for a powerful conversation about leadership, disruption, and what AI-driven discovery means for brands today . This episode explores a pivotal moment in digital transformation — one that feels strikingly familiar to those who have lived through previous platform shifts, from the early internet to search and social media. But this time, AI is fundamentally reshaping how brands are discovered, interpreted, and trusted. About the Guest Wendi Sturgis is Senior Vice President International at Yext, leading strategy and growth outside North America with a focus on EMEA. She brings decades of experience across technology, ecommerce and digital innovation, with senior roles at Yahoo!, Oracle and Gartner. As CEO of Cleverbridge, a global ecommerce and subscription platform, she drove growth and expanded its partner ecosystem. Previously CEO of Yext Europe and an early member of Yext's leadership team, she played a key role in establishing and scaling the company's European operations. Her career reflects a strong commitment to innovation, customer focus and diversity in technology, alongside board roles including Sabre and the Georgia Tech Foundation. Yext (NYSE: YEXT) is a leading brand visibility platform built for a world where discovery happens across AI search, traditional search, social media, websites and direct channels. Powered by more than 2 billion trusted data points and integrated products, Yext gives brands clarity, control and confidence across digital touchpoints. Through real-time insights and AI-driven recommendations. Guest social media - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendisturgis/ -Website: https://www.yext.com/ Host social media - Website: www.siinda.org - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/
Transcribe →The Retention Revolution: Why People Stay (or Go)
Mar 300:51:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we dive into one of the biggest challenges facing business leaders today—retaining top talent. Why do employees stay—or walk away? How can companies turn professional development into a real competitive edge? Join us as we unpack one CEO's firsthand experience navigating the shifting world of talent and retention. Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or simply curious about the future of work, this conversation will leave you with fresh insights and actionable strategies for building teams that last About the Guest Mark Peters is the author of The Retention Trap: Stop Measuring Turnover, Start Measuring Talent Investment (Post Hill Press, June 3, 2025), which builds on the insights from his first book, The Source. He is CEO of Butterball Farms, Inc., recognized nationally as one of The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® from 2018 to 2024. In 2003, Mark founded a pioneering coalition of West Michigan CEOs and community leaders to create the SOURCE, a nonprofit that has helped hundreds of workers overcome challenges impacting their jobs while delivering an average annual ROI of 200 percent to partner organizations. An engaging speaker and storyteller, Mark has presented at TEDx and other major events. Learn more at RetentionTrap.com. Guest social media - Website: https://i-3leadership.com/ , s://www.grsource.org/ https://butterballfarms.com/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/i3leadership1, https://www.facebook.com/ButterballFarm https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-3-leadership , https://www.linkedin.com/company/butterball-farms-inc-/posts/?feedView=all Host social media - Website: www.siinda.org - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/
Transcribe →Beyond the Buzzwords: What Inclusion Really Means
Feb 2400:50:51Tap to summarizeWhat does inclusion really mean beyond policies and buzzwords? This podcast explores inclusion as a human experience and a leadership imperative—how people feel seen, valued, and able to contribute. Through real conversations on bias, belonging, and leadership, we look at what inclusion truly looks like in everyday moments. Because inclusion isn't just about who's in the room—it's about how people experience being there. About the Guest Dr. Riza Kadilar was the President of EMCC Global between 2017 and 2024, and she is the author of The Contemporary Leader: The Value of Inclusion in Successful Leadership, published by Wiley in December 2024. The book explores how inclusive leadership drives success in today's complex organizations and is available through major retailers like Amazon and Wiley. With over 30 years of senior banking leadership experience across France, the UK, the Netherlands, and Turkey, Dr. Kadilar has built a career focused on human capital and business growth. He also founded RK Academy to expand access to high-quality learning. A visiting professor, international keynote speaker, and author of seven leadership books, Dr. Kadilar is widely recognized for his contributions to leadership and professional development. Guest social media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BjJSKBsxZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.facebook.com/share/19e3XT75g4/?mibextid=wwXIfr LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rizakadilar Host social media -Website: www.siinda.org - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/
Transcribe →Leading with Intention: How Purpose Fuels Power and Impact
Feb 1700:52:09Tap to summarizeIn Today's episode is about intention—and what happens when you stop operating on autopilot and start leading with purpose. We're diving into how clarity fuels confidence, how inner power is built during life's hardest moments, and how true leadership creates impact long after the spotlight fades. This is a conversation about resilience, alignment, and making intentional choices that shape not just success—but meaning. About the Guest Bianca D'Alessio is the author of the forthcoming book Mastering Intentions: 10 Practices to Amplify Power and Lead with Lasting Impact (Savio Republic, Aug. 5, 2025), a practical guide for high achievers seeking to lead with clarity, purpose, and sustainable influence. Drawing on her experience at the top of one of the world's most competitive industries, the book offers actionable practices for harnessing intention as a source of power, presence, and long-term success. She is also the star of HBO Max's acclaimed series Selling the Hamptons and the top-ranked real estate broker in both New York City and New York State. As the founder of one of the highest-producing brokerage teams in the United States, Bianca oversees a $10 billion international real estate portfolio spanning luxury residential and investment markets. In addition to her brokerage work, Bianca writes a weekly column for Money Magazine and is a frequent expert voice in Forbes, The New York Times, Fox Business, Medium, and The Real Deal. Known for combining strategic precision with mindset mastery, she continues to shape how leaders think about power, growth, and lasting impact. Guest social media - Website: www.biancadalessio.com - Facebook: facebook.com/bianca.dalessio.3 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancadalessio/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancadalessio/ Host social media -Website: www.siinda.org - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/
Transcribe →Leading Becomes You: The Inner Work of Flourishing Leadership
Feb 1000:51:18Tap to summarizeWhat if leadership isn't about doing more—but about becoming more yourself? In this podcast, Dr. Natalie Pickering invites us beneath the surface of performance and position to explore the inner terrain of leadership. Through honest conversation, real stories, and practical insight, we'll examine identity, awareness, connection, and what it truly takes to lead from the inside out. This is a conversation for leaders who are ready to stop surviving—and start flourishing. About the Guest Natalie Pickering, PhD, is the author of the forthcoming book Leading Becomes You: A Real-World Framework for Leading from Inside Out (Sept. 18, 2025), a practical and deeply human guide that reframes leadership as an inside-out practice grounded in self-awareness, integrity, and courage. She is a TEDx speaker, organizational psychologist, and executive coach known for helping leaders trade relentless performance pressure for authentic, sustainable influence. Drawing on decades of research and real-world experience, the book offers leaders a clear framework for leading in ways that are both effective and deeply aligned. Natalie is the founder of The BECOMING WORKS, a leadership development firm dedicated to helping organizations scale without losing their soul. Guest social media - Website: https://www.drnataliepickering.com/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnataliebecominginstitute/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnataliepickering/ Host social media -Website: www.siinda.org - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/
Transcribe →Turning Pressure into Performance: The 8% System
Feb 300:52:11Tap to summarizePressure is everywhere—but does it really make us perform better? Most of us believe it does, yet research shows that pressure often disrupts our best work. In this episode, we're breaking down why that happens, the common traps individuals and teams fall into, and three powerful truths about pressure that can change how you perform. We'll also explore the 8% System—a research-backed approach built on high connection and high courage. Designed to help teams and individuals thrive under pressure, make better decisions, and achieve real results, this system has been used by Olympic coaches, NFL teams, and top organizations. Our guest shares practical strategies to transform pressure from a threat into your greatest advantage. About the Guest Dr. JP Pawliw, a globally recognized author and expert on culture, leadership, emotional intelligence, and performing under pressure, wrote the New York Times bestselling book -Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most. As Co-Founder of the Institute for Health and Human Potential, he surveys more than 40,000 people each month, uncovering behavioral insights that help elite teams—from United States Navy SEALs to Fortune 100 executives—excel in high-stakes environments. His groundbreaking research on the "Last 8%," the critical moments when people hesitate to speak up or decide, has transformed how organizations build courageous, emotionally intelligent cultures. Featured in Harvard Business Review and major global media, JP has created a neuroscience-based Last 8% Culture System that equips leaders to act with courage, connection, and accountability. His work has impacted leading organizations including IBM, Microsoft, NASA, The Coca-Cola Company, and National Football League. Guest social media - Website: https://www.jppawliw-fry.com/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/last8project - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jppawliwfry/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFQNKGG6__gKdxb4OYeIPzwdz5Va82HHf Host social media -Website: www.siinda.org - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/
Transcribe →The End of Search as We Know It: AI's 2026 Revolution
Jan 2700:52:03Tap to summarizeAs we move into 2026, the way people search and interact with brands is rapidly changing. AI is shifting discovery from traditional search toward personalized, context-aware experiences, and even the interfaces we use are evolving into agent-driven tools that act on our behalf. In this interview we explore what these changes mean for businesses and how they can prepare for a year where search, ranking, and customer experience will look very different than they do today with one of the worlds experts in search and data. About the Guest Christian J. Ward is Executive Vice President and Chief Data Officer at Yext. He specializes in knowledge graphs and data asset optimization, helping clients identify, value, and structure their knowledge to maximize its impact in AI and search. Christian is the co-author of the Amazon top release Data Leverage and has built hundreds of data partnerships worldwide, working with both startups and major global data companies. He previously served as Chief Data Officer at Arizent and Data Axle, and as Global Head of Content Innovation at Thomson Reuters. His insights have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune, and Search Engine Journal. He frequently speaks on data strategy, partnerships, and the influence of AI. Yext helps organizations build digital experiences across any channel on its open, composable platform. The Yext Digital Experience Platform organizes content to deliver AI-driven experiences for customers, employees, and partners. For more than 15 years, thousands of companies have trusted Yext to create seamless experiences across search engines, websites, mobile apps, and hundreds of digital touchpoints. Guest social media - Website: https://mobile.twitter.com/yext https://www.yext.com/index.html - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wardchristianj/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/yext/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yextinc/ - Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/YextDE/ Host social media - Website: www.siinda.org - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/
Transcribe →The Business of Nature: Lessons from Ecosystems
Jan 2000:51:02Tap to summarizeWelcome to the show. Have you ever thought about the similarities between nature and business. Well to be honest until I read the book of todays' guest I never did. So today we're going to look at this. We will explore how nature can be one of our greatest teachers in business and leadership. We'll look at what ecosystems can teach us about collaboration, competition, and change—and how these lessons can help organizations not just survive, but truly thrive. About the Guest Ines Garcia is an organizational coach and the Founder and CEO of Get Agile. She is the author of the forthcoming book Nature's Blueprint for Business: Harnessing the Hidden Power of Edges (Routledge, September 8, 2025), in which she explores how principles found in nature can help organizations create greater impact, adapt to complexity, and reduce waste. Through her work, Ines supports leaders and teams in rethinking how value is created, delivered, and sustained in fast-changing environments. With extensive experience across industries, Ines partners with organizations that want to move beyond frameworks and tools to achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes. Her approach combines systems thinking, Agile and Lean principles, and practical experimentation, always with a strong focus on people and purpose. She is known for translating complex ideas into actionable practices that teams can apply immediately. Ines designs and delivers hands-on programs for Agile, Project, and Product professionals, helping them strengthen decision-making, collaboration, and delivery capabilities. Her work emphasizes learning by doing, continuous improvement, and aligning strategy with real customer and business needs. More information about her work, programs, and speaking can be found at www.inesgarcia.me. Guest social media Website: www.inesgarcia.me LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inesgarciaagile/ Host social media Website: www.siinda.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/
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