Podcast
Transforming the Game
Hosted by Kristina Katsanevas · EN
Transforming the Game with Kristina Katsanevas is the podcast for game-changers, risk-takers, and industry shakers. Don’t hate the player, learn the game! These leaders are rewriting the rules. From high-net-worth entrepreneurs, founders of the world's most iconic brands, and those disciplined enough to keep stacking those habits to success. We dive into the minds of pioneers innovating in media, business, health, fashion, sport and transformation. Want to know how to break the mold and redefine success in your career, business, and life?
Tune in and start transforming the game.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Billy Taylor: What You Accept, You Can’t Change. Set the Standard
1w ago00:49:29Tap to summarizeMost leaders don’t have a strategy problem.They have a visibility + execution problem.In this episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina sits down with Billy Ray Taylor - creator of LinkedXL and author of The Winning Link, to break down what modern leadership actually looks like when it’s real: clear standards, visible scoreboards, and a rhythm that drives ownership.Billy doesn’t talk leadership like a poster on the wall. He talks about the work behind the work.The standards.The score.The plus between strategy and execution.And why “secrets” create chaos inside teams.This conversation is packed with lines you’ll repeat in meetings:“What you accept, you can’t change.”“You can’t manage a secret.”“Model it until you make it.”“Make people visible and they’ll make you valuable.”“Once you change the guard, guard the change.”In this episode, we cover:Why standards are not what you say Why teams need to know the score if you expect them to win How to scale transparency: communicate to the level of someone’s impactWhy companies don’t fail because of bad strategy - they fail because they can’t executeThe difference between “fake it till you make it” vs “model it until you make it”How AI is changing business: faster decisions, better visibility, and a more intelligent workforceWhy “define winning” comes first - then align ownership so execution can actually happenThe two-foot rule: presence, respect, and making people feel valuableConfidence, boundaries, and the difference between givers, takers, and matchersWhat transforming the game means to Billy: doing it different, doing it consistently - and guarding the change once you make itIf you lead a team, build culture, run a business, or want better execution without chaos, this episode is a practical playbook for turning leadership into reality.Because strategy without execution is just an expensive wish list.Connect with Billy Ray TaylorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyrtaylorLinkedXL: https://linkedxl.comSkool of Business Execution: https://www.skool.com/skool-of-executionThe Winning Link resources: https://linkedxl.com/resources/Follow / Connect with Transforming the GameAll links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcastIf this episode hit home, share it with a leader who’s trying to drive change but keeps getting “chaos instead of execution.”Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, influence, performance, and modern work.#TransformingTheGame #BillyRayTaylor #Leadership #Execution #AI #BusinessOperations #Culture #ModernLeadership
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Starbucks Lost Its Soul. Exec Egos Build Brands
3w ago00:27:28Tap to summarizeWhat actually makes customers stay loyal in a world where products are copied overnight, AI is replacing human touchpoints, and every business is chasing efficiency?In this episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina Katsanevas sits down with global customer experience and leadership authority Joseph Michelli.Joseph is an organisational psychologist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker who has advised iconic brands including Starbucks, The Ritz-Carlton, Mercedes-Benz, Airbnb, Zappos and more. His work goes far beyond scripts and loyalty programs. He studies the psychology behind why people trust, stay, buy again, and advocate.You’ll learn why customers make decisions emotionally first and justify them logically later, how the best brands design experiences from the customer’s perspective, and what often breaks first as businesses scale: culture.We also go head-on into AI. Joseph breaks down where automation creates real value, and where it can quietly damage what customers want most: human connection. The most emotional, vulnerable moments in a customer journey should not be handed entirely to technology.If you lead a team, build a brand, or own the customer experience, this conversation will sharpen how you think about loyalty, leadership, and the future of human-centred business.Why You Need to ListenCustomers buy with emotion, not logicLoyalty is built by reducing effort and increasing trustScaling exposes culture cracks fastAI should remove friction, not replace empathyEmotional intelligence is becoming a leadership advantageChapters00:00 Why Customers Buy with Emotion, Not Logic06:14 What Brands Break First When They Scale11:33 Should AI Replace Customer Service?16:38 The Leadership Skill Most Leaders Ignore21:54 The Customer Metric That Predicts LoyaltyConnect with Joseph MichelliWebsite: https://www.josephmichelli.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephmichelli/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmichelli/Books: https://www.josephmichelli.com/booksConnect with KristinaAll Links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinakatsanevasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcastSubscribe for more conversations on leadership, brand, culture, and the future of business.#TransformingTheGame #JosephMichelli #CustomerExperience #Leadership #AI #BrandExperience #CustomerRetention #BusinessCulture #EmotionalIntelligence
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Doctors Say it's Normal. Be Worried. Your Body knows what it needs
May 1000:33:16Tap to summarizeMost high performers don’t have a discipline problem.They have a recovery + biology problem.In this episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina Katsanevas sits down with Michael O’Sullivan - mind and body performance coach, NLP practitioner, nutritionist, and CEO/Founder of Elite Power Moves (EPM) - to break down why “train more, eat less” keeps ambitious people tired, stuck, and underperforming.Going deep on the layers most people ignore: belief systems, identity, behaviour, and the biological “owner’s manual” you can use to stop guessing.In this episode, we cover:Why your beliefs, identity, and behaviors shape your health outcomes (not just your workouts)Michael’s story: from 145kg and depressed to building EPMThe difference between “normal” vs optimal bloodwork (and why “normal” can be a red flag)How DNA + blood + hormone testing removes guesswork and personalizes your planWhy high stress keeps people in fight-or-flight (and what that does to performance)What HRV (heart rate variability) actually tells you about recoveryWhy sleep is the fastest lever (including the goal of more restorative sleep)How cortisol rhythm and insulin resistance can affect energy, focus, and resultsPractical habit examples you can apply immediately (even when you’re busy)Michael’s core promise is simple: “One hour with us saves you a thousand hours of guesswork.” If you’re building a career, a business, or a family-and you want better energy, clarity, and longevity-this one is for you.Connect with Michael O’Sullivan (Elite Power Moves):LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elitepowermoves?originalSubdomain=auWebsite: https://elitepowermovesexecutives.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelosullivan8484Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLqWERph1BM/Follow / Connect with Transforming the Game:All links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcastIf this episode hit home, share it with someone who’s pushing hard but still feels “off.”Subscribe for more conversations on performance, leadership, and health.
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Only 7% of Businesses Hit $1M Adam Coffey’s will Stack the Odds in Your Favor
Dec 2800:53:57Tap to summarizeMost entrepreneurs want to grow big but don’t know the real math that drives profits or how to build a culture that keeps talent and fuels scale.Adam Coffey, CEO with 21 years at the helm, author of four #1 business bestsellers, and private equity veteran behind 58 company acquisitions and $2.5 billion in exits, breaks down exactly how to get it right-first small, then big.In this episode, Adam exposes the brutal truth: If your business doesn’t work profitably at its smallest unit, it will fail at scale. He reveals his unit economics framework, the 30-20-10 rule, and the culture-building secrets that keep employees loyal and customers coming back. But Adam goes deeper-he shatters the “one-and-done” sale myth by showing how he sold the same company 5 times, each payday bigger than the last, with less equity on each deal. This is how savvy entrepreneurs create multiple exits and grow lasting wealth beyond what most can imagine.What You’ll Learn: - How to master unit economics and run your business profitably from the ground up - Building a winning culture that attracts and retains A-players - Why roll-ups and acquisitions create hyper-growth compared to slow organic methods - Rollover equity and repeat exits: your path to multiple paydays, not just one - How to use Adam’s 30-20-10 rule to diagnose and fix profit leaks fast - Preparing your business for sale the right way to avoid leaving millions on the table Don’t tune in if… you’re comfortable with guesswork, vague metrics, or one-shot thinking. This episode is for entrepreneurs who want to beat the odds and transform their game with relentless clarity and proven strategy.📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iH7mu9zn6pY🎧 Also available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts - search "Transforming the Game" Connect with Adam Coffey Website: https://adamecoffey.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamecoffey/ Connect with Kristina Katsanevas / Transforming the GameAll links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcastSubscribe & Engage:If this episode expanded your thinking or sharpened your influence skills, please subscribe, like, and comment. Your support powers future transformative conversations.
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The Dark Side of The Wolf of Wall Street. The Duchess Reveals All
Dec 2100:32:05Tap to summarizeDr. Nadine Macaluso, known as Dr. Nae, is the real-life inspiration behind Naomi Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street. But this conversation is not about Hollywood. It’s about healing, empowerment, and reclaiming your life.About Dr Nae:Dr. Nadine Macaluso, known to her patients as Dr. Nae, is the real-life inspiration behind Naomi Belfort's character in "The Wolf of Wall Street." She survived a turbulent eight-year marriage to Jordan Belfort, marked by abuse, greed, and trauma.Following her experiences, Dr. Macaluso relocated to California. Her journey of trauma and healing inspired her to return to school at age 39, where she earned her Master's in counselling and a Ph.D. in somatic psychotherapy. She further specialized with a two-year postdoctoral training in the Neuro-affective Relational Model (NARM). This conversation covers:• Trauma bonds and love bombing • Addiction and rage in relationships • Financial and psychological abuse • Why your body knows before your mind does • The importance of therapy and support • Healing through self-discovery • Building community after trauma • Finding healthy love againIf you’ve ever felt confused, controlled, or disconnected from yourself in a relationship, this episode will land.Connect with Dr Nae: Download the first chapter of Dr Nae Book “Run Like Hell” https://heal.drnae.com/podcast-book-giveaway Join the Community – https://course.drnae.com/trauma-bond-recovery-course-eInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/therealdrnadine/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drnaelmftFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/drnaelmftYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealDrNadineX - x.com/therealdrnadineConnect with Kristina Katsanevas / Transforming the GameAll links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcastSubscribe & Engage:If this episode expanded your thinking or sharpened your influence skills, please subscribe, like, and comment. Your support powers future transformative conversations.
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John Parsiani: The Trust Architect of Miami’s Luxury Real Estate Market
Dec 100:59:07Tap to summarizeIn this revealing episode, I sit down with John Parsiani the strategic force behind Parsiani Real Estate, a leading name shaping Miami’s skyline and luxury market. Far from a typical agent, John combines razor-sharp human insight, relentless discipline, and a $5 billion sales playbook to master high-stakes deals where trust is the true currency.We explore John’s inspiring journey from war-torn Shiraz through immigrant resilience in Sweden, to dominating Miami’s real estate scene with breakthrough projects like Aria on the Bay and Aston Martin Residences. His unique blend of Persian heritage, global upbringing, and deep emotional intelligence transforms how ultra-high-net-worth clients engage, decide, and invest.This episode is a masterclass in persuasive leadership, elite negotiation, and understanding people beneath the surface. Plus, we dive into some unexpected Greek-Persian rivalry banter that adds a memorable spark to our conversation.What You Will Learn:• How John built and scaled one of Miami’s most trusted luxury real estate brands• The psychological codes behind closing swift, high-trust deals in a competitive market• Why influence is 80% human behavior — and how to decode it before a word is spoken• The crucial difference between European and American approaches to service excellence• Navigating client energy, ego, and decision-making micro-signals with finesse• The storytelling frameworks that cultivate client loyalty beyond contracts• A glimpse into John's worldview shaped by a globe-trotting life and perseveranceTimestamped Chapters for Precise Listening:00:00 Meet John Parsiani03:01 The Hidden Psychology Behind Luxury Sales09:15 Trust Dynamics with Ultra-High-Net-Worth Clients15:22 Reading Between the Lines: Human Behaviour Insights21:44 Why Europeans Get Service Differently28:10 Negotiation Energy Management35:39 The Strategic Long Game in Real Estate44:05 Lighthearted Greek vs Persian Banter52:18 Loyalty in Brand Building59:12 Crucial Leadership and Influence TakeawaysConnect Directly with John Parsiani:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrparsiani/Instagram Parsiani Real Estate: https://www.instagram.com/parsianirealestate/Parsiani Real Estate: https://www.parsiani.com/Connect with Kristina Katsanevas / Transforming the GameAll links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcastSubscribe & Engage:If this episode expanded your thinking or sharpened your influence skills, please subscribe, like, and comment. Your support powers future transformative conversations.
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David Hughes: Behind the Laughs, the Hustle & Life’s Unexpected Lessons
Nov 2600:47:59Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you sit down with one of Australia’s most beloved comedians and media personalities, the conversation digs deeper than the punchlines?In this episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina Katsanevas chats with David "Hughesy" Hughes comedian, radio and TV icon, and one of the quickest-witted Aussies you’ll ever meet. Beyond the jokes, Hughesy shares raw, hilarious, and surprisingly heartwarming stories from breaking ribs in a charity AFL game (yes, and still kicking a goal) to quitting alcohol at 21 and managing the chaos of online hate.This episode goes past the spotlight to reveal Hughesy’s perspective on ambition, reinvention, ego battles, and the liberating power of presence. Discover how he’s stayed relevant for decades, why he’s stopped worrying about what others think, and the surprising ways comedy has carried him through life’s toughest seasons.If you want to hear the real story behind the laughs and how to keep evolving when the world thinks they already know you, this episode delivers.Why You’ll Want to Listen· The truth about longevity in entertainment and media· How Hughesy turned setbacks into stories that connect· Why presence beats ego every time· The crazy tale of a charity footy game gone wrong (and right)· What quitting alcohol taught Hughesy about life and resilience· How laughter turns personal stories into universal bondsThis is a must-listen mix of belly laughs, life lessons, and the kind of honesty that stays with you long after the mic goes silent.Connect with David Hughes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhughesy/ X: https://x.com/DHughesyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialdavehughesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dhughesy Website: https://davehughes.com.au/Connect with Kristina Katsanevas / Transforming the Game All links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame Website: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcast🎧 Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIf this episode gave you a laugh, a fresh perspective, or a reality check, please follow, subscribe, and leave a comment it helps us reach more listeners who need it.
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The Untold Mindgame: rewrite your story after 40!
Nov 1600:53:26Tap to summarizeWinning the Second Half: Matt Elliott & Susan Pearce on Re-Engineering the Mind for Sustainable SuccessWhat if the greatest game you'll ever play is the one inside your mind?Why You Need to ListenDiscover why it’s never too late to win your second halfTurn pressure and failure into growth opportunitiesExplore neuroscience behind change, emotion, and habitsHear behind-the-scenes stories from elite coaching and leadershipUnlock science-based tools for focus, resilience, and performance renewalRecommended Reading Winning the Second Half by Matt Elliott and Susan Pearce – Buy on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com.au/Winning-Second-Half-Matt-Elliott/dp/1923501046 About Matt and SusanMatt Elliott is a renowned NRL coach and performance consultant known for transforming teams and mindsets at the highest levels of sport. Today he helps individuals and leaders build mental resilience, purpose, and flow through his MindFit coaching programs. Website: https://www.mattelliottcoach.com.auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/headcoachmattelliott/Website: The Change Room – Health and Well-being Susan Pearce is a bestselling author, mindfulness researcher, and speaker specialising in leadership and behavioural change. Her work in neuroscience and mindfulness helps people reconnect with their potential and lead with awareness, authenticity, and balance. Website: https://www.susanpearce.com.auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanmpearse/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-pearse-022b0311/ Watch Now & Subscribe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TransformingTheGameSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/your-podcast-linkApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/your-podcast-linkConnect with Kristina Katsanevas Links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaKatsanevasWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com If this episode helped you rethink what’s possible, please subscribe, like, and share—it helps us keep transforming the game.
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The Leverage Effect: How Women Can Build Wealth, Scale Smarter, and Use Debt the Right Way
Nov 900:34:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina Katsanevas sits down with Caroline Jean-Baptiste finance strategist, mentor, entrepreneur, and author of The Leverage Effect to unpack what it really means to build wealth as a self-employed woman.In this conversation, they break down:How to tell the difference between good debt and bad debtWhat leverage really means—and why it’s a game-changer for business ownersHow to read your numbers and forecast cash flow (without being a finance nerd)When to buy property vs. when to scale your businessWhy 86% of small businesses never sell—and how to change that outcomeCaroline’s message is simple but powerful: feel the fear and do it anyway—just make sure you’re investing in something that brings a strong return.Whether you’re a founder, freelancer, or just ready to get financially confident, this episode will show you how to turn what you already have into your next level of wealth.📘 Grab Caroline’s book The Leverage Effect here: https://www.theleverageeffect.com.au🌐 Connect with Caroline Jean-Baptiste Website: https://www.carolinejeanbaptiste.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinejean-baptisteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinejeanbaptiste💡 Connect with Kristina Katsanevas Website: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkatsaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingTheGameFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinakatsanevasMore episodes and links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameSubscribe, like, and comment to support Transforming the Game—where we uncover the strategies, stories, and mindset shifts behind people who lead, build, and transform the world around them.🎧 Listen and watch on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingTheGameApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/transforming-the-game/id1702065362Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4XQEGSYE1hSnfV0ykUn0a5
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From Battlefield to Boardroom: Leadership, Legacy, and Finding Your Why with Michael Scott CSC
Nov 300:45:22Tap to summarizeWhat does leadership look like when the stakes are life and death then again when the mission becomes meaning?In this episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina Katsanevas sits down with Colonel Michael Scott CSC, a decorated Australian Army officer turned CEO, author, and founder of the 2023 Foundation, whose mission is to educate and empower others through firsthand experience and truth-seeking.After serving in East Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Israel, Michael shares powerful lessons from three decades in the profession of arms on teamwork, humility, and what it really takes to build a high-performing culture under pressure. From leading soldiers in combat to leading communities through division, he unpacks:How to turn adversity into purpose and serviceWhy humility and followership matter as much as leadershipThe critical role of emotional intelligence in elite teamsHow to rebuild trust, accountability, and character in modern leadershipThe confronting realities of misinformation and why critical thinking is today’s new battlefieldWhy everyone should visit Israel and experience first hand the beautiful people and culture.Michael’s story is one of courage, conviction, and legacy. His book, A Light Still Burns: Israel and the Values Worth Defending, challenges us all to rethink what we stand for and how we lead when no one’s watching.🎧 Tune in to hear how one man’s journey from the front line to the foundation of a new movement is redefining what it means to serve, lead, and live with purpose.📖 Learn more about Michael and his work at https://michaelscottcsc.comFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelscottcsc/📘 Get the book A Light Still Burns: Israel and the Values Worth Defending on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1923501046👇 Watch Now & Subscribe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TransformingTheGameSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/your-podcast-linkApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/your-podcast-link🌍 Connect with Kristina Katsanevas Links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaKatsanevasWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com If this episode helped you rethink what’s possible, please subscribe, like, and share—it helps us keep transforming the game.
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