• This Moment is the Most Important | Sean Zhao of Micro-Dyn
    Feb 13 2026

    Sean's path to CEO of a healthcare software company was not part of a plan. It was a path to take in the moment. Through many unexpected moments and major life transitions, Sean developed focused attention on the present, with little worry about the past and future. He carries and shares wisdom with grace and humility, all while building a multi-million dollar company.

    Thanks for watching AS UNEXPECTED. Be sure to subscribe and and share this episode with others who are passionate about leadership, personal growth, and education. Together, let’s continue to build a community focused on bettering ourselves and making an impact in the world.

    Sponsored in part by Semester At Sea

    Website: https://www.asunexpected.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asunexpectedpodcast/videos

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    30 mins
  • See It to Know It | Bosen Lily Liu of UNESCO
    Jan 30 2026

    Lily built her career from on-the-ground observing, listening and learning; all of which provides her with an unbreakable foundation of humility and persistent drive to make a difference. She leads an international team at the United Nations Economic and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Every day, she calls on her team to "see it to know it"; only by working hand-in-hand with their in-country partners can their ambitious goals be achieved.

    Thanks for watching AS UNEXPECTED. Be sure to subscribe and and share this episode with others who are passionate about leadership, personal growth, and education. Together, let’s continue to build a community focused on bettering ourselves and making an impact in the world.

    Sponsored in part by Semester At Sea

    Website: https://www.asunexpected.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asunexpectedpodcast/videos

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    29 mins
  • Prioritizing Play, Elevating Productivity | Paige Wilhide of Yes And Co.
    Jan 16 2026

    Paige is a master of making you laugh and getting you to be playful. By doing so, she'll also make you and your team more productive. As an entrepreneur and improv expert, Paige has a brilliant story to tell about building a business by just saying 'yes'.

    Thanks for watching AS UNEXPECTED. Be sure to subscribe and and share this episode with others who are passionate about leadership, personal growth, and education. Together, let’s continue to build a community focused on bettering ourselves and making an impact in the world.

    Sponsored in part by Semester At Sea

    Website: https://www.asunexpected.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asunexpectedpodcast/videos

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    29 mins
  • Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. Serve Others. | Roy Baladi of Jobs for Humanity & Kanz
    Jan 2 2026

    Roy Baladi serves as an outstanding example of how to take chances and create solutions. He interviewed for and got a job when he wasn't a candidate. He built an online HR hiring platform from scratch. When the US market for his services disappeared overnight, he took a professional and geographic leap to Saudi Arabia to support job opportunities for women. Roy's story is inspiring and full of valuable life and career lessons

    Thanks for watching AS UNEXPECTED. Be sure to subscribe and and share this episode with others who are passionate about leadership, personal growth, and education. Together, let’s continue to build a community focused on bettering ourselves and making an impact in the world.

    Sponsored in part by Semester At Sea

    Website: https://www.asunexpected.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asunexpectedpodcast/videos

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    37 mins
  • Community at the Heart of It All | Laura Nestler of Reddit
    Dec 19 2025

    Laura Nestler has built her career on building communities. Yelp. Duolingo. And, now Reddit. Laura is driven to create thriving online communities that invite authentic conversations. To do so, she leads her team by embracing ambiguity, being present in each moment, and staying grounded in your values.


    Thanks for watching AS UNEXPECTED. Be sure to subscribe and and share this episode with others who are passionate about leadership, personal growth, and education. Together, let’s continue to build a community focused on bettering ourselves and making an impact in the world.

    Sponsored in part by Semester At Sea

    Website: https://www.asunexpected.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asunexpectedpodcast/videos

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    34 mins
  • Take One Step at a Time, Build a Global Empire | Mike Savas of Superfan Live
    Dec 5 2025

    From Bon Jovi to the Goo Goo Dolls to Metallica, Mike Savas has worked with mega-bands around the world. Recognizing an untapped market, he built a global business providing entertainment VIP services. To top it off, he is an ultra-runner, having completed the 250 km Marathon Des Sables and Copper Canyon Ultra. What's his secret? Take one step at a time and enjoy each moment.


    Thanks for watching AS UNEXPECTED. Be sure to subscribe and and share this episode with others who are passionate about leadership, personal growth, and education. Together, let’s continue to build a community focused on bettering ourselves and making an impact in the world.

    Sponsored in part by Semester At Sea

    Website: https://www.asunexpected.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asunexpectedpodcast/videos

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    29 mins
  • Create Your Reputation, or Someone Else Will | Myla Edmond of RW Jones
    Nov 21 2025

    Myla Edmonds is a storyteller, author, poet, and an expert in strategic marketing. In this episode, she discusses the differences between newsroom-style crisis management and strategic reputation-building. Her prescient message to colleagues in higher education and beyond is refocus peoples' time, resources, and attention to building reputation based on institutional values and societal value. Her wisdom and generosity shine through in each and every word.

    Thanks for watching AS UNEXPECTED. Be sure to subscribe and and share this episode with others who are passionate about leadership, personal growth, and education. Together, let’s continue to build a community focused on bettering ourselves and making an impact in the world.

    Sponsored in part by Semester At Sea

    Website: https://www.asunexpected.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asunexpectedpodcast/videos

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    22 mins
  • Interesting Turns and Hard Rights | Jill Montera of Hathor Blue
    Nov 7 2025

    Jill Montera has worked in energy, higher education, and fintech. With all of the twists and turns in her professional career, the throughlines are not obvious to most observers. They are clear to her - be a fearless learner and say 'yes' far more than 'no'. Listen to Jill's fascinating career journey, with a multitude of lessons and reflections.

    Thanks for watching AS UNEXPECTED. Be sure to subscribe and and share this episode with others who are passionate about leadership, personal growth, and education. Together, let’s continue to build a community focused on bettering ourselves and making an impact in the world.

    Sponsored in part by Semester At Sea

    Website: https://www.asunexpected.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asunexpectedpodcast/videos

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    31 mins