Transformational Thinkers with Sara Sheehan cover art

Transformational Thinkers with Sara Sheehan

Transformational Thinkers with Sara Sheehan

By: Sara Sheehan
Listen for free

The business world is brewing up a storm. Let's thrive in these extraordinary times together! This is a clarion call to Transformational Thinkers across the globe who are ready to rise up and successfully lead change in their teams. Every other week, Change Consultant Sara Sheehan talks with leaders and experts to spotlight real-world stories in the change management space. You will walk away with the latest change strategies to empower your employees, enhance your creativity and communication, and establish your legacy as a leader in business.2026 Sara Sheehan Consulting, LLC Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • How Purpose-Built AI Empowers CEOs to Drive Business Transformation and Exponential Growth

    How Purpose-Built AI Empowers CEOs to Drive Business Transformation and Exponential Growth
    Jun 23 2026
    What separates organizations that successfully leverage artificial intelligence from those that struggle to realize value? According to Andrew Brooks, the answer lies in moving beyond generic AI assistants and focusing on purpose-built AI solutions tailored to how a business operates. In this insightful conversation, Andrew shares lessons learned from decades of entrepreneurship building and scaling technology companies, including SMB Live, SmartThings, and now Contextual. Andrew explains why entrepreneurs must develop deep conviction when pursuing new opportunities and how successful founders identify market gaps before the broader market can fully define them. He reflects on the entrepreneurial mindset required to build enduring businesses and the importance of maintaining relentless forward progress, even during periods of uncertainty. Sara and Andrew dive deeply into the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Andrew introduces the philosophy behind "own your AI," arguing that AI should become a core strategic asset rather than a rented feature inside a software platform. He explains why AI is emerging as a new business layer alongside people, process, and technology, and how organizations can create defensible competitive advantages through customized AI solutions. Andrew also shares fascinating insights from his experience completing seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. He discusses how endurance athletics reinforced a leadership principle that continues to guide his entrepreneurial journey: relentless forward progress. Sara and Andrew emphasize that the pace of AI innovation will not slow down. Leaders who wait for stability before acting risk being overtaken by faster-moving competitors. Instead, organizations should begin experimenting, learning, and building internal capabilities today. This episode is essential listening for CEOs, founders, executives, private equity leaders, and transformational thinkers seeking to leverage AI for sustainable competitive advantage and long-term business growth. Join Sara and Andrew for a compelling conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, AI transformation, and the future of work. Key Moments: 00:02:15 | From Chemistry to Technology Entrepreneurship Andrew Brooks shares his journey from studying chemistry at Princeton to launching and scaling multiple successful technology companies. 00:05:40 | The Entrepreneurial Drive Behind Serial Success Andrew discusses why he continued building companies after the success of SmartThings and what fuels his passion for innovation. 00:06:46 | Recognizing Market Gaps Before Everyone Else Learn how entrepreneurs develop conviction, identify emerging opportunities, and build businesses around underserved markets. 00:09:06 | Why CEOs Need to "Own Their AI" Andrew explains why organizations should view AI as a strategic asset rather than simply another software feature. 00:11:52 | Moving Beyond AI Automation to Business Transformation The conversation explores how AI can create entirely new revenue streams and unlock strategic growth opportunities. 00:13:33 | Inside Solution AI and AI Building AI Andrew introduces Contextual's Solution AI approach and explains how AI can accelerate the development of production-ready business solutions. 00:18:02 | The Real Barriers to Enterprise AI Adoption Discover the biggest challenges organizations face when implementing AI, from data complexity to change management. 00:22:23 | The Rise of the AI Transformation Partner Andrew discusses the evolving role of consultants and advisors in helping organizations navigate AI-driven transformation. 00:26:09 | What Separates AI Ready CEOs from Everyone Else The discussion examines leadership mindsets that accelerate AI adoption and the risks of viewing AI only as a cost-cutting tool. 00:27:44 | Human Adaptation in the Age of Rapid AI Change Andrew explains how organizations can accelerate adoption by embedding AI into familiar workflows and systems. 00:32:18 | Which Jobs Are Most Vulnerable to AI? A candid discussion on automation, customer service, sales, creative work, and how AI will reshape the workforce. 00:36:34 | Endurance Athletics, Leadership, and Relentless Forward Progress Andrew shares lessons from completing seven marathons on seven continents in seven days and how endurance sports shaped his leadership philosophy. 00:40:36 | Knowing When to Stay the Course as a Founder Drawing from the SmartThings journey, Andrew explains how leaders can distinguish conviction from denial when facing competitive threats. 00:44:31 | What Every CEO Must Do Differently About AI Now Andrew closes with practical advice for executives on navigating the accelerating pace of AI innovation and leveraging talent already inside their organizations. Resources mentioned in this episode: ContextualSmartThingsThe Rational Optimist by Matt RidleyRelentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons by Bryon Powell About Andrew Brooks...
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • How Maria Colacurcio Is Transforming Pay Equity, AI Governance, and Compensation Decision Intelligence

    How Maria Colacurcio Is Transforming Pay Equity, AI Governance, and Compensation Decision Intelligence
    Jun 9 2026
    What does it take to build category-defining companies, lead through massive technological change, and still maintain perspective on what matters most? In this inspiring episode of Transformational Thinkers, Sara Sheehan sits down with Maria Colacurcio, CEO of Syndio and co-founder of Smartsheet, to discuss the intersection of leadership, AI, pay equity, and personal growth. Maria shares how her experiences as an entrepreneur, executive, athlete, wife, and mother have shaped her belief that leaders must develop change agility to succeed in today's rapidly evolving business environment. Maria reflects on her experience launching Smartsheet and the lessons learned from building a company amid economic uncertainty, product pivots, and the challenges of scaling a startup from an idea to a public company. She explains why some of the hardest moments often become the most meaningful chapters in an entrepreneur’s journey and why learning to do hard things remains one of the most valuable leadership skills. They discuss Syndio and its mission to transform compensation management. Maria discusses the company’s evolution from a pay equity platform to a comprehensive pay decision-intelligence solution. She explains how increasing pay-transparency regulations, global compliance requirements, and advancements in artificial intelligence have created an opportunity to rethink how organizations make compensation decisions. Sara and Maria also explore what it takes to create entirely new market categories, build momentum around innovation, and recognize when organizations need to pause, validate strategy, and prepare for their next stage of growth. Maria shares why leadership teams must evolve alongside the business and how bringing in specialized expertise can accelerate transformation when the timing is right. Beyond business, Maria offers a fascinating look into her success as a competitive HYROX athlete. She explains how training for world-class competition has strengthened her resilience, sharpened her mindset, and reinforced lessons that apply directly to entrepreneurship and leadership. Her perspective on pushing beyond perceived limitations provides powerful takeaways for anyone pursuing ambitious goals. Whether you are leading organizational change, navigating AI adoption, building a high-growth company, or striving to become a stronger or better leader, this episode delivers practical insights and inspiration for embracing transformation with confidence. Tune in to discover how change agility, responsible AI, and intentional leadership can help organizations create fairer workplaces and achieve extraordinary outcomes. Key Moments: 00:00:01 | Meet Maria Colacurcio Sara introduces Maria Colacurcio, CEO of Syndio, co-founder of Smartsheet, HYROX World Champion, and mother of seven. 00:00:25 | Beyond the LinkedIn Profile Maria shares why family, relationships, and life experiences are just as important as professional accomplishments in defining who we are. 00:01:55 | Recognition Beyond Gender Maria discusses being named one of Goldman Sachs' 100 Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs and why recognition without gender qualifiers matters. 00:04:20 | Lessons from Building Smartsheet Maria reflects on co-founding Smartsheet, navigating startup challenges, and learning that hard experiences often become the most treasured memories. 00:08:16 | Why Doing Hard Things Matters The conversation explores resilience, mindset, and how overcoming difficult challenges builds leadership capability. 00:09:04 | The Evolution of Syndio's Mission Maria explains how Syndio expanded from pay equity into AI-powered compensation decision intelligence. 00:13:56 | Revolutionizing Compensation Decisions How AI, transparency, and data are helping organizations make fairer, smarter, and more strategic pay decisions. 00:15:07 | Becoming a First-Time CEO Maria shares the personal and family support system that gave her the confidence to step into the CEO role. 00:17:52 | The Power of Change Agility Why leaders must continually evaluate their ability to evolve alongside their organizations. 00:18:32 | Building an Entirely New Category Maria reveals what it takes to create momentum, define a new market category, and know when the timing is right to scale. 00:22:21 | Earning Trust with Sensitive Data How Syndio manages compensation data for global enterprises while meeting rigorous AI governance and compliance standards. 00:26:11 | When AI Became the Future of Syndio The moment Maria realized AI was not simply a feature but a foundational shift for the company. 00:31:25 | Scaling Trust Across 10 Million Employees How Syndio's platform helps organizations govern pay decisions across 100 countries while maintaining transparency and accountability. 00:34:45 | Building the Next Leadership Team Maria discusses Syndio's leadership expansion and why deep functional expertise became critical for the company's next growth phase. 00:37:37 | HYROX ...
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Live Podcasting and Infinite-Seat Theaters: How Jeff Revilla is Transforming Creator Monetization and Audience Engagement

    Live Podcasting and Infinite-Seat Theaters: How Jeff Revilla is Transforming Creator Monetization and Audience Engagement
    May 26 2026
    In this episode of Transformational Thinkers, Sara Sheehan welcomes Jeff Revilla, founder of the Infinite-Seat Theater concept and longtime podcast creator, to discuss how live podcasting is creating a new path forward for independent creators. Jeff explains that traditional podcast monetization through advertising often fails independent podcasters because only a small percentage of shows reach the download thresholds required for ad revenue. Instead of chasing CPM-based advertising models, Jeff encourages creators to focus on building real-world audience experiences that generate revenue immediately through ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and live engagement. Inspired by the “Moneyball” philosophy, Jeff shares how he bootstrapped a podcast theater model designed specifically for small and mid-level podcasters. His concept transforms affordable local venues into intimate podcast performance spaces that can simultaneously reach in-person audiences and unlimited virtual attendees through hybrid live-streaming. Sara and Jeff explore how Infinite-Seat Theaters work, including how creators can start with small audiences and still create financially sustainable events. Jeff explains that even a live audience of 10 to 20 people can dramatically outperform traditional podcast downloads while helping creators build audience loyalty and long-term community engagement. Throughout the episode, Jeff shares examples of creators leveraging live podcasting across multiple genres, including sports, paranormal storytelling, trivia, politics, motherhood content, parenting, and educational programming. Sara highlights how the model creates credibility for creators by elevating podcasts from home studio productions into live public experiences. Jeff also breaks down the layered monetization strategies available to podcasters through live events, including: • Ticket sales • VIP experiences • Merchandise sales • Sponsorship placements • BYOB ticket upgrades • Audience participation experiences • Hybrid virtual attendance Sara and Jeff discuss the growing consumer demand for authentic in-person experiences in response to increasingly digital and AI-driven environments. Jeff explains why he believes small live podcast venues will become a critical stepping stone for creators seeking to grow into larger conferences, theaters, and touring opportunities. The conversation also explores entrepreneurship and leadership transformation. Jeff candidly shares the emotional highs and lows of building a new business model, the importance of maintaining resilience through uncertainty, and why bootstrapping and resourcefulness helped him bring his vision to life. As the episode closes, Jeff shares his long-term vision for a nationwide network of podcast theaters that allow creators to tour cities the same way comedians and musicians do today. He encourages creators to embrace their unique voices, stop waiting for permission, and build meaningful experiences that create lasting impact for their audiences. This episode offers powerful insights for creators, entrepreneurs, CEOs, marketers, and transformational thinkers looking to understand the future of podcasting, creator monetization, audience engagement, and experiential business models. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Live Podcasting and Infinite-Seat Theaters Sara Sheehan introduces entrepreneur and podcast innovator Jeff Revilla to discuss how live podcasting is transforming creator monetization and audience engagement. 01:15 Why Traditional Podcast Monetization Fails Most Creators Jeff explains why CPM advertising models leave most podcasters unable to generate meaningful revenue and why creators need new monetization strategies. 03:10 The Birth of the Infinite-Seat Theater Concept Jeff shares how he developed a scalable live podcasting model that works in small towns, coffee shops, bars, and flexible event spaces. 05:13 How Infinite-Seat Theaters Change Podcast Economics Jeff explains how small podcast theaters can scale beyond physical capacity through hybrid streaming and virtual audiences. 07:27 Why Even Small Live Audiences Create Big Value Sara and Jeff discuss how podcasters can generate revenue and build community even with modest in-person and virtual attendance. 09:08 Hybrid Podcasting and Virtual Audience Engagement Jeff breaks down how live podcast stages become interactive portals connecting hosts, guests, virtual attendees, and in-person audiences. 10:26 Early Reactions to the Infinite-Seat Theater Model Jeff reflects on how podcasters and creators responded when they first encountered the live podcast theater concept. 11:52 The Different Types of Podcasts Thriving in Live Events From paranormal storytelling to sports podcasts and author interviews, Jeff explains the wide range of creators succeeding with live podcasting. 13:39 How Live Podcasting Deepens Audience Relationships Jeff shares how immersive live podcast experiences create ...
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet