The business world filled with noise, pressure, and distraction, and sometimes the most powerful thing a leader can do may seem counterintuitive: pause.

In this deeply resonant episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, entrepreneur, author, and global thought leader Faisal Hoque joined hosts Stephen Sakach, Mike Liwski, and Tullio Siragusa for a conversation that reframed mindfulness — not as a wellness trend, but as a strategic leadership imperative.

Mindfulness Is Not Meditation — It’s Presence

While many associate mindfulness with meditation cushions and moments of solitude, Faisal defines it differently. Mindfulness, he explains, is about being fully present in the moment, regardless of the task. Whether you’re leading a company through transformation or sweeping a floor at 2 a.m., it’s about quieting the noise and engaging fully with what’s in front of you.

His journey began as a young immigrant janitor in Southern Illinois, hearing his supervisor’s strange mantra — “Be one with the floor.” He didn’t understand it at the time. But years later, after building companies, studying Zen in Japan, and navigating the complexities of leadership, he realized it was a profound teaching in disguise. That simple statement became the root of a lifelong practice in focus, intention, and self-awareness.

The Leadership Advantage of Mindfulness

Faisal’s perspective is clear: mindfulness isn’t about checking out — it’s about tuning in. For leaders, it’s the tool that cultivates clarity in chaos, empathy in pressure, and resilience in uncertainty.

And the data backs him up.

According to a 2023 study by the American Psychological Association, companies that implemented mindfulness practices experienced a 21% boost in productivity and a 30% drop in stress-related absenteeism. Another study by Korn Ferry found that emotionally intelligent teams delivered 31% better performance outcomes. Clearly, presence pays off.

When a leader is grounded, Faisal says, others feel it. They’re inspired. They’re engaged. They follow not because they must, but because they want to.

From Focus to Innovation

One of the most compelling points in the episode is the link between mindfulness and creativity. In a world of constant distractions, focus has become a competitive advantage. Mindful leaders — those who listen deeply, observe patiently, and slow down before reacting — are better equipped to see patterns, spot opportunities, and make thoughtful decisions.

As Faisal shares from his book Everything Connects, true innovation doesn’t come from always being the loudest voice in the room. It comes from cultivating curiosity, practicing active listening, and encouraging diverse perspectives.

In mindful organizations, people aren’t just cogs in a machine — they are seen, heard, and invited to contribute meaningfully.

AI and the Role of Conscious Leadership

As the conversation turned toward the future, Faisal introduced ideas from his upcoming book, Transcend, which explores the intersection of AI and human-centered leadership.

His take is refreshingly balanced: AI can elevate human potential — but only if we use it mindfully. Without ethical grounding, data becomes dangerous. But with intention, AI can help leaders scale emotional intelligence, deepen human connection, and turn purpose into a living practice.

Faisal’s frameworks, OPEN and CARE, are designed to help organizations do just that — stay open to innovation while centering care for people, culture, and ethics.

Love, Accountability, and the Next Era of Business

When asked if love belongs in business, Faisal didn’t hesitate. Yes, he said. But not the romantic kind. The kind that shows up as care for craft, connection to others, and a commitment to a purpose beyond profit.

Love in leadership, he argued, requires accountability. It’s not soft. It’s serious. And it’s essential if we want to build companies that thrive — inside and out.

Final Thoughts

Mindfulness isn’t a luxury for leaders — it’s a necessity. In a time when burnout is rising, attention spans are shrinking, and trust is hard to earn, leaders who can pause, listen, and lead with intention will be the ones who make the greatest impact.

This episode reminds us that real innovation begins within. When leaders cultivate inner clarity, they create space for creativity, connection, and conscious change.

If you’re feeling scattered or unsure of your next step — this conversation might be exactly the grounding breath you need.

Check out our full conversation with Faisal Hoque on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

In the business world, “love” might seem like an out-of-place word — too soft, too emotional, too personal. But what if we told you that love, in its truest and most conscious form, could be the single most powerful driver of organizational health, innovation, and long-term success?

In a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sat down with biologist and thought leader David Sloan Wilson to explore the intersection of consciousness, love, and business. With decades of research into human cooperation, group dynamics, and cultural evolution, David brings a unique lens to what it means to lead with intention — and how love isn’t just a feeling, but a framework for thriving teams and economies.

Rethinking Business as a Living System

One of the core ideas David shares is that organizations aren’t machines — they’re living systems. And like any ecosystem, they flourish when trust, connection, and shared purpose are present.

Leadership, then, is not about enforcing control but nurturing the conditions where people can grow. In this view, love isn’t abstract or idealistic — it’s structural. It’s embedded in how companies design policies, support their teams, and define success. Leaders who embrace this paradigm shift aren’t just building profitable companies — they’re creating cultures that foster well-being, belonging, and meaning.

The Consciousness Gap in Leadership

During our conversation, David pointed out a growing awareness among leaders who are starting to realize that traditional command-and-control methods no longer cut it. In a complex, rapidly changing world, emotional intelligence and conscious decision-making are fast becoming the most valuable assets in a leader’s toolkit.

Consciousness, as David frames it, is about intentionality. It’s about stepping out of autopilot and asking: What is this business really here to do? How does our purpose serve not just our bottom line, but our people and the broader world?

This isn’t about abandoning capitalism — it’s about evolving it. Moving from a model of extraction to one of regeneration.

Love as a Business Strategy

When asked whether love belongs in business, David doesn’t hesitate — absolutely. But not as a vague or sentimental idea. Love, in business, shows up in policies that prioritize psychological safety. In leadership practices that cultivate trust. In branding that reflects real empathy and emotional intelligence.

We explored how love plays out in team dynamics, customer relationships, and decision-making. And perhaps most importantly, how it becomes contagious — spreading through organizational culture and shaping the stories we tell about success.

From Theory to Action: Leading with Consciousness

So, how do leaders actually begin this shift? Here are a few takeaways from the conversation:

• Build with intention. Don’t just define your company’s values — live them in every policy, hire, and campaign.
• Design for trust. Create systems where collaboration is rewarded, feedback is normalized, and people feel safe to contribute fully.
• Be vulnerable. Leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers — it means creating space for growth, dialogue, and shared problem-solving.
• Focus on meaning. People don’t just want to work — they want to matter. Connect daily tasks to a higher purpose.
• Scale consciousness. Use tools, frameworks, and yes — even technology — to support alignment, awareness, and emotional connection across the organization.

The Future of Work is Human — and Conscious

David Sloan Wilson’s work reminds us that businesses are not just economic engines. They are cultural forces. They are vessels for shaping how people treat each other, how communities thrive, and how we define progress.

At The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re proud to explore these deeper questions with guests who are challenging norms and building businesses with soul.

So next time you think about your company’s goals, don’t just ask what you want to achieve. Ask who you want to become — and how love, consciousness, and courage can guide the way.

Check out our full conversation with David Sloan Wilson on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

In the creative industries, competition often overshadows collaboration. But what happens when a group of young creatives decides to rewrite that script — and build a community rooted in empathy, trust, and shared purpose?

In this special episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, hosts Stephen and Tullio sit down with Ash Maher and Andrew Montez, co-founders of Awaken Radio Club, for a conversation that challenges everything we think we know about community building in cutthroat spaces.

The Birth of a Movement

Awaken Radio Club didn’t begin as a startup or a business strategy — it began with a choice.

Faced with the opportunity to seize a DJ slot for himself, Ash made a different call. Instead of stepping over others to take the gig, he opened the door to fellow artists. That moment of selflessness sparked a chain reaction — and became the foundation for what would become Awaken Radio Club: a community built on inclusion, collaboration, and purpose.

Their approach? Strip away the gatekeeping and create a space where emerging artists feel seen, supported, and inspired.

From Family Legacy to Future Vision

Both Ash and Andrew bring deeply personal stories to this movement. Ash’s desire to pursue music was inspired by his grandmother, a renowned performer in Iran. Andrew, a young producer with roots in EDM and a deep love for the craft, recognized the lack of support and opportunity for new artists.

Together, they weren’t just building gigs. They were building a space where people could thrive.

As Andrew put it, “You’re not only an artist that works with me, but you’re my friend. If we don’t have that connection, why are we even showing up?”

Why Culture and Consciousness Matter

The conversation dives deep into the “why” behind community building. In creative industries especially, egos and competition can dominate. But at Awaken, mutual respect and emotional intelligence lead the way.

Each member is treated as a whole human being, with their own story, challenges, and purpose. This level of emotional safety allows individuals to not only perform — but grow. “It’s about helping people experience their bliss,” Ash shares.

And the results? They speak for themselves. From packed events to heartfelt testimonials, Awaken has evolved from a DJ collective into something much more powerful: a living culture of empathy, empowerment, and authentic connection.

A Movement Fueled by Love

One of the most moving parts of the conversation is when Ash and Andrew reflect on the role love plays in their work. “It’s the foundation,” they both agree. Whether it’s welcoming someone new, helping a struggling artist, or just showing up with kindness — love drives every decision.

“When people say this changed their life, that they finally feel like they belong… that’s why we do it.”

Final Thoughts: A New Way Forward

The story of Awaken Radio Club is a reminder that business, artistry, and community don’t have to be at odds. We can create cultures where generosity outshines ego, where people rise together, and where purpose — not profit — leads the way.

It all starts with one question: What can I bring to the space?

Listen to the full conversation with Ash Maher and Andrew Montez on The Bliss Business Podcast — and discover what’s possible when we choose connection over competition.

Check out our full conversation with Ash Maher and Andrew Montez on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

What does it take to build a business that brings people joy — not just once, but over a lifetime?

In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we met Jim Carpenter, founder and CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, the largest backyard bird feeding and nature specialty franchise in North America. With over 350 locations, Jim has done more than sell bird feeders — he’s fostered a movement rooted in connection, joy, and nature.

But Wild Birds Unlimited isn’t just a retail brand. It’s a culture built around something far deeper: delivering daily moments of peace, awe, and community through a shared love of birds and nature. Jim’s story is one of mission-driven growth, sustainable leadership, and the power of staying true to your values — even as you scale.

A Business Built on Joy

Jim’s journey began over four decades ago when, unemployed and unsure of his next steps, he followed his passion for birdwatching and opened a small shop in Indianapolis. What started as a personal interest quickly became something more: a joyful refuge for others.

From the beginning, joy wasn’t a marketing slogan — it was part of the company’s DNA. In fact, Jim includes it right at the top of Wild Birds Unlimited’s mission and vision documents. “We bring joy into our customers’ lives,” he says. “That’s the first thing we say.”

But joy, as Jim emphasizes, doesn’t just happen. It’s something you design for, reinforce, and commit to daily. His approach includes writing a strategic white paper each year that outlines where the company is headed — and why. This deep intentionality helps ensure that everyone, from headquarters to individual store owners, is aligned in purpose.

The Power of Culture, Consistency, and Connection

One of the most impressive aspects of Wild Birds Unlimited is how it maintains such a strong and joyful culture across hundreds of locations. Jim credits this to a mix of mindset training, values-based leadership, and a relentless focus on customer relationships.

Instead of transactional interactions, store employees are trained to create meaningful experiences. Walking into one of their stores is meant to feel like entering a refuge — not just for birds, but for people. Birdsong plays softly in the background. Educational materials are at hand. And employees are ready not just to sell, but to advise, connect, and serve.

This emphasis on emotional connection pays off. According to a Harvard Business Review study, brands that emotionally connect with customers see a 306% higher lifetime value. Wild Birds Unlimited is living proof of that.

Franchise Growth Without Compromising Soul

What’s perhaps most remarkable is how Wild Birds Unlimited has scaled its mission without diluting it. As Jim puts it, “Every company has a culture — it’s either intentional or accidental.” Through franchisee support, regional coaching, shared best practices, and robust community-building, the company has maintained a strong sense of identity across hundreds of independently owned stores.

That culture extends beyond the customer experience. Jim shared how Wild Birds Unlimited recently became 30% employee-owned through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), allowing employees to directly benefit from the company’s success. It’s a powerful example of conscious capitalism — where all stakeholders, not just shareholders, win.

Nature as a Teacher, Business as a Gift

Throughout the episode, Jim returns again and again to one theme: everything in business (and nature) is connected. From the way birds return to a well-placed feeder, to the way joy ripples out from a single store experience, it’s all about relationships.

Even something as simple as putting bird cams in your backyard — something Jim still does — becomes a metaphor for leadership: being present, observing, listening.

And when customers choose to visit a Wild Birds Unlimited store, Jim sees it as a gift. “They had dozens of other places they could go,” he says. “So when they come to us, we owe them something special in return.”

Final Thoughts

Jim Carpenter’s story is a reminder that scaling a joyful, human-centered business is not only possible — it’s powerful. When you lead with purpose, prioritize people, and treat every customer interaction as an opportunity for connection, you create something far more lasting than a business.

You create community. You create trust. You create joy.

And in today’s noisy, fast-paced world, that might just be the greatest differentiator of all.

Check out the full episode on The Bliss Business Podcast to hear more from Jim about leadership, joy, nature, and building a business that makes people — and birds — feel right at home.

Check out our full conversation with Jim Carpenter on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

In a world defined by volatility, rapid change, and increasing digital disconnection, many organizations are asking the same question: What kind of leadership do we need now?

The answer may not lie in new technology or performance metrics — but in something profoundly human.

In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, executive coach and founder of the Center for Modern Workforce Strategy, Marisa Leigh Valente, introduces us to the powerful concept of warm leadership. More than just empathy in action, warm leadership is about presence, resonance, and creating the kind of trust-filled environments where creativity, vulnerability, and growth can truly thrive.

Merging Strength with Care

Traditional leadership models, rooted in control, compliance, and structure, were forged in the industrial era. But as Marisa points out, “We’re not building widgets anymore. We’re facilitating creative potential.” Warm leadership acknowledges that people don’t produce their best work in fear-based environments. They flourish when leaders lead not just with direction — but with intention.

Warm leadership isn’t about being nice. It’s about showing up fully. It’s about creating psychological safety. And it’s about building cultures where strength and compassion coexist.

Holding Space, Not Just Power

One of the most resonant metaphors Marisa shared was the idea of “defrosting.” Just as warm water brings frozen hands back to life, warm leadership melts rigidity and opens people up. It’s not about command — it’s about catalyzing.

Unlike soft power, which is often strategic and persuasive, warm leadership is immersive. It’s less about directing outcomes and more about creating conditions where greatness can emerge naturally. It’s in the way we show up, the way we listen, and how much of our hearts we’re willing to share at work.

As Marisa shared, “You can’t measure it in a spreadsheet — but you can feel it.”

Resonance Over ROI

While businesses often look for measurable outcomes to validate new approaches, warm leadership calls for a different lens. ROI isn’t irrelevant — but when the focus becomes solely numeric, we miss the deeper, more transformative impact of connection.

The good news? There’s growing evidence that warmth drives performance. Empathetic companies outperform their counterparts, see higher retention, and attract top talent. But the bigger payoff may be cultural. As Mike Liwski noted, “People don’t just want to be led — they want to be seen, understood, and inspired.”

Leading Remote and Hybrid Teams with Warmth

In an increasingly remote and hybrid work world, many leaders worry about how to maintain connection. But Marisa reminds us that warmth is not tied to physical presence. It’s felt through energy, intention, and authenticity.

Presence isn’t about proximity — it’s about attention.

Whether it’s a video call, a Slack message, or a shared moment in a virtual meeting, leaders have endless opportunities to “be with” their teams — if they’re willing to show up fully.

Rebuilding Trust, Redefining Leadership

When leaders shift from control to curation, the initial response from teams is often skepticism. Can this warmth be trusted? Is this change real?

The answer, Marisa says, lies in consistency. Building trust means depositing “marbles in the jar” every day — small acts of care, integrity, and follow-through. And just as trust can be built, it can be easily lost. Leadership today demands emotional fluency and the humility to own mistakes and stay present.

The Emerging Workforce Wants More

Perhaps the most urgent reason to embrace warm leadership? The next generation demands it.

Younger employees are hungry for meaning, mentoring, and emotional intelligence. They’re uninterested in top-down control but deeply invested in learning and self-awareness. They want to grow — and they want leaders who are evolving, too.

As Marisa wisely notes, “You can’t lead a generation of self-aware people unless you’re willing to be self-aware yourself.”

Final Thoughts: From Performance to Presence

The future of leadership isn’t about bigger KPIs or tighter controls — it’s about resonance. Warm leadership doesn’t abandon accountability — it reframes it through a lens of care, trust, and humanity.

It asks leaders to stop managing from above and start showing up beside.

And in doing so, it unlocks something extraordinary: workplaces where people don’t just work — they belong.

If that sounds like a business worth building, you’ll want to listen to this episode.

Check out our full conversation with Marisa Leigh Valente on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog