How do you turn passion, purpose, and disruption into legacy-driven impact? In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila welcomes Robert DeLaurentis, known as the “Peace Pilot,” Navy Gulf War veteran, author, and founder of the Citizen of the World for the World global peace movement. Robert DeLaurentis shares the secrets behind scaling a movement, leveraging business for good, and overcoming unimaginable challenges. Discover how he connects spirituality, aviation, and entrepreneurship to drive innovative change and foster peace.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Redefining Success: From business profits to pursuing legacy and impact
• The Power of Teamwork: Building mission-driven teams and community
• Business for Good: Breaking the “business vs. good” myth and tripling business through applied spirituality
• Overcoming Obstacles: The role of persistence, faith, and no-excuses leadership
• Scaling a Global Movement: Completing polar circumnavigations and turning science into action
• Transformation and Joy: Why joy—not happiness—is the true measure of a life well-lived
• Authenticity in Business: Spiritual concepts that translate to real-world results
• Inspiring Future Leaders: Engaging young minds through aviation, technology, and hands-on experience

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Peace Pilot Movie: Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Google TV PeacePilotTheMovie.com
• Robert DeLaurentis’s books including Flying Through Life, Zen Pilot, and The Little Plane That Could

Robert’s Website

• NASA Wafer-Scale Spacecraft Project
• UC Santa Barbara research on microfibers and global plastic pollution
• DeLaurentis International Airport and community programs for youth

🚀 Calls to Action:

• Watch Peace Pilot and experience Robert’s incredible journey: Find it on Amazon, Apple TV, or Google TV!
• Connect with Robert and join the mission for worldwide peace: Visit the Peace Pilot website or follow on socials.
• Rethink your approach! Incorporate purpose, spirituality, and authentic connection into your business for true impact.

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Aicila and guest Sandhya Sudhaker, founder of Self at Work and host of the Working Your Way podcast, for a dynamic conversation about transforming workplaces through trauma-informed leadership and the power of the Enneagram. Discover innovative strategies to develop authentic teams, enhance belonging, and redefine what success means in business. Whether you’re a fast-paced leader or a curious professional, this episode shares actionable insights on team engagement, business growth, personality frameworks, and inclusive leadership.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• How the Enneagram unlocks deeper team dynamics and sustainable success
• Depersonalizing workplace differences to foster belonging and engagement
• Real-life stories of team transformation with trauma-informed practices
• Why popular tips like the compliment sandwich might backfire
• Defining authentic success: moving beyond revenue goals and burnout
• Sandhya Sudhaker
• “three Cs” for diagnosing and solving team challenges
• Ways to reimagine meeting structures for greater wisdom sharing
• Tips for leaders to thrive through rapid change, reorgs, and delegation

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Self at Work: https://selfatwork.com
• Working Your Way Podcast: Available on YouTube and audio platforms
• Sandhya Sudhaker on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandhya-sudhakar/

Listen to the Working Your Way podcast for real stories and Enneagram insights!

Empower your team—connect with Sandhya Sudhaker for custom leadership workshops.

Explore more tools for authentic success at Self at Work!

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with ADHD and autism coach Neely Kimey to break down how neurodivergent business leaders are transforming traditional workspaces. Neely Kimey shares how self-trust, self-compassion, and brain-friendly systems are at the core of authentic and sustainable success. Tune in to discover how rejecting productivity myths, prioritizing joy, and designing supportive environments drive transformation for high-achieving, creative minds. Perfect for entrepreneurs and leaders who want to build a business by their own rules.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why self-trust matters more than productivity hacks for neurodivergent entrepreneurs
• The hidden costs of “cosplaying” as neurotypical in business
• How self-compassion unlocks authentic alignment and innovation
• Real-life coaching examples: From burnout to breakthroughs in work and relationships
• Ditching toxic business advice—why building your own path wins every time
• Redefining success: Ease, joy, and saying goodbye to the Sunday scaries
• The power of community, playfulness, and experimentation for business growth

Intentional Oversharing podcast by Neely Kimey

Prioritize ease and alignment in your business—define success on your terms!

Subscribe to Business as UNusual for more conversations challenging the status quo.

Ready for brain-friendly strategies? Follow Neely Kimey on LinkedIn or check out Weird and Wired Book Club to connect with fellow changemakers.

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with Venezuelan-born entrepreneur Sebastian Hidalgo to explore innovative and ethical sales strategies that defy the “used car salesman” stereotype. Sebastian Hidalgo unveils his SWAT sales system, developed from hostage negotiation and psychological operations, and shares how his approach drives extraordinary results in competitive markets. Together, they discuss the impact of AI on sales, empowering technical founders, and redefining what it means to succeed in modern business. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, consultants, and sales professionals seeking unconventional paths to success.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• How hostage negotiation tactics can ethically boost your sales
• Why effective sales is an act of service, not manipulation
• The SWAT sales system: Empathy, diagnosis, and trust-building over pressure tactics
• Navigating AI in sales—how staying human sets you apart
• Empowering non-sales founders to confidently charge what they’re worth
• Making the shift from “doing” to delegating as you grow your business
• Reframing business success and common advice that backfires

Connect with Sebastian Hidalgo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-dp-hidalgo/

Level up your sales game! Learn more about the SWAT sales system and how to close extraordinary deals—connect with Sebastian Hidalgo on LinkedIn.

Rethink your approach—embrace the art of ethical influence and put trust at the heart of your business.

Ready to transform your founder mindset? Listen to this episode and discover why separation between self-worth and pricing is key!

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila welcomes international speaker, bestselling author, and confidence coach Simone Knego to the show. Discover how Simone Knego empowers women to overcome self-doubt, build unshakable confidence, and lead with authenticity in every aspect of life and business. Through her unique philosophy of kitchen table leadership, Simone Knego shares actionable strategies and stories that inspire sustainable growth and meaningful success beyond conventional measures.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What is kitchen table leadership and why it matters
• Understanding and overcoming self-doubt in women and entrepreneurs
• How to reframe your self-talk for genuine confidence
• Why confidence is a skill—practical ways to build it
• The transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone
• Redefining success: happiness over titles and dollar signs
• The REAL Method framework: Respect yourself, Embrace failures, Ask what you want, Live without limits
• Why setting boundaries is crucial for intentional growth
• New book: Real Confidence and upcoming programs
• The importance of storytelling and helping women thrive

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Simone Knego’s website- https://simoneknego.com
• Real Confidence book
• Her Unshakable Confidence Podcast

Level up your leadership—practice the REAL Method today!

Pre-order Simone Knego’s upcoming book "Real Confidence" for frameworks and bonus content

Sign up for group coaching or masterminds and step outside your comfort zone

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with equity strategist and executive coach Danielle Marshall to unpack the practical realities of fostering inclusion and navigating polarization in today’s business world. Danielle Marshall, founder of Culture Principles, shares actionable strategies for organizations seeking to move beyond buzzwords like DEI and embrace authentic, effective culture change. The conversation covers everything from communication basics and accountability to curiosity as a leadership tool—highlighting what it takes to create trust, resilience, and lasting success within diverse teams.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• How to coach and communicate effectively in a polarized environment
• Why language matters less than commitment in diversity, equity, and inclusion work
• Re-framing accountability and grace within team cultures
• Moving past “toxic workplace” labels—designing intentional, thriving cultures
• The strategic use of curiosity: from soft skill to powerful change agent
• Tackling perfectionism and paternalism in leadership
• Operationalizing core values instead of just naming them
• Community engagement: asset-based approaches for nonprofit and corporate work
• Defining and measuring success as a modern leader

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• LinkedIn: Danielle Marshall
• Danielle Marshall’s Playbook on Curiosity for Difficult Conversations: https://www.culture-principles.com/resources/the-curiosity-playbook/
• TEDx Talk by Danielle Marshall: https://youtu.be/JFP8D4Ymlu0?si=K5-NGXk2wUXySpmm

Download Danielle Marshall’s curiosity playbook to transform your next tough conversation!

Reflect on your organization: Are you fostering accountability and curiosity, or just naming values? Start a team conversation today!

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with Lorraine Connell, founder of Peers Not Fears and expert in teen leadership development. Together, they dive into breaking the traditional leadership mold, empowering youth who might never see themselves as leaders, and the transformative power of deliberate practice and resilience. From her upcoming TEDx talk to hands-on middle school leadership programs, Lorraine shares actionable insights on fostering growth mindsets, encouraging authentic community building, and why letting go of control unleashes real innovation—in and out of the classroom.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why leadership is a learned skill, not a born trait
• The dangers of “just”—how language limits potential
• Empowering unassuming leaders: Class clowns, rebels, and the quiet few
• How confidence and leadership are built through practice
• Flipping the “control” myth in education and business
• Why mistakes are the foundation for growth in leadership
• Building sustainable, engaged school communities through peer mentorship
• The ripple effect of positive, intentional leadership programs
• Lorraine Connell’s upcoming TEDx talk and her advice for her younger self

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Peers Not Fears Website: https://www.peersnotfears.com
• Lorraine Connell on Instagram: @peersnotfears

Rethink leadership! Challenge yourself to use empowering language and drop the word “just” from how you define yourself or others—see what changes.

Encourage real growth: Mentor or support someone who doesn’t fit the “typical” leader mold. Authentic leaders come from unexpected places.

Join the conversation: Connect with Lorraine on Instagram @peersnotfears and share how you’re cultivating UNusual leadership in your community!

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila is joined by artist Gretchen Andrew, whose Facetuned Universal Beauty series boldly explores the insidious effects of AI beauty filters on self-image, diversity, and wellness. Together, they dissect how algorithms erase individuality and change culture, why even the world’s “most beautiful” people aren’t immune, and the high personal and business costs of digital perfection. If you want actionable insights into the intersection of technology, artistry, and human thriving—the show delivers.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• How AI beauty filters reshape global beauty standards
• The hidden mental health impact of algorithm-driven perfection
• Why “unfiltered” authenticity is a crucial business and life asset
• The surprising rise in beauty-related procedures among men
• What success looks like when you are paid and celebrated for being yourself

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Gretchen Andrew’s website: gretchenandrew.com
• Instagram: @gretchenandrew

💡 Challenge yourself: Try a filter on a photo and see how it shapes your own standards—then start a conversation about it with friends or colleagues.

👀 Follow Gretchen Andrew on Instagram and subscribe to her newsletter for updates on exhibitions, workshops, and new projects that promote radical authenticity.

📣 Share this episode with someone struggling with digital perfection or unrealistic standards—help spread awareness and support!

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.