In Episode 29, Part 1 of this two-part dialogue, hosts Kerry L. Bass and Peggy O’Neal welcome Dr.Shamim Bodhanya to the Leadership Luminaries Lounge for a rich exploration of leadership rooted in non-duality, systems thinking, and integrated human development. Their conversation traces Dr. Bodhanya’s global journey and philosophical foundation, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of wicked problems, ethics, and the interconnected nature of modern leadership.

Dr. Shamim Bodhanya is Director of the Leadership Dialogue, a consultant, researcher, facilitator, and keynote speaker specializing in systems thinking and complex adaptive systems. He brings over 14 years of industrial experience and 23 years across academia, consulting, and executive training. Shamim has facilitated strategy and organizational effectiveness for major corporations and trained hundreds of leaders in strategy, change, and leadership. He leads the South Africa Values20 sustainability research team and developed the Wicked Problem-Solving Methodology and Toolkit. He holds a PhD in Leadership and Strategy, an International MBA, and an engineering degree.

Contact Dr. Shamin at:

shamim@leadershipdialogue.co.za

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamimbodhanya/

https://leadershipdialogue.co.za//

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

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In this episode, Dr. Charles Dhanaraj explores the courageous mindset leaders need to thrive in times of uncertainty. The conversation highlights how moral courage and strategic intuition help leaders see a faint path forward and act decisively. We discuss why belonging and trust are the foundation for team confidence, and how leaders can balance vulnerability with strength to create collective sensing. Real-world examples—from Captain Sully’s Hudson River landing to Jamie Dimon’s bold decisions during the 2008 financial crisis—illustrate what it takes to lead with conviction when the future is unclear.

Charles Dhanaraj is J. Mack Robinson Professor of International Business and Academic Director of DBA Program at Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA. Dhanaraj is an elected Fellow of the Academy of International Business. His research has contributed several insights on strategic partnerships, innovation and leadership. He has published in top academic journals, including Strategic Management Journal, Journal of International Business Studies, Academy of Management Review, and Harvard Business Review. He has written several award-winning cases. In his current research, Dhanaraj is studying three challenges at the intersection of digitalization and globalization, with special focus on entrepreneurship and geopolitics. As a strategy and international business expert, he has taught in executive education programs at the University of Denver, Temple University, IMD Switzerland, Indian School of Business (ISB), Fundação Dom Cabral (FDC, Brazil), Copenhagen Business School (CBS, Denmark), and others. Dhanaraj earned his PhD in business from Ivey Business School (Canada), with M.Eng. in robotics from Memorial University and B.Tech in mechanical engineering from IIT Madras (India).

Contact Dr. Dhanara at:

cdhanaraj@gsu.edu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-dhanaraj-949566

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

In this episode, Kerry and Peggy are joined by Dr. Charles Dhanaraj, who shares his personal leadership journey across 60+ countries and explores the universal challenges leaders face in uncertain times. The conversation highlights why adaptability, humility, and moral courage are essential for executives today. We discuss overcoming cultural assumptions, embracing risk, and building ‘humble confidence’ to lead organizations through complexity while fostering trust and collective sensing.

Charles Dhanaraj is J. Mack Robinson Professor of International Business and Academic Director of DBA Program at Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA. Dhanaraj is an elected Fellow of the Academy of International Business. His research has contributed several insights on strategic partnerships, innovation and leadership. He has published in top academic journals, including Strategic Management Journal, Journal of International Business Studies, Academy of Management Review, and Harvard Business Review. He has written several award-winning cases. In his current research, Dhanaraj is studying three challenges at the intersection of digitalization and globalization, with special focus on entrepreneurship and geopolitics. As a strategy and international business expert, he has taught in executive education programs at the University of Denver, Temple University, IMD Switzerland, Indian School of Business (ISB), Fundação Dom Cabral (FDC, Brazil), Copenhagen Business School (CBS, Denmark), and others. Dhanaraj earned his PhD in business from Ivey Business School (Canada), with M.Eng. in robotics from Memorial University and B.Tech in mechanical engineering from IIT Madras (India).

Contact Dr. Dhanara at:

cdhanaraj@gsu.edu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-dhanaraj-949566

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

In this special episode, we deliver a comprehensive wrap-up of the most impactful business leadership trends from 2025 while offering an exclusive sneak peek into what’s in store for 2026. Join us as we synthesize the key takeaways from the past year and prepare you for the emerging strategies and challenges that will define executive success in the year to come.

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

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Welcome to Part 2 of this insightful conversation on the Leadership Luminaries Lounge™ Podcast. Hosts Kerry L. Bass and Peggy O’Neal continue their discussion with Carson Funderburk, Vice President and Staff Leader at Clorox and former board member of Milo’s Tea Company. In this episode, Carson shares lessons on transformation versus sustaining leadership, the power of purpose-driven enterprises, and how personal values shape leadership. Get ready for practical strategies and inspiring stories that will help you lead with clarity and conviction.

Carson Funderburk is a transformative supply chain executive with a passion for operational excellence, innovation, and talent development. Throughout his career, Carson has advocated for talent development and inclusive leadership. He is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders and developing high-performing, value-creating teams that are essential for organizational growth. His proficiency in enabling innovation and supply chain capabilities is a notable strength. Additionally, he is recognized as a leader who achieves results through a sustainable culture founded on technological and process advancements. He is considered a first mover in technology development and application. Serving on the board for Milo's Tea Company has enhanced his governance skills through leadership on their People-First committee, allowing him to continue developing talent-related capabilities in a high-growth environment.

Contact Carson at:

linkedin.com/in/carson-funderburk10

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

Welcome to Part 1 of an inspiring conversation on the Leadership Luminaries Lounge™ Podcast.Hosts Kerry L. Bass and Peggy O’Neal sit down with Carson Funderburk, Chief of Staff and VP of Technology and Strategy for Supply Chain at Clorox. Carson shares his passion for innovation, leadership, and mentoring, offering practical insights for navigating uncertainty and driving growth. This episode explores how innovation is more than technology—it’s a mindset that empowers individuals and organizations. Get ready for actionable ideas that will transform how you think about leadership and progress.

Carson Funderburk is a transformative supply chain executive with a passion for operational excellence, innovation, and talent development. Throughout his career, Carson has advocated for talent development and inclusive leadership. He is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders and developing high-performing, value-creating teams that are essential for organizational growth. His proficiency in enabling innovation and supply chain capabilities is a notable strength. Additionally, he is recognized as a leader who achieves results through a sustainable culture founded on technological and process advancements. He is considered a first mover in technology development and application. Serving on the board for Milo's Tea Company has enhanced his governance skills through leadership on their People-First committee, allowing him to continue developing talent-related capabilities in a high-growth environment.

Contact Carson at:

linkedin.com/in/carson-funderburk10

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

In part 2 of this Episode of Leadership Luminaries Lounge™, Louise le Gat shares her insights on transformative leadership and navigating challenges with clarity and purpose. From building strong team dynamics to cultivating resilience and actionable strategies for leaders, Louise reveals how intentional leadership can create meaningful impact and drive success in today’s ever-changing business landscape.

Louise Le Gat is a strategic partner to purpose-driven leaders navigating the pivotal collective transition shaping our future. As Founder of The Purpose-Led Institute, senior advisor on purpose-led work and leadership, and international speaker, she works with senior executives, social innovators, and visionary boards to evolve their leadership beyond outdated models - driving meaningful impact, navigating complex turning points and building new pathways where established playbooks no longer apply.

A former lawyer and mediator with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of purpose-led leadership, systemic transformation and human development - advising global institutions including Nestlé, Allen & Overy LLP, Adobe, UNICEF, and The Global Fund - Louise is known for her rare blend of strategic insight, human depth and her ability to guide leaders through deep realignment and profound transitions - so they can authentically contribute and meaningfully shape what comes next.

Contact Louise at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/louiselegat/

https://www.louiselegat.com/

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

Don’t forget to Subscribe.

In this thought-provoking episode of Leadership Luminaries Lounge™, we explore what it truly means to lead with purpose in an era of rapid transformation. From near-death awakenings to system-wide change, this conversation dives into how intuition, universal wisdom, and self-awareness can reshape leadership. Together, the hosts and their guest unpack the evolution from managing the status quo to building new horizons. They reveal how organizations can thrive amid chaos by balancing stability and innovation. Listeners are invited to reimagine success, align with purpose, and awaken to the intelligence of life itself. This episode illuminates the path toward a future of conscious, purpose-driven leadership.

Louise Le Gat is a strategic partner to purpose-driven leaders navigating the pivotal collective transition shaping our future. As Founder of The Purpose-Led Institute, senior advisor on purpose-led work and leadership, and international speaker, she works with senior executives, social innovators, and visionary boards to evolve their leadership beyond outdated models - driving meaningful impact, navigating complex turning points and building new pathways where established playbooks no longer apply.

A former lawyer and mediator with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of purpose-led leadership, systemic transformation and human development - advising global institutions including Nestlé, Allen & Overy LLP, Adobe, UNICEF, and The Global Fund - Louise is known for her rare blend of strategic insight, human depth and her ability to guide leaders through deep realignment and profound transitions - so they can authentically contribute and meaningfully shape what comes next.

Contact Louise at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/louiselegat/

https://www.louiselegat.com/

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

Don’t forget to Subscribe.