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Episode recap

In this episode of the Love in Action podcast, Marcel interviews Dr. Lilian Ajayi Ore, co-author of The Power of the Learning Mindset with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, exploring how leaders can stay relevant and effective in a rapidly changing, post-AI world. Dr. Ajayi-Ore shares her journey from the United Nations to academia and executive coaching, and introduces a practical framework built on three pillars—learning prowess, leadership prowess, and coaching prowess—designed to help leaders develop a “win mindset.”

Bio

Dr. Lilian Ajayi Ore is the founder and CEO of Global Connections for Women Foundation. An award-winning Chief Learning Officer, research scholar, and part of the Lead Faculty at Columbia University, she has over 17 years of experience working with Fortune 100/500 companies. A member of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Executive Coaches, she mentors top professionals in uncovering their career paths.

Quotes:

• “Leadership rooted in love creates spaces where people don’t just perform—they belong.”

• “When people feel seen and valued, everything changes—engagement, trust, and results.”

• “Leadership today isn’t about having answers—it’s about staying curious enough to keep learning.”

Takeaways:

• Leadership becomes transformational when it moves beyond authority and centers on genuine care for people.

• Creating a culture of belonging starts with leaders who intentionally practice empathy and connection.

• Love in leadership is not passive—it requires courage, consistency, and daily action.

• Impactful leadership is measured not just by outcomes, but by how people feel and grow under your influence.

• Sustainable success comes from aligning business goals with human values.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction and episode overview

[02:30] Welcoming the guest and setting the context

[04:00] Guest background and personal journey

[07:00] Defining the core topic or problem

[10:30] Key challenges and common misconceptions

[14:00] Deep dive into main concept or framework

[18:00] Practical examples and real-life applications

[22:00] Obstacles, resistance, and lessons learned

[26:00] Leadership insights and mindset shifts

[30:00] Personal stories and turning points

[34:00] Broader impact on culture, business, or life

[38:00] Addressing audience questions or key concerns

[42:00] Actionable strategies and daily practices

[46:00] Final insights and key takeaways

[49:00] Future outlook or upcoming projects

[51:00] Where to connect and learn more

[52:30] Closing remarks and call to action

Conclusion:

This episode reinforces a simple but powerful truth: love is not a weakness in leadership—it’s the greatest strength. When leaders choose to act with empathy, intention, and authenticity, they create environments where people thrive and businesses flourish. As Marcel reminds us, love in action is the future of leadership. The question is—will you live it out daily?

Links/Resources: Lilian’s website: https://www.lilianore.com/

Lilian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilianore

The Power of the Learning Mindset

This episode is brought to you by Mitel. If you’re thinking about how communication impacts leadership and resilience in your own organization, Mitel works with more than 70 million users worldwide across critical industries to keep teams secure and connected. You can check them out at Mitel.com.

BIO:

Mike Robinson is a telecom and infrastructure veteran with extensive operating experience both as a CEO and CFO, leading business transformations across organic growth initiatives, mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings. He has held numerous leadership roles and served on the boards of technology and telecommunications companies. Mike joined Mitel’s Board of Directors in 2025 and shortly thereafter stepped into the role of CEO. With a strong focus on leadership, team building, effective communication, operational efficiency, and transparency, Mike and his leadership team guide Mitel with a collaborative, results-driven approach; aligning people, strategy, and purpose to drive impactful outcomes for customers and employees.

Quotes:

• Leadership works best when people know they matter for more than a paycheck.

• Culture becomes unstoppable when employees go home and tell a neighbor they genuinely like where they work.

• The best strategy fails without the earned right to execute through trusted people and clear communication.

• Customer loyalty is priceless because loyal customers will fight to keep you and look for new ways to grow with you.

• Caring is not a side project; it is the operating system that drives top line, bottom line, and long-term relevance.

Takeaways:

• Trust is built fastest through presence, transparency, and listening to employees, customers, and partners before making big moves.

• Avoiding command and control leadership requires confidence in your people, a healthy capital runway, and data-driven, fair decision-making.

• A strong culture is less about perks and more about belonging, recognition, development, and being heard.

• Sustaining industry leadership demands relentless innovation, disciplined focus, and making it easy for others to do business with you.

• Caring consistently, through small daily actions and genuine relationships, creates the discretionary effort that drives exceptional results.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction and Overview of Mitel

[05:27] Mike Robinson’s Background and Leadership Philosophy

[08:09] Building Trust and Culture at Mitel

[20:57] The Role of Culture in Business Outcomes

[27:20] Sustaining Success and Innovation at Mitel

[33:14] Personal Leadership Qualities and Practices

[36:41] Leading with Love in Action

[39:03] Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Conclusion:

At the heart of this episode is a simple but radical idea: caring is a business strategy. Mike Robinson shows that when leaders are present, transparent, and genuinely human, people do not just comply, they commit. We see how culture, when rooted in trust and love in action, becomes the engine of innovation, loyalty, and long-term growth. If you want better numbers, you do not start with spreadsheets; you start with how people feel when they walk through the door. Listen in, take notes, and then go lead in a way that proves, inside your own company, that love really does win.

Links/Resources:

Mitel - www.Mitel.com

Mitel on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mitel/

Mike Robinson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkrobinson/