In this unprecedented episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler kicks off 2026 by sitting down with Lead With Purpose’s own Head of Technology Derek Barber for a powerful conversation on purpose, trust, and what it truly means to lead.

Derek shares his journey from software developer to purpose-driven leader, and how his passion for meaningful work shaped both his career and the culture of the company he helped build. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Derek reflects on walking more than 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago with his 18-year-old son—a journey that tested him physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Together, Marc and Derek explore what happens when leaders step away and allow others to rise. They discuss how trust, preparation, and values-based leadership create resilient teams that thrive even in uncertainty. Derek also opens up about facing cancer, the clarity it brought to his sense of purpose, and why seizing the moment matters more than ever.

Listeners will walk away with meaningful insights on leadership, legacy, and creating environments where people are empowered to grow—at work and in life.

In this year-end episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler reflects on the defining leadership lessons of 2025 and offers a forward-looking perspective on what leaders can expect in 2026. Drawing from 26 diverse conversations—from fire chiefs and construction leaders to Navy admirals and Gen Z innovators—Marc highlights the themes that surfaced again and again across industries, generations, and communities.

He underscores the growing need for clarity over control in a rapidly changing environment and explains why trust has emerged as a true competitive advantage, not a luxury. Marc also explores the expanding role of AI as an accelerant for leaders, helping shift time and focus toward strategic thinking and human connection. Lists of insights from Gen Y and Gen Z leadership mirror his own experience in the submarine force, where responsibility and adaptability are non-negotiable.

Listeners will gain practical takeaways from Marc’s review, including the top five most impactful episodes of the year, the daily leadership rhythms that fueled success in disruptive times, and the skills leaders must develop to thrive in the year ahead:

— Build consistent rhythms that anchor performance amid change. — Prioritize clarity and trust across teams and organizations. — Leverage AI to elevate—not replace—the human side of leadership.

Join us for this special episode as Marc unpacks the year’s key insights and reveals the trends, tools, and capabilities leaders will need to navigate 2026 with confidence and purpose.

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Dr. Heather Collins, a cognitive neuroscientist who has spent her career bringing cutting-edge brain science out of the lab and into real-world leadership. With more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and work ranging from Alzheimer’s to NASA astronaut cognition, Heather offers a rare blend of scientific rigor and practical insight.

Together, they explore what leaders need to know about the brain, how it really works, why most of us operate far below our potential, and what simple, research-backed strategies can transform focus, memory, innovation, and decision-making. Heather explains why capacity is the hidden performance advantage, how fear and cognitive overload disrupt leadership, and why curiosity is one of the most powerful habits a leader can build.

Listeners will appreciate Heather’s engaging stories and clear explanations, from memory “chunking” to the neuroscience of belonging and culture. She also shares practical tools leaders can use immediately, such as reducing decision fatigue, strengthening daily cognitive fitness, and fostering more meaningful connection in hybrid and remote teams.

The episode closes with Heather’s most important advice for aspiring leaders: – Build confidence by revisiting your wins – Strengthen your brain with daily cognitive habits – Stay curious, because curiosity drives growth and innovation

Join us in this episode to understand how the brain shapes leadership and how any leader can harness neuroscience to think more clearly, decide more effectively, and unlock greater capacity in themselves and their teams.

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