In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with John (JD) Dwyer, a marketing enigma and customer attraction expert known for creating “wow factor” strategies that drive extraordinary results. John shares how incentive based marketing taps into timeless human behavior and why the fundamentals of leadership, decision making, and customer attraction have remained consistent, even as technology has transformed the tools we use. Together, they explore what it really takes to stand out in a crowded “me too” marketplace without competing on price, and why the right message paired with the right offer can change the trajectory of a business.

John brings the conversation to life through compelling stories from his career, including the campaign that convinced Jerry Seinfeld to front a landmark promotion that reshaped an entire financial institution’s growth strategy. Through practical examples and candid insights, he explains how perceived value can outperform discounting, how leaders can “stop the scroll” in a noisy world, and why many business owners struggle with marketing not because they lack intelligence, but because they were never taught how to attract customers. The discussion also touches on the growing role of AI and automation, highlighting how technology accelerates execution while human psychology remains the driving force behind meaningful engagement.

The episode concludes with John’s leadership advice for listeners: surround yourself with people who say “why not,” not people who say “why.”

Connect with John Dwyer:

• Website: https://theinstituteofwow.com
• Email: john@theinstituteofwow.com
• Vacations Incentive: https://vacationsincentive.com
• Facebook Contest Blueprint: https://fbcontestblueprint.com

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Scott D. Anthony, a globally recognized expert on innovation, strategy, and navigating disruption. Together, they explore what it truly takes to lead when the future is uncertain and familiar playbooks no longer apply.

Scott shares insights from his extensive work advising organizations through periods of transformation, emphasizing that innovation is not about chasing shiny objects but about making disciplined choices under pressure. He unpacks how leaders can balance experimentation with execution, and why clarity, courage, and focus matter more than perfection when navigating change. Drawing on real-world examples, Scott highlights how leaders can create space for learning while still holding teams accountable for results.

Throughout the conversation, Marc and Scott return to the human side of leadership. They discuss the importance of mindset, decision-making at speed, and building organizational resilience in environments where certainty is rare. Scott also challenges leaders to rethink how they approach risk, reminding listeners that avoiding action can be just as dangerous as making the wrong move.

The episode closes with practical takeaways for leaders at every level:

• Focus on progress, not perfection, when facing uncertainty.
• Build systems that encourage learning without sacrificing accountability.
• Lead with clarity and conviction when the path forward isn’t obvious.

This episode offers grounded, actionable insights for leaders navigating disruption and change, reminding us that innovation is ultimately a leadership discipline rooted in human judgment, not just strategy decks or frameworks.

Connect with Scott D. Anthony:

• Innosight Bio: https://www.innosight.com/people/scott-d-anthony/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdanthony/

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Sheri Jacobs, founder and CEO of Avenue Group, bestselling author, and the creator of the Innovation Capacity Score. Sheri shares a fascinating journey that spans entrepreneurship, association leadership, and photojournalism, including what it was like capturing Michael Jordan on the court and later trading sports arenas for wildlife expeditions in places like Antarctica and Botswana.

Together, Marc and Sheri unpack what it really takes to drive innovation in today’s fast-moving world. Sheri challenges the popular advice to “think outside the box,” arguing that the most powerful creativity often comes from doing the opposite: defining clear boundaries. They explore how constraints create freedom, why risk capacity matters more than risk tolerance, and how leaders can empower the voices closest to the customer so the right problems get solved first. Sheri also shares memorable stories from the field, including the mindset behind taking 10,000 photos to capture one extraordinary shot, and how that perseverance translates directly to leadership, learning, and “taking more shots” in business.

The conversation closes with practical guidance for leaders who want to build real momentum in their organizations, even when resources are tight and technology is accelerating. Sheri’s message is clear: innovation is not reserved for “big idea” personalities. It’s a habit that can be built when leaders create clarity, permission, and a safe space to experiment.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for aspiring leaders:

• Define the boundaries so your team knows where they can play and experiment.
• Audit your risk capacity so you can take smart steps forward without guessing.
• Make risk-taking a habit by taking more shots and learning quickly through the process.

Connect with Sheri Jacobs: Website: https://sherijacobs.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherijacobs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagogirl527/