What if success wasn’t just about profit, but about purpose, fulfilment, and the impact you leave behind?

In this thought-provoking episode of What’s Important To You?, James Dean sits down with spiritual business coach Andrew Grinbaum to explore the intersection of business, mindset, spirituality, and personal growth.

Andrew shares how entrepreneurs and leaders can create meaningful success without sacrificing their values or wellbeing.

Drawing on over 30 years of studying Kabbalah, mysticism, coaching, and business strategy, Andrew explains why so many high achievers still feel empty despite external success and how reconnecting with purpose can transform both business and life.

The conversation dives into spirituality in modern leadership, the role of mindset in shaping reality, emotional resilience, identity shifts in entrepreneurship, and the importance of treating both ourselves and others with dignity and respect.

Andrew Grinbaum is a spiritual business coach, entrepreneur, and founder of the nonprofit Spirituality in Business Institute. He helps entrepreneurs and executives align purpose with profit by integrating ancient wisdom, mindset work, and modern business strategy.

Having built and scaled multiple successful businesses while coaching thousands of professionals and leaders, Andrew’s work focuses on helping high performers create businesses that not only succeed financially but also contribute positively to the world.

Through his coaching, teaching, and nonprofit work, Andrew encourages leaders to embrace authenticity, values-based leadership, and personal transformation as the foundation for sustainable success.

• Spirituality in business and leadership
• Finding purpose beyond financial success
• Values, mindset, and fulfillment
• Kabbalah and ancient wisdom in modern coaching
• Emotional regulation and mindfulness
• Identity shifts in entrepreneurship
• Human dignity and common courtesy in leadership
• Coaching and overcoming fear-based thinking
• Building businesses that create positive impact
• Fulfilment versus material success

• “Your mindset makes a huge difference.”
• “Fulfilment is not in material things.”
• “All that’s missing in the world is common courtesy and human dignity.”

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In this honest and deeply personal conversation, James speaks with Anne-Marie Zanzal about authenticity, identity, courage, and the experience of coming out later in life.

Anne-Marie shares her journey of leaving a 27-year marriage, embracing her identity at 52, and helping others navigate the emotional and relational challenges that often come with major life transitions.

Through her work as an LGBTQ+ coach, minister, and bereavement counsellor, she now supports people in finding the courage to live more truthfully and authentically.

The conversation explores the ongoing nature of “coming out,” the fear of losing relationships and identity, and the relief and freedom that can come from finally embracing who you truly are.

James and Anne-Marie also discuss spirituality, vulnerability, diversity, and the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to be themselves.

This episode is a thoughtful and compassionate conversation about personal growth, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to stop hiding parts of ourselves.

Anne-Marie Zanzal is an LGBTQ+ coach, speaker, minister, and bereavement counsellor. After coming out later in life following a 27-year marriage, she dedicated her work to helping others navigate authenticity, identity, and personal transformation.

With a background in ministry, hospice chaplaincy, grief counselling, and adult development, Anne-Marie combines emotional support, spirituality, and coaching to help people embrace who they truly are.

• Authenticity requires courage and vulnerability
• Coming out is often an ongoing process
• Identity evolves throughout life
• Relief and freedom can coexist with grief and uncertainty
• Support systems are essential during major transitions
• It is never too late to embrace who you truly are
• Diversity of experiences strengthens relationships and society
• Living authentically creates deeper peace and fulfilment

• “If we all embraced authenticity, our world would change.”
• “Coming out is a continuous process.”
• “What will you do with your one wild and precious life?”

00:00 Embracing Authenticity in Life
02:55 The Journey of Coming Out Later in Life
05:44 Understanding the Complexity of Identity
08:45 The Emotional Landscape of Coming Out
11:41 Navigating Relationships During Transition
14:39 The Role of Support Systems
17:32 Vulnerability, Relief, and Freedom
20:32 Legacy and Evolving Identities
24:13 Diversity and Human Experience
29:12 Ministry, Coaching, and Self-Discovery
34:27 Courage and Authentic Living
41:17 The Role of Coaching in Personal Growth
48:08 Future Aspirations and Life Goals

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In this moving conversation, James speaks with Karen Olson, founder of Family Promise, about how one small act of kindness changed the course of her life and eventually impacted hundreds of thousands of families experiencing homelessness.

Karen shares how losing her mother at a young age shaped her understanding of empathy, connection, and service. Years later, while walking through New York City, buying lunch for a homeless woman named Millie became the catalyst for what would eventually grow into Family Promise, a national nonprofit organisation supporting families across the United States.

The conversation explores the importance of seeing people as human beings rather than problems to solve. Karen reflects on how volunteers and communities became the heart of Family Promise by creating dignity, hope, and meaningful human connection for families in crisis.

James and Karen also discuss purpose, resilience, and how helping others can often heal something within ourselves. Karen shares insights from her memoir Meant for More, encouraging listeners to start where they are and never underestimate the impact of simple acts of compassion.

This episode is a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when ordinary people choose to care.

Karen Olson is the founder of Family Promise, a national nonprofit organisation helping homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence.

What began in the 1980s with Karen personally helping homeless individuals in New York City grew into a nationwide movement involving more than 200 affiliates and hundreds of thousands of volunteers.

Karen is also the author of Meant for More: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose.

• Small acts of kindness can create lasting ripple effects
• Human connection is as important as practical support
• Compassion grows when we truly see one another
• Pain can become a source of purpose and service
• Communities are capable of incredible generosity
• Helping others often brings healing to ourselves
• You do not need to start big to make a difference
• Fulfilment often comes through contribution and connection

• “Compassion is alive and well in communities.”
• “Human connection is vital.”
• “Start where you are.”
• “Helping others is my life’s work.”

00:00 The Importance of Helping Others
04:59 Personal Tragedy and Its Impact
09:33 The Journey into Community Service
14:23 Building Connections Through Compassion
19:24 The Growth of Family Promise
24:12 Expanding the Mission and Impact
31:08 Writing a Book and Sharing the Journey
34:54 Inspiring Change Through Simple Acts
40:06 Overcoming Adversity and Embracing Life
46:47 The Power of Giving and Personal Influence

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In this inspiring conversation, James speaks with publisher and entrepreneur Orla Kelly about storytelling, courage, creativity, and the life-changing impact books can have on both writers and readers.

Orla shares her unexpected journey from environmental scientist to international publisher after creating a children’s story for her own children.

What began as a simple idea evolved into a publishing business that has now helped bring more than 200 books into the world across over 30 categories.

The conversation explores the fear and vulnerability many people feel around sharing their ideas, the importance of preserving stories and legacy, and why so many dreams remain untouched.

Orla also explains how publishing a book can become a transformational experience for entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and everyday people who want their voice to be heard.

This episode is a powerful reminder that our stories matter and that it’s never too late to pursue what’s calling you.

• Storytelling creates emotional connection and lasting impact
• Publishing a book can become a transformational journey
• Fear and self-doubt stop many people from sharing their voice
• Authenticity matters more than perfection
• Books remain powerful tools for influence and growth
• Strategy is essential when creating a nonfiction business book

00:00 Living Fully and Pursuing Dreams
02:20 The Story of Joe and the Power of Publishing
06:23 Why Stories Matter and Leave a Legacy
08:15 From Scientist to Accidental Publisher
16:19 Building a Publishing Business by Accident
21:55 Helping Authors Share Their Voice
31:20 Lessons Learned in Business and Entrepreneurship
37:11 The Publishing Process Explained
42:22 Creating Strategic Business Books
52:24 Honest Feedback and Improving Manuscripts
01:00:46 The Emotional Experience of Holding Your Book
01:07:47 Why Dreams Should Never Be Left Untouched
01:14:44 What’s Important for the Future

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If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose, I’d love to support you.

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In this engaging and thought-provoking conversation, Gabrielle Dolan shares how storytelling became her life’s work and why it remains one of the most powerful tools in leadership and communication today.

Drawing from her experience in senior leadership roles and over two decades of working with global organisations, Gabrielle explains how authentic storytelling builds trust, strengthens relationships, and brings values to life in a way that data alone never can.

We explore the difference between telling stories and choosing the right story, the courage required to be vulnerable, and how storytelling can shape not only how we lead others, but how we see ourselves.

Gabrielle also shares her perspective on AI and communication, offering a balanced view on how to use it as a tool without losing your authentic voice.

• Storytelling is a skill that can transform how we lead and communicate
• Stories give credibility to messages and make them memorable
• Authentic storytelling requires truth, alignment, and vulnerability
• The most powerful stories are often simple and personal
• Clarity of message comes before choosing the story
• Storytelling strengthens trust and accelerates connection
• Values are best demonstrated through stories, not statements
• AI can support storytelling, but should never replace authenticity
• The stories we tell ourselves shape our identity and perspective
• Influence comes from emotional connection, not just logic

• Gabrielle’s journey from corporate leadership to storytelling expert
• The role of storytelling in change management and leadership
• Choosing the right story for the right message
• Authenticity, vulnerability, and trust in communication
• Using stories to demonstrate organisational values
• The emotional impact of personal storytelling
• AI and the future of communication and storytelling
• The connection between storytelling and self-awareness

00:00 The Power of Storytelling in Business
07:28 From Corporate Leadership to Storytelling Expert
12:02 Choosing the Right Story for the Message
19:22 Authenticity and Leadership Communication
25:53 Values in Action Through Storytelling
32:32 The Power of Personal Stories
37:36 Building Trust Through Stories
42:23 Authenticity and Relatability in Communication
50:44 AI and the Future of Storytelling
01:01:26 Finding Gratitude in Disappointment
01:06:04 Overcoming Educational Labels and Limiting Beliefs
01:10:58 Embracing Your Unique Story
01:15:32 Future Vision and What’s Important

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If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose, I’d love to support you.

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In this episode of What’s Important To You?, James speaks with entrepreneur, product leader, and author Radhika Dutt about what it really takes to create meaningful change,both in our work and in our lives.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation, where the focus is on clarity of vision and why so many people struggle to make progress, not because of a lack of effort, but because they haven’t clearly defined what they are working toward.

Radhika shares how her work in Radical Product Thinking developed from real-world challenges, not theory, building frameworks that help translate vision into everyday decisions and actions. As she explains, when teams align around a clear vision, conversations shift from opinion-based debates to more grounded, objective decision-making .

We explore why traditional goal setting can sometimes limit growth, and how a shift in mindset, from targets to puzzle setting and puzzle solving, can lead to deeper learning, better decision-making, and more meaningful progress. Instead of chasing outcomes, Radhika encourages focusing on the process of reflection, adaptation, and growth along the way .

The conversation also touches on common challenges, including constantly changing direction, focusing only on positive metrics, and losing sight of the bigger picture. Radhika highlights the importance of questioning assumptions, staying aligned with your vision, and allowing that vision to evolve over time.

This episode is a thoughtful and practical look at how clarity, self-awareness, and structured thinking can help create real, lasting change.

• Clarity of vision is essential for meaningful and authentic change
• Vision helps guide decisions beyond personal opinion
• Goals and targets can sometimes create short-term thinking
• Thinking in terms of “puzzles” encourages learning and adaptability
• Progress comes from reflection, not just action
• Vision should evolve as you grow and gain new insight
• Alignment between actions and purpose leads to better outcomes

Radhika Dutt is the author of Radical Product Thinking and a globally recognised product leader and entrepreneur.

She has participated in five acquisitions, including two companies she founded, and has built products across a wide range of industries including media, telecom, robotics, government, and consumer applications.

Radhika advises organizations from startups to government agencies, including the Monetary Authority of Singapore, helping them create meaningful change through vision-driven leadership and structured product thinking.

Her work focuses on helping leaders move beyond traditional metrics and build systems that create real impact.

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In this episode of What’s Important To You?, James speaks with men's coach and mental mastery expert Lee Daly about identity, courage, and what it means to define your own version of greatness.

Lee shares his personal journey from struggling with anxiety to becoming a coach helping men develop mental strength, clarity, and confidence.

Through his work, he supports high-achieving professionals who outwardly appear successful but internally wrestle with doubt, pressure, and the weight of responsibility.

The conversation explores the challenges many men face in today’s world, balancing expectations around success, relationships, and identity. Lee explains why many men feel they must carry these pressures alone, and why self-awareness and honest conversations are essential for personal growth.

Throughout the conversation, Lee emphasises that greatness isn’t defined by status, money, or external achievements, but by living in alignment with your values and becoming the kind of person you truly want to be.

This episode offers a powerful perspective on masculinity, vulnerability, and the importance of developing the mental tools needed to lead ourselves and others with authenticity.

• Self-awareness is the foundation for personal growth and leadership
• Fear and self-doubt often keep men playing smaller than they are capable of
• Mental strength is developed through awareness, assessment, and adaptation
• Authentic masculinity begins with defining your own values and identity
• Vulnerability and honest conversations are essential for growth
• Success should be measured by alignment with purpose, not just external achievements
• Coaching can help individuals reconnect with confidence and direction

Lee Daly is an award-winning speaker, coach, and leading authority on Mental Mastery. He works with high-achieving professionals and leaders who want to build greater confidence, clarity, and impact in their lives.

With nearly 1,000 hours of coaching and leadership development experience, Lee has worked with leaders from Forbes Top 50 companies including Amazon, Intel, and Jaguar Land Rover.

His clients are often successful professionals, trusted leaders, dedicated partners, and parents, yet many struggle privately with self-doubt and the pressure of responsibility.

Through his coaching, Lee helps them develop mental resilience, rediscover their purpose, and create a clear path toward confidence, fulfilment, and legacy.

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If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose, I’d love to support you.

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In this episode of What’s Important To You?, James speaks with leadership expert and HEARTnomics™ founder Hanna Bauer about fulfilment, purpose, and what it means to lead with intention in a rapidly changing world.

Hanna shares her perspective on the difference between purpose and passion, explaining how fulfilment is often the feedback that tells us we are moving in the right direction. When leaders understand this connection, they are better equipped to create cultures where people feel valued, motivated, and able to perform at their best.

The conversation explores the realities leaders face today as organizations navigate disruption, digital transformation, and the growing influence of AI. Hanna explains why strong leadership is not just about strategy or systems, but about recognising and developing the human potential inside organisations.

Drawing on her own journey from CEO to leadership advisor, Hanna reflects on the importance of intentional leadership, the role of trust within teams, and how meaningful change happens when leaders combine clarity, courage, and compassion.

This is a thoughtful conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and the importance of building organisations where people can truly thrive.

• Fulfilment often acts as feedback that we are aligned with our purpose
• Purpose and passion are connected but not the same thing
• Leaders must balance systems thinking with human connection
• Organisational culture plays a major role in long-term success
• Trust and intentional leadership are essential during disruption
• AI and digital transformation must still prioritise human potential
• Self-reflection is a powerful tool for leaders and teams

Hanna Bauer is the Founder and CEO of HEARTnomics™, where she helps leaders and organizations restore trust, rhythm, and resilience.

A Maxwell Leadership Faculty Member and former CEO, Hanna combines human-centred leadership with practical systems thinking to help teams perform at their best, particularly during times of change and uncertainty.

Her perspective is deeply shaped by her own life journey, including surviving childhood heart disease and undergoing a groundbreaking heart procedure. These experiences strengthened her belief in the power of love, excellence, and human potential in leadership.

Through HEARTnomics™, Hanna now equips leaders to transform their cultures with clarity, courage, and compassion.

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If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose, I’d love to support you.

Book a free Clarity Call here.

https://tidycal.com/jamesdeancoaching/clarity-call