Coffee & Change

There is a film that Adrian Nuno and I both saw for the first time on a big screen as kids. Same film, different theatres, different states. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Neither Adrian or I knew it then, but that movie quietly did something to us. It planted somewhere deep in our chest, the idea that a story told with honesty and heart could make a complete stranger feel less alone in the world. It was never hope, mistaken for a naivete. The connection was magical. That was, in fact, the whole point. We were living through a moment that is testing that belief. And I think the people best equipped to help us find our way back to our humanity are the ones who never stopped making things filmmakers, storytellers, authors, poets, all artists who refuse to look away. Adrian Nuno is one of those people, and I'm so glad I got to have this conversation with him. Enjoy the listen.

Trish Shankar is a fellow Third Culture Kid and joins the podcast to share an understanding of what that means in today's world. Trish is a Marketer at Microsoft and also happens to be a neighbor. We have gone for walks and had great dinners and unpacked all the connections and power of community in our worlds of change. The world is smaller than we think and this conversation captures the mosaic and mystery of change. Enjoy the listen.

In this reflective episode of Coffee & Change, host Bill Kirst takes a thoughtful look back at Season 9, exploring the transformative conversations that shaped the year. Through intimate dialogues with diverse guests, the season delves into themes of human connection, authenticity, and the courage to ask meaningful questions. Bill shares personal insights and highlights the power of listening as an act of stewardship, inviting listeners to consider where they are still waiting for permission to be their true selves. A quieting before launching into Season X of this podcast in 2026.

In this engaging episode, Bill Kirst and Shannan Scarselletta delve into the art of improvisation and its profound impact on personal and professional growth. They explore how improv fosters creativity, adaptability, and authentic communication, drawing parallels between improv and leadership in uncertain times. Shannan shares her journey from a structured corporate environment to embracing the spontaneity of improv, highlighting its role in navigating life's unpredictability. The conversation is rich with anecdotes, humor, and insights into how embracing uncertainty and maintaining a playful mindset can lead to transformative experiences.

We live in a world where everything is designed to be faster, easier, and more automated. We order groceries without speaking to a clerk. We message colleagues without ever looking them in the eye. And more and more, we move through our days without noticing the people who hold us up along the way. Today’s episode is about noticing. Levi Spires has given over fourteen thousand rides as an Uber driver. But what’s striking isn’t the miles he’s logged—it’s the humanity he’s witnessed. For a few minutes at a time, his car becomes a rare space where people lower their guard. A place where someone can unburden, confess, or simply sit in silence without judgment. Levi reminds us that in an era obsessed with efficiency, it’s these small, inefficient human moments that matter most. This conversation is a challenge: to move differently in a world already saturated with automation and disconnection. To choose presence over convenience. To remember that being human isn’t about how quickly we get from A to B—it’s abou

Today’s guest knows what it means to lead when the stakes are high. Nate Amidon spent 15 years guiding people and programs across the U.S. Air Force, Microsoft, Boeing, and Alaska Airlines. He’s an Air Force C-17 evaluator pilot with more than 3,200 flight hours—including 800 in combat—and over 1,500 hours as an instructor teaching young pilots how to fly, make decisions under pressure, and lead crews on global missions. When he transitioned from active duty, Nate brought that same discipline into technology—consulting as a Project Manager, Scrum Master, and Scaled Agile Framework coach on enterprise software programs. He went on to found Form100 Consulting, where he helps clients apply military-tested leadership practices to build strong, high-performing teams that endure. In our conversation, Nate and I talked about how hard that transition actually was. Even with a degree from the Air Force Academy and an MBA, landing his first role at Microsoft wasn’t simple—and it showed him how untapped the veteran tale

In its Greek root, Mentos means “intent, purpose, spirit and passion.” It was with intent, purpose and passion that this special episode came to life. It is a rare occasion when one can get together with their mentor, and their mentor’s mentor for a conversation anchored in three generations of mentorship, leadership and friendship. This is one of those conversations. My special guest, the mentor of my mentor is Admiral Bob Inman. I flew to Austin to meet up with him in person and record this incredible testimony of history and leadership and lifelong service. Admiral Inman was born in April 1931 in East Texas and went on to become a highly decorated United States Navy Officer and Intelligence Leader. His career and service had a profound impact on America’s national security architecture. During his 31-year military career that spanned the world and included some of the most sensitive national security posts in the Government, the Admiral earned a bipartisan reputation as one of the Nation’s finest intell

Excited to connect on this reunion episode with Lisa Manning Cassidy who I met over 15 years ago at IBM where we worked together to forge corporate history with Social Business anchored in selfless service to our country. Lisa spent over 15 years at IBM and led transformational work for government agencies and for IBM's global workforce. She and I both answered the courageous calls for paying it forward and today I am excited to reconnect with her and hear about her latest walks across the bridges of change. Thanks for listening. You can find Lisa and her great work on LinkedIn.

My guest on this special episode of Coffee & Change is Patrick "Sledge" Mullins, a former Air Force Fighter Pilot who flew F-15s for years and has certainly seen his fair share of change and challenge. On this powerful episode we discuss the flight path of his incredible life and the arc of change, community and connection that kept him going and growing. And while he got his call sign from being known as the Sledgehammer, the only thing he is breaking these days is the cycle of trauma. His healing journey is one that should be echoed far and wide, especially for men moving through the toughest stages of life. Patrick's story will remind you to keep going, never give up and always find the light inside you that makes you you. The world needs you and you are worthy...of love and forgiveness. Happy listening. You can find Patrick on LinkedIn as well as Instagram to follow his journey in healing and helping others. Thanks a Veteran today.

Welcome back to Coffee & Change. On this special two part episode, under the banner number 151, I am flipping the script. After inviting and engaging in 150 conversations, I have the unique opportunity of being hosted by my friend and former guest, David Watson. He digs deep, asks the big questions, and puts me on the spot as I reflect on recording 5.68 days—that’s 8,186 minutes—of content. To put that in perspective, if you started listening to every single episode of this podcast back-to-back, it would equate to listening to Taylor Swift’s entire discography 6.5 times. (That’s a lot of storytelling… or a lot of heartbreak anthems!) And I guess it is then only appropriate to title this episode Charting the Arc of Change Across the Eras. Enjoy the two part episode and reach out if you have any follow on questions.

This is the Part 2 Discussion continuation from my powerful conversation with David Watson. This story, my story, continues to evolve, and I want to thank you each for walking alongside me on this journey. Your listening, the very act of listening, changes the story. I appreciate you all.

Welcome back and thanks for listening. This week, we’re diving into a topic that’s reshaping the way we think about change: the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Change Management. You may recall an episode with my guest titled The Art and Science of Change back in May of 2023. I was excited to welcome him back to explore this highly debated topic with than someone who has dedicated his career to understanding and guiding change — Tim Creasey, Chief Innovation Officer at Prosci. The last time Tim was on the podcast, we had an insightful conversation about the art of change and how not to lose that amidst all this innovation and excitement around AI. But as we have seen, its hype has never slowed down. And with the rapid advancements in AI, organizations, leaders, and change practitioners are facing new challenges—and new opportunities—in how we manage, adopt, and sustain change. So, grab your coffee, settle in, and join us as we unpack how AI is influencing the world of Change Management, what it

The Polish word for friendship is "przyjaźń" (pronounced pshih-yah-zh-n). When I think of the Polish people, my time living there, and the memories made, this is the word that comes to mind, everytime. Friendship. From the first days of my arriving in Poland in 1990 to my recent return and reunion nearly 35 years later, the spirit of friendship has always guided me, as it does the people of Poland. On today’s episode we hear from one of those friends - Grzegorz Leseniewski. Grzegorz is an attorney at law and a managing partner at Leśniewski Borkiewicz Kostka & Partners, where he helps clients navigate the complex and dynamic legal landscape of new technologies, CyberSec, FinTech, e-commerce, and M&A. Enjoy this conversation and reunion. Dziękuje za słuchanie. - Thanks for listening.

On Episode 150 we welcome back our guest from Episode 1 and Episode 50. Shawna Saffle Rasmussen was probably my first listener in addition to being my first guest. How the world, our worlds, have changed since then, 8 years later. A friendship going on a decade, this was such a joy to sit down together in a great setting and stop time in its place. Together we reflect and seek refuge in a deep discussion about the next chapters in change in both of our lives.

On this episode I welcome back Chris Lovett. Author, Writer, TEDx Speaker, Award-Winning Leader, Executive Coach & Simplicity Expert - as someone who lives and breathes a less is more lifestyle, Chris feels it's his responsibility to help employees improve their relationship with work by simplifying. His work has been read, seen and heard in 65 countries and he's spent years coaching CEOs, exec talent, senior leaders and teams through this stuff. Chris used to be a radio DJ, coached an x-factor winner, and is a proud music geek and loves to take Mondays off. Join for this reunion conversation as we talk about what makes us Relentless. And keep an eye out for his second book later this year.

On today's episode I interview Kristie K. Jones, a seasoned sales leader, sales enablement coach and best-selling author of "Selling Your Way In." Kristie is known for her Kristie-isms and her no nonsense approach to sales, leadership and life. She is focused on empowering sellers to not just meet their goals, but crush them. During this episode we talk about life, challenges, dreams, hopes, aspirations and more. Enjoy the listen!

On Episode 147 I welcome Lindsay Yellin. She is a sought after, dynamic leadership coach spearheading Yellin's transformative approach. With over a decade of experience in advertising account management, Lindsay proved her determination & impact by climbing the ranks to VP before turning 30. But her lasting legacy lies in her role as a team builder and culture shifter, leaving an enduring impact on the teams & clients she served. Lindsay dedicates herself to transforming self-doubting execs into possibility-driven leaders who inspire engagement & performance through meaningful connection. Lindsay's unique strategy centers on connecting leaders back to themselves first to unlock clarity & confidence to intentionally expand their leadership impact. Her curated coaching journey is a values-driven approach that empowers leaders to bust through success blockers & overcome self-limiting beliefs while building a toolkit of resources to accompany them throughout the rest of their career journey.

Jonathan Bardzik is a storyteller, chef, and author. He believes that life can and should be filled with joy, abundance and agency. His story is one that mirrors a beautiful culinary journey. Be sure to visit www.jonathanbardzik.com! Author of three cookbooks, he's given over 900 live appearances over the past 9 years and appears regularly on local television networks. You can also find his at farm markets and creating experiences for private clients including businesses, organizations, and homes. His television series, Jonathan's Kitchen has so much joy. Jonathan knows how to curate experiences and make moments into memories. In preparing food and sharing our stories, we spark connection and communication, bringing us closer together. Be sure to reach out to Jonathan about his work, retreats and books if you’re interested in learning more.

Today’s featured guest is Rafael Zhansultanov. Rafael has over 10 years of experience working at the nexus of global economics, geopolitics, international development and financial markets in emerging and developing countries. Rafael has studied and worked in the U.S., U.K. and Eurasia and possesses a multicultural, multilingual outlook and first hand understanding of business and customs around the world. Rafael is a Chevening Scholar and a U.S. Edmund S. Muskie Scholar having been awarded these prestigious scholarships only given to a small percentage of applicants from around the world. It was an honor to reconnect with Rafael and talk about the importance of words.

Matt VanFossen is an award winning independent artist and currently holds a well earned spot on both my Apple Replay and Spotify Wrapped of 2024. And if it wasn’t for an Instagram story I almost missed, I wouldn’t have heard his music at all, much less have had this healing conversation with him on the importance of forgiveness, the power of heartbreak and the future of country music. You all are in for a treat in this conversation, with a man who IS the future of country music. After hearing his story and wisdom you will want to hear every one of his songs. Thanks for listening.