Sabina Nawaz: Why Pressure, Not Power, Shapes Effective Leadership
Sabina Nawaz is a powerhouse executive coach and leadership strategist who has helped leaders from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups transform their mindsets and unlock their leadership potential. With over 25 years of experience—including a pivotal management role at Microsoft—Sabina blends emotional intelligence with practical tools to help leaders manage pressure, communicate authentically, and embrace continuous growth. As an author and sought-after speaker, her candid insights encourage leaders to move beyond comfort zones, embrace vulnerability, and create a positive, lasting impact on their teams and organizations. Takeaways: Authenticity is Multifaceted: Sabina emphasizes that authenticity isn’t singular—leaders need to adapt to their circumstances and roles, using authenticity as a guide for growth rather than an excuse to avoid change. Pressure and Power Dynamics Matter: She explains that it’s not just power, but pressure, that often corrupts behavior in leaders. Managing both is essential, and pressure can either define or refine leadership, depending on how it’s handled. Communication and Vulnerability Win Trust: The most effective leaders are those who communicate clearly, align their words and body language, and aren’t afraid to express vulnerability. This builds stronger connections and lifelong loyalty among teams. Sound Bites: “Pressure doesn’t have to define you. It can refine you—just like pressure builds diamonds.” “Authenticity, when used as an excuse for not changing, actually prevents growth. We have multiple authentic selves, depending on our roles.” “If you’re a leader, arrange your face before you walk into that meeting. Your resting face carries more weight than you think.” Quote by Mick: "I tell leaders, if there’s one habit that you can have today, it’s presence. And presence for your team is going to mean something different for all the individuals that you lead or that you manage. And you got to understand how to be present for them." Connect & Discover Sabina: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinanawaz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabinacoaching/ Website: https://sabinanawaz.com/ Book: You’re The Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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31:53
Matt Britton: How AI's Breakneck Speed is Transforming the Future of Work and Life
Welcome to the electrifying world of “Mick Unplugged,” where the visionary grip on the pulse of future tech meets the influential vibes of a maverick rapper. This episode is a whirlwind journey with Mick Hunt and his guest, AI innovator Matt Britton, diving into the future of artificial intelligence and its society-shifting ripple effects. As they break down cutting-edge breakthroughs and personal insights, they shine a light on the daunting yet thrilling road humans and machines will trek together. Prepare to be blown away by visionary conversations that inspire and intrigue, all packed into this not-to-miss episode. Key Takeaways: Understanding AI's Layers: Matt Britton elaborates on the foundational layers of AI, including the essential role of large language models, data, and application in consumer technology like chatbots. AI's Impact on Employment: AI is set to revolutionize human labor, with roles in customer service and other repetitive tasks increasingly being overtaken by efficient AI solutions. Navigating Future Challenges: Britton highlights the importance of adapting skills for an AI-driven future, focusing on creativity and critical problem-solving as key abilities for staying relevant. Sound Bites: "AI is moving so fast, it’s hard for even the most technically forward professionals to keep their finger on the pulse of where things are at." "If you aren’t using AI and really using your humans to connect with humans, you’re missing the boat." "Education systems need to pivot because memorizing and regurgitating information is becoming meaningless in the age of AI." Quote by Mick (Host): "If you aren't using AI and if you aren’t allowing your humans to connect with humans, then you're missing the boat." Connect & Discover With Matt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbbritton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbrittonnyc/ Website: https://mattbritton.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speed-of-culture-podcast/id1617896513 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvP9cnX9BYYRoLQzyo_i35g Book: Generation AI FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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27:48
Quincy Avery Breaks Down True Leadership On and Off the Field
Quincy Avery is known as the “QB Whisperer,” shaping the next generation of NFL stars and redefining the quarterback position both on and off the field. Starting his journey with nothing but a dream, a car, and an unshakeable belief in building greatness from scratch, Quincy’s story is one of relentless perseverance through adversity, including nights of homelessness and countless setbacks. As the founder of QB Takeover and subject of the new documentary The Quincy Avery Effect (streaming on Hulu), Quincy is dedicated not just to developing elite athletes, but to building better men through authentic mentorship, leadership, and community impact. His influence reaches far beyond the gridiron, empowering young men at every level to overcome obstacles, embrace leadership, and live life “like a quarterback.” Takeaways: Leadership is a Mindset, Not Just a Role: Quincy believes the attributes of a great quarterback—resilience, adaptability, and uplifting those around you—are essential to leadership in business, life, and beyond. Adversity Builds Strength: True greatness comes not from talent alone, but from persevering through setbacks, learning from failure, and refusing to give up when faced with challenges. Create Your Own Impact: Quincy’s mission extends past football; he seeks to transform lives by instilling character, providing opportunity, and building ecosystems where everyone can grow and win. Sound Bites: “I want people to live their life like a quarterback, because the way quarterbacks move and operate—they bring people along, they galvanize a team—and those are things we all can do every single day.” “The journey that I went on was crazy. I’ve had a thousand nights of homelessness... but my ability to work hard despite the initial outcome is what separated me.” “The first things I want to do is have a conversation with the parents. The biggest determining factor in the kids who I see are successful and the kids who I see aren’t—is their parents.” Quote by Mick: "You’ve got to take yourself serious because most people aren’t going to.” Connect & Discover Quincy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quincyavery/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quincy-avery-293ab036/ QB Takeover: https://www.qbtakeover.com/ The Avery Effect Foundation: https://www.qbtakeover.com/the-avery-effect-foundation Documentary: The Quincy Avery Effect (Hulu) FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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40:27
Billy Gene: Why Authenticity Beats Hustle in Modern Marketing
Billy Gene is a trailblazing marketing genius, entrepreneur, and educator renowned for his dynamic approach to online advertising and business growth. Having helped thousands of entrepreneurs and major brands like Kia, Massage Envy, and Procter & Gamble, Billy Gene is celebrated for turning high-level marketing strategies into accessible, actionable advice. With a passion for leveraging AI and automation, he focuses on empowering everyday business owners to scale, automate, and dominate their industries— all while encouraging them to show up authentically and unapologetically. Takeaways: AI-Driven Opportunity: Automation and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing marketing, making powerful results accessible even for those without tech expertise. Helping small businesses implement AI solutions is a major, untapped opportunity. Be Authentically You: The biggest mistake people make in ads is losing their personality and becoming robotic on camera. Authenticity and showing your true self are what drive connection and sales. Ask More, Scale More: If you want to scale your business, you need to amplify how often you ask people to buy—especially through simple, scalable video ads instead of relying on old-school hustle. Sound Bites: "Most business owners are either too busy or too lazy or just simply unwilling to learn something new... but with AI, you do not have to be techy anymore." "If you can use artificial intelligence to make that content with them, to follow up for them... what's that worth to you? Thousands of dollars a month? Of course it is." "The simplest strategy is: ask more people to buy by using video, because video can scale infinitely in anywhere around the world. That is the answer." Quote by Mick Hunt: "Side hustle is great, but strategy is important. The hustle culture at some point has to evolve to, 'I can do what the heck I want to do.'" Connect & Discover Billy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/billy-gene-is-marketing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billygeneismarketing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billygeneismarketing/ Website: https://billygeneismarketing.com/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@billygeneismarketing Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BillyGeneIsMarketing FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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35:17
Sergeant James Booker on Integrity, Prison Politics, and Leading with Character
Sergeant James Booker is a retired law enforcement officer with a remarkable legacy of service, leadership, and integrity. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in law enforcement in Pensacola, Florida, Booker began his public service after leaving the Marine Corps and worked his way from the only true "prison" in Florida—Florida State Prison—to the progressive and challenging Broward County Sheriff's Department. Over the course of his career, Booker earned a reputation for steadfast principles, hands-on leadership, and unwavering commitment to doing what’s right, no matter the cost. His journey includes facing the harsh realities of the correctional system, mentoring future leaders like Raymond Hicks, and providing guidance and hope to those navigating profound personal and professional trials. Takeaways: Character and Standards Matter: Booker emphasizes that maintaining your values and upholding high standards, especially in positions of authority, defines your legacy and influence as a leader. Prisons Run on Complex, Unseen Dynamics: The real-life operations and power structures inside prisons are far more nuanced and disciplined than most people realize—offering a stark contrast to TV and movie depictions. Leadership is Service and Sacrifice: True leadership is shown through mentorship, unwavering support during adversity, tough but fair accountability, and always putting integrity above personal convenience. Sound Bites: "Most people think in Florida that there's a multitude of prisons. It's only one prison in the state of Florida... everything else is a correctional facility or work camp." "At the end of the day, that's all people can judge you on is your character. Nothing else. It's your character." "If something is wrong, just know it's wrong. Nobody can tell you it's right when you know it's wrong." Mick’s Quote: "How you do small things is how you do all things." FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Mick Unplugged" is a transformative podcast that challenges listeners to move beyond the conventional 'Why' and embrace the empowering realm of 'Because.' Hosted by Mick Hunt, the voice of Modern Leadership, this podcast is designed for leaders, doers, and anyone aspiring to create meaningful impact in both their personal and professional lives.
Each episode delves into the principles of Modern Leadership, focusing on discovering your 'Because'—your core driving force—and how it can turn dreams into reality and aspirations into actionable steps. With practical advice, real-life stories, and forward-thinking insights, you’ll learn to make your 'Because' a daily focus, fueling your journey toward success and fulfillment.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your motivation, set meaningful goals, or apply modern leadership theories to overcome challenges, "Mick Unplugged" provides the tools, strategies, and insights to guide your path. Subscribe now and start transforming your life with purpose and modern leadership principles.
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