Thrive Loud With Lou Diamond

What if the biggest obstacle to winning negotiations isn’t your opponent—but your own reluctance to have tough conversations? In this episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond sits down with business strategist and negotiation expert Jonathan B. Smith—author of "Fight Less, Win More"—to debunk the myths about negotiation, decision-making, and what it really takes for teams to thrive.You'll discover why most business problems stem from avoiding critical conversations, and how negotiation skills aren't just for closing deals—they're essential for everyday life, leadership, and even family dynamics. Jonathan B. Smith shares personal stories, unconventional negotiation scenarios, and key lessons from training with Chris Voss and the Black Swan Group. Plus, get actionable tips on building a personal board of directors and the number one thing that makes or breaks any negotiation.Episode Overview:00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest01:23 Jonathan B. Smith's entrepreneurial background02:24

What if your greatest heartbreak became your ultimate source of power—and purpose? In this episode of Thrive Loud, bestselling author, speaker, and certified wellness coach Jessica Moyer joins Lou Diamond to share how devastating loss led her to a life centered around health, wellness, and purposeful living. From losing her infant son and her father, to rebuilding herself and guiding others through grief, identity shifts, and health transformations, Jess reveals how “real” wellness isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a formula for reclaiming your strength and energy, no matter where you start.Listeners will learn the secrets behind her R.E.A.L. Wellness approach (Realistic, Resilient, Energy, Action, Love), get debunked on hormone health myths, hear why prioritizing self-care is non-negotiable, and even catch personal insights—like her comfort food cravings and the power of belief over the noise of naysayers. Jess’s journey reminds us that thriving isn’t about avoiding pain, but transforming it into your life’s greate

What if the leaders we all admire—those seemingly unstoppable CEOs and visionaries—are actually more isolated and vulnerable than anyone imagines? Lou Diamond sits down with Carmen Leiser, organizational psychologist and leader at the Movi Collective, to reveal why the mask of confidence so many leaders wear can be both powerful and deeply exhausting—and why removing it just might transform leadership for the better.Together, they break down the paradox of leadership performance, discuss the rise of peer-driven psychological safety, and share actionable insights on how leaders can foster genuine connection, personal growth, and resilience in themselves and their teams. Carmen also takes us inside the Movi Collective: a global community redefining what it means to network, support, and grow—both professionally and personally.Listeners will discover:The hidden toll of leadership “performance” (03:27)How vulnerability, when balanced, creates unstoppable teams (04:58)What makes Movi Collective radically different

What if the secret to thriving in life and business could be learned from the baseball diamond?In this powerful episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond welcomes back acclaimed baseball writer and author Ken Davidoff for an eye-opening conversation about his newest book, "101 Lessons from the Dugout: What Baseball and Softball Can Teach Us About the Game of Life."Fittingly recorded LIVE in studio on Opening Day!!Discover why Ken Davidoff walked away from a 30-year sportswriting career at the top of his game and how a random call from his agent opened the door to a new adventure in teaching, mentoring, and authorship. The episode dives deep into how the life lessons found between the foul lines can impact coaches, parents, leaders, and young athletes alike. Hear the behind-the-scenes stories about crafting the book alongside pediatrician Dr. Harley Rothbard, the power of collaboration, and the surprising writing process that turned daily deadlines into an enjoyable pursuit.You’ll also hear Ken Davidoff

What if the secret to transforming your team's engagement and productivity starts with something as simple as telling your new hires why they stood out? In this inspiring episode of Thrive Loud, Lou Diamond sits down with Ashley Herd — founder of The Manager Method, HR leader, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and co-host of the HR Besties podcast. Together, they reveal practical, actionable ways to unlock true human connection and leadership in today's workplace, far beyond buzzwords and business clichés.Ashley shares her unconventional journey from aspiring playwright to HR expert, and how her unique “career quilt” gave rise to her thriving manager training business. Hear why her viral leadership tips resonate and learn the power of "common sense that's not so common" in management. Ashley’s aha moment about hiring truly shocks and delights — it’s a real game-changer for leaders and organizations.Key highlights include:The surprising story behind The Manager Method and how Ashley’s creativ

What if the secret to thriving in finance isn’t knowing all the Wall Street jargon—but actually trusting your own instincts and values? Lou Diamond sits down with trailblazing Wall Street veteran Dani Hughes, founder of Divine Asset Management, who shares her unconventional journey from California beach bartender to running her own firm in the thick of New York’s trading floors—and the powerful lessons learned along the way.Listen as Dani Hughes reveals:How her outsider’s perspective helped her disrupt an industry dominated by men (02:58).Why women hold the keys to America’s economic power, even if they don’t realize it (07:01).The pitfalls of listening to “retirement number” marketing—and how to define your own financial empire (10:19).Her secret weapon for thriving through market cycles and business reinvention: curiosity (12:23).Which overlooked financial indicators could warn you about the next big market shake-up (16:03), and why you shouldn’t let greed drive your investment decisions.Plus, get a peek in

What if the moment that knocked you to the ground became the spark for your greatest breakthrough?Lou Diamond welcomes back the unstoppable Erika Rothenberger, who shares the audacious story behind her comeback—from a literal punch in an alley to launching her book and the Audacious Woman Summit. Erika reveals how confronting setbacks head-on allowed her to transform pain into powerful purpose, create bold spaces for women to thrive, and inspire daily action for lasting change. From navigating the challenges of event planning and authoring a book, to celebrating wins with her family, you’ll discover how Erika’s journey is about activating your audacity and expanding your impact.Plus, don’t miss the speed round, behind-the-scenes stories, and actionable ways to break free from your limitations!Episode Overview:00:00 Welcome & Erika’s bold comeback story02:20 Year-in-review: Book, Summit, and juggling it all03:35 What sparked Audacious Expansion & the summit’s impact06:04 Launching the book and embracin

What if the most powerful thing you could do in your career was simply trust your gut—and voice? In this episode of Thrive Loud, bestselling author and communication expert Karen Laos reveals how a lesson learned at age six—and a mortifying boardroom moment—set her on a mission to empower professionals to own their value and speak with confidence that gets noticed.Host Lou Diamond dives deep with Karen Laos into the nuances of effective communication, including why many leaders unknowingly silence themselves, how to balance authority and likability, and the surprisingly simple trick to stop rambling and get to the point. Karen shares the story behind her book, Trust Your Own Voice, and offers practical tips for conquering self-doubt, breaking the “data dump” cycle in presentations, and adapting to today’s multigenerational workplace culture.You’ll also hear:Karen’s childhood flea market negotiation lessons and their lasting impact (01:50)The importance of asking yourself for permission, not just others (04:28

What if the secret to 4x business growth wasn’t more control, but letting go?Lou Diamond welcomes back workplace culture expert and bestselling author Jess Kriegel for a candid conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about leadership. Drawing from her new book, Surrender to Lead, Jess Kriegel unveils the surprising power of surrender—showing that true leadership isn’t about micromanaging outcomes, but inspiring belief and trust within your team.Key Highlights:The naptime epiphany that sparked Surrender to Lead (Jess Kriegel literally woke up with the idea for her bestseller!)Why the word “surrender” gets a bad rap—and how elite Navy SEALs are actually masters of this misunderstood strategy.The costly action trap: How relentlessly driving outcomes can backfire, and how surrendering correlates with 4x greater organizational growth (10:05)A vulnerable story of transparent leadership:Jess Kriegelshares how surrender transformed a daunting layoff into a win for everyone involved (13:03)The

What if the next big business threat isn't what you know—it's what you don't know, and acting fast could mean heading for disaster even quicker?Lou Diamond brings back Eric Eager, CEO of 4Impact Data and host of the Codified Wisdom podcast, to pull back the curtain on the rapidly evolving world of Decision Intelligence. From the frontline of AI-enabled advisory, Eric Eager reveals why simply using AI in your business could steer you onto the wrong path—faster than ever before.Key highlights from this conversation:Discover the crucial difference between Artificial Intelligence and Decision Intelligence, and why your company’s future might depend on bridging that gap.Learn why 80% of businesses never measure the outcome of their decisions, and how this missing accountability can sink even the most promising organizations.Find out how 4Impact Data's new system, from codifying senior advisor “wisdom” to creating audit trails for every important decision, is transforming CPAs from rearview-mirror h

What if the real threat to our economy isn’t in tomorrow’s headlines—but in the unstoppable march of demographics and a hidden wave of “financial eminent domain”?Lou Diamond sits down with his former mentor, Wall Street legend and the original “Convexity Maven” himself, Harley Bassman, for a riveting, honest conversation that will change how you see global markets, monetary policy, and even your own mortgage.In this candid interview, Harley Bassman unpacks how decades of government policy, economic cycles, and simple human nature keep repeating themselves—no matter how much we hope things will be different this time. From the impending strain of an aging Baby Boomer generation to why gold’s recent rise signals more than market speculation, Harley shares his unfiltered perspective on where our financial system is heading and what might make it unravel.Key episode highlights include:The real drivers behind persistent deficits and why both political parties are “just going to print money”—with staggering consequ

What if being “busy” isn’t a badge of honor, but a one-way ticket to burnout? Lou sits down with productivity strategist and former chief marketing officer Sarah Ohanesian for a candid look at why chasing endless tasks keeps so many professionals from meaningful work—and life.Together, they dig into the real roots of burnout, revealing the shocking truth that even the highest achievers sometimes give their families the “worst version” of themselves after a long day of decision fatigue. Sarah Ohanesian shares her personal journey from feeling perpetually overwhelmed in a CMO role to reshaping her career with a mission: help high-performers achieve their most important goals without sacrificing their well-being.Highlights include:The difference between being “busy” and truly “productive,” and how reframing those definitions can transform your workday and your mindset.Sarah Ohanesian’s simple but powerful system for identifying High Priority Tasks (HPTs) so you can break the cycle of “doing everything” and start

What if the real threat to America isn't from abroad, but from our own fading belief in the American Dream? Host Lou Diamond sits down with civic entrepreneur, investor, and author Oliver Libby, whose career journey spans government, big business, startups, and philanthropy. Together, they dig deep into the soul of our nation, asking tough questions: Is the American Dream still alive—and what do we need to do to reignite it?Oliver Libby shares the inspiration behind his new book "Strong Floor, No Ceiling," revealing how his unique background—growing up around Nobel Prize-winning scientists and military service—shaped his approach to solving America's most persistent challenges. The conversation covers everything from the essential 'planks' of opportunity (healthcare, education, housing, justice) to the cultural and economic battles over homeownership, the allure and pitfalls of unlimited success, and why redefining our national priorities isn't just possible—it's necessary.Un

What if we told you that the world’s ultra-wealthy are powering an investment vehicle bigger than private equity and venture capital—managing a mind-blowing $14 trillion—and yet, most people have no idea what a family office actually is? Get ready to have your perspective shifted in this episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond!Host Lou Diamond sits down with Richard Wilson, founder of the Family Office Club, leader of the largest global investor community in the family office niche. Coming to us from Hawaii and fresh off a mega event in South Florida, Richard pulls back the curtain on:How family offices became the global investment powerhouseThe biggest challenges family office investors face—including the trust crisis and AI-fueled disruptionWhy so many hedge funds are converting to family offices, and what that means for the industry’s explosive growthThe all-powerful daily practice that has made Richard millions (and how you can use it yourself)Personal insights into balancing ambition, family, and well-be

What if the way you’ve learned to love is actually holding you back—and even harming the people you care about most?In this eye-opening episode of Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond sits down with trauma therapist and founder of the Love Clarity Method, Sanya Bari, to dive deep into what love really is…and unpacks the hidden traps of guilt, emotional over-responsibility, and survival-based love that plague even the most successful high achievers. Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about loving others and yourself.Lou Diamond and Sanya Bari break down:Why “losing yourself” in love can backfire, and what loving from a place of inner stability actually looks likeThe dangers of transactional love and why putting yourself aside for others leads to resentment (even when it feels selfless)Real-life stories of how guilt and manipulation can sneak into parent-child relationships—and how to spot and heal these patternsWhat we can learn about pure connection and forgiveness from dogs—and how it differs from

In this electrifying episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond welcomes back world-traveling film director, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Brant Pinvidic to reveal what life looks like AFTER the ultimate family globe-trot.Fresh off a year of relentless travel, Brant Pinvidic shares raw insights about the emotional roller coaster of returning home, how the adventure changed his family dynamics, and what he truly learned about “rejecting average.” But that’s just the beginning: Brant Pinvidic unveils his latest passion project, the Stratus Executive Foundation—a truly unique peer executive group channeling “knowledge philanthropy” to give away expertise to entrepreneurs, entirely for free. Forget masterminds and exclusive clubs; this is all about giving back for the sake of impact, not ego.Key Highlights:Brant Pinvidic breaks down the philosophy behind “Reject Average,” and how it evolved into a travel and adventure magazine.The art of “crafted nostalgia”—why you can love an experience before you even hav

Are Ivy League students smarter than a fifth grader? Prepare to be surprised by this playful, campus-wide experiment that puts basic knowledge to the test—and reveals that even top scholars get stumped on the simplest questions.In this special "Intern Takeover" episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond hands the mic to rockstar interns Audrey Chen and David Herzberger, who hit the snowy grounds of Cornell University with a mission: connect with strangers and challenge them with classic "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" questions. From figuring out the inventor of the light bulb to naming the smallest US state, you'll hear plenty of amusing wrong answers, epic redemptions, and accidental bloopers—proving that knowledge gaps can be both humbling and hilariously relatable.Key highlights:The irony of testing elite university students on elementary-level questionsReal reactions, surprises, and candid moments in adverse (snowy!) conditionsHeartwarming campus connections, cold approaches,

What if "work-life balance" is really a myth—and the real struggle is between what you have to do and what you want to do?In this episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond sits down with Cherylanne Skolnicki, top-rated speaker, coach, and founder of Brilliant Balance, for an honest, eye-opening conversation that will challenge everything you think you know about balance. Cherylanne shares the story behind her transition from a successful corporate career at Procter & Gamble to her mission helping thousands of women worldwide "reengineer" their lives for greater fulfillment at work and at home—without losing themselves along the way.Key Highlights:Cherylanne reveals why the traditional view of work versus home life isn't the real source of imbalance (and what is).Learn the simple but powerful skills—like saying "no," delegating, and simplifying—that high achievers use to thrive in all areas of life.Discover the emotional barriers that stop us from prioritizing what matters most,

What if the pursuit of peak performance left you completely burned out—and the only way forward was to become the CEO of your own health?In this jaw-dropping episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond sits down with Amanda Soukoulis, who shares her gripping journey from elite athlete, private equity star, and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader finalist—all seemingly at the top of her game—to a sudden health crash that forced her to rebuild her life from the ground up. Amanda pulls back the curtain on her transformation through functional medicine and nervous system mastery, revealing why chasing quick fixes doesn’t work and how real healing requires data-driven detective work from within.Highlights include:Amanda’s shocking health collapse right after hitting major career milestones—and what heart rate variability really tells you about your body’s readinessThe years-long quest to find answers, the frustrations of being dismissed by doctors, and the ultimate breakthrough with functional testing (like gut microbiome and

What if the moment your life appeared most put-together was the exact instant everything fell apart? In this revealing episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond sits down with Tara Benoit—a competitive athlete, CEO, and self-described “purpose-filled powerhouse”—whose journey took an unimaginable turn after surviving a rare and life-altering heart event (SCAD: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection).Discover how Tara Benoit, a high-achieving woman who thought she’d mastered strength and resilience, was forced to redefine her own identity when her heart—and her life—quite literally tore apart. She opens up about the physical and emotional toll of her recovery, navigating a “devastating” loss of identity and learning that true strength isn’t found in always doing more.Key Highlights:Tara Benoit candidly shares her SCAD survival story, including the little-known realities of women’s heart health and the mystery behind her condition.Honest conversation about what “strength” really means—and why sacrificing balance