About I Don’t Know Where This Conversation Is Going to Go…
An unscripted, curiosity-led show where host Michael Piperno sits down with people who are doing good things in the world—leaders, creators, helpers, builders, and everyday humans with something meaningful to say.
No prep.
No talking points.
No agenda.
Just real conversations that wander, surprise, and reveal something authentic along the way.
In this episode, I sat down with fellow leadership and communication coach Patricio Larrea for an unplanned conversation that ended up exploring what it means to grow, learn, and stay connected in a rapidly changing world. From rediscovering passions later in life to helping leaders navigate the rise of artificial intelligence, the discussion centers on a simple but powerful idea: technology can enhance human potential, but it can't replace human connection.
Patricio and I share personal stories about reframing challenges, embracing the beginner's mindset, and finding the courage to start again. We also dive into the evolving role of AI in coaching and leadership development, discussing where technology adds value and where the uniquely human elements of empathy, presence, and emotional connection still matter most.
The conversation ultimately lands on one of the most important leadership skills of all: listening. In a world filled with distractions, notifications, and constant demands for our attention, genuine presence has become both rare and incredibly powerful.
This episode offers practical insights and meaningful reflections you'll want to carry into your own life and work. I hope you enjoy it.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricio-larrea-97990225/
https://www.thehumphreygroup.com
https://www.michaelpiperno.com/
26 Jun 2026
Human Connection and Authentic Communication with Lisa Peluso
In the next episode of I Don’t Know Where This Conversation Is Going to Go, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow coach, Lisa Peluso, for a conversation that, as always, went exactly where it needed to.
We talk about authenticity, communication, and how AI is starting to shape the way we show up at work. Along the way, we reflect on 18+ years of friendship and what it really means to build a team culture rooted in appreciation, care, and yes—even love.
We also explore something I think a lot of us are feeling right now: how do you stay human in a world that’s becoming more digital by the day? Especially when it comes to conversations, presentations, and leadership moments that actually matter.
Lisa shares a few great stories too—from bold adventures in Tokyo to learning to embrace imperfection—and offers some honest, practical wisdom for navigating both work and life.
If you care about leadership, storytelling, or just being a little more real in how you show up, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
Links Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapeluso/
https://www.michaelpiperno.com
19 Jun 2026
Everything is Energy with Elissa Lansdell
In this episode, I sat down with Elyssa Lansdell for an unscripted conversation that explores the power of energy, intuition, and authentic leadership. Elissa, a former broadcaster turned leadership coach, shares her personal journey from embracing her intuitive gifts to helping others unlock their own inner power—both in and out of the corporate world.
We discuss the importance of presence, the science of emotional energy, and how honoring our gut instincts can lead to greater fulfillment and success. Through real-life stories and practical insights, the episode challenges listeners to reconsider what "soft skills" really mean and how reconnecting with our emotions can transform our professional and personal lives. Plus, Elissa offers a look at her upcoming ventures and how to join her mission of energetic leadership.
This was a great conversation—one that invites us to be more present, open, and attuned to the energy around, and within, us.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Elissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissalansdell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissalansdell)
Website: https://www.elissalansdell.com (https://www.elissalansdell.com/)
Michael's Website: https://www.michaelpiperno.com (https://www.michaelpiperno.com)
11 Jun 2026
Creating Spaces Where People Thrive with Julio Govreau
In the first episode of season 2, I sat down with Julio Govreau (https://www.linkedin.com/in/julio-c-govreau-mba/) for a thoughtful conversation that journeys through mentorship, coaching, and career development. We reflect on how our own paths crossed through LinkedIn, connecting over shared passions for helping others grow in their personal and professional lives. Julio shares inspiring stories from his HR career—starting with a pivotal early mistake that became a defining lesson in self-compassion and resilience.
We explore the value of creating safe spaces for reflection, embracing vulnerability and imperfection, and the profound, two-way street of mentoring relationships. The episode delves into the nuances between mentoring, coaching, and sponsorship, spotlighting how organizations can foster stronger cultures and succession planning by investing in employees at all levels—not just at the top.
Whether you’re a leader, an aspiring professional, or simply passionate about personal growth, this episode offers a candid conversation that I hope will help you in your own career and leadership journey.
Julio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julio-c-govreau-mba/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/julio-c-govreau-mba/)
Michael's Website: https://www.michaelpiperno.com (https://www.michaelpiperno.com)
16 Mar 2026
Overcoming Fears, Reinvention, and Entrepreneurship with Kerry Barrett
Ever wondered what it really takes to conquer self-doubt, switch careers, or start a business from scratch—especially when you have no clue what you’re doing? In this episode, I sit down with Emmy Award-winning former TV news anchor turned on-camera coach, Kerry Barrett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrybarrett/), to unpack the winding road from the newsroom to entrepreneurship.
We both open up about the messy side of pursuing new dreams: overcoming fear of public speaking, dealing with imposter syndrome, learning on the fly, and making peace with failure. You’ll hear how Kerry pivoted her business multiple times, faced a steep learning curve, and discovered the power of relentless self-improvement.
Whether you’re thinking about your own career leap, struggling with self-confidence, or just craving an authentic peek behind the scenes of working for yourself, I think you’ll find our conversation insightful. Plus, we share some practical wisdom on the importance of building a support network, testing your ideas, and (finally) not letting other people’s opinions define your story.
Tune in for an empowering conversation loaded with real talk, lots of laughs, and actionable takeaways for anyone on the journey of reinventing themselves.
Links mentioned in the show:
Kerry’s LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/kerrybarrett/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrybarrett/)
Check out Kerry’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@IAmKerryBarrett (https://www.youtube.com/@IAmKerryBarrett)
Kerry’s Website: www.kerrybarrett.com (https://www.kerrybarrett.com/)
Michael’s Website: MichaelPiperno.com (https://www.michaelpiperno.com/)
9 Mar 2026
The Power of Sharing Your Story with Tami Wong
In this episode, I caught up with Tami Wong (http://therealtamiwong.com/), and we had a wonderful conversation that touched on a variety of themes, including vulnerability, resilience, and personal growth.
Tami is the founder of Hair Loss Pride and author of the children’s book "Hair Pride." In our conversation, she shared her personal journey of living with alopecia since her teens, detailing the struggles she faced with confidence, shame, and self-acceptance, as well as the turning points that led her to become an advocate for women experiencing hair loss.
We also talked about Tami's transition from a corporate career in biotech and healthcare to launching her own business—one that offers not only coaching, wig consultations, and support groups, but also a powerful online community where women can share their stories and feel less alone. The conversation covers the significance of breaking silences around topics often considered taboo, including estrangement, anxiety, and grief.
We delved into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of representation in beauty and fashion, and the ripple effects created when people are brave enough to step forward and speak openly about their experiences.
It's a great conversation about the transformative power of connection, sharing personal struggles, and embracing your story.
Links Mentioned:
Tami’s website: therealtamiwong.com (http://therealtamiwong.com/)
Hair Loss Pride on Instagram: www.instagram.com/hairlosspride (http://www.instagram.com/hairlosspride)
Shedding the Shame Podcast: therealtamiwong.com/podcast (https://therealtamiwong.com/podcast)
Michael's Website: https://www.michaelpiperno.com (https://www.michaelpiperno.com)
2 Mar 2026
Inclusion, Connection, and Lessons from the Rink with Erin Davis
In this episode, I sit down with Erin Davis to dive into a candid and wide-ranging conversation about connection, inclusion, and embracing change—both in and outside of the workplace. From stories about childhood belonging (or lack thereof) to how we make people feel in our everyday interactions, this episode explores how our lived experiences shape the way we form relationships and communicate across differences.
You’ll hear Erin share her journey from being a hockey skeptic to lacing up her own skates, and how trying something new on the ice turned into powerful lessons about leadership, teamwork, and building truly inclusive spaces. Michael and Erin also share honest reflections about networking, communication challenges among generations, and how recalibrating our beliefs can be healthier than relentlessly pushing forward.
Tune in for practical insights, a few good laughs, and a reminder that we all just want to feel included.
Links Mentioned:
Erin’s website: www.erindavisco.ca (https://www.erindavisco.ca/)
Follow Erin on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erin-davis-co/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-davis-co/)
Unapologetic (Erin’s Podcast): www.erindavisco.ca/unapologetic-podcast (https://www.erindavisco.ca/unapologetic-podcast)
Michael's Website: https://www.michaelpiperno.com (https://www.michaelpiperno.com)
20 Feb 2026
Music, Marketing, and Meaningful Relationships with Greg Ippolito
In this episode of I Don’t Know Where This Conversation Is Going to Go, I sit down with my friend and colleague Greg Ippolito — someone I’ve known for so many years that our conversations tend to zig, zag, loop back, and somehow land exactly where they’re supposed to.
We talk about a lot — connection, marketing, music, creativity — but it all comes back to one simple truth: people. How we show up for each other. How we communicate. How we build trust. And how, despite all the digital noise we navigate every day, the most meaningful moments still happen one human at a time.
Greg and I riff on where marketing is headed. We also get into why genuine, personal connection matters more than ever — not as a tactic, but as a way of being.
Some of my favorite parts of our conversation are about music. We swap stories about rediscovering it during the pandemic, the strange comfort of gathering around a piano, and the science behind why certain songs make us feel seen, understood, or simply less alone. We even wander into the nostalgia of vinyl. You'll see.
We also talk business. The messy blend of sales and marketing. The power of referrals. The magic that happens when you experiment with content instead of overthinking it. And the humble, often invisible ways people help shape our lives without us realizing it until years later.
It’s a thoughtful conversation, and it’s a reminder that connection — real connection — is still at the heart of good work and a good life.
Takeaways:
Real connection always beats slick, surface-level marketing.
Revisiting old passions (like music) can bring people closer.
Creativity thrives when you’re willing to experiment and not take yourself too seriously.
Many of the moments that shape us don’t look significant until we look back.
Links Mentioned:
IMA: ima314.com
Michael Piperno: michaelpiperno.com
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