Leadership in Flux

About Leadership in Flux

Leadership in Flux is your compass in a disordered world—where complexity is the norm, disruption is constant, and yesterday's playbook no longer applies. Hosted by Sanjiv Augustine, a pioneering voice in Agile leadership and organizational transformation, this podcast dives deep into what it really takes to lead with impact in a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible) world. Each episode features unfiltered conversations with seasoned executives, bold innovators, and change agents who are redefining leadership in real time. From navigating enterprise-wide Agile transformations to reshaping operating models and embedding AI into core strategies, we explore the mindsets, methods, and moments that define modern leadership. You'll hear stories of failure and reinvention, practical frameworks for thriving amidst ambiguity, and the human side of leading through volatility. Whether you're a C-suite leader, transformation architect, or rising changemaker, Leadership in Flux equips you with the clarity, courage, and adaptability to stay ahead of the curve—and help others do the same. This is more than a podcast. It's a leadership lab for the future.

Publisher

Sanjiv Augustine

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Sept 2025

Latest episode

1 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Episode 14: Melanie Kolp

   This episode of Leadership in Flux features Melanie Kolp. Melanie is a senior technology executive recognized for her passionate strategic leadership at the intersection of technology, data, and innovation. As Nationwide's Chief Data Officer and Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer for Technology Enterprise Solutions, she leads enterprise-wide strategies that align technology, data, artificial intelligence and emerging technology with the company's broader business ambitions. She leads the development of a future-ready workforce, including expanding Nationwide's global presence through the establishment of its India office and serving as board chairperson—helping position the company at the forefront of digital transformation. With more than 30 years of experience, Melanie has built a strong reputation for translating complex technologies into tangible business outcomes. She leads initiatives that integrate technology strategy with data-driven insights, strengthening enterprise capabilities and enhancing both customer experience and consumer privacy across Nationwide. Previously, she served as Chief Technology Officer for Corporate Technology, where she led strategy and product delivery across all corporate functions. In her earlier leadership roles, Melanie played a key role in modernizing Nationwide's Retirement Plans technology platform, driving growth and expanding capabilities across public and private sectors. She also previously led property and casualty systems, enterprise application development, and financial technology operations. Before joining Nationwide in 2005, Melanie held positions with Ernst & Young LLP and American Electric Power. A committed advocate for advancing women in technology, Melanie is a founding member of Nationwide's Women in IT organization and the founding president of Columbus Women in Tech. She is also a proud board member for Girl Scouts of Ohio Heartland. She holds dual Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Management Information Systems and Business Management from Ohio University and resides in Dublin, Ohio, with her husband and three sons. See more episodes here: https://lithespeed.com/leadership_in_flux/ Learn more about LitheSpeed: https://lithespeed.com/ Connect with Sanjiv Augustine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaugustine/

2. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Episode 13: John Rudd

   This episode of Leadership in Flux features John Rudd. John is a former turnaround CFO and Accenture M&A leader who now tells mid-market executives the uncomfortable truth: AI just handed the speed advantage to the company that was always too small to matter, and most leadership teams are quietly faking their way through it most leadership teams are quietly. Co-founder of LightSight, an AI consulting and engineering firm advising middle-market leaders through the AI shift. Former CEO of SolutionsIQ where he and his brother built it into the largest Agile pure-play consultancy in North America SolutionsIQ was acquired by Accenture in 2017, where John a reverse merger of Accenture's Agile practice into SolutionsIQ, he then ran the Accenture global Agile practice across five continents. Later he led Accenture's North America technology M&A program. He currently holds board roles for private equity-owned companies. He has decades of fiduciary turnaround work as CRO, CEO, trustee, and receiver across dozens of distressed mid-market organizations. More from John: The age of the Speedboat: https://speedboatbook.com/ LightSight.Ai: https://lightsight.com/ See more episodes here: https://lithespeed.com/leadership_in_flux/ Learn more about LitheSpeed: https://lithespeed.com/ Connect with Sanjiv Augustine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaugustine/

3. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Episode 12: LaTrease Garrison

   This episode features LaTrease Garrison. LaTrease is the Chief Operating Officer of ACS. She leads the strategic direction for several core units at the Society including the Society Programs, the Office of Philanthropy, Membership and Strategic Engagement, technology advancement, and global engagement. Ms. Garrison was previously the Executive Vice President for ACS Education, Membership, and Scientific Advancement where she was responsible for membership engagement and educational programs. She began her career at ACS as a Program Assistant for Chemical & Engineering News magazine. Over the last three decades, Ms. Garrison went on to hold several prominent positions at the Society including Senior Program Manager of Undergraduate Programs, Assistant Director of the Member Communities/Department of Volunteer Support, and Director of the Administrative and Programmatic Technology group and the Professional Advancement Team. Ms. Garrison earned her bachelor's degree of science in chemistry from Howard University and her master's degree in business administration at Strayer University. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and participating in ministry opportunities. Role description Leads the strategic direction for core ACS operations, including Society Programs, the Office of Philanthropy, Membership and Strategic Engagement, technology advancement, and global engagement. See more episodes here: https://lithespeed.com/leadership_in_flux/ Learn more about LitheSpeed: https://lithespeed.com/ Connect with Sanjiv Augustine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaugustine/

4. 

   3 Aug 2026

   Episode 11: Charlie Kennedy

   This episode of Leadership in Flux features Charlie Kennedy. Charlie is an SVP and the IT Transformation and Delivery Director for Huntington National Bank.  Charlie provides transformation leadership to HNB's "Project to Product" transformation that is deploying a Product Operating Model to achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency in delivery.  He also leads the Agile Delivery organization for the Value Management Office. He has a diverse industry background having served banking, insurance, and retail organizations in his career. Previously, Charlie led multiple agile transformations at both HNB and Nationwide Insurance that resulted in greater delivery velocity, improved cost effectiveness, and the ability of the business to better adapt to market conditions. See more episodes here: https://lithespeed.com/leadership_in_flux/ Learn more about LitheSpeed: https://lithespeed.com/ Connect with Sanjiv Augustine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaugustine/

5. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Episode 10: Denise Jarvie

   This episode of Leadership in Flux features Denise Jarvie. Denise is a recognized leader in enterprise agility, organizational transformation, and adaptive leadership. As Managing Director of Agile Alliance and Director of Agile Community at PMI, she helps organizations and leaders navigate accelerating change by building the capabilities needed to translate strategy into action and sustain value in complex environments. Her career spans highly regulated industries, including defense, aerospace, supply chain, and government, where she has led large-scale digital modernization and transformation initiatives. Drawing on this experience, Denise focuses on helping organizations become change-ready: aligning leadership, operating models, and execution systems to adapt without losing strategic focus. A frequent speaker and thought leader, Denise speaks on enterprise agility, AI-driven transformation, leadership, and the evolving role of project management in closing the strategy-execution gap. She is particularly passionate about moving organizations beyond methodology debates and toward building the capacity for continuous reinvention, shared enterprise outcomes, and human-centered change. Denise is a U.S. Army veteran with an MBA and holds PMP and PMI-ACP certifications. She is a co-creator and advocate of the Manifesto for Enterprise Agility, helping shape the conversation around what it means for organizations to be truly built for change. See more episodes here: https://lithespeed.com/leadership_in_flux/ Learn more about LitheSpeed: https://lithespeed.com/ Connect with Sanjiv Augustine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaugustine/

6. 

   30 Jun 2026

   Episode 9: Mary Kohler & Jennifer Arndt

   This episode of Leadership in Flux features Mary Kohler and Jennifer Arndt. Mary Kohler is Vice President of Transformation for the Publications Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS), where she leads the division-wide transformation across strategy, operating model, and organizational effectiveness. In this role, she defines how the Division evolves to deliver on strategic priorities, ensuring vision translates into clear decisions, aligned execution, and measurable outcomes. Mary is known for treating transformation as an ongoing organizational capability rather than a one-time effort. She partners closely with other executive leaders to align strategy with day-to-day operations, helping teams navigate complexity, make meaningful tradeoffs, and focus on outcomes with the greatest impact. Her leadership emphasizes clarity, consistency, and trust, creating the conditions needed for organizations to move through change with greater speed, adaptability, and confidence. With more than three decades of experience, Mary has led large-scale transformation efforts across global organizations, including operating model design, performance management evolution, and culture change initiatives affecting thousands of employees. She brings a strong track record of building shared ways of working, strengthening decision frameworks, and embedding feedback loops to support continuous improvement and long-term value delivery. Prior to her current role, Mary served as Senior Director of Human Resources at ACS, where she acted as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and led HR strategy and programs across domestic and international teams. Her work included organizational design, workforce strategy, talent management, and employee engagement, laying the foundation for the transformation work she leads today. Earlier in her career, Mary held senior HR leadership roles at ICF International and Freddie Mac, supporting complex global organizations through business transformation, workforce planning, and organizational change. Across these roles, she developed deep expertise in aligning people, strategy, and execution to deliver measurable business results. Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Trinity University and is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). She also holds certifications in change management and strategic workforce planning and is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management. www.linkedin.com/in/marykohler1 Jennifer Arndt has spent more than two decades at ACS Publications, one of the world's largest and most highly cited scientific publishers, leading work that has evolved from complex program delivery to full-scale organizational transformation. As Director of Transformation Strategy and Execution, she works at the intersection of AI adoption, organizational change, and the stubborn human dynamics that determine whether change sticks. Jennifer's approach starts with a simple premise: People are the system. When they understand where they're going, trust the people leading them, and can close the gap between ideas and daily reality, transformation is inevitable. Her work focuses on building the infrastructure, shared language, and organizational conditions that make change not just possible but repeatable. She writes about transformation at the human level on Substack and LinkedIn, where she explores why lasting change is harder than it looks and closer than it feels. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarndt/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarndt/) https://jaarndt.substack.com/ (https://jaarndt.substack.com/) See more episodes here: https://lithespeed.com/leadership_in_flux/ Learn more about LitheSpeed: https://lithespeed.com/ Connect with Sanjiv Augustine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaugustine/

7. 

   26 May 2026

   Episode 8: Michael Carrel

   This episode of Leadership in Flux features Michael Carrel. Michael Carrel is EVP and Chief Technology Officer for Nationwide. In this role, he is responsible for the company's technology strategy, IT capabilities and business transformation programs. Previously, Michael served as CTO for Nationwide Financial, leading all technology solutions supporting Nationwide's Financial Services businesses. Prior to that, Michael served as CTO for Marketing and Enterprise Growth Solutions, where he led technology strategy and solutions for Marketing, Enterprise Customer Data, Enterprise Internet & Mobile, Pet Insurance, Emerging Partnerships and Innovation. Michael has been with Nationwide for 30 years serving in a variety of areas including Corporate Disaster Recovery Systems, Corporate Financial Systems, Property & Casualty Agency Solutions, Property & Casualty Claims Solutions, Office of the Enterprise CIO, Corporate Internet Solutions, Nationwide Financial Integrated Application Services, Retirement Plans and Enterprise Applications. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Bowling Green State University, Summa Cum Laude and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dayton. He also carries a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Michael serves on the Computer Science Advisory Board of Bowling Green State University and is the Board Chair for the United Way of Delaware County. He is an active member in the Technology Executive 50 community for senior technology executives and an Innovation Advisory Council Member for Vation Ventures. In 2025, Michael was named the Ohio ORBIE Awards Large Enterprise CIO of the Year. Michael has also served on the advisory boards for the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, Insured Retirement Institute, and Sungard/Relius. See more episodes here: https://lithespeed.com/leadership_in_flux/ Learn more about LitheSpeed: https://lithespeed.com/ Connect with Sanjiv Augustine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaugustine/

8. 

   1 May 2026

   Episode 7: Kathleen Walch

   This episode of Leadership in Flux features Kathleen Walch. Kathleen is Director of AI Engagement and Community at Project Management Institute (PMI), where she focuses on advancing practical, responsible AI adoption across the project management profession. In this role, Kathleen works at the intersection of education, community, and real‑world practice to help professionals confidently lead AI‑enabled initiatives. Kathleen joins PMI from the Cognilytica acquisition. At Cognilytica, Kathleen co-developed the Cognitive Project Management for AI (CPMAI) methodology that is in use by Fortune 1000 firms and government agencies worldwide to successfully run and manage their AI and advanced data projects. Adopted by dozens of multinational organizations, dozens of government agencies, and NGOs, CPMAI is quickly becoming the standard methodology for AI project management best practices. Kathleen is CPMAI+E Certified. As an experienced data-focused analyst with a background in marketing, Kathleen's expertise and experience in project management issues around organizational adoption of data led to the development of the CPMAI methodology. Kathleen is a dynamic presenter, researcher and thought leader on emerging technology best practices. She is a sought after keynoter and presenter speaking to audiences worldwide. Kathleen is also the host of the AI Today podcast (https://www.pmi.org/ai-today-podcast) and a frequent contributor to publications including CIO, Fortune, Forbes, and TechTarget SearchAI. Prior to her work at Cognilytica, Kathleen helped to grow TechBreakfast, a national technology-focused innovation demo series. Kathleen founded tech startup-up HourlyBee, an online scheduling system for home services where she quickly became an expert in grassroots marketing, networking, and employee management. Before that, Kathleen was a key part of the direct marketing operation for Harte Hanks managing large scale direct mail campaigns for clients including Bed Bath and Beyond and BuyBuyBaby. Managing big data analytics, she created efficiencies in the process saving thousands of dollars and days of processing time from each campaign. Kathleen graduated from Loyola University with a degree in Marketing. See more episodes here: https://lithespeed.com/leadership_in_flux/

9. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Episode 6: Gene Bounds

   This Leadership in Flux episode features Gene Bounds. Eugene Bounds is a globally recognized Management Consultant with more than three decades of Information Technology and Program Execution experience. He established Bounds Associates in 2012 to provide strategy and execution consulting services to Government agencies and has earned successful prime contractor engagements with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Treasury, and Commerce. Mr. Bounds was formerly a senior vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton. He is also a retired U.S. Air Force officer and former Sector Director at Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute. Mr. Bounds has extensive board governance experience--elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Project Management Institute from 2007 to 2012 and was Board Chairman in 2010. He was also elected to serve on the Board of Directors for Scrum Alliance and served as Board Chairman in 2017. In 2019, Mr. Bounds was appointed to the Board of Governors for Saint Stephens and Saint Agnes School. Eugene is a recipient of the Federal Computer Week "Federal 100" Award, which recognizes executives having the greatest impact on the US government information systems community. He was also awarded a Project Management Institute Fellowship, presented to fewer than 70 project management professionals from around the world. Mr. Bounds holds a M.S. degree in Information Systems from the University of Southern California and a B.B.A. in Information Systems from Texas Tech University. He is also a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College.

10. 

    8 Apr 2026

    Episode 5: Hollie Ringer

    This episode features Hollie Ringer. Hollie is the Vice President, Enterprise Digital Product Management Leader for Nationwide, leading a team of product professionals responsible for advancing the digital experience for members and partners across Nationwide's core businesses, with accountability for key digital channels including mobile, web, preference and profile management, digital messaging, and conversational voice and chat. Hollie and her team provide strategic digital consultation and thought leadership to partners across the organization. Having been with Nationwide for 30 years, Hollie has led a variety of teams and initiatives, including roles as Associate Vice President of Enterprise Digital Strategy and Planning, Associate Vice President of Nationwide Financial Digital Strategy and Planning, Director of Life and Annuity Operations Compliance, and Director of Retirement Plans Participant Solutions Sales. Hollie brings deep experience in financial services, compliance, sales, marketing, and digital strategy and planning, spending more than 20 years supporting the Financial Services businesses and the last several years focused on enterprise-wide digital solutions. Today, Hollie is helping enable the adoption of a product operating model across the Enterprise, providing thought leadership and enablement services such as coaching, educational content, and consultation to leaders and teams looking to evolve their ways of working. Hollie has a passion for delivering extraordinary digital experiences through empowered teams, with a consistent focus on customer outcomes and a modern product mindset. Hollie graduated with an undergraduate degree in business from Miami University, holds an MBA from Franklin University, and earned a her Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School.

11. 

    27 Mar 2026

    Episode 4: Amber Field

    This episode features Amber Field. Amber Field is the Chief Operating Officer at Strudel AI, a Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and author of the book, Agile Discovery & Delivery: A Survival Guide for New Software Engineers & Tech Entrepreneurs. She has been an executive leader in tech, agile proponent, and engineer for her entire career at a number of organizations including IBM, National Geographic, Oracle Utilities (formerly Opower), Capital One, and Singlewire Software. Amber frequently speaks at conferences and blogs at amberrfield.com. She lives in Madison, WI.

12. 

    11 Feb 2026

    Episode 3: Lenka Pincot

    Leadership in Flux is your compass in a disordered world, where complexity is the norm, disruption is constant, and yesterday's playbook no longer applies. Hosted by Sanjiv Augustine, a pioneering voice in Agile leadership and organizational transformation, this podcast dives deep into what it really takes to lead with impact in a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible) world. Each episode features unfiltered conversations with seasoned executives, bold innovators, and change agents who are redefining leadership in real time. From navigating enterprise-wide Agile transformations to reshaping operating models and embedding AI into core strategies, we explore the mindsets, methods, and moments that define modern leadership. You'll hear stories of failure and reinvention, practical frameworks for thriving amidst ambiguity, and the human side of leading through volatility. Whether you're a C-suite leader, transformation architect, or rising changemaker, Leadership in Flux equips you with the clarity, courage, and adaptability to stay ahead of the curve, and help others do the same. This is more than a podcast. It's a leadership lab for the future. This episode features Lenka Pincot. Lenka is PMI's Chief of Staff to the CEO, an executive leader, and PMI's representative on the Agile Alliance Board of Directors. She oversees PMI's Transformation Management Office, Enterprise Program Management Office, CEO & Board communications, and Thought Leadership teams. Her role is to drive the execution of strategic change initiatives and foster a culture of innovation and excellence across all levels. In her capacity, she collaborates closely with the CEO, other executive leaders, and the Board of Directors to align strategic goals with operational execution. By leading cross-functional teams and spearheading critical projects, Lenka ensures that transformation efforts are on track and deliver impactful results. Her focus on effective communication and thought leadership helps position PMI at the forefront of project management trends and innovations, reinforcing PMI's commitment to the new purpose: to maximize project success to elevate our world. Lenka has extensive international experience driving digital and agile transformations, innovation, and business growth across multiple industries. Most recently, Lenka served as the Head of Agile Transformation at a key European bank, where she defined the organization's transformation vision and strategy, built a high-performing transformation team, and executed the roadmap while onboarding business and IT talent. Lenka promoted customer centricity and contributed to their digital leadership in the market. Lenka holds a Master's degree in Computer Sciences, Software Engineering from Charles University. She has earned a Digital Excellence Diploma from the IMD Business School of Switzerland and completed the European Women in Boards C-Level Program. She holds international certifications in project management, agile practices, and business analysis, including the following PMI Credentials: PMP, PfMP, PMI-PBA, CAPM, and PMI-ACP.

13. 

    21 Jan 2026

    Episode 2: Jim Highsmith

    This episode of Leadership in Flux features Jim Highsmith. Jim Highsmith is an industry advisor, having retired as Executive Consultant at ThoughtWorks, Inc. in 2021. Prior to Thoughtworks, he was Director of Cutter Consortium's Agile Project Management practice. He has nearly 60 years' experience as an IT manager, product manager, project manager, consultant, software developer, and storyteller. Jim has been a leader in the agile software development community for the past three decades. Jim is the author of Wild West to Agile, Addison Wesley (2023), EDGE: Value-driven digital transformation, Addison-Wesley 2020; Adaptive Leadership: Accelerating Enterprise Agility (2014), Agile Project Management: Creating Innovative Products (2009), Adaptive Software Development: A Collaborative Approach to Managing Complex Systems (2000) and winner of the prestigious Jolt Award, and Agile Software Development Ecosystems, (2002). Jim is the recipient of the 2005 international Stevens Award for outstanding contributions to systems development. Jim is a coauthor of the Agile Manifesto, a founding member of The Agile Alliance, coauthor of the Declaration of Interdependence for project leaders, and co-founder and first president of the Agile Leadership Network. Jim consulted with Information Technology organizations and software companies worldwide.

14. 

    9 Sept 2025

    Episode 1: Jeff Sutherland