Rebels With A Heart is the podcast for leaders who refuse to choose between performance and people.
Hosted by Derek Lundsten, CEO of LifeGuides, the show features focused, strategic conversations with executives, CHROs, business leaders, and partners exploring how organizations are evolving to meet the demands of today's world of work — where AI is reshaping how things get done, expectations around leadership and culture are shifting, and the pressure on teams has never been higher.
The future of work is changing fast. Rebels With A Heart brings together the leaders shaping it.
Promoted, Pressured, and Underprepared: Rethinking the Role of the Modern Manager
Organizations are investing heavily in AI, technology, and strategy — yet many are overlooking the most powerful driver of performance: the people manager.
More than 90% of HR leaders say managers are critical to business performance. Yet research from SHRM shows a persistent preparedness gap, particularly among first-time and frontline managers, many of whom report feeling under-equipped to lead effectively.
At the intersection of performance and wellbeing sits the modern manager — asked to deliver results, support mental health, integrate AI, and retain talent, often without the systems or development to succeed. The result? Burnout at the managerial level, inconsistent employee experience, and weakened organizational resilience.
But the same role that represents the greatest vulnerability inside an organization also represents its greatest leverage point.
In this episode of Rebels with a Heart, Derek Lundsten sits down with Dr. Alex Alonso, Chief Knowledge Officer at SHRM, to explore:
What the data tells us about the widening manager capability gap
Why traditional leadership training isn’t translating into daily effectiveness
The measurable business impact of manager wellbeing and readiness
How organizations can build real, measurable manager readiness
In an AI-accelerated world, competitive advantage won’t just come from better tools, it will come from leaders who can protect performance by protecting their people.
21 Jan 2025
Building Genuine Connections with Empathetic Leadership (May 15, 2024)
In this episode, we'll hear from three guests in hospitality about how empathy not only enhances relationships with customers but also fosters a sense of belonging among employees, creating a ripple effect that positively impacts business.Join the discussion to explore:Cultivating Genuine Connections: Discover how empathy serves as the cornerstone of exceptional customer service, leading to deeper connections and trust between customers and staff. Learn practical strategies for fostering auth...
14 Jan 2025
Embracing the Transformative Power in the Shifting Landscape of Education (April 17, 2024)
In this recording of last April's live panel, we dive into the dynamic world of education and its ever-evolving landscape, fueled by the transformative power of AI and other innovations.Our esteemed guests will discuss innovative approaches and insights on empowering minds for positive change in education.Listen in to discover…Rethinking Traditional Models: Delve into how educational paradigms are embracing AI and other advancements to adapt to the needs of a rapidly changing world.Empowering...
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,376
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
12 ratings
Spotify
4.7 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
43
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
77
Contact Rebels With A Heart
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Rebels With A Heart?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
