Unapologetic Leadership
In a noisy, distracted world, authentic leadership matters more than ever. Hosted by Cory Dunham—entrepreneur, business leader, and follower of Jesus—this podcast is real talk for real leaders who want to live and lead with clarity, courage, and conviction. From overcoming fear mindsets to leading with love, Cory shares personal stories, faith-driven values, and practical tools that help you grow as a leader in your workplace, family, and community. Each episode offers actionable takeaways, mindset shifts, and sometimes guest insights—so you can lead without burnout, build trust, create alignment, and anchor yourself in what truly matters.
Episodes
What Ethical Leadership Looks Like When the World Gets Dirty, with Melih Arat
What does it really mean to lead with integrity when dishonesty, distraction, and short-term thinking seem to dominate today's world?In this thought-provoking episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with entrepreneur, professor, author, and business consultant Melih (Mel) Arat to explore why ethical leadership isn't just a moral choice, it's a competitive advantage
From Burnout to Purpose, Trusting Faith over Security, and Leaving a 6-Figure Income, with Dr. Melissa Hill
What would it take for you to walk away from a successful six-figure career and trust that God has something even greater waiting on the other side?In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Dr. Melissa Hill, former federal chemist, CEO, transition coach, and founder of CREME Consultants, to explore what it really means to leave comfort behind and pursue your
Great Leaders in Adversity, and how Compassion Built a Championship Culture, with Jim Johnson
What separates great leaders from those who simply manage people?In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with legendary coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author Jim Johnson to explore the leadership principles that create extraordinary teams, lasting influence, and unforgettable moments.Jim shares the remarkable story behind one of the most inspirational m
Lead Differently with Courage and Faith and Empowering the Next Generation, with Dr. Valencia Hicks-Harris
What if the greatest leaders aren't the loudest in the room, but the ones courageous enough to serve others with faith, empathy, and purpose?In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham welcomes Dr. Valencia Hicks-Harris, affectionately known as Dr. V, Founder and CEO of Empower All Inc., educator, researcher, speaker, and nonprofit leader, for a powerful conversation abo
Name Your Price Marketplace and Inner Peace Under Pressure, with Boris Zhukov
What separates leaders who build extraordinary companies from those who never move beyond a great idea?In this thought-provoking episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Boris A. Zhukov, applied economist, TEDx speaker, CEO of LetYouKnow, inventor, and former Assistant Professor at Ball State University, to explore the mindset required to innovate, lead through uncertainty, a
Wealth Management and Rugby: How Empathy Builds Society and Portfolios, with Russ Lazaruk
What do wealth management, leadership, and rugby have in common?More than you might think.In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Russ Lazaruk, Managing Director at NCP Capital Partners, to explore why the strongest portfolios and the strongest organizations are both built on trust, empathy, and meaningful relationships.With more than 35 years of experience in wealth
Redefining Founder and Family Success, with SaaS Unicorn Founder Robert Imbeault
What if the greatest measure of success isn't the company you build, but the life you create?In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Robert Imbeault, Founder and CEO of Backboard.io, serial entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and former co-founder of Canadian SaaS unicorn Assent Compliance, to explore what happens when you redefine success beyo
Why Soft Skills Win in Leadership: Science vs Art, with Abbas Alimorad
Will AI replace great leaders?Not if leadership remains human.In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Abbas Alimorad, executive leader, board member, AI and strategy advisor, and project management expert, to explore why the future of leadership isn't about choosing between technology and people. It's about mastering both.Drawing from more than 20 years of
Building High-Performance Human Teams in the Automotive Industry, with Jill Trotta
What's the secret to building high-performing teams that deliver results without burning people out?In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Jill Trotta, Managing Director of One Guard Inspections, a Repairify company, to explore what it really means to lead people instead of simply managing numbers. With more than 30 years in the automotive and mobility industry
Serving Nonprofits with Compassion, While Showing God's Grace, with Dr. Kimberly Terry, EdD
In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Dr. Kimberly Terry, consultant, nonprofit leader, and humanitarian, to discuss what it means to lead with compassion, humility, and faith.Dr. Terry shares her journey from corporate America to building a mission-driven consulting business and nonprofit organization serving women and children in Sierra Leone. Together,
From Freelancer to Founder: Uncertainty, Courage, and Business Growth, with Annett Forcier
What do you do when there is no clear path forward?In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with entrepreneur, email marketing expert, and business owner Annett Forcier, Founder of EmailBoutique.io, to discuss the realities of building a business, embracing uncertainty, and creating opportunities where none seem to exist.About Annett ForcierAnnett shares her journey from f
Culture and Growth, The Leadership Principles That Transfer Across Every Industry, with Russell Warner
What do mortgages, marketing, and skateboards have in common?More than you think.In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with entrepreneur, CEO, and sales leader Russell Warner to explore the leadership principles that transcend industries. From building businesses and leading teams to creating strong cultures and navigating rapid growth, Russell shares lessons learned fr
Integrity First and Freedom by Design: Finding the Right Franchise, with Richard Potter
What if business ownership didn't mean starting from scratch?In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with entrepreneur, franchise consultant, and multi-business owner Richard Potter to explore how professionals can transition from corporate careers into business ownership with greater confidence and less risk. Richard shares how he helps burned-out executives and vet
Nonprofit Mission Drift is Expensive, and Flexible Leaders Don’t Break, with Sharmon Lebby
What happens when organizations chase funding instead of purpose?In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with nonprofit consultant, brand strategist, and ethical business advocate Sharmon Lebby to discuss leadership, mission drift, collaboration, and building organizations that create lasting impact.Sharmon shares why many nonprofits and businesses struggle when they lose
Revenue Without Relationships Is Dead: AI Can't Replace Trust, with Mike Reardon
Is AI helping businesses grow, or is it quietly destroying the relationships that drive revenue?In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Mike Reardon, Founder of Be Effective and Fractional CRO, to explore the intersection of leadership, sales, AI, trust, and human connection. Mike shares why relationships, communication, culture, and genuine human intelligence remain
Investing in Real Estate, Learning in Community, Overcoming the Fear of Rejection, with Todd Stender
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Todd Stender, Managing Director of Leste's Real Estate Net Lease Strategy, for an insightful conversation about leadership, real estate investing, personal growth, community, and overcoming the fear of rejection. Todd shares his journey from a successful career as a public market real estate analyst to the private investme
The Founder Bottleneck Nobody Wants to Admit, with Prashant Agrawal
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with founder, investor, and business advisor Prashant Agrawal for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, investing, leadership, and the hard truths many founders avoid. Drawing from his own journey of building and losing businesses starting at just 17 years old, Prashant shares what separates businesses that create real val
Don’t Waste the Wait: Faith, Grit, and a Medical Device Built From Scratch, with Rebecca Altounian
In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Rebecca Altounian, founder and CEO of SWICK Medical Solutions and inventor of the SWICK device, for a deeply personal conversation about faith, grit, resilience, and building something meaningful from the ground up. What began as Rebecca’s own health struggle eventually became a mission to help millions of patients su
Meaningful Connection and Bridging Generations in Virtual Space, with Kyle Doran
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Kyle Doran, founder and CEO of The Net VR, for a fascinating conversation about virtual reality, meaningful human connection, gaming culture, AI, leadership, and the future of digital interaction. What begins as a discussion about gaming quickly evolves into a much deeper exploration of how technology is reshaping relationships
Human-Centered High Growth Companies have Curiosity, Trust and Collaboration, with Tia Milder
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with business consultant Tia Milder to explore what truly drives sustainable growth inside modern organizations. From leadership evolution and operational scaling to AI, trust, collaboration, and change management, Tia shares why human-centered companies consistently outperform organizations stuck in outdated leadership models. Toge
Building What Your Community Needs, Faith, Risk, and Responsibility, with Isaac Isiko
What happens when a doctor decides the future of healthcare needs more courage, more technology, and more heart? In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Isaac Isiko shares his journey from medical school in Uganda to AI, engineering, and public health innovation in Canada, while building life changing initiatives that support vulnerable women, youth, and underserved communities.From
Sustainable Agriculture, Failing Forward while Leaving a Legacy, with Jonathan Pickering
What if failure isn’t the problem… but the path forward?In this episode, Jonathan Pickering shares how bold thinking, resilience, and sustainable innovation are shaping the future from agriculture to advanced technology.From building with his hands to leading cutting-edge R&D, Jonathan breaks down what it really takes to move ideas forward when you don’t have all the answers. This conversation
Community Heals: Why Leaders Still Need Leaders, Faith and Obedience, with Jereè Black
You’re not meant to do this alone… no matter how strong you are.In this powerful episode, Jereè Black shares how faith, obedience, and community can pull you out of your lowest moments and realign you with your purpose.From seasons of struggle to stepping fully into your calling, this conversation reveals why even leaders need support, mentorship, and people who will walk with them through the pro
Booked and Blessed: Leading with AI Without Losing Yourself, with Felecia Harris
What if AI could help you grow faster… without losing who you are in the process?In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Felecia Harris, Founder of The AI Career Shift and Air Force veteran, to break down how professionals and entrepreneurs can use AI as a tool not a crutch to level up their careers, businesses, and freedom.Felecia gets real about the bigges
Indigenous Partnerships, AI Data Centers, and Real Economic Impact, with Colin Doylend
What if the real key to growth, impact, and innovation isn’t what you know but who you connect and how you show up? In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Colin Doylend, a strategic growth leader working at the intersection of Indigenous partnerships, AI infrastructure, cleantech, and real-world economic development.With over 25 years of experience bridging
Legacy and Selling a Business, and The Long Game of Integrity with Karl Sigerist
What if selling your business wasn’t just about getting the highest price but about protecting your legacy, your values, and everything you’ve built? In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Karl Sigerist, a mergers and acquisitions advisor who has helped generate over $4 billion in transactions, to reveal what most business owners get completely wrong when i
Let Jesus Be Your CEO, Convicted Obedience + Coffee and Seasons of Refinement, with Annika Baylis
Annika shares her incredible journey of starting her business at just 18 years old with a folding table and a simple espresso machine during the pandemic, and how faith, resilience, and “convicted obedience” led her to build a growing coffee brand, multiple locations, and a nonprofit ministry impacting lives far beyond the cup. This conversation dives deep into overcoming imposter syndrome, naviga
Saving Lives with AI in Healthcare, and Why Most Startups Fail, with Sailesh Pattnaik
What if AI could save lives—not someday, but right now? In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Sailesh Pattnaik shares the deeply personal story that led him to build a healthcare AI company after experiencing a tragic loss during COVID that exposed critical gaps in hospital systems. From doctors overwhelmed with administrative work to life-saving patient data trapped in disconnected
Preventing Burnout with Career Clarity while Having Faith, with Ashley Powell
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or burned out in your career—even though you’re doing everything “right”? In this powerful episode, Ashley Powell reveals why burnout isn’t always about working too hard—it’s often about lacking clarity, alignment, and direction. She breaks down how to reconnect with your purpose, identify what truly fulfills you, and build a career path that actually fits your life—not
Building Trust without Surrendering to AI with Martin Stadelmeyer
Can you embrace AI… without losing trust, integrity, and human connection?In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with global executive Martin Stadelmeyer to unpack what truly builds trust across cultures, industries, and leadership levels.From leading inside companies like Mercedes and Volkswagen to navigating tough decisions, Martin reveals why respect, authent
Building Courage Through Curiosity, Food and Kids with Derek Wallace
What if the secret to confidence, leadership, and overcoming fear… started with trying something new?In this episode, Derek Wallace shares how using food as a gateway to curiosity can help build courage, connection, and confidence—not just in kids, but in all of us.From walking away from a successful corporate career to building a purpose-driven movement, Derek reveals how growth begins the moment
Identity, Self-Trust, and the Power of Stories with Hannah Peterson
What if the life you want is on the other side of trusting yourself?In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Hannah Peterson to explore how identity, self-trust, and storytelling shape the way we lead and live.From stepping into the unknown to rewriting your own narrative, this conversation dives into how confidence is built through action, courage, and embracing who
Success to Significance, Seek God's Direction, Do It Scared with Ian Watts
What happens when success isn’t enough anymore?In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with entrepreneur, author, and leadership expert Ian Watts to explore the shift from chasing success to living a life of true significance.Ian shares his journey from growing up in poverty in Detroit to achieving financial success at a young age—only to realize that money alone
Brand Trust, Human Connection, Lasting Perception with Kyle Turk
In this episode, Cory Dunham sits down with marketing leader Kyle Turk to explore what truly builds brand trust, authentic human connection, and lasting perception in today’s rapidly evolving digital world.As AI reshapes marketing and communication, Kyle shares why authenticity, clarity of purpose, and real human connection are becoming the most valuable assets a brand can have. The conversation d
Building Kindness at Scale, Culture, Both Online and Off with Abby Mckiernan
In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with speaker, entrepreneur, and culture strategist Abagail McKiernan for a conversation about bold leadership rooted in compassion, faith, and intentional action.Abby shares how a simple moment, hearing a woman say “because I can” while helping someone in need, sparked a movement that grew into a community connecting more t
Build Trust So Mistakes Don’t Break You: Humility and Resilience with Jacob Soter
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Jacob Soter, Director of Swim Smart Technologies, to unpack why trust, humility, and resilience are essential when leadership decisions carry real-life consequences. Jacob shares his journey from engineering student to leading nationwide water safety innovation, revealing how listening first, collaborating deeply, and owning mi
Leadership With Humility, Mentorship Is Missing, God Doesn't Give Fear with Renée Heywood, Ph.D
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham talks with Renée Heywood, Ph.D., about what modern leadership is missing and why humility, mentorship, and faith matter now more than ever. Renée shares insights from decades in education and leadership on moving beyond fear, imposter syndrome, and performance-driven mindsets to lead with purpose.They discuss the loss of mentorship, faith-dri
Leaders Get this Wrong: Empathy, Ethical AI and Quiet Quitting with Tris Hussey
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Tris Hussey to explore why empathy is the leadership skill AI can’t replace. As organizations rush to adopt AI, many leaders are seeing rising burnout, quiet quitting, and loss of trust. This conversation breaks down what’s really happening and what to do instead.Together, they unpack ethical AI use, human-centered decision-mak
I Closed a Million-Dollar Program following God Guidance with Rachel Ngom
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Rachel Ngom, Christian entrepreneur, podcast host, and ministry leader, to explore faith-driven decision-making in business and life.Rachel shares her extraordinary journey of building a million-dollar program, hearing a clear message from God to shut it down, and navigating the wilderness season that followed. She dives into t
Faith-Driven Self-Leadership for Neurodivergence and Autism with Jaitesha Hanson
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Jaitesha Hanson, a licensed mental health counselor, neurodiversity specialist, and geek therapy certified clinician. They explore how faith, journaling, and self-leadership empower neurodivergent and autistic individuals to thrive in life and work.Jaitesha shares her personal journey of overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing
Rutgers Experiential Learning: Entrepreneurship, Nonprofits, and Real Results with Francisco Quevedo
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, host Cory Dunham welcomes Francisco J. Quevedo to explore how experiential learning at Rutgers Business School bridges classroom theory with real‑world impact. Francisco an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in the Marketing Department, Executive Director of the Center for Marketing Advantage, Advancement, and Action, and Senator for the 2025–2
Lead Like a Maverick: Courage, Calling, and Christian Confidence with with Alexander Jones-Thomas
In Episode 15 of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Alexander Jones-Thomas CEO, philanthropist, and founder of Alpha and Omega, LLC to explore courage, calling, and Christian confidence. Alex shares his journey from a challenging upbringing and foster care to creating a community-driven organization that empowers students to thrive academically, professionally, and spiritually.Lis
Making Women’s Heart Care Accessible, Faith Under Pressure with Dr. with Dr. Nishtha Sareen
In this powerful episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Dr. Nishtha Sareen, an interventional cardiologist and national leader in women’s heart health, to explore why heart disease remains the number one killer of women, and why access to care must be a right, not a luxury.Dr. Sareen shares how she built and scaled Women’s Heart Programs focused on meeting women where they
The Faith Filter for AI: Building Technology That Serves Humanity, with Sandeep Singh
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Sandeep Singh to explore what it means to build AI and automation that truly serve humanity. Together, they unpack why technology without values can create harm, how faith and ethics act as an inner compass for innovation, and why human-centered leadership matters more than ever in an AI-driven world. This conversation challeng
Systems Thinking and Presence for Leaders: Leading Work, Family, and Faith with Dr. Hollie Blagg
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with technology executive, entrepreneur, and digital transformation leader Dr. Hollie Blagg to explore how systems thinking and presence shape effective leadership at work, at home, and in faith. Together, they unpack why slowing down in a fast-paced world leads to better decision-making, how leaders can stay grounded amid constant
Mission-Driven Messaging: Using Podcasting to Serve, Not Perform with Jon Goehring
In this episode, Cory talks with storytelling and podcasting expert Jon Goehring about how leaders can use podcasting to build trust, connect authentically, and communicate with purpose. Jon breaks down why long-form content builds credibility, how to show up confidently, and why leaders should focus on serving... not performing. A simple, powerful conversation for anyone who wants to share their
Asking for Help and Letting God Lead: How Dr. Antoinette Built a Mobile DNA Company From Vision
In this episode, Dr. Antoinette shares how faith, obedience, and learning to ask for help led her to build Michigan’s first fully mobile DNA and genetic testing company. She opens up about shifting from nursing and finance to entrepreneurship, trusting God’s timing, overcoming pride, and serving communities through accessible, on-the-go healthcare.
Leadership Lessons from a Hostel in San Diego: Faith in Unfamiliar Places
In this episode, Cory Dunham shares a surprising leadership lesson born from an unexpected one-night stay in a San Diego hostel. What began as a simple change of plans turned into a powerful reminder about surrendering control, embracing discomfort, and trusting God’s guidance in unfamiliar spaces. Through stories of bunk beds, missed expectations, and quiet moments of reflection, Cory reveals how
Purposeless Productivity: When Your Work Outgrows Your Identity
In this episode, Cory Dunham gets real about “purposeless productivity” — that feeling of being busy yet deeply unfulfilled. He shares how even high-performing leaders can lose their way when work outgrows identity and purpose fades. Discover how to slow down, realign your vision, and lead with true intention instead of just motion.
Quiet Power: How Introverted Executives Lead with Calm, Clarity, and Conviction
In this episode, host Cory Dunham reveals how introverted executives can lead with confidence, calm, and conviction—without pretending to be extroverts. He shares his personal transformation from quiet self-doubt to commanding presence on stage, and unpacks how introverts actually drive 28% higher team productivity through reflection, depth, and thoughtful decision-making. If you’ve ever felt “too
Alignment Before Action: Invite God’s Wisdom for Executive Team Cohesion
Speed without alignment leads to chaos. In this episode, Cory Dunham unpacks the vital principle of “alignment before action” — showing why executive teams must first seek God’s wisdom before moving forward. He shares practical insights, personal experiences, and biblical truths that emphasize how spiritual and organizational alignment create clarity, cohesion, and efficiency in leadership.
The Trust Gap: Why Your Team Isn’t Giving You Their Best
In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, host Cory Dunham breaks down the hidden “trust gap” that quietly kills team performance. He reveals how a lack of trust turns commitment into compliance, how silence in meetings, sugarcoated updates, and missed deadlines are red flags, and why leaders often mistake authority for trust. Cory shares real-life stories and practical ways to rebuild credibili
Decision-Making Under Fire: How to Stay Clear When Stakes Are High?
When the stakes are high and the pressure’s on, clarity isn’t optional—it’s your greatest asset. In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, host Cory Dunham dives deep into the art of making clear, confident decisions when chaos threatens to take over.Through personal stories and powerful analogies—from aviation to executive leadership—Cory breaks down what happens when fear hijacks our judgment
The Overwhelmed Introverted Executive: How to Lead with Quiet Strength
Introverts aren’t weak—they’re wired for clarity, presence, and influence. In this episode, we explore how to lead with quiet strength, shift from fear to faith, and redefine leadership on your own terms.
When You Hit the Reactive Wall: Adaptability, Not Reactivity, is the Real Superpower
Have you ever felt hijacked by your emotions? In this episode, we dive into sensitivity—not as weakness, but as a strength. Learn how to pause, process, and push back the reactive wall, transforming triggers into opportunities for growth, leadership, and trust.
Breaking the Fear Filter: Authentic Leadership with Cory Dunham
In a world full of noise and fear-driven narratives, Cory Dunham shares his journey from hiding in the shadows to leading with faith, clarity, and courage. This is your invitation to ditch surface-level leadership and live with purpose.
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