In this episode of The Balancing Act Podcast, Andy sits down with Chris Deaver, the co-founder of BraveCore and the "quiet force" behind leadership initiatives at Apple and Disney. Chris shares how he helped these global giants navigate massive growth by moving away from "rock star" individualism toward a culture of co-creation.
Discover how to move beyond efficiency and effectiveness to embrace a future where humans and AI work together to build something super-abundant. Whether you are a mid-career manager feeling stuck or an executive looking to reduce friction in your organization, this episode provides a roadmap for leading with curiosity and bravery.
Chris is the co-author of Brave Together, a breakthrough leadership book featured in The Next Big Idea Club with Malcom Gladwell and Adam Grant. Through his consultancy, BraveCore, he helps leaders rethink their influence and build cultures where teams can do the impossible.
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The Evolution of ADA and FMLA | Rachel Shaw
2026-02-26 | 28 mins.
In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy speaks with Rachel Shaw, a nationally recognized ADA expert and president of Shaw HR Consulting, about the complexities of disability accommodation in the workplace. They discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the cultural challenges surrounding these laws.
Rachel shares her personal journey in HR, the importance of proactive planning, and how organizations can create a supportive environment for employees with disabilities. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassionate leadership and the value of understanding the modern workforce's needs.
Tune into episode 234 to hear Rachel's story, her career rocket-booster moment, and her thoughts on all things ADA and FMLA.
AndrewTemte.com
Swiftynomics: The Intersection of Pop Culture and Economics | Misty Heggeness
2026-02-19 | 25 mins.
In this episode of The Balancing Act podcast, host Andy speaks with Misty Heggeness - co-director of the Kansas Population Center, an associate professor of economics at the University of Kansas, and author of Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy.
They discuss Misty's journey in economics, her passion for increasing women's representation in the field, and her innovative teaching methods that incorporate pop culture to engage students. Misty shares insights from her research, the importance of valuing caregivers' contributions to the economy, and her personal growth journey centered around authenticity.
Tune into episode 233 to hear Misty's story, her career rocket-booster moment, and her thoughts on the complex economic lives of American women through the lens of pop culture.
AndrewTemte.com
Empowering Diversity in STEM Careers | Dr. Eugene Manley
2026-02-12 | 25 mins.
In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Dr. Eugene Manley discusses his journey in STEMM education, the importance of diversity in the workforce, and the challenges of healthcare equity. He emphasizes the need for mentorship, early engagement in science for underrepresented populations, and the critical role of patient advocacy in addressing systemic biases in medical research.
Dr. Manley is the Founder & CEO of the SCHEQ Foundation and comes to us with over 20 years of experience across engineering, molecular & cell biology, nonprofit strategy, and workforce development.
Tune into episode 232 to hear Eugene's story, his career rocket-booster moment, and his thoughts on STEMM education in underrepresented populations and healthcare equity.
AndrewTemte.com
The Cost of Bad Hiring Decisions | Jason P. Carroll
2026-02-05 | 28 mins.
In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy speaks with Jason P. Carroll, a leadership strategist and entrepreneur, about the importance of self-awareness, the costs of bad hiring decisions, and the innovative Aptive Index assessment tool.
They discuss the challenges of current pre-hire assessments, the role of technology in improving hiring practices, and the significance of understanding behavioral traits in leadership and team dynamics.
Tune into episode 231 to hear Jason's story, his career rocket-booster moment, and his thoughts about pre-hire assessment tools and making better hiring decisions.
About The Balancing Act with Andrew Temte, PhD, CFA
Elevate Your Leadership Journey Through Authentic Conversations with Business Leaders
In business, balancing acts are everywhere. Join Dr. Andrew Temte for The Balancing Act Podcast—an award-winning leadership development podcast featuring authentic, in-depth conversations with accomplished business leaders, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and industry experts who share the real stories behind their professional success.
What You'll Discover:
Each episode explores the critical skills and balancing acts that define exceptional leadership through engaging conversations covering:
Leadership development and executive management strategies
Organizational health, trust, and workplace accountability
Employee engagement and team performance optimization
Communication skills and business transformation
Financial acumen and business decision-making
Career acceleration strategies and professional growth
Continuous improvement and lifelong learning principles
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
Emerging trends in AI, technology, and workforce development
The Balancing Act Format:
Every episode features four powerful segments:
Origin Stories - Discover how today's leaders began their professional journeys
Rocket Booster Moments - Learn about the pivotal events that accelerated their careers
Deep Dive Conversations - Explore timely business topics with actionable insights you can apply immediately
Lightning Round Questions - Quick-fire questions that reveal your guests' perspectives on leadership, success, and life
With over 200 episodes, The Balancing Act examines business challenges from multiple perspectives, giving you comprehensive insights into the skills that drive workplace success.
Your Host:
Dr. Andrew Temte is the former CEO of Kaplan Professional and bestselling author of "Balancing Act: Teach, Coach, Mentor, Inspire" and "The Balanced Business: Building Organizational Trust and Accountability through Smooth Workflows." As a thought leader on leadership development, organizational health, and corporate learning, Andy brings deep expertise in professional education and business management to every conversation. He holds a PhD in finance from the University of Iowa and the CFA designation, with over 15 years of university teaching experience.
Who Should Listen:
Perfect for aspiring leaders, mid-level managers seeking executive roles, C-suite executives refining their approach, entrepreneurs building their businesses, and anyone committed to continuous improvement and professional growth.
New episodes weekly. Subscribe today and elevate your leadership journey.
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