The Virtual Campfire
When you see someone on stage: Sharing a powerful message, "owning the room" and, having a huge impact in the world, you might ask yourself, how did they get that way? Were they born that way? Could I be like that person? What makes them different? From the outside looking in, it seems like they are meant to do what they're doing. I am here to share what you don't often see - their tales of transformation. That's what we will uncover here. The tiny steps that led to the big leaps.
Welcome to The Virtual Campfire, I am Tony Martignetti, the Inspired Coach. Here I will share powerful lessons learned from leaders in their transformation journey. Why the campfire? The campfire was the earliest form of community. For generations, it was used to build trust, share knowledge, and inspire others. That is why it is time for us to sit by the virtual fire and have a powerful conversation.
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Episode Blogs
Becoming A Corporate Changemaker With Mita Mallick
Real change can only happen in workplaces if people speak up and intervene whenever something bad is going on. This is the core attitude embraced by Mita Mallick, best-selling author and corporate changemaker. In this conversation with Tony Martignetti, she shares how growing up with racial hate and stereotypes shaped her into a courageous and resilient woman who stands up to all forms of wrongdoings, inequality, and disrespect. Mita also talks about her journey to becoming an author who write…
Leading Through Authenticity And Relatability With Rachel DeAlto
Although making friends is not necessarily one of the top priorities in leadership, everyone within the team must be able to genuinely relate and connect with their leaders. Author and keynote speaker Rachel DeAlto joins Tony Martignetti to discuss how to lead effectively through relatability. She explains how teams work better when authenticity, common understanding, and constant learning are at the center of the entire dynamic. Rachel also shares valuable leadership and career lessons from h…
Finding Purpose And Joy In Innovation With Rich Sheridan
Rich Sheridan discovered his purpose and passion in the software industry by combining his genuine desire to serve others and his expertise in technology. In this conversation with Tony Martignetti, he looks back at the story of building Menlo Innovations and how their custom software development helps solve not just people’s tech issues but their everyday challenges as well. Rich also shares valuable insights about what it takes to end the “ship it” mentality, the importance of fostering prid…
Seeing Differently: Visual Thinking Strategies And Human-Centered Dialogue With Dabney Hailey
What if slowing down and looking carefully could transform how we lead, connect, and collaborate? In this deep and reflective episode, museum educator and Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) expert Dabney Hailey shares how structured observation and shared dialogue can spark insight across fields—from classrooms and galleries to corporate teams and healthcare settings. Drawing from her years facilitating art-based inquiry, Dabney explores how listening, uncertainty, and slowing down can deepen ou…
Designing A Joyful Workplace Culture With Bree Groff
Workplace culture isn’t just about perks and policies—it’s about designing the conditions where people thrive. In this thought-provoking conversation on workplace culture, Bree Groff—author of Today Was Fun and senior advisor at SYPartners—dives into how leaders can craft environments where workdays are more joyful, sustainable, and human. From navigating “squiggly” career paths to finding fulfillment without burnout, Bree unpacks how purpose, fun, and culture intersect in the modern workplace…
Empowering Employees Through Soul Health Innovations With Pam Buchanan
Soul health innovations are transforming workplaces by tapping into the often-overlooked aspect of sensory experiences, and in this enlightening episode, we welcome Pam Buchanan, the visionary founder of Quantum Sense. Pam is dedicated to simplifying complex concepts and bringing "soul health" to the masses. She collaborates with experts across various fields to deliver sensory solutions that empower employees by reducing anxiety, increasing energy, enhancing focus, boosting creativity, and im…
The Power Of Love In Action: How Humane Leadership Transforms Workplaces With Marcel Schwantes
What if love was the secret to thriving workplaces? In a world often focused on bottom lines and short-term gains, acclaimed executive coach and author Marcel Schwantes invites us to explore the transformative power of humane leadership. In this episode, we dive into his insights from his book, Humane Leadership, and his popular Love In Action Podcast, exploring how cultures of care, connection, and belonging can empower companies to outperform the competition.
Marcel shares his personal "fla…
The Beauty Of Business Artistry With Nir Hindie
A business cannot thrive if it is solely focused on earning and profit and tosses artistic thinking to the sidelines. Only those who understand the beauty of business artistry can unlock today’s greatest opportunities. In this conversation, Tony Martignetti explores the fusion of business strategy with creativity and human connection with Nir Hindie, founder of The Artian. Together, they discuss how art is one of the key elements in making your business timeless, trustworthy, and engaging. Nir…
Self-Leadership And The Human Side Of Work With Laurie Ruettimann
Self-leadership is more than a buzzword—it’s a radical act of reclaiming your voice, values, and well-being in a system that often asks you to check them at the door. In this episode, Tony Martignetti sits down with Laurie Ruettimann—acclaimed author, speaker, and host of the Punk Rock HR podcast—to talk about her evolution from burned-out HR executive to bold advocate for personal agency and workplace change. Laurie unpacks the myths of fixing ourselves, explores why vulnerability is a streng…
The Power Of Not Knowing: Embracing Uncertainty For A More Insightful Life With Maggie Jackson
What if not knowing was your greatest strength? In a world that worships certainty and quick answers, award-winning author and journalist Maggie Jackson invites us to pause and consider the power of uncertainty. In this episode, we dive into her acclaimed book Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure—a bold and timely exploration of how embracing ambiguity can lead to deeper insight, creativity, and resilience.
From leaping into life as a foreign correspondent in Tokyo without speakin…
Intuition Unveiled: On Harnessing Inner Wisdom In Uncertain Times With Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir
Intuition, that inner knowing that guides us beyond logic, is the key to navigating life's complexities and making impactful decisions. In this episode, we're honored to welcome Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, Icelandic thought leader, author of InnSaei: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times, and co-director of the documentary film "InnSaei: The Power of Intuition." Hrund, an award-winning entrepreneur, advisor, and public speaker, shares her incredible journey from working with the UN in post-conflict…
Ethical AI: Wisdom For The Age Of Technology With Faisal Hoque
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the discussion surrounding Ethical AI—ensuring artificial intelligence is developed and used responsibly and fairly—is more critical than ever. Join us for a compelling conversation with Faisal Hoque, a distinguished best-selling author, innovation leader, and transformation expert. Faisal shares his remarkable journey, tracing his path from humble beginnings in Bangladesh to becoming a global voice on the intersection of technology and huma…