Melanie Parish, MCC

  The show’s guest in this episode is Paulo Gregory. He is a designer, facilitator, and community builder focused on transforming systems through collaboration and collective wisdom. He is the inventor of Cohado®, a strategic relational framework that helps teams and communities create aligned, sustainable solutions. With more than 30 years of experience, Paulo supports leaders and groups in building resilient, collaborative cultures. —   Listen to the podcast here  Leading Through Collective Wisdom with Paulo Gregory Hi. I’m Mel Rutherford. I’m McMaster University’s first transgender department chair, and I’m a co-host of the experimental leader podcast. And hello,...... Read More

A reflective holiday story about purchasing a 1984 VW Camper Van and what a slow, trust-based transaction can teach us about goodwill, leadership, and intentional decision-making. Discover lessons on patience, human connection, and entering the New Year with clarity and purpose.... Read More

Explore leadership strategies designed for the fast-paced December season. This episode breaks down practical ways to streamline meetings, foster cultural inclusion, and design joyful, sustainable holiday practices that strengthen team connection and performance.... Read More

This month, I’m rethinking what it means to live and lead with intention. From watching my son pursue his craft at Oberlin Conservatory to immersing myself in language study and new experiences in Puerto Vallarta, I’ve been reminded that growth often comes from stepping outside what we know. Humility, curiosity, and a willingness to show up — even imperfectly — are leadership muscles worth strengthening. As we look ahead to 2026, I invite you to consider where you’re ready to expand and what it would take to build a version of success that truly feels good.... Read More

Focusing on bottlenecks can transform your leadership—but ignoring small maintenance tasks can quietly hold you back. Discover how balancing breakthroughs with upkeep creates flow, freedom, and space for real innovation.... Read More

  The show’s guest in this episode is Dr. Torben Noerby.  He is a leadership expert, CEO of People & Performance, author of The Contextual Leader, and creator of CLAI – The Contextual Leadership AI Bot. With over 30 years of experience spanning the military, retail, and global consulting, he helps executives adapt their leadership to organizational context, driving performance and transformation. —   Listen to the podcast here  Leading in Context: Dr. Torben Noerby on Adaptive Leadership Hello and welcome to the show. I am Melanie Parish. I am an executive coach, and I coach empire builders, thought...... Read More

  The show’s guest in this episode is Charlotte Otter. She is an author, speaker, and advisor with global experience leading communications at companies like SAP and Anglo American. She now helps organizations of all sizes manage reputation, drive change, and build effective teams. In today’s noisy world, she believes it’s stories and our humanity that truly break through. —   Listen to the podcast here  Reputation, Resilience, and New Leaders with Charlotte Otter Hello. I am Melanie Parish. I’m one of the co-hosts of the Experimental Leader podcast. I am a Master Certified Coach, and I love coaching,...... Read More

In this heartfelt reflection, Melanie Parish shares what gratitude means to her this Canadian Thanksgiving—celebrating connection, community, and the simple joys that make leadership and life so meaningful.... Read More

Learn how to engage life more fully through mindfulness, reflection, and intentional living. In this personal growth piece, Melanie Parish shares insights on presence, purpose, and finding deeper fulfillment every day.... Read More

Leadership Lessons from Summer   As leaders, we often forget to rest. We strategize, we vision, we lead teams and companies—and somewhere along the way, we start to believe that if we stop moving, everything might fall apart. But this summer, I remembered something essential: joy is fuel. And downtime? It’s not optional. It’s leadership maintenance. I went to the Lyons Folk Festival—one of those magical weekends that’s part music, part soul revival. Barefoot in the grass, I danced under the open sky and let the music remind me of who I am when I’m not thinking about what’s next....... Read More