Experimental Leader

    — In this Traps and Tricks episode of The Experimental Leader, Mel Rutherford and Melanie Parish explore how leaders fall into the traps of “just weathering criticism” and avoiding strong emotions, and share practical ways to treat criticism as data, listen with empathy, and create healthier, more honest teams.   Listen to the podcast here  Traps and Tricks: Criticism & Emotions Welcome to the Experimental Leader Podcast. I’m Mel Rutherford, McMaster University’s first transgender department chair, and the co-host of the Experimental Leader Podcast. Hi, I’m Melanie Parish. I’m a master certified coach, an author, and the co-host of the Experimental...... Read More

Sometimes the most unexpected setbacks become our greatest teachers. In Lucky Disasters, Dr. Mel Rutherford shares two memorable experiences that reveal powerful lessons about teamwork, resilience, curiosity, and why the people around you matter most when plans don't go as expected.... Read More

  The show’s guests in this episode is Jacob Chase. He is the Founder and CEO of The INFIN, a performance intelligence platform built to help companies see the true value of their human capital. —   Listen to the podcast here  Decoding Human Performance with Jacob Chase Hello, welcome to the Experimental Leader Podcast. I’m Melanie Parish. I’m an author, an executive coach, a content creator, and it’s great to be here with you today. Hi, I’m Mel Rutherford. I’m an academic psychologist. I’m the author of The Glass Cliff: One Trans Man’s Leadership Odyssey. I’m the co-host...... Read More

In this episode of the Experimental Leader Podcast, host Melanie Parrish and co-host Mel Rutherford dive into how leaders can skill up their people and build a culture of continuous development.... Read More

  The show’s guest in this episode is Dr. Rosalind “Roz” Cohen. She is an Inclusion Strategist, thought partner, and founder of Socius Strategies, where she helps organizations build cultures rooted in connection, belonging, and trust. With over 20 years of experience in HR, she blends research-backed insights with practical strategies to align culture and operations. Her work, informed by her Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University, focuses on the impact of inclusive leadership on engagement and organizational success. A sought-after speaker and advisor, Roz is passionate about fostering radically connected cultures through courage, authenticity, and meaningful relationships....... Read More

  The show’s guests in this episode are Dr. Tracy, Christopher Christofferson and Michelle Troseth. They are co-founders of Missing Logic, and the core of their work is to help mid-career and executive leaders unlock the next level without overworking and neglecting their personal lives. —   Listen to the podcast here  Leading Without Burnout with Michelle Troseth & Dr. Tracy Christopherson I’m Melanie Parish. Welcome to the experimental leader podcast. I am an author, an executive coach, a part-time facilitator and a content creator. I am Mel Rutherford. I’m McMaster University’s first transgender department chair, and I’m the...... Read More

  The show’s guest in this episode is Dr. L. Carol Scott. She is a TEDx and keynote speaker, #1 international bestselling author, and coach who helps leaders succeed by strengthening social and emotional intelligence. With a PhD in Developmental Psychology, she brings trauma-sensitive insight and practical tools to show how early relational patterns shape leadership, work, and life. Her work bridges research, neuroscience, and real-world experience to develop the leader while honoring the person. —   Listen to the podcast here  Trauma-Informed Leadership with Dr. L. Carol Scott Hello, welcome to the show. I’m Melanie Parish. I’m an...... Read More

  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