Rebel Mindset

(Formerly The Upshot Leadership) In a world where we’re told to follow the rules and fit into neat boxes, we’re here to question everything. We’ll dig into the minds of leaders who go beyond the status quo and chart their own paths—both in leadership and life. The Rebel Mindset podcast hosts leaders across industries and generations to have a frank discussion on what shapes us. Each month we feature a different leader who is a change-maker, someone who thinks differently and brings a unique perspective to leadership and success. The rebel leader rejects passivity and accepts the responsibility of thinking differently in the pursuit of authenticity, innovation, and change, even when that means standing apart or facing resistance. Tune in for fresh perspectives and actionable insights on how to redefine success and lead with intentionality. Hosted by professional coaches Kallie Knop and Kim Spikes, we hope this podcast inspires listeners to be part of a new wave of leadership that questions everything.

Episodes

Apr 20, 2026

36 min

What if creativity isn’t a talent but a skill you can develop and use to move ideas forward?
In this episode of The Rebel Mindset, Emmy-winning Limbert Fabian breaks down how creativity shows up far beyond art, and why it’s essential for anyone looking to lead, influence, and build meaningful work.
From turning ideas into action to navigating resistance and driving momentum, Limbert shares practical insights into using creativity as a strategic thinking tool.
If you’ve ever thought “I’m not creative,” this conversation will change how you see your role at work and what’s possible next.

Apr 20, 2026

36 min

Mar 10, 2026

39 min

What does it mean to own your career?
In this episode of Rebel Mindset, Dayna Adelman, global corporate leader and author of The Youngest One in the Room, shares how risk-taking, resilience, and reinvention shaped her professional journey across four countries and into executive leadership at some of the largest organizations in the world.
We explore:- Why risk takers rise faster- Navigating politics through connection- Redefining success at different life stages- The truth about burnout, glamorized careers, and balance
If you’ve ever been the youngest or "only" in the room — or are rethinking what success means — this episode will challenge you to stop waiting for permission and start owning your path.

Mar 10, 2026

39 min

Nov 20, 2025

35 min

Former police commander Dr. Eric Murray joins Kallie and Kim to talk about the psychology of hope—and why thriving under pressure starts with building “psychological capital.” Using his HERO framework (Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, Optimism), Eric shares lessons from 35 years in law enforcement, the military, and organizational leadership. From trauma to transformation, this episode explores how to create more confident, resilient, and hopeful individuals, leaders, and teams—no matter the environment.

Nov 20, 2025

35 min

The Long Run

Oct 14, 2025

Oct 14, 2025

34 min

Kelly Hayley has finished 100+ marathons, all while building a community that refuses to leave anyone behind. In this episode, we unpack what it means to become something—not just “try” it—by embracing discomfort, choosing strategy over ego (hello, run–walk), and building the stamina to keep showing up both at mile 20 and at work.
Kelly shares practical wisdom on training plans, rest as a requirement (not an afterthought), leading teams through hard things, why community and relationships are everything, and how identity is forged by doing. Plus: the wildest race stories ever, along with a reminder that confidence is earned one mile at a time.
Listen in if you’re ready to step fully into who you want to become.

Oct 14, 2025

34 min

Legacy

Sep 16, 2025

Sep 16, 2025

37 min

What if your job ended today; would you feel proud or regretful? In this episode of Rebel Mindset, we’re joined by Death Doula Ashley Bradney to explore how endings - of careers, roles, relationships, chapters and eventually life - can teach us to live more intentionally.
With 66% of professionals admitting to career regrets, this conversation invites you to pause, reflect, and align your daily actions with your deeper values. Legacy isn’t reserved for later, it’s created in real time, through aligning with what you value most, repairing relationships, and stepping into work that actually matters.
Tune in and reclaim your story before someone else writes your ending.

Sep 16, 2025

37 min

Lead with Heart

Jul 14, 2025

Jul 14, 2025

36 min

Compassion doesn’t usually show up in employee handbooks—but it should.
In this episode, Kallie and Kim talk with Heather Younger—TEDx speaker, author, and workplace empathy expert—about how small moments of awareness + action can create powerful connection and powerful teams.
Learn how to:- Pause and listen beyond the words- Use micro-moments to make others feel seen and valued- Discern when and how to be vulnerable with your team- Put people in positions of strength where they’re motivated, supported, and empowered
 

Jul 14, 2025

36 min

Jun 10, 2025

36 min

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Yogi Hendlin—environmental philosopher, public health scholar, and rebel for humanity—to unpack the systems that shape our lives, often without our consent. From burnout culture to leadership that’s lost its heart, we explore how to challenge the status quo with awareness, compassion, and collective courage. If you’ve ever felt like a cog in the machine, this conversation is your call to recalibrate.

Jun 10, 2025

36 min

True Grit

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

35 min

Nancy Bolen was told to “just get married” after high school. Instead, she aimed higher—becoming one of the first female administrative leaders in the Navy with the Blue Angels and Top Gun.
In this episode of The Rebel Mindset, we explore Nancy’s trailblazing path from being told marriage was her only option to commanding one of the busiest airports in the country. Her story is a masterclass in grit, leadership, and defying the odds.
🎧 Hear how she stayed mission-focused, broke barriers, and led with purpose—no matter who told her she couldn’t.

May 7, 2025

35 min

Identity Flexing

Feb 18, 2025

Feb 18, 2025

35 min

This week on Rebel Mindset—formerly The Upshot—we’re exploring what it takes to break free from limiting beliefs with Vania Cao, a program manager at a major Bay Area philanthropy, startup consultant, career coach, and founder of Free the PhD. In this episode, we tackle the mental blocks that keep people stuck—imposter syndrome, analysis paralysis, and the fear of taking action before feeling “ready.” She breaks down why “fake it till you make it” is more than just a catchphrase—it’s a strategic mindset shift that builds confidence and momentum. Plus, she introduces identity flexing, a game-changing approach to embracing new opportunities with clarity and conviction. If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start moving forward, this episode is for you. Tune in now!

Feb 18, 2025

35 min

Jan 16, 2025

38 min

Manifestation has become a buzzword, but is it as mystical as we think?
In reality, manifestation is about bringing clear visions to life through intentional action. It’s the power of the mind to create—"Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
In this episode of The Upshot Leadership podcast, Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Menla joins us in part two to explore how to train your mind, identify your values and goals, and practice patience in turning them into reality. It’s not about quick fixes or "three-step formulas," but about clarity, dedication, and daily effort.
As we approach 2025, we’ll also discuss how our individual actions shape the world we co-create, and how to set goals that lead to true, sustainable happiness. Tune in for a fresh perspective on goal-setting and leading yourself into the new year!

Jan 16, 2025

38 min

Find one boundary to push, one limit to test, one box to break.

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