
From the NFL to the Boardroom: Leading Teams with Purpose
09/16/24 • 60 min
What if mastering resilience could transform not only your career but your entire approach to life? Join us on "Unfazed Under Fire" as we sit down with Mohamed Massaquoi, a former NFL player turned business leader, whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Mohamed’s story is one of overcoming adversity, from the highs of professional sports to the challenges of life-changing physical injury, and how these experiences have sculpted his leadership philosophy.
This episode uncovers the secrets to building high-performance teams and leading with authenticity. Mohamed shares his insightful perspectives on maintaining consistent performance even in high-turnover environments, emphasizing the importance of clear mission and values. We dive deep into the strategies for fostering collaboration, overcoming resistance from siloed individuals, and the critical role transparent communication plays in creating a cohesive team. Mohamed’s passion for psychology and people-watching provides a unique lens through which he navigates organizational transformation and rapid growth.
As we wrap up, we reflect on the universal desires that drive us all—health, integrity, family, and a positive work environment. Mohamed’s personal anecdotes about adapting to significant physical changes underscore the emotional and mental resilience required for true transformation. Learn how structured schedules and effective systems can prevent burnout and why empathetic leadership is essential in today’s world. Tune in for a masterclass on leading with vision, heart, and a profound care for the people you work with.
How to contact Mo Massaquoi:
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamedmassaquoi/
Email: [email protected]
Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist
Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music
To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online
What if mastering resilience could transform not only your career but your entire approach to life? Join us on "Unfazed Under Fire" as we sit down with Mohamed Massaquoi, a former NFL player turned business leader, whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Mohamed’s story is one of overcoming adversity, from the highs of professional sports to the challenges of life-changing physical injury, and how these experiences have sculpted his leadership philosophy.
This episode uncovers the secrets to building high-performance teams and leading with authenticity. Mohamed shares his insightful perspectives on maintaining consistent performance even in high-turnover environments, emphasizing the importance of clear mission and values. We dive deep into the strategies for fostering collaboration, overcoming resistance from siloed individuals, and the critical role transparent communication plays in creating a cohesive team. Mohamed’s passion for psychology and people-watching provides a unique lens through which he navigates organizational transformation and rapid growth.
As we wrap up, we reflect on the universal desires that drive us all—health, integrity, family, and a positive work environment. Mohamed’s personal anecdotes about adapting to significant physical changes underscore the emotional and mental resilience required for true transformation. Learn how structured schedules and effective systems can prevent burnout and why empathetic leadership is essential in today’s world. Tune in for a masterclass on leading with vision, heart, and a profound care for the people you work with.
How to contact Mo Massaquoi:
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamedmassaquoi/
Email: [email protected]
Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist
Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music
To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online
Previous Episode

The Power of Transformative Leadership: Navigating Corporate Change and Harnessing AI for Future-Ready Leadership With Jasmine Ahmed
What happens when an immigrant's journey intersects with high-stakes corporate transformation? Discover how Jasmine Ahmed, a powerhouse in finance and digital transformation, channels her rich personal experiences into driving change at global giants like Pfizer, National Grid, and Coca-Cola. From her roots in public accounting at PwC to her pivotal roles in multinational corporations, Jasmine's story is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and leadership. She opens up about how navigating life's uncertainties equipped her with the skills to advise top executives on maximizing human capital amidst disruption.
In a world where balancing productivity with a positive work environment is a tightrope walk, Jasmine sheds light on the profound responsibility leaders have toward their teams. Join us as we explore the art of fostering individual aspirations while creating collective value through collaborative change. Jasmine emphasizes that real transformation goes beyond training and communication—it’s about invoking a mindset shift that can produce tangible results. Learn how involving those most impacted by change in the decision-making process can lead to genuine value creation and successful implementation.
The future of organizational culture is not just about ROI but also about skating to where the puck is going, as Jasmine aptly puts it. In an era dominated by AI, Jasmine discusses how human creativity and emotional intelligence are irreplaceable, even as we harness Generative AI and Robotic Process Automation. We also delve into the evolving landscape of talent performance measurement, focusing on cultural fit and values alignment. Whether you're an executive steering your team through change or a curious mind eager to understand the digital transformation landscape, this episode is your guide to developing future-ready leadership skills in an AI-driven world.
If you would like to reach out to Jasmine Ahmed, use the following contact links:
- Email: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmineahmedt/
Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist
Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music
To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online
Next Episode

The Power of Human Connection in Finance Leadership with Karen Demichelis
How does an English major studying Chaucer and Milton become a visionary CFO? Join us on "Unfazed Under Fire" as Karen Demichelis, CFO of Superstore Industries, shares her remarkable journey. From her unexpected leap into finance to becoming a leader with over 25 years of experience, Karen's story is a beacon of adaptability and opportunity. Learn about the twists and turns of her career, including her spontaneous decision to take the GMAT and enter the Agribusiness Institute's MBA program.
Unlock the secrets to authentic leadership with insights from Karen on the importance of adaptability, resilience, and staying true to oneself. We explore how these attributes can fuel professional growth and foster a thriving organizational culture. From the enrichment of teaching in higher education to the impactful role of coaching and mentoring, Karen's experiences offer invaluable lessons for leaders at all levels. Discover how prioritizing human connection and transparency can drive success, and hear firsthand stories of overcoming challenges to build a strong FP&A team and drive innovation at Crystal Creamery.
In the realm of financial management, the future is unfolding with AI and technology at the forefront. Karen sheds light on how tools like ChatGPT and OCR are revolutionizing finance operations, making processes more efficient and decision-making more data-driven. We also dive into the pivotal role finance plays during mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing cultural integration and leadership involvement. As we wrap up, reflect on the power of purposeful leadership and the profound impact it can have on organizations and communities. Tune in for an episode brimming with actionable insights and inspiration!
To connect with Karen, go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdemichelis
Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist
Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music
To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online
Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - From the NFL to the Boardroom: Leading Teams with Purpose
Transcript
Welcome to Unfazed Under Fire , a podcast designed to elevate your leadership and amplify your impact . Each episode offers valuable insights to help you transform your vision into reality , cultivate high-performing cultures that attract top talents , and navigate the complexities of today's uncertain , chaotic world with confidence and clarity .
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