trust — Podcast — 12 Geniuses

In a world where technology is doing more work for humans, the connections we create with other people will become more important than ever. But for many people, phones and screens are the main ways they see the world and communicate with others. The question is how can we cultivate relationships - through a screen or in real life - that are fulfilling and will help us reach our goals.

In this interview, Topaz Adizes discusses his book 12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations and Deeper Relationships. Topaz is working to help people create deeper human connection not only in marriages and romantic relationships, but between friends, extended families, and at work. Topaz says that the key to better relationships - both personal and professional - is asking better questions. He shares some of the “12 Questions for Love” and provides guidance for how to construct questions that will strengthen relationships. He also discusses secrets to cultivating trust, advice for how to raise healthy children who are not addicted to their devices, and what it means to be successful.

Topaz Adizes is an Emmy award-winning writer, director, and experience design architect. He is an Edmund Hillary fellow and Sundance/Skoll stories of change fellow. His works have been selected to Cannes, Sundance, IDFA, and SXSW; featured in New Yorker magazine, Vanity Fair, and the New York Times; and have garnered an Emmy for new approaches to documentary and Two World Press photo awards for immersive storytelling and interactive documentary. He is currently the founder and executive director of the experience design studio The Skin Deep. Topaz studied philosophy at UC Berkeley and Oxford University. He speaks four languages, and currently lives in Uruguay with his wife and two children.

leadershipdon macphersonApril 24, 202512 Geniusesrelationships, trust

Leadership Lessons with U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Ronald Piret

Rear Admiral Ronald Piret leads the 2,600 people who comprise the U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. He is also the Oceanographer of the Navy, Navigator of the Navy, and Hydrographer of the Navy. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Oceanography. He holds master’s degrees in oceanography and meteorology from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., and national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, R.I., where he graduated with distinction. See full bio here.

In this interview, Rear Adm. Piret discusses his background and why he chose a career in the Navy, the importance of mentorship to his career development, the mission of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, the advantages of leading a blend of civilian and uniformed personnel, and the vast amounts of information captured and processed on a daily basis by the Command. He also talks about building trust, recruiting highly technical people, dealing with failure, the importance of diversity, how recognition is a key driver of engagement, how great leaders resist the urge to use their rank to get things done, and advice he has for young people who want a role in leadership.

Dr. Robert Eichinger | Leadership, the Brain, & Managing Lasting Change

How can leaders leverage neuroscience to drive lasting change and transformation? In this episode of 12 Geniuses, host Don MacPherson speaks with Dr. Robert Eichinger, a leading expert in leadership development, to explore the connection between leadership, change management, and cognitive function. In a world of constant disruption, leaders must understand how the brain processes uncertainty, adapts to new trends, and embraces transformation.

In this interview, Dr. Robert Eichinger breaks down the science behind leadership and transformation, offering practical advice on how business leaders can use brain-based insights to guide their teams through uncertainty. He explains why change is often met with resistance, how leaders can help employees reframe disruption as an opportunity, and what steps organizations can take to build resilience. The conversation also covers the increasing importance of emotional intelligence, strategies for fostering continuous learning, and key trends shaping the future of leadership development. Packed with actionable takeaways, this episode equips global business leaders with the tools they need to navigate an era of rapid change with confidence and clarity.

Key Lessons for Leaders:

How the Brain Responds to Change – Understand the neurological processes that drive resistance or acceptance of transformation.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership – Learn why self-awareness, empathy, and social intelligence are critical for managing disruption.
Building a Culture of Adaptability – Discover strategies for creating an organization that embraces change and innovation.
Leadership Strategies for Lasting Change – Gain insights into effective change management techniques based on cognitive science.
The Future of Leadership Development – Explore emerging trends in leadership training and how neuroscience is shaping the next generation of leaders.

Dr. Robert Eichinger has authored more than 100 articles and books on leadership, while coaching thousands of leaders from first-time managers to Fortune 500 CEOs. He was co-founder and CEO of Lominger International, which was sold to Korn Ferry, and started TalenTelligent in 2018.

“You cannot manage change cognitively. It has to be managed from an EQ standpoint. People get promoted based on smarts and fail based on people skills.”

Dr. Robert Eichinger

12 Geniuses Podcast

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