Jacquelyn: “It honestly looked like a high school or college team was playing a professional team.”

Constantine: “Passion. Commitment. Tenacity. These guys live and breathe this shit.”

The crew recaps Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, confessing their inaccurate picks and celebrating Constantine's 50% accuracy. With deep hockey insight and hilarious banter, they preview the East and West Conference Finals, reveal their personal favorites, and emphasize the emotional, strategic, and human side of playoff hockey.

1. Finding a Catalyst in Failure

• Jacquelyn admits picking the Leafs was a mistake—owning failure leads to better choices.

• The group learns from incorrect picks to sharpen predictions for the next round.

• Recognition of poor team performance (like the Caps) becomes a call to realign and refocus.

2. Performance Under Pressure

• Constantine praises players like Ottinger and Bobrovsky for stepping up in high-stakes moments.

• The playoffs reveal which players rise when it counts most.

• Success is tied not just to talent but to composure under fire.

3. Respect and Resilience in Sport

• The team highlights the powerful sportsmanship seen in handshakes and honoring personal struggles (e.g., Scheifele’s loss).

• Emotional intelligence and empathy make great athletes greater.

• Team support and unity often become the catalyst for comeback performances.

4. The Power of Passion

• “Live and breathe this shit”—Constantine’s line underscores the deep love for hockey.

• The community’s passion, including fans and commentators, fuels the game's momentum.

• Passion is infectious; it inspires action and elevates purpose.

5. Bold Predictions Drive Engagement

• All three make distinct, thoughtful predictions, showing conviction despite past mistakes.

• Debating outcomes encourages critical thinking and creative confidence.

• Even incorrect calls create opportunities to reflect, learn, and improve—hallmarks of catalyst-driven thinking.

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This lively roundtable features hockey fans Mike, Constantine, and Jacqueline as they break down the 2025 NHL Conference Finals. From unexpected losses to bold predictions and favorite hockey movies, their passionate insights and friendly banter bring energy to every play and player discussed.

1. "Sales is a thinking process. Business is a thinking process. Life is a thinking process. How are you thinking different about your process?" – Mike

2. "It honestly looked like a high school team was playing a professional team." – Jacqueline on the Capitals' performance.

3. "Connor McDavid deserves the chance to earn a Stanley Cup." – Constantine

In this episode, the crew dives into the NHL Conference Finals with unfiltered opinions, emotional takes, and hilarious side commentary. They revisit missed predictions, analyze key players and coaches, and share their picks for who moves on. It's all about hockey, heart, and how perspective can be your catalyst.

1. Bold Predictions & Upsets

• No one saw the Jets getting dominated by Dallas.

• Edmonton’s strong playoff showing surprised the group.

• Everyone chose the Panthers to win, even if they secretly rooted for the Hurricanes.

2. Mental Game is the Real Game

• The Leafs' emotional collapse highlighted playoff pressure.

• The Caps looked lost on the ice—poor positioning and ineffective power plays.

• Focus and mental resilience were discussed as crucial catalysts.

3. Respect Runs Deep in Hockey

• The handshake line after Game 7 was praised for its emotional weight.

• Mark Scheifele’s emotional performance reminded listeners of hockey’s human side.

• Respect and tradition were spotlighted as hidden catalysts for unity and growth.

4. Coaching as a Catalyst

• Brind’Amour and Paul Maurice received high praise for leadership.

• Coaching decisions and team mentality are game-changers in playoffs.

• Great coaching bridges talent and execution under pressure.

5. Pop Culture Meets Passion

• Favorite hockey movies? “Miracle” and “Mighty Ducks” win hearts.

• Lundqvist’s Netflix doc and commentary team banter added depth to the fandom.

• Loving the game—on and off the ice—is a reminder that passion is the true catalyst.

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This episode features a lively, hockey-fueled roundtable with Jacquelyn Nicholson, Constantine Johns, and host Mike Simmons. The trio dives into the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, sharing personal stories, team loyalties, spirited banter, and insightful predictions—all through the lens of sports as a catalyst for connection, memory, and emotion.

“Playoff hockey, hands down, is the best entertainment I’ve ever seen.” – Constantine Johns

In this high-energy episode, Jacquelyn, Constantine, and Mike dissect round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and make bold predictions for round two. With deep personal ties to the sport, they explore how hockey has shaped their memories and identity, proving sports can be a powerful catalyst in life.

1. Sports Create Catalytic Memories

• Constantine recalls growing up watching Patrick Roy and the Avalanche lift the Cup.

• Jacquelyn shares childhood memories of fuzzy-TV Blackhawks games and tabletop hockey.

• Mike remembers frozen pond skating and the thrill of playoff intensity.

2. Shared Passion Builds Community

• The team has fun tracking predictions, brackets, and emotional team support.

• Friendly rivalries and shared experiences form strong bonds.

• Their family traditions (like mailing a plastic Stanley Cup) reinforce connection.

3. Resilience as a Game Changer

• Mike highlights how goalie Connor Hellebuyck overcame adversity in Game 7 as a catalyst moment.

• Constantine expresses heartbreak over the Avalanche loss, linking emotion to team loyalty.

• They emphasize how players grow stronger under playoff pressure.

4. Bias, Loyalty, and Fun Drive Engagement

• The crew openly admits their emotional (not always logical) picks.

• Teams like the Leafs, Oilers, and Panthers stir heated opinions.

• The playful tension among the group reveals how personal investment drives deep passion.

5. Change and Transition Spark Strong Reactions

• The Arizona Coyotes' move to Utah triggered strong emotional reactions.

• Nostalgia for local teams and childhood connections fueled frustration and loss.

• These changes highlight how teams often serve as emotional anchors.

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The Accidental CISO (AC) is an anonymous voice in cybersecurity who stumbled into the Chief Information Security Officer role through a mix of timing, skill, and necessity. With a background in IT operations and service delivery, AC found unexpected purpose, community, and a platform for candid reflection on security, leadership, and personal growth. He now hosts The Mindful Business Security Show, educating SMB leaders on practical security.

"I was just looking for a place to vent. I didn’t want to get fired for telling the truth."

"Security exists at the confluence of people, process, and technology—it's not just about tools."

"I'm more me under the persona than I actually am in real life."

In this episode, The Accidental CISO shares how he unintentionally stepped into a security leadership role, the power of anonymity, and how embracing his alter ego helped him find community, confidence, and a calling. He dives into the human side of cybersecurity, masking, and helping others through authenticity and honesty.

• AC became a CISO by accident, not ambition.

• He leaned into unfamiliar responsibilities and grew into the role.

• Sometimes, your catalyst finds you before you find it.

• Online anonymity gave AC a safe space to express frustrations and truth.

• He found a vibrant community that shared his struggles and passions.

• His persona became more “real” than the masked version of himself at work.

• AC believes in collaborative security—not saying “no” but saying “yes, and…”

• Security must align with business goals and risk tolerance.

• He views security as a multiplier when built with context and care.

• Risk is part of doing business and drives innovation.

• A mature approach balances safety with operational freedom.

• Security teams should advise, not own, risk decisions—that belongs to leadership.

• AC’s journey helped him understand and support his own neurodiversity.

• His experiences empowered deeper connection with his children, who face similar challenges.

• Real leadership starts with knowing who you are and finding your people.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family.
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Follow AC at - https://www.accidentalciso.net/

• "It is playoff hockey time—the best time of year."

• "If you're not a hockey fan, become one during the playoffs; the intensity is absolutely amazing."

• "Find a player, find a team, find a story—and enjoy your playoff hockey journey."

Mike and Jacqueline break down the opening round of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. They compare their brackets, share hockey fandom stories, and highlight key players to watch. It's a mix of friendly banter, expert insights, and encouragement for new fans to fall in love with playoff hockey’s unmatched excitement.

• Playoff hockey demands unmatched intensity—players dig deep to win.

• Fans' passion creates lasting loyalty, driving deep team connections.

• Find your personal "playoff moment" to ignite passion in your work or life.

• Playoff upsets and overtime games show that anything can happen.

• Embracing uncertainty builds resilience and reveals hidden strengths.

• Catalysts often emerge from surprising, pressure-filled moments.

• Heart picks (like cheering for the Senators) bring joy even if risky.

• Emotional decisions, when thoughtful, can lead to meaningful experiences.

• Don't be afraid to follow your heart when finding your catalyst.

• Hockey communities create bonds that last beyond the season.

• Shared experiences and team spirit are vital for long-term motivation.

• Building a community around your catalyst can speed up your growth.

• Win or lose, playoff hockey is about the journey, not just the Cup.

• Progress, learning, and enjoyment are key parts of finding fulfillment.

• Focus on the small wins and personal growth along your catalyst journey.

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Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family.
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Mike Simmons is a leadership and operations expert who helps organizations drive growth through clarity and execution. He leads initiatives through Find My Catalyst, offering services in leadership, revenue, and operations.
Tim Dyck brings deep experience in recruitment and people strategies. He is the founder of Best Culture Solutions, helping companies build great teams with purpose.

Together, Mike and Tim dive into the nuances of fractional leadership, sharing hard-won lessons, memorable metaphors, and actionable insights.

"Don’t mistake knowledge for experience. And don’t mistake experience for expertise."

"If you’re hiring a fractional leader, make sure they’ve run out of gas before—because they’ll know how to get you back on the road."

"Learning is great. But presenting yourself as an expert without experience can do more harm than good."

Mike Simmons and Tim Dyck unpack the world of fractional work, using real-life analogies to explain the value of experience and the risk of surface-level knowledge. They share the difference between knowing, doing, and mastering—and how true expertise accelerates impact. A must-listen for leaders hiring with intention.

• Experience is knowing how far your vehicle can go on empty.

• True experts have broken down before—and know how to recover fast.

• Awareness, experience, and expertise are not the same—and each plays a different role.

• Surface-level learners can use the right words but may not deliver results.

• Using tools like ChatGPT doesn't replace real-world experience.

• Misrepresented expertise can harm organizations and delay progress.

• Fractional leaders must already know how to solve the problem you have.

• They're not there to “figure it out”; they’re there to execute.

• Expecting quick results means you need someone who’s already done the work.

• Complexity slows progress; simplify by removing what’s unnecessary.

• Clear next steps fuel momentum in leadership and operations.

• Fractional experts help reduce overwhelm and focus on what matters.

• Use readiness assessments before hiring fractional talent.

• Match the right expert to the right job—based on proven track record.

• Fractional success is rooted in fit, not just availability.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday.
Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family.
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Shira Abel is a marketing and sales expert with over 25 years of experience, having built a seven-figure agency specializing in account-based marketing (ABM). She is the creator of the Perception Formula, a framework that helps people understand trust, communication, and decision-making in business and relationships. Shira’s expertise spans startups, team dynamics, and behavioral economics, making her a powerful speaker and consultant.

1. "Trust isn’t just about intent—it’s about understanding how someone thinks."
2. "If your business relies on manipulation, it won’t last—trust builds long-term success."
3. "The golden rule isn’t enough; you need to adapt to how others think and perceive the world."

Shira Abel shares the Perception Formula, a framework built on heuristics, hormones, history, and heritage, to improve trust, sales, and team dynamics. She discusses cultural communication differences, feedback, and how perception shapes success. Whether in startups, leadership, or personal growth, understanding how people think can be your greatest catalyst.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiraabel/

• Perception is shaped by heuristics (mental shortcuts), hormones, history, and heritage.
• Without emotional connection, people won’t remember or trust you.
• Aligning with someone's background improves communication and decision-making.

• Trust isn’t about manipulation—it’s about delivering real value.
• High-value sales rely on relationships, not tricks.
• Cultural differences impact trust (e.g., "ask" vs. "hint" communication styles).

• Feedback helps you iterate and improve faster.
• "Nice" people avoid tough conversations; "kind" people tell the truth to help others grow.
• The best teams and leaders actively seek and apply feedback.

• Dopamine drives excitement and engagement (e.g., notifications, rewards).
• Cortisol (stress hormone) blocks clear thinking—positive reinforcement is key.
• Oxytocin and serotonin create trust and belonging in teams and customer relationships.

• Coachability is not about instant agreement—it’s about long-term adaptation.
• The most successful people take feedback, reflect, and adjust.
• Leaders should observe who listens, applies feedback, and improves over time.

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Christina Brady is a sales leader, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Luster.ai, a company dedicated to measuring and improving sales proficiency through AI. With 18 years of experience in sales, she is passionate about fixing broken hiring and onboarding processes and enabling professionals to succeed. Christina is also the Chicago Chapter Head of Pavilion and serves on the executive team at Women in Sales.

1. “If you don’t measure proficiency, you don’t know who you’re hiring, how to up-level them, or why they struggle.”
2. “AI isn’t here to replace you—it’s here to make you better at what you do.”
3. “Founders have ‘magic’ because they know the mistakes that have been made and the risks they’re willing to take. You can’t expect a new hire to replicate that.”

In this insightful conversation, Christina Brady discusses why hiring and onboarding in sales are fundamentally broken and how AI can transform proficiency measurement. She also breaks down the “founder magic” that makes transitioning from founder-led to AE-led sales so difficult. This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to scale effectively.

1. The Hiring Process is Fundamentally Broken

• Companies often hire without a clear understanding of what makes a candidate successful.
• The interview process is subjective, leading to mismatches between candidates and roles.
• Relying on past success (e.g., quota attainment at another company) does not predict future success.

2. Onboarding Needs to Be Personalized and Continuous

• Most onboarding programs are generic and fail to address individual deficiencies.
• Employees are often left confused after onboarding, with no clear roadmap for success.
• The best organizations move from "onboarding" to "everboarding," offering continuous training and development.

3. Measuring Proficiency is the Key to Success

• Companies struggle because they don’t objectively measure proficiency at the skill level.
• AI tools can now map skills, identify deficiencies, and predict performance gaps before they become issues.
• Without measurement, companies rely on subjective “gut feelings,” leading to inefficiencies and lost talent.

4. AI is a Tool for Enablement, Not Replacement

• AI should be used to enhance human capability, not replace it.
• The right AI tools help sales teams avoid revenue-impacting mistakes before they happen.
• Leaders must shift their mindset from fear to experimentation when adopting AI.

5. Founder-Led Sales is a Different Game

• Founders have “magic” because they understand the product deeply and can flexibly adjust deals.
• Expecting an AE to replicate a founder’s selling process is unrealistic.
• The transition from founder-led to AE-led sales requires a structured process, proper tooling, and realistic expectations.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family.
Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in