The Experimental Leader
Are you a business owner, executive, leader, team leader, aspiring future leader, leadership junkie, a scientist, a design thinker, or simply the leader of your own life? If you are, then you are a leader, and as such, you should be experimenting! Welcome to The Experimental Leader, a podcast where we tackle the ways leaders are experimenting in their own work. Hosted by Melanie Parish and Dr. Mel Rutherford, we dive into the most interesting questions about leaders and get into real-life conversations about how people might be experimenting with their leadership. What they are trying? How they are leading and managing their flow of work and throughput? How are they managing bottlenecks, mission, vision, strategic, operational, and tactical intents? How do they organize experiments? How do they succeed? How do they fail? How do they collect data? The loneliness of leadership can be overwhelming, especially when a leader gets promoted and doesn’t have a roadmap for how to lead. They might feel like they are supposed to have the answers, and yet they have to figure out what that really means. The hardest part can be not having anyone to talk to about their leadership journey. Fear not. Let Melanie Parish and Mel Rutherford be your guide to becoming the leader you were meant to be – an experimental leader! A public speaker, consultant, workshop leader, author, and Master Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation, from whom she received the Prism Award, Melanie is an expert in problem-solving, constraints management, operations, strategic hiring, and brand development. She has consulted and coached organizations ranging from a Fortune 50 company to IT start-ups receiving their first round of funding. Her individual clients include those in FAANG and other top global IT companies. Melanie is a Certified Professional Coactive Coach and, Organization and Relationship Systems Certified Coach, and a Theory of Constraints Certified Jonah. As an author, educator, and creator of The Experimental Leader program, Melanie shows people new ways of thinking about their leadership, informed by her understanding of the fast-paced ride of technology innovation. A professor in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, and Canada Research Chair in Social Perception. Dr. Mel Rutherford graduated from Yale University and earned a Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis in Human Development from the University of California at Santa Barbara. A Fulbright Fellowship allowed Dr. Rutherford to study and collaborate with the well-known Simon Baron-Cohen in Cambridge, England. Dr. Rutherford also worked with Bruce Pennington and Sally Rogers at the University of Denver as a postdoctoral fellow. He now heads a dynamic research laboratory at McMaster University. Dr. Rutherford is well-known for research in the field of psychology and has been interviewed and quoted in The Globe and Mail, The London Times, The Chicago Times, CBC Radio, Quirks and Quarks, and The Discovery Channel, as well as many AP newspapers around the world. Get rid of the fear and doubt, and shift your leadership into something that works better. Every week, learn from top leaders about how they’re experimenting, how they’re leading, and how they’re doing the things that they do. Join us here on The Experimental Leader and step into leadership with confidence and the knowledge to start leading the experiment today!
Episodes
In this episode of The Experimental Leader podcast, hosts Melanie Parrish and Mel Rutherford speak with Col. Bree Fram, one of the highest-ranking out transgender officers in the U.S. Space Force. Together, they explore the complexities of leading with authenticity, the unique strengths queer leaders bring to their work, and the emotional toll of being visible in challenging political times.
From the superpowers of queer leaders...
In this episode of The Experimental Leader Podcast, hosts Melanie Parish and Mel Rutherford are joined by executive coach and ADHD expert Frankie Berkoben to explore how executive functioning and systems thinking can elevate leadership performance.
Frankie shares her unique approach to coaching high-performing leaders in tech—drawing from design thinking, behavioral psychology, and neurodiversity-informed practices. Together, th...
In this Pride Month episode of The Experimental Leader Podcast, hosts Mel Rutherford and Melanie Parish are joined by Dr. Liz Cavallaro, executive coach and author of Forging Queer Leaders.
Together, they explore how LGBTQ+ leaders leverage resilience, authenticity, and inclusivity to drive impactful leadership.
Packed with actionable insights on allyship, vulnerability, and embracing diverse perspectives, this episode is a ...
Celebrate International Coaching Week 2025 with this insightful episode exploring coaching’s evolving role in leadership. From AI advancements to maintaining a pure coaching mindset, this conversation offers practical tips, powerful questions, and valuable insights into how coaching fosters transformation, innovation, and shared leadership. Whether you're a coach, leader, or lifelong learner, this episode delivers inspiration and a...
Celebrate a remarkable milestone with The Experimental Leader Podcast as we mark five years of exploring leadership through innovation, curiosity, and authenticity. In this special anniversary episode, podcast founder Melanie Parish reflects on the journey that started during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Melanie shares candid insights into the challenges of hosting authentic conversations, the importance of curiosity...
This episode of The Experimental Leader explores leadership challenges, the power of experimentation, and ethical influence.
Discover principles like bravery, reciprocity, and consistency, along with actionable insights to foster purpose-driven leadership and a values-aligned culture.
This episode explores the power of connection in leadership, emphasizing the importance of civility, respect, and understanding impact. Through real-life stories and practical strategies, it highlights how a coaching approach can simplify leadership by focusing on outcomes and relationships rather than conflict details.
Discover how fostering curiosity, navigating workplace dynamics, and experimenting with personal growth can tr...
In this episode of The Experimental Leader, we explore how leaders can balance empathy and accountability while supporting mental wellness in the workplace.
We discuss practical strategies for creating a compassionate and resilient environment for teams, navigating mental health challenges, and leading with authenticity.
Packed with actionable takeaways, this episode offers valuable insights for any leader looking to foster a...
In this episode of The Experimental Leader, we explore how self-awareness, compassion, and effective communication can transform workplaces into cultures of belonging.
Discover practical strategies to foster deeper connections, nurture work relationships, and create environments where people thrive.
Learn how intentional leadership can make belonging a cornerstone of your team’s success.
Julianna Newland joins The Experimental Leader Podcast to share insights on navigating leadership, breaking barriers, and advancing careers. Learn about the "sticky floor," the "glass cliff," and how to lead with creativity and confidence.
Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration!
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In this episode, the conversation dives into how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can be a game-changer for business success!
Discover why DEI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a powerful strategy that can ignite innovation, boost engagement, and elevate performance.
You’ll get fresh insights on how to create a workplace where every voice matters, and learn how inclusive leadership can lead to brea...
In this episode of The Experimental Leader, we sit down with a powerful guest who shares their journey of navigating gender diversity and embracing vulnerability as a leader.
From raising a trans child to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, this episode offers personal insights into creating inclusive environments and the importance of allyship.
Whether you're a leader, parent, or ally, this conversation provides practical advice a...
In this episode of The Experimental Leader Podcast, we explore the power of leading with kindness and how it can transform workplace culture.
Discover the concept of a "cultural balance sheet" to assess your organization’s strengths and areas for growth, and learn how to turn cultural liabilities into assets through intentional leadership.
If you're looking to foster a culture of empowerment, curiosity, and compassion in your...
In this insightful episode of The Experimental Leader, explore the dynamic world of leadership, decision-making, and change management.
Dive into the complexities of experimenting with change management strategies on an academic campus, offering a fresh perspective on leadership styles across various settings.
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Explore the importance of honoring marginalized perspectives, challenging implicit biases, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
Learn how engaging with diverse political views and listening to differing opinions can lead to more robust solutions and a deeper understanding.
Discover actionable steps to overcome biases, promote diversity in decision-making, and create an environment where every voice is valued.
Tran...
Explore the nexus of leadership and legal frameworks in this insightful podcast episode.
Explore shared leadership, workplace dynamics, and unions' pivotal role in advocating for workers' rights.
Gain actionable strategies for fostering inclusive cultures, navigating legal complexities, and driving organizational excellence.
Tune in for essential insights to empower your leadership journey!
L...
Join us on The Experimental Leader as we delve into uncharted territories with Dr. Kim Alexander in an episode that redefines leadership and sexual health education.
From navigating leadership transitions to unraveling the complexities of sexual education, we explore the intersections and implications for personal growth and organizational dyn...
In this podcast episode, Melanie Parish and Beverly Horton navigate the complexities of leadership, mental health, and workplace inclusivity.
They introduce an eye-opening anti-racism program, shedding light on the internal journey for individuals.
The conversation delves into the challenges of fostering dialogue and self-reflection on race and identity.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on breaking down barriers ...
Explore leadership, self-care, and equitable assignments. Dive into mindfulness tools, meditation, and unique perspectives on personal growth.
Discover the transformative power of psychic abilities in trauma healing, individually and collectively.
Uncover insights into coaching, authenticity, and the importance of tailored approaches.
Join us for a brief yet impactful journey into healing and leadership evolution.
Embark on a journey of positivity and inclusivity in this episode of The Experimental Leader.
From overcoming challenges with grace to embracing the power of Kanban boards in gender identity transitions, discover the uplifting impact of effective communication and self-actualization.
Personal anecdotes shed light on the joyous moments of navigating gender identity and pronouns.
Join the uplifting conversation on fostering ...
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