<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/style.xsl" type="text/xsl"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0"><channel><atom:link href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/create-the-future/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title><![CDATA[Create the Future]]></title><podcast:guid>76514894-56c9-5b9d-a9a2-4a292ea1781e</podcast:guid><lastBuildDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:00:54 +0000</lastBuildDate><generator>Captivate.fm</generator><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright 2026 Rick Williams]]></copyright><managingEditor>Rick Williams</managingEditor><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Create the Future Podcast is hosted by Rick Williams, keynote speaker and author of Create the Future – your essential leadership guidebook for making difficult decisions. The Podcast celebrates leaders who have made tough decisions and created the future for the organizations they led. Guests include executives, board members, and nonprofit and public-sector leaders.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest. ]]></itunes:summary><image><url>https://artwork.captivate.fm/e27ec0c3-1dd3-4dd1-b0b4-e12d01209d51/CTF.jpg</url><title>Create the Future</title><link><![CDATA[https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest]]></link></image><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/e27ec0c3-1dd3-4dd1-b0b4-e12d01209d51/CTF.jpg"/><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Rick Williams</itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author>Rick Williams</itunes:author><description>The Create the Future Podcast is hosted by Rick Williams, keynote speaker and author of Create the Future – your essential leadership guidebook for making difficult decisions. The Podcast celebrates leaders who have made tough decisions and created the future for the organizations they led. Guests include executives, board members, and nonprofit and public-sector leaders.

Think you&apos;d be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest. </description><link>https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest</link><atom:link href="https://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com" rel="hub"/><itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Conversations with Leaders Who Made Difficult Decisions and Built Lasting Legacies]]></itunes:subtitle><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:category text="Business"></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Education"></itunes:category><itunes:category text="News"><itunes:category text="Business News"/></itunes:category><podcast:locked>no</podcast:locked><podcast:medium>podcast</podcast:medium><item><title>5 - Making the Hard Call: Leadership Lessons on Letting Go for Growth with Paige Arnof-Fenn</title><itunes:title>5 - Making the Hard Call: Leadership Lessons on Letting Go for Growth with Paige Arnof-Fenn</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the Create the Future podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder and CEO of Mavens and Moguls.</p><p>Paige shares her journey from investment banking to leading successful marketing teams at Fortune 500 companies and startups. She discusses tough leadership decisions, including letting go of valued employees who couldn’t adapt to growth and firing a high-paying but toxic client. Paige emphasizes the importance of authenticity, values-driven leadership, and building a business around clients and colleagues who align with your principles. The episode offers candid insights into navigating difficult choices as a leader.</p><p>Check out Paige's work <a href="www.mavensandmoguls.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Paige on LinkedIn <a href=" https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigearnoffenn  " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the Create the Future podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder and CEO of Mavens and Moguls.</p><p>Paige shares her journey from investment banking to leading successful marketing teams at Fortune 500 companies and startups. She discusses tough leadership decisions, including letting go of valued employees who couldn’t adapt to growth and firing a high-paying but toxic client. Paige emphasizes the importance of authenticity, values-driven leadership, and building a business around clients and colleagues who align with your principles. The episode offers candid insights into navigating difficult choices as a leader.</p><p>Check out Paige's work <a href="www.mavensandmoguls.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Paige on LinkedIn <a href=" https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigearnoffenn  " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">072d9f3a-1124-4073-be22-a4807af3a00c</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/e27ec0c3-1dd3-4dd1-b0b4-e12d01209d51/CTF.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0500</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/072d9f3a-1124-4073-be22-a4807af3a00c.mp3" length="33356489" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>39:43</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>4 - Courageous Leadership: How to Embrace Risk and Learn from Failure with Peggy Sullivan</title><itunes:title>4 - Courageous Leadership: How to Embrace Risk and Learn from Failure with Peggy Sullivan</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the "Create the Future Podcast," host Rick Williams interviews Peggy Sullivan, Productivity Strategist, Keynote Speaker, and Creator of the Busy–Busting Framework.</p><p>They discuss overcoming "time poverty," aligning work with personal values, and practical strategies for productivity and happiness. Peggy shares her career journey, the importance of micro-steps, and the value of courage and support. The conversation highlights women’s unique leadership contributions, emotional intelligence, and the need for gender equity in leadership roles. Listeners gain actionable insights on decision-making, embracing challenges, and fostering inclusive, purpose-driven workplaces.</p><p>Check out Peggy Sullivan's work <a href="peggysullivanspeaker.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Peggy Sullivan on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyasullivan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the "Create the Future Podcast," host Rick Williams interviews Peggy Sullivan, Productivity Strategist, Keynote Speaker, and Creator of the Busy–Busting Framework.</p><p>They discuss overcoming "time poverty," aligning work with personal values, and practical strategies for productivity and happiness. Peggy shares her career journey, the importance of micro-steps, and the value of courage and support. The conversation highlights women’s unique leadership contributions, emotional intelligence, and the need for gender equity in leadership roles. Listeners gain actionable insights on decision-making, embracing challenges, and fostering inclusive, purpose-driven workplaces.</p><p>Check out Peggy Sullivan's work <a href="peggysullivanspeaker.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Peggy Sullivan on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyasullivan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">4fb83640-d08b-485d-a013-55416eddfe80</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/e27ec0c3-1dd3-4dd1-b0b4-e12d01209d51/CTF.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 07:30:00 -0500</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4fb83640-d08b-485d-a013-55416eddfe80.mp3" length="25344233" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>30:10</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>3 - Trusting Yourself: The Key to Making Tough Decisions in Uncertain Times with Aasha LaCount</title><itunes:title>3 - Trusting Yourself: The Key to Making Tough Decisions in Uncertain Times with Aasha LaCount</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Aasha LaCount, emotional intelligence expert and CEO of BeyondEQ International.</p><p>Aasha shares how personal and professional crises—including losing her home and business setbacks—led her to pivot from online courses to working with corporate leaders on trauma and burnout. She discusses the importance of self-trust, emotional intelligence, and redefining success beyond money. The conversation explores decision-making, resilience, and the courage to embrace change, offering valuable insights for leaders navigating uncertainty and transformation.</p><p>Check out Aasha LaCount's work <a href="www.beyondeqinternational.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Aasha LaCount on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aasha-t-lacount-449b59201/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Aasha LaCount, emotional intelligence expert and CEO of BeyondEQ International.</p><p>Aasha shares how personal and professional crises—including losing her home and business setbacks—led her to pivot from online courses to working with corporate leaders on trauma and burnout. She discusses the importance of self-trust, emotional intelligence, and redefining success beyond money. The conversation explores decision-making, resilience, and the courage to embrace change, offering valuable insights for leaders navigating uncertainty and transformation.</p><p>Check out Aasha LaCount's work <a href="www.beyondeqinternational.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Aasha LaCount on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aasha-t-lacount-449b59201/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">23527c73-0896-4bdb-a8ce-a03743fd9b60</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/e27ec0c3-1dd3-4dd1-b0b4-e12d01209d51/CTF.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:30:00 -0500</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/23527c73-0896-4bdb-a8ce-a03743fd9b60.mp3" length="26913017" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>32:02</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>2 - Finding Your Soul-Driven Purpose: A Story of Personal and Professional Transformation with Dr. Sage Breslin</title><itunes:title>2 - Finding Your Soul-Driven Purpose: A Story of Personal and Professional Transformation with Dr. Sage Breslin</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the Create the Future podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Dr. Sage Breslin, a psychologist and transformation coach.</p><p>Sage shares her journey of leaving an unhealthy marriage and overcoming cancer, which inspired her to pivot from trauma recovery to empowering female leaders affected by toxic relationships through her Rose System. She discusses the challenges of rebuilding her business, the importance of soul-driven work, and the role of therapy, coaching, and trusted advisors in making difficult decisions. Sage’s story highlights resilience, purposeful leadership, and the power of personal transformation.</p><p>Check out Dr. Sage Breslin's work <a href="www.SageBreslin.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Dr. Sage Breslin on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsagebreslinnarcissistrecoveryexpert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the Create the Future podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Dr. Sage Breslin, a psychologist and transformation coach.</p><p>Sage shares her journey of leaving an unhealthy marriage and overcoming cancer, which inspired her to pivot from trauma recovery to empowering female leaders affected by toxic relationships through her Rose System. She discusses the challenges of rebuilding her business, the importance of soul-driven work, and the role of therapy, coaching, and trusted advisors in making difficult decisions. Sage’s story highlights resilience, purposeful leadership, and the power of personal transformation.</p><p>Check out Dr. Sage Breslin's work <a href="www.SageBreslin.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Dr. Sage Breslin on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsagebreslinnarcissistrecoveryexpert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ec378a5-d2c2-4b83-96f5-7ab9efb50f25</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/e27ec0c3-1dd3-4dd1-b0b4-e12d01209d51/CTF.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/6ec378a5-d2c2-4b83-96f5-7ab9efb50f25.mp3" length="24853823" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>34:31</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>1 - Leadership Decisions: The Good, the Bad, and the Lessons Learned with Rick Williams</title><itunes:title>1 - Leadership Decisions: The Good, the Bad, and the Lessons Learned with Rick Williams</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In the inaugural episode of Create the Future, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence interviews the creator and host of the show, Rick Williams. Rick is a keynote speaker, author, and board member. </p><p>In this episode, Rick introduces the podcast’s mission: exploring how leaders make tough decisions that shape the future and build legacies. Rick also discusses the importance of mastering decision-making, outlines the podcast’s focus on real leadership stories, and shares his professional background as the founder and Managing Director of Williams Advisory Partners. The episode invites leaders to share their experiences and offers listeners practical insights to improve their own decision-making skills, setting the stage for future conversations with leaders from diverse backgrounds.</p><p>Check out Rick's book <a href="https://rickwilliamsleadership.com/books/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Check out Rick's work at his website <a href="https://rickwilliamsleadership.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </p><p>Connect with Rick on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickwilliams100/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In the inaugural episode of Create the Future, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence interviews the creator and host of the show, Rick Williams. Rick is a keynote speaker, author, and board member. </p><p>In this episode, Rick introduces the podcast’s mission: exploring how leaders make tough decisions that shape the future and build legacies. Rick also discusses the importance of mastering decision-making, outlines the podcast’s focus on real leadership stories, and shares his professional background as the founder and Managing Director of Williams Advisory Partners. The episode invites leaders to share their experiences and offers listeners practical insights to improve their own decision-making skills, setting the stage for future conversations with leaders from diverse backgrounds.</p><p>Check out Rick's book <a href="https://rickwilliamsleadership.com/books/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Check out Rick's work at his website <a href="https://rickwilliamsleadership.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </p><p>Connect with Rick on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickwilliams100/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">9f9b0ec4-f7bc-479d-b5e7-81fafb5af2ef</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/e27ec0c3-1dd3-4dd1-b0b4-e12d01209d51/CTF.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/9f9b0ec4-f7bc-479d-b5e7-81fafb5af2ef.mp3" length="13518377" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>16:06</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>