In this episode of Climb, the Confident Leader podcast, host Rahul Karan Sharma interviews Mike Todasco, an innovation leader with a diverse background in finance and AI. Mike shares his journey from a failed startup to leading innovation at PayPal, discussing the importance of mindset shifts, embracing failure, and building a culture of innovation. He emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing productivity and the need for leaders to recognize and encourage innovative efforts within their teams. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Mike's personal insights and philosophies.

Key Takeaways

Mike's journey includes significant pivots from finance to AI.

Embracing failure is crucial for personal and organizational growth.

Taking a sabbatical can provide clarity and direction.

Innovation can be simple and doesn't have to be grand.

Recognition of innovative efforts can motivate teams.AI tools can enhance productivity and creativity.

Leaders should foster an environment where failure is discussed.

Mindset shifts are essential during career transitions.

Innovation culture requires intrinsic motivation and purpose.

Personal growth often comes from life-changing events. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mike Tosado and His Journey04:37 Mindset Shifts Through Career Changes07:27 The Importance of Taking a Pause10:40 Building an Innovation Culture in Organizations13:28 Embracing Failure as a Path to Innovation16:37 Leveraging AI in the Workplace19:26 The Evolution of Jobs with Technology22:07 Grounding Principles for Leaders25:32 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Round

About Guest: Mike TodascoMike Todasco is a former Innovation leader at PayPal who previously navigated significant career changes after starting in finance and launching a failed startup venture. He currently serves as a Visiting Fellow at the AI Center at San Diego State University, where he focuses on making Artificial Intelligence accessible and helping people use AI tools to enhance their lives and careers. He also writes and advises companies in the AI space. Connect with Mike on Linkedin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/todasco/

About Host: Rahul Karan SharmaRahul Karan Sharma is a Forbes Coaches Council member, keynote speaker, and creator of the globally recognized CLIMB™ Framework for Confident Leadership. As the founder of Steady Steps LLC, he empowers organizations and individuals to grow through mindset transformation, leadership clarity, and the development of sustainable team culture. 🔹 Rahul works with: First-time managers and emerging leaders; Organizations navigating transformation; Universities preparing students for career success 🔹 Author: Be Action Oriented & Habits4Miracles 🔹 Get Rahul's book Be Action Oriented: https://habits4miracles.com/jumpstart Host: The CLIMB – Confident Leader Podcast 🔹 CONNECT WITH RAHUL 🔹 Website: www.rahulkaransharma.com 🔹 Instagram: @preparewithrahul 🔹 Facebook: PreparewithRahulSharma 🔹 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rahulkaransharma 🔹 X (Twitter): x.com/rahulphr 🔹 TikTok: @preparewithrahul #leadershipdevelopment #organizationaldevelopment #leadershippodcast #careerclarity #changeleadership #leadershipshipTransformation #aspiringleaders #theclimbframework #rahulkaransharma #YoungProfessionals #leadershipjourney #nextgenleadership #workplaceculture #KeynoteSpeaker #leadershipsoundingboard #SteadyStepsLLC #entrepreneurship #leadership #mindset #energy #personalgrowth #empowerment #leadership #stressmanagement #mindsetshift #burnout #self-awareness #patience #self-leadership #personaldevelopment #transformation #resilience #boundaries #scaling #emotionalintelligence #teambuilding #businesssuccess #personalfulfillment #aiforleaders #futureofwork #ai