Guest: Jon Powell, Founder & CEO of Apex Catalytic
In this episode, Leah sits down with Jon Powell, Ph.D.—sustainability expert, systems thinker, and founder of Apex Catalytic—for a lively and layered conversation about how curiosity, engineering, and intuition have shaped his career in sustainability.
They explore:
How Jon’s AP Environmental Science class sparked a 20+ year career
The science of systems thinking and why it still matters in today’s business landscape
Why trusting your intuition is key to navigating uncertainty
How to build trust—both in yourself and with others—as a leader
Using tools like Corporate Tarot Cards® to reduce cognitive overload and create space for clarity
And in a real-time case study, Leah walks Jon through a Corporate Tarot Card® reading to help him decide his next right move—revealing how frameworks like this can help leaders stay grounded while still experimenting and growing.
🎁 Bonus: Jon’s Pizza Rankings
Stick around to hear about his six signature styles—including a very strong opinion about Detroit vs. Neapolitan.
Takeaways:
Track energy, not just outcomes. Ask: How did this energize me? It’s a powerful compass for aligned action.
Write your intuitive win list. It’s how you build trust in your ability to decide—not just follow instructions.
Frameworks are your friends. The right constraint (like a card prompt) can unlock new clarity in seconds.
Whether you're at a career crossroads, juggling too many opportunities, or just wondering if your intuition is “right,” this episode offers tools, perspective, and a generous dose of permission to trust your gut.
Want to get clear on your next step?
Check out The Clarity Sprint, a one-month accelerator to help you trust your gut, take aligned action, and move forward with confidence. Spots are limited.
👉 Learn about The Clarity Sprint here.
About Jon Powell, Ph.D.
Jon Powell is a sustainability expert and is the founder and CEO of advisory firm Apex Catalytic, where he helps corporate sustainability teams, impact investment funds, and growth-stage startups navigate novel sustainability challenges that create business growth and positive environmental impacts. He's also currently developing and perfecting his sixth style of homemade pizza.
Website: Apex Catalytic
Jon Powell founded Apex Catalytic to tackle the world's toughest sustainability challenges and equip others to do the same. He advises top corporations, impact funds, and growth-stage startups on Frontier Sustainability Challenges - problems without a playbook demanding expertise, innovation, and bold solutions.
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