What can the people we’ve lost teach us about who we become? And how do their everyday choices—often unnoticed in the moment—shape our leadership, our values, and the way we show up in the world?
In this heartfelt conversation, Ian Ziskin returns to The Inner Edge to share the deeply personal journey that inspired his new collaborative book, Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons from Special Somebodies. After losing both his brother and his mother only months apart, Ian began reflecting on the lessons they left behind.
As we talk, you’ll likely find your own “special somebodies” coming to mind—the people who shaped you, guided you, or quietly modeled who you wanted to become. Some may be gone. Some may still be here. And all of them leave imprints that matter.
This episode is a warm, reflective invitation to pause, honor, and acknowledge the leadership lessons that come from everyday human beings—not just from CEOs or experts, but from the people who taught us through the way they lived.
In this episode of The Inner Edge:
How the loss of loved ones sparked Ian’s collaborative book project
Why facing reality is essential for personal and organizational growth
How advocacy, values, and “showing you care” become quiet but powerful forms of leadership
Why the people who shaped us often never knew the impact they had
The cathartic process of writing about a special somebody
How to reflect on your own life lessons and why you should share them with the people who matter now
About Janet Ioli:
Janet Ioli is a globally recognized executive advisor, coach, and leadership expert with over 25 years of experience developing leaders in Fortune 100 companies and global organizations.
She created The Inner Edge—a framework, a movement, and a message that flips leadership from mere success performance to presence; from ego to soul. Through her keynotes, podcast, and programs, Janet helps high-achievers find the one thing that changes everything: the mastery within.
Her approach redefines leadership presence—not as polish or tactics, but as the inner steadiness people feel from you and the positive imprint you leave on individuals and organizations.
The Inner Edge | Leadership, Self-Mastery, and Reinvention for a New Era is your invitation to step beyond conventional wisdom into conversations that matter.
Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership expert, executive coach, and trusted advisor to global leaders, with executive experience across four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she explores the interconnected nature of leadership and life—tackling real challenges like reinvention at midlife, navigating transitions, leading with intuition, and integrating your authentic self in both personal and professional spheres. This isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level tips; it’s about the deeper inner work that creates lasting transformation for leaders ready to stop following and start creating a future aligned with their values and soul.
Connect with Janet:
- Website: janetioli.com
- Linkedin: Janet Ioli
- Instagram: @leadershipcoachjanet
- YouTube: Janet Ioli – The Leadership Sage
Connect with Ian:
Resources:
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your deeper values in just 21 days. Check out Janet Ioli’s book Less Ego, More Soul: A Modern Reinvention Guide for Women.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Produced by Ideablossoms.
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