In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, Kim Miller-Hershon sits down with Ben Wong, a seasoned product and strategy executive, fractional Chief Product Officer, and founder of Blue Harmony Advisory—a boutique firm helping companies grow with purpose, clarity, and measurable impact.

Ben shares insights from nearly two decades of experience guiding growth-stage technology companies, particularly in EdTech and SaaS, through critical inflection points. His journey spans product leadership, strategy, and advisory roles, offering him a unique vantage point on how businesses scale—and where conventional wisdom often falls short.

Throughout the conversation, Ben challenges the idea that success comes from rigid “playbooks” or best practices. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of understanding context, human dynamics, and the deeper “why” behind what works. He also explores how culture must evolve as companies grow, and why leaders need to focus less on preserving rituals and more on sustaining purpose.

The discussion dives into the realities of leadership—highlighting the importance of listening, building alignment over agreement, and fostering trust rather than authority. Ben also shares his perspective on navigating imposter syndrome, the shifting landscape of work in the age of AI, and why developing self-awareness and intentionality early in life is critical for long-term success.

A key theme throughout the episode is the power of human connection in an increasingly automated world. Ben makes a compelling case that while AI is transforming how work gets done, the ability to understand people, facilitate collaboration, and lead with empathy will only become more valuable.

We explore:

- How company culture must evolve during periods of growth

- The importance of listening and facilitation as leadership skills

- Why leadership teams must model the behavior they expect

- The shift from authority to trust in effective leadership

- How AI is changing work—and what remains uniquely human

- The importance of intentionality in career and life decisions

- Why giving yourself permission to be “selfish” can prevent burnout

- How to navigate imposter syndrome and build self-awareness

Ben’s perspective is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking better questions, understanding people, and adapting with intention.

If you’ve ever relied on a “playbook” that didn’t quite fit, or questioned your path in a rapidly changing world, this episode offers a more thoughtful, human-centered approach to growth and leadership.

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Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmillerhershon/
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Connect with Ben here:
Website: https://www.blueharmonics.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wang-5731ba3/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_blueharmonics/

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In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, i sits down with Clint Rush, a decorated combat veteran and business executive currently serving as president and Managing Partner of Cabinetry and Millwork Concepts.

Clint shares his unconventional journey—from studying at the University of Wisconsin to enlisting in the U.S. Army following 9/11, serving nearly a decade with overseas assignments, and eventually transitioning into the private sector. His career spans operations, finance, and executive leadership, including his role as President and CEO of NorthPoint Logistics before stepping into his current leadership position. His story is one of adaptability, resilience, and redefining leadership through real-world experience.

Throughout the conversation, Clint challenges traditional ideas of leadership, emphasizing honesty, trust, and action over perfection. Drawing from both military and business environments, he offers a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to lead effectively, build strong teams, and navigate uncertainty.

We explore:

- Why shielding teams from bad news actually weakens leadership

- The importance of radical honesty and transparency in building trust

- How military leadership translates (and doesn’t translate) into business

- The myth of having everything “figured out” as a leader

- Why action beats overplanning—and how to avoid analysis paralysis

- The balance between excellence and perfection in business execution

- Building strong teams through trust, accountability, and support

- How to manage imposter syndrome in high-pressure environments

- The role of pacing and decision-making in leadership success

- Why asking for help is a critical (and often overlooked) leadership skill

Clint’s perspective is a powerful reminder that great leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being honest, taking action, trusting your team, and continuously learning along the way. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to be perfect or to have everything under control, this episode will challenge that thinking and give you a more practical, human approach to leading and succeeding.

Connect with me here:
Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com

Connect with me on LinkedIn:
/kmillerhershon

Subscribe to newsletter:
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In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, I sit down with Shirley Wantland, CEO of Recovery Consultants, a company providing bespoke recovery support for individuals and families navigating addiction, mental health, and behavioral health challenges.

Shirley shares her journey growing up as the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants in Oklahoma, where fitting in felt like survival, and how those early experiences shaped her views on identity, success, and belonging. She opens up about stepping into her authentic self—symbolized by her now-signature purple hair—and what it really took to move beyond fear, judgment, and societal expectations.

Her story is not just about building a successful business—it’s about unlearning perfectionism, embracing vulnerability, and redefining what leadership and success actually look like.

We talk about how authenticity can feel risky but necessary, why so much conventional business advice falls short, and how self-compassion plays a critical role in both personal growth and leadership.

We explore:

Why authenticity requires vulnerability and courage
How early cultural expectations shape our view of success
The trap of perfectionism and “being ready”
Why fitting in can hold you back from real growth
The reality of imposter syndrome—even at the highest levels
How to lead without hierarchy and embrace collaboration
Why self-compassion is essential for healing and progress
The importance of addressing mental health without shame or stigma

Shirley also shares personal insights into building and leading a 25-person team, navigating difficult leadership decisions, and creating a company culture rooted in growth rather than perfection.

This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about breaking it, owning your story, and having the courage to show up as you are.

Connect with me here:
Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com

Connect with me on LinkedIn:
/kmillerhershon

Subscribe to newsletter:
link.kimmillerhershon.com/widget/form/aEdmdA1W5MhoMCMfy5O8

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