Find My Catalyst Podcast

Jacquelyn: “It honestly looked like a high school or college team was playing a professional team.”

Constantine: “Passion. Commitment. Tenacity. These guys live and breathe this shit.”

The crew recaps Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, confessing their inaccurate picks and celebrating Constantine's 50% accuracy. With deep hockey insight and hilarious banter, they preview the East and West Conference Finals, reveal their personal favorites, and emphasize the emotional, strategic, and human side of playoff hockey.

🔑 5 Key Takeaways

1. Finding a Catalyst in Failure

• Jacquelyn admits picking the Leafs was a mistake—owning failure leads to better choices.

• The group learns from incorrect picks to sharpen predictions for the next round.

• Recognition of poor team performance (like the Caps) becomes a call to realign and refocus.

2. Performance Under Pressure

• Constantine praises players like Ottinger and Bobrovsky for stepping up in high-stakes moments.

• The playoffs reveal which players rise when it counts most.

• Success is tied not just to talent but to composure under fire.

3. Respect and Resilience in Sport

• The team highlights the powerful sportsmanship seen in handshakes and honoring personal struggles (e.g., Scheifele’s loss).

• Emotional intelligence and empathy make great athletes greater.

• Team support and unity often become the catalyst for comeback performances.

4. The Power of Passion

• “Live and breathe this shit”—Constantine’s line underscores the deep love for hockey.

• The community’s passion, including fans and commentators, fuels the game's momentum.

• Passion is infectious; it inspires action and elevates purpose.

5. Bold Predictions Drive Engagement

• All three make distinct, thoughtful predictions, showing conviction despite past mistakes.

• Debating outcomes encourages critical thinking and creative confidence.

• Even incorrect calls create opportunities to reflect, learn, and improve—hallmarks of catalyst-driven thinking.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family.
Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

This lively roundtable features hockey fans Mike, Constantine, and Jacqueline as they break down the 2025 NHL Conference Finals. From unexpected losses to bold predictions and favorite hockey movies, their passionate insights and friendly banter bring energy to every play and player discussed.

🗣️ Key Quotes

1. "Sales is a thinking process. Business is a thinking process. Life is a thinking process. How are you thinking different about your process?" – Mike

2. "It honestly looked like a high school team was playing a professional team." – Jacqueline on the Capitals' performance.

3. "Connor McDavid deserves the chance to earn a Stanley Cup." – Constantine

In this episode, the crew dives into the NHL Conference Finals with unfiltered opinions, emotional takes, and hilarious side commentary. They revisit missed predictions, analyze key players and coaches, and share their picks for who moves on. It's all about hockey, heart, and how perspective can be your catalyst.

🔑 5 Key Takeaways

1. Bold Predictions & Upsets

• No one saw the Jets getting dominated by Dallas.

• Edmonton’s strong playoff showing surprised the group.

• Everyone chose the Panthers to win, even if they secretly rooted for the Hurricanes.

2. Mental Game is the Real Game

• The Leafs' emotional collapse highlighted playoff pressure.

• The Caps looked lost on the ice—poor positioning and ineffective power plays.

• Focus and mental resilience were discussed as crucial catalysts.

3. Respect Runs Deep in Hockey

• The handshake line after Game 7 was praised for its emotional weight.

• Mark Scheifele’s emotional performance reminded listeners of hockey’s human side.

• Respect and tradition were spotlighted as hidden catalysts for unity and growth.

4. Coaching as a Catalyst

• Brind’Amour and Paul Maurice received high praise for leadership.

• Coaching decisions and team mentality are game-changers in playoffs.

• Great coaching bridges talent and execution under pressure.

5. Pop Culture Meets Passion

• Favorite hockey movies? “Miracle” and “Mighty Ducks” win hearts.

• Lundqvist’s Netflix doc and commentary team banter added depth to the fandom.

• Loving the game—on and off the ice—is a reminder that passion is the true catalyst.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family.
Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

This episode features a lively, hockey-fueled roundtable with Jacquelyn Nicholson, Constantine Johns, and host Mike Simmons. The trio dives into the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, sharing personal stories, team loyalties, spirited banter, and insightful predictions—all through the lens of sports as a catalyst for connection, memory, and emotion.

“Playoff hockey, hands down, is the best entertainment I’ve ever seen.” – Constantine Johns

In this high-energy episode, Jacquelyn, Constantine, and Mike dissect round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and make bold predictions for round two. With deep personal ties to the sport, they explore how hockey has shaped their memories and identity, proving sports can be a powerful catalyst in life.

🔑 5 Key Takeaways:

1. Sports Create Catalytic Memories

• Constantine recalls growing up watching Patrick Roy and the Avalanche lift the Cup.

• Jacquelyn shares childhood memories of fuzzy-TV Blackhawks games and tabletop hockey.

• Mike remembers frozen pond skating and the thrill of playoff intensity.

2. Shared Passion Builds Community

• The team has fun tracking predictions, brackets, and emotional team support.

• Friendly rivalries and shared experiences form strong bonds.

• Their family traditions (like mailing a plastic Stanley Cup) reinforce connection.

3. Resilience as a Game Changer

• Mike highlights how goalie Connor Hellebuyck overcame adversity in Game 7 as a catalyst moment.

• Constantine expresses heartbreak over the Avalanche loss, linking emotion to team loyalty.

• They emphasize how players grow stronger under playoff pressure.

4. Bias, Loyalty, and Fun Drive Engagement

• The crew openly admits their emotional (not always logical) picks.

• Teams like the Leafs, Oilers, and Panthers stir heated opinions.

• The playful tension among the group reveals how personal investment drives deep passion.

5. Change and Transition Spark Strong Reactions

• The Arizona Coyotes' move to Utah triggered strong emotional reactions.

• Nostalgia for local teams and childhood connections fueled frustration and loss.

• These changes highlight how teams often serve as emotional anchors.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday.
Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family.
Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

The Accidental CISO (AC) is an anonymous voice in cybersecurity who stumbled into the Chief Information Security Officer role through a mix of timing, skill, and necessity. With a background in IT operations and service delivery, AC found unexpected purpose, community, and a platform for candid reflection on security, leadership, and personal growth. He now hosts The Mindful Business Security Show, educating SMB leaders on practical security.

🧠 Three Key Quotes

"I was just looking for a place to vent. I didn’t want to get fired for telling the truth."

"Security exists at the confluence of people, process, and technology—it's not just about tools."

"I'm more me under the persona than I actually am in real life."

✏️ 50-Word Summary

In this episode, The Accidental CISO shares how he unintentionally stepped into a security leadership role, the power of anonymity, and how embracing his alter ego helped him find community, confidence, and a calling. He dives into the human side of cybersecurity, masking, and helping others through authenticity and honesty.

🔑 5 Key Takeaways

1. You Can Find Purpose Through Unplanned Paths

• AC became a CISO by accident, not ambition.

• He leaned into unfamiliar responsibilities and grew into the role.

• Sometimes, your catalyst finds you before you find it.

2. Anonymity Can Be a Catalyst for Authenticity

• Online anonymity gave AC a safe space to express frustrations and truth.

• He found a vibrant community that shared his struggles and passions.

• His persona became more “real” than the masked version of himself at work.

3. Security Is a Business Enabler, Not a Barrier

• AC believes in collaborative security—not saying “no” but saying “yes, and…”

• Security must align with business goals and risk tolerance.

• He views security as a multiplier when built with context and care.

4. Risk Is Inevitable—Managing It Is Leadership

• Risk is part of doing business and drives innovation.

• A mature approach balances safety with operational freedom.

• Security teams should advise, not own, risk decisions—that belongs to leadership.

5. Self-Awareness and Community Fuel Growth

• AC’s journey helped him understand and support his own neurodiversity.

• His experiences empowered deeper connection with his children, who face similar challenges.

• Real leadership starts with knowing who you are and finding your people.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family.
Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Follow AC at - https://www.accidentalciso.net/

• "It is playoff hockey time—the best time of year."

• "If you're not a hockey fan, become one during the playoffs; the intensity is absolutely amazing."

• "Find a player, find a team, find a story—and enjoy your playoff hockey journey."

Mike and Jacqueline break down the opening round of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. They compare their brackets, share hockey fandom stories, and highlight key players to watch. It's a mix of friendly banter, expert insights, and encouragement for new fans to fall in love with playoff hockey’s unmatched excitement.

1. Passion Powers Persistence

• Playoff hockey demands unmatched intensity—players dig deep to win.

• Fans' passion creates lasting loyalty, driving deep team connections.

• Find your personal "playoff moment" to ignite passion in your work or life.

2. Embrace the Unexpected

• Playoff upsets and overtime games show that anything can happen.

• Embracing uncertainty builds resilience and reveals hidden strengths.

• Catalysts often emerge from surprising, pressure-filled moments.

3. Choose Heart Over Logic Sometimes

• Heart picks (like cheering for the Senators) bring joy even if risky.

• Emotional decisions, when thoughtful, can lead to meaningful experiences.

• Don't be afraid to follow your heart when finding your catalyst.

4. Community Strengthens the Journey

• Hockey communities create bonds that last beyond the season.

• Shared experiences and team spirit are vital for long-term motivation.

• Building a community around your catalyst can speed up your growth.

5. Love the Process, Not Just the Outcome

• Win or lose, playoff hockey is about the journey, not just the Cup.

• Progress, learning, and enjoyment are key parts of finding fulfillment.

• Focus on the small wins and personal growth along your catalyst journey.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday.
Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family.
Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in