Fearless Possibilities with Sha Nacino
Fearless Possibilities Podcast is a leadership podcast hosted by Sha Nacino, where she interviews world-class C-suite leaders and game changers to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Join us as we uncover powerful stories, real experiences, and practical wisdom from inspiring guests to help you unlock what’s truly possible in your life and leadership. Whether you’re new to leadership, a senior executive, or somewhere in between—this podcast is for you.
About the Host
Sha Nacino is a keynote speaker on Human Connection and Compassionate Leadership, former adjunct faculty at the Asian Institute of Management, and author of 15 books. She was recognized by Global Gurus as one of the Top 30 Motivational Speakers in the World, alongside Tony Robbins, Simon Sinek, and Gary Vaynerchuk.
She founded virtual summits like the HR Summit Global™ (10,000 participants from 32 countries) and the World Gratitude Summit™ (15,000 participants from 49 countries).
Sha embodies the possibilities she helps others unlock. From being a shy, introverted non-writer, she transformed into a global speaker, TEDx speaker, and author—now inspiring thousands of leaders worldwide.
For speaking engagements or resources, visit ShaNacino.com or email info@ShaNacino.com.
Connect with Sha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sha-nacino/
Fearless Possibilities with Sha Nacino
31: How to Build High-Performing Teams with Alvanson So of Canva
What happens when a company puts people over policy—and actually means it? 🎙️
In this episode, Sha Nacino sits down with Vanson So, People & Culture Leader at Canva, to explore the deeper questions behind building high-performing teams, creating safe workplaces, and leading with kindness.
Vanson shares candid insights on:
✨ Why kindness is a strategic advantage in leadership and organizational culture
✨ How “people over policy” looks in real life—even in a global company like Canva
✨ Building psychological safety so employees feel seen, valued, and empowered
✨ How leaders can read subtle cues and make space for quieter voices
✨ The real reason leadership can feel lonely—and what to do about it
✨ His biggest leadership lesson: how not advocating for himself changed the way he leads
✨ Why great leaders don’t fear people who are better than them
If you’re a leader, HR practitioner, founder, or aspiring changemaker who wants to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage, this conversation will reshape the way you think about teams—and about yourself.
00:00 – Introduction
00:21 – The Leader Who Shaped Vanson
01:55 – Corporate vs. Canva Leadership
03:28 – People Over Policy
04:31 – HR Lessons from the Pandemic
06:17 – Unlimited Leaves & Trust
08:30 – Values & Culture in Action
08:45 – What Vanson Is Most Proud Of
10:30 – How Canva Measures Impact
12:12 – Maintaining Culture While Scaling
14:22 – Canva Culture Behind the Scenes
16:00 – Why He Stays at Canva
16:59 – Message to His 25-Year-Old Self
18:37 – A Moment He Felt “Seen”
22:15 – Learning to Read Subtle Cues
24:46 – Becoming a Leader for the First Time
26:53 – Why Leaders Shouldn’t Fear Talent
28:48 – The Biggest Leadership Challenge
31:46 – His Toughest Feedback
34:22 – Designing Psychological Safety
39:53 – Encouraging Openness & Candor
40:07 – Fatherhood, Gaming & Leadership
42:55 – Fast & Fearless Round
43:03 – Making People Feel Seen
45:26 – One Message for Leaders
46:50 – What Leaders Don’t Admit Enough
50:14 – The Power of Community
51:06 – Why He Said Yes to the Podcast
52:27 – Possibility Thinking
54:04 – Sha Answers Vanson’s Question
56:08 – Reflection & Growth
Connect with Vanson So:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvansonso/
Connect with Sha Nacino:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sha-nacino/
Join Sha’s free email newsletter: https://shanacino.com/fearless
Thank you for listening!
About the speaker:
Sha Nacino is a global keynote speaker on human connection and compassionate leadership. She was named one of the World’s Top 30 Motivational Speakers by Global Gurus, alongside Simon Sinek and Gary Vaynerchuk—the only Asian on the list. A 2-time TEDx speaker and former adjunct faculty at the Asian Institute of Management, Sha has spoken across Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. She is the author of 16 books, including her latest, SEEN: Good Leaders Have Vision. Great Leaders See., and host of the Fearless Possibilities podcast. Her work has been recognized the the United Nations Global Entrepreneur Council and World Humanitarian Drive.
Website and video: https://www.shanacino.com