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The information that could protect your organization may never reach the people who need it most. Nicole Vaughan has seen firsthand how information can be filtered, reshaped, or stopped as it moves through an organization—leaving CEOs and boards unaware of risks developing beneath them. You’ll hear why trusting your leadership team isn’t always enough, how hierarchy and self-preservation can distort what reaches the top, and why external employee feedback may contain warning signs long before a problem becomes a crisis. Nicole also explains how her company’s AI-powered platform, Walk the Floors, surfaces signals from external employee feedback that leaders might otherwise miss—and gives them an opportunity to act before those signals become bigger problems. Nicole has spent two decades building high-performing teams, launching new ventures, and advising companies—experiences that have given her a firsthand view of what can happen when there’s a gap between what senior leaders believe is happening in an organization and what employees are actually experiencing. Today, Nicole is the founder and CEO of myCandr, where she’s bringing together her experience as a senior leader and entrepreneur with the power of AI to help CEOs and boards uncover organizational risks and blind spots they might otherwise miss. At the heart of Nicole’s work are three values that say a lot about how she approaches leadership: Curiosity. Candor. Courage.    You’ll discover Why critical information often never reaches senior leadersHow self-preservation can distort what leaders are toldWhy external employee feedback can reveal hidden risksHow independent oversight helps you verify internal informationHow early warning signals give you time to actConnect with Nicole Vaughan on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nvwetherley/  Website  MyCandr https://www.mycandr.io/  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Who will you be when the pressure rises and your principles become harder to live? Greg Brown has spent more than four decades finding out—as a public-company CEO, technology executive, board member, mentor, and leader responsible for decisions affecting thousands of people. His experiences reveal why the moments you'd most like to avoid may be the ones that show you most clearly what you actually stand for.  You'll hear how Greg navigated a dramatic reversal at Udemy that forced him to make painful decisions affecting hundreds of employees and their families. You'll also discover why he imagines his own children on the receiving end of difficult leadership decisions, what he looks for beyond the résumé when hiring A players, why recognition has a protected place on his calendar, and how courage has shaped some of the most consequential choices of his life. Through it all, Greg offers a compelling example of what happens when you refuse to let pressure decide who you'll become.  Greg is CEO of Illumia, a platform built to empower education, healthcare, and corporate enterprises with secure, intelligent technology. Across more than 25 years in technology, Greg has led organizations through almost every kind of challenge a leader can face—hypergrowth, turnarounds, acquisitions, global expansion, and enormous change.  Along the way, he’s helped build companies that have reached millions of people, including Udemy, a leading global platform for online learning and skills development, where he served as President and CEO. Through all those experiences, Greg has remained passionate about building high-performing teams and creating environments where people can grow and succeed. And Greg knows something about performing under pressure from another part of his life: Before becoming a CEO, he was a college quarterback at Cal Poly.   You'll discover How your principles guide you under intense pressureWhy difficult decisions still require deep humanityWhat reveals an A player beyond credentialsHow recognition makes your people feel valuedWhy courage requires you to embrace discomfort Connect with Greg Brown on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregsbrown/  Website  Illumia https://illumiatech.com/ Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

They can't meet an expectation you've never made clear. Michael D. Morrison discovered that lesson the hard way after entering a business partnership without first defining the values, boundaries, and expectations that mattered most to him. What followed became a painful, years-long experience that affected employees, clients, and vendors—and fundamentally changed how he thinks about leadership. You'll hear why Michael believes so many workplace frustrations begin with assumptions rather than bad intentions, and how something as simple as a messy desk can expose a much bigger leadership problem. He also shares why asking for help is especially difficult for leaders, how clear boundaries create freedom rather than restriction, and why taking intentional action often means stopping long enough to fix what's actually broken. Michael is a business coach, speaker, author, entrepreneur, and host of the globally ranked Top 10% podcast Small Business Pivots. An entrepreneur for nearly three decades, Michael has spent more than half that time helping business owners find clarity, overcome obstacles, and build businesses that create greater freedom, purpose, and lasting success. Today, he works with entrepreneurs who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their next step, helping them break through limitations, unlock new possibilities, and build businesses that don't depend entirely on them. Whether he's coaching one-on-one, speaking from the stage, or interviewing successful entrepreneurs, Michael's mission is to be a voice of hope and encouragement, inspiring others to become more than they currently believe is possible.  You'll discover Why your unspoken expectations create unnecessary frustration How clear boundaries prevent conflict before it starts What asking for help requires from you Why slowing down can help you move faster How intentional action gets you beyond the status quoConnect with Michael Morrison on Social Media LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc  Websites  Michael D. Morrison  https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/  Small Business Blog  https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/articles  Podcast  Small Business Pivots  https://smallbusinesspivots.buzzsprout.com/share  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Great leaders know how to turn the temperature down when everyone else is turning it up. Roxanne Petraeus discovered that early as a U.S. Army officer, watching the leaders she most admired become calmer as situations grew more stressful. Today, as CEO of Ethena, she draws on those lessons to lead through uncertainty, develop other leaders, and create an environment where people can think clearly instead of reacting from fear.  You'll hear how Roxanne responded when COVID derailed a critical fundraising effort, why she believes bad news should never be sugarcoated, and what being one of very few women in both the Army and venture capital taught her about confidence and authenticity. She also explains why your most important work as a leader may be the conversations that produce nothing tangible, how your behavior signals what you'll tolerate, and why learning something new in public—including AI—may be one of the most powerful ways to lead.  Roxanne is the co-founder and CEO of Ethena, a compliance training company trusted by more than 2,000 organizations, including Pinterest, Zendesk, Notion, and Figma. A U.S. Army veteran, Roxanne served as an engineer officer in Afghanistan and later as a Civil Affairs officer supporting Special Operations. She went on to become a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford and worked at McKinsey before co-founding Ethena.   Since launching Ethena in 2019, Roxanne has raised $50 million in venture capital while building a company focused on taking workplace compliance beyond simply checking the box. Throughout her career, she has maintained a deep interest in learning about and practicing effective leadership.   You'll discover How your calmness changes others under pressure Why transparency builds trust during uncertainty What helps you lead without being the expert How your behavior signals what you'll tolerate Why learning publicly gives others courage Connect with Roxanne Petraeus on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-bras-petraeus-2292b8109/   Website  Ethena https://www.goethena.com/ Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Your values become real when you're willing to pay a price for them. Shalini Rajoo believes the real test of leadership isn't what you say you value, but what you're willing to risk when those values collide with pressure, expectations, and organizational rewards. Drawing on more than two decades across law, ethics and compliance, organizational culture, and leadership, she reveals why the gap between what leaders say and what they do teaches people far more than any values statement ever could.  You'll hear what happened when Shalini chose honesty over winning a coveted recognition for her organization—and wondered whether that decision might cost her role. You'll also discover why leaders underestimate the ripple effect of their behavior, how clarity about who you are strengthens courage, and why developing people requires something very different from managing resources. Ultimately, you're invited to consider a bigger question: What will remain because you led?  Shalini’s career began in South Africa, where she served as a prosecutor and later held leadership roles in government. She went on to practice law in New York and hold a senior leadership position at a Fortune 500 company. Today, Shalini is the founder of Shalini Rajoo Advisory. She helps executives and leadership teams identify where leadership behavior, team dynamics, and organizational systems have fallen out of alignment—and build organizations that hold together under pressure.   You'll discover Why your values matter most when they cost you How your behavior teaches others what leadership means What fear keeps you from being transparent Why managing resources isn't developing people What your leadership will leave behind Connect with Shalini Rajoo on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalinirajoo/ Website  Shalini Rajoo https://www.shalinirajoo.com/  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What would you do if you didn’t wait for confidence first? John Mollura knows what it's like to appear highly successful while privately questioning whether you're good enough. During 15 years supporting NASA and elite U.S. military units, perfectionism became his protection against being exposed—and eventually taught him that waiting until you're completely ready can come with serious costs.  You'll hear how to separate the data from the drama your mind creates, regain clarity when everything feels important, and stop allowing fear to dictate your next move. John shares practical frameworks for responding instead of reacting, recovering quickly from mistakes, and taking action before confidence arrives. Because confidence isn't what allows you to act. It's what you build when you act bravely despite the fear.  John is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of the upcoming book Let It Fly: Stop Overthinking. Take Action. Live with Confidence. He helps capable leaders stop overthinking, cut through mental noise, and take the next right action before they feel fully ready. He has coached over 400 high-performing professionals and delivered keynotes across the U.S. and internationally. His message is simple: overwhelm is not a sign you are incapable. It’s usually a sign that too many things feel important at the same time. Clarity comes first. Confidence follows action.   You'll Discover: Why perfectionism may be protecting you from judgmentHow overwhelm weakens your ability to make decisionsWhat separates useful data from destructive dramaHow you can reset quickly after mistakesWhy action and bravery build your confidenceConnect with John Mollura on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mollura  Website  John Mollura  https://johnmollura.com Free Navigators Masterclass  https://johnmollura.com/freestuff Book Let It Fly: Stop Overthinking. Take Action. Live with Confidence https://johnmollura.com/let-it-fly-book  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What if one conversation could change your career—but fifty could change your life? Dr. Elizabeth Fried explains why building meaningful relationships isn't about collecting contacts; it's about investing in what she calls relationship capital. Whether you're changing careers, seeking greater visibility, or simply wanting stronger professional relationships, you'll discover a practical approach that replaces awkward networking with genuine curiosity and service.  Elizabeth shares unforgettable stories from coaching Navy SEALs and other Special Operations personnel as they transition into civilian careers, along with examples of helping corporate leaders become more influential inside their organizations. You'll discover how to recognize your own hidden strengths, evaluate organizational culture before making a move, and create lasting relationships by focusing on others rather than yourself.   You'll Discover Why relationship capital outlasts networkingHow fifty conversations build confidenceWhat hidden strengths you may overlookWhy culture matters before accepting opportunitiesHow curiosity creates stronger relationshipsConnect with Dr. Fried Social Media LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfried/ Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.fried YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/user/nefried Website  Elizabeth Fried  Https://executivecoachingfirms.com  Book Strategic Networking: A Practical Playbook https://a.co/d/04poLVnk Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Have you ever been successful at work but felt like something was missing? You may have been doing work you were capable of—but not the work you were built to do. That disconnect affects not only your own fulfillment but also the people you lead.  Leadership coach Greg Harrod explains why self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership and how understanding the unique ways people contribute can transform teams. Through his personal stories and practical examples, you'll discover why extending grace, valuing differences, and placing people where they naturally thrive leads to stronger relationships, greater productivity, and healthier organizations.  Greg is a business coach who helps leaders identify where clarity is breaking down so they can stop carrying work their teams should own and build a team they're proud to lead. He brings more than 30 years of manufacturing experience to his coaching. Outside of coaching, Greg and his wife Kiersten raise a small flock of sheep in southeastern Kansas.  You'll Discover Why self-awareness changes how you lead. How pressure causes leaders to reclaim work. What work naturally energizes you. Why understanding replaces judgment. How different strengths strengthen every team.Connect with Greg Harrod on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-harrod/  Website  Leadership Clarity Scorecard https://gregharrod.com/leadershipclarityscorecard/  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

How much does misalignment really cost? Most people think about missed goals or lost revenue. Anthony "AJ" Vaughan challenges you to look deeper and consider the human cost when leaders fail to communicate, listen, and create environments where people feel safe speaking up.  Through stories from his own successes and painful failures, AJ explains why alignment begins long before strategy meetings. You'll discover how honest communication, thoughtful onboarding, rewarding courage, and putting employees first can transform the way people work together. By the end of this episode, you'll likely find yourself looking differently at your own team—and asking where better communication could prevent tomorrow's biggest problems.  AJ is a partnerships and growth leader, an HR tech strategist, and founder of The E1B2 Collective, built on the belief that when organizations put employees first, stronger business outcomes follow. He works across three areas—leadership behavior, employee experience, and business performance— to help companies close the gap between what they say matters and how their teams actually operate. AJ is also the host of The Business of Alignment podcast, where he has led more than 1,000 conversations with HR and business leaders around trust, clarity, alignment, and what it really takes to build healthy organizations.  You'll discover Why misalignment hurts people before profits How one ignored conversation changed AJ's career What great onboarding really accomplishes Why rewarding courage changes culture How honest communication prevents costly mistakesConnect with Anthony (AJ) Vaughan on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-vaughan-8ba8a8172/  Website  The E1B2 Collective https://thee1b2collective.com/  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What kind of experience do other people have when they work with you? It's a simple question—and one that can transform the way you lead.  In this conversation, executive coach and bestselling author Brenda Bence shares lessons from coaching CEOs around the world, along with pivotal moments from her own leadership journey. Through unforgettable stories and practical examples, she explains why great leaders build people before they build businesses, why curiosity and listening matter more than having all the answers, and why the best leaders continually examine the impact they have on others.  Whether you lead an organization, a team, or simply want to become a better colleague, Brenda offers wisdom that will challenge you to think differently about the kind of leader you're becoming.  Brenda Bence is recognized by Thinkers50 as a Coaching Legend and is ranked by Global Gurus as one of the world's top three executive coaches. She is a Hall of Fame professional speaker and the award-winning author of 12 books, including her latest, Would YOU Want to Work for YOU™?  Known as the "Billion Dollar Coach," Brenda has coached dozens of C-Suite executives from many of the world's largest and most recognized corporations. Her passion lies at the intersection of leadership and branding, helping leaders build both the organizations they lead and the individual leadership brands they leave behind. Through Brenda’s coaching, global keynote speeches, and award-winning books, she has inspired and developed hundreds of thousands of leaders around the world.   You'll Discover Why growing people must be part of every business strategy. The mindset shift every leader must make to move from expert to leader. How understanding what motivates each employee dramatically improves engagement and retention. Why middle managers determine whether organizational change succeeds or fails. How listening and curiosity create stronger leaders than certainty and control.Connect with Brenda Bence  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendabence Website  Brenda Bence https://www.BrendaBence.com  Books Would YOU Want to Work for YOU?  https://www.amazon.com/Would-YOU-Want-Work-Performance/dp/B0H5RDP3N1 Leading YOU  https://www.amazon.com/Leading-YOU-self-leadership-executive-success/dp/1942718012  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What if one of the most important leadership skills isn't speaking more clearly, making faster decisions, or solving problems more quickly—but simply being fully present? In this thoughtful conversation, psychologist and coach Dr. Pam Garcy shares practical ways to quiet the mental stories that pull us away from the people and moments that matter most. Drawing from her book The Present Coach, Pam explains why returning to the present is a practice, not a destination, and how slowing down allows us to respond with greater wisdom, calmness, and compassion.   Together we explore what happens in our minds and bodies when we're under pressure, why our presence influences everyone around us, and how simple daily practices can help us become steadier leaders, partners, parents, and friends. Along the way, Pam shares moving personal stories and practical techniques you can begin using immediately—including one surprisingly simple exercise that may forever change the way you drink your morning coffee.   Dr. Pam Garcy, PhD, is a licensed psychologist, coach, author, and teacher with over two decades of experience supporting individuals and professionals in meaningful personal change. Her work integrates psychological depth, presence-based practices, and practical tools for emotional regulation, self-leadership, and sustainable growth—an integration that forms the foundation of The Present Coach.  You'll discover Why returning matters more than perfection Practical ways to regain calm under pressure How stories quietly shape your reactions Why your presence influences everyone around you Simple daily practices that build lasting awarenessConnect with Pam Garcy, PhD on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-d-garcy-ph-d-5507439/  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrPamGarcy/ Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/drpamgarcyprosperity Website  My Inner Guide https://www.myinnerguide.com/ Books The Present Coach: Your Companion Guide to Traversing Life with Clients https://www.amazon.com/Present-Coach-Companion-Traversing-Clients/dp/1600252303  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Most organizations can describe their values. The real challenge is helping people live them when pressure, habits, and competing priorities get in the way.  In this thought-provoking conversation, Stephen Paskoff explains why changing behavior—not simply communicating expectations—is the true work of leadership. Drawing on four decades of experience helping organizations create respectful, accountable workplaces, Steve shares unforgettable stories that reveal how managers shape culture, why habits matter more than policies, and what it really takes to influence behavior over time.  You'll hear the remarkable healthcare stories that transformed Steve's thinking, the leadership lesson he learned as a teenager selling shoes, and a simple exercise that will forever change how you think about leading people. Whether you're responsible for one employee or thousands, this episode will challenge you to move beyond values statements and begin creating the daily behaviors that define exceptional cultures.  Stephen is the founder and Chair of Employment Learning Innovations, Inc. (ELI), a learning and human capital consulting company. ELI works with public and private organizations to build lawful, productive workplaces that maximize results and reduce compliance and other risks. He is a nationally recognized speaker and author on workplace legal issues. Before founding ELI in 1986, Stephen was an EEOC trial attorney and partner in a management law firm. He is the author of two books, Teaching Big Shots to Behave and Other Human Resource Challenges and Civility Rules! A New Business Approach for Boosting Results and Cutting Risks.   You'll discover Why values alone don't change behavior How leaders build lasting workplace habits What managers communicate without realizing it Why respect drives better business results How everyday actions shape organizational culture Connect with Stephen Paskoff on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliinc   Website  Employment Learning Innovations https://eliinc.com/  Books Civility Rules! A New Business Approach for Boosting Results and Cutting Risks  https://www.amazon.com/CIVILITY-Business-Approach-Boosting-Results/dp/0692601570   Teaching Big Shots to Behave and Other Human Resource Challenges  https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Shots-Behave-Resources-Challenges/dp/0975895001  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What happens when values collide with results and a difficult decision has to be made? Earl Rattray spent more than three decades helping organizations answer that question in real time. Drawing on his experience leading global ethics and compliance efforts at Colgate-Palmolive, Earl shares why values only become meaningful when they're tested, how managers shape culture more than policies ever can, and why trust is the foundation of every healthy workplace.   You'll hear stories from Earl's visits to teams around the world, lessons learned from employees who challenged his assumptions, and the experience early in his career that revealed his own courage. Whether you're leading a team or influencing culture from any position, you'll come away thinking differently about speaking up, earning trust, and what it really means to do the right thing when the stakes are high.  Earl spent more than two decades as a senior ethics and compliance executive at Colgate-Palmolive, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Global Ethics and Compliance. In that role, he built and led a compliance program operating across more than 200 countries and territories. He also advised C-Suite leaders and Board committees on institutional integrity, governance strategy, and emerging risk.   Under Earl’s leadership, the company was recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years — one of the most rigorous ethics distinctions in the corporate world. His mission is to help organizations build compliance programs and ethical cultures that hold up under real-world pressure. He believes that principled leadership is not a policy or a program. It is a daily practice, most visible in the moments when doing the right thing comes at a cost.  You'll discover Why values matter most under pressure How managers shape everyday workplace culture What creates genuine psychological safety Why trust is leadership's most valuable currency How courage grows when you speak up  Connect with Earl Rattray Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/earl-rattray-32535189/  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What if the most important leadership moment of your career lasts only five minutes?  Angela Burgess believes that meaningful change often begins with a single conversation. In this episode, she shares the story of a manager who saw potential in her when she was struggling, offered a different perspective, and changed the trajectory of her career. That experience shaped Angela's belief that leaders have an extraordinary opportunity to help people see possibilities in themselves that they cannot yet see on their own.   As Founder and CEO of Broad Oaks Consulting, Angela works with nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and advisors who need to navigate conversations that many people avoid. Along the way, she has become a passionate advocate for curiosity, active listening, and encouragement. You'll hear why asking better questions matters, why listening is more than hearing words, and how small acts of genuine caring can leave a lasting impact long after we forget we ever made them.  You'll discover Why one conversation can alter a career How curiosity creates deeper connections What great listeners do differently Why encouragement matters more than you realize How to serve others through conversation Connect with Angela Burgess on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaburgesshtx Facebook https://www.facebook.com/broadoaksconsulting  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlHvCYUSmc0 Resources Website  Angela Burgess https://angelaburgesshtx.com Broad Oaks Consulting https://broadoaksconsulting.com/  Book Are You On the Right Bus?: Navigating Change on the Road to Success  https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Right-Bus-Navigating/dp/B0D2JG5D5K  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What if your culture isn't defined by your values, but by the behavior you're willing to tolerate? Steve Harris has spent decades helping organizations create environments where employees feel safe speaking up, leaders model the right behaviors, and ethics become part of everyday decision-making. As Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at Lincoln Financial, Steve shares practical examples of how organizations can build trust, strengthen accountability, and help managers create psychological safety within their teams.   You'll hear how Lincoln reframed speaking up from a compliance obligation to a business imperative, why frontline managers have such a powerful influence on culture, and how one difficult experience early in Steve's career shaped his view of the difference between what is legal and what is ethical. His stories offer valuable lessons for any leader who wants values to guide behavior when decisions become difficult.   In his role as Senior Vice President and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at Lincoln Financial, Steve leads the company's enterprise compliance and sustainability programs and helps shape a culture of ethical decision-making across more than 11,000 employees. Under Steve’s leadership, Lincoln Financial has been recognized five times as one of Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies. Before joining Lincoln, Steve spent more than a decade at The Hartford, another long-time Ethisphere honoree, and he’s built a reputation for helping organizations integrate ethics into business strategy, leadership, and culture. He's also a frequent speaker on ethics and compliance and serves on several industry and academic advisory boards.   You'll discover: Why speaking up drives business success How managers create psychological safety What trust looks like in practice Why listening builds stronger cultures The difference between law and ethicsConnect with Steve Harris on Social Media LinkedIn  Website  Lincoln Financial  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn