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What happens when you set a bigger goal and it forces you to rethink who you are? In this solo episode, I share how one decision exposed gaps in my leadership approach and led to a series of identity-level shifts. Through working with AI as a strategic thinking partner, I uncovered patterns that were limiting my impact and began operating with greater clarity, precision, and intention.  You’ll hear how these shifts are changing the way I lead conversations, make decisions, and show up with others. More importantly, I’ll challenge you to look at where these same patterns may be showing up in your leadership, especially under pressure. This episode will invite you to examine where you may be staying vague, avoiding direct conversations, or moving too quickly to create real impact.  I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We provide assessment and development systems that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills so they can consistently live their values and sustain strong, high-trust cultures, especially under pressure.  You’ll discover: Why “generosity without clear intent” limits your impact How avoiding “the ask” weakens relationshipsThe hidden cost of moving conversations forward too quickly What strong leaders do to create clarity and real progress Three powerful questions to elevate your leadership immediatelyConnect with Meredith on Social Media LinkedIn  Facebook  Twitter   Instagram   Website  Grow Strong Leaders   Books Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills Grow Strong Character  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What happens when a high-performing leader hits a wall they never saw coming? Kimberly Arnold knows firsthand. After she spent decades leading large-scale transformations at PwC, Salesforce, and Blue Shield of California, a perfect storm of personal and professional pressures sent her on a 15-week stress-induced medical leave. That experience opened her eyes to what most leadership development overlooks: the powerful role your nervous system plays in how you show up under pressure. Now, as founder of the Pressure Ready Method™,  she teaches leaders simple, body-based practices that restore composure in seconds. Kimberly reveals the neuroscience behind why your body reacts before your mind even catches up—and why that matters for every decision you make. You’ll hear how she walked into a room of 12 distraught stakeholders at Salesforce and used a quick physical reset to stay open, curious, and collaborative when blame was flying in every direction. She shares her PACE framework (Pause, Acknowledge, Center, Engage) and practical techniques you can use in minutes to interrupt stress reactions, prevent cortisol buildup, and lead from a place of clarity rather than reactivity. Kimberly helps leaders and teams build high performance under pressure without compromising their relationships or their health. As founder of the Pressure Ready Method™, she teaches repeatable tools leaders apply to interrupt reactive patterns and reset in minutes. Drawing on decades of leadership at PwC, Salesforce, and Blue Shield of California, plus 15 years as a certified somatic teacher, Kimberly brings lived experience to turning high-pressure moments into clear thinking, sound judgment, and collaborative solutions. You’ll discover:  Why your body signals danger before your mind doesHow the PACE framework interrupts stress in secondsWhat pushing harder actually costs your leadership credibilityThe simple posture shift that boosts your confidenceHow a long exhale can prevent cortisol from building up Connect with Kimberly Arnold on Social Media LinkedIn YouTube Kimberly's Resources Resilient Reset  Newsletter  Meet with Kimberly     Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Pressure reveals who you really are as a leader. Brian Aquart, Vice President of Workforce and Community Education at Northwell Health, shares how a defining moment during the first wave of COVID reshaped his understanding of purpose, responsibility, and ethical leadership. Deploying staff into high-risk areas forced him to wrestle with the weight of decisions that could either expose people to harm or help save lives.   You’ll hear how Brian moved from chasing titles to chasing impact, why principles at the top prevent chaos across 100,000+ employees, and how values must be embedded—not just stated—to withstand pressure. From education initiatives that change life trajectories to his belief that compassion drifts first when guardrails disappear, this conversation will challenge you to examine how you show up when it matters most.  Brian Aquart is a healthcare executive, advisor, and storyteller whose work sits at the intersection of leadership, workforce development, and human transition. He currently serves as Vice President of Workforce & Community Education at Northwell Health, where he helps design and scale education-to-career pathways that strengthen communities and future-ready systems.    He is also the creator and host of Why I Left, a podcast exploring the pivotal moments when leaders choose to evolve, and the founder of Storyline by Kingswood, where he works with executives and organizations to develop narrative clarity, strengthen leadership presence, and align how they show up with the impact they want to make. Across all of his work, Brian is driven by a core belief: when leaders change how they show up, they change what’s possible for the people and systems they serve. You’ll discover: How ethical leadership becomes clear when lives are on the lineWhy principles at the top determine culture at scaleWhat happens inside an organization when values aren’t reinforcedHow showing up physically signals integrity and careWhy purpose, not prestige, sustains leaders long termConnect with Brian on Social Media LinkedIn YouTube Websites  Why I Left Website: https://whyileft.co/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whyileft  Storyline by Kingswood Website: https://www.kingswoodforestllc.com/storyline-by-kingswood/    Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Growth doesn’t stall because leaders lack ideas. It stalls because execution gets messy. Andrea Jones, former Intel process engineer and MIT Sloan MBA, turned a painful early career experience into a mission: help organizations execute growth projects with clarity and confidence. That moment of public criticism—driven by unclear expectations—sparked what she now calls Executagility and shaped her definition of DONE leaders: those who take ownership, stay organized, follow through without excuses, and lead with empathy.  You’ll hear why teams struggle with scattered priorities, overloaded employees, and unclear ownership, especially in smaller companies. Andrea outlines the four pillars of Executagility: alignment, competence, available time, and structure. She also connects transparency and prioritization to ethical leadership—because when work stays “in the light,” integrity follows. And she shares how Women Plus Workplaces connects experienced women seeking flexible roles with companies that value their talent.  Andrea is one of those gifted entrepreneurs who sees an issue and then forms a company to address it. It all started when she was at Intel in her role as a Process Engineer in the factory. After years of running growth projects full-time, Andrea went to MIT Sloan, where she earned an MBA, and then completed a Systems Engineering Master's at MIT.  For more than 20 years she has focused on efficient and effective project execution. Andrea is the founder of AJC Company and The Executagility® Company, helping SMBs internalize their own project execution capability with the same team that runs their daily operations. In 2025, she co-founded Women+Workplaces, an online community whose mission is to normalize part-time work when caregiving makes full-time roles challenging. Andrea is the author of two books: The Executagility Field Guide and Stop Starting. Start Finishing: How Executagility Goes the Last Mile. You’ll discover: Why growth projects stall even with strong teamsThe four pillars that determine execution successHow unclear priorities overload your best employeesWhat the DONE acronym reveals about great project managersWhy transparency is a powerful ethical safeguardConnect with Andrea Jones on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Andrea's Websites The Executagility® Company AJC Company Women+Workplaces Books The Executagility Field Guide Stop Starting. Start Finishing. How Executagility Goes the Last Mile. Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Great leadership is revealed in the moments when pressure makes it easiest to abandon your values. Steph Brady shares how falling into management at 21—without training or support—forced her to lead in high-stress situations where her instincts didn’t always align with her values. Those early mistakes became the foundation for a powerful leadership principle: meet people where they are, especially when it’s hardest to do so.  You’ll hear how Steph navigated impostor syndrome, scaled a company from $40 million to $250 million, and built cultures rooted in values alignment, even as demands intensified. Her approach to difficult conversations, hiring, and leadership development centers on clarity, calmness, and intentional action under pressure. If you want to lead with integrity when it matters most, her insights will challenge how you think about leadership.   Steph is a strategic HR, change, and transformation consultant who helps organizations and leaders navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. She’s the former Head of HR, with senior experience across global technology, retail, aviation, and facilities. Steph has a real gift for blending behavioral science, psychology, and neuroscience-informed coaching with real-world business insights. She’s known for warmth, sharp humor, and the rare ability to make complex “people challenges” feel human, doable, and grounded. You’ll discover: How to meet people where they are, especially under stressWhy impostor syndrome intensifies under pressure—and how to manage itA simple framework for navigating difficult conversations when stakes are highHow values-based hiring holds up during rapid growthWhy clarity and calmness determine team performance in high-pressure situationsConnect with Steph Brady  Social Media LinkedIn Instagram Steph's Website  StephBe Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Most nonprofits fail for one simple reason: they don’t run like businesses. Dr. Sharon Elefant learned this firsthand and built her company, The Nonprofit Plug, to help founders close that gap. After beginning her career in hospital administration and later being laid off while finishing her doctorate, she turned her gift for connecting people to resources into a thriving consulting firm with 14 team members serving nonprofits across the country.  You’ll hear how Sharon built a culture grounded in follow-through, accountability, and professional excellence—and why she insists that mission-driven leaders must embrace financial literacy, systems, and quality control. She also shares how she intentionally prepared her team for her 3–6 month maternity leave by developing emerging leaders, transferring ownership of client relationships, and installing processes that allowed her to step away with confidence. If you care about impact, this conversation will challenge you to strengthen the business behind your mission.  Sharon is a nationally recognized nonprofit strategist, educator, and  community advocate, serving as the Founder and CEO of The Nonprofit Plug LLC and The Nonprofit Plug Foundation Inc. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, compliance, financial management, grant writing, and capacity building, she has supported the formation and sustainability of hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the country.  You’ll discover:  How consistent follow-through becomes the foundation of trustWhy nonprofits must operate like businesses to thriveThe systems Sharon uses to ensure 100% quality controlHow to develop emerging leaders through intentional shadowingPractical ways to prepare your team for your temporary absenceConnect with Dr. Sharon Elefant  Social Media LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsharonelefant/  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thenonprofitplug  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitplug/  Website  The Nonprofit Plug https://thenonprofitplug.com/ Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What if being yourself at work wasn’t a risk—but your greatest strength? In this deeply moving conversation, you’ll meet Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work. Her presence alone reminds you what leadership can feel like when it’s rooted in humanity, courage, and care.  As you listen, you’re invited to slow down and reflect on who you are beneath the roles you play, especially in moments when pressure makes it tempting to hide behind them. Claude shares how self-awareness, calmness, and intentional kindness help leaders stay grounded when challenges arise, creating workplaces where people don’t have to contort themselves to belong. You’ll hear why leading from the heart isn’t soft—it’s steady—and how the leaders who bring calm, authenticity, and empathy into difficult moments are the ones who build the strongest cultures.  You’ll discover:  How self-awareness becomes the gateway to authentic leadershipWhy belonging matters more than “culture fit”The difference between being nice and practicing real kindnessHow calm leadership steadies teams in uncertain momentsWhat it means to lead with heart—without losing strengthConnect with Claude Silver LinkedIn  Instagram    Website  Claude Silver   Book Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What does it really take to lead well when the world—and the workplace—feels deeply divided? You’re invited into a thoughtful, grounded conversation with Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, as we explore how trust, character, and everyday leadership behaviors shape cultures where people can thrive, no matter their differences.  You’ll hear why great leadership isn’t about perks or slogans, but about how consistently leaders listen, speak, thank, and show respect. Michael shares data-backed insights from decades of employee experience research, explains how companies earn Great Place to Work certification, and makes a compelling case that organizations that care for people—across demographics, beliefs, and roles—don’t just feel better to work in; they also perform better.  Michael is CEO of Great Place To Work, the global research and analytics firm that produces annual distinguished workplace rankings around the world, such as Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, the World’s Best Workplaces, and the 100 Best Workplaces for Women. Michael joined Great Place To Work as CEO in 2015, bringing 30 years of experience leading and growing organizations. Michael is driven by a love of business and an unwavering commitment to fair and equitable treatment.  You’ll discover:  Why trust is the foundation of every great workplaceThe leadership behaviors that matter most to employeesHow Great Place to Work measures fairness for allWhat leaders must do differently in polarized timesWhy people-centered companies outperform long-termConnect with Michael C. Bush LinkedIn Website Great Place to Work Book A Great Place to Work for All  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What does it really mean to trust someone—and how intentional are you about the choices you make every day? You’ll rethink trust from the inside out as Charles Feltman challenges the idea that trust is vague or emotional and reframes it as a conscious decision to make something you value vulnerable to another person’s actions.  You’ll learn how trust works in both directions and why being trustworthy isn’t enough if you’re unwilling to extend trust to others. Charles shares a practical, behavior-based framework built around four key domains—care, sincerity, reliability, and competence—along with real workplace examples that show how trust can be strengthened, assessed, repaired, or rebuilt through honest conversation and clear commitments.  Charles has nearly three decades of experience helping leaders and teams build, maintain, and, when necessary, restore trust. He currently runs trust-building workshops under the banner of Trust at Work® and also speaks on the subject. An overarching goal in his work is that his clients achieve what they consider to be their full potential as leaders and as human beings. He is the author of The Thin Book® of Trust: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work. Currently in its 3rd edition, it has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.  You’ll discover:  How to define trust in clear, practical termsThe four domains that determine whether trust grows or erodesWhy focusing on behavior—not character—matters mostHow leaders can repair trust after a misstepA shared language that makes trust discussable at workConnect with Charles Feltman LinkedIn  Website  Insight Coaching  Books The Thin Book of Trust, 3rd edition: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What if leadership isn’t about confidence or visibility—but about building systems that expand access for others? In this episode, you’ll meet Jiayuan Tian, a social entrepreneur and graduate student at Columbia University SIPA, whose journey through global education reshaped how he understands inequality, opportunity, and leadership. After studying at Minerva University and living across cities around the world, Jiayuan discovered a paradox: the more global his education became, the clearer it was how inaccessible global learning remains for many, often due to invisible barriers like language fluency, insider knowledge, and financial flexibility. That realization led him to co-found OneXplore, a youth-led organization designed to make global learning accessible and humane. Jiayuan shares how his view of leadership has evolved—from personal visibility to leadership as infrastructure: platforms, systems, and cultures that continue to serve people even when the founder steps away. You’ll hear why access itself is a leadership issue, why storytelling carries responsibility, and why leadership is always relational. This episode will invite you to rethink how you design opportunities, support young people, and build organizations that endure through shared ownership and trust.  Under Jiayuan’s leadership, OneXplore has grown into a community of more than 100,000 young people, with partnerships spanning universities, international organizations, embassies, and global nonprofits. You’ll discover:  How leadership can function as infrastructure, not personalityWhy access—not talent—is often the real barrier to opportunityWhat young leaders need most from mentors and employersHow trust and storytelling shape sustainable organizationsWhy community is foundational to effective leadershipConnect with Jiayuan Tian LinkedIn Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What if the future of leadership isn’t about choosing between people or technology, but learning how to lead both with intention? In this episode, you’ll hear from Gena Hoxha, PhD, Chief People & AI Officer at Ignitium, who is helping organizations embrace AI in a way that strengthens—not replaces—the human side of work.  You’ll discover how Gena’s own leadership journey shaped her belief that AI transformation must be human-first, grounded in trust, clarity, and shared values. She explains what AI leadership really looks like in practice, how leaders can address fear and uncertainty with honesty, and why developing human skills like emotional intelligence and strategic thinking is more important than ever as AI becomes part of everyday work.  Gena is an organizational strategist and leadership expert focused on shaping a future where AI doesn’t just automate what we do, but elevates who we become. Her work is grounded in a simple belief: AI is here to stay, and if we want it to benefit humanity, we have to design for it on purpose. Originally from Albania and now based in San Francisco, Gena has built her career at the intersection of leadership, transformation, and technology. Her work at Ignitium ensures that AI is implemented responsibly and strategically, while empowering people to stay skilled, connected, and inspired.  You’ll discover: What it truly means to lead AI with foresight, not fearHow to connect AI initiatives to your organization’s valuesWhy transparency builds trust during AI transformationThe human skills leaders must strengthen alongside AIHow proactive leadership can shape your career pathLearn more about Gena Hoxha, PhD on LinkedIn.  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What does it really mean to thrive, especially when success still doesn’t feel satisfying? Kamin Samuel, PhD, brings a grounded, deeply human perspective to thriving—one rooted in self-leadership, self-trust, and releasing the quiet belief that you’re “not enough.” You’ll hear why so many capable leaders, particularly women, undervalue their experience and resilience, and how that habit quietly drains confidence, ambition, and joy.  You’ll also learn how language reveals hidden beliefs, how regulating your nervous system helps unfamiliar situations feel safer, and why small, intentional steps create lasting momentum. This episode invites you to redefine thriving—not as striving or proving—but as living from wholeness, creativity, and the freedom to pursue what truly fulfills you.  Kamin is a trailblazing entrepreneur, international rapid transformational coach, and inspirational filmmaker. Her mission is to uplift, inspire, and empower people everywhere, proving that it’s never too late to thrive. As the US Navy’s first African American woman to serve as a helicopter pilot, Kamin served her country for nine years before transitioning into corporate America, where she rose to become the Vice President of Global Website Operations at a billion-dollar corporation.   Kamin is the co-author with Steve Chandler of the book, Wealth Creation for Coaches, which is an excellent read for anyone who wants to grow their business. She’s also the creator of the documentary film, Courage to Thrive. It tells a universal story of underserved and underestimated women and veterans.   You’ll discover:  How the belief “I’m not enough” quietly limits growthWhy language reveals more about beliefs than you realizeSimple ways to normalize fear in unfamiliar situationsHow small steps build momentum and confidenceA more fulfilling definition of success and wealthKamin's Resources Websites Kamin Samuel Media Kamin Samuel Courage to Thrive Documentary Book Wealth Creation for Coaches _____________________________________________________________ Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What does it really take to lead with courage in environments that were not built for you? Gretchen Gagel, PhD, a trailblazer with four decades of experience in the construction industry, shares what she has learned about unconscious bias, the importance of male allies, and what it takes to create truly safe and inclusive workplaces.  We also explore Gretchen’s concept of grounded self-leadership, rooted in courage, humility, and critical thinking, and her bold vision for the International Institute for Women in Construction, a Global Institute dedicated to accelerating the success of women in construction, mining, and energy. This conversation is practical, hopeful, and deeply encouraging for leaders in any industry.  Gretchen has degrees in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, and a PhD in Leadership, Organization Culture, and Change. She’s the former Chair of Brinkman Construction and the author of a new book, Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction.   You’ll discover:  The real barriers women still face in construction and similar industriesWhy male allies play a critical role in inclusive leadershipHow grounded self-leadership strengthens confidence and credibilityWhat zero-tolerance cultures look like in actionHow research, storytelling, and convening leaders can drive lasting changeCheck out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What if the feedback you’re most hesitant to receive is actually a gift? In this solo episode, I share what 360-degree feedback really is—and what it is not—drawing on more than 30 years of experience helping leaders use feedback as a tool for growth rather than judgment. I explain how 360 feedback works, why it must always be developmental, and how it helps people see both their strengths and their blind spots through the eyes of others.  I also share a personal story about 360 feedback I once received that surprised me—and ultimately helped me become a better leader. When we take the time to reflect on the data, share it openly, and make a genuine commitment to change, that’s where the real power of this kind of feedback lives. Used well, it builds trust, strengthens relationships, and supports meaningful, lasting growth.  Since 1994, my company, Grow Strong Leaders, has helped organizations use 360-degree feedback to support leadership development—not performance ratings or termination decisions. If you’re curious about using this technology in a way that truly supports growth, connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out through growstrongleaders.com.  You’ll discover: Why 360 feedback should always be developmental, not punitiveHow honest input from others reveals blind spots and strengthsThe importance of sharing your feedback and your intentionsWhy commitment—not data—is where real change beginsHow 360s build trust when used with humility and careCheck out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What if the greatest leadership breakthroughs begin with owning your truth? In this conversation with Joe Machicote about his book, Own Thy Stuff, we explore what it really means to take responsibility for your impact—on yourself, your relationships, and the culture at large. Joe shares deeply personal and practical insights from decades of leadership, all rooted in his lifelong commitment to leaving every person and situation better than he found it. You’ll hear stories that will challenge the way you think about communication, presence, and the stories you create in your own mind.  You’ll also discover the power leaders have to create spaces of trust, especially during grief, conflict, and moments of emotional strain. Joe’s candor about his own journey, including profound personal loss, opens the door to a compassionate and courageous view of leadership. He offers simple, meaningful practices that help you slow down, listen more deeply, and act with intention so you can strengthen culture, relationships, and your own self-mastery.  Joe is Chief Culture Officer at Premier, where he partners with the CEO, the Executive Team, and other stakeholders across the company. His role is to enhance and formalize a mission-driven culture of equal opportunity, high performance, and belonging. Joe has served in senior HR positions over the past 30+ years. His new book, Own Thy Stuff: The Continuous  Improvement Journey to Becoming an Extraordinary Human Being,  captures his most important insights and lessons from life and work:   You’ll discover:  Why “owning your stuff” creates trust and credibilityHow to support team members experiencing grief with compassion, not fixesA simple mindset shift that transforms assumptions into clarityPractices for increasing presence and reducing distractionThe difference between mentoring and sponsoring—and why both matterCheck out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn