Welcome to Confessions of a Terrible Leader, where real leaders share the raw truth about the lessons they learned the hard way, so you don’t have to. Join our host, Layci Nelson, founder of Transcend Leadership Collective and former terrible leader. Every leader can become worthy of being followed if they are willing to put in “the work.” On this podcast, we share the messy stories and behind the scenes reality of what the work actually entails.
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Quick, applicable podcasts challenge business owners to manage like they mean it.
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Embracing Challenges and Finding Purpose, feat. Terry Tucker of Motivational Check
28:13
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28:13Embracing Challenges and Finding Purpose, feat. Terry Tucker of Motivational Check In this episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader,' Layci welcomes Terry Tucker, an author, speaker, and former NCAA collegiate player. Together, they discuss the importance of being coachable, the invaluable lessons learned from facing adversity, and how failure …
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Q&A: Can You Recession-Proof Your Business? What's Your Zombie Apocalypse Survival Plan?
19:20
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19:20In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, host Layci Nelson and podcast producer Mary Skop dive into the topic of recession. They provide a layperson’s understanding of what a recession entails and discuss its typical duration and impact on various industries. Layci emphasizes the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and a co…
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Breaking the Cycle: Identifying and Overcoming Toxic Work Cultures, feat. Suhein Beck
37:57
37:57
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37:57Breaking the Cycle: Identifying and Overcoming Toxic Work Cultures, feat. Suhein Beck In this episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader,' host Layci Nelson interviews Suhein Beck, a speaker and entrepreneur passionate about multiculturalism in organizations. Suhein shares her unique journey from a refugee to a prominent leader and her obsession …
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Steadying the Ship: Leadership During Times of Uncertainty
27:36
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27:36In this episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader', host Layci Nelson and producer Mary Skop dive into the challenges leaders face during uncertain times, especially with the current issue of tariffs. They discuss the importance of emotional regulation for leaders, recognizing signs of stress, and the significance of transparency and communicati…
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Mapping Organizational DNA, feat. David Cohen of DS Cohen & Associates
26:40
26:40
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26:40In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci welcomes David Cohen, an organizational behavior expert with a doctorate from Boston University and additional studies at Harvard. David shares his extensive experience on how to map and understand the cultural DNA of organizations. They discuss the importance of leadership alignment with o…
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Join Layci as she dives into the essential traits that define a world-class team. This episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader explores high-performance teams, healthy team dynamics, the importance of varied life experiences, and the role of innovation in achieving extraordinary results. Discover the concept of intrapreneurship and extreme owne…
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From NASA Scientist to Holistic Healer: Mayim Vega's Transformative Journey
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30:36In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci welcomes Mayim Vega, a former NASA computer scientist turned holistic life coach and entrepreneur. They discuss Mayim's diverse background, her transition from a career in science to holistic health, and her journey managing nine children. Mayim shares her experiences dealing with high stre…
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The Power of the Pause: Leadership Lessons in Times of Crisis
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17:27In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci and producer Mary reflect on the importance of vulnerability in leadership. Layci shares a poignant story about the time she continued onboarding a new team member right after her father's death in 2024, which led to significant challenges. They discuss the crucial lesson of knowing when to…
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Unmasking the Complexities of Leadership and Transformation, feat. Rachel Burr of Catamentum
30:52
30:52
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30:52In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci engages in an enlightening conversation with executive coach and author Rachel Burr. They delve into Rachel's new book, 'Butterfly Goo, The Down and Dirty Truth of Transformation,' and discuss the raw complexities of leadership. Rachel shares valuable insights on what executive coaching ent…
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HR Blind Spots and Leadership Lessons, feat. Yara Banks, President & Founder of BNX Business Advisors
34:23
34:23
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34:23In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci talks with Yara Banks, a seasoned HR professional and author of 'Executive Blind Spots: How Misalignment with HR Can Impact Your Bottom Line.' Yara shares her career journey from studying criminal justice to becoming a key player in HR and operations. She discusses the common blind spots ex…
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GIVEAWAY!! Launching Our YouTube Channel & Effective Annual Planning Strategies
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21:08Welcome to the inaugural episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader' on YouTube! Join host Layci Nelson and producer Mary Skop as they discuss effective annual planning strategies for leaders. This episode delves into the importance of mindset, strategic planning, and setting up your team for a successful year. Layci shares insights on gathering …
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Special Announcement: YouTube launch AND a GIVEAWAY!
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0:58Hello, listeners! Producer Mary Skop here, just to say thank you so much for listening to Confessions of a Terrible Leader. We so appreciate you giving us some of your very valuable time, and making us part of your podcast listening experience. We want to show our appreciation by hosting a little giveaway to celebrate our listeners AND to celebrate…
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Transforming Customer Experience: Lessons from Lynn Daniel, founder and CEO of The Daniel Group
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26:40In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci chats with Lynn Daniel, the CEO and founder of The Daniel Group. Lynn, a veteran in transforming customer journeys since 1989, dives into the dramatic evolution from customer service to customer experience. Discover how real-time feedback, employee engagement, and senior leadership can revo…
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Navigating Leadership as an Introverted Servant Leader, feat. Sharissa Deppen, CEO of Leadership Mastery Alliance
29:17
29:17
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29:17In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci engages in a profound conversation with Sharissa Deppin, CEO of Leadership Mastery Alliance. Sharissa specializes in empowering introverted servant leaders to thrive in a world often skewed towards extroverts. They delve into Sharissa’s journey from tech leadership to coaching, addressing t…
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Surviving and Thriving: Leadership Strategies for the Holiday Season
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15:54In this episode, Layci and Producer Mary discuss how leaders can finish strong during the busy holiday season. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the multiple commitments everyone has during this period, both at work and at home. Layci provides concrete steps for effective prioritization and maintaining productivity without burning out. T…
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Balancing Leadership and Vulnerability, feat. Melissa Hurrington, CFO and VP of Operations at Premiere Claims
37:02
37:02
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37:02CW: This episode mentions miscarriage and severe allergic reactions In this episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader,' Layci engages in a heartfelt conversation with Melissa Hurrington, CFO and VP of Operations at Premiere Claims. Melissa shares her insights on female leadership empowerment and the complex balance between personal life and prof…
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Unlocking Conflict Resolution, feat. Amy Armstrong from The Center for Family Resolution
32:05
32:05
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32:05In this episode, Layci welcomes conflict resolution specialist and entrepreneur Amy Armstrong. Amy shares her journey from dealing with a painful divorce to becoming a trusted figure in resolving high-conflict situations, including personal disputes and court-ordered mediations. She emphasizes the importance of personal growth, self-management, and…
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Q&A! Understanding Quiet Quitting: Root Causes and Solutions
21:07
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21:07In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, producer Mary Skop chats with Layci about the timely topic of quiet quitting. They explore the concept, origins, and implications of quiet quitting, particularly noting how remote work post-lockdown has exacerbated the issue. They highlight the importance of leadership clarity, empathy, and genui…
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Empowering Decision-Making in Leadership with Chris Seifert of Enabling Empowerment
22:15
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22:15In this episode, Layci welcomes Chris Seifert, founder of Enabling Empowerment, a manufacturing executive advisor, and author. Chris shares his journey from submarine force leadership in the Navy to roles in manufacturing and consulting. They discuss the common struggles leaders face in root cause analysis and decision-making, highlighting the need…
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Transition and Growth: From Family Business to Industry Leadership, feat. Amber Kendrick of Pete's Auto Parts
33:43
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33:43Transition and Growth: From Family Business to Industry Leadership with Amber Kendrick In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci welcomes Amber Kendrick, the third-generation business owner of Pete's Auto Parts, located in Michigan. Amber shares her journey from working in the family business, initially avoiding it to eventually fa…
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Transforming Mental Health Advocacy, feat. Kathleen Donaldson, creator of the Calm and Collected Toolkit and founder of Kathleen Donaldson Consulting
32:52
32:52
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32:52In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci sits down with Kathleen Donaldson, a mental health advocate and founder of the Trusted Adult Program. Kathleen shares her personal journey with mental health, beginning with her experiences with panic attacks at a young age. She discusses the challenges of navigating mental health stigma an…
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Leadership in Unexpected Places, feat. Benjamin Kintisch, creator of “Life Review: The Hospice Musical”
42:05
42:05
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42:05CW: This episode discusses death and end-of-life care for loved ones. Imagine being a beginner chaplain in hospice care, surrounded by the profound experiences of life's final chapter. That's where Benjamin Kintisch found his inspiration for "Life Review," a musical that delves into the complexities of death and dying. From the initial spark of an …
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Planning for Success: A Guide to Strategic, Annual, and Quarterly Planning
24:37
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24:37In this episode, Layci and Mary discuss the importance of strategic, annual, and quarterly planning for organizations. Layci also shares some tips on how to effectively implement these planning processes. Key Takeaways Strategic planning is essential for setting a clear direction for the organization and aligning the leadership team. Annual plannin…
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The Power of Planning: It's That Time of Year Again!
2:39
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2:39In this short episode, Producer Mary unpacks how Transcend Leadership Collective can help with strategic, quarterly, and annual planning for individuals and organizations. Discover how these planning methods can help you set clear goals, prioritize tasks, and achieve long-term success. Key Points: Strategic Planning: Provides a roadmap for long-ter…
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S3, Ep. 14: Leading The Way in Healing Medical Trauma, feat. Parijat Deshpande, founder of Ruvelle
31:35
31:35
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31:35CW: This episode discusses pregnancy and birth trauma. Join us as we chat with the inspiring Parijat Deshpande, a pioneer in the field of medical trauma healing and founder of Ruvelle, a company that focuses exclusively on helping individuals heal from traumatic pregnancies and revolutionize their health moving forward. Parijat shares her journey f…
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S3, Ep. 13: Living A Values-Based Life, feat. Robert MacPhee of Excellent Decisions
36:44
36:44
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36:44Join us for an inspiring conversation with Robert MacPhee, a seasoned leader and coach who has transformed his career from parking management to working alongside legendary author Jack Canfield. In this episode, Robert shares his profound insights on the power of values in leadership and personal growth. Key Takeaways: The Value of Values: Discover…
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S3, Ep. 12: Q&A- Why The Lift Works For All Stages of Leadership!
20:23
20:23
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20:23Are you ready to take your leadership to new heights? Join us as we dive into The Lift, an intensive program designed to equip emerging leaders with the practical skills and mindset needed to thrive in today's fast-paced business world. In this episode, Layci and Mary chat about how The Lift can help you: Accelerate your leadership journey: Whether…
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S3, Ep. 11: Overcoming Self-Doubt & Building Extreme Clarity, feat. Laura Aura of The Gutsy Podcast
35:52
35:52
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35:52Join us as we chat with the inspiring Laura Aura, an entrepreneur, mindset coach, and podcast host of The Gutsy Podcast. Laura shares her incredible journey of overcoming self-doubt and building a thriving business. Key Takeaways The Power of Vulnerability: Laura opens up about the challenges she faced as an entrepreneur, including self-doubt and o…
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S3, Ep. 10: Connecting with Yourself & Your Community, feat. Becky Plautz, Connection Strategist & Founder of Digital Co-Work Space
29:03
29:03
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29:03In this episode, we dive deep into the world of self-discovery and community building with Becky Plautz, a dynamic connection strategist. Becky's unique blend of photography and coaching has helped countless women connect with their authentic selves and find the support they need to thrive. Key Takeaways: The Power of Self-Perception: Becky shares …
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S3, Ep. 9: Cultivating Agricultural Leadership & Beyond, feat. Dr. John Reeves of the Agribusiness Leadership Institute
32:11
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32:11In this insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. John Reeves, a seasoned expert in the farming industry, as he shares his inspiring journey and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. Dr. Reeves opens up about the importance of treating people with respect, the power of truly listening to their ideas, and the critical role that training an…
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S3, Ep. 8: Unlocking the Power of Epigenetics, feat. Cara Jean Wilson of Taking Cara Business
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34:45Welcome to another enlightening episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, where we explore cutting-edge ideas and insights that can transform your life and business. In this episode, Layci sits down with Cara Jean Wilson, the visionary CEO of Taking Cara Business, to delve into the fascinating world of the CARA method. Episode Highlights: -The C…
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S3, Ep. 7: Q&A- Visionary Leadership: Turning Ideas into Action
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23:59Welcome to this inspiring episode where Layci and Mary dive into the art of being a visionary leader. Ever wondered what it truly takes to transform bold ideas into reality? This episode is your guide to understanding the delicate balance between vision and execution. Key Takeaways: The Essence of a Visionary: Layci and Mary explore what it means t…
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S3, Ep. 6: Healing and Leading: Donna Temm on Trauma-Informed Leadership
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39:16CW: This episode mentions childhood abuse. In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Donna Temm, a trauma-informed coach for high performers. Donna bravely shares her personal journey of overcoming childhood abuse and explains how it inspired her to support others who have experienced trauma. Key Takeaways: Understanding Trauma: - Donna delves into the…
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A Hint of Things to Come: Don't Miss The Lift 2.0!
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1:34We launched our very first cohort of The Lift back in April, and we've received amazing feedback from our Lift graduates! If you are an emerging leader, or a seasoned manager with young leaders in your organization, The Lift is for you! Listen in for more info and get yourself on the waitlist for our September launch! The Lift Waitlist: https://www…
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S3, Ep. 4: Change is Inevitable- Here's How to Do it Well, feat. Carl King, Change Consultant and Coach
29:08
29:08
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29:08In this episode, Layci interviews change consultant Carl King about his journey and the importance of navigating change. Carl shares his background and the various paths he has taken, including being a preacher and a professional musician. He emphasizes his purpose of helping people and being their best selves. The conversation then delves into the…
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S3, Ep. 3: Confessions of a Micromanager: Learning to Let Go and Trust the Team, feat. Amanda Bedell, The Business Chaos Sorter
26:04
26:04
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26:04Amanda Bedell, the Business Chaos Sorter, shares her journey from running a bakery business to becoming a consultant helping business owners get their chaos sorted. She talks about the challenges she faced, including financial struggles and the need to sell her business. Amanda emphasizes the importance of looking at the numbers and making strategi…
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S3, Ep. 2: Your Reputation Is Your Brand, feat. Seth Tower Hurd of Manx Solutions
41:18
41:18
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41:18Seth Tower Hurd, owner and founder of Manx Solutions, shares his career journey from playing college basketball to working in media, nonprofits, and the marketing agency world. He emphasizes the importance of being present in conversations and not trying to control them. Seth also discusses the difference between leadership and management, highligh…
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S3, Ep. 1- Q&A- Introducing: The Collective!
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16:15In this episode, Layci and Mary discuss the Transcend Leadership Collective and how it came about. The Collective is a group of like-minded professional trainers and instructors who are united under the banner of the Transcend Leadership Collective. They share a vision and core values centered around HHART-first leadership principles. The Collectiv…
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S2, Ep. 23: Q&A- What Does It Mean To Be A Well-Differentiated Leader?
20:54
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20:54In this episode, Layci and Mary discuss the challenges of leadership and the importance of making clear decisions. They reference the book 'How to Walk into a Room' by Emily P. Freeman, which explores the art of knowing when to stay and when to walk away. They emphasize the need for leaders to be well-differentiated, with clarity about their core v…
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S2, Ep. 22: You Think You Know What Burnout Is? Think Again. Feat. Avery Thatcher, Burnout Prevention Strategist
28:28
28:28
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28:28Avery Thatcher, a burnout prevention strategist and former ICU nurse, shares her journey from experiencing severe, life-altering burnout to becoming an advocate for energy management. She discusses the impact of high achievement, sensitivity, and people-pleasing on burnout and offers insights into creating a culture of well-being in high-pressure e…
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S2, Ep. 21: Navigating Complex Terminations and Shining a Light on Blind Spots, feat. Rachel Brenke, CEO of The Brenke Group and Owner & Principal Managing Attorney of Eden Law Firm
38:35
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38:35Today’s guest is Rachel Brenke; business owner, serial entrepreneur, and lawyer. Rachel discusses her experiences with leadership and management, highlighting the challenges and insights gained over her 20 years in business. She shares her struggles with self-awareness, communication, and the impact of her leadership style on her team. The conversa…
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S2, Ep. 20: Your Entire Career Doesn't Have To Be A Battle, feat. Liz Orr of The Rude Ass Enneagram
28:13
28:13
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28:13In this conversation, Liz Orr, the Gordon Ramsay of the Enneagram and Associate University Chaplain at Wake Forest University, shares her journey from university chaplain to Enneagram expert and author. She discusses the unexpected growth of her Enneagram Instagram page, her transition to university chaplaincy, and the intersection of the Enneagram…
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S2, Ep. 17: The Power of One Conversation and How It Can Change Your Life, feat. Heather Criswell of The Conversation Academy
29:17
29:17
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29:17Heather Criswell, an expert in communication, discusses the importance of effective communication in both personal and professional relationships. She highlights the challenges faced by children and adults in today's digital age, where face-to-face conversations are becoming increasingly rare. Heather emphasizes the need for genuine human connectio…
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S2, Ep. 19: Introducing the Dr. John Reeves Agribusiness Leadership Institute
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16:45We have an incredibly exciting announcement to make! Listen in as Layci unpacks a very special something we've been keeping under wraps for quite some time. We are thrilled to announce the grand unveiling of the Dr. John Reeves Agribusiness Institute! To learn more about how this amazing partnership came about and hear about how we at Transcend Lea…
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S2, Ep. 18: Lightning Round Q&A with Layci in the hot seat!
17:21
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17:21In this episode, Layci is interviewed by our producer Mary Skop in a lightning round Q&A format. They discuss trends in leadership, the challenges of managing Gen Z employees, and explore the complex concept of “leading for the least mature.” Layci emphasizes the importance of engaging and inspiring younger workers, as well as the need for leaders …
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S2, Ep. 16: Don't Ignore The Red Flags, feat. Julia Nepini of Compassionate Consulting Company and host of Compassionate Climb
26:43
26:43
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26:43Julia Nepini, owner of Compassionate Consulting Company, shares her journey of starting her own counseling practice and the challenges she faced as a leader. She discusses the importance of self-awareness and learning about oneself in a leadership role. Julia also explains the difference between a coach and a therapist and the red flags to look out…
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S2, Ep. 15: This Lawsuit Could Have Been A Conversation, feat. Karelys Davis, Director of Workshops, Education & Training at Transcend Leadership Collective
47:57
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47:57Today's episode features Transcend's very own Karelys Davis, our fearless Director of Workshops, Education & Training! Listen in as Karelys shares her own hard-won wisdom in how a lack of capacity led to a lawsuit that could have been a conversation, and how we cheat ourselves when we neglect the practices that increase our capacity. For decades, K…
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S2, Ep. 14: Learning as a Leadership Superpower, feat. Chad Wooters, CEO of Kairos Talks
36:05
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36:05What if we embraced the mindset that learning is a true superpower? What if we could go beyond the mindset of "Well, I guess I have to learn how to use this platform" or "Yeah, I had to train the team to start using that project management software, ugh." Not-so-hot-take: When we have the mindset that true learning is a complete drag and we resist …
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S2, Ep. 13: Reinvent with Authenticity, feat. Shawn Marshall of Reinvent Yourself
28:45
28:45
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28:45What comes to mind when you hear the word "Authenticity?" "They were really showing up as their authentic self." "He's authentic; he's the real deal." "She's one of the most genuine and authentic individuals you'll ever work with." Authenticity is one of those buzzwords that gets thrown around quite a bit, both in the corporate world and in our eve…
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S2, Ep. 12: Hot Take: Tracking Personal Development on Company Time?
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9:18In this episode, you'll get to hear Layci unpack why she supports tracking personal development on company time. Wait; what?? You might be asking why on earth would you take the time to track personal development on company time? This may seem highly counterintuitive at first, but stay with us. First of all, we're not talking about unpacking the de…
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