The Courageous Choice

Leadership: Beyond the Facade with Phillip Stenger of Ascent

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:43:00 -0000

Are you tired of trying to win everyone's approval and losing your authenticity in the process? In this episode, Phillip Stenger drops truth bombs about leadership, fear, conflict, and the courage it takes to be real. Get ready to challenge everything you thought leadership should be — because real change begins when you embrace the uncomfortable.

In this episode:

The difference between respect and likeability, and why it matters
How fear of not being liked can sabotage your leadership
Building trust through honesty — even in tough decisions
The power of embracing mistakes and vulnerability
Practical tools for courageous leadership on your toughest days
The role of meditation and mental health routines in resilient leadership
Why you should own your wrongs — and celebrate your failures
How to lead with confidence without losing yourself
The concept of "confidence humility" rooted in self-awareness
Moving beyond superficial niceness to real, tough conversations

Timestamps

00:00 - Authenticity over approval in leadership

02:05 - First lesson on being liked in finance

06:14 - Respect vs. likeability: what leaders can actually control

08:23 - Building a company while managing external approval

10:42 - Fear, uncertainty, and how experience builds confidence

12:18 - Meditation, mental health, and leadership presence

14:37 - Making unpopular decisions with honesty

19:47 - The danger of “nice” cultures that avoid hard conversations

22:26 - What courageous leadership looks like in the moment

24:39 - Confident humility: strong opinions, open mind

25:10 - Advice for early-career professionals afraid of being disliked

28:35 - The permission slip: leaders can be wrong

30:24 - Building a culture that learns from mistakes

Resources & Links:

- Radical Candor by Kim Scott

- The Courageous Leadership Series

- “Confidence Humility” book

- Meditation for Leaders - Headspace

- Own Your Mistakes - Harvard Business Review

Connect with Phillip Stenger:

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Redefining Talent Access in the Age of Disruption with Tony Buffum of Human Cloud

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0000

Tony Buffum, Head of Enterprise Strategy at Human Cloud, joins us on this episode to talk about the evolution of talent strategy and what it truly takes for leaders to navigate workforce transformation with courage.

With more than two decades leading global HR and talent transformation initiatives, Tony brings a rare perspective across enterprise, platform and advisory work. He explains how the shift toward flexible and on-demand talent models is not just an operational adjustment but a strategic reset.

We explore the courageous choices leaders must make as traditional workforce models strain under new realities. Tony challenges organizations to rethink how they align people, technology and business strategy and to move beyond incremental change toward intentional transformation.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

07:02 Traditional workforce planning struggles to keep pace with shifting talent demands.

08:52 Flexible talent enables expertise deployment within days, not months.

15:02 Over 50% of students now prefer independent work over full-time roles.

19:08 Success requires managing flexible and full-time talent as one aligned team.

24:07 Private equity value creation depends on rapid, flexible access to expertise.

27:20 Technology shifts require talent models that flex as fast as markets change.

34:15 HR must lead workforce transformation or risk being displaced by it.

Resources Mentioned:

Tony Buffum

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-buffum-hrexecutive/

Human Cloud LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/humancloud/

Human Cloud | Website

https://humancloud.work

Human Cloud platform

https://app.humancloud.com

Upwork

https://www.upwork.com

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership

Scaling With Courage and Clarity with Allie Danziger of Ascent

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0000

Allie Danziger, Chief Marketing Officer of Ascent and former Founder and CEO of Ampersand Professionals, joins us to discuss choosing growth before certainty. From raising her hand during layoffs to selling two companies and stepping into a CMO role, Allie shares what it means to have the courage to lean into discomfort and bet on yourself before you feel ready. Career fluidity, scaling teams with clarity and questioning the way things have always been done is often the beginning of real innovation.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:24 Raising your hand creates opportunities that others wait for.

10:40 Scaling requires clarity on roles and accountability.

13:04 Consultants accelerate execution when speed matters most.

15:42 Choosing the harder environment fuels long-term growth.

17:52 Discomfort is a signal that growth is happening.

19:00 Developing early talent builds confidence and real capability.

22:56 Saying yes early shapes the trajectory of your career.

Resources Mentioned:

Allie Danziger

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alliedanziger/

Ascent | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascentfunding/

Ascent | Website

https://www.ascentfunding.com

AscentUP program

https://www.ascentfunding.com/ascentup/learners/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership

Choosing Clarity Over Comfort in Modern Leadership with Jackson Lynch of Talent Sherpa

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:57:57 -0000

Clarity at work is rarely about having the perfect answer. More often, it comes from having the courage to say what everyone is already thinking. In this episode, we sit down with Jackson Lynch, Founder and President of Talent Sherpa, to explore why avoiding hard conversations creates confusion, erodes trust and limits performance. Jackson unpacks why transparency is a leadership advantage, how talent density drives business outcomes and what happens when leaders trade comfort for clarity. We also dive into real-world stories from executive roles and large-scale transformations, offering practical insight into how courageous leadership creates momentum, alignment and long-term results.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:45 Lack of clarity creates confusion and slows performance.

05:38 Top performers already know the truth, and avoiding it hurts performance.

10:22 An A player is defined by the role and outcomes, not the individual alone.

14:36 Productive meetings feel uncomfortable because real debate builds trust.

19:46 Honest transparency builds trust, even with hard messages.

22:10 Leaders must communicate with clarity, outcomes and decision rights.

25:28 Sidestepping tough questions delays the truth people deserve.

27:53 Work isn’t about comfort, it’s about clear standards and delivering outcomes.

Resources Mentioned:

Jackson Lynch

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jxnlynch/

Talent Sherpa | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mytalentsherpa/

Talent Sherpa | Website

https://www.mytalentsherpa.com

Jackson Lynch Substack

https://jacksonlynch.substack.com

Talent Sherpa Podcast

https://www.mytalentsherpa.com/podcast

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership

Hiring With Precision: Building Leadership Teams Through Partnership with Amy Sulgrove of Talent Executives Group

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:51:00 -0000

Making the courageous choice in hiring means looking beyond the résumé and building the support that leaders need in order to win from day one. In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Sulgrove, CEO of Talent Executives Group, to explore what it really takes to place leaders who can thrive in uncertainty, build trust fast and drive performance without losing the human connection. We also unpack why executive hiring cannot end on a start date and how the right support in the first 90 days can make or break long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:54 Amy launched Talent Executives Group to build real leadership partnership.

04:56 Amplify Executive Search is a collaboration between Talent Executives Group and Gig Talent Collective.

10:16 Jamie reached out and it became an amazing reconnection after many years.

12:35 Cross-functional influence is the leadership capability in highest demand.

15:24 Leaders can handle ambiguity while creating clarity, and Gig Talent helps.

18:04 AI is reshaping hiring and leaders need to validate what is real.

20:51 Zoom interviews get gamed when candidates use earpieces for answers.

23:43 Saying yes to everything hurts precision, so focus on excellence.

Resources Mentioned:

Amy Sulgrove

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysulgrove/

Talent Executives Group | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentexecutives/

Talent Executives Group | Website

https://talentexecutivesgroup.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership

The Power of Courageous Career Moves: Building Gig Talent With Purpose with Jamie Latiano Jacobs of Gig Talent

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:54:00 -0000

There comes a moment when success looks right on paper but feels wrong in practice. In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Jacobs, Founder and CEO of Gig Talent, for a candid conversation about ambition, fear, alignment and what it truly means to make a courageous choice. Jamie reflects on her personal and professional evolution, from corporate leadership to building a company rooted in flow, purpose and community. Her story highlights how courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward anyway and create possibilities that didn’t exist, or you couldn’t see, before.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

03:32 Ambition often follows the next visible step before the bigger picture appears.

05:09 Growth and curiosity, not money, drive ambition beyond perceived personal limitations.

10:15 Resistance signals misalignment despite persistence and fear of failure.

12:27 Jamie values contributing to communities and learning to accept support.

15:39 Gig Talent launched in 2019 with the aim of aligning strengths and creating shared value.

18:09 Leveraging AI strengthens Gig Talent’s expertise while preserving human-led matching.

20:06 Every step has value and fear should never dictate when to move on.

21:20 Courage in two words: do it.

Resources Mentioned:

Jamie Jacobs

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlatianojacobs/

Gig Talent | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gig-talent/

Gig Talent | Website

https://gigtalentagency.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership

Building a Human-Centered Workforce in the Age of AI with Edie Goldberg of E. L. Goldberg & Associates

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:50:00 -0000

As the world of work rapidly evolves, it demands new approaches to talent, performance and career growth. In this episode, we speak with Edie Goldberg, President and Founder of E. L. Goldberg & Associates, to explore how organizations can adapt to evolving employee expectations, leverage AI for talent strategies and create environments that enable people to thrive.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:14 The future of work requires disrupting outdated talent practices with AI.

05:44 Disrupting outdated processes is key to attracting, engaging and retaining talent.

10:22 Companies must tap into diverse talent beyond employees.

17:03 Aging populations and shifting demographics demand more flexible work options.

20:06 Tenure boosts productivity through relationships and knowledge.

25:10 Curiosity and continuous learning are essential for thriving today.

30:21 Diverse perspectives fuel innovation and better solutions.

34:01 Turning a layoff into a successful business was a defining act of courage.

Resources Mentioned:

Edie Goldberg

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edie-goldberg-phd/

E. L. Goldberg & Associates | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/e-l-goldberg-associates/

E. L. Goldberg & Associates | Website

https://www.elgoldberg.com/

"The Inside Gig" by Edie Goldberg

https://theinsidegig.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Transforming Workplaces Through Wellbeing with Ashish Kothari of Happiness Squad

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

The path to happiness often begins with the courage to make a change. In this episode, we sit down with Ashish Kothari, Founder and CEO of Happiness Squad, to explore how redefining success, shifting workplace mindsets and building human-centric systems can unlock both individual and organizational potential. Ashish shares his deeply personal journey from corporate leadership to founding Happiness Squad, offering transformative insights on wellbeing, leadership and the future of work. He explains why flourishing must become a strategic priority, how organizations can tackle burnout at source and how leaders at every level can create meaningful change.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:09 A battle with anxiety inspired Ashish to pivot his career toward well-being.

05:22 Ashish says his calling, not courage, drove his career transformation.

10:06 Burnout is often worse in nonprofit and frontline roles than in corporate jobs.

15:02 Trust, belonging and deep work fuel human energy.

19:58 One-size-fits-all programs fail; teams need tailored interventions.

25:34 Leaders can drive systemic change without top-level support.

29:59 The Eisenhower Matrix helps reset priorities and reduce overwhelm.

32:36 People want to contribute, but broken systems create changeable helplessness.

Resources Mentioned:

Ashish Kothari

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/

Happiness Squad | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/happiness-squad/

Happiness Squad | Website

https://happinesssquad.com/

VIA Character Strengths

https://www.viacharacter.org/

World Economic Forum

https://www.weforum.org/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Guiding Owners Through Hospitality Transitions with Vikram Sood of NuPala Hospitality Development

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:40:00 -0000

Success in hospitality, like in life, often comes down to making the courageous choice. In this episode, we sit down with Vikram Sood, Managing Director of NuPala Hospitality Development, to discuss the pivotal choices that defined his journey, the lessons learned in hospitality and the importance of resilience in uncertain times. We explore what it means to take courageous steps in both career and life. From global luxury hotels to independent consulting, Vikram shares how bold decisions shape leadership, culture and long-term growth.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:26 Reopening a long-dormant resort reshaped San Diego’s luxury scene.

05:13 Moving to Las Vegas revealed a shift from luxury hospitality to gaming priorities.

10:12 Guiding owners through new builds and strategic transitions became his focus.

14:20 Courageous choices evolve, from early experimentation to confident decisions later in life.

16:23 Rising wage ordinances challenge leaders to do more with less.

18:26 True leadership is measured by impact on people, not prestigious titles.

20:02 Entrepreneurship demands backbone, faith and resisting the easy route.

22:41 Passion, not pedigree, should guide careers through uncertainty and change.

Resources Mentioned:

Vikram Sood

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikram-sood-33462610/

NuPala Hospitality Development

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nupala-hospitality-development/

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

https://www.fourseasons.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

The Future of HR: Building a Bold, Human-Centered Approach to Hiring with Tim Sackett of HR Tech 100 Fund

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 04:52:00 -0000

The rapid rise of AI is reshaping how organizations approach hiring, talent management and leadership. In this episode, we sit down with Tim Sackett (Not a Life Coach), General Partner and Co-Founder at HR Tech 100 Fund, to discuss the courageous decisions companies and recruiters must make to stay ahead in a rapidly changing talent landscape. Tim shares candid insights into how technology, human connection and cultural clarity intersect to shape the future of recruiting, and why courage is more vital than ever for leaders, recruiters and employees alike.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:35 AI is doubling applicant volumes and reshaping the recruiting process.

05:14 Recruiters must overcome rejection and have the courage to pick up the phone.

10:20 Making people feel valued and wanted is a powerful part of recruiting.

15:27 Digging into passions and cultural fit is just as important as evaluating skills.

20:56 Driving meaningful change takes courage, even when the risks feel high.

25:03 Knowing recruiting capacity empowers leaders to set realistic expectations.

30:05 Patience is a crucial leadership skill, especially during change.

32:31 Helping others defines success more than titles or identity.

Resources Mentioned:

Tim Sackett

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsackett/

HR Tech 100 Fund | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrtech100/

HR Tech 100 Fund | Website

https://hrtech100fund.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

The Future of HR: Elevating HR Through Courage and Strategy with Dr. JP Elliott of Future of HR Consulting

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000

The future of HR requires bold choices and the willingness to step into uncertainty. In this episode, JP Elliot t, Founder of Future of HR Consulting, explores how courage shapes leadership, careers and the evolving workplace. JP shares his journey from corporate HR leadership roles to building a global podcast and launching the NextGen HR Accelerator. Together, we examine how HR leaders can make courageous choices in the face of technological disruption, shifting expectations and the rise of AI.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:24 JP shares how 20+ years in HR led him to launch “The Future of HR Podcast.”

04:54 HR leaders must invest in themselves as expectations rise.

10:48 Insights from 150 interviews shaped a framework for great HR leadership.

14:48 The future path to CHRO remains uncertain as technology reshapes the role.

16:10 HR leaders must share tough perspectives, backed by deep business understanding.

17:54 Courage is giving yourself permission to ask hard questions.

20:18 The most courageous choice ahead is investing in yourself.

22:44 Action beats reflection — courage comes from taking the first step.

Resources Mentioned:

JP Elliot t

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpelliottphd/

Future of HR Consulting | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-of-hr-consulting/

Future of HR Consulting | Website

https://www.futureofhr.com/

“The Future of HR Podcast ”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-of-hr/id1644712611

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

The Future of HR: Exploiting the Ambiguity with John Boudreau of Dr. John W Boudreau

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000

The role of HR continues to evolve, yet ambiguity still surrounds its true impact at the executive level. In this episode, we sit down with John Boudreau, Author, Speaker, Coach, Consultant and Advisor at Dr. John W Boudreau, to explore how courage and clarity can reshape the CHRO’s position in modern organizations. John reflects on four decades of research and advisory work, offering a framework for how HR leaders can define their role, influence strategy and step into spaces where they’re often overlooked. From bet-the-badge moments to building credibility with boards and senior teams, he highlights why courage is essential to turning ambiguity into opportunity.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:27 John reflects on starting at Cornell and discovering his passion for HR.

05:46 Early research focused on linking people’s investments to business value.

09:03 The CHRO role spans five platforms, from running HR to influencing boards and strategy.

15:23 Building credibility with senior teams starts by leading onboarding and evaluation.

22:35 CHROs often inherit roles, but a framework helps reassess and drive change.

24:42 Bet-the-badge moments define courage when CHROs risk their role to do what’s right.

28:55 The real HR bottleneck is not data or models but lacking platforms to be heard.

31:44 Leaders should assess their five platforms, then build influence from existing strengths.

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. John W Boudreau | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dr-john-w-boudreau/

Dr. John W Boudreau | Website

https://drjohnboudreau.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

How Subtle Courage Transforms Organizations with Susan Kelliher of Sentima Advisors

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:55:00 -0000

Courage doesn’t always show up with noise. Sometimes it’s quiet, intentional and rooted in knowing where we stand. In this episode, Susan Kelliher, Founder/Principal of Sentima Advisors LLC and Board Member of the National Safety Council, Airvet and EJ, explores how courage shows up in the workplace — whether in the boardroom, during sensitive conversations or in moments of personal growth. With a career shaped by high-stakes decisions, Susan shares the powerful impact of standing firm in one’s values, fostering inclusive leadership and creating space for others to find their voice.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:39 Stepping into board roles means guiding organizations with a broader perspective.

05:30 Courage shows up in both quiet moments and visible decisions.

10:00 Great leaders listen fully, even when it challenges what they think they know.

13:30 Courage can emerge in quiet leadership moments that shape how teams grow.

16:30 Shaping culture means sharing responsibility instead of placing it all on HR.

18:45 Facing discomfort means focusing on the good that can come from taking action.

21:04 Susan’s first HR job meant supporting senior leaders before she felt ready.

24:47 Making an impact means knowing what matters and pushing past comfort.

Resources Mentioned:

Susan Kelliher

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-kelliher/

National Safety Council

https://www.nsc.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoq3fkyGWiX4WtszAzeAHJW7LGkW7oid95fjTAMrCrSxmYgOi-ZY

Airvet | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/airvet/

Airvet | Website

https://www.airvet.com/

https://www.ejco.com/global

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here:

https://form.jotform.com/252592349746469.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Why Setting People Free Is the Future of Leadership with Dr. David Blake, Author of "Leading With Grace"

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:12:00 -0000

Leadership today requires more than just strategy — it demands grace, courage and a willingness to let go of outdated norms. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Blake, Chief Executive Officer of Building Forward Now, and author of "Leading With Grace," to explore how leaders can liberate others, lead authentically and make bold, meaningful transitions in their careers. David reflects on lessons from the military, the service industry and his own second act, offering a timely perspective on human-centered leadership in today’s landscape.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

00:51 A 20-year military career sparked a lifelong fascination with leadership.

04:59 Nelson Mandela showed how courage and grace can outlast imprisonment.

11:02 Different generations bring different values; leaders must adapt and understand.

13:39 Retirement felt daunting but became a courageous leap into something new.

16:25 Embracing a passion for steam trains brought unexpected joy and challenge.

17:38 Joy is lasting — don’t chase happiness or doubt your value with age.

20:19 Great leaders empower others to think, decide and create freely.

21:41 Leaders must set the tone by prioritizing rest and encouraging balance.

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. David Blake

https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithdave/

Building Forward Now, LLC | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-forward-now-llc/

Building Forward Now, LLC | Website

https://www.buildingforwardnow.com/

“Leading with Grace: The Quiet Strength of Exceptional Leaders” by David M Blake, Ph.D.

https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Grace-Strength-Exceptional-Leaders/dp/B0FF58N2W8

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here:

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Leading With Truth Over Comfort in High-Stakes Roles with Ian Ziskin of EXec EXcel Group LLC

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Courage isn't always loud — it often shows up in quiet moments of truth-telling, tough decisions and choosing impact over approval. In this episode, we speak with Ian Ziskin, President of EXec EXcel Group LLC, to reflect on decades of HR leadership, executive coaching, and organizational transformation. Ian shares insights on leadership, building trust and how courageous choices define a legacy. We also explore the fine balance between doing your job and keeping your job, and what it really takes to lead with courage. From navigating tough conversations to empowering others to speak up, this episode is packed with stories and strategies that challenge the status quo.

Key Takeaways:

(02:36) Courage means facing hard truths instead of denying inconvenient facts.

(06:22) Courageous leaders welcome diverse views that challenge their own.

(11:45) Speaking the truth, even at risk, can strengthen leadership and drive impact.

(17:00) Growth happens when we stop avoiding tough conversations.

(21:18) The best teams win when everyone plays their role and lets go of needing credit.

(25:21) Pride comes from helping others fulfill their potential and creating freedom for family.

(30:23) HR is becoming the orchestra conductor — aligning diverse talents to solve big problems.

(32:05) The best leaders spot a gap and step up, finding a void and filling it.

Resources Mentioned:

Ian Ziskin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ziskin-bb1504/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Coaching the Next Generation of Courageous Leaders with Kip Knight of CMO Coaches

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Leaders often face pivotal moments that call for courage, resilience and reinvention. In this episode, we speak with Kip Knight, Founder of CMO Coaches. He shares hard-won leadership lessons from his career across iconic companies and how he knows taking leaps of faith can be transformative. Kip reflects on what it means to lead with integrity, how to navigate change, and the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and risk-taking — especially during uncertain times.

Key Takeaways:

(02:07) Kip shares how switching industries helped him become an innovative leader.

(06:09) Leaders should ask what’s blocking engagement and keep the dialogue open.

(10:03) Authentic leaders welcome disagreement and speak up with candor and respect.

(12:09) Standing up to workplace bullies takes courage and sets a powerful example.

(16:34) The best jobs come through networking, so build real connections and stay resilient.

(19:12) Taking smart risks at 70% certainty led to successful global market launches.

(22:46) With today’s tools and speed, there’s never been a better time to be a marketer.

(27:41) Find role models, and when the odds are decent, take the leap.

Resources Mentioned:

Kip Knight

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kipknight/

CMO Coaches | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cmo-coaches/

CMO Coaches | Website

https://www.cmocoaches.com

“Learn to Leap: How Leaders Turn Risk Into Opportunity” by Kip Knight

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Leap-Leaders-Turn-Opportunity/dp/1737796406

"Crafting Persuasion" by Kip Knight, Ed Tazzia and Bob Pearson

https://www.amazon.com/Crafting-Persuasion-Handbook-Influence-Behavior-ebook/dp/B07S52F7YQ

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here:

https://form.jotform.com/252592349746469.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

From Fortune 500 to Founder: The Courage To Start Over with Joan Clark of JM Clark & Company

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:16:00 -0000

Making a bold leap from corporate success to personal fulfillment takes more than ambition — it takes courage. In this episode, Joan Clark of JM Clark & Company joins us to explore what it means to listen to your inner voice, take calculated risks and reshape your professional life on your own terms. Joan shares her journey from leading HR teams at a Fortune 500 company to launching her business. We also hear how her leadership philosophy led her to write “Common Sense Leadership,” a practical guide for emerging leaders.

Key Takeaways:

(02:04) Leadership courage means moving forward despite fear.

(03:17) Leaving corporate life to start a business was Joan’s most courageous choice.

(05:46) External success clashed with an inner calling for greater impact.

(10:29) Joan started JM Clark & Company to help others live true to themselves.

(14:52) Leading with listening ensures every solution meets the client’s needs.

(18:57) A simple question from her nephew sparked Joan's idea for her leadership book.

(23:30) Leadership is constant and silence often speaks louder than words.

(25:53) Know your who, why, what and how to lead with clarity and purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

Joan Clark

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmclark/

JM Clark & Company | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jmclark/

JM Clark & Company | Website

https://jmclark.com/

"Common Sense Leadership" by JM Clark

https://www.commonsenseleadership.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here:

https://form.jotform.com/252592349746469.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

From Disconnection to Engagement: Rebuilding Workplace Culture with Devin C. Hughes

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

As the workplace continues to evolve, so must our approach to leadership, culture and personal growth. In this episode, we sit down with Devin C. Hughes, Award Winning Keynote Speaker, Best-Selling Author and Leadership Coach, to explore the courageous choices that have defined his journey and the practical insights he shares with organizations around the world. We discuss the intersection of belonging and accountability, how culture is shaped by intention, not perks, and why showing up authentically can change lives.

Key Takeaways:

(01:27) Going from the corporate playbook to building a boutique business.

(04:47) Credentials aside, today’s leaders must stay open, agile and always learning.

(10:47) Leadership, like parenting, means guiding, not doing the work for others.

(14:53) Growth comes from leaning in and bringing hidden truths to light.

(19:06) Returning to the Boys & Girls Club reminded Devin of its pivotal role in his childhood.

(21:45) Well-being isn’t optional — it must be built into the strategy.

(24:21) Don’t ignore the data. Leaders must act on burnout, loneliness and disengagement.

(26:26) Celebrating progress boosts motivation and builds momentum.

Resources Mentioned:

Devin C. Hughes

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinchughes/

Devin C. Hughes Enterprises | Website

https://devinchughes.com

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

https://www.bgca.org/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here:

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Crafting a Life and Business on Your Own Terms

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Starting your own business takes courage, but sustaining it requires vision, resilience and a deep commitment to your values. In this episode, we sit down with Ilona Brunner and Takaya Brunner, Partners at Brunner Accounting Group, to discuss the journey from big accounting firms to building their own successful practice. They share their experiences of entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing family and business and the importance of identifying ideal clients and sticking to core values.

Key Takeaways:

(01:21) Early careers at PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG shaped IIona and Takaya’s approach to client service.

(05:39) Starting a family pushed them to create a business on their own terms.

(07:10) Family support and a fearless mindset fueled their entrepreneurial journey.

(10:38) Defining their “why” and ideal client shaped their business for long-term success.

(15:01) Understanding your ideal client and their needs is the foundation of lasting success.

(20:37) Building a business around your values allows you to thrive personally and professionally.

(22:10) Courage is pushing through fear and finding strength in past successes.

(26:39) Nurturing relationships can open unexpected doors and opportunities.

Resources Mentioned:

Ilona Brunner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilona-brunner-2993b93a/

Takaya Brunner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/takayabrunner/

Brunner Accounting Group | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/brunner-accounting-group/

Brunner Accounting Group | Website

https://brunneraccounting.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here:

https://form.jotform.com/252592349746469.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

What Happens When You Trust the Nudge with Jennifer Smith of Flourish Careers LLC and Gig Talent

Tue, 20 May 2025 17:21:00 -0000

Stepping away from corporate success to build something of your own takes more than strategy, it takes courage. We sit down with Jennifer Smith, Career + HR Consultant of Flourish Careers LLC and Gig Talent, to unpack what it takes to leave a successful corporate career and build a fulfilling independent practice. With a background in HR across Fortune 50 companies, Jennifer shares how she traded predictability for purpose and leaned into her intuition to build a values-driven business. From graveyard shifts to consulting, she reflects on what it means to take courageous steps, trust your gut and redefine success on your own terms.

Key Takeaways:

(01:21) Career success doesn’t have to come at the expense of well-being.

(03:41) HR wasn’t an obvious path. Jennifer carved her own by volunteering and showing up.

(06:50) “Five minutes to flourish” helped her build momentum while still in her day job.

(13:37) The pandemic shifted her focus fully to coaching.

(16:26) A “portfolio career” allows Jennifer to flex different muscles and manage risk.

(19:06) Prioritizing three things per week keeps her focused and energized.

(20:51) Redefining success based on alignment and fulfillment, not promotions.

(25:40) Trust the glimpse — it may lead to more than you imagine.

Resources Mentioned:

Jennifer Smith

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlsmith9200/

Gig Talent

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gig-talent/

Flourish Careers LLC | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-careers/

Flourish Careers LLC | Website

https://www.flourish.careers/

The Muse

https://www.themuse.com/

Frito-Lay

https://www.fritolay.com/

PepsiCo

https://www.pepsico.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here:

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

From Burnout to Buy-In: Creating High-Retention Teams with Lynn Herrick of Blucrest

Tue, 20 May 2025 16:32:00 -0000

We’re kicking off our new podcast, “The Courageous Choice,” talking to Lynn Herrick, Chief Operating Officer at Blucrest. Lynn shares how she navigated one of the most defining leadership moments of her career — taking over a high-turnover call center in the middle of a private equity transition. She walks us through her courageous decision to reimagine operations through the lens of empathy, stability and purpose. Lynn’s story offers practical inspiration for leaders transforming culture, scaling teams and placing people at the center of business strategy.

Key Takeaways:

(02:31) Why Lynn left a safe legal path to join a risky startup.

(05:01) What made her initially say no to the COO role, and why she changed her mind.

(07:48) Replacing fear-based systems with a culture of trust and stability.

(13:29) Tactical changes that led to a drop in employee turnover from 20% to under 2%.

(15:55) How to unify engineers and customer service teams through shared purpose.

(19:44) The moment Best Buy cited “meaningful work” as the reason for their $800M acquisition.

(22:52) Advice for young professionals: resilience, self-awareness and knowing when to walk away.

Resources Mentioned:

Lynn Herrick

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnkantorherrick/

Blucrest | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/blucrest/

Blucrest | Website

https://blucrest.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here:

https://form.jotform.com/252592349746469.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth