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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Layci Nelson Podcasts
Quick, applicable podcasts challenge business owners to manage like they mean it.
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Welcome to "The Kind Leader Podcast," your essential guide to the transformative power of kind leadership. Hosted by Gino Degregori, this series embarks on a quest to redefine leadership through the lens of empathy, compassion, and integrity. Each episode brings to light the profound impact of kindness in leadership, featuring conversations with a diverse array of leaders who have woven empathy into the fabric of their leadership, across various industries including tech, government, healthc ...
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The Gutsy Podcast | Mindset, Personal Development & Entrepreneurship for Women
LauraAura® | Keynote Speaker, Growth Coach, and Entrepreneur of 18 Years
The Gutsy Podcast is for women, entrepreneurs, and go-getters who are ready to stop holding back and start making gutsy moves in their lives and businesses. Gutsy is the belief and action that happens in the split second when you’re faced with a decision—but this time you choose to go for it instead of going back. Hosted by Keynote Speaker and Coach, LauraAura, this show is your weekly guide to owning what you actually want, shifting the mind junk that’s been holding you back, and taking bol ...
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247: Lead with Heart and Still Get Results with Layci Nelson
57:17
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57:17Can you really lead with empathy and humanity—and get results? In today’s episode, I’m joined by leadership expert Layci Nelson, founder of Transcend Leadership Collective, for a conversation every leader needs to hear. We explore what it really means to lead with heart, how to create a people-first workplace, and why compassion and accountability …
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Confessions of a Terrible Leader: How HHART-First Leadership Transforms Culture with Layci Nelson
42:02
42:02
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42:02🎙️ What if the secret to powerful leadership wasn’t starting with strategy, but starting with heart? In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori speaks with Layci Nelson, founder of Transcend Leadership Collective, about how to build people-centered, high-performance cultures by leading with empathy, clarity, and trust.…
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Powerback 247: You've tried EVERYTHING. So WTF is missing?
21:01
21:01
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21:01You’ve read the books, taken the classes, hired the coach, done the inner work—and yet, it’s still not working. If you’re stuck in the in-between, exhausted from doing “all the right things” with little to show for it, this episode is your lifeline. LauraAura shares four sneaky things that may still be holding you back—and how these hidden blocks a…
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Creating the Impossible: How Compassion and Play Drive Innovation with Melissa Dinwiddie
43:40
43:40
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43:40🎙️ What if the secret to unlocking innovation wasn’t in a strategy, but in your self-talk? In this transformative episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori talks with Melissa Dinwiddie, innovation strategist and former professional artist, about how leaders can use compassion, play, and intentional imperfection to spark creativity and…
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From Bin Baby to Director of Sales: feat. Blaine Heilman, newest member of the team!
1:01:41
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1:01:41In this episode of "Confessions of a Terrible Leader," Layci sits down with Blaine Heilman, the newest member of the Transcend Leadership Collective, to explore the remarkable stories of women breaking barriers in agriculture. From Blaine's beginnings as a "bin baby" in the Yakima Valley to becoming a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, this …
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Powerback 246: How Self-Abandonment Shows Up in High Achieving Women
28:02
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28:02You’re the one people count on. The finisher. The fixer. The high-achieving woman who gets shit done. But underneath the polished surface, are you quietly running on empty? In this Powerback® episode, LauraAura pulls back the curtain on a powerful (and painful) truth: many high-achieving women are operating from a place of chronic self-abandonment.…
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246: The Eldest Daughter Wound—And How to Finally Release It with Jasmine Braxton
56:42
56:42
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56:42If you were the responsible one, the fixer, the emotional glue—this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by coach and guide Jasmine Braxton to explore the complex reality of being the eldest daughter. From carrying unspoken family expectations to feeling like you have to be the strong one all the time, we talk about how thi…
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Excellence Doesn’t Happen by Accident: Leading with Truth, Grace, and Purpose with John Gallagher
37:53
37:53
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37:53🎙️ What if excellence in leadership isn’t accidental, but the result of daily, intentional growth? In this inspiring episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with John Gallagher, founder and CEO of Growing Champions Coaching and Consulting. With over 25 years of leadership experience at IBM, Mitsubishi, and beyond, John sha…
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Gossip in the Workplace: How to Interrupt It, Manage It, and Survive It
24:26
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24:26In this high-impact, rapid-fire episode, Layci Nelson, founder of Transcend Leadership Collective, joins producer Mary Skop to take on one of the most persistent and toxic workplace challenges: gossip. From the psychology behind why it happens to the subtle signs it's infecting your culture, this episode is packed with real talk, leadership lessons…
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Powerback 245: How do I stop caring what people think?
24:01
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24:01How many times have you stopped yourself from doing something bold, creative, or life-changing—just because of what someone might think? In this episode, LauraAura cuts right to the root of one of the most common (and frustrating) blocks women face: the fear of judgment. Whether it’s fear of being misunderstood, criticized, or just not accepted, wo…
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245: Get out of entrepreneurial poverty with Racheal Cook
48:14
48:14
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48:14What if the secret to true success wasn’t about hustle, but about enoughness? In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Racheal Cook—award-winning business strategist and founder of The CEO Collective—to talk about redefining success, escaping entrepreneurial poverty, and building a life-first business that actually supports you. We explore how …
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Powerback 244: Working with your cycle to get shit done
29:22
29:22
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29:22Ever wonder why you’re full of energy one day and totally drained the next—even when your schedule hasn’t changed? Spoiler: it’s not because you’re broken. It’s your cycle. In this episode, I walk you through what we were never taught about our periods and energy, and how understanding the four phases of your cycle can radically change the way you …
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Leading with Empathy in the Age of AI: Strategies for Innovation, Productivity & Human Connection with Jonathan Mast
39:51
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39:51🎙️ What if AI could help you lead with more clarity, empathy, and impact—not less? In this forward-thinking episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori interviews Jonathan Mast, founder of White Beard Strategies and virtual Chief AI Officer, to explore how leaders can embrace AI as a servant leadership tool—not a threat to humanity. Aft…
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244: Is your body trying to tell you something? with Dr. Anna Marie
51:38
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51:38What if your body isn’t just reacting—but actually trying to tell you something? 🤯 In this episode of The Gutsy Podcast, LauraAura is joined by the brilliant Dr. Anna Marie Frank, PhD, to explore how our bodies store emotions, thoughts, and unspoken truths. From anxiety to thyroid issues, chronic pain, and gut problems, your body is sending signals…
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Mastering Stoic Empathy: Shermin Kruse on Leadership, Authenticity, and Overcoming Challenges
34:05
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34:05Welcome back to Confessions of a Terrible Leader! In this episode, Layci chats with the brilliant Shermin Kruse—an author, professor, and TEDx producer. Dive into Shermin's personal journey of stoic empathy, a concept blending stoic resilience and empathic understanding, and how it shaped her leadership style. Get ready for practical tips on readin…
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Powerback 243: How to find clarity when you're feeling unclear
22:14
22:14
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22:14Last week, we talked about taking bold action when you know what you want. But what if you don’t know? What if your brain feels foggy, the options feel overwhelming, or nothing feels quite right? That doesn’t mean you’re lost. It means it’s time to pause—and come back to you. In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to reconnect with your clarit…
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243: Unleash your Warrior Mindset with Chitra Rochlani
41:04
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41:04What would happen if you stopped chasing quick fixes—and started healing at the root? In this episode of The Gutsy Podcast, I’m joined by Chitra Rochlani—wellness coach, intuitive healer, speaker, and author of The Warrior Mindset—to explore how to clear mental clutter, shift patterns, and reclaim your personal power. Chitra shares her Peel, Feel, …
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Powerback 242: You Know What You Want—So Why Aren’t You Going After It?
24:12
24:12
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24:12You’ve done the work. You’ve gotten clear. And still… you hesitate. In this episode, LauraAura calls out the real reason you keep holding back from the things you know you want—whether it’s a bold new beginning, a long-overdue ending, or a leap your heart is screaming for. You’ll learn to spot the five core fears that are likely running the show un…
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Talk It Out Without Falling Out: Leading Culture with Kinder Conversations, featuring Tim Keogh
43:27
43:27
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43:27🎙️ What if kindness wasn’t just a “nice-to-have” but the most powerful leadership strategy for transforming culture? In this eye-opening episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori chats with Tim Keogh, founder of A Kind Life and host of the Kinder Conversation podcast, about how kindness, far from being soft, is a strategic imperative …
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242: How to stay calm when you’re under pressure with AdrenaJen
51:39
51:39
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51:39What if fear and excitement were actually the same thing? And what if you could train yourself to transform fear into fun? In this episode of The Gutsy Podcast, LauraAura sits down with extreme sports athlete and mindset coach Jennie Milton—better known as AdrenaJen—to explore the power of expanding your comfort zone, developing tolerance for disco…
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Unlocking Leadership Success: What Transcend Leadership Collective Can Do for You
18:27
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18:27In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, host Layci Nelson and producer Mary Skop break down the comprehensive services offered by Transcend Leadership Collective. Layci explains how the company employs a HHART-first leadership philosophy to provide customized solutions in strategic planning, coaching, and workshops. Learn how these ser…
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Finding Your Voice: Overcoming Speaking Anxiety and Leading with Authentic Presence with Jimmy Cannon
40:13
40:13
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40:13🎙️ What if your greatest leadership asset wasn’t what you say, but how you say it? In this insightful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori speaks with Jimmy Cannon, public speaking coach, behavioral therapist, and former professional jazz musician, about how to find—and own—your authentic voice as a leader. Drawing from his journ…
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241: Sober Curiosity - Life Beyond Booze with Tawny Lara
47:35
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47:35Sobriety, sober curiosity, and mindful drinking are gaining momentum, and more people are questioning their relationship with alcohol. Whether you’re thinking about cutting back, exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle, or simply wanting to become more conscious about your drinking habits, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Tawny Lara, also known a…
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Leading with 'We': Kyle McDowell, WSJ Bestselling Author, on the 10 Principles to Build a Culture of Excellence
44:56
44:56
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44:56In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with Kyle McDowell, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and leadership expert, to reveal how shifting from a command-and-control style to a "we over me" mindset can transform your leadership and your organization. Kyle shares his inspiring journey of overcoming bu…
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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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Powerback 240: The Bold Move You’ve Been Avoiding: Why You Haven’t Made It (and What Happens When You Finally Do)
19:55
19:55
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19:55There’s a move you’ve been circling. You think about it. You journal about it. You even daydream about what life would look like if you actually went for it. And yet... you haven’t made it. Why? In this episode, LauraAura breaks down the real reasons you’ve been avoiding your next bold move—and what finally happens when you stop hesitating and go f…
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240: Building a Successful Business the Simple, Low-Risk Way with Colin McIntosh
1:03:22
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1:03:22Starting and scaling a business takes more than just a great idea—it requires strategy, resilience, and a willingness to pivot. In this episode, we’re joined by Colin McIntosh, the Founder and CEO of Sheets & Giggles, to dive into his entrepreneurial journey and how he’s built multiple successful businesses with a mix of humor, strategy, and sustai…
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Powerback 239: What If You Took Up Space Like a Man (Without Changing Who You Are)?
22:37
22:37
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22:37Ever wonder what your life—and career—would look like if the playing field were actually equal? In this firestarter episode, LauraAura shares the bold question she asked ChatGPT: What would my life and business look like if I were a man? Spoiler: The response both pissed her off and ignited a whole new level of clarity, confidence, and gutsy action…
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The Leadership Superpower Most Leaders Overlook: Mastering Deep Listening with Oscar Trimboli
41:04
41:04
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41:04🎙️ What if the key to transformational leadership wasn’t speaking more, but listening better? In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with Oscar Trimboli, bestselling author and host of the award-winning Deep Listening podcast, to explore the profound impact of listening in leadership. With experience guid…
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Imposter syndrome. We’ve all felt it. That sneaky voice that tells you you’re not good enough, smart enough, or qualified enough to be in the room. But what if imposter syndrome wasn’t a reason to shrink back… but an invitation to step forward? In this powerful solo episode of The Gutsy Podcast, LauraAura shares how to flip the script on imposter s…
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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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Powerback 238: Breaking the Money Panic Cycle
26:59
26:59
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26:59Ever feel that pit in your stomach when you check your bank account, run your card, or open another bill? You’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not stuck. In this powerful, raw episode, LauraAura shares her personal journey with financial trauma and the 3 practices that helped her move from survival mode to a place of self-trust, expansion,…
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238: Leading Yourself First: The Key to Sustainable Success with Gabrielle Espinosa
39:57
39:57
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39:57Leadership isn’t just about guiding teams or managing others—it starts with leading yourself. In this episode, we’re diving into self-leadership with leadership development expert Gabrielle Espinosa. Gabrielle shares how burning out in her twenties forced her to reevaluate what success really means, and how prioritizing self-awareness, self-care, a…
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The Future of Leadership: Why Courage, Clarity, and Compassion Build Unshakable Trust with Dr. Laura Ciel
41:39
41:39
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41:39In this episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori welcomes Dr. Laura Ciel, transformational mentor, clinical psychologist, and guide for visionary leaders. With a doctorate in psychology, an MBA, and over 30 years of experience, Dr. Ciel shares how her leadership philosophy was forever changed after the sudden loss of her mother 23 ye…
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Powerback 237: Shift your hesitation into momentum
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19:29You’ve got the idea. You feel the nudge. And then… the hesitation creeps in. What if it doesn’t work? What if you’re too late? What if it’s too much? In this Powerback® episode, LauraAura walks you through the exact process she’s used hundreds of times to move from overthinking into aligned action—and how you can use it to stop resisting what you r…
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Unlock High-Performing Teams Through Honest Communication & Emotional Safety with guest Steven Gaffney
40:13
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40:13In this episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with Steven Gaffney, a globally recognized expert on change management, communication, and team performance. They discuss the crucial role of honest communication in building high-achieving teams and how emotional safety is the foundation of effective leadership. As the autho…
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237: Identifying and Releasing Shame with Allison Guilbault
49:53
49:53
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49:53Shame is one of the most powerful yet quiet forces that can keep us from truly owning who we are and going after what we want. It sneaks in through past experiences, societal expectations, and self-imposed beliefs—keeping us small, stuck, and second-guessing ourselves. In this episode, I sit down with Licensed Therapist and Mindset & Transformation…
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Breaking the Cycle: Identifying and Overcoming Toxic Work Cultures, feat. Suhein Beck
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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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Powerback 236: Letting Go of Self-Inflicted Expectations
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17:07You’ve heard the external noise telling you to push harder, go faster, and do more—but what happens when the loudest pressure isn’t coming from the outside, but from within? In this Powerback® episode, LauraAura pulls back the curtain and shares a raw, real-life experience about burnout, expectations, and how missing two podcast episodes nearly sen…
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How to Lead Yourself First: Mastering Emotional & Authentic Leadership with Valarie Sandjivy
42:36
42:36
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42:36What if the key to leading others starts with how you lead yourself? In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, host Gino Degregori sits down with Valarie Sandjivy, adaptive leadership mentor and business coach, to unpack what modern leadership really looks like. Valarie reveals how true leadership begins from within and why emotional int…
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236: Find Lasting Migraine Relief with Dr. Brandon Brown
1:12:05
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1:12:05If you’ve ever experienced chronic migraines, you know how frustrating it can be to hear, “You’re fine” when you’re struggling to function. The reality is that migraines impact every aspect of life—before, during, and after an episode. But you don’t have to settle for just managing the pain. There’s another way. In today’s episode, we’re talking wi…
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235: Overcome Your Fear of Speaking with Linda Ugelow
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41:27
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41:27Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, advocating for yourself, or sharing your message on a larger stage, the fear of speaking is something that affects 75% of people. But what if speaking didn’t have to feel so terrifying? In this episode, we’re talking with Linda Ugelow, a speaking confidence and vocal coach, about overcoming the fear of speakin…
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Thrive in Your Career: Overcoming Workplace Challenges & Difficult Bosses with Eric Charran
40:36
40:36
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40:36Struggling with toxic workplaces or difficult bosses? This episode of The Kind Leader Podcast is for you! Host Gino Degregori sits down with Eric Charran, a tech executive with 25+ years of experience in digital innovation and AI strategies. Eric shares powerful insights from his book Have You Ever Had a Boss That... Succeeding in a Dysfunctional W…
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234: 4 Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Coach
25:37
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25:37Hiring a coach should feel empowering—not icky, pressured, or manipulative. But in an industry full of bold promises and pushy sales tactics, how do you know who to trust? In this solo episode of The Gutsy Podcast, LauraAura shares four major red flags to look out for when hiring a coach, based on her 20+ years of experience both working with and b…
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Steadying the Ship: Leadership During Times of Uncertainty
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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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Powerback 233: 3 Simple Shifts to Be a More Effective Communicator
18:54
18:54
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18:54Ever felt like you're talking but no one's really hearing you? Whether it's in your personal life or business, miscommunication can stall progress, create tension, and make you feel unheard. In this episode, LauraAura shares three powerful questions that will help you shift the way you express yourself so you can be clearer, more direct, and more Y…
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How to Build a Thriving Workplace Culture with Rose Ann Garza
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34:27Want to create a workplace where employees thrive, stay, and feel truly valued? In this episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, Rose Ann Garza, award-winning HR executive and Chief Human Resources Officer at Kerbey Lane, shares actionable insights on fostering a culture that attracts and retains top talent. You’ll learn: How corporate kindness directly…
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233: Overcoming the Fear of Solo Travel with Laura Ericson
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47:57Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world but held yourself back due to fear, uncertainty, or societal expectations? Today, we’re diving into the power of travel with Laura Ericson, a transformative travel curator, adventure architect, and passionate advocate for solo explorers. After her own journey from an anxious traveler to a confident world…
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Powerback 232: Beyond the struggle: 5 ways to tap into your possibility
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17:42
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17:42If you’ve been stuck in a tough season—head down, in the trenches, and unsure if there’s life beyond the overwhelm—this episode is your invitation to lift your chin, take a deep breath, and remember who the hell you are. In this soul-nourishing episode, LauraAura shares five transformative ways to tap back into possibility so you can reconnect with…
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Stop Managing, Start Leading: Why Creating Self-Accountability Culture Outperforms Traditional Authority with guest Susan Inouye
44:26
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44:26In this episode of the Kind Leader Podcast, Gino Degregori interviews Susan Inouye, a transformational executive coach, about the evolving nature of leadership in today's workplaces. They discuss the importance of kindness, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence in leadership, particularly in engaging younger generations like Millennials and Ge…
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