Leadership With Heart

What happens when a leader blends deep operational structure with genuine human care? That’s the question at the heart of my latest conversation on the Leadership with Heart podcast, where I’m joined by Sarah Mazzacco, Chief People Officer at Americare Senior Living. We first met when I was invited to speak at Americare’s annual leadership conference. Even before I hit the stage, I could tell Sarah was a different kind of leader. She carried a quiet confidence rooted in clarity, process, and intention. What stood out most was her heart. She wasn’t just focused on logistics or event outcomes; she was also concerned about the overall experience. She was focused on people, how they felt, what they needed, and how the experience could serve them long after the event ended. That same intentionality came through in this conversation. Sarah spoke openly about the tension between designing robust systems and remaining flexible when things do not go as planned. She shared a powerful example from her early days at Walm

Dean Wegner is a former Army Ranger, a West Point graduate, and now the CEO and co-founder of Authentically American, an apparel brand rooted in purpose. But more than that, he’s a husband, a dad of four, and someone who truly understands what it means to lead with heart. We started this episode by connecting over something very personal. As many of you are aware, my son is currently attending the U.S. Naval Academy. That journey has opened my eyes to a whole new level of respect and awareness regarding military service, patriotism, and what it means to serve something greater than oneself. So when a listener suggested Dean as a guest, the timing could not have been better. Dean shared how his leadership journey began long before building a business. It started at home, and it was shaped by the values he learned in the military, including putting others first, leading by example, and building character when no one is watching. He discussed what it means to transition from focusing on personal growth to genuin

In this solo episode, I open up about one of the most emotional experiences of my life after dropping my son off at the United States Naval Academy. It stirred something profound within me, and I felt compelled to share what I learned about self-leadership, emotional resilience, and staying grounded during life’s most significant transitions. I discuss what it means to be truly unshakable, not by avoiding emotions, but by standing firm in our values and leading ourselves through difficult moments with honesty and compassion. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, progress, and choosing to lead from a place of strength and grace, even when the ground feels unsteady. I also reflect on what it looks like to stop waiting for permission. To be your green light. Watching my son step into his purpose reminded me that we all can lead ourselves with intention. And when we do, we become the kind of leaders others naturally want to follow.  

In this episode of Leadership with Heart, I sit down with Laura Chevalier, Chief Growth Officer at Optomi Professional Services, for a conversation that explores the powerful intersection of data, grace, and self-leadership. Laura shares her remarkable journey from teaching and sports to building a thriving IT consulting startup and leading a division focused on uplifting rural communities and military families. We talk candidly about how faith, humility, and a willingness to fail have shaped her path and opened doors she never imagined. We also dig into what it means to live and lead with intention, how to give ourselves grace without losing our edge, and why authentic self-leadership is never a finished product but an evolving practice. Laura’s stories about saying yes to big leaps, trusting her instincts, and finding joy in the messiness of growth remind us that strong leadership always starts within. If you’ve ever wondered how to hold high standards without losing heart, how to balance speed and presence

In this episode, I sit down with Lorna Little, President and CEO of St. Anne’s Family Services in Los Angeles. Lorna leads an organization that touches the lives of thousands of families facing housing insecurity, young mothers seeking stability, and children who need a safe start. Our conversation goes deep into what it means to lead from both lived experience and professional training. Lorna shares how her own journey as a young mother and adoptee fuels her mission to build programs that change lives for the better. She explains why balancing high support with high accountability is not a feel-good slogan but a daily discipline that keeps her team effective and her community served. We talk about the real cost of not supporting families early, why leaders must stand firm in their power even when feedback stings, and how caring leadership still demands measurable results. Lorna also reminds us to protect our own energy, nurture our creative sides, and never forget why we started this work in the first place.

On this episode of the Leadership with Heart podcast, I’m joined by someone very special to me, Andy Boian, founder of Dovetail Solutions and a longtime friend and collaborator. Andy first joined me on the show back in 2020 and was also featured in my book The Art of Caring Leadership. Since then, a great deal has changed, both for him and his company, and I was thrilled to bring him back to discuss where he stands now as a leader and how his journey has unfolded. We discussed what it means to grow an organization with intention, to lead by listening, and to cultivate a culture where people feel safe enough to share their truth. Andy shared how he continues to live by the philosophy of speaking last, something he mentioned in our first interview that has stuck with me ever since. It’s not just a tactic; it’s a way of honoring the voices around him and building trust from the inside out. Andy also opened up about how his company has evolved over the past five years, how they’ve weathered disruption and gr

In this episode of Leadership with Heart, I sit down with Tracy Nolan, Senior Vice President of MarketPoint at Humana, for a candid and powerful conversation about what it truly means to lead with both strength and compassion. Tracy has spent her career guiding large teams through complex transformations, including overseeing 14,000 employees during the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile at the height of the pandemic. Her ability to remain focused on people, even in the most high-pressure environments, is what sets her apart. This is a conversation about rejecting the myth that caring is soft or ineffective. Tracy shows that empathy and accountability can not only coexist but also fuel one another. She shares stories of leading through layoffs with humanity, building trust through weekly listening sessions, and constantly preparing her teams for the future by investing in their growth and readiness. Tracy discusses openly what it means to create a culture where performance expectations are clear and where people f

In this episode of Leadership with Heart, I sit down with someone I genuinely admire, both professionally and personally. Kevin Eikenberry joins me to discuss his newest book, Flexible Leadership, and together, we explore what it truly means to lead with flexibility during times of constant change.   As someone who believes deeply in the power of self-leadership, this conversation is significant. Kevin and I share the belief that, while much about leadership remains the same, the context in which we lead has shifted significantly. The pace of change, the uncertainty around us, and the complexity of the workplace have all made flexibility not just helpful but necessary. Throughout our discussion, Kevin talks about how leaders often operate on autopilot. We fall back on habits, old models, and assumptions. But authentic leadership today requires a willingness to pause, reflect, and adjust. I shared my own experiences in this regard, mainly how being open to change has enabled me to evolve through various season

What does it take to lead with heart in one of the most demanding, misunderstood public service sectors? In this episode of the Leadership With Heart Podcast, I spoke with Billie Jo McCarley, Deputy Director of Operations at the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department.  From the moment I saw her speak on a panel, I was drawn to her clarity, purpose, and grounded approach to leading in a system that rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. Her words were honest, her tone firm, and her leadership style deeply human. Billie Jo shares her journey from a union kid in upstate New York to a Marine Corps officer, and now to her executive role overseeing one of the largest utilities in the country. She brings a refreshingly straightforward style to leadership, one rooted in ownership, structure, and service. What resonated most was how she balances military precision with a deep sense of emotional intelligence and faith. Her mantra is simple: understand people, respect their uniqueness, and make hard decisions without eve

What does it take to grow a business from 3 million to over 350 million dollars without losing sight of your purpose, people, or principles? In this Leadership With Heart Podcast episode, I reconnect with Ron Alvesteffer, President and CEO of Service Express, who returns with even more perspective, humility, and wisdom than when we first spoke years ago. Ron shares what it means to lead a fast-growing organization in today's business world without focusing only on numbers or scale. At the core of his message is a deep belief that culture starts with people and that sustainable growth is built on the foundation of hiring, empowering, and retaining the right talent. Ron opens up about how his leadership philosophy has evolved since he was first featured in my book The Art of Caring Leadership, and how his commitment to continuous learning, coaching, and intentionality keeps him energized in the face of new challenges. In our conversation, Ron discusses embracing the journey, not just the milestones. He reflects

What does it take to go from the mail room to the C-suite? And how does someone stay grounded in empathy while holding one of the highest positions in a global firm? In this episode of Leadership with Heart, William McKinley Washington II, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie, shares a journey that challenges assumptions about leadership, success, and what it means to rise. His story begins far from corner offices and executive meetings. William is open about being a high school and college dropout, a young father navigating food stamps and homelessness, and someone who never expected to one day lead a global finance team across 46 countries. This conversation is not about titles. It is about growth, ownership, and leadership that begins with a human connection. William speaks candidly about the moment he was told he was not ready for the role he wanted and how he turned that into a turning point. Rather than push back, he leaned in, brought in a coach, embraced the harsh feedback, and reshaped his leadership. The re

What does it mean to lead from the heart, and what happens when we admit we do not have all the answers? In this episode, I speak with Brian Brault, founder of Legacy of Significance and a globally respected leadership teacher and entrepreneur.  Brian has built and sold two companies and dedicates his time mentoring leaders worldwide. His work is rooted in humility, curiosity, and a deep belief in helping people discover the leadership potential that already exists within them. Our conversation moves beyond traditional leadership tropes. Brian shares what he learned about vulnerability when everything was on the line, how admitting he did not know the answer led his team to step up, and why that experience shaped how he leads today. He also discusses the difference between being friendly and kind and why effective leadership must be grounded in clarity, accountability, and care. We talk about relational authority, how real influence comes not from a title but from presence and trust, and why creating space fo

In this episode, I’m joined by Marc Koehler, a former U.S. Navy submarine officer. His unique perspective, gained from leading in a nuclear submarine where every action has consequences and complacency can be catastrophic, offers some of the clearest thinking on leadership I've heard in a long time. Marc shares how his experiences taught him lessons about accountability, emotional influence, and self-leadership that every leader on land needs to hear. What struck me most is Marc’s belief that leadership isn’t something we wait to be given. We must choose to step into it, regardless of our title or time on the team. He shares practical stories from his time aboard the USS Pogi, from navigating dangerous missions with a crew whose average age was 23, to learning how to lead through presence, not authority. Marc explains how submarine culture requires everyone to be seen as a leader and to see themselves as one. When you’re hundreds of feet below the surface, the person closest to the problem must take charge, w

What happens when a scientist decides to lead from the heart? In this Leadership of the Heart podcast episode, Heather welcomes Jayshree Seth, Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M.  Jayshree's journey challenges traditional leadership narratives, proving that influence and impact do not require a title or permission. Her path from technical expert to global science ambassador is an authenticity, resilience, and service masterclass. Jayshree reflects on how a role that had never existed before was created around her unique blend of expertise and advocacy. She shares how being a scientist doesn't just mean working in a lab, but also communicating ideas, connecting across disciplines, and leading by example. Her role at 3M evolved because she consistently showed up with heart and rigor, which she believes anyone can do from their own rung of the ladder. The conversation also introduces her concept of "leakproof leadership," a philosophy built on twelve practical qualities drawn from decades of ex

In this episode of Leadership with Heart, Shawn Hanks, CEO of Premiere Speakers Bureau, reflects on his evolution from sales leader to CEO. He shares the pivotal lessons that shaped his leadership, including when he learned that offering his opinion too soon in meetings unintentionally stifled the voices around him.  Rather than leading with answers, Shawn now leads with questions and listens first, giving his team the space to bring forward their insights.This conversation is grounded in humility and real-world experience.  Shawn opens up about the difference between knowing and living the exemplary leadership phrases. He speaks about the gap between theory and practice, the challenge of leading former peers, and the importance of self-awareness at every growth stage. His daily journaling practice shows how he maintains clarity and perspective over time, treating each entry as a conversation with his future self. You’ll also hear about Shawn’s belief in gratitude as a leadership skill, not just a mindset. Hi

In this Leadership with Heart podcast episode, I welcome Kevin Kruse, Founder and CEO of LEADx. Kevin shares how his introverted nature and deep sense of purpose led him to build a platform designed to democratize leadership development and bring coaching and emotional intelligence tools to every leader through AI and digital innovation.  Our conversation goes far beyond leadership tech. It's a personal and reflective look into why Kevin does what he does, including his intentional decisions to support emerging voices, elevate women leaders, and use his platform to advocate for access and equity in the workplace. Together, we unpack the philosophy of progress over perfection, the duality of Leadership as both head and heart and how caring Leadership isn't about being soft. It's about doing the hard work of consistently showing up for others.  We explore how imperfection can be a robust connector, why self-leadership is foundational, and how direct or indirect mentorship can shift someone's trajectory meaningf

What happens when the CFO leads a company’s social responsibility efforts? And what if that initiative not only improves company culture but strengthens the bottom line? In this episode of the Leadership With Heart podcast, we hear from Sandra Torre, Co-President and CFO at Lavidge, a full-service advertising agency based in Phoenix, Arizona. Sandra challenges conventional expectations of the CFO role by spearheading a company-wide volunteer program called “Impact Giving and Caring with Passion.” This refreshing conversation highlights how financial and human-centered leadership can coexist and thrive in the same space. Sandra shares how Lavidge transitioned to employee ownership and inspired a cultural shift toward shared purpose and contribution. Recognizing a growing desire among team members to make a difference beyond the workplace, Sandra created a structured volunteering initiative that grants employees 16 paid hours annually to support community causes  all during the workweek.  What started as a mode

In this episode of Leadership With Heart, I sit down with Kirstin Guptill, Chief People Officer at HopeWest, to explore how leadership is evolving beyond administration into deeply human, strategic, and transformative work. Kirstin shares her experience stepping into a brand new CPO role at a nonprofit that supports people through some of life's most challenging moments. With a background in HR leadership and a passion for building cultures that prioritize connection, she walks us through her approach to shaping employee experiences, driving retention, and ensuring that workplace culture is more than just a buzzword. Every team member must feel it. We also discuss the power of boomerang employees, the importance of designing recruitment processes that truly attract the right people, and how organizations can move from a transactional approach to a relational one. Kirstin’s insights highlight why great leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about asking the right questions, listening, and creati

What does it mean to lead with both heart and results? How do strong leaders build teams that thrive while ensuring business success? In this episode of Leadership With Heart, I have the pleasure of speaking with Susan Valverde, Brand President of Sylvan Learning, whose leadership journey is nothing short of inspiring. From starting as a franchisee to leading a national organization, Susan's path is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and people-centered Leadership. Throughout our conversation, Susan shares how her deep belief in her team's potential has shaped her leadership approach. She reflects on how growing up in an immigrant family, learning English alongside her loved ones, and working through challenges instilled in her the importance of collaboration and resilience. That foundation has fueled her leadership philosophy—one rooted in trust, open communication, and the belief that a strong team is the key to sustained success. One of the most compelling moments in our discussion is when Susan re

How do great leaders inspire confidence, even in the most challenging moments? What impact do body language, tone, and presence have on the people we lead? In this episode of Leadership with Heart, I sit down with Tracy Nolan, Senior Vice President of MarketPoint at Humana, to explore the art of leading with strength and compassion, often without saying a word. Tracy shares her journey from retail to telecommunications and ultimately to healthcare, where she leads thousands of employees and agents in helping people make critical health decisions. Our conversation takes an unexpected turn as we reflect on the Super Bowl, analyzing the nonverbal cues of top athletes like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. We discussed how their body language before halftime sent a message to their team, whether they realized it or not. The same is true in leadership. How we show up influences our teams far beyond what we say. Whether you're leading a team of five or five thousand, this episode offers practical insights into how