Transformation Unfiltered

Summary: What happens when your ego and best intentions collide? Chris Forando thought he was building a dream team of high-potential leaders. Instead, he created a recipe for dysfunction. In this raw and revealing episode, Chris shares how unchecked assumptions, untested hypotheses, and personal ambition unraveled his project from the inside out. Chapters: 00:00 – The Bold Idea & My Blind Spo...

Summary: What happens when an engineer who thrives on data is forced to navigate chaos where the rules no longer compute? Chris May shares how COVID stripped away his reliance on rigid process and revealed the true currency of business: empathy, connection, and people-first leadership. This conversation explores how Chris reshaped himself and his company to succeed by humanizing technology and cen...

Summary: We’ve all heard “trust your gut” but what happens when you don’t? Joe Wilmoth shares the story of a rushed hiring decision that backfired big time. From cutting corners to ignoring red flags, he breaks down the price of sidelining your instincts and how that painful moment shaped the way he coaches leaders today. Chapters: 00:00 – When Gut Instincts Go Quiet 03:00 – The Hire That Haunted...

Summary: What happens when your world falls apart but you're still expected to lead? In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Michelle Lybarger opens up about navigating one of the hardest chapters of her life—a divorce, a career pivot, and a cross-country move—all while holding space for her team. From hiding tears in the bathroom to showing up with strength and grace, Michelle shares the tools,...

Summary: From burnout and back-to-back family crises to a panic attack that changed everything—Kelly Kuecker’s story is one of survival, surrender, and stepping into her power. In this raw and revealing conversation, Kelly opens up about the cost of perfectionism, the pressure to “do it all,” and the surprising shift that led her to the biggest role of her career. Chapters: 00:00 The Dilemma: Taki...

Summary: Ever screamed at your kid on vacation and thought, "How did I get here?" Kim Gacso did and that moment cracked something open. In this episode, Kim shares how she went from breakdown to boundaries after her dream job nearly broke her. We talk about guilt, shame, healing, and what it really means to choose yourself without burning it all down. If you've ever been the "reliable one," this o...

Summary: From accidentally lighting a lab bench on fire to championing Virginia’s bioscience community, Caron Trumbo’s journey is a masterclass in calm under pressure, empathy, and saying yes to growth. She shares the early-career mistake that rewired her response to crisis, how it made her a better leader, and why scientists and women in STEM in particular win when we ask more questions, make roo...

Summary: What happens when your drive to “do it all” pushes you past the point of depletion? In this episode, Yasmeen Duncan shares how survival-mode leadership nearly broke her and how she rebuilt her career, her health, and her life through grace, boundaries, and systems of support. From 16-hour days in hospitality HR to creating her own executive coaching practice, Yasmeen reveals what it takes...

Summary: We’ve all heard the myth: your first 90 days in a new leadership role are about proving yourself with quick wins. But what if that’s the worst advice you could follow? In this episode, D’Mar Phillips tells the story of how trying to impress fast nearly backfired and what it taught him about slowing down, listening deeply, and letting trust set the pace for impact. Chapters: 00:00 – Why qu...

Summary: What do you do when your hospitals flood, 160 employees go missing, and you realize there’s no playbook? You rewrite the rules. Austin Maggard shares how Appalachian Regional turned two back-to-back disasters into a culture-defining transformation and why HR became the backbone of resilience. Chapters: 00:00 – Generational workforce shifts at ARH 03:23 – What rural healthcare really looks...

Summary: What do you do when your first leadership role comes with a nightmare boss, a team looking to you for protection, and zero playbook for managing up? Elda shares how she learned to “zoom out” instead of “head down” her way through the storm and why finding allies, mentors, and perspective is the real career insurance policy. Chapters: 00:00 – When your first leadership role comes with a ni...

Summary: What would you do if a direct report brought a hidden diary of grievances to your boss? Julie Deane lived it. In this episode, she opens up about a moment that could have derailed her career but instead reshaped it. With help from a wise boss and a lot of humility, Julie transformed a tough confrontation into the cornerstone of her leadership style. Chapters: 00:00 - The Diary That Change...

Summary: Discover how Matthew Anderson, HR Director at Rio Grande, transformed his approach to leadership by embracing criticism and incorporating his artistic creativity. From launching a performance management system to achieving a 90% engagement survey response rate, learn how Matthew's unique perspective and open-minded approach have led to significant success in his career. In this episode, M...

Summary: Join Alexa Beavers as she welcomes Amanda Smith, Chief Human Resources Officer at Vision Innovation Partners. Amanda shares her journey of overcoming career struggles and the importance of self-advocacy, especially after moving across the country for a job opportunity that didn’t materialize. Discover how Amanda learned to give herself permission to aspire to more and the lessons she gath...

Summary: Angie Collins shares her journey navigating the challenges of a new role in the banking industry. Facing a manager focused on short-term sales, Angie discusses her approach to building long-term client relationships and aligning her methods with personal values and organizational missions. Dr. Jim highlights how Angie's strategy—presenting solutions, being mission-driven, tapping into emp...

Summary: Traci Wills joins Alexa Beavers to discuss the personal journey from feeling undervalued in her career to recognizing her own worth and power. Traci shares insights on the challenges of the "Black tax," the weight of self-doubt, and the impact on mental and physical health. She reveals how motherhood was a turning point, driving her to embrace her strengths, demand alignment in her profes...

Summary: Hillary Wilson shares her transformative journey in leading organizational change in a global pharmaceutical company. Struggling with persuasion tactics, she discovered a new way of leading through curiosity and self-awareness. Hosted by Alexa Beavers, this episode delves into the inner work that powers effective leadership. As Hillary highlights the importance of collaboration and tappin...

Summary: Eric Shangle, leader of People and Culture at Pine Gate Renewables, shares his journey from transactional HR management to a more strategic, collaborative leadership approach. In a candid discussion with host Alexa Beavers, Eric reflects on his experiences in the Navy and hospitality industry, revealing how he learned to empower managers and prioritize organizational growth. The conversat...

Summary: Yasmeen Duncan shares her transformative journey from survival mode to thriving in leadership. As an accomplished HR executive and executive coach, Yasmeen dives deep into the challenges of managing overwhelming workloads and how she learned to prioritize self-grace, emotional intelligence, and building a personal support system. She discusses practical strategies for achieving balance, a...

Summary: Natalie Garamone, owner and Principal Consultant of 180, joins Craig Beavers to share her transformative journey from CEO to consultant. Natalie sheds light on overcoming imposter syndrome, finding authenticity in leadership, and the power of mindfulness. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, honest communication, and peer support in navigating organizational challenges. Discover...

Summary: Dr. Jim welcomes Kandi Gongora, Chief Transformation and People Officer at Goodway Group, to discuss the challenges of transitioning into a new industry. Kandi shares her journey from Coca Cola to leading transformation at a car dealership while juggling the pursuit of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige Award. The conversation delves into overcoming obstacles, building resilience, and the i...

Summary: Caron Trumbo, Vice President of Operations at Virginia Bio, shares her journey from a young genetics researcher to a leader in biotech. She discusses the importance of empathy, asking questions, and resilience after mistakes. Caron reveals how her upbringing in a challenging household helped her remain calm under pressure, leading to personal growth and professional success. Alexa Beavers...

Summary: Dr. Gina Anderson, CEO of Luma Brighter Learning, joins the podcast to discuss the power of resilience and mindset shifts in the entrepreneurial journey. Sharing her own experiences of overcoming multiple grant rejections, Dr. Anderson illustrates how failure can fuel confidence and spark innovative thinking. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of assumptions and seizing unexpecte...

Summary: Becky Chung, VP of Development at Cielo Talent, shares her pivotal career moment of realizing she picked the wrong job driven by a desire for security. Talking with Alexa Beavers, the conversation details learning from mistakes, embracing insecurities, and the importance of aligning personal and professional values. Becky emphasizes the significance of collaboration and crafting environme...

Summary: D'Mar Phillips, VP of People and Culture at RS Americas joins Dr. Jim to discuss the myths surrounding the first 90 days in a new leadership role. Phillips shares insights from his career, emphasizing the importance of listening, observing, and learning before rushing into changes. He recounts a personal experience of misaligned expectations early in his career and how it shaped his leade...