Badass Leaders Podcast: Leadership, Career Growth, and Company Culture

This is not a typical episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast. Today, it’s just me — Angela Gill Nelms — sharing a story I never thought I’d tell publicly. This year marks two milestones: 50 years alive — and 5 years free. Five years since I escaped a kidnapping that nearly ended my life. Five years of rebuilding, healing, reclaiming my voice, and redefining what leadership truly means when you’ve h...

In this candid and energetic conversation, Daniel Steere ( @steeringventures ) unpacks what it really takes to “make work not suck.” From reframing “BS jobs” to uncovering dignity in every role, Daniel shares his Vision–Journey–Culture–Results framework and challenges leaders to think beyond quick wins. We dig into why purpose matters more than process, the hidden dangers of “hero culture,” and ho...

From the streets of Savannah to the boardrooms of European hospitals, Dr. Beth Harrison’s life is a masterclass in resilience and bold leadership. In this powerful episode, she shares her journey of growing up adopted in a conservative Southern home, later discovering the truth about her birth, and turning life’s challenges into unstoppable momentum. Dr. Harrison reveals how sailing and game theor...

What if mastering conflict could bring you more freedom, not friction? In this episode, Angela sits down with Karen Valencic—engineer, Aikido black belt, and author of Spiral Impact: The Power to Get It Done with Grace—to talk about why most of us misunderstand conflict and how to flip it into connection. Karen unpacks the difference between force and power, shares why confrontation is rarely the...

Gamification expert Caitlin Johnson joins Angela Gill Nelms to unpack how leaders can transform their work, careers, and teams using game design thinking. From leveling up your career to designing systems that make hard things fun, Caitlin shares tactical strategies and hard-earned wisdom from her work coaching tens of thousands of leaders. They dig into motivation, breaking out of comfort zones,...

- Ferrari Racing, Accenture & Global Leadership | Bud Moeller How do you earn followers, not just employees? In this episode of The Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Bud Moeller—Georgia Tech Hall of Fame alum, former Booz Allen & Accenture partner, global transformation consultant, semi-pro Ferrari race car driver, jet pilot, and certified sommelier. They dig into ho...

How a fighter pilot helped BP slash safety incidents by 70%—Andrew Dingee on systems, leadership, and learning from failure. Andrew Dingee, former fighter pilot and BP executive, joins Angela Gill Nelms to share how aviation safety principles—like checklists, debriefs, and human factors thinking—can transform corporate culture. They discuss building systems that learn from mistakes, the role of le...

You can be successful and sane — yes, really. In this episode, we delve into how leaders can avoid the burnout trap while still accomplishing significant work and making a meaningful impact. Join Angela Gill Nelms as she shares 6 badass steps from her blog post/mini-episode that help you: - Recognize the early warning signs of burnout (before it burns you out) - Define success on your terms — not...

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of the Badass Leaders podcast, Angela welcomes Emmy Award-winning technologist and engineering trailblazer Cathleen Quigley, who shares her remarkable journey through Silicon Valley, Broadcom, and beyond. Cathleen opens up about pioneering broadband innovations, earning over 100 patents, and the emotional and professional complexity of transitioning la...

Former college football athlete turned powerhouse leader, Kofi Smith joins the Badass Leaders Podcast to share his journey from the field to the front office. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Kofi unpacks how discipline, resilience, and teamwork shaped his leadership style. He dives deep into the power of authenticity, conflict resolution, mental health, and the importance of embracing vuln...

You can’t lead well alone. Real leadership demands a trusted squad in your corner — people who challenge you, support you, and push you forward. In this episode (or video), Angela Gill Nelms breaks down the three vital roles your personal leadership “A-Team” must fill — the Boardroom, the Foxhole, and the Locker Room — and how each one elevates your game and builds your resilience.  We’ll walk you...

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, business coach and former Chick-fil-A leader Jacob Karnes ( @WavesBusinessCoaching )  shares practical insights on leadership, team dynamics, and employee retention. He dives into why clarity is a leader’s superpower, how to build strong workplace cultures, and why belonging matters more than money when it comes to retention. Jacob discusses how to gr...

What does it really mean to lead with authenticity in a world that often rewards conformity? In this powerful episode, Kristi Straw ( @KristiStraw_UNICORNLeader ) —serial founder, leadership coach, and creator of the Unicorn Leader framework—joins host Angela Gill Nelms to unpack the real story behind effective leadership. As she navigates toxic corporate culture and embraces emotional intelligenc...

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we sit down with leadership coach and global thinker Sophie Badré to explore what it truly means to lead in a multicultural world. Sophie unpacks the concept of peaceful leadership—a style rooted in kindness, self-awareness, and authentic communication—and why it’s becoming essential in today’s complex global landscape. From her rich experiences work...

Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it makes all the difference. In this special “best of” episode, we’ve curated powerful moments from past guests who’ve shared their wisdom on navigating conflict at work and in life. From embracing discomfort to leaning into tough conversations, our guests offer practical strategies, candid stories, and refreshing perspectives on what it means to manage te...

In this episode, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Sherry Farrugia, Senior Vice President at Veranex, to unpack what it really takes to lead in today’s complex healthcare and life sciences landscape. From her decades in health IT to her work commercializing cutting-edge medical devices, Sherry shares the behind-the-scenes lessons that have shaped her leadership philosophy — one rooted in empathy, i...

In this special role-reversal episode of Badass Leaders Podcast, the mic is flipped! Angela Gill Nelms, usually the fearless host, takes the hot seat while her dear friend and fellow badass leader, Gia Ganesh, steps in as interviewer. What unfolds is a raw, inspiring, and refreshingly candid conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it really means to be brave. Angela opens up about over...

In this episode, host Angela Gill Nelms chats with Tracy Lee ( @TheLeadershipExchange )   —entrepreneur, technologist, and advocate for women in tech—about her journey from learning to code to leading in the health and life sciences space. Tracy shares why building community matters, how to hire for culture adds over culture fits, and why meaningful work resonates so strongly with today’s talent....

In this insightful episode, Steve Garraty, author of Grapefruit, shares how his battle with cancer reshaped his views on life, leadership, and gratitude. The conversation explores the power of empathy in navigating grief, the role of appreciation in leadership, and the contrast between managers and true leaders. Listeners gain valuable insights on building a winning culture, transforming underperf...

In this episode, Sherry Grote shares her journey from traditional marketing to becoming a licensed pastor and industry leader. She discusses balancing creativity with data-driven strategies, leading fragmented teams, and the power of communication in workplace culture. Sherry also introduces Harmony Hero, an initiative empowering marketers and HR professionals to find their voice and drive change....

In this episode, we sit down with insurance industry CEO Mark Williams to explore the nuances of authentic leadership. Our conversation delves into creating employee-centric cultures, fostering open communication, and balancing business goals with employee well-being. We discuss the significance of vulnerability, empathy, and personal branding, sharing insights on conflict resolution, embracing fa...

In this insightful conversation, Jon Sexton ( @Jon.sexton ), shares his journey from aspiring musician to successful entrepreneur in real estate and health clubs. He emphasizes adaptability, mentorship, and the value of building a strong team. Jon explores leadership dynamics, employee transitions, and personal well-being alongside Angela Gill Nelms. They discuss handling separations with grace, b...

In this episode, Angela Gill Nelms talks to fighter pilot and leadership expert Brandon Williams ( @leadershipspeakerpilot ),  who shares powerful insights on building high-performing leaders by understanding human factors. He explores the critical role of work-life integration, daily habits, and mindfulness in effective leadership. The discussion also examines the challenges of leading in a VUCA...

In this insightful and dynamic conversation, Angela Gill Nelms and Vicki Bradley ( @wilempowered ), dive deep into the core of leadership—exploring trust, confidence, and personal growth. Through personal stories and real-world experiences, they discuss overcoming adversity, the power of internal validation, and the role of emotional intelligence in building strong relationships. They highlight th...

Angela Gill Nelms and Drew Harden dive into the essence of company culture and leadership, challenging the notion that culture is just about perks. Drawing from Drew's book Retain, they explore the power of visible values, appreciation, and working with like-minded clients. The conversation is packed with actionable insights on fostering joy, connection, growth, and vulnerability in the workplace....