The True Leadership Podcast

In this episode, Ty sits down with JD Dillon, a marketing and customer experience executive and former Army officer, to explore what it means to make leadership a discipline of its own. JD shares how military leadership shaped his belief in leading from the front and creating opportunities for others to thrive. He also reflects candidly on confronting his own ego, receiving difficult feedback, and...

In this episode, Ty sits down with Edward Arias, a people-first executive, to explore why human connection remains at the heart of great leadership. Edward reflects on the mentors who invested deeply in him and how their example shaped his commitment to paying it forward. He shares a pivotal moment when honest feedback exposed a blind spot in his leadership and forced him to reconsider the standar...

In this episode, Ty sits down with Kristy Hesse, a strategic human resources executive, to explore why leadership growth often requires letting go of what once made us successful. Kristy shares how an early manager saw potential in her before she saw it herself, shaping her commitment to developing others. She reflects on learning to relinquish expertise, delegate responsibility, trust her team, a...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with technology executive Cooper Chien to explore what leadership requires in an era of rapid technological change. Cooper shares how his father shaped his approach to growth, responsibility, and adapting through different stages of life. He reflects on leading teams through uncertainty, introducing AI into organizations, and learning to communicate complex ideas w...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with revenue and sales executive Phil Harkenrider to explore why leadership is ultimately a privilege and responsibility. Phil shares how early mentors shaped his belief in giving people trust and opportunities to grow, and how stepping into unfamiliar leadership roles taught him to rely on others’ expertise. He reflects on actively seeking feedback, publicly ownin...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with human resources executive Diane Slater to explore what it takes to create conditions where people can truly thrive. Diane shares how early mentors shaped her leadership, and how losing herself in work forced her to rethink delegation, balance, and what effective leadership requires. She discusses the power of simplification, relentless curiosity, seeking feedb...

In this episode, Ty sits down with Sharon Pollard, a people and culture executive, to explore what leadership demands in an era of rapid transformation. Sharon shares how an early mentor changed the trajectory of her career by believing in her potential and why she now works to create that same impact for others. She reflects on moving beyond reactivity, learning to pause instead of immediately so...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with marketing executive, advisor, and author Jerome Stewart to explore what leadership requires as AI fundamentally changes how work gets done. Jerome shares how his own thinking shifted from seeing AI as an assistant to recognizing its ability to perform work once reserved for experienced professionals. He discusses why leaders must abandon outdated playbooks, st...

In this episode, Ty sits down with Joshua Gould, a global CEO and entrepreneur, to explore authenticity, adaptability, and leadership in uncertain times. Joshua reflects on how his entrepreneurial upbringing shaped his appetite for risk and why difficult economic environments can create extraordinary opportunities. He shares a pivotal lesson about adapting his leadership style without losing who h...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with global human resources executive Donovan Mattole to explore why leadership is ultimately about investing in people. Donovan shares how early mentors saw potential in him before he could see it himself, shaping his commitment to developing others throughout his career. He reflects on learning to move from control to empowerment, receiving candid feedback that c...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with revenue growth strategist and fractional executive Jason Slattum to explore why leadership starts with people, not position. Jason shares how receiving an early career opportunity shaped his commitment to giving others their own chance to grow. He breaks down his principles of caring, knowing, protecting, and trusting the people you lead, while balancing human...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with human resources executive and executive coach Dana Rutland to explore curiosity, perspective, and growth in leadership. Dana shares how an early mentor recognized her potential before she saw it herself and taught her to respond rather than react. She reflects on overcoming perfectionism through the “80% rule,” developing an abundance mindset toward change, an...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with Chief Human Resources Officer Katie Roland to explore why trust is the foundation of effective leadership. Katie shares how recognizing her own people-pleasing tendencies helped her stop deferring to others and begin leading from her values and experience. She discusses the importance of healthy disagreement, direct feedback, human connection, and adapting lea...

In this episode, Ty sits down with Khary Campbell, a consumer insights and analytics executive, to explore why great leadership begins with investing in people. Khary shares how watching his parents build their lives through partnership shaped his servant leadership philosophy and his belief that great work naturally follows a high-performing team. He reflects on learning to meet people where they...

In this episode, Ty sits down with Angela Cheng-Cimini, a seasoned human resources executive and board advisor, to explore why leadership must remain deeply human as work rapidly changes. Angela shares lessons on humility, listening, resilience, and knowing when to slow down in order to move faster. She reflects on recognizing when an organization no longer aligns with your values, reclaiming agen...

In this episode, Ty sits down with Danielle Clark, a global talent executive, to explore what leadership demands in a period of unprecedented change. Danielle shares how she learned to let go of being the individual expert, adapt her leadership to the people and circumstances in front of her, and recognize when achievement needs to give way to reflection and recovery. They discuss building trust b...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with human resources executive Veronica Garcia to explore leadership through the lenses of stewardship, empathy, and self-awareness. Veronica shares how her immigrant parents shaped her work ethic and desire to help others, and how an unexpected career pivot ultimately led her to HR. She reflects on the leader who taught her that mistakes could become opportunities...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with Vinod Parmeshwar, CFO and CHRO at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, to explore a deeply human approach to leadership. Vinod shares how early influences shaped his commitment to long-term impact, social responsibility, and empowering others to realize their potential. Through powerful global examples, he reflects on the importance of humility, listening, an...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with Jeff Hill, a veteran media and sales leader, to explore how leadership evolves over time and under pressure. Jeff shares early lessons that reshaped his approach, including the pivotal moment he learned to balance empathy with expectation. He reflects on navigating industry disruption, leading through uncertainty, and maintaining team motivation in the face of...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with Chris Sterbenc, a veteran revenue leader and startup advisor, to explore what it truly takes to lead in high-growth, high-pressure environments. Chris shares lessons from decades of building teams, scaling companies, and navigating both exceptional and toxic leadership. He reflects on the critical shift from individual contributor to leader, the importance of...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with Heather Mansour, Chief Human Resources Officer, to explore what it truly means to lead with heart while delivering strategic impact. Heather shares her journey of evolving from traditional HR into a people-first leadership role, where empathy, accountability, and resilience are essential. She reflects on the importance of aligning people strategy with business...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with Michael Cole, Chief Marketing Officer and growth leader, to explore what leadership looks like in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven world. Michael shares how an entrepreneurial mindset, combined with deep ownership and adaptability, shapes effective leaders and high-performing teams. He breaks down the importance of hiring for thinking over credentials, empowering...

In this episode, Ty sits down with Dean Scontras, Vice President at Island, to explore leadership shaped through adversity, discipline, and timeless principles. Dean shares how early experiences in athletics taught him to lead through challenge, build belief, and stay committed even when outcomes seemed unlikely. He reflects on the importance of vision, communication, and taking responsibility, es...

In this episode, Ty sits down with Guy Ronen, seasoned operator and venture builder, to explore leadership shaped through humility, failure, and constant growth. Guy shares how early experiences, including military leadership and startup environments, reshaped his approach from control to deep awareness and influence. He emphasizes the importance of understanding people, building culture as the co...

In this episode, Jessy sits down with Dave Frisone, a seasoned commercial and growth leader, to explore what it takes to build high-performing teams across industries and stages of growth. Dave shares how servant leadership, low ego, and a deep investment in people create the foundation for lasting success. Drawing from his experience scaling organizations from startups to enterprise, he breaks do...