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

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....

Join host Angela Gill Nelms as she sits down with Marc Reinfenrath to explore the evolution of digital marketing, the power of core values in leadership, and the art of adapting to client needs. Marc shares his journey of founding Spinutech, his challenges, and key lessons in building strong client relationships and thriving team culture. Together, they dive into modern leadership—navigating press...

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, host Angela Gill Nelms sits down with healthcare executive Eric Doherty to explore the evolving relationship between leadership, management, and technology—particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Together, they break down the key distinctions between leaders and managers, the role of trust in effective leadership, and the profound impact AI has acr...

Host Angela Gill Nelms as she sits down with Patrick Lyons, a seasoned expert in family business coaching. Patrick shares his insights on fostering communication, overcoming challenges, and scaling family-run organizations. He also discusses his podcast, the Frustrated CEO, where he interviews top leaders about their challenges and best practices. Learn more about Patrick at: Patrick’s LinkedIn: h...

Join host Angela Gill Nelms as she sits down with Anne Chow to discuss her new book, Lead Bigger: The Transformative Power of Inclusion. Together, they explore the power of inclusive leadership, the role of communication and vulnerability in fostering supportive workplaces, and the importance of aligning actions with core values. Anne shares lessons from her remarkable career and her time as CEO o...

Welcome to the Badass Leaders Podcast! In this conversation, Angela Gill Nelms interviews Scott Wozniak ( @SwozConsulting ), author of 'Make Your Brand Legendary.' They discuss the importance of creating a legendary brand through exceptional customer experiences, the journey of leadership, and the significance of consistency in building customer trust. Scott shares insights from his career, includ...

The AGN Group is excited to reveal a project we've been working on.... the Badass Leaders Podcast. What's it all about? Each week, host Angela Gill Nelms will be joined by industry experts for intimate, eye-opening discussions on the challenges and joys of leadership today. Whether you're scaling your company, growing your brand, or unlocking your full badass potential, this podcast is for you! Be...