Confessions of a Terrible Leader

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, host Layci Nelson and podcast producer Mary Skop dive into the topic of recession. They provide a layperson’s understanding of what a recession entails and discuss its typical duration and impact on various industries. Layci emphasizes the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and a collaborative approach in weathering economic downtu...

Breaking the Cycle: Identifying and Overcoming Toxic Work Cultures, feat. Suhein Beck In this episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader,' host Layci Nelson interviews Suhein Beck, a speaker and entrepreneur passionate about multiculturalism in organizations. Suhein shares her unique journey from a refugee to a prominent leader and her obsession with cultivating harmonious cultures. Topics discu...

In this episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader', host Layci Nelson and producer Mary Skop dive into the challenges leaders face during uncertain times, especially with the current issue of tariffs. They discuss the importance of emotional regulation for leaders, recognizing signs of stress, and the significance of transparency and communication with the team. Layci emphasizes the need for le...

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci welcomes David Cohen, an organizational behavior expert with a doctorate from Boston University and additional studies at Harvard. David shares his extensive experience on how to map and understand the cultural DNA of organizations. They discuss the importance of leadership alignment with organizational values, the significance of integrit...

Join Layci as she dives into the essential traits that define a world-class team. This episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader explores high-performance teams, healthy team dynamics, the importance of varied life experiences, and the role of innovation in achieving extraordinary results. Discover the concept of intrapreneurship and extreme ownership, and learn how intentional practice and lead...

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci welcomes Mayim Vega, a former NASA computer scientist turned holistic life coach and entrepreneur. They discuss Mayim's diverse background, her transition from a career in science to holistic health, and her journey managing nine children. Mayim shares her experiences dealing with high stress, migraines, and the inadequacies of conventiona...

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci and producer Mary reflect on the importance of vulnerability in leadership. Layci shares a poignant story about the time she continued onboarding a new team member right after her father's death in 2024, which led to significant challenges. They discuss the crucial lesson of knowing when to press pause, especially during personal crises, a...

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci engages in an enlightening conversation with executive coach and author Rachel Burr. They delve into Rachel's new book, 'Butterfly Goo, The Down and Dirty Truth of Transformation,' and discuss the raw complexities of leadership. Rachel shares valuable insights on what executive coaching entails, emphasizing the importance of mindset, navig...

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci talks with Yara Banks, a seasoned HR professional and author of 'Executive Blind Spots: How Misalignment with HR Can Impact Your Bottom Line.' Yara shares her career journey from studying criminal justice to becoming a key player in HR and operations. She discusses the common blind spots executives have regarding HR, the importance of invo...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader' on YouTube! Join host Layci Nelson and producer Mary Skop as they discuss effective annual planning strategies for leaders. This episode delves into the importance of mindset, strategic planning, and setting up your team for a successful year. Layci shares insights on gathering market intelligence, paying attention to business...

Hello, listeners! Producer Mary Skop here, just to say thank you so much for listening to Confessions of a Terrible Leader. We so appreciate you giving us some of your very valuable time, and making us part of your podcast listening experience. We want to show our appreciation by hosting a little giveaway to celebrate our listeners AND to celebrate the launch of our brand new YouTube channel! That...

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci chats with Lynn Daniel, the CEO and founder of The Daniel Group. Lynn, a veteran in transforming customer journeys since 1989, dives into the dramatic evolution from customer service to customer experience. Discover how real-time feedback, employee engagement, and senior leadership can revolutionize your business. Lynn also shares his entr...

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci engages in a profound conversation with Sharissa Deppin, CEO of Leadership Mastery Alliance. Sharissa specializes in empowering introverted servant leaders to thrive in a world often skewed towards extroverts. They delve into Sharissa’s journey from tech leadership to coaching, addressing the unique challenges and strengths of introverted...

CW: This episode mentions miscarriage and severe allergic reactions In this episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader,'  Layci engages in a heartfelt conversation with Melissa Hurrington, CFO and VP of Operations at Premiere Claims. Melissa shares her insights on female leadership empowerment and the complex balance between personal life and professional responsibilities. They discuss the chall...

In this episode, Layci welcomes conflict resolution specialist and entrepreneur Amy Armstrong. Amy shares her journey from dealing with a painful divorce to becoming a trusted figure in resolving high-conflict situations, including personal disputes and court-ordered mediations. She emphasizes the importance of personal growth, self-management, and setting boundaries in her professional and person...

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, producer Mary Skop chats with Layci about the timely topic of quiet quitting. They explore the concept, origins, and implications of quiet quitting, particularly noting how remote work post-lockdown has exacerbated the issue. They highlight the importance of leadership clarity, empathy, and genuine human connection in preventing quiet quitting....

In this episode, Layci welcomes Chris Seifert, founder of Enabling Empowerment, a manufacturing executive advisor, and author. Chris shares his journey from submarine force leadership in the Navy to roles in manufacturing and consulting. They discuss the common struggles leaders face in root cause analysis and decision-making, highlighting the need for improved decision-making skills in complex en...

Transition and Growth: From Family Business to Industry Leadership with Amber Kendrick In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci welcomes Amber Kendrick, the third-generation business owner of Pete's Auto Parts, located in Michigan. Amber shares her journey from working in the family business, initially avoiding it to eventually falling in love with business growth during her tenu...

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci sits down with Kathleen Donaldson, a mental health advocate and founder of the Trusted Adult Program. Kathleen shares her personal journey with mental health, beginning with her experiences with panic attacks at a young age. She discusses the challenges of navigating mental health stigma and the importance of community support. Kathleen's...

CW: This episode discusses death and end-of-life care for loved ones.  Imagine being a beginner chaplain in hospice care, surrounded by the profound experiences of life's final chapter. That's where Benjamin Kintisch found his inspiration for "Life Review," a musical that delves into the complexities of death and dying. From the initial spark of an idea to the final performance, Benjamin's journey...

In this episode, Layci and Mary discuss the importance of strategic, annual, and quarterly planning for organizations. Layci also shares some tips on how to effectively implement these planning processes. Key Takeaways Strategic planning is essential for setting a clear direction for the organization and aligning the leadership team. Annual planning builds on the foundation laid by strategic plann...

In this short episode, Producer Mary unpacks how Transcend Leadership Collective can help with strategic, quarterly, and annual planning for individuals and organizations. Discover how these planning methods can help you set clear goals, prioritize tasks, and achieve long-term success. Key Points: Strategic Planning: Provides a roadmap for long-term goals. Helps align resources and efforts. Ensure...

CW: This episode discusses pregnancy and birth trauma. Join us as we chat with the inspiring Parijat Deshpande, a pioneer in the field of medical trauma healing and founder of Ruvelle, a company that focuses exclusively on helping individuals heal from traumatic pregnancies and revolutionize their health moving forward. Parijat shares her journey from personal experience to becoming a leader in su...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Robert MacPhee, a seasoned leader and coach who has transformed his career from parking management to working alongside legendary author Jack Canfield. In this episode, Robert shares his profound insights on the power of values in leadership and personal growth. Key Takeaways: The Value of Values: Discover why aligning with your core values is essential f...

Join us as we chat with the inspiring Laura Aura, an entrepreneur, mindset coach, and podcast host of The Gutsy Podcast. Laura shares her incredible journey of overcoming self-doubt and building a thriving business. Key Takeaways The Power of Vulnerability: Laura opens up about the challenges she faced as an entrepreneur, including self-doubt and overthinking. She emphasizes the importance of bein...