Leadership Matters- A Podcast by The Bailey Group

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with David Dardano, Human Resources Director at Episcopal Homes of Minnesota, to explore the leadership mindset behind trust, clarity, and lasting culture. David shares how leading “with people” (not just managing them) shapes stronger teams, and reflects on a formative lesson from early in his career: you a...

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Dean Dovolis, Owner of DJR Architecture, Inc., to explore leadership at the intersection of systems, community, and long-term impact. Dean shares what motivates him today, from community-led development and modular housing to projects that shape how people live and thrive. He reflects on the shift from...

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Mike Paton, EOS Implementer and co-author of Process! , to explore what truly drives healthy, high-performing organizations. Mike shares why alignment matters more than agreement, how accountability breaks down when authority is unclear, and why process is often misunderstood by entrepreneurial leaders....

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thompson sits down with Princess Paula for a wide-ranging, real conversation on leadership, resilience, and the power of community. Paula shares how performance and teaching shaped her voice, how hard seasons built “muscle” for what came next, and why human connection matters even more in an AI-driven world. They also unpack...

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thompson sits down with David Magy, co-founder and principal at Abeln, Magy, Underberg & Associates, to explore the formative experiences that shaped his leadership journey. David reflects on the impact of mentors, learning by doing, and asking questions without hesitation. He shares lessons from corporate leadership, ent...

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Founder Leigh Bailey to unpack one of the most challenging transitions in leadership: moving from being a trusted technical expert to becoming a strategic people leader. They explore why this shift can feel so uncomfortable - loss of control, a new definition of success, and the identity work required whe...

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Kris Fortman, CEO of Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, to explore what it truly means to lead with heart, clarity, and courage over the long haul. Kris shares her journey from growing up with a professor father at the University of Minnesota, to conducting healthcare research at HealthPartners, to g...

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, Kaylee Thompson talks with Libby Doran, Founder of Doran Leadership Partners, about what it truly means to lead with courage, humanity, and clarity. Libby traces her journey from international development work with USAID in the Horn of Africa to boutique management consulting and ultimately building her own executive search firm. Along the...

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, Kaylee Thomsen talks with Mary Nutting, co-founder of Strategic Talent Partners, about what it really takes to grow as a leader. Mary shares how early imposter syndrome shaped her leadership journey and how leading 30 developers in her twenties taught her the power of vision, service, and humility. Drawing on her experience as an entrepren...

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, Kaylee Thomsen talks with Mike Braun, founder of Pivotal Advisors, about what great leaders actually do. Mike shares how strong leaders shift from being the “answer man” to a coach who asks better questions, builds clarity, encourages feedback, and redefines accountability. Drawing on experience with 4,000+ companies, he explains why promo...

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen brings together a panel of The Bailey Group’s executive coaches for an honest, heartfelt conversation about what truly shapes great leaders. They explore the power of the right conversation at the right time, the pivotal decisions that changed their trajectories, and the mistakes that became turning points. Through stor...

In this episode of Leadership Matters, we sit down with Craig Warren, CEO of Washburn Center for Children, for a powerful conversation about what it means to lead with courage, curiosity, and care, especially when the environment feels chaotic. Craig’s leadership journey has been anything but linear. From his formative experiences in the U.S. military to his work in nonprofit leadership, he’s lear...

In this episode of Leadership Matters , Sals Mondelli joins us for a candid conversation about what it means to lead with heart, resilience, and a relentless commitment to growth. Drawing from his diverse leadership journey, Sals shares how authenticity, trust, and clear vision shape strong teams and lasting impact. Tune in to hear practical leadership wisdom, personal stories, and strategies for...

In this episode of Leadership Matters , we sit down with Jim Willenbring to explore what it means to lead with clarity, trust, and intention. Jim shares pivotal lessons from his leadership journey, reflecting on how effective leaders create space for growth, empower their teams, and navigate complex challenges with confidence. Whether you’re leading a team, an organization, or shaping your own lea...

In this episode of Leadership Matters , host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Ann Houser , CEO of The Bailey Group , to explore what it means to lead leaders. With decades of experience as an executive coach and now as CEO, Ann shares how she blends strategy and self-awareness to guide both her organization and her clients through complexity. She opens up about her own leadership journey — the lesson...

In this episode of Leadership Matters , host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Barb Krantz Taylor , psychologist, executive coach, and Principal Consultant at The Bailey Group, to explore what it truly means to lead with humanity. Barb shares lessons from decades of guiding leaders — from embracing vulnerability to cultivating emotional intelligence — and offers a powerful reminder that great leadersh...

Recap of our Launch Party

In this episode, the tables turn as founder Leigh Bailey interviews our very own host, Kaylee Thomsen. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at Kaylee’s journey—her leadership experiences, what inspires her, and why she’s passionate about the conversations we’re bringing to you through Leadership Matters . It’s a chance to connect with the voice behind the mic and learn more about the perspe...

In our debut episode, The Bailey Group founder Leigh Bailey shares the vision and values that inspired him to create a firm dedicated to transforming leaders and organizations. Leigh reflects on pivotal leadership moments, the evolving challenges executives face today, and why authentic, purpose-driven leadership is more important than ever. Get inspired by the story behind The Bailey Group and di...

Tomorrow, Leadership Matters , a podcast by The Bailey Group, officially launches! Here’s a sneak peek at the meaningful conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to inspire, influence, and create lasting change.