To Lead Is Human

Just over a year ago, we published an episode worth presenting again. It's a story of how Vandana Kumar transformed a community’s shared needs into a mission-driven organization, while navigating challenges of change and fostering team buy-in. Her conversation with Sharon highlights the importance of clarity, empathy, and adaptability in leadership, offering valuable lessons for leaders at all lev...

Leadership is harder today—not because leaders are weaker, but because conditions have changed. In this solo episode, Sharon Richmond explores three leadership dynamics shaping teams now: psychological safety, emotional contagion, and shared accountability—and how leaders can adapt with clarity and humanity. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape c...

Re-center your thinking for 2026 with Sharon ‘s five essential practices for leadership during ongoing volatility and change. Blending real-world examples with actionable insights, she reveals how intentional pauses, emotional intelligence, and grounded values empower leaders to guide their teams. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of...

In this combined Parts 1 & 2 conversation, Jane Chen , co-founder of Embrace, shares how creating a lifesaving incubator company shaped her leadership. She reflects on values over outcomes, the toll of burnout, and why psychological safety must begin within a leader before it can be grown in teams. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape culture...

In this retrospective, we hear 17 past guests answering host Sharon Richmond ’s question, “What does ‘To Lead Is Human’ mean to you?” In their own words, these accomplished executives from across the leadership spectrum provide insight, wisdom, and perspective on the many facets of being a leader. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of...

In this Thanksgiving replay, host Sharon Richmond highlights the importance of gratitude in leadership. We then hear a prime example of this in her conversation with Tim Lupinacci, CEO of a top-100 U.S. law firm, whose distinctly humble and humanistic leadership fosters strong employee engagement. Welcome to To Lead Is Human. This show helps listeners envision how they can uplevel their leadership...

A technology leader at a large university, Eve Raymond shares practical ways leaders can transform change and conflict into connection. She explains how curiosity, emotional intelligence, and deep listening help teams navigate tension, repair trust, and build stronger, more compassionate workplaces. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures o...

In this must-listen episode, DocuSign CEO Allan Thygesen shares how curiosity, empathy, and communication shape his leadership. He discusses balancing performance and people, leading through change, and why trust and clarity are essential for scaling an organization without losing its human core. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of a...

CEO Tim Brackney of Springline Advisory shares how to scale with soul —balancing growth, purpose, and people-first leadership. Hear how transparency, trust, and humanity shape his approach to building a high-performing, values-driven firm. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of accountability, respect, and candor.                 “We ca...

In Part 2 of 2, Jane Chen , co-founder of Embrace, shares how creating a lifesaving incubator company shaped her leadership. She reflects on values over outcomes, the toll of burnout, the power of vulnerability, and why psychological safety must begin within a leader before it can be grown in teams. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures o...

In Part 1 of 2, Jane Chen , co-founder of Embrace, shares how creating a lifesaving incubator company shaped her leadership. She reflects on values over outcomes, the toll of burnout, the power of vulnerability, and why psychological safety must begin within a leader before it can be grown in teams. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures o...

As a preview of our upcoming special compilation called Small Moments, Big Transformations , we’re replaying Spencer Sherman ’s remarkable story of losing everything in a fire, discovering Buddhist practices, and building a 70-person B-Corp that puts values, mindfulness, and client well-being first. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures o...

Host Sharon Richmond tackles the art of giving feedback. She explores why it’s vital for employee engagement and mentorship — and growth for both parties. Bonus: Sharon provides top tips that she coaches leaders to use when giving feedback, so team members walk away inspired instead of discouraged. Welcome to To Lead Is Human. Envision how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of acco...

Behind the bohemian image of the famous Burning Man festival is a well-oiled, well-run international organization. Learn from its Director of Government Affairs, Marnee Benson , how they maintain their internal ethos and culture while interacting with numerous agencies overseeing strict regulations. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures o...

In this solo episode, Sharon digs into the core principles of human-centered leadership based on clarity, feedback, and vulnerability. She explores how leaders build trust, empower teams, and foster a culture of learning — and shares tips for overcoming leadership challenges and navigating change. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of...

Sharon returns with a new preface to this hidden gem featuring Brian Danzis , President of North America at Seedtag. He shares how joy, consistency, and team accountability drive leadership—and how he builds trust and optimism in high-pressure, fast-moving environments. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of accountability, respect, and...

In this special replay from two years ago, Dr. Maureen O'Connor talks about her academic leadership, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the role of shared governance. She also explores the balance between being liked and respected as a leader, plus adapting leadership styles to different audiences. Welcome to To Lead Is Human. This show helps you up-level your leadership to shape cultures of acco...

Blending creativity and finance, Jonathan Ankney went from solo entrepreneur to leading a small business by blending grace, accountability, and faith-based principles. He explores leadership challenges and scaling with purpose—offering insights for small business owners and nonprofit leaders alike. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of...

Revisiting her show’s most popular episode, Sharon adds new context to start. We then hear Arvind KC as he explores the evolving landscape of leadership in the AI era — blending technology, empathy, and service. He highlights the importance of self-management and fostering human-centered workplaces. Welcome to To Lead Is Human. This show helps listeners envision how they can uplevel their leadersh...

Len Forkas is now among the elite few who have summited the highest peak on every continent. In this re-release with a new preface by host Sharon Richmond, hear Len’s fascinating mix of business, nonprofit, athletics, and expeditions. He has led numerous teams to achieve extraordinary daring feats. Welcome to To Lead Is Human. This show helps listeners envision how they can uplevel their leadershi...

Host Sharon Richmond explores five essential practices for resilient leadership amid ongoing volatility and change. Blending real-world examples with actionable insights, she reveals how intentional pauses, emotional intelligence, and grounded values empower leaders to guide their teams. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of accountabi...

In this retrospective, we hear 17 past guests answering host Sharon Richmond ’s question, “What does ‘To Lead Is Human’ mean to you?” In their own words, these accomplished executives from across the leadership spectrum provide insight, wisdom, and perspective on the many facets of being a leader. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of...

Host Sharon Richmond revisits her original episode with guest CEO Ajay Varya , adding new insights on servant leadership and cross-functional teams in fast-growing companies. She and Ajay explore your peer team being your first team, cultural challenges, transparency, and prioritizing growth mindset. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures...

Nigel Tunnicliffe co-founded a driving school as a social enterprise to eradicate car crashes and scaled it into a nationwide business in 500-plus cities. This episode explores leadership philosophies, personalized service, and scaling challenges, with insights and inspiration for aspiring leaders. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of...

Explore transformative leadership with Garry Ridge , Chairman Emeritus and former CEO of WD-40, as he highlights the profound value of engaged, purpose-driven workplaces. He discusses the art of balancing empathy with decisiveness and fostering a culture of happiness to drive unparalleled success. This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of...