Lead The Fine Print

Dr. Buffie Quinn

Leadership isn’t always loud. It’s not always titled. And it rarely fits in a job description. This podcast is about the kind of leadership that lives in the details—real conversations with people who are shaping culture, building teams, and leading with intention.Hosted by Dr. Buffie Quinn, Lead the Fine Print invites guests from every industry and level to share the decisions, dynamics, and unexpected lessons that define how they lead. Not soundbites. Not slogans. Just the truth about leadership, one story at a time.

Episodes

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    From Directing the Broadcast to Developing the Next Generation: Rodney Verrill on Leadership, Mentorship, and the “Meat and Potatoes” of Teamwork

    In this episode of Lead The Fine Print, Rodney Verrill, reflects on a career that began behind the scenes in broadcast production and evolved into a lifelong commitment to developing the next generation of professionals. From directing live television in high pressure environments to helping build educational programs that prepare students for the realities of the industry, Rodney shares how leadership is shaped through experience, reflection, and the influence of mentors along the way. Drawing from decades in broadcast and education, he explains why strong teams matter more than individual expertise, why genuine recognition carries more weight than routine praise, and why the most effective leaders focus on what he calls the “meat and potatoes” of leadership. The conversation explores decision making under pressure, learning from past mistakes, and creating environments where people feel trusted to grow. Rodney offers a grounded perspective on leadership that values humility, relationships, and the quiet work that often goes unseen but ultimately defines success.

    42 min

  2. 3 FEB

    From Getting on A Plane at 18 To Removing Barriers: Michelle Simpson on Leadership Through Curiosity

    In this episode, Michelle Simpson reflects on a leadership journey that began with a bold leap of faith and evolved into a deeply human approach to coaching and administration. From arriving in the US at 18 years old with little more than curiosity and confidence, to shaping team cultures grounded in joy, connection, and self awareness, Michelle shares how her philosophy of leadership was formed through experience rather than title. She discusses the influence of mentors, the importance of creating environments where people feel seen and safe to grow, and why quiet leadership often has the greatest impact.  The conversation explores lessons learned from both good and poor leadership examples, the pressure coaches face under constant evaluation, and the responsibility leaders carry in shaping culture beyond wins and losses. Michelle also reflects on her transition from head coach to senior administrator, and how authentic connection remains at the core of meaningful leadership. This episode invites listeners to reconsider where leadership begins, how it develops over time, and why the moments that matter most are often the ones that go unnoticed.

    42 min

  3. 14 JAN

    From Mission Focused to Steady in the Air and on the Ground: Dustin Smiley on Trust, Teams, and Preparation

    In this episode of Lead the Fine Print, Dustin Smiley reflects on leadership shaped through relationships, not rank. Drawing from his experience in the military and flying for LifeFlight, Dustin shares how effective leadership is less about individual expertise and more about building teams that know, trust, and support one another. Rather than focusing on moments of crisis, the conversation centers on the everyday work of leadership. Dustin describes his leadership style as one grounded in helping others reach their potential by taking the time to know people well, talk openly, and understand how individuals respond under stress. He reflects on the importance of trying new approaches, learning alongside others, and creating environments where calm and confidence can take hold even in demanding situations. At its core, his approach to leadership is about anticipating needs, communicating clearly, and adapting in ways that allow people and teams to perform at their best. The episode also explores how leadership develops outside formal roles and checklists, through curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn from others. Whether in high-stress professional settings or in everyday life, Dustin’s perspective highlights leadership as a steady, relational practice built over time, often quietly and without recognition.

    40 min

  4. 6 JAN

    From Waiting to Be Chosen to Claiming the Page: Suzanne Carver on Writing Flight Path and Leading Herself

    In this episode of Lead the Fine Print, Suzanne Carver shares the quiet leadership journey behind her debut novel, Flight Path. Trained as a social worker, longtime massage therapist, writer, and coach, Suzanne reflects on the years spent writing, rewriting, being rejected, and ultimately choosing to publish on her own terms. This conversation explores what it means to stop waiting for permission, how self-trust is built one courageous step at a time, and why leadership often shows up long before a title, contract, or external validation ever arrives. Suzanne speaks candidly about fear, impostor syndrome, rejection, and the deeply personal work of reclaiming one’s voice, while weaving in insights from her work with women around authenticity, self-permission, and inner sovereignty. From rewriting her manuscript multiple times to reframing rejection as redirection, this episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not always loud or linear. Sometimes it lives in the decision to keep going, to honor your voice, and to choose yourself when no one else does. For more information about Suzanne visit her website https://www.thetrueyoublog.net/ To purchase Suzanne's book Flight Path: https://www.amazon.com/Flight-Path-Suzanne-C-Carver/dp/1966799918

    56 min

  5. 23/12/2025

    From Lonely at the Top to Never Leading Alone: Renee Ouellette on Trust, Community, and Quiet Leadership

    In this episode of Lead the Fine Print, Renee Ouellette reflects on a leadership journey shaped not by ambition for titles, but by trust, listening, and care for others. From early assumptions that leadership meant being “the boss” to discovering her strength as a steady, behind the scenes presence, Renee offers a thoughtful perspective on what leadership really looks like over time. Together, we explore why leadership is often described as lonely and how that narrative can be challenged through intentional relationships, genuine listening, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Renee shares pivotal moments that shaped her confidence as a leader, the value of understanding personality styles, and why sharing the “why” matters even when full transparency is not possible. This conversation highlights leadership that does not seek the spotlight, leadership grounded in trust, humility, and quiet influence. It is a reminder that some of the most impactful leaders are not the loudest in the room, but the ones who create space for others to thrive.

    29 min

  6. 16/12/2025

    From Hiking for a Cause to Authentic Leadership: Patrick Gaetani on Leadership Through Service

    In this episode, Patrick Gaetani traces a leadership journey shaped less by titles and more by relationships, resilience, and a commitment to giving back. Patrick reflects on the unexpected path that led him from Enterprise training programs to food distribution and eventually into insurance, with each chapter marked by mentors, chance encounters, and the kind of connections that quietly shape a career. He shares the story behind his 24 mile Make A Wish Trailblaze Challenge hike, how service became a defining part of his life, and why he believes that doing the right thing creates its own momentum. Patrick also opens up about leading a growing team, navigating the balance between friendship and accountability, learning to be authentic in professional spaces, and the moment someone called him a leader before he ever saw himself as one. This conversation offers listeners a grounded reminder that leadership often emerges through everyday choices, generosity, and the courage to show up for others.

    33 min

  7. 08/12/2025

    From Leading the Work to Leading the People: Courtney Brehaut’s Approach to Team Development

    In this episode, Courtney Brehaut shares how her leadership philosophy transformed as she moved from managing day to day tasks to intentionally developing the people around her. Drawing on experiences that span nursing school, pharmaceutical sales, and community banking, Courtney describes the moment she realized that doing the work herself was limiting both her growth and her team’s potential. She explains how learning to listen, pause, delegate, and create space reshaped her approach to leadership and strengthened her organization. Courtney also reflects on values alignment, navigating generational differences, building trust through everyday conversations, and cultivating a culture where feedback flows in every direction. Her story offers a grounded, modern perspective on leadership as a practice of developing capacity in others while continually evolving yourself.

    42 min

  8. 08/12/2025

    From the Kitchen Line to the Control Tower: How Julian Rounds Learned to Lead by Listening

    In this episode, Julian Rounds shares a leadership journey that spans kitchens, military service, air traffic control, and consulting. He talks about growing up with limited direction, finding structure in the Air Force, and discovering that the most capable person in the room is not always the true leader. Julian reflects on the high pressure world of air traffic control, the impact of shift work on health and relationships, and why the public is suddenly hearing more about aviation challenges. He also discusses the worst leadership advice he ever received, how mentors like his boss Steve shaped his understanding of influence, and why delegation and humility matter more than authority. Along the way, Julian highlights the quiet leadership moments that changed him, from a classmate picking up trash to a commander showing up simply to learn. This conversation invites listeners to rethink who they believe leaders are and to consider what happens when you challenge yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and stay open to the people around you.

    35 min

  9. 08/12/2025

    From Mighty Mouse to Modern Leader: Amanda Cummings on Confidence, Connection, and Calling Out the Hard Stuff

    In this conversation, Amanda Cummings shares an honest look at how real leadership takes shape long before a title. She reflects on growing up as the underdog in sports, developing a relentless work ethic, and watching her father model fairness and respect in every situation. Amanda discusses the quiet shift from follower to leader, the confidence she gained through coaching, and the moments in her career when poor leadership advice or being pushed into a box made her question her path. She opens up about navigating tense workplace dynamics, learning to call out difficult relationships directly, and the surprising challenges of leading in a male dominated industry. The episode also explores the importance of self awareness, letting others succeed without feeling threatened, listening deeply, and giving people the space to grow. This is an episode for anyone who is rethinking their leadership journey, tired of outdated advice, or ready to lead with connection, courage, and authenticity.

    31 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Leadership isn’t always loud. It’s not always titled. And it rarely fits in a job description. This podcast is about the kind of leadership that lives in the details—real conversations with people who are shaping culture, building teams, and leading with intention.Hosted by Dr. Buffie Quinn, Lead the Fine Print invites guests from every industry and level to share the decisions, dynamics, and unexpected lessons that define how they lead. Not soundbites. Not slogans. Just the truth about leadership, one story at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Buffie Quinn
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lead The Fine Print
  • Show Website
    Lead The Fine Print