Inside the C-Suite

Energy, Influence and Innovation in the C-Suite Join Christy Honeycutt for an unfiltered look into the minds of influential leaders as they share their untold stories. If you want to know how top leaders manage their energy, expand their influence and transform vision into action, this is for you. Christy and her guests dive deep into the intersection of leadership, impact and innovation, revealing the practices and mindsets that empower them to show up as their most authentic, effective selves. At its core, Inside the C-Suite is more than just leadership tactics; it’s about the energetic exchange that drives real influence and change. Whether it's navigating chaos, overcoming adversity or building the resilience to lead with clarity, the podcast uncovers the personal and professional journeys of those who are redefining what it means to lead. If you're ready to go beyond the surface and tap into the deeper currents that shape leadership, this podcast is your invitation to listen, learn and lead differently.

  1. Hiring with Hope

    3D AGO

    Hiring with Hope

    Frontline workers keep the global economy moving—yet the systems built to hire them are often anything but humane. In this episode, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Sean Behr, CEO of Fountain, to unpack what’s broken in frontline hiring and what it really takes to fix it. Sean shares how Fountain is reimagining high-volume hiring by balancing speed with quality, expanding access, and designing experiences that treat hourly workers like humans—not transactions. Together, they explore how AI is changing recruitment in real time, why old hiring assumptions are collapsing under pressure, and what leaders are getting wrong about “efficiency.” Sean offers a powerful reframe for leadership in moments of disruption: trust gets people in the door, but hope is what keeps them moving forward. This conversation goes beyond technology. It’s about designing systems that work with people, not against them—and why the future of hiring depends on leaders willing to challenge outdated beliefs, listen to frontline realities, and build for resilience, dignity, and scale. Key Takeaways Why frontline hiring systems are the backbone of the global economy—and where they fail most How speed without quality breaks trust (and businesses) Why AI works best when it removes friction, not humanity What today’s job-seeking behavior reveals about broken assumptions in hiring Why hope—not just trust—is a leadership necessity in times of change How expanding access creates better outcomes for workers and employers Chapters00:00 Why Frontline Hiring Systems Matter02:12 Leadership in High-Velocity Hiring Environments04:05 AI, Scale, and the Reality of Modern Job Seeking21:33 Trust vs. Hope: What Actually Sustains Workers25:03 Expanding Access Without Sacrificing Quality26:25 Workforce Resilience in a Shifting Economy27:45 Challenging Outdated Hiring Beliefs30:34 Final Thoughts: The Future of Frontline Hiring | Connect with Us | Follow Sean Behr:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbehr/Website: Fountain - Your Frontline Workforce Management Platform (Sean Behr is the CEO of Fountain, a hiring technology platform focused on opening opportunities for the global frontline workforce. He is passionate about building systems that balance speed with quality, expand access to meaningful work, and help organizations hire and retain talent at scale.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
  2. Leading What You Build

    JAN 26

    Leading What You Build

    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy sits down with Kate Parker, President of Transcend, for a grounded and insightful conversation on leadership, growth, and what it really takes to build meaningful impact at the highest levels. Kate shares her career journey from Google and Uber to leading a fast-growing data privacy platform—unpacking the mindset shifts required to move from executor to builder. Together, Christy and Kate explore the power of cross-functional collaboration, servant leadership, mentorship, and why embracing failure is often the fastest path to growth. This episode challenges common myths about the C-suite and offers a refreshing reminder: leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about ownership, integrity, and learning in public. Key Takeaways Being a builder is a leadership advantage—especially in times of change. Entrepreneurial spirit exists at every level, not just at the top. Strong companies win through cross-functional alignment, not silos. Gratitude and reflection are practical leadership tools, not soft skills. Mentorship accelerates growth—for both mentors and mentees. Comfort with failure fuels innovation and resilience. Small, consistent learning moments compound over time. Clear, intentional communication is essential in hybrid and remote teams. Data privacy leadership requires integrity, transparency, and trust. The C-suite is more accessible—and more human—than many believe. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Impact01:23 Career Journey: From Google to Uber to Transcend03:43 The Builder Mentality in Leadership06:10 Identifying Entrepreneurial Spirit in Teams09:44 Uniting Cross-Functional Teams11:54 Navigating Organizational Challenges14:13 Leading with Heart and Servant Leadership16:08 The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth18:28 Learning from Failures and Micro-Learnings21:38 Communication Across Generations25:26 Intentional Communication in Remote Work27:44 Transcend's Approach to Data Privacy31:17 Myths About the C-Suite #InsideTheCSuite #BuilderMindset #LeadershipInAction #KateParker #ExecutiveLeadership #DataPrivacy #ModernLeadership #CLevelConversations #LeadWithIntegrity #CareerOwnership #LeadershipThatBuilds | Connect with Us | Follow Kate Parker:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-parker/Website: https://transcend.io | www.transcendprivacy.com (Kate Parker is the President of Transcend, a leading data privacy platform. With a background spanning Google and Uber, Kate brings a builder’s mindset to executive leadership—championing integrity, transparency, and cross-functional collaboration while helping organizations navigate the evolving data privacy landscape.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min
  3. Emotional Intelligence Meets AI

    JAN 19

    Emotional Intelligence Meets AI

    In this episode of Inside the C-suite, host Kristy Honeycutt interviews Justin Weitzer, CEO of Neuro, a company focused on enhancing the frontline management experience through AI. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in management, the challenges faced by young CEOs, and the evolving role of AI in business. Justin shares his journey from the music industry to mental health advocacy, emphasizing the need for support and training for frontline managers. The conversation highlights the significance of human connection in the workplace and the future of AI in addressing loneliness and enhancing employee experience. Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective management. Frontline managers significantly influence employee engagement. AI adoption in business faces hesitancy but is necessary for future growth. Young CEOs often deal with imposter syndrome and confidence issues. Opportunities should be embraced as they arise. Mental health awareness is essential in the workplace. Frontline managers need more support and training. AI can help reduce administrative burdens on managers. Design and user experience are critical for AI solutions. Building a supportive network is vital for leadership success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Justin Weitzer and Neuro02:34 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Management04:54 Empowering Frontline Managers with AI06:50 Navigating AI Hesitancy in Business13:09 Challenges of Being a Young CEO17:03 Justin's Journey and Passion for Mental Health22:07 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health23:34 Empowering Voices in Education26:24 The Role of AI in Supporting Managers29:32 Loneliness in Leadership32:47 AI's Impact on Human Connection33:26 Aha Moments in Client Success36:20 Designing for the Frontline Workforce | Connect with Us | Follow Justin Weitzer:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-weitzer/Website: nurau.com (Company) neuropresse.com/fondateur (Blog) claritytechlab.com (Company) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Be a Guest or Recommend Someone:Know a leader who should be featured? Submit a recommendation or apply to be a guest. Contact Form: Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
  4. Leadership, Mentorship & Compliance in a Remote-First World

    JAN 12

    Leadership, Mentorship & Compliance in a Remote-First World

    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, host Christy Honeycutt sits down with Chapelle Ryon, CEO of Workbright, for a candid and insightful conversation on what leadership really looks like behind the scenes. Chapelle shares the realities of being a CEO—from the loneliness that can come with the role to the importance of mentorship during moments of growth and transition. Together, they explore the evolving complexities of employment compliance, especially in a remote and distributed workforce, and why trust, clarity, and strong systems matter more than ever. The discussion dives into how leaders can build and sustain a high-performance culture, the role of rituals and self-regulation in leadership effectiveness, and why vulnerability isn’t a weakness—but a powerful tool for developing people and teams. Chapelle also offers perspective on running a company with intention, operating on EOS, and what the future holds for Workbright in the HR technology space. Key Takeaways Leadership is often more complex—and lonelier—than it appears Mentorship is essential for CEOs, especially during key transitions Employment compliance is increasingly challenging in remote environments Workbright’s expertise centers on Form I-9 and compliance accuracy Strong company culture requires trust, clarity, and consistency Rituals help leaders maintain balance and self-regulation Remote teams thrive when expectations and development paths are clear Vulnerability in leadership strengthens connection and performance Being a CEO is both demanding and deeply rewarding Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges02:03 The Importance of Peer Mentorship03:58 Understanding Workbright's Compliance Solutions06:09 Addressing Remote Work Challenges10:03 Building a Strong Company Culture14:01 Navigating Compliance in a Remote Environment19:54 Trust in Remote Work21:15 Building Trust and Collaboration in Remote Teams22:37 Mentorship and Coaching in a Remote Environment24:37 Generational Perspectives on Work Ethic26:13 Contextualizing Remote Work Policies28:44 High Performance and Employee Development30:10 The Importance of Rituals in Leadership32:09 Personal Rituals and Work-Life Balance36:15 Vulnerability in Leadership38:07 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Compliance | Connect with Us | Follow Chapelle Ryon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapelle-ryon-109baa35/Website: workbright.com (Chapelle Ryon is the CEO of Workbright, an HR technology company specializing in employment compliance and digital I-9 solutions for distributed and remote workforces. As a people-first leader, Chapelle is passionate about building high-performing teams, fostering trust in remote environments, and leading with clarity, intention, and vulnerability.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
  5. Amputate to Elevate

    JAN 5

    Amputate to Elevate

    In this episode of Inside the C‑Suite, Christy L. Honeycutt sits down with John Register, two‑time Paralympian, Persian Gulf War U.S. Army veteran, TEDx speaker, National Speakers Association Hall of Fame keynote speaker, and one of Real Leaders Magazine’s Top 50 Global Leadership Speakers. John has shared his message on CBS, Fox, PBS, and national media outlets and has been featured for his leadership work and advocacy in both broadcast and print. In this powerful conversation, John explains how he literally and figuratively amputated fear after losing his leg during his Olympic training—choosing a prosthetic and a new path instead of limitation—and went on to win a Paralympic silver medal. Together, Christy and John explore the mindset shifts that distinguish leaders in times of uncertainty, how adversity can become advantage, and why resilience and purpose are critical to high‑stakes decision‑making. John also shares how his experience founding the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Paralympic Military Sports Program helped launch initiatives like the Warrior Games and inspired global movements like the Invictus Games. This episode is a compelling call to action for executives and teams alike: when you amputate fear, you make room to innovate, elevate, and lead with greater clarity and impact. Key Takeaways John Register is a two-time Paralympian and U.S. Army veteran. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership. John's journey includes overcoming the challenges of amputation. He founded the Paralympic Military Sport Program for wounded veterans. John believes in the power of sports for rehabilitation. He encourages individuals to find their unique purpose. The concept of 'amputate to elevate' is central to John's philosophy. Support systems play a crucial role in personal recovery. Generational differences affect communication styles. Diversity in thought is essential for effective decision-making. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to John Register02:09 John's Journey: From Athlete to Amputee05:30 Creating Opportunities for Wounded Veterans08:30 Finding Your Path and Purpose10:23 Amputate to Elevate: John’s Methodology18:48 The Impact of Support Systems22:16 The Importance of Relationships Over Achievements24:32 Navigating Automation and AI in Communication26:17 Generational Differences in Communication29:27 Leveraging AI for Business Growth34:25 Overcoming Uncertainty and Decision Paralysis39:13 Lessons from Athletic Experience and Decision Making | Connect with Us | Follow John Register:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnregister/Website: John Register | Inspired Communications International (John Register is a transformational keynote speaker with 28 + years of experience, 1,000 + speeches, and over 500,000 audience connections worldwide. A Paralympic Silver Medalist, U.S. Army veteran, and Hall of Fame speaker, John empowers leaders to amputate fear and elevate performance across organizations and industries.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min
  6. Turning Pain Into Purpose

    2025-12-29

    Turning Pain Into Purpose

    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy L. Honeycutt sits down with Jonny McCoy, Founder and CEO of White Flag, a mental health advocacy platform built on connection, empathy, and shared experience. Jonny shares his deeply personal journey—from childhood trauma to becoming a civil rights attorney and ultimately a mental health advocate. What began as his own path toward healing evolved into a mission to create safe spaces where people can be seen, heard, and supported without judgment. Together, Christy and Jonny explore why peer support is often the missing link in mental health care, how vulnerability strengthens leadership, and why so many individuals are seeking connection—not just crisis intervention. Jonny also explains how White Flag is designed to scale impact, offering free access to individuals while enabling organizations to foster healthier, more connected workplaces. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when leaders lead with empathy, they don’t just build stronger organizations—they help create stronger communities. How Jonny McCoy transformed personal trauma into purpose-driven leadership Why peer support and shared experience are critical to mental health healing The role vulnerability plays in building trust and connection in leadership How White Flag creates safe, judgment-free spaces for mental health conversations Why many people are seeking connection—not just crisis support How organizations can use peer-based tools to support employee wellbeing 00:00 – Introduction to Jonny McCoy and His Mission01:19 – From Trauma to Advocacy: Jonny’s Personal Journey12:33 – The Birth of White Flag19:04 – The Power of Community and Shared Experience21:21 – Why Peer Support Matters in Mental Health27:40 – Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability30:42 – Connection as a Catalyst for Healing31:56 – Tailoring Mental Health Support for Organizations35:01 – The Mission and Vision Behind White Flag | Connect with Us | Follow Jonny McCoy | LinkedIn | Whiteflag (Jonny McCoy is the Founder and CEO of White Flag, a mental health advocacy platform built to foster connection, peer support, and healing through shared experience. A former civil rights attorney, Jonny brings a deeply human-centered approach to leadership—transforming personal trauma into purpose and creating safe spaces where individuals and organizations can support mental wellbeing with empathy and authenticity.) Follow Inside the C-Suite | LinkedInSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Apple Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min
  7. The HR Community Revolution

    2025-12-15

    The HR Community Revolution

    What if the future of HR has nothing to do with policies — and everything to do with people? In this can’t-miss episode, Christy sits down with Enrique Rubio, the powerhouse behind the most influential voices redefining community in HR. Enrique reveals the untold truths behind building real community in an industry where many leaders feel more isolated than ever. From designing experiences that spark vulnerability to managing the chaos nobody sees behind large-scale events, Enrique shares the surprising lessons that only come from being in the trenches. And then things get real: they dive into how AI is rewriting the rules of work at lightning speed — and why HR leaders who don’t adapt now risk being left behind. This conversation is packed with forward-looking insights, practical takeaways, and a refreshing dose of honesty about what it actually takes to bring people together in a rapidly changing world. If you care about community, leadership, or the future of HR, this is the episode you’ll be thinking about long after it ends. They unpack: AI is fundamentally changing the way we work and will disrupt many jobs. The potential displacement of jobs due to AI is a significant concern. Building community is about serving others and creating a supportive environment. HR professionals often feel isolated in their roles, highlighting the need for community. Inclusivity in community building allows for diverse perspectives and shared learning. AI integration requires a holistic approach that spans across all business functions. Humanizing AI involves addressing the needs of those displaced by technology. Leaders should approach AI with an open mind and a focus on opportunities. Being a doer is essential in the era of AI, not just a dreamer. Strategic leadership in AI is crucial for successful integration in organizations. Chapters 00:00 The Impact of AI on Employment 05:55 Building Community and Leadership 14:23 Inclusivity in HR and Community Building 19:03 AI Integration and Its Challenges 26:36 Strategic AI Leadership in Organizations | Connect with Us | Follow Enrique Rubio: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enrique-rubio- Hacking HR: We Are Powering The Future Of HR | Hacking HR Lab Become a Hacking HR Member: Join using Christy’s referral link — We Are Powering The Future Of HR | Hacking HR Lab (Enrique Rubio is a global HR leader and community builder known for creating spaces where professionals can learn, grow, and lead with purpose. Through Hacking HR conferences, he brings people together around innovation, inclusivity, and the future of work—helping HR professionals build stronger communities and navigate constant change with confidence.) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/ Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-Suite Subscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest? Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #HackingHR #FutureOfWork #InsideTheCSuite #HRLeadership #Inclusivity #AIInHR #ProfessionalDevelopment #HumanResources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min
  8. Reinvention Is Possible: How Cheri Garcia created 3,000 second chances

    2025-12-01

    Reinvention Is Possible: How Cheri Garcia created 3,000 second chances

    What if the greatest leadership lesson isn’t about winning but about starting over? On this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy sits down with Cheri Garcia, Founder & CEO of Cornbread Hustle, a boutique staffing firm that has helped more than 3,000 people with criminal records find meaningful employment, dignity, and a path forward. Cheri is a force. She rebuilt her life after addiction, transformed her pain into purpose, and built one of the most impactful second-chance hiring movements in the country. Today, she helps companies create workplaces that change lives—not just bottom lines. They unpack: The Leadership of Reinvention - why your lowest point can become your greatest asset—and how Cheri used her recovery to build a company centered on empathy, accountability, and transformation. The Truth About Second-Chance Hiring - what companies think it is vs. what it really looks like behind the scenes, and why individuals with criminal records are some of the most driven, loyal, and high-performing hires. Healing Before Hiring - how programs like Junk Hustlers and the Starting Over Program rebuild self-worth, identity, and confidence—because employment only sticks when inner work comes first. Community as a Leadership Strategy - why returning citizens need structure, accountability, and people who believe in them—and how leaders can create cultures that support real change. Entrepreneurship as Redemption - how Cheri teaches individuals to use creativity, discipline, and ownership to rewrite their stories and design their futures. If you’ve ever believed in redemption, resilience, or the power of one “YES” this conversation will stay with you. Cheri reminds us that reinvention isn’t a destination, it's a journey we walk together. Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Cheri Garcia & the Mission of Cornbread Hustle 00:00 – The Story Behind 3,000+ Second Chances 00:00 – From Addiction to CEO: Cheri’s Reinvention 00:00 – What Second-Chance Hiring Really Looks Like 00:00 – Why Parole & Probation Can Support Success 00:00 – How to Navigate Setbacks with Strength 00:00 – Inside Junk Hustlers 00:00 – The 12-Week Starting Over Program 00:00 – Final Lessons on Leadership, Healing & Human Potential | Connect with Us | Follow Cheri Garcia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherigarcia/ Cornbread Hustle: http://cornbreadhustle.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cornbreadhustle/ (Cheri Garcia is the founder of Cornbread Hustle, a company dedicated to helping people coming out of prison and those in recovery find transformation through employment or entrepreneurship. After reinventing her own life, she has spent years helping others do the same—believing “we’re all just walking each other home.” Cornbread Hustle has placed more than 3,000 people with criminal records into meaningful jobs and continues to expand its impact through re-entry programs and community-driven initiatives.) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might?  Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

About

Energy, Influence and Innovation in the C-Suite Join Christy Honeycutt for an unfiltered look into the minds of influential leaders as they share their untold stories. If you want to know how top leaders manage their energy, expand their influence and transform vision into action, this is for you. Christy and her guests dive deep into the intersection of leadership, impact and innovation, revealing the practices and mindsets that empower them to show up as their most authentic, effective selves. At its core, Inside the C-Suite is more than just leadership tactics; it’s about the energetic exchange that drives real influence and change. Whether it's navigating chaos, overcoming adversity or building the resilience to lead with clarity, the podcast uncovers the personal and professional journeys of those who are redefining what it means to lead. If you're ready to go beyond the surface and tap into the deeper currents that shape leadership, this podcast is your invitation to listen, learn and lead differently.

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