Confessions of a Terrible Leader

Layci Nelson
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Management
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Confessions of a Terrible Leader, where real leaders share the raw truth about the lessons they learned the hard way, so you don’t have to. Join our host, Layci Nelson, founder of Transcend Leadership Collective and former terrible leader. Every leader can become worthy of being followed if they are willing to put in “the work.” On this podcast, we share the messy stories and behind the scenes reality of what the work actually entails.

  1. May 12

    Q&A: Surviving a Toxic Boss: Essential Strategies

    In this engaging episode, Mary and Layci explore how employees can navigate difficult bosses, offering practical advice, personal stories, and mental models to maintain agency and well-being in challenging work environments. Keywords: leadership, workplace, difficult bosses, employee strategies, mental health, career growth Key topics: Control what you can control in the workplace Recognizing different types of difficult bosses Self-awareness and articulating your needs Strategies for protecting your mental health Creative exit planning and long-term health Takeaways: Only control yourself, focus on self-awareness. Identify specific issues with your boss to address effectively. Protect your mental health and avoid burnout. Have a clear vision and pathway for your career growth. Sometimes leaving is the best option for well-being. Soundbites: "Everyone has a terrible boss at some point" "Clear vision and pathway create hope" "Healthy bosses empower and engage employees" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges 02:56 Navigating Difficult Bosses 05:20 Identifying Common Leadership Issues 08:02 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned 10:37 When to Leave a Toxic Work Environment 13:09 Maintaining Agency in Adverse Situations 15:41 The Importance of Hope and Clarity 17:46 Closing Thoughts on Leadership and Growth 18:50 Confessions Outro  RESOURCES:  Transcend Leadership Collective - https://transcendleadershipcollective.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/layci-nelson/ Book a free call with Layci: https://calendly.com/layci_nelson 🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

    20 min

  2. Apr 28

    Beyond the Buzzwords: Unpacking Toxic vs. Underskilled Leadership with Dr. Benjamin Ritter

    In this must-listen interview, career coach and leadership expert Dr. Benjamin Ritter dives deep into the complexities of modern leadership. Tune in to explore: The Crucial Distinction: Learn how to differentiate between genuinely toxic behavior and simple underskilled leadership—and why understanding the difference is vital for organizational health.Empowering Your Team: Discover Dr. Ritter's practical strategies for boosting employee engagement and fostering a culture of empowerment.The Leadership Transformation Toolkit: Hear how curiosity, clear communication, and deep self-awareness can fundamentally transform your leadership style and career trajectory. Keywords: leadership development, toxic leadership, underskilled leadership, employee empowerment, career journey, business leadership, self-awareness in leadership, clear communication. Key Topics: Career winding path and lifelong learning Distinguishing toxic leadership from underskilled leadership The importance of explicit communication and managing up Creating a safe environment for employees to express emotions The role of self-awareness and vulnerability in leadership Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Confessions 02:40 The Journey of Lifelong Learning 05:54 Understanding Toxic vs. Underskilled Leadership 08:30 The Importance of Communication in Leadership 11:41 Navigating Career Challenges and Opportunities 14:29 The Role of Fear in Career Growth 17:27 Lessons from Leadership Experience 20:21 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways Watch on YouTube! Resources: Live for Yourself Consulting - https://www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com Dr. Benjamin Ritter on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbenjaminritter Book: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Fearless-Strategies-Self-Doubt-Self-Mastery/dp/B0D9MVV64Y  🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

    25 min

  3. Apr 14

    Q&A: 2026 Leadership Trends, Part 2

    In the second installment of this essential Q&A, Producer Mary and Layci delve deeper into the dynamic world of 2026 leadership. This session moves beyond surface-level trends, focusing instead on the critical inner work required for effective leadership. They explore the nuanced art of managing human energy in the workplace, the necessity of understanding systemic complexity, and why radical authenticity and robust self-regulation are no longer optional—but vital anchors for navigating today's uncertain and rapidly changing environment. Key Topics: Leadership shift from managing performance to managing human energy Impact of AI on leadership identity and decision-making Importance of self-awareness and self-regulation for leaders The role of authenticity and transparency in leadership Understanding complexity and culture in leadership Takeaways: Leadership is shifting from performance management to managing human energy. AI collaboration is disrupting traditional leadership identities. Self-awareness and self-regulation are crucial for navigating uncertainty. Authenticity and transparency build trust and improve team dynamics. Leaders need to develop a deeper understanding of complexity and culture.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Confessions 01:16 Recap of Previous Leadership Trends 01:53 Current Market Observations and Divergence from Trends 02:50 Leadership Shifts in 2026: From Performance to Human Energy 04:02 Impact of AI on Leadership Identity and Decision-Making 05:17 Developing Leadership in a Complex, Disconnected World 07:05 Advice for Leaders Under Pressure 08:09 Internal Strategies: Self-Regulation and Nervous System Awareness 11:27 External Strategies: Authenticity and Transparency 12:41 Practical Steps for Leaders: Small Changes for Big Impact 13:58 Future of Leadership Development: Blending Mainstream and Cutting Edge 14:54 Starting Points for Leadership Growth 15:47 Conclusion and Resources for Leaders WATCH ON YOUTUBE! EPISODE LINKS: Transcend Leadership Collective - https://transcendleadershipcollective.com/ Harvard Business Review - https://hbr.org/ Deloitte Insights - https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights.html  🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

    17 min

  4. Mar 31

    A Deep Dive with Jeanne Omlor: Mastering Organic Marketing and High-End Coaching

    In this insightful and deeply practical interview, we sit down with Jeanne Omlor, a powerhouse in the world of business and leadership coaching. Jeanne shares her compelling professional evolution, tracing her path from the foundational work of traditional offline coaching to her current position as a leading, vocal advocate for sustainable, organic marketing strategies and the transformative power of high-end coaching models. A core focus of the discussion is Jeanne’s expertise in navigating the complex coaching industry. She provides critical insights into identifying "red flags" within coaching programs and engagements, offering a necessary perspective for both seasoned and aspiring coaches to protect their investment and integrity. Jeanne empowers listeners to discern genuine, effective mentorship from superficial promises. Ultimately, Jeanne’s message is an emphatic call to action centered on the profound importance of self-belief. She passionately discusses the necessity of "betting on yourself"—understanding your unique value, commanding premium prices for your expertise, and having the courage to execute your vision without compromise. This interview serves as a blueprint for transforming your coaching practice into a thriving, high-impact enterprise built on authenticity, value, and strategic organic growth. Keywords coaching, organic marketing, high-end clients, business growth, entrepreneurship, online coaching, client acquisition, leadership lessons Key Topics Transition from offline to online coaching Organic marketing strategies Identifying red flags in coaching programs Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Icons 05:17 Navigating the Coaching Landscape 10:39 Finding the Right Coach 14:24 Personal Lessons and Growth 20:11 Conclusion and Resources WATCH ON YOUTUBE! EPISODE LINKS: https://jeanneomlor.com/  🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

    23 min

  5. Mar 18

    Fostering Belonging and Leading with Authenticity - Insights from Gina Casazza

    Fostering Belonging and Leading with Authenticity - Insights from Gina Casazza In this episode, Gina Casazza shares powerful lessons on leadership, belonging, and embracing failure as a growth tool. Her story highlights how authentic leadership can transform teams and personal fulfillment. Whether you're in a corporate setting or on a personal growth journey, Gina's insights provide a blueprint for creating environments where everyone feels seen and valued. Main topics covered: The reframe of failure as a lesson, not a flawHow belonging is about authenticity, not fitting inPractical steps to lead from the front and foster true belongingManaging emotions to make rational decisions under pressureThe importance of self-awareness in leadership and lifeHow to turn setbacks into opportunities for growthThe role of purpose and passion in aligning work with personal fulfillment In this episode: Gina shares her unconventional journey from Navy SEAL training to children's author and nonprofit founderThe importance of living out loud and taking risks without attachment to specific outcomesThe concept that success isn't solely financial but includes meaningful life experiencesThe significance of leading by example to foster an environment of trust and opennessPractical tips for managing emotions during high-stakes situations, including legal challenges and business setbacksThe power of intentional self-reflection and awareness in leadership developmentHow embracing vulnerability encourages boldness and innovation in teams Keywords: Leadership, Belonging, Failure, Success, Personal Growth, Authenticity, Inclusion, Motivation, Self-Development, Empowerment leadership, emotional intelligence, team building, failure, growth, belonging, risk-taking, self-awareness WATCH ON YOUTUBE! Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Gina’s background in leadership and storytelling 02:04 - Reframing failure as lessons for growth 04:37 - The importance of emotional freedom and letting go of end states 07:08 - Success beyond money: creating a life worth remembering 10:01 - The story of writing her children's book in Joshua Tree 12:19 - Belonging isn't about fitting in: embracing authenticity 13:46 - Leadership lessons from Navy SEAL training 15:35 - The making of Cosmo the alien and its message for belonging 18:09 - Practical ways to foster belonging in organizations 19:17 - Leading by example: managing emotions and self-awareness 23:13 - The necessity of risk-taking and failing forward 26:29 - Learning from emotional reactions and handling legal challenges 33:16 - Strategies for staying rational under pressure 34:41 - Final thoughts on growth, leadership, and authenticity Resources & Links: Gina Casazza  – Connect with Gina Gina's children's book about belonging and self-acceptance 🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

    37 min

  6. Mar 3

    From the 'Perfect Life' Facade to True Fulfillment: A Raw Conversation with Kevin Palmieri of

    What happens when the life that looks perfect on the outside feels hollow on the inside? In this compelling episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci dives deep with Kevin Palmieri, a man who traded a life of surface-level success for one of genuine impact. Kevin shares his raw, personal journey of recognizing that a lack of self-belief was holding him back, even when he had everything 'on paper.' Tune in as they unpack critical lessons for any entrepreneur or leader, including: The Power of the 'Dream Chaser' Mindset: Beyond simply setting goals, Kevin breaks down the absolute commitment and relentless self-work required to not just chase your dreams, but to become the person who achieves them.The Uncomfortable Truth About Vulnerability in Leadership: Kevin shares candid stories of how past mistakes and a fear of exposure led to fractured relationships. Learn why psychological safety isn't just a buzzword, but the bedrock of a high-performing team, and how embracing vulnerability is the ultimate leadership strength.Navigating Partnerships Without Sacrificing Your Relationship: Business partnerships can be explosive. Layci and Kevin discuss the delicate balance of maintaining clarity, healthy communication, and personal boundaries, ensuring the business thrives without destroying the personal connection.Crisis-Proofing Your Leadership: Don't wait for a breakdown to start working on yourself. The conversation concludes with actionable advice on cultivating deep self-awareness and practicing vulnerability before the pressure cooker of a crisis forces you to. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to stop faking it and start forging a path of authentic, committed, and impactful leadership. Takeaways: Dream chasers aspire to more and commit to personal growth. Self-belief is crucial for taking audacious steps in life. Vulnerability in leadership can shift team dynamics. Building partnerships requires shared core values and beliefs. Recognizing comfort zones is essential for growth. Feedback is a vital part of personal and professional development. Practice vulnerability when life is stable, not just in crisis. Understanding your triggers can improve relationships. Psychological safety fosters transformation and closeness. The journey of self-improvement is never truly complete. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Confessions 01:36 Understanding Dream Chasers 04:44 The Journey of Self-Discovery 09:28 Building Strong Partnerships 13:16 Pushing Through Comfort Zones 19:18 The Balance of Vulnerability in Leadership 23:59 Practical Steps for Growth 27:51 Conclusion and Resources WATCH ON YOUTUBE! EPISODE LINKS:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-palmieri/ https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/ 🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

    31 min

  7. Feb 17

    Decoding Tech PR, feat. CEO of The Silver Telegram, Ronjini Joshua

    In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci Nelson speaks with Ronjini Joshua, CEO and founder of Silver Telegram, about the intricacies of public relations, especially in the tech industry. Ronjini shares her journey into tech PR, the importance of effective communication, and how to identify the right time for organizations to invest in PR. They discuss budgeting for PR services, the future of PR in a rapidly changing landscape, and the significance of building strong internal communication. Ronjini also shares valuable insights on choosing the right PR agency and the lessons learned from her leadership mistakes.       Episode Highlights: Behind the Buzz: Ronjini Joshua's Journey: Discover how Ronjini Joshua, CEO and founder of Silver Telegram, built a powerhouse PR agency specializing in the competitive tech industry.Is Your Business PR-Ready? Learn the critical indicators that signal the perfect time for your organization to invest in public relations and strategic communication.Budgeting for Impact: Get expert tips on how to effectively budget for PR services and ensure maximum return on investment.The Future of PR in the Digital Age: Ronjini shares her predictions on how the PR landscape is evolving and how tech companies can stay ahead of the curve.The Internal-External Connection: Understand the often-overlooked significance of strong internal communication as the foundation for successful external PR efforts.Choosing Your PR Partner: Essential advice on vetting and selecting the right PR agency that aligns with your company's mission and goals.Leadership Lessons: Hear candid insights from Ronjini on the biggest leadership mistakes she’s made and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. Listen in as Layci and Ronjini demystify the intricacies of tech PR, effective communication strategies, and transforming leadership failures into growth. Takeaways: PR is about effective communication between businesses and their audiences. Ronjini fell into tech PR after starting in entertainment PR. Startups often lack the budget for large PR agencies. A solid PR strategy requires time and investment. The future of PR involves adapting to new technologies like AI. Effective communication is crucial for internal team dynamics. Choosing the right PR agency involves assessing their experience and ideas. Leadership mistakes often stem from a lack of planning. Onboarding new employees takes time and requires a solid training program. Setting employees up for success is key to a thriving business. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Confessional 01:00 Understanding Public Relations 07:17 When to Bring in PR 10:10 The Future of PR 12:41 The Importance of Clarity 18:46 Learning from Leadership Mistakes 23:53 Final Thoughts and Connections WATCH ON YOUTUBE! EPISODE LINKS: Connect with Ronjini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronjinim/ https://www.silvertelegram.com/ 🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

    27 min

  8. Feb 3

    Q&A: Leadership in 2026 is Getting a Major Upgrade

    In the latest Q&A of "Confessions of a Terrible Leader," Producer Mary and Layci dive into a lively discussion about the significant shifts currently reshaping the world of leadership. The conversation immediately zeroes in on a critical concern: the noticeable and worrying decline in trust that organizations across the board are facing. This erosion of trust isn't just an HR problem; it poses a genuine threat to a company's ability to thrive and sustain itself. The rigid, antiquated "boss-and-tell" leadership styles are quickly becoming obsolete—they are actively detrimental to creating a modern, effective workplace. What do today's employees truly value? People aren't merely showing up for a paycheck or a title anymore; they are genuinely seeking meaningful connection and a sense of purpose in their professional lives. This profound shift in priorities mandates a serious transformation in leadership. The old model, built on hierarchy and power, is being replaced by a much more authentic, human-centered approach. The central message of the episode is an earnest call for leaders to embrace the current era. Layci explains that to truly succeed in 2026, leaders must move beyond strict, authoritarian management and adopt a model that champions collaboration and mutual understanding. This new approach requires leaders to cultivate an environment where vulnerability is safe, communication is transparent, and the unique contributions of every individual are valued far more than adherence to rigid rules. The future of exceptional leadership, as Mary and Layci thoughtfully explore, is deeply rooted in empathy, a shared vision, and a sincere appreciation for the remarkable people who drive the company forward. Keywords leadership trends, trust in organizations, human-centered leadership, 2026 leadership, employee engagement, command and control, AI in leadership, workplace wellness, sustainable performance, leadership challenges Takeaways Trust is at an all-time low in organizations. Control and command leadership styles are becoming obsolete. Leaders must adapt to a human-centered approach to foster connection. AI should complement human judgment, not replace it. Understanding systemic issues is crucial for addressing employee burnout. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Trends 2026 01:13 The Crisis of Trust in Leadership 06:01 Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI 10:50 Balancing Competing Demands in Leadership 17:41 Understanding Burnout as a Systemic Issue 23:42 Adapting Leadership Styles for a Changing World WATCH ON YOUTUBE! EPISODE LINKS: 🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

    27 min
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Welcome to Confessions of a Terrible Leader, where real leaders share the raw truth about the lessons they learned the hard way, so you don’t have to. Join our host, Layci Nelson, founder of Transcend Leadership Collective and former terrible leader. Every leader can become worthy of being followed if they are willing to put in “the work.” On this podcast, we share the messy stories and behind the scenes reality of what the work actually entails.

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