Confessions of a Terrible Leader

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

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. 2d ago

    HHART-First Leadership for Manufacturing: Fixing Silent Failures, Turnover & Growth Ceilings

    Layci recently had the privilege of being a guest of Kirk Davis, Executive Director of CAMPS, to explore a challenge manufacturers know all too well: why does growth stall when the "people side" of the business can't keep pace with technology?    Layci traces her path from workforce development to founding Transcend — built on a simple but powerful premise: leadership training should deliver measurable, practical ROI, not just feel-good moments. At the heart of her approach is the HHART-First Leadership framework — a system grounded in honest communication, healthy conflict, and cultures built on acceptance, respect, and trust, backed by 48 concrete, teachable skills.   The conversation gets into the real results clients experience: problems surfacing earlier, sharper quality standards, cleaner shift handoffs, and a dramatic reduction in "silent failures." Layci also tackles the turnover crisis head-on — calling out the supervisory behaviors and dehumanizing workplace dynamics that quietly drive good people out the door.   She rounds out the discussion with a compelling example of how making promotion criteria transparent through a weighted skills matrix can eliminate perceived favoritism and rebuild trust on the shop floor.   Keywords: Leadership, Manufacturing, HHART First, Communication, Organizational Culture, Performance Systems, Employee Engagement, Strategic Planning, Workforce Development   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:08 Layci's Journey into Workforce Development 04:28 Founding Transcend Leadership Collective 06:44 Heart First Leadership Philosophy 09:56 The Science and Skills of Heart First Leadership 11:41 Real-World Impact of Heart First Systems 14:45 Diagnosing Organizational Challenges 21:00 Performance Accelerator Framework 24:40 Client Success Stories and Outcomes 28:24 How to Connect with Layci Nelson   Learn more about CAMPS: https://www.camps-us.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.

  2. Jul 13

    Principles of Soul-Centered Leadership, feat. James Oyola, Founder of The Helpful Leader

    We’re thrilled to feature leadership expert and author James Oyola on the show today. James opens up about his unique path to becoming an author and introduces his powerful, transformative approach to soul-centered leadership. Whether you're looking to strengthen your team or find your own path, you'll discover practical strategies for building trust, managing difficult conversations, and leading with integrity—essential tools for any leader looking to make a lasting impact. Keywords: Leadership, Soul-Centered Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Management, Personal Development, Workplace Culture, Conflict Resolution, Leadership Books, Leadership Lessons Podcast, Leadership Podcast Interviews, Leadership Podcasts Key topics: Journey to writing a book Principles of soul-centered leadership Managing trauma and relationships Building trust and relational capital Handling difficult conversations and terminations Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Writing Journey 02:52 The Concept of the Helpful Leader 05:34 Understanding Trauma in Leadership 08:23 Building Trust and Relationships in Leadership 11:14 Balancing Accountability and Empathy 15:47 Effective Communication and Support in Leadership 16:54 Graceful Exits: Navigating Difficult Conversations 19:46 The Importance of Dignity in Termination 22:53 Curiosity and Compassion in Leadership 26:28 Understanding Employee Significance 29:20 Lessons from Leadership Mistakes 34:16 Balancing Authority and Approachability Resources: James Oyola on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-oyola-29471114/ The Helpful Leader Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehelpful_leader/ 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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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