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. 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

  2. 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

  3. JAN 20

    Securing Success: Unlocking Powerful Leadership Insights from the Security Industry, feat. Glenn Sandifer

    In this episode of "Confessions of a Terrible Leader," host Layci Nelson welcomes Glenn Sandifer, a seasoned executive in the security industry with over 20 years of experience. Glenn shares his journey of leading teams and the importance of effective communication, empathy, and adaptability in leadership. He emphasizes the need for leaders to understand their teams' dynamics, especially when many team members may not come from traditional security backgrounds. Glenn discusses the common misconceptions about the security industry and the critical role of sales in business, urging business owners to embrace their sales responsibilities and understand their value propositions deeply. The conversation delves into the challenges of scaling teams and the pitfalls of rapid growth without proper planning. Glenn reflects on his own experiences, highlighting the importance of documented processes and the need for leaders to be hands-on in their sales strategies. He encourages small business owners to invest in sales coaching rather than relying solely on marketing tactics. The episode concludes with Glenn's insights on how sales can significantly impact a family's financial trajectory, reinforcing the idea that effective sales strategies are essential for long-term success. Keywords leadership, sales strategies, security industry, business growth, empathy in leadership, team dynamics, small business, value proposition, coaching, communication Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Confessions of a Terrible Leader 00:21 Meet Glenn Sandifer: A Leader in Security 01:55 Leading Non-Security Professionals 04:11 Misconceptions About the Security Industry 06:29 Understanding Sales for Business Owners 11:07 The Importance of Sales Ownership 21:45 Leadership Mistakes: Scaling Challenges 25:53 Final Thoughts and Insights from Glenn Watch on YouTube! EPISODE LINKS: https://www.glennsandifer.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennsandifer/ 🗞️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.

    30 min

  4. JAN 6

    Q&A: Layci's Biggest Mistake of 2025

    In this episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader', host Layci Nelson reflects on her biggest mistake of 2025, focusing on the detrimental effects of phone habits on mental health. The conversation transitions into the importance of establishing meaningful morning routines and grounding rituals to enhance productivity and wellbeing. As they wrap up the year, Layci and Producer Mary express gratitude for the listeners and emphasize the significance of self-awareness and personal growth as they look forward to 2026. Takeaways Layci reflects on her biggest mistake of 2025. The impact of phone habits on mental health is significant. Establishing meaningful morning routines can enhance productivity. Grounding rituals help in navigating life's challenges. Small habits can lead to big changes in wellbeing. Intentionality in protecting emotional energy is crucial. Time blocking can help manage daily tasks effectively. Self-awareness is key to personal growth. Gratitude for listeners fosters a sense of community. Looking ahead to 2026 brings hope and motivation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Confessions 01:23 Reflecting on 2025's Biggest Mistake 03:31 The Impact of Phone Habits on Wellbeing 07:26 Creating Meaningful Morning Routines 11:21 Finding Grounding in Daily Rituals 15:40 Gratitude and Looking Ahead to 2026 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.

    20 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    Unlocking the Secrets of Credibility in Leadership, feat. Mitchell Levy, global credibility expert

    In this episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader', Layci engages with credibility expert Mitchell Levy to explore the multifaceted concept of credibility in leadership. They discuss the importance of trust, the role of integrity, and the necessity of coachability in effective leadership. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight how leaders can assess their credibility and the credibility of their organizations, emphasizing the need for vulnerability and self-awareness in leadership roles. The conversation also touches on the impact of past experiences on leadership styles and the importance of surrounding oneself with trustworthy individuals. Takeaways Credibility is defined by trust, knowing, and liking.Trust must come before knowing and liking in relationships.Organizations often misjudge their own credibility.Employee engagement and NPS scores are key indicators of credibility.Leaders should seek honest feedback through 360 reviews.Coachability is essential for effective leadership development.Integrity is a crucial value in establishing credibility.Personal experiences shape leadership styles and approaches.Surrounding oneself with credible individuals enhances personal growth.Forgiveness is a vital part of personal and professional development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Credibility and Leadership01:59 Understanding Credibility: Trust, Know, Like05:59 Assessing Organizational Credibility09:06 Measuring Individual Credibility as a Leader11:04 The Importance of Coachability in Leadership15:07 The Role of Integrity in Leadership18:21 Learning from Leadership Mistakes23:28 Personal Stories and Lessons in Leadership EPISODE LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelllevy/ https://mitchelllevy.com/ mitchell.levy@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/mitchell.levy/?hl=en 🗞️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.

    33 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    Q&A Rewind! Surviving and Thriving: Leadership Strategies for the Holiday Season (plus a free gift guide!)

    In this episode, Layci and Producer Mary discuss how leaders can finish strong during the busy holiday season. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the multiple commitments everyone has during this period, both at work and at home. Layci provides concrete steps for effective prioritization and maintaining productivity without burning out. The episode also covers the importance of meaningful gift-giving for employees and shares personal family traditions to remind listeners of the value of leaning into their own traditions. A free downloadable gift guide is offered to help alleviate decision fatigue for leaders. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:27 Navigating the Busy Holiday Season03:37 Prioritization and Strategic Thinking05:07 Practical Tips for Year-End Management08:43 Meaningful Gift Giving11:07 Family Traditions and Holiday Joy14:36 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes Episode links:https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/gift-guide 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.

    16 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    Navigating Healthcare: Lessons from a Patient Advocate, feat. Dana Sherwin, CEO of The Thinking Patient

    In this episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader', Layci Nelson speaks with Dana Sherwin about her framework, the Thinking Patient, which empowers individuals to take charge of their healthcare. Dana shares her personal health journey, emphasizing the importance of patient engagement, preparation, and effective communication with healthcare providers. The conversation highlights the need for patients to be proactive, ask questions, and participate actively in their health decisions, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. Dana also reflects on her leadership experiences and the lessons learned from her health challenges. Takeaways: Being engaged in your care leads to better health outcomes. Preparation is crucial for effective communication with healthcare providers. Patients should be the CEO of their own health. Understanding medical language enhances patient advocacy. Asking questions is essential for informed health decisions. Courage in healthcare can be built gradually. Active participation in appointments improves patient experiences. Trustworthy health information comes from reputable sources. Communication skills are vital for healthcare leaders. Learning from personal health experiences can inform better patient care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Thinking Patient Framework 02:55 Dana's Personal Health Journey 06:00 The Importance of Patient Engagement 08:57 Preparing for Medical Appointments 11:38 Understanding Medical Language 15:00 The Art of Questioning 17:40 Active Participation in Healthcare 20:42 Building Courage in Health Advocacy 23:39 Dana's Leadership Confession 26:38 Conclusion and Resources EPISODE LINKS: https://www.thethinkingpatient.com/about https://www.linkedin.com/in/desherwin/ 🗞️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.

    28 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    Leading through Grief: A Guide to Being Human

    In this episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader', Layci Nelson shares her personal experiences with grief, particularly the loss of her father and father-in-law. The conversation delves into the complexities of leading through grief, the nature of grief itself, and the importance of communication and vulnerability in leadership. Layci emphasizes that grief is a universal experience that affects everyone differently and that leaders must allow themselves and their teams the space to navigate these emotions. The episode highlights the significance of understanding one's capacity during times of grief and the necessity of facing rather than avoiding the emotional waves that come with loss. Takeaways: Grief is a universal experience that everyone will face. The body remembers grief even when the mind tries to forget. Grief is not linear; it comes in waves and can hit unexpectedly. Leaders must communicate their capacity and vulnerability to their teams. It's essential to give yourself permission to grieve and not rush the process. Avoiding grief can lead to physical and emotional consequences. Facing grief head-on is more effective than trying to outrun it. Open communication with your team can foster a supportive environment during tough times. Recognizing your limitations during grief is crucial for effective leadership. Grief can change your identity and how you function in the world. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Grief 01:16 Personal Experiences with Grief 03:10 Understanding Grief's Nature 06:43 The Body's Response to Grief 10:34 Capacity and Functionality During Grief 12:49 Facing Grief: The Waves of Emotion 17:00 Communication and Team Dynamics in Grief 21:20 Final Thoughts on Navigating Grief 🗞️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.

    24 min
See All (102)

Trailers

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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.

Information