Secrets of the C-Suite: The Podcast

Susan Sutherland, Juliet Clothier
  • 4.6 (11)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A bi-weekly podcast devoted to exploring leadership, demystifying and humanizing what it's like to be a leader, an aspiring executive or an executive, particularly in the C-Suite. 

  1. APR 27

    Best of S2 – Janéa Jackson, CEO of HomeRise: the one where we learn a lot about managing change in urgent conditions

    In this 'Best of S2' episode, Juliet & Susan welcome Janéa Jackson, CEO of HomeRise, a San Francisco-based non-profit whose mission is to provide supportive housing to unhoused people. In less than 2 years since stepping into the role of CEO, Janéa has needed to assess and learn the people and business of the organization while overhauling it's finances and operating model. She's passionate about the mission, while being clear-eyed about the challenges for all mission-driven organizations to operate with solid systems and financial stability while being values-led.  Janéa shared a lot of herself and her journey with us: how she uses her commute to her advantage, how she engages her children at the end of long days, and how she navigated the early days in her role as CEO.  We loved our conversation with Janéa, and hope you will too!  ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.JulietClothier.com Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings.

    39 min
  2. S3 E12 – Season 3 Recap: Leadership, Lessons & The Power of Yes

    APR 13

    S3 E12 – Season 3 Recap: Leadership, Lessons & The Power of Yes

    In this special season 3 finale of Secrets of the C-Suite, we take a step back to reflect on the conversations, themes and lessons that shaped this chapter of the podcast. We revisit standout moments from our guests—from bold, fearless leadership and career pivots to navigating crisis, embracing creativity and redefining what success looks like. Along the way, we notice some common threads: saying yes to opportunity, trusting your instincts and building careers that align with who you are—not just what you do. We also share a few honest reflections of our own, including what we’ve learned about podcasting, where we could have been more intentional and how certain themes (like our “future selves”) showed up more than we expected. This episode is both a recap and a reset—a thoughtful look back at a season full of growth, honesty and meaningful conversations, and a look ahead to season 4 with fresh ideas, including an exciting change coming! Thank you for being part of this journey. Season 4 is coming soon... ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.JulietClothier.com Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings.

    34 min
  3. S3 E11 – Dena Grunt, Founder of Destination HR Consulting: the one where we learn why HR is more human than ever

    MAR 30

    S3 E11 – Dena Grunt, Founder of Destination HR Consulting: the one where we learn why HR is more human than ever

    In this episode of Secrets of the C-Suite, Susan and Juliet are joined by HR expert and founder of Destination HR Consulting, Dena Grunt, for a candid conversation on leadership, growth and the human side of HR. Dena shares her unexpected path into human resources, pivoting from speech pathology after discovering the work fit her strengths and desire to help people. Her career spans legal, hospitality and executive leadership, including running a hospitality business where she learned on the job in a way that felt like earning an MBA in real time. Now a business owner, she reflects on the realities of solopreneurship—from doing everything yourself to recognizing when it’s time to bring in support. Her experience finding the right hire highlights the courage and trust it takes to hand over parts of your business to someone else. The conversation also explores how AI is showing up in HR. Dena shares how she uses it as a thinking partner and emphasizes that meaningful outputs depend on the right inputs. While a powerful tool for handling tactical work, it can’t replace the human connection at the core of leadership. Dena also shares a memorable HR moment that shows just how unpredictable—and human—this work can be. At the heart of the episode is a key insight: people rarely leave because of salary or workload. They leave when they no longer feel seen, heard or valued—a leadership problem no algorithm can solve. This episode is packed with practical insights, personal stories and leadership lessons you can apply whether you’re leading a team, running your own business, or navigating the complexities of HR today. ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.JulietClothier.com Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings.

    42 min
  4. S3 E10 – Barb Gustafson, Co-Owner of Paul Mathew Vineyards: the one where we learn how passion turns into a business

    MAR 16

    S3 E10 – Barb Gustafson, Co-Owner of Paul Mathew Vineyards: the one where we learn how passion turns into a business

    In this episode of Secrets of the C-Suite, we sit down with Barb Gustafson, co-owner of Paul Mathew Vineyards, to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, and what it takes to build a business from the ground up. Barb shares how her career began in hospitality and restaurants in Vancouver, where a growing curiosity about wine turned into a passion that ultimately led her to California and into the wine industry full time. Along the way, she spent years in hospitality with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, before meeting her husband and business partner, Mat Gustafson. Together, they built Paul Mathew Vineyards into the boutique winery it is today. Barb reflects on the early years of wearing multiple hats while helping grow the brand and customer base, and how opening their tasting room became a pivotal step in connecting directly with their community. She also offers an honest look at the realities of running a small winery today—from changing consumer habits to the importance of relationships and customer loyalty. At the heart of the business is the partnership between Barb and Mat, balancing winemaking craft with hospitality and experience. It’s a thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and building something meaningful—one relationship at a time. Paul Mathew Vineyards website: paulmathewvineyards.com ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.JulietClothier.com Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings.

    42 min
  5. S3 E9 – Juliet & Susan "Unplugged": Working With Your Future Self

    MAR 2

    S3 E9 – Juliet & Susan "Unplugged": Working With Your Future Self

    In another "Unplugged" episode, we step away from guest interviews to explore a leadership concept we return to often in our work and in our own lives: the idea of your future self. Sparked by a New York Times article—and an unexpectedly revealing conversation about parking strategies—we reflect on how small, present-day decisions can shape who we become as leaders over time. From doing the hard thing first to navigating career transitions, we talk candidly about exit strategies that aren’t necessarily about retirement, but about growth, relevance, and staying engaged. We share personal stories from our executive careers, touching on when frustration starts to outweigh joy at work, the importance of curiosity and continuous learning, and why building real bench strength matters. We also explore how values and self-reflection serve as a steady compass—especially in uncertain or changing environments. Along the way, we dig into ageism, staying energized later in your career, and why investing in yourself (including learning new tools like AI) is an essential part of leadership today. This episode is a thoughtful, honest reminder to pause and ask: what would your future self want you to do today? ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.JulietClothier.com Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings.

    34 min
  6. Best of S1 – Melissa Hurrington, Unapologetic CFO: the one where we are inspired towards bold and authentic leadership

    FEB 16

    Best of S1 – Melissa Hurrington, Unapologetic CFO: the one where we are inspired towards bold and authentic leadership

    In this 'Best of Season 1' episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Melissa Hurrington, an unapologetic leader who has mastered the art of balancing personal and professional life. When her company turned to her for guidance during the pandemic in 2020, Melissa realized that no one truly has all the answers. This pivotal moment allowed her to show up authentically and highlight the often-unrecognized leadership roles women take on in times of crisis. Today, Melissa is a sought-after speaker and panelist, an influential voice on LinkedIn, and continues to inspire others through her work with the Bold Leaders Collective and as President of the Omaha Chapter of the CFO Leadership Council. As a mentor, she empowers emerging leaders to embrace their potential. Melissa's journey illustrates her belief that skills learned in dance—such as discipline, teamwork, and creativity—translate seamlessly into the business world. Her commitment to fostering a culture of lifelong learning stems from her own experiences, driving her to continuously grow and encourage others to do the same. Thank you for tuning in! We hope you found inspiration in Melissa’s story and insights. You can follow Melissa on LinkedIn and can read more about her in this article. ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.JulietClothier.com Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings.

    43 min
  7. S3 E8 – with Pippa Parfait, OG Disobedient Business® Strategist, Coach & Mentor: the one where we learn why disobedience can be a leadership strength

    FEB 2

    S3 E8 – with Pippa Parfait, OG Disobedient Business® Strategist, Coach & Mentor: the one where we learn why disobedience can be a leadership strength

    In this episode of Secrets of the C-Suite, we’re joined by Pippa Parfait, strategist, business coach, and founder of The Disobedient Business Co—a business built for humans who don’t fit neatly into traditional models of work or leadership. Pippa shares her winding, unconventional career journey, from leaving formal education at 16 to senior leadership roles in the public sector, before “noping out” of bureaucracy and retraining as a coach. She reflects on following the energy, recognizing when it’s time to leave a role, and how years of performing what leadership was “supposed” to look like eventually led her to build something radically different. We talk candidly about neurodivergence, including Pippa’s later-in-life ADHD and autism diagnoses, how those realizations reshaped her understanding of her career, and why so many neurodivergent leaders and business owners are drawn to nontraditional paths. Pippa also shares thoughtful, practical guidance for leaders managing neurodivergent teams—centered on listening, flexibility, and meaningful accommodations. The conversation also explores what it’s really like to run a business with family, the importance of boundaries and grace, and why having “a person” you can think out loud with can be transformational for leaders navigating complexity and change. Honest, funny, and deeply insightful, this episode is an invitation to question the status quo, trust the breadcrumbs, and build work that actually fits who you are. You can reach Pippa at pippa@disobedientbusiness.com, on Instagram @disobedientbusinessco, or on www.disobedientbusiness.com. ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.JulietClothier.com Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings.

    43 min
  8. S3 E7 – Juliet & Susan "Unplugged": We're Not Done Yet

    JAN 19

    S3 E7 – Juliet & Susan "Unplugged": We're Not Done Yet

    In this unscripted “Unplugged” episode, we reflect on leadership, work, and life at this stage of our careers—and what we're ready to let go of as we look ahead. We dive into big, often unspoken questions: What does retirement really mean? What if we don’t actually want it? How do purpose, energy, money, and freedom evolve as our careers—and lives—change? Juliet shares the realization that retirement may not be the goal at all, while Susan reflects on burnout, soul-level exhaustion, and the need to rethink business models that no longer feel sustainable. Along the way, we explore the psychology of saving and spending, lingering anxiety patterns from earlier career stages, and the freedom that can come from releasing outdated expectations. We also unpack leadership realities many of us are navigating—return-to-office mandates, remote work, ineffective meetings, and the importance of intention, clarity, and trust at work. Honest, reflective, and full of humor, this episode is an invitation to pause and ask: What do we want to keep, what are we ready to release, and how do we want to work and lead now? ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.JulietClothier.com Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings.

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

A bi-weekly podcast devoted to exploring leadership, demystifying and humanizing what it's like to be a leader, an aspiring executive or an executive, particularly in the C-Suite. 

Information

  • Creator
    Susan Sutherland, Juliet Clothier
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Secrets of the C-Suite: The Podcast
  • Show Website
    Secrets of the C-Suite: The Podcast