Secrets of the C-Suite: The Podcast

Susan Sutherland, Juliet Clothier
  • 4.6 (10)
  • 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. S3 E8 – with Pippa Parfait, OG Disobedient Business® Strategist, Coach & Mentor: the one where we learn why disobedience can be a leadership strength

    5D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. S3 E6 – with Lisa Amador, Director of Philanthropy & Wine Industry Entrepreneur: the one where we learn about jumping the desk

    JAN 5

    S3 E6 – with Lisa Amador, Director of Philanthropy & Wine Industry Entrepreneur: the one where we learn about jumping the desk

    In this episode of Secrets of the C-Suite, we’re joined by Lisa Amador, a leader whose career has been shaped by purpose, people, and community—and whose path shows that some of the most impactful leadership journeys are anything but linear. Lisa shares how she moved from advertising and radio leadership into healthcare philanthropy at Sutter Health, taking on roles she’d never held before and learning to lead through trust, curiosity, and connection. We talk about the difference between selling and philanthropy, why relationship-building matters more than transactions, and how purpose anchors effective leadership. She also takes us into her parallel entrepreneurial journey: helping turn her teenage son’s garage winemaking experiment into a thriving family winery. Through that story, we explore scrappy beginnings, family leadership, and what it means to build something meaningful together over time. This conversation is a reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about saying yes, staying open, and growing alongside the people and communities you serve. You can reach Lisa on LinkedIn. ** 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
  4. Best of S2 – with Valari Staab, Chairman of NBCUniversal Local: the one where we see how leading with intention, purpose and fun makes all the difference!

    12/22/2025

    Best of S2 – with Valari Staab, Chairman of NBCUniversal Local: the one where we see how leading with intention, purpose and fun makes all the difference!

    Secrets of the C-Suite: The Podcast is on a holiday break, as are Juliet and Susan. We thought you'd enjoy re-listening to this great episode with Valari Staab, Chairman of NBCUniversal, one of the 'best of' Season 2.  We'll be back on January 5th with a new episode.  All of us at Secrets of the C-Suite wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season! ———————————————————— This episode with Valari Staab, Chairman at NBCUniversal Local, was such fun for us for us to record, and we know it will be an engaging, thought-provoking episode for you too. Both Juliet and Susan met Valari way back in the days when Valari worked for ABC in San Francisco and served on the Board of the United Way of the Bay Area,  where Juliet was CFO and Susan was also on the Board. All these many years later, now as Chairman at NBCUniversal Local, she had just moved into new offices in 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and we talked about her journey and career in media with a backdrop of a wall of TV screens behind her! We learned a lot from speaking from Valari, and we ended our conversation inspired by purposeful, people-focused, and fun leadership she demonstrates every day. We trust you'll be as inspired as well. You can find Valari on LinkedIn. ** 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.

    40 min
  5. S3 Ep 5 – with Regina Phelps, Crisis Management Expert & Author: the one where we learn to lead though disaster

    12/08/2025

    S3 Ep 5 – with Regina Phelps, Crisis Management Expert & Author: the one where we learn to lead though disaster

    This week, we sat down with crisis management expert and author Regina Phelps for a lively, wide-ranging conversation about what it actually takes to lead through chaos. Regina shares her unconventional path from oncology nursing to founding a global crisis consulting firm, including the moment she was fired (yes, fired!) and how that unexpected shock opened the door to the work she was truly meant to do. We talk about why most crisis plans fall apart the moment they’re needed, how practice builds real confidence, and what history reveals about the long, messy arcs of pandemics and disruption. Regina brings humor, honesty, and decades of wisdom as she describes helping executives stay calm when everything is sideways, navigating the emotional labor of leadership, and reinventing her own career more than once — including a recent chapter that surprised even her. Along the way, we explore the tender, human side of leading in uncertain times: the doubt, the grit, the clarity that comes from letting go of outdated labels, and the hope that shows up when we imagine our future selves with curiosity instead of fear. If you’re looking for a practical, inspiring, and unexpectedly joyful take on crisis leadership and reinvention, this conversation with Regina is one you won’t want to miss. You can reach Regina through her website www.ems-solutionsinc.com and find her on LinkedIn. Regina's four books, the latest on Crisis Management, are available on Amazon. ** 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.

    37 min
  6. S3 Ep 4 – Juliet & Susan "Unplugged"

    11/24/2025

    S3 Ep 4 – Juliet & Susan "Unplugged"

    In this special “Unplugged” episode, we step away from our usual format and dive into a spontaneous, unscripted conversation about something that’s been showing up in our lives and leadership lately: the idea of your future self—who you’ve been, who you are today, and who you’re intentionally becoming. Inspired by a story about a six-year-old navigating swim lessons, we talk about how even the smallest daily choices can shape the person and leader we’re growing into. From grounding rituals like making the bed to the harder moments when we have to make decisions we can’t fully explain, we explore how intention, self-awareness, and emotional regulation help us stay aligned with the leaders we want to be. We also share how we each navigate guilt, stress, and the emotional labor of leadership—especially in a world that can feel increasingly unpredictable. Along the way, we lean into honesty, humor, and yes, a well-placed f-bomb or two. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on self-care, leadership, and making choices for the “you” of tomorrow, this episode is for you. And if you loved this Unplugged format, let us know! ** 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.

    24 min
  7. S3 Ep 3 – with Brian Clothier, Small Business Partner & CXO, Producer, and Musician: the one where we learn all about the man who produces our podcast!

    11/10/2025

    S3 Ep 3 – with Brian Clothier, Small Business Partner & CXO, Producer, and Musician: the one where we learn all about the man who produces our podcast!

    Juliet and Susan had such fun on this episode as we interviewed our podcast producer (and Juliet's brother), Brian Clothier! Brian is a multi-skilled, mostly self-employed partner and CXO for small businesses – he can slot into any C-suite role in the businesses he works with – as well as a producer and an inspired musician. He got his start coveting his sister's "cool" red guitar, and his management career kicked off when he managed his band, while also being in the band with friends. ("Managing friends"... an episode in itself!!) Since those early years, Brian has worked in a winery doing anything that needed attention and order, and is now a mostly self-employed partner and leader in a range of small businesses. He relishes setting his own schedule, managing his time and effort. Brian is keen producer of events and broadcasts ('Secrets' is not his only podcast) and he keeps us all focused on deepening our skills and improving our listeners enjoyment.  We hope you'll enjoy this discussion with Brian as much we enjoyed chatting with him. Thank you so much for listening! You can reach Brian at bcloth@gmail.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.

    33 min
  8. S3 Ep 2 – With Teja Smith, Founder of Get Social: the one where we appreciate the powerful combination of legacy and personal strengths

    10/27/2025

    S3 Ep 2 – With Teja Smith, Founder of Get Social: the one where we appreciate the powerful combination of legacy and personal strengths

    In this powerful episode of Secrets of the C-Suite, we welcome Teja Smith, CEO and Founder of Get Social, a Los Angeles–based digital strategy and social media agency specializing in advocacy, culture, and impact-driven storytelling. With more than a decade at the intersection of social justice, politics, and pop culture, Teja shares how her upbringing, her grandmother’s legacy, and her commitment to equity shaped her mission to amplify underrepresented voices through digital media. From her early work on the Schools Not Prisons campaign to founding Get Social during the pandemic, Teja reflects on leading through chaos, motherhood, and the ongoing fight for representation. She also gives listeners a first look at her newest project, the Digital Justice Lab, a nonprofit focused on teaching digital literacy, combating misinformation, and helping young people harness social media for good. This conversation dives deep into the evolution of digital activism, the power of women—especially Black women—in driving social change, and the real behind-the-scenes realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and balance. If you want to be inspired by how purpose, strategy, and social impact collide to create meaningful, lasting change, this episode’s for you. You can reach Teja Smith through her website www.getsocialwithteja.com and find her on LinkedIn. Teja's TED Talk: Cooking Up Change: Social Media's Role in Modern Activism ** 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.

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
10 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
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Secrets of the C-Suite: The Podcast
  • Show Website
    Secrets of the C-Suite: The Podcast