Leadership Rules

Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio

5.0 (1)
Self-Improvement
Biweekly

Welcome to Leadership Rules, where we believe leadership isn’t just a role—it’s a way of life. Whether you're leading a team, a community, or simply leading yourself, we’re here to help you explore the possibilities. And we are bringing guests along to share their journeys, their own leadership rules and lessons we can use along the way. Welcome to our podcast! Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio

2d ago

Leadership Rules with Charlene Pou

Episode Title: You Don't Have to Have It All Figured Out with Charlene Pou What if the goal of career readiness isn't preparing for a particular job, but preparing for whatever comes next? This week on Leadership Rules, Nick and Marnie welcome Charlene Pou, founder of Strategic Engagement Group, where she helps educators and employers build stronger partnerships to prepare people for an ever-changing workforce. Charlene challenges the traditional idea that young people need to choose a career, earn a credential, and follow a predictable path to success. Instead, she encourages us to focus on curiosity, adaptability, resilience, and the confidence to explore new possibilities. One of her most powerful observations? "Potential exists everywhere, but opportunity does not." Together, Nick, Marnie, and Charlene explore how educators, employers, parents, and leaders can help close that gap by creating meaningful opportunities for exploration, mentorship, and real-world experiences. They also discuss the changing role of higher education, alternative career pathways, lifelong learning, and how AI is reshaping both the skills we need and the ways we develop them. And Charlene shares a leadership rule that applies whether you're 17, 37, or 67: "You don't have to have it all figured out. You just need to be able to prepare yourself to navigate what's next." Because careers aren't always straight lines. Sometimes the unexpected turns lead to the most meaningful destinations. And in a fitting coincidence, Charlene's first concert was Journey, which made her closing reminder that the lessons are in the journey, not the destination, even more appropriate. Learn more about Charlene: Connect with Charlene Pou on LinkedInFollow her LinkedIn newsletter, Peak PotentialLearn more about Strategic Engagement GroupYou don't have to know exactly where you're going. Just be ready to explore what's next.
Oct 14

Leadership Rules with Jennifer Marcou

Episode Title: Leadership Doesn't Have a Volume Setting with Jennifer Marcou What if being quiet isn't something you need to overcome, but one of your greatest leadership strengths? This week on Leadership Rules, Nick and Marnie welcome Jennifer Marcou, former executive at Microsoft and American Express, leadership coach, and author of Lead with Quiet Confidence: The Practical Guide to Success for Introverts. Jennifer challenges the traditional image of leadership as something reserved for the most outgoing, charismatic people in the room. Instead, she makes the case that introverts bring powerful strengths to leadership, including listening, observation, deep thinking, and curiosity. As a lifelong introvert and self-described accidental leader, Nick shares some of his own experiences navigating a world that often rewards the loudest voices. Marnie brings the extrovert's perspective, including lessons from her years in the classroom about making space for quieter thinkers. Together, they explore practical strategies for building confidence, navigating networking events, managing energy, and creating workplaces where everyone can contribute their best ideas. Jennifer also shares her wonderfully simple leadership rule: "Have confidence in yourself." And perhaps the biggest takeaway? You don't need to change who you are to become a great leader. Sometimes, changing a few small behaviors is enough to let your strengths shine through. Whether you're an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what leadership can look like. Learn more about Jennifer: Website: https://jennifermarcou.comBook: Lead with Quiet Confidence: The Practical Guide to Success for IntrovertsLinkedIn: Search for Jennifer MarcouBecause leadership doesn't have a volume setting.
Aug 12

Leadership Rules with Katie Regan

🎧 Leadership Rules with Katie Regan You Already Know Everyone You Need to Network What if networking isn't about meeting more people? What if it's about being more intentional with the people you already know? In this episode of Leadership Rules, Nick and Marnie sit down with Katie Regan, founder and CEO of Kirkpatrick Group and author of Intention: You Already Know Everyone You Need to Network. And spoiler alert: we loved this book. Katie takes something that can feel awkward, transactional, and intimidating and makes it surprisingly simple and human. In this conversation, we explore: • Why you may be only one or two connections away from the best connection of your career • How introverts can turn curiosity and listening into networking superpowers • Why your friend's parents might be an overlooked part of your network • How to build a diverse personal "board of directors" • Why great mentoring relationships work in both directions • The importance of consistency, authenticity, and simply staying in touch • Why networking isn't about asking, "What can you do for me?" Katie also introduces us to the idea of "builders", people who invest in relationships, make connections, help others, and find ways to show up even when life gets busy. Whether you're searching for your first job, chasing a promotion, considering a career pivot, building a business, or helping a young adult figure out what's next, this conversation will change the way you think about your network. Because chances are, you already know more of the right people than you think. You just need a little more Intention. 📖 Learn More Pick up Intention: You Already Know Everyone You Need to Network on Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or at kirkpat.com. 💼 Connect with Katie K. Regan on LinkedIn 📸 Find Katie on Instagram 📧 intention@kirkpat.com Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, relationships, career growth, and leading your life with purpose and impact. #LeadershipRules #KatieRegan #Intention #Networking #CareerDevelopment #Leadership #Mentorship #PersonalBrand #CareerGrowth
Jul 22

Leadership Rules with Jeremy Smith

🎧 Leadership Rules with Jeremy Smith Title: Practice Beats Credentials What if we've been preparing people for work... the wrong way? In this episode of Leadership Rules, Nick and Marnie sit down with entrepreneur and Pega6 founder Jeremy Smith to challenge one of society's biggest assumptions: Does earning a degree actually prepare someone for a career? Jeremy argues that mastery doesn't come from lectures, textbooks, or exams. It comes from doing the work. Again and again. Drawing from his own experience in startups and product development, Jeremy shares why he believes experiential learning is the future of career preparation and how Pega6 is reimagining higher education by treating students more like employees than traditional learners. In this episode, we discuss: • Why so many college graduates still feel unprepared on day one • How experiential learning builds both technical and professional skills • Why repetition and variety are the keys to mastery • How AI is reshaping the skills employers are looking for • Why "year one of employment" might be the best classroom ever created • Jeremy's leadership philosophy: hire great people, then get out of their way Whether you're an educator, entrepreneur, parent, hiring manager, or student, this conversation will challenge how you think about learning, work, and what it truly means to be ready. 📍 Learn More 🌐 Pega6 (High School Program) https://pega6.com 🎓 Pega6 Fellowship (Recent College Graduates) https://pega6fellowship.com 💼 Connect with Jeremy Smith on LinkedIn Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, learning, and preparing people for a rapidly changing world. #LeadershipRules #JeremySmith #Pega6 #ExperientialLearning #CareerReadiness #FutureOfWork #Leadership #HigherEducation #AI #Entrepreneurship
Jul 8

Leadership Rules with Jason Van Nus

🎧 Leadership Rules with Jason Van Nus What if the biggest thing holding students back isn't a lack of skills... but a lack of opportunities to tell their story? In this episode of Leadership Rules, Nick and Marnie sit down with Jason Van Nus, CEO of the WIN Regional College and Career Academy, to discuss why career readiness is about so much more than technical skills. Jason believes students don't just need credentials. They need confidence. And confidence is built by doing hard things in safe environments. In this conversation, we explore: • Why Jason calls himself a "gentle disruptor" • How the Reverse Career Fair flips the traditional hiring process on its head • Why students need to learn how to advocate for themselves, not just build a résumé • How work-based learning creates stronger talent pipelines for communities and employers • Why industry should invest in developing local talent before students graduate • How servant leadership means earning the right to have difficult conversations Jason also shares why some of the best learning happens when students are just outside their comfort zone, where failure becomes feedback and confidence begins to grow. If you care about leadership, education, workforce development, or helping young people prepare for life beyond the classroom, this conversation is full of practical ideas and fresh perspectives. 📍 Learn more and connect with Jason Van Nus 💼 LinkedIn → Jason Van Nus 🏫 WIN Regional College and Career Academy Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, learning, and preparing the next generation to lead with confidence and purpose. #LeadershipRules #JasonVanNus #CareerReadiness #WorkBasedLearning #YouthApprenticeships #StudentLeadership #EducationLeadership #CTE #ServantLeadership
Jun 17

Leadership Rules with Dr. Heather Handler

🎧 Leadership Rules with Dr. Heather Handler Title: Stop Asking Kids What They Want to Be What if we've been asking students the wrong question all along? Instead of asking, "What do you want to be when you grow up?", Dr. Heather Handler believes we should be asking something much more powerful: "What do you enjoy doing?" In this episode of Leadership Rules, Nick and Marnie sit down with educator, youth apprenticeship pioneer, and author Dr. Heather Handler to discuss career readiness, work-based learning, and why modern Career and Technical Education (CTE) looks nothing like many people remember. Heather shares lessons from launching one of Maryland's most successful youth apprenticeship programs and explains why exposing students to real opportunities early can change the trajectory of their lives. In this conversation, we explore: • Why modern CTE is not the vocational education of the past • How youth apprenticeships help students build confidence, purpose, and career direction • Why college and career readiness should work together, not compete • How AI is changing the future of work and increasing demand for skilled trades • Why exposure to careers should begin long before high school • The importance of helping students discover their strengths, interests, and preferred ways of working Heather also shares insights from her new book, The Educator's Guide to Youth Apprenticeships, a practical roadmap for educators looking to create meaningful work-based learning experiences for students. If you care about leadership, education, workforce development, or helping young people discover who they are becoming, this episode is for you. 📘 Learn More The Educator's Guide to Youth Apprenticeships Available on Amazon 💼 Connect with Dr. Heather Handler on LinkedIn
May 27

Leadership Rules with Kristy Volesky

🎧 Leadership Rules with Kristy Volesky Title: Finish Doesn’t Equal Ready What if school was designed less around compliance… and more around real life? In this episode of Leadership Rules, Nick and Marnie sit down with educator, consultant, and CTE Reimagined co author Kristy Volesky to explore what it really means to prepare students for the future. Kristy challenges many of the assumptions schools still operate under, including the idea that students should spend years “practicing” without ever doing meaningful work that connects to the real world. In this conversation, we explore: • Why “finish” does not equal “ready” • How schools can connect learning to real opportunities and real community impact • Why durable skills cannot be taught once and checked off a list • The danger of locking students into career paths too early • How communities and schools can work together instead of operating in silos • Why students crave meaningful experiences, not pretend projects Kristy also shares practical examples of how schools can rethink partnerships, create authentic learning experiences, and help students build the confidence and adaptability they will need in a rapidly changing world. If you care about leadership, education, workforce development, or preparing young people for what comes next, this conversation will challenge how you think about learning. 📍 Learn more and connect with Kristy Volesky 🌐 https://valeskyconsulting.com 💼 LinkedIn → Kristy Volesky 📘 CTE Reimagined available online Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, learning, and building a future where people are truly ready for what’s next. #LeadershipRules #KristyVolesky #CTEReimagined #EducationLeadership #CareerReadiness #FutureOfEducation #DurableSkills
Apr 29

Leadership Rules with Jeff Utecht

🎧 Leadership Rules with Jeff Utecht Title: AI Can Predict. Humans Must Decide. AI is moving fast. But are we moving thoughtfully? In this episode of Leadership Rules, Nick and Marnie sit down with Jeff Utecht, educator, speaker, and author of Human Still Required, to explore what leadership looks like in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Jeff brings a powerful reminder: the real risk is not that AI replaces us. It’s that we stop thinking for ourselves. In this conversation, we explore: • Why “cognitive surrender” is a growing concern in the age of AI • The difference between prediction and true understanding • Why judgment is the one skill AI cannot replace • How leaders should rethink effort, productivity, and performance • What it means to lead through a double transition in the workplace Jeff also shares why listening may be the most underrated leadership skill right now—and how staying curious is the key to navigating rapid change. If you care about leadership, education, or staying human in a tech-driven world, this episode will challenge how you think about both AI and your role in it. 📍 Learn more and connect with Jeff Utecht Website → https://jeffutecht.com Book → https://humanstillrequired.com Podcast → Shifting Schools Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, learning, and what it takes to thrive in a rapidly changing world. #LeadershipRules #JeffUtecht #HumanStillRequired #AILeadership #FutureOfWork #CriticalThinking #StayHuman

Welcome to Leadership Rules, where we believe leadership isn’t just a role—it’s a way of life. Whether you're leading a team, a community, or simply leading yourself, we’re here to help you explore the possibilities. And we are bringing guests along to share their journeys, their own leadership rules and lessons we can use along the way. Welcome to our podcast! Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio

Creator

Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

39
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 EBNix, LLC
Show Website

Leadership Rules