Badass Leaders Podcast: Leadership, Career Growth, and Company Culture

Angela Gill Nelms
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Careers
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Badass Leaders Podcast: Leadership Without the Corporate BS. This is where real leadership meets real life. Hosted by Angela Gill Nelms, founder, speaker, and executive coach, this show dives deep into the mindset, emotional intelligence, and bold decision-making today’s leaders need. Each episode delivers raw, actionable strategies on leadership development, team culture, conflict resolution, personal branding, resilience, and navigating high-stakes moments. You’ll hear unfiltered conversations with founders, executives, innovators, and badass humans redefining modern leadership. 🎙️ Perfect for: • Women in leadership • Entrepreneurs • Executive coaching & personal growth • Leadership skills, communication, & EI • High-performance teams & conflict mastery 👉 Subscribe to join the movement: @BeBraveBeBadass Shop Badass Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeBraveBeBadass #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BadassLeadersPodcast #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #ConflictResolution #HighPerformanceTeams

  1. 4d ago

    How to Lead When You Don’t Know the Answer | Marc A. Pitman

    In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with executive coach, leadership expert, professional speaker, and author Marc A. Pitman for a candid conversation about authentic leadership, self-doubt, failure, fundraising, and learning to trust your own leadership instincts. Marc shares why many successful leaders secretly feel as though they are making things up as they go, and why leadership is not about having all the answers. Instead, effective leaders learn how to empower their teams, ask better questions, and create environments where people can think and make decisions for themselves. The conversation explores Marc’s own leadership journey, including the failure of a church he helped plant, lessons from his career in nonprofit fundraising, and the experiences that eventually shaped his book, The Surprising Gift of Doubt. Marc explains how constantly looking outside yourself for the “right” way to lead can fuel imposter syndrome, while learning to recognize your own values, intuition, and internal compass can help you become a more confident and consistent leader. Learn more about Marc A. Pitman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcapitman/Website: https://concordleadershipgroup.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/marcpitmanBook: https://concordleadershipgroup.com/giftofdoubt/Other: https://www.threads.net/@marcpitmanThe discussion also tackles questions… Why do successful leaders experience self-doubt and imposter syndrome?How can leaders become more authentic instead of copying other leadership styles?Why is saying “I don’t know” an important leadership skill?How can leaders empower employees to solve problems and make decisions independently?How can failure help leaders become more effective?What should leaders do after a project, experiment, or initiative fails?How can leaders know when it is time to pivot?Why is reflection important for learning from failure?How can leaders trust their intuition and internal leadership compass?What is the difference between coaching, consulting, and training?How can executive coaching help leaders discover their own answers?How can nonprofit organizations improve donor relationships and fundraising?What mistakes should nonprofit fundraisers avoid?How can storytelling improve fundraising and sales?Why is genuine curiosity important when building relationships with donors, customers, and employees?How can leaders identify their natural leadership style?What are servant, transformational, charismatic, and transactional leadership?Key takeaways: Self-doubt can be a valuable part of becoming a more authentic leader.Authentic leadership begins when you stop trying to lead like someone else.Strong leaders are willing to say, “I don’t know.”Failure becomes valuable when leaders take time to reflect on what happened.Experimentation helps leaders separate unsuccessful ideas from personal failure.Knowing when to pivot is an essential leadership and business skill.Executive coaching should help leaders discover their own answers rather than create dependence on the coach.Successful fundraising and sales begin with genuine curiosity about people.Understanding different leadership styles helps leaders adapt without losing authenticity.Interests outside of work can strengthen leadership skills and reveal overlooked strengths. Production Produced by: The AGN Group Host: Angela Gill Nelms Producer: Katie Hart Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass. Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2 Want to be a Podcast Guest? If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/

    How to Lead When You Don’t Know the Answer | Marc A. Pitman

  2. Sep 9

    How to Raise Funding for a Biotech Startup | Samir Patel

    In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, host Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Dr. Samir Patel, biotech entrepreneur, co-founder of Clearside Biomedical, and President and CEO of Moonlight Therapeutics, for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, healthcare innovation, leadership, and the realities of building companies in life sciences. Samir's path to entrepreneurship was anything but planned. Born in India and raised by his grandparents during his early childhood, he later moved to the United States, studied engineering at UC Berkeley, and eventually found his way to Georgia Tech. Research he conducted during his PhD would ultimately become the foundation for Clearside Biomedical, forcing him to choose between the security of a traditional career and the uncertainty of building something entirely new. Samir shares what he learned taking a technology from an academic lab toward commercialization, including why founders need to understand their own strengths, how to build the right leadership team, and why storytelling matters when you're asking investors and employees to believe in a future that doesn't exist yet. He also discusses imposter syndrome and why feeling uncomfortable can actually be evidence that you're continuing to challenge yourself. Learn more about Samir Patel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patelsamirkumar/Website: https://www.moonlighttx.com/Twitter / X: https://x.com/MLTherapeuticsOther: https://bme.gatech.edu/academics/masters-programs/ms-biomedical-innovation-and-development-advanced-therapeuticsMentioned in this episode:  Moonlight TherapeuticsClearside BiomedicalAtlanta Life Sciences EcosystemThe discussion also tackles questions… How do you turn academic research into a biotech startup?How do scientists successfully transition into entrepreneurship?How do you know when to leave a secure career to start a company?How should founders decide whether they should be the CEO?How do successful leaders deal with imposter syndrome?Why is storytelling important when pitching investors?How do biotech startups raise funding and conserve capital?Why are investor relationships so important for startup founders?What should first-time founders know about building a biotech company?How can founders become more coachable?What makes Atlanta a strong ecosystem for biotech and life sciences startups?How do you build a healthcare product around patients instead of just the technology?What changes when a private biotech company goes public?How do you know when it's time to leave a company you helped build?What lessons should second-time founders carry into their next startup?Key takeaways: Imposter syndrome can be a sign that leaders are still challenging themselves.Successful biotech entrepreneurship requires more than great science.Startup funding is built on relationships, not just investor pitches.Founders should not automatically assume they are the right CEO.Healthcare innovation should improve patients' lives, not simply produce technically successful treatments.Capital-efficient startups resist the pressure to look bigger than they need to be.Taking a biotech company public can fundamentally change the founder's role.Second-time founders have experience, but they still have something to prove to themselves.Atlanta can compete as a biotech and life sciences startup ecosystem.The best founders are coachable enough to know they cannot build alone.

    How to Raise Funding for a Biotech Startup | Samir Patel

  3. Sep 2

    Lessons in Entrepreneurship from Top Biomedical Engineering Leader | Dr. Alyssa Panitch

    In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Dr. Alyssa Panitch, Professor and Chair of the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. A renowned researcher, inventor, and serial entrepreneur, Dr. Panitch shares the leadership lessons she's learned from building groundbreaking technologies, launching startups, mentoring future innovators, and leading one of the nation's top biomedical engineering departments. Together, they explore why failure is an essential part of innovation, how great leaders navigate uncertainty without pretending to have all the answers, and why building the right team matters more than having the perfect idea. Dr. Panitch also reflects on entrepreneurial setbacks, leading through conflict, mentoring the next generation of scientists, and helping people build careers around passion instead of prestige. Learn more about Dr. Alyssa Panitch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-panitch-3940557/  Mentioned in this episode:  Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringSmith CollegeUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstPurdue UniversityTimestamps: 00:00 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Learning 05:54 The Importance of Mentorship and Resilience 09:02 Embracing Unconventional Paths 14:57 The Role of Failure in Innovation 18:08 Building a Strong Business Team 21:13 Designing for Success in Startups 26:58 Resilience in Leadership 33:20 Embracing Leadership Opportunities 36:10 Navigating Institutional Cultures 41:31 The Role of Mentorship in Growth 44:55 Finding Your Unique Path 48:09 Instilling Confidence in Future Leaders 51:42 The Evolution of Leadership Style 57:39 Guiding Future Generations 01:00:15 Lessons from Failure 01:02:25 Empowering Women in STEM The discussion also tackles questions… How do you lead when you don't have all the answers?What can entrepreneurs learn from startup failures?How do you build resilience when progress feels impossible?Should PhD graduates choose academia or industry?How do you decide between following your passion and following the money?What makes a great leader in research and innovation?How do you successfully transition scientific research into a startup?Why do so many biotech startups fail despite having promising science?How do you handle conflict as a leader?What's the difference between avoiding conflict and resolving it?Key takeaways: The best leaders are comfortable making decisions without having all the answers.Failure is not the opposite of innovation. It is the process that makes innovation possible.Passion should guide career decisions more than compensation.Great startups require great business leadership, not just great ideas.Conflict is often a communication problem, not a people problem.Mentorship can completely change the trajectory of a career.Leading at the intersection of science, engineering, and medicine requires both technical expertise and human-centered leadership.The most successful leaders continue learning throughout their careers.Building something new requires resilience, patience, and the willingness to keep moving forward.Leadership is about creating environments where people can do their best work.Similar episodes:  AI in Higher Education: Lessons from Georgia Tech | Raheem Beyah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qab7tPVmWng&t=1s Building the Internet: A Trans Woman’s Story of Innovation | Cathleen Quigley: https://youtu.be/A1FVVQ1hmi4?si=IW71HZXtyvE2Uvmn  Game-Time Mentality: Football Foundations for Leadership | Dr. Kofi Smith: https://youtu.be/5CKPG7nfwww?si=BcRwTM3Axm1vmH1S  Production Produced by: The AGN Group Host: Angela Gill Nelms Producer: Katie Hart Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass. Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2 Want to be a Podcast Guest? If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/

    Lessons in Entrepreneurship from Top Biomedical Engineering Leader | Dr. Alyssa Panitch

  4. Aug 26

    3 Out of 4 Managers Struggle to Lead Gen Z. Here's Why | Dr. Tim Elmore

    What if the biggest challenge with Gen Z isn't the generation itself, but the way we've been taught to lead? In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with leadership expert and bestselling author Dr. Tim Elmore to unpack one of today's biggest workplace challenges: leading across generations. After spending more than four decades developing emerging leaders and working alongside leadership icon John Maxwell, Tim believes the future of leadership depends less on changing Gen Z and more on changing how leaders communicate, coach, and build trust. Together, they explore why so many organizations struggle to attract and retain younger employees, the myths leaders continue to believe about Gen Z, and how emotional intelligence has become one of the most critical leadership skills in today's workplace. Tim also shares lessons from his own leadership journey, including what he learned working under John Maxwell, how great mentors develop confidence without lowering expectations, and why leaders must shift from leading through authority to leading through connection. Learn more about Dr. Tim Elmore: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtimelmoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim_elmore/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyelmore/Website: https://www.timelmore.com/ Twitter / X: https://x.com/TimElmore?lang=en Podcast: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/generationsatwork/Book: https://store.maxwellleadership.com/products/tim-elmore-the-future-begins-with-z-nine-strategies-to-lead-generation-z-as-they-disrupt-the-workplaceMentioned in this episode:  From Strength to Strength — Arthur BrooksTribe — Sebastian JungerTimestamps: 00:00 Why Gen Z Isn't the Real Leadership Problem 01:58 Tim Elmore's Leadership Journey & John Maxwell's Influence 10:47 Overcoming Insecurity and Learning to Lead with Confidence 16:52 Why Every Generation Complains About the Next One 21:35 The Hidden Strengths Every Generation Brings to the Workplace 29:43 Why Young Professionals Shouldn't Skip the "Small" Jobs 36:34 The Biggest Myths About Gen Z Employees 44:20 How Companies Lose Their Best Young Talent 49:18 The Peter Pan Paradox Explained 53:30 Bridge Leadership vs. Badge Leadership 58:05 The A.L.E.G. Framework for Better Leadership Conversations 1:01:01 Why Leaders Feel Threatened by Younger Employees 1:06:29 The PERKS Framework for Hiring and Retaining Gen Z 1:11:11 Balancing Empathy with Accountability 1:14:40 What Older Leaders Need to Learn from Gen Z 1:19:47 Tim's Advice for Gen Z Professionals 1:22:52 Rapid Fire Questions 1:24:02 The Business Leaders Tim Most Admires 1:26:01 One Leadership Belief Tim Changed His Mind About 1:28:13 Books Every Leader Should Read 1:29:13 A Leadership Quote Every Manager Needs to Hear The discussion also tackles questions… Why do so many managers struggle to lead Gen Z employees?What are the biggest myths about Gen Z in the workplace?Is Gen Z really harder to manage, or do leaders need to change?How can leaders hold younger employees accountable without losing empathy?What does "bridge leadership" mean, and why is it replacing traditional authority?How do you earn trust and influence with younger generations?Why is emotional intelligence more important than technical expertise?How can organizations retain Gen Z employees instead of losing them to entrepreneurship?What leadership lessons did Tim Elmore learn from working alongside John Maxwell?How should managers give difficult feedback to younger employees?Why are younger workers asking for something different than previous generations?How can leaders better communicate across multiple generations?What can older generations learn from Gen Z?What can Gen Z employees do to build trust and credibility early in their careers?How do great leaders balance high expectations with genuine belief in their people?Key takeaways: Leading Gen Z successfully requires leaders to adapt their communication style, not abandon accountability. Emotional intelligence is the foundation of effective leadership. Many of the biggest myths about Gen Z are based on assumptions rather than conversations. The future of leadership depends on moving from authority-based leadership to relationship-based leadership.Great leaders ask questions before offering solutions. High-performing organizations leverage the strengths of every generation instead of allowing generational differences to become workplace conflict. Young professionals build credibility by demonstrating reliability before seeking greater responsibility. The best leaders combine empathy with accountability. Organizations that empower younger employees to contribute meaningful ideas gain a competitive advantage.Leadership is less about having all the answers and more about continually learning, adapting, and developing others. Similar episodes:  The Truth About Narcissistic Leaders | Brandon Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhJAbXqZRQA&t=1s The Leadership Secrets Behind The 4 Disciplines of Execution | Jim Huling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_oYkReLpQU&t=4095s Why High Performers Stay Stuck (And How to Break Through) | Hilary Porta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTeEcOqZ7lE&t=26s Production Produced by: The AGN Group Host: Angela Gill Nelms Producer: Katie Hart Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass. Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod TikTok: https://ww...

    3 Out of 4 Managers Struggle to Lead Gen Z. Here's Why | Dr. Tim Elmore

  5. Aug 19

    Being the "Go-To Person" Nearly Burned Me Out | Angela Gill Nelms Q&A

    After taking time away to recharge in the North Georgia Mountains, Angela Gill Nelms steps out from behind the interviewer's chair for a special Q&A episode recorded at Victoria Bryant State Park. Angela answers questions about what leadership really looks like when the stakes are high, information is incomplete, teams are under pressure, and there is no perfect answer. Drawing from her experience leading healthcare and startup organizations, as well as some of the most difficult moments of her personal life, she explores how leaders can make better decisions, communicate through uncertainty, navigate conflict, prevent burnout, and build teams that can perform sustainably. Angela also gets candid about her own leadership mistakes, including a hiring decision that damaged trust, experiencing burnout as a COO, learning to speak up during a high-stakes clinical situation, and how surviving a kidnapping changed her relationship with risk, resilience, and asking for help. From building decision-making frameworks before a crisis hits to eliminating unnecessary work, managing "brilliant jerks," and choosing your yeses wisely, this Season 3 opener is packed with practical leadership lessons for executives, founders, managers, and anyone responsible for leading people when the pressure is real. The discussion also tackles questions… What are the biggest mistakes leaders make under pressure?How do you make decisions when you don't have all the information?How can leaders stay calm during high-stakes situations?How should leaders communicate with employees during uncertainty?Why do high performers experience burnout?How can leaders prevent burnout on high-performing teams?How do you know when an employee is challenged versus overwhelmed?What causes high performers to leave an organization?How can leaders create more sustainable workloads?How do you make difficult decisions quickly?What is the difference between confidence and effective leadership?How can leaders overcome overthinking and analysis paralysis?What can leaders learn from bad hiring decisions?Why do leaders avoid difficult conversations?What does healthy conflict look like on a high-performing team?How should leaders handle a high performer who is toxic to the team?What causes employees to lose trust in their leaders?How can leaders rebuild trust through transparency and consistency?Key takeaways: 1. High-Stakes Leadership Requires Confidence Without Pretending to Have All the Answers 2. Build Your Decision-Making Framework Before You Need It 3. Transparent Communication Builds Trust During Uncertainty 4. High Performers Can Burn Out Because Success Is Rewarded With More Work 5. Not Everything That Looks Like Employee Burnout Is Burnout 6. Sustainable High Performance Requires Leaders to Eliminate Work, Not Just Manage It 7. Good Decision-Making Means Knowing When to Commit and When to Pivot 8. Healthy Conflict Is About Understanding, Not Winning 9. Keeping a Brilliant Jerk Can Cost More Than Losing a High Performer 10. Resilient Leaders Know When to Ask for Help Production Produced by: The AGN Group Host: Angela Gill Nelms Producer: Katie Hart Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass. Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2 Want to be a Podcast Guest? If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/

    Being the "Go-To Person" Nearly Burned Me Out | Angela Gill Nelms Q&A

  6. Jul 1

    If Your Emotional Intelligence Is Weak, Your Leadership Will Be Too | Chris Salem

    In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with business acceleration strategist, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence expert Chris Salem to explore why communication is the foundation of sustainable leadership and long-term business success. Chris shares his deeply personal journey from burnout, anxiety, and seeking external validation to becoming a leading voice on emotional intelligence, effective communication, and sustainable success. Together, Angela and Chris challenge the idea that emotional intelligence is simply a "soft skill," arguing instead that it's one of the most important business skills leaders can develop. They discuss why great organizations remain adaptable while others become stagnant, how leaders unintentionally create cultures where employees don't feel seen or heard, and why so many workplace challenges can be traced back to communication breakdowns rather than strategy failures. Along the way, they dive into practical leadership lessons on building resilient teams, preventing burnout, creating psychologically safe workplaces, improving customer experience, and leading with greater self-awareness. Learn more about Chris Salem: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.salem.773Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisrsalem/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersalem/Website: http://www.christophersalem.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/christopherrsalemTwitter / X: https://twitter.com/chrisrsalemPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/353WlixQoLa3JNifg5NXyvBook:https://www.amazon.com/Master-Your-Inner-Critic-Prosperity/dp/1938015525Other:https://sustainablesuccess.net/services/Mentioned in this episode:  Emotional Intelligence by Daniel GolemanAtomic Habits by James ClearGood to Great by Jim CollinsGetting to Aha! by Andy CunninghamNo Rules Rules by Reed Hastings & Erin MeyerTimestamps: 00:00 Understanding Workplace Conflict and Communication 02:01 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 11:13 Defining Emotional Intelligence and Its Impact 24:35 Discipline and Personal Well-being in Leadership 29:12 Recognizing and Combating Burnout 31:34 The Holy Shift Moment: Personal Transformation 42:00 Building a Sustainable Foundation for Success 44:59 The Process of Sustainable Success 47:43 The Importance of Effective Communication 01:03:07 Breaking Barriers in Leadership Communication 01:11:23 The Four Pillars of Success 01:24:35 The Power of Giving and Receiving The discussion also tackles questions… What is emotional intelligence, and why is it essential for effective leadership?How do you prevent burnout while maintaining high performance?What does sustainable success actually look like?Why do employees leave organizations even when the pay is good?How can leaders improve communication across different personality types and generations?What causes workplace disengagement and poor team culture?How do you build a psychologically safe workplace?Why do businesses often "break in the middle" instead of at the top?What are the warning signs of poor communication inside an organization?How do you adapt your communication style to different people?Why is customer experience directly connected to emotional intelligence?How do you create a more resilient and adaptable organization?What are the foundations of a robust leadership culture?How can leaders become better listeners?What daily habits help leaders avoid burnout and make better decisions?Why do personal experiences shape leadership more than most people realize?How do you break unhealthy leadership patterns inherited from childhood?What does it really mean to lead with empathy without becoming a people pleaser?How do you create healthy boundaries as a leader?Key takeaways: Emotional intelligence is not a soft skill. It's a business strategy. Most organizational problems are communication problems before they become operational problems.Sustainable success requires adaptability, not perfection. Great leaders focus on what they can control.Burnout begins long before people recognize it. Communication should adapt to the listener, not the speaker. Effective leaders understand that different personalities, generations, and communication styles process information differently. Company culture is built through daily leadership behaviors, not mission statements.Personal growth and leadership growth cannot be separated. Customer experience is a direct reflection of leadership culture. Leadership is measured by the people you develop, not the Similar episodes:  AI Won’t Replace You… But This Will (Lessons from Microsoft) | Allister Frost: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhe_CKZiR28  Why High Performers Stay Stuck (And How to Break Through) | Hilary Porta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTeEcOqZ7lE&t=26s  The Leadership Secrets Behind The 4 Disciplines of Execution | Jim Huling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_oYkReLpQU  Production Produced by: The AGN Group Host: Angela Gill Nelms Producer: Katie Hart Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass. Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2 Want to be a Podcast Guest? If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/

    If Your Emotional Intelligence Is Weak, Your Leadership Will Be Too | Chris Salem

  7. Jun 24

    The Truth About Narcissistic Leaders | Brandon Smith

    In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Brandon Smith, leadership coach, TEDx speaker, professor at Emory University, and author known as "The Workplace Therapist." Together, they explore the human side of leadership and why so many workplace challenges are rooted in psychology rather than process. Brandon shares the deeply personal story of growing up with a debilitating stutter, how that experience shaped his understanding of communication and resilience, and why he believes purpose is often born from pain. The conversation dives into narcissistic leadership, toxic workplace cultures, trust, vulnerability, curiosity, and the hidden costs of urgency-driven organizations. You'll also learn Brandon's powerful frameworks for building trust, navigating difficult leaders, setting healthy boundaries, creating psychological safety, and moving from being the hero of the team to becoming the leader who develops others Learn More About Brandon Smith: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandonsmithwptLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsmithtwpt/Website: www.theworksmiths.com /  www.theworkplacetherapist.com  Timestamps: 00:00 The Chaos of Urgency in Leadership02:12 Brandon Smith: The Workplace Therapist's Journey06:18 The Impact of a Horrible Boss on Leadership Philosophy11:51 Balancing Compassion and Accountability in Leadership16:32 Overcoming Stuttering: A Journey to Empathy20:25 The Role of Pain in Finding Purpose25:59 Understanding Narcissism in Leadership30:00 Identifying Narcissistic Traits in Interviews34:02 Understanding Narcissism and Insecurity35:16 Healthy Confidence vs. Narcissism39:32 The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership44:14 The Dilemma of Toxic Leaders48:54 Recognizing Adaptation to Toxic Environments57:02 Building Trust Through Vulnerability and Curiosity01:05:00 The Impact of Curiosity and Questioning01:08:52 Understanding Assumptions and Clarifying Questions01:12:55 The Importance of Personal Branding in Leadership01:20:01 Managing Urgency and Prioritization in Leadership01:26:59 Rapid Fire Insights and Final Thoughts The discussion also tackles questions… What is the difference between confidence and narcissism in leadership?How do narcissistic leaders impact team culture and performance?Why do organizations tolerate toxic high performers?What are the warning signs of a dysfunctional workplace?How can employees protect themselves when working for a toxic leader?Why is curiosity one of the most important leadership skills?How do assumptions damage communication and trust?What does healthy vulnerability look like in leadership?How is psychological safety created on a team?Why do leaders struggle to build trust with employees?What is the relationship between authenticity, vulnerability, and credibility?Why are so many leaders addicted to urgency?What is the Hot Sauce Principle?How can leaders distinguish healthy pressure from toxic pressure?Why do organizations unintentionally create burnout?What is the difference between being an "Author" and an "Editor" as a leader?Why do high performers struggle to delegate?How can leaders stop being the hero and start developing others?How do communication skills impact leadership effectiveness?Can resilience and confidence be developed over time? 10 Key Takeaways from Brandon Smith on Leadership, Trust, and Workplace Culture The Best Leaders Build Trust Through Authenticity, Vulnerability, and CredibilityPurpose Often Emerges from Life's Hardest ExperiencesCuriosity Is One of the Most Underrated Leadership SkillsNarcissistic Leadership Creates Long-Term Damage to TeamsPsychological Safety Starts with the LeadesMost Workplace Conflicts Are Rooted in Poor CommunicationHealthy Urgency Creates Focus; Excessive Urgency Creates ChaosLeadership Is About Developing People, Not Becoming the HeroStrong Boundaries Protect Both Performance and Well-BeingResilience and Agency Can Be Developed Over Time Similar Episodes Patrick Lyons: https://youtu.be/Crf6TXEB-Rk?si=rifGZy1I2LH-oFF3 Jim Huiling: https://youtu.be/P_oYkReLpQU?si=UjLWWJAIkBfgyn8r  Production Produced by: The AGN Group Host: Angela Gill Nelms Producer: Katie Hart Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass. Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2 Want to be a Podcast Guest? If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/

    The Truth About Narcissistic Leaders | Brandon Smith

  8. Jun 17

    The Leadership Secrets Behind The 4 Disciplines of Execution | Jim Huling

    In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela sits down with leadership expert, executive coach, and bestselling author Jim Huling, co-author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution, to explore what it really takes to build high-performing teams, execute what matters most, and create a legacy that outlasts your title. Together, they challenge outdated leadership models built on compliance and control, and make the case for a more powerful approach rooted in curiosity, commitment, empowerment, and accountability. Jim shares lessons from coaching more than 20,000 leaders around the world, while Angela brings practical insights from scaling organizations, leading startups, and developing the next generation of leaders. The conversation explores why top talent leaves organizations, how leaders accidentally create cultures of disengagement, and why sustainable performance requires more than motivational speeches and short-term wins. They also unpack the difference between playing to win and playing not to lose, and how that mindset shapes everything from decision-making to innovation. Learn more about Jim Huling: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhuling/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Disciplines-Execution-Achieving-Wildly-Important/dp/145162705XTimestamps: 00:00 The Evolving Landscape of Leadership 07:36 From Success to Significance 11:47 Stages of Leadership Development 19:48 Curiosity as a Leadership Tool 25:37 Empowerment Over Compliance 30:59 The Cost of Talent Loss 37:15 Playing to Win vs. Playing Not to Lose 45:12 The Importance of Humility and Collaboration 48:00 The Impact of Toxic Culture on Organizations 51:25 Starting Anew: The Power of Leadership Example 56:01 The Role of Coaches in Leadership 01:00:00 Execution: From Strategy to Action 01:07:00 The Four Disciplines of Execution 01:27:20 Building Relationships for Success 01:28:44 Understanding Lagging and Leading Indicators 01:32:15 The Importance of Leading Measures 01:38:03 Engagement and Meaning in Leadership 01:48:01 The Power of Accountability The discussion also tackles questions… Why do leaders struggle to execute their most important goals?What are the biggest mistakes leaders make when managing high performers?How do you create commitment instead of compliance?Why is curiosity one of the most important leadership skills today?How can leaders retain top talent in a competitive market?What's the difference between empowering people and simply delegating work?How do you build a culture where people feel safe speaking up?Why are younger generations challenging traditional leadership models?How can leaders balance accountability with collaboration?What does it mean to move from achievement to scalability to legacy?How do you identify and focus on your wildly important goals?Why do so many teams achieve short-term wins but fail to sustain performance?What does "playing to win" look like in leadership and business?How can organizations create cultures that drive innovation, engagement, and long-term results? Key takeaways: 1. Great leaders move from achievement to legacy. 2. Sustainable success requires more than short-term wins. 3. Commitment always outperforms compliance. 4. Curiosity is one of the most powerful leadership skills. 5. Top talent leaves when their voice does not matter. 6. Empowerment creates stronger teams than delegation. 7. The fastest way to improve execution is to focus on what matters most. 8. Leaders should play to win, not play not to lose. 9. Culture determines whether people speak up or stay silent. 10. Every new level of leadership requires a new version of you. Similar episodes:  Scott Wozniak: https://youtu.be/YJ05Ewazics?si=kLjRjiyH-yWiYKFR Allister Frost: https://youtu.be/mhe_CKZiR28?si=HHOsvLVP4gQJR2GG Mark Williams: https://youtu.be/RVhQK9FT0hI?si=LamgObAHOcu_UqwB  Production Produced by: The AGN Group Host: Angela Gill Nelms Producer: Katie Hart Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass. Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2 Want to be a Podcast Guest? If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/

    The Leadership Secrets Behind The 4 Disciplines of Execution | Jim Huling
See All (79)

Trailer

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Badass Leaders Podcast: Leadership Without the Corporate BS. This is where real leadership meets real life. Hosted by Angela Gill Nelms, founder, speaker, and executive coach, this show dives deep into the mindset, emotional intelligence, and bold decision-making today’s leaders need. Each episode delivers raw, actionable strategies on leadership development, team culture, conflict resolution, personal branding, resilience, and navigating high-stakes moments. You’ll hear unfiltered conversations with founders, executives, innovators, and badass humans redefining modern leadership. 🎙️ Perfect for: • Women in leadership • Entrepreneurs • Executive coaching & personal growth • Leadership skills, communication, & EI • High-performance teams & conflict mastery 👉 Subscribe to join the movement: @BeBraveBeBadass Shop Badass Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeBraveBeBadass #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BadassLeadersPodcast #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #ConflictResolution #HighPerformanceTeams

Information

You Might Also Like