Unapologetic Leadership

Cory Dunham

In a noisy, distracted world, authentic leadership matters more than ever. Hosted by Cory Dunham—entrepreneur, business leader, and follower of Jesus—this podcast is real talk for real leaders who want to live and lead with clarity, courage, and conviction. From overcoming fear mindsets to leading with love, Cory shares personal stories, faith-driven values, and practical tools that help you grow as a leader in your workplace, family, and community. Each episode offers actionable takeaways, mindset shifts, and sometimes guest insights—so you can lead without burnout, build trust, create alignment, and anchor yourself in what truly matters. Whether you’re a boss, teacher, parent, entrepreneur, career professional, or single mom, this show will help you lead yourself and others in a way that’s bold, authentic, and sustainable. Because leadership isn’t a title—it’s a way of living. Subscribe and join a community of leaders who are done with surface-level living. The world doesn’t need louder leaders—it needs leaders who are clear, courageous, and grounded.

  1. 4d ago

    The Ripple Effect of Saving One Child: Faith, Purpose, and the Courage to Make a Difference with Bryan Weight

    What if saving just one child could change countless lives? In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, host Cory Dunham welcomes Bryan Weight, Executive Director of Operation Light Shine, for a powerful conversation about child trafficking prevention, Christian leadership, faith, purpose, and protecting vulnerable children. Bryan shares how Operation Light Shine partners with law enforcement agencies across the United States to combat child exploitation and human trafficking through technology, resources, and community partnerships. He discusses the organization's impact, including helping identify and rescue more than 486 victims. Together, Cory and Bryan explore servant leadership, courageous decision-making, overcoming challenges, and creating a lasting legacy. Discover why true success isn't measured solely by financial growth or professional recognition, but by the lives we protect and the difference we make. Because the greatest impact often begins with helping just one person. About Bryan Weight Bryan Weight is the Executive Director of Operation Light Shine, a mission-driven leader, husband, father, and man of Christian faith who believes leadership is about more than titles, growth, or financial success. It's about the lives we touch and the difference we make. With more than a decade of C-suite leadership experience, Bryan has dedicated his career to organizational growth, building high-performing teams, developing strategic partnerships, and creating meaningful, lasting impact. As Executive Director of Operation Light Shine, Bryan helps lead an organization committed to protecting vulnerable children and combating human trafficking and exploitation. Behind every strategy, partnership, and difficult decision is something far more important than organizational performance: the possibility of changing someone's life. Bryan understands that meaningful leadership requires courage, conviction, perseverance, and the willingness to keep moving forward when challenges feel overwhelming. Drawing on his experience in organizational transformation, strategic growth, and operational leadership, he brings a unique perspective to balancing measurable results with a mission that matters. Grounded in his Christian faith and commitment to his family, Bryan champions leadership built on integrity, service, purpose, and creating a ripple effect of positive change. Success isn't just about what you build. It's about who benefits because you chose to lead. Connect with Bryan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-weight-3a7ba71b7/ Operation Light Shine: https://operationlightshine.org/ Connect with Cory Dunham LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corydunham-executive-leadership-coach/ Website: https://CoryDunham.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoryDunhamLeadership Podcast: https://UnapologeticLeadershipPodcast.com

  2. 6d ago

    “Jesus Has Never Failed Me": Leading with Curiosity, Courage, and Conviction with Dr. Janelle Christine Simmons

    What does it take to lead with courage, stay true to your faith, and stand firm in your convictions? In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, host Cory Dunham welcomes Dr. Janelle Christine Simmons, an educator, ordained pastor, author, and experienced leader, for an inspiring conversation about Christian leadership, faith, courage, curiosity, and personal integrity. Dr. Simmons shares how her unwavering relationship with Jesus Christ has shaped her approach to leadership, education, and service. Together, they explore why asking questions builds stronger leaders, how understanding different cultures strengthens relationships, and why surrounding yourself with people of integrity is essential for personal and professional growth. Discover the power of servant leadership, overcoming fear, embracing lifelong learning, and standing firm in your Christian beliefs while treating others with compassion and respect. Because authentic leadership isn't about following the crowd. It's about having the courage to lead with faith, purpose, and conviction. About Dr. Janelle Christine Simmons Dr. Janelle Christine Simmons is an educator, ordained pastor, author, and experienced leader committed to faith, education, service, and helping others grow. With nearly two decades of experience teaching psychology and research methods in higher education and more than a decade of leadership in churches and nonprofit organizations, Janelle brings a unique perspective to faith-based leadership and human connection. Her career spans consulting, brand representation, and working alongside Fortune 500 leaders. Through these experiences, she has connected with thousands of people and developed valuable insights into adaptability, curiosity, and leadership. She holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from Liberty University and envisions establishing a music museum celebrating music education, cultural influence, and music's transformative power. Through teaching, ministry, writing, and speaking, Janelle encourages others to embrace learning, build meaningful relationships, and lead with purpose. BOOK: Achieving Social Justice Through Music: Influence of Hip-Hop and Rap Connect with Dr. Janelle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjanellecsimmons/ Email: janelles@hotmail.com Connect with Cory Dunham LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corydunham-executive-leadership-coach/ Website: https://CoryDunham.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoryDunhamLeadership Podcast: https://UnapologeticLeadershipPodcast.com

  3. Oct 21

    Build a Business You Don't Have to Keep Rescuing with Ali Taylor

    Is your business running your life instead of the other way around? In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, host Cory Dunham welcomes Ali J. Taylor, business consultant, fractional COO, TEDx speaker, and founder of Wisdom+Wayfinder, LLC, for a conversation about building a business that supports your life rather than consumes it. Ali shares how entrepreneurs can overcome overwhelm, improve operations, create effective systems, strengthen team accountability, and delegate responsibilities so their businesses can thrive without constant intervention. Together, they explore why authenticity, integrity, and curiosity are essential to leadership, how to build a business aligned with your values, and why sustainable success requires more than revenue and profits. True business freedom isn't about working harder. It's about building smarter systems and creating a life you love. About Ali Taylor Ali J. Taylor is a business consultant, TEDx speaker, and founder of Wisdom+Wayfinder, LLC. He helps successful but overwhelmed business owners break free from the daily demands of running a business that depends too heavily on them. Many founders work tirelessly to grow their businesses, only to discover that their success has created more pressure, longer hours, and less freedom. Ali helps them change that. Through practical systems, clearer decision-making, improved operations, and stronger team accountability, Ali helps founders build businesses that can thrive without their constant involvement. His approach empowers business owners to stop being their company's hardest-working employee and start leading as a true CEO. Ali believes business success shouldn't come at the expense of personal freedom, family, or the life entrepreneurs originally set out to create. Connect with Ali Phone: (732) 456-5250 Mobile: (732) 804-1910 Email: ali@wisdomandwayfinder.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alijtaylor/ Website: https://wisdomandwayfinder.com Connect with Cory Dunham LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corydunham-executive-leadership-coach/ Website: https://CoryDunham.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoryDunhamLeadership Podcast: https://UnapologeticLeadershipPodcast.com

  4. Oct 14

    Called to Lead at 22: Faith, Purpose, and the Future of Funeral Service with Jaden Fowlkes

    What happens when you refuse to let age, failure, or other people's expectations define your future? In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, host Cory Dunham welcomes Jaden Fowlkes, a 22-year-old licensed funeral director and host of the Millennial Mortician Podcast, for an inspiring conversation about faith, purpose, resilience, and compassionate leadership. Despite academic challenges, discouragement from teachers, and setbacks on his licensing exams, Jaden never gave up on the calling he discovered at a young age. Through his remarkable journey, Jaden shares how faith in God, family support, persistence, and a commitment to serving others helped him turn obstacles into opportunities. Discover why true leadership begins with compassion, how failure can strengthen your purpose, and why achieving your goals is only the beginning of your next chapter. Jaden also shares how he's inspiring a new generation of funeral service professionals through his podcast, creating a community built on encouragement, connection, and service. Because leadership isn't about your age, your title, or how quickly you succeed. It's about who you become and the lives you impact along the way. About Jaden Fowlkes Jaden Fowlkes is a licensed funeral service professional, leadership student at Old Dominion University, and host of the Millennial Mortician Podcast, where he inspires and empowers the next generation of funeral service professionals. A graduate of Tidewater Community College's Mortuary Science program, Jaden brings a fresh perspective to an industry rooted in tradition. He combines hands-on experience with a passion for faith-driven leadership, innovation, technology, and helping families navigate some of life's most difficult moments. As President of Omicron Delta Kappa at Old Dominion University, Jaden is committed to developing leaders who serve with purpose, compassion, and integrity. With an ambitious vision to build one of North America's most influential funeral service brands, Jaden is challenging traditional thinking while staying grounded in what matters most: faith, meaningful service, and making a lasting difference in people's lives. Connect with Jaden Email: jadenblessed@gmail.com Location: Norfolk, Virginia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadenfowlkes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millennialmortician Spotify: Millennial Mortician Podcast YouTube: Millennial Mortician Connect with Cory Dunham LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corydunham-executive-leadership-coach/ Website: https://CoryDunham.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoryDunhamLeadership Podcast: https://UnapologeticLeadershipPodcast.com

  5. Oct 9

    Why Great Work Isn’t Enough: Relationships, Visibility, and Real Business Growth with Manny Larcher

    You can be very good at what you do and still struggle to get enough of the right people to notice. In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham talks with founder, investor, and growth advisor Manny Larcher about what it really takes to build traction in a world crowded with content, AI, and endless distractions. Manny shares why relationships, customer conversations, and real-world connection still matter so much, especially when products and services are becoming easier to copy. They discuss: Why great work alone does not guarantee growthHow relationships can accelerate trust and opportunityWhy founders need to get out from behind their screensHow content should support relationships, not replace themWhy talking with customers is still one of the best ways to growHow AI is making trust, differentiation, and customer experience even more importantIf you are doing good work but wondering why more people still don’t know about you, trust you, or choose you, this episode will give you plenty to think about. Connect with Manny Larcher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannylarcher/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannylarcher/ Colaeb: https://colaeb.com/ YourInfoDaily:https://www.yourinfodaily.com/ Connect with Cory Dunham LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corydunham-executive-leadership-coach/ Website: https://CoryDunham.com YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CoryDunhamLeadership Podcast: https://UnapologeticLeadershipPodcast.com

  6. Oct 7

    From Inherited Land to Intentional Legacy: Faith, Stewardship, and Generational Wealth with Colby Boone

    What are you building today that will still matter after you are gone? For Colby Boone, that question became very real when he inherited part of 50 acres of family land in North Carolina. What began as a responsibility to care for a piece of property quickly became something much bigger. Colby discovered more than 100 family members buried on the land. He began digging into deeds, family history, agriculture, and the lives of the generations who came before him. He found himself looking at land differently, not simply as an asset to buy and sell, but as something entrusted to him. That realization helped shape the work he is building today. Colby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Boone Capital Land Partners, where he works at the intersection of land investing, conservation, development, technology, and stewardship. But this conversation goes far beyond real estate. Cory and Colby talk honestly about faith, identity, generational wealth, leadership, family history, technology, AI, mentorship, and the responsibility that comes with being given an opportunity, a business, land, influence, or any other resource. They also explore an important question for business owners and leaders: Are you simply trying to make more money, or are you building something worth passing on? Colby shares why he believes legacy is not just about what you accumulate. It is about what you improve, protect, teach, and leave behind for someone else to carry forward. This episode explores: Why stewardship is different from simple ownershipWhat inherited land taught Colby about responsibility and legacyHow faith helped shape his identity and directionWhy generational wealth is about more than moneyWhat business owners can learn from thinking beyond the current generationWhy relationships, community, and trust still matter in a technology-driven worldHow Colby views AI and technological disruption through an opportunity mindsetWhy the next generation may have more tools and opportunity than any generation before itThe importance of leaving a business, property, community, or opportunity better than you found itIf you have ever asked yourself whether all the work you are doing is building toward something bigger, this conversation will make you think differently about success, responsibility, and what you eventually hand to the next person. About Colby Boone Colby Boone is the Founder and Managing Partner of Boone Capital Land Partners LP, acquiring, improving, and exiting rural land assets across the Southeast. Colby works at the intersection of technology, stewardship, and private markets. His work with Boone Capital Land Partners focuses on acquiring and enhancing rural land for conservation, recreation, development, and revenue while honoring the history and long-term value of the land. His personal experience inheriting family property helped deepen his passion for stewardship, generational wealth, family history, and creating opportunities that can extend beyond one generation. Connect with Colby LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbycornell/ Website:https://boonecapital.co/ Social Media: @ColbyCBoone on all social media platforms Connect with Cory Dunham: Website: https://CoryDunham.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corydunham-executive-leadership-coach/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoryDunhamLeadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591473931608 Unapologetic Leadership Podcast: https://UnapologeticLeadershipPodcast.com/ Unapologetic Leadership features real conversations about business growth, leadership, messaging, visibility, sales, mindset, faith, and the decisions business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders face as they work to build businesses and lives with greater clarity, purpose, and impact.

  7. Oct 2

    Are You Building a Business You Actually Want? Leadership, AI, Culture, and Happiness, with Ezra Dibble

    You can grow the business, hit the numbers, build the team, and still wonder: Is this actually making my life better? For founders and business owners, it is easy to spend so much time optimizing for revenue, efficiency, productivity, and growth that you forget to ask what you are really building toward. In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with entrepreneur and sales leader Ezra Dibble for a wide-ranging conversation about business, leadership, AI, culture, and the idea of optimizing your life for happiness, not just achievement. Ezra shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey and discusses how AI has made it possible to build and test ideas faster than ever before. As a non-coder, he used AI and vibe coding to help develop his latest venture, Wine Aisle, while still relying on experienced developers for critical parts of the technology. They explore why founders should get a minimum viable product into customers' hands instead of spending enormous amounts of time and money trying to perfect an untested idea. Ezra explains why some of his most valuable feedback has come from people willing to tell him exactly what isn't working, and why humility is one of an entrepreneur's greatest advantages. The conversation also examines leadership and culture: empowering people instead of protecting information, surrounding yourself with people who know more than you, encouraging teams to take risks, and embracing continuous improvement. Ezra shares how leaders can create an environment where people remain excited about the mission and feel empowered to contribute their best ideas. At the center of the conversation is a powerful idea: What if you optimized for happiness? Ezra explains that the goal behind Wine Aisle isn't simply maximizing revenue. It is helping people create better dinners, better evenings, and better experiences. That philosophy raises a much bigger question for every entrepreneur: Are you building a business that supports the life you actually want? This conversation is a reminder that growth matters, but so do the people, relationships, experiences, and life that growth is supposed to support. About Ezra Dibble Ezra Dibble is a builder and entrepreneur at heart with experience creating sales processes, systems, and strong teams. His sales background spans AI SaaS, cannabis technology, e-commerce marketplaces, advertising sales, real estate, and even rock climbing. Connect with Ezra: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezra-dibble-488b5412/ Connect with Cory Dunham: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corydunham-executive-leadership-coach/ Website: https://CoryDunham.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoryDunhamLeadership Podcast: https://UnapologeticLeadershipPodcast.com

  8. Sep 30

    When the System Isn’t Working: Leading with Courage, Conviction, and Clarity, with Patrice Sulton

    What do you do when the way things have always been done is no longer working?  For business owners and leaders, that question can show up everywhere. A process keeps breaking down. People are frustrated. Responsibility is unclear. You know something needs to change, but changing it may create resistance, uncomfortable conversations, or even more pressure on you. In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with attorney, educator, and social entrepreneur Patrice Sulton for a conversation about what it takes to lead with courage when the easier choice is to leave things alone. Patrice serves as Executive Director of the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law, where her work focuses on confronting systems and practices she believes perpetuate racial inequality and injustice. About Patrice Sulton Patrice shares lessons from her work in criminal legal reform and community advocacy, including the importance of listening to the people closest to the problem, questioning systems that are not producing the desired outcomes, and staying grounded in your values when change is difficult. She also challenges leaders to look beyond appearances and ask a harder question: Are our actions actually moving us toward the outcome we say we value, or are we simply doing what has become familiar, accepted, or expected? Cory and Patrice explore a challenge nearly every leader eventually faces: How do you create meaningful change without losing the trust, relationships, and people you are trying to serve? Their conversation examines the power of curiosity, listening, patience, and understanding different perspectives. Patrice explains that effective leadership does not require everyone to see the world exactly the same way. Leaders can learn to understand where people are coming from and help them move toward a shared outcome. They also discuss why leaders need the courage to question assumptions, challenge established ways of doing things, and recognize their own agency. Many systems, rules, and organizational practices were created by people, which means people can also rethink and improve them. This conversation is about more than law or public policy. It is about leadership under pressure, making difficult decisions, building trust, challenging assumptions, staying aligned with your values, and having the conviction to change what is no longer working. Patrice Sulton is an attorney, educator, and social entrepreneur whose work focuses on criminal legal reform, community advocacy, and helping people have a stronger voice in the systems and decisions that affect their lives. Connect with Patrice: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricesulton/ Connect with Cory Dunham: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corydunham-executive-leadership-coach/ Website: https://CoryDunham.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoryDunhamLeadership Podcast: https://UnapologeticLeadershipPodcast.com

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

In a noisy, distracted world, authentic leadership matters more than ever. Hosted by Cory Dunham—entrepreneur, business leader, and follower of Jesus—this podcast is real talk for real leaders who want to live and lead with clarity, courage, and conviction. From overcoming fear mindsets to leading with love, Cory shares personal stories, faith-driven values, and practical tools that help you grow as a leader in your workplace, family, and community. Each episode offers actionable takeaways, mindset shifts, and sometimes guest insights—so you can lead without burnout, build trust, create alignment, and anchor yourself in what truly matters. Whether you’re a boss, teacher, parent, entrepreneur, career professional, or single mom, this show will help you lead yourself and others in a way that’s bold, authentic, and sustainable. Because leadership isn’t a title—it’s a way of living. Subscribe and join a community of leaders who are done with surface-level living. The world doesn’t need louder leaders—it needs leaders who are clear, courageous, and grounded.