Inside the C-Suite

Energy, Influence and Innovation in the C-Suite Join Christy Honeycutt for an unfiltered look into the minds of influential leaders as they share their untold stories. If you want to know how top leaders manage their energy, expand their influence and transform vision into action, this is for you. Christy and her guests dive deep into the intersection of leadership, impact and innovation, revealing the practices and mindsets that empower them to show up as their most authentic, effective selves. At its core, Inside the C-Suite is more than just leadership tactics; it’s about the energetic exchange that drives real influence and change. Whether it's navigating chaos, overcoming adversity or building the resilience to lead with clarity, the podcast uncovers the personal and professional journeys of those who are redefining what it means to lead. If you're ready to go beyond the surface and tap into the deeper currents that shape leadership, this podcast is your invitation to listen, learn and lead differently.

  1. The Leadership Risks No One Talks About

    HACE 1 DÍA

    The Leadership Risks No One Talks About

    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Mark Shank, Founder and Managing Partner of Shank ADR, to unpack some of the most common leadership and workplace issues that quietly damage organizations from the inside out. 40+ years.Thousands of cases.A front-row seat to what actually breaks organizations. And here’s the truth:It’s not usually the big, dramatic failures. It’s the quiet patterns.The subtle behaviors.The things leaders don’t see—or choose not to address. Because dysfunction doesn’t show up loud at first.It builds… slowly… under the surface. We get into what’s really happening inside organizations: Responsibility with no authority (aka the fastest path to burnout) Power dynamics and silos that kill momentum Favoritism that erodes trust—quietly but completely And the ripple effect of one careless comment What feels small in the moment?That’s often where the damage starts. What We Unpack Why giving people responsibility without authority sets them up to fail How micromanagement signals mistrust—and creates it The real reason people hoard information (and why it spreads) Why favoritism isn’t just cultural—it’s operational risk How one offhand comment can create legal and cultural fallout The “prism effect”: how perception distorts intent—and changes outcomes Why humility and apology aren’t weakness—they’re leadership How listening (really listening) strengthens every layer of the business And the truth: trust isn’t soft—it’s the engine behind performance Leadership isn’t just about setting direction. It’s about awareness.It’s about trust.It’s about how people actually experience you when you’re not in the room. And more often than not…It’s about what you’re not seeing. This conversation is real.It’s honest.And if you’re leading people right now—it’s required listening. 00:00 Introduction & Leadership Risk Overview02:10 Top 3 Workplace Risks03:16 Responsibility Without Authority05:54 Impact: Burnout, Trust & Inefficiency09:21 Delegation & Letting Go of Control11:52 Navigating Lack of Authority14:02 When It’s Time to Walk Away15:27 Silos, Favoritism & Power21:45 Communication Risks in the Workplace25:29 The “Prism Effect”27:38 Humility in Leadership30:29 Human Connection in Leadership33:15 Final Advice & Closing | Connect with Us |Follow Mark Shank:LinkedIn - Mark ShankCompany: Diamond McCarthy LLPInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/markshank54/Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/markshank54/Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – Christy HoneycuttSubscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6bSubscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – https://docs.google.com/forms/

    30 min
  2. Leading With Heart

    16 MAR

    Leading With Heart

    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Mark Coscarello — a former recruiter, startup advisor, and a leader who believes business should be built with people in mind, not just profit. Mark’s career began in talent acquisition, helping companies find the right people. Over time, he uncovered a deeper truth about leadership: Great companies aren’t built by strategy alone. They’re built through trust, empathy, and human connection. As organizations navigate burnout, AI disruption, and a rapidly shifting workforce, many professionals are asking the same question: What kind of leadership actually works today? In this conversation, Mark shares his journey from recruiter to entrepreneur and explains why some of the most valuable leadership lessons don’t come from boardrooms — they come from relationships. Because when leaders genuinely care about their people, something powerful happens. Culture improves. Trust grows. And companies become stronger. The discussion also explores the tension many HR and talent leaders face today — operating within systems that prioritize profit while advocating for people. Mark explains why empathy in leadership isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. He also introduces a powerful concept he uses when making decisions: The secret is two, not three. By simplifying choices and focusing on what truly matters, leaders can create clarity — both for themselves and for their teams. This episode explores: • Why human connection remains the most valuable leadership currency • The transition from recruiter to entrepreneur • How trust is built — and how easily it can be broken • Why empathy should be a core leadership trait • The reality HR leaders face when profit becomes the primary priority • How AI is reshaping business strategy and careers • Why simplifying decisions can unlock better leadership outcomes Technology will continue to evolve. AI will continue to transform industries. But leadership will always come back to people. The leaders who succeed long-term won’t just build profitable companies — they’ll build trustworthy ones. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Leadership, Networking & Human Connection02:07 – Mark’s Journey From Recruiter to Entrepreneur05:57 – Why Human Connection Matters in Business08:29 – Building Trust in Leadership and Partnerships12:11 – When Trust Is Broken in Business16:59 – Nonlinear Thinking and Leadership Strengths20:39 – AI, Technology & Career Evolution22:32 – Simplifying AI and Go-To-Market Strategy27:34 – Transferable Skills from HR and Recruitment | Connect with Us | Follow Mark Coscarello: LinkedIn – Mark CoscarelloInstagram: @‌markcoscarelloFacebook: Mark CoscarelloCompany: Home Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – Christy HoneycuttSubscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast

    33 min
  3. Navigating Leadership Challenges

    9 MAR

    Navigating Leadership Challenges

    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy sits down with Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio — leadership educators, authors of Lead It Like Lasso and The Business of You, and advocates for human-centered leadership. Their message is simple. Leadership starts with you. Before strategy.Before influence.Before authority. Self-awareness. Marnie and Nick spent years inside corporate leadership roles before realizing something many organizations overlook: the biggest leadership gaps aren’t technical — they’re human. Communication.Self-reflection.Character.Accountability.Vulnerability. And the willingness to admit when you’re wrong. This conversation explores what happens when leaders stop chasing the credential ladder and start investing in the value ladder — the personal growth that actually shapes how we lead. Because teams don’t follow perfection. They follow authenticity. Nick shares how his own leadership mindset shifted when he realized defending every decision wasn’t leadership — growth was. Marnie discusses the importance of building cultures where leaders model reflection, learning, and emotional intelligence. We unpack:How leadership begins with self-reflectionWhy character skills outweigh technical skillsThe role vulnerability plays in building trustWhy hope can be more powerful than trust for followersThe importance of admitting when you're wrongHow failure can become one of leadership’s greatest teachersWhy investing in personal development changes leadership outcomesThe difference between the credential ladder and the value ladderHow leaders can align their values with the cultures they build Marnie and Nick are also building Blue, an upcoming platform designed to help young adults develop life and leadership skills through guided, gamified self-reflection. Because leadership development shouldn’t start in the boardroom. It should start with understanding yourself. As Nick says in the episode: "Would you invest in you?" The future of leadership belongs to those who can answer that question honestly. 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Collaboration01:33 The Journey of Marnie and Nick05:15 Navigating Broken Systems08:35 The Importance of Self-Reflection12:06 Investing in Yourself15:45 The Shift from Expertise to Human Skills19:21 Vulnerability in Leadership22:39 Learning from Failures26:02 The Future of Leadership and Blue | Connect with Us | Follow Marnie Stockman:LinkedIn – Marnie StockmanWebsite – Lead It Like Lasso Follow Nick Coniglio:LinkedIn – Nick ConiglioWebsite – The Business of You bridges the gap between personal and professional development with a toolkit. Learn more about their books:Lead It Like LassoThe Business of You (Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio are leadership educators and authors who focus on helping individuals develop character-driven leadership through self-awareness, reflection, and human-centered skills.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast

    32 min
  4. When Hair Loss Meets the Crown

    3 MAR

    When Hair Loss Meets the Crown

    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy sits down with Lauren Jackson — salon founder, hair loss specialist, and Mrs. Texas 2025. Yes, crowned.And yes — navigating hair loss herself. This isn’t a conversation about beauty. It’s a conversation about leadership. Because when your identity shifts — especially in a visible role — you’re faced with a choice: hide, harden, or lead through it. Lauren shares how discovering a bald spot became more than a physical change. It triggered a reckoning. Depression. Fatigue. Questions about confidence and control. And ultimately — clarity. What could have diminished her presence refined her leadership. Her salon is no longer just a place for styling. It’s a sanctuary for people navigating identity disruption. She leads with empathy, not ego. With understanding, not assumptions. With boundaries, not burnout. We unpack: How identity loss can become identity expansion Vulnerability doesn’t weaken authority - it deepens it The invisible grief that comes with identity shifts Why empathy in leadership is non-negotiable How insensitive comments can quietly wound Education begins at home — compassion must be modeled Personal pain can become professional purpose Creating boundaries to protect your mental health What it really means to wear the crown — with or without hair Lauren embodies a leadership strength we don’t talk about enough: visible resilience. To wear a crown — literally or metaphorically — while navigating personal change requires grounded confidence. Not perfection. Not image control. Presence. The crown isn’t the hair. The crown is:Resilience.Self-awareness.Empathy under pressure.The courage to keep showing up. This conversation is about what it means to lead when your identity is evolving in public — and how real strength is built when image gives way to authenticity. Because leadership isn’t about appearance. It’s about alignment. 00:00 Introduction to Hair Loss and Community Support02:30 Lauren's Personal Journey with Hair Loss05:16 Empathy and Support in the Salon Environment07:58 The Impact of Hair Loss on Identity and Confidence10:54 Support Systems: Family and Friends13:35 Navigating Insensitivity and Promoting Empathy16:28 Educating the Next Generation on Hair Loss19:37 The Impact of Stress on Hair Loss25:07 Transforming Personal Struggles into Professional Strength27:43 Navigating Public Scrutiny and Mental Health29:27 Empathy in Leadership and Self-Care32:54 Creating Safe Spaces for Healing and Connection | Connect with Us | Follow Lauren Jackson (Mrs. Texas):Instagram – @‌mrstexasFacebook – Mrs. Texas Lauren JacksonWebsite – Lauren Jackson (Lauren Jackson is Mrs. Texas and an advocate for family, personal growth, and empowering women to prioritize what truly matters while balancing leadership and life.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast

    40 min
  5. Trusting the Captain

    23 FEB

    Trusting the Captain

    What does it really take to build a team that executes at a high level, adapts quickly, and genuinely cares about the work? In this episode, Jason Putnam—CEO of Vetty—joins Christy Honeycutt to break down his Pirate Ship Methodology, a leadership framework designed to balance discipline, accountability, and fun while creating a culture rooted in trust and hope. Jason shares how great leadership starts with being a good human first, why consistency and transparency matter more than charisma, and how leaders can empower their teams to take ownership—even when operating without formal authority. He also reflects on how parenting has shaped his leadership style, the importance of intentional communication, and why mistakes are essential to growth. If you’re a leader who wants to build loyal teams, communicate more effectively, and create a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and motivated—this conversation is for you. 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and the Pirate Ship Methodology02:45 Navigating Different Leadership Styles05:34 The Importance of Trust and Hope in Leadership08:18 Building a Loyal and Effective Team11:15 The Role of Consistency and Transparency14:21 Addressing Leadership Challenges and Fostering Growth19:45 Building Trust in Leadership21:17 Wellness and Work-Life Balance for Leaders24:18 Parenting and Leadership: Lessons Learned28:27 The Importance of Intentional Time29:43 Taking Responsibility as a Leader31:35 Navigating Responsibility Without Authority32:49 Continuous Improvement in Leadership Communication Takeaways Leadership is about being a good human while holding people accountable. Trust and hope are the foundation of team loyalty. Clear, consistent communication drives execution. Leaders must empower teams to make decisions. Mistakes are part of growth—embrace them. Consistency and transparency build credibility. Prioritizing your well-being makes you a better leader | Connect with Us | Follow Jason Putnam:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonputnam/Website: Hiring at Scale | Vetty Background Checks & Onboarding (Jason Putnam is a leadership practitioner and team builder known for his honest, responsibility-driven approach to developing people—helping leaders close the gap between motivation and capability through ownership, coaching, and collaboration.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast

    38 min
  6. Leading With Trust

    16 FEB

    Leading With Trust

    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, I sit down with Dr. Tana M. Session — psychologist, DEI strategist, leadership advisor, and now… law school graduate (yes, Dr. Tana added a law degree to the résumé — because why not?). We talk about what leadership actually requires right now. Not theory. Not buzzwords.Trust. As AI accelerates, generational expectations shift, and political and social climates spill into the workplace, leaders are being asked to hold more complexity than ever before. And most aren’t prepared for the emotional weight of that responsibility. Dr. Tana shares her journey from corporate HR to national thought leader — and why empathy, community, and continuous learning aren’t “soft skills.” They’re survival skills. We unpack: Why trust is the currency of modern leadership How generational shifts are reshaping culture What AI will change — and what it won’t How to lead people through uncertainty without minimizing their reality Why belonging and psychological safety aren’t optional anymore Technology will keep evolving. Systems will keep shifting. But the leaders who win?They’re the ones who build trust, regulate their energy, and choose humanity — even when it’s harder. This one is honest, timely, and necessary. 00:00 – Why Trust Is the Leadership Currency of Now01:32 – From Corporate HR to National DEI Voice: Dr. Tana’s Evolution06:15 – Generational Shifts Are Rewriting the Workplace Rules08:38 – Building Trust at Work10:59 – Reinvention at Any Stage: Law School & Lifelong Growth13:23 – The Personal Stories That Shape Powerful Leaders16:12 – Leading Through Political Tension & Collective Uncertainty18:24 – Advice for Youth & Future Leaders24:17 – AI is her Now What33:59 – Navigating Job Insecurity Without Losing Humanity40:48 – The Leadership Standard We Choose Moving Forward | Connect with Us | Follow Dr. Tana M. Session: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtanamsession/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tanamsession-com/Website: OD & People Strategy Consulting | Dr. Tana M. Session, Founder/CEO of TanaMSession.com (Dr. Tana M. Session is a nationally recognized psychologist, DEI strategist, and leadership advisor who helps organizations uncover unconscious bias, foster inclusive cultures, and lead with greater self-awareness and accountability. Her work centers on equity, belonging, and empowering leaders to make more intentional, human-centered decisions.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast

    44 min
  7. The CEO Myth

    9 FEB

    The CEO Myth

    What actually happens when you step into the CEO seat for the first time—before you feel “ready”? In this episode, Ritu Mohanka, first-time CEO of VONQ, breaks down the myth of the all-knowing, perfectly confident CEO. We talk real leadership: the messy first 90 days, learning in public, and why control is overrated but clarity isn’t. Ritu shares how AI can open doors in hiring instead of shutting them, why bias has to be designed out—not trained away—and what it really takes to build products around people, not process. We also go there—motherhood, imposter syndrome, boundaries, and why women can’t keep waiting for perfection to raise their hands. This is an honest conversation about leading with empathy, building healthy teams, and leaving a legacy rooted in trust, not ego. If you think leadership is about having all the answers—this episode will change your mind. The first 90 days as a CEO can be both intimidating and liberating. AI should open doors in hiring, not close them. Screen people in. The future of work isn’t defined yet—leaders must build for what’s coming. Women should not wait for perfection to raise their hands for opportunities. Balance is a myth; it's about finding harmony in different seasons of life. Boundaries aren’t optional—they’re a leadership requirement. Imposter syndrome is common among executives and can be managed. Great cultures are designed, not left to chance. Legacy isn’t power—it’s trust. The best teams and products stay obsessively close to the customer. 00:00 Becoming CEO: What No One Tells You02:43 Learning in Public: From Challenges to Triumphs11:20 Motherhood, Leadership, and Letting Go of “Balance”14:20 Imposter Syndrome at the Top17:05 Designing Healthy Workplaces on Purpose19:40 Boundaries, Burnout, and Self-Leadership22:18 Legacy: What Actually Lasts25:01 Mistakes, Growth, and Leading Without a Script27:52 The Future of Work: AI and Employee Development31:00 Unlearning the CEO Myth | Connect with Us | Follow Ritu Mohanka:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritumohanka/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vonq/posts/?feedView=allWebsite: Homepage (Ritu Mohanka is a forward-thinking HR and people analytics expert focused on AI-driven coaching, personalized development, and the future of work. She champions solutions that help individuals grow in real time and organizations unlock meaningful performance gains.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast

    37 min
  8. Hiring with Hope

    2 FEB

    Hiring with Hope

    Frontline workers keep the global economy moving—yet the systems built to hire them are often anything but humane. In this episode, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Sean Behr, CEO of Fountain, to unpack what’s broken in frontline hiring and what it really takes to fix it. Sean shares how Fountain is reimagining high-volume hiring by balancing speed with quality, expanding access, and designing experiences that treat hourly workers like humans—not transactions. Together, they explore how AI is changing recruitment in real time, why old hiring assumptions are collapsing under pressure, and what leaders are getting wrong about “efficiency.” Sean offers a powerful reframe for leadership in moments of disruption: trust gets people in the door, but hope is what keeps them moving forward. This conversation goes beyond technology. It’s about designing systems that work with people, not against them—and why the future of hiring depends on leaders willing to challenge outdated beliefs, listen to frontline realities, and build for resilience, dignity, and scale. Key Takeaways Why frontline hiring systems are the backbone of the global economy—and where they fail most How speed without quality breaks trust (and businesses) Why AI works best when it removes friction, not humanity What today’s job-seeking behavior reveals about broken assumptions in hiring Why hope—not just trust—is a leadership necessity in times of change How expanding access creates better outcomes for workers and employers Chapters00:00 Why Frontline Hiring Systems Matter02:12 Leadership in High-Velocity Hiring Environments04:05 AI, Scale, and the Reality of Modern Job Seeking21:33 Trust vs. Hope: What Actually Sustains Workers25:03 Expanding Access Without Sacrificing Quality26:25 Workforce Resilience in a Shifting Economy27:45 Challenging Outdated Hiring Beliefs30:34 Final Thoughts: The Future of Frontline Hiring | Connect with Us | Follow Sean Behr:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbehr/Website: Fountain - Your Frontline Workforce Management Platform (Sean Behr is the CEO of Fountain, a hiring technology platform focused on opening opportunities for the global frontline workforce. He is passionate about building systems that balance speed with quality, expand access to meaningful work, and help organizations hire and retain talent at scale.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast

    34 min

Acerca de

Energy, Influence and Innovation in the C-Suite Join Christy Honeycutt for an unfiltered look into the minds of influential leaders as they share their untold stories. If you want to know how top leaders manage their energy, expand their influence and transform vision into action, this is for you. Christy and her guests dive deep into the intersection of leadership, impact and innovation, revealing the practices and mindsets that empower them to show up as their most authentic, effective selves. At its core, Inside the C-Suite is more than just leadership tactics; it’s about the energetic exchange that drives real influence and change. Whether it's navigating chaos, overcoming adversity or building the resilience to lead with clarity, the podcast uncovers the personal and professional journeys of those who are redefining what it means to lead. If you're ready to go beyond the surface and tap into the deeper currents that shape leadership, this podcast is your invitation to listen, learn and lead differently.

Más de WRKdefined