Cutting Through the Clutter

Mission Matters Network

 Hosted by Cyndee Woolley, president and founder of C2 Communications, Cutting Through the Clutter delivers powerful insights into crafting messages that truly connect. Drawing on her 25+ years in marketing and public relations, Cyndee shares strategies for engaging target audiences, building impactful campaigns, and driving action—whether it's boosting sales, inspiring votes, or fostering community pride. 

  1. DEC 17

    From Federal Agent to Leadership Educator: Dr. Steve Morreale on Leading Through Questions

    Today, I'm excited to welcome Dr. Morreale, a leader who's seen it all. Dr. Morreale spent over 17 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration, rising to Supervisory Special Agent, followed by nearly four years as Assistant Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General, investigating Medicare and Medicaid fraud.  But here's what makes Dr. Morreale’s story particularly compelling for business leaders: he successfully transitioned from high-stakes law enforcement to academia and consulting, becoming a Criminal Justice Professor and former Department Chair at Wu-sta State University. He's also a Fulbright Specialist who worked with the Irish National Police, a Fellow at the Future Policing Institute, and currently serves on the International Association of Chiefs of Police Education and Training Committee.  Today, Dr. Morreale hosts The CopDoc Podcast and has authored several books on leadership, including "Choosing to Lead," "Leading Police with AI," and his forthcoming "Voices in Blue." His unique perspective on organizational development, ethics, and decision-making under pressure offers invaluable insights for anyone leading teams in complex, fast-changing environments.  Join host Cyndee Woolley on Cutting Through the Clutter for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Steve Morreale, who brings a unique perspective on leadership forged through 17 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration and nearly four years with the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General. Now a criminal justice professor, Fulbright specialist, and host of the Cop Doc podcast, Dr. Morreale shares powerful insights on organizational development and decision-making under pressure.  Dr. Morreale reveals how a pivotal training experience with 200 business professionals transformed his approach to leadership, teaching him to lead through questions rather than directives. His philosophy centers on asking "What could we do better?" and "What have you learned?" to unlock creative thinking in teams across both public and private sectors.  The conversation explores the critical distinction between managing and leading, with Dr. Morreale emphasizing that leadership is a choice. He discusses embracing AI as a thought partner rather than fearing it, the importance of vulnerability and admitting mistakes, overcoming imposter syndrome, and creating reflective learning environments through debriefing.  Dr. Morreale shares a candid story about owning an administrative mistake that nearly cost a faculty member her sabbatical, demonstrating how authentic accountability builds trust and character. His message resonates clearly: coach your people, lead with questions, watch for leaders who emerge during crises, and never underestimate the power of genuine human connection.  Perfect for business leaders, entrepreneurs, law enforcement professionals, and anyone navigating complex organizational challenges while building high-performing teams.  Links and Resources:  Website: https://www.copdocpodcast.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-steve-morreale/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCopDocPodcast/  To learn more, visit: http://www.c2-com.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

    39 min

  2. DEC 10

    Building Trust-Based Leadership: Military Insights for Modern Business Success

    In this episode of Cutting Through the Clutter, host Cyndee Woolley welcomes Craig Oglesby, managing member of Outsiders Group LLC and leadership development specialist, whose eight-year journey as a U.S. Army infantry officer—including company commander roles leading over 250 personnel in Afghanistan—has shaped his revolutionary approach to building high-performing teams.  Craig shares his proven framework centered on a deceptively simple yet powerful truth: trust is the invisible force that separates good teams from exceptional ones. Like Wi-Fi, you can't see it, but you definitely know when it's not working. Through candid conversation, Craig reveals how leaders can establish and maintain trust through intentional communication and clear standards, even in today's digitally-driven workplace where remote teams and social media complicate genuine connection.  The discussion moves beyond theory into practical application, exploring how one-on-one conversations build trust over time, why communicating purpose prevents teams from "making up their own stories," and how to set standards that empower rather than control. Craig introduces the concept of "left and right limits"—like navigational buoys that define safe waters while allowing flexibility—giving teams space to maximize their potential within established boundaries.  From addressing the shift in communication styles across different eras to leveraging after-action reviews for continuous improvement, Craig offers actionable strategies for closing out 2025 strong and positioning your organization for growth in 2026. Whether you're managing a small team or leading a geographically diverse organization, this episode delivers the practical wisdom you need to build authentic trust and unlock your team's true potential.  Links and Resources:  Website: www.outsiders-group.com  Command Post Cohort: www.commandpostcohort.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-oglesby/  Today, I'm excited to welcome Craig Oglesby, Managing Member of Outsiders Group LLC and a leadership development specialist whose unique journey from military command to entrepreneurial success has given him remarkable insights into what truly drives high-performing teams.  Craig served over eight years as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer, including Company Commander roles where he led over 250 personnel in combat operations in Afghanistan, managing equipment valued at over $150 million.   Today, Craig focuses the belief that trust sets high-performing teams apart, and that communication and standards are two important skills for leaders to establish that trust. He holds an MBA from the University of Georgia, is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and a PROSCI Certified Change Practitioner.  His consulting firm, Outsiders Group LLC, helps organizations solve the leadership challenges that keep executives up at night through his proven framework of trust-building communication and standards.  To learn more, visit: http://www.c2-com.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

    33 min

  3. DEC 3

    Constitutional Truth: Holding Media and Politicians Accountable with Matt Davis

    Today's guest is Matt Davis, host of The Patriot Party podcast, a weekly show available on Apple and Spotify that covers the full spectrum of news and entertainment. Matt positions his show with the motto "We put Truth, the Constitution and America First”.   Holding the Media and Politicians to a higher standard with Truth & Constitution—because #TruthMatters— Matt describes The Patriot Party not just as a podcast but as a grassroots movement aimed at providing alternative perspectives on current events. His approach combines serious news coverage with entertainment content, creating a diverse platform to serve audiences looking for what he calls unbiased reporting across multiple topics and formats.  In this episode of Cutting Through the Clutter, host Cyndee Woolley sits down with Matt Davis, host of The Patriot Party podcast—a grassroots movement dedicated to holding media and politicians to a higher standard through constitutional principles. With the motto "we put truth, the Constitution, and America first," Matt shares his vision for generational change rooted in constitutional literacy and civic engagement.  What began as a YouTube channel has evolved into a comprehensive movement centered around the "Three Ps"—the Patriot Party principles based on the 27 Constitutional amendments and foundational doctrines. Matt discusses alarming statistics, including the fact that less than one in five adult Americans can name the three branches of government, and reveals his plans to launch a nonprofit focused on educating youth about civics, history, and constitutional principles.  The conversation explores Matt's journey from serial entrepreneur to political commentator, his daughter's influence in launching the podcast, and his commitment to providing unbiased reporting across politics, culture, finance, and entertainment. Matt emphasizes the importance of finding common ground through constitutional principles rather than partisan divisions, advocating for legislation and policies that adhere strictly to constitutional standards.  From discussing America-first businesses like OpenVest—which democratizes hedge fund access for average Americans—to sharing his great-grandmother's immigration story of success, Matt illustrates how constitutional principles create opportunities for all. His message resonates: focus on the foundation that unites us, educate the next generation, and create lasting generational change by holding our institutions accountable to constitutional standards.  To learn more, visit: http://www.c2-com.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

    26 min

  4. NOV 26

    Community Journalism in the Digital Age: Larry Lannan's Mission to Keep Local News Alive

    Larry started in radio broadcasting in 1969, spending 14 years hosting talk shows and working as a journalist before transitioning to a 28-year career with the federal government as a tax law specialist and manager.   In 2012, he launched LarryInFishers.com to cover local news in his community, which he continues to maintain today. Since 2016, Larry has also been producing podcasts, and for the past 13 years, he has focused on covering education and local government. His work has appeared in Current in Fishers, the Indianapolis Business Journal, and Fishers Magazine, and he previously had a partnership with the Hamilton County Reporter. Larry brings experience from radio, government service, and independent journalism to share insights on community communication and local news coverage.  Host Cyndee Woolley sits down with Larry Lannan, a veteran communication professional whose decades-spanning career bridges radio broadcasting, federal government service, and independent digital journalism. Since launching LarryInFishers.com in 2012, Larry has become an essential voice for his rapidly growing Indiana community—transforming from a town of 8,000 when he arrived in 1991 to a thriving suburb of 107,000 today. From Radio Booth to Tax Law to Hyperlocal News Larry's journey began in 1969 as a radio broadcaster and journalist before spending 28 years as a federal tax law specialist. This unique combination of storytelling skills and analytical expertise now serves him as he tackles one of journalism's toughest challenges: making government accessible and engaging for busy families. The Power of Presence "I've been told by more than one elected official privately that they act differently when there's a reporter in the room," Larry shares, highlighting why his consistent attendance at city council meetings matters. His podcast gives public officials something rare—30 minutes to explain their work beyond soundbites, from complex tax law changes to ambitious infrastructure projects. Filling the Void With newspapers disappearing nationwide, Larry addresses a critical gap in civic engagement. His parents' hometown paper, publishing since 1866, closed five years ago—surviving economic depressions but not the digital transformation. Larry's work demonstrates how dedicated individuals can preserve community connections when traditional media fails. Why He Can't Quit Despite two attempted retirements, Larry continues because of the profound hunger for local news. "Three people came up to me at a hockey game just to thank me for doing what I'm doing," he reflects. His message resonates: when you lose local news, you lose connection with your community—and informed citizens are essential for democracy.. To learn more, visit: http://www.c2-com.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

    31 min

  5. NOV 19

    Strategic Marketing to Engineers: Research-Driven Insights with Wendy Covey

    In this episode of Cutting Through the Clutter, host Cyndee Woolley welcomes Wendy Covey, CEO and founder of TREW Marketing, a strategic marketing agency with over 16 years of specialized experience serving engineering and technical companies. As author of Content Marketing Engineered and host of the award-winning podcast by the same name, Wendy brings unparalleled expertise to one of marketing's most challenging audiences.  Wendy shares fascinating findings from her annual State of Marketing to Engineers research report, co-authored with GlobalSpec. Despite common assumptions that email is dead, 91% of technical buyers subscribe to newsletters—a powerful testament to the medium's enduring value. However, the rise of AI presents both opportunities and challenges: while 58% of engineers now use generative AI during purchasing processes, they only trust it at a four out of ten level.  The conversation explores what makes engineering audiences unique—their considered buying journeys often lasting 18-24 months, their demand for substantiated claims backed by proof points, and their deep-dive search behaviors that can extend to page 15 of Google results. Wendy emphasizes the critical importance of accuracy in technical marketing, where even selecting the wrong type of bomber in stock imagery can erode trust.  Key takeaways include the power of LinkedIn for nurturing long sales cycles, the essential role of video content (97% of engineers watch video weekly for work), and the effectiveness of authentic field videos over polished corporate productions. Wendy champions the "person over brand" approach, sharing compelling examples of technical spokespeople who successfully blend professional expertise with authentic personality to stay top-of-mind with prospects.  Links and Resources:  Connect with Wendy Covey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendycovey  TREW Marketing Website: www.trewmarketing.com  Today's guest is Wendy Covey, CEO and co-founder of TREW Marketing, a strategic marketing agency that has spent over 16 years specializing exclusively in engineering and technical companies.   Wendy is the author of "Content Marketing, Engineered," host of the award-winning podcast by the same name, and co-founder of the Industrial Marketing Summit, which brings together over 400 marketers annually. She co-authors the "State of Marketing to Engineers" research report with GlobalSpec—the industry's definitive annual study on how technical buyers seek information and make purchasing decisions. With 25+ years of experience helping hundreds of companies in semiconductors, automation, engineering software, and life sciences, Wendy brings research-driven insights and real-world expertise to one of marketing's most complex challenges: reaching engineers.  To learn more, visit: http://www.c2-com.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

    29 min

  6. NOV 12

    From Badge to Mission: Randy Sutton on Leadership, Survival, and Supporting America's Wounded Law Enforcement

    Join host Cyndee Woolley in a powerful conversation with Randy Sutton, Founder & Chair of the Board of the Wounded Blue, a national charity supporting injured and disabled police officers across America. With 34 years in law enforcement, Randy's journey from a 19-year-old rookie cop to one of the most decorated officers in Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department history offers profound lessons in leadership, resilience, and purpose.  Randy shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career—from learning that true leadership requires compassion, not just enforcement, to surviving a point-blank gunfight that should have ended his life. His career came to an unexpected halt when he suffered a stroke in his police car, only to face a devastating betrayal: his own department refused to pay his medical bills and benefits. This dark chapter became his defining moment, leading him to create the Wounded Blue, which has now helped over 16,000 injured officers in just five years.  Through stories of post-traumatic stress growth and the mysterious "voice on the phone" donor who made transformative work possible, Randy reveals how authentic leadership means creating support systems where no one faces their challenges alone.  Whether you're in law enforcement, business, or community leadership, Randy's message resonates: true leaders never forget those who serve alongside them.  Links and Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/RandySutton/  The Wounded Blue Website: www.Thewoundedblue.org  Facebook: The Wounded Blue: https://www.facebook.com/thewoundedblue  Get Randy's book on Amazon! “Rescuing 9-1-1: The Fight for America's Safety”  A Cop's Life Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/a-cops-life/id1773328224   Our guest today is Randy Sutton, a 34-year law enforcement veteran who retired as a lieutenant with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Randy is the founder of The Wounded Blue, a national charity that assists injured and disabled law enforcement officers across the nation. He is the author of five books, including the recently released "Rescuing 911: The Fight for America's Safety." He's a nationally known commentator on policing and has appeared in film and television projects.   But there's much more to Randy's story. He's recognized as one of the most highly decorated officers in LVMPD (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department) history, with medals for Valor, Exemplary Service, Community Service, and multiple Lifesaving Awards. He served 10 years with the Princeton New Jersey Police Department and 24 years with Las Vegas Metro. Randy has trained thousands of law enforcement officers across the United States on "Policing with Honor" and was honored by the President of the United States with the "Points of Light" Award. He's also the host of "A Cop's Life" podcast and "The Voice for American Law Enforcement" radio show. What makes Randy's perspective particularly valuable is his understanding that true leadership means creating systems of support where no one faces their challenges alone – embodied in The Wounded Blue's motto: "Never forgotten, never alone."  To learn more, visit: http://www.c2-com.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

    44 min

  7. NOV 6

    Ethics as Strategy: Transforming Nonprofit Leadership with Cecilia Sepp

    Our guest today is Cecilia Sepp, a recognized authority in nonprofit management who's dedicated her career to revolutionizing how associations and nonprofits operate in the 21st century. As a Certified Association Executive and Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional, Cecilia brings both academic rigor and real-world experience to every challenge. She's the founder and principal of Rogue Tulips Nonprofit Consulting.   Her book, "Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful," has become a go-to resource for association executives looking to transform their chapter relationships and governance structures. What sets Cecilia apart is her philosophy of finding "what works for YOU" rather than simply following conventional wisdom – an approach that's helped organizations ranging from small volunteer groups to large global professional societies achieve breakthrough results.  In this compelling episode of Cutting Through the Clutter, host Cyndee Woolley welcomes Cecilia Sepp, a recognized authority in nonprofit management who's dedicated her career to revolutionizing how associations and nonprofits operate in the 21st century. As a certified association executive and advanced certified nonprofit professional, Cecilia brings both academic rigor and real-world experience to every challenge.  As founder and principal of Rogue Tulips Nonprofit Consulting and author of "Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful," Cecilia brings over 20 years of expertise to bear on one of the sector's most critical challenges: maintaining ethical standards while fulfilling mission-driven work. Fresh off earning her Leadership Professional in Ethics and Compliance certification, Cecilia shares eye-opening examples of ethical failures—from the National Association of Realtors' cultural crisis to the Corcoran Gallery's devastating collapse—demonstrating how reputation remains nonprofits' most valuable currency.  The discussion tackles modern ethical dilemmas head-on, including the minefield of social media conduct, the anonymous nature of digital communication, and the emerging challenges of AI-generated content. Cecilia introduces practical frameworks like the "conscience fiduciary" approach and emphasizes the importance of graduated enforcement mechanisms rather than all-or-nothing responses.  Whether you're leading a volunteer board, managing a large association, or stewarding nonprofit resources, this episode offers actionable strategies for building ethical cultures through codes of conduct, ethics committees, continuous training, and clear accountability systems. As Cecilia explains, “ethics can totally innovate the way we approach how we treat each other, how we treat our members and other stakeholders and how we make those business decisions."  Connect with Cecilia Sepp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliasepp/  To learn more, visit: http://www.c2-com.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

    35 min

  8. OCT 29

    Building the Future of Business Partnerships: Inside the Movement with Asher Matthew

    Today's guest is Asher Mathew, CEO and Co-Founder of Partnership Leaders, a visionary leader who's spent over two decades mastering the art and science of business partnerships. After building his expertise through senior roles at powerhouse companies including Avalara, where he served as Senior Director of Strategic Alliances during their IPO and achieved recognition as a top sales manager, and Demandbase, where he led go-to-market strategy for their Data & Sales Intelligence Cloud, Asher took a bold leap to create something entirely new.  In 2023, he co-founded Partnership Leaders, which has rapidly become the definitive community for partnership professionals. With over 2,000 expert members from the world's leading technology companies, Partnership Leaders provides industry leaders with peer networks, unique insights, and critical resources to scale their organizations' most efficient revenue source. Asher is also the author of "The State of Partner Operations and Programs," establishing him as a thought leader in the partnerships space. His unique perspective combines the strategic vision of a seasoned executive with the entrepreneurial spirit of someone who's transformed an industry through community building.  In this episode of Cutting Through the Clutter, host Cyndee Woolley sits down with Asher Matthew, Co-founder and CEO of Partnership Leaders, to explore how partnerships have become the secret weapon for scaling modern businesses. With over two decades of experience in business partnerships and a community of 2,200 paid members across 90+ countries, Asher has built the definitive platform for partnership professionals worldwide.  Asher shares the origin story of Partnership Leaders—born from a simple observation at Dreamforce that technology partner professionals lacked a dedicated space for best practices and peer learning. What started as a solution for himself and co-founder Chris has evolved into a thriving ecosystem serving everyone from high-growth startups like Anthropic to tech giants like AWS, Microsoft, and Google Cloud, plus investment firms and consulting powerhouses like BCG and Bain.  The conversation explores why partnerships can't be outsourced, revealing three core partnership strategies: building products together (like Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI), leveraging distribution channels, and driving consumption through strategic alliances. Asher emphasizes that in today's economy, companies can build, buy, or partner—and the smartest leaders know when to choose partnerships over going it alone.  From navigating cross-border challenges to understanding the emerging role of Chief Partnership Officer, Asher provides actionable insights on how businesses can identify partnership opportunities, vet the right partners, and build sustainable long-term alliances that mitigate risk and accelerate growth.  To learn more, visit: http://www.c2-com.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

    28 min
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About

 Hosted by Cyndee Woolley, president and founder of C2 Communications, Cutting Through the Clutter delivers powerful insights into crafting messages that truly connect. Drawing on her 25+ years in marketing and public relations, Cyndee shares strategies for engaging target audiences, building impactful campaigns, and driving action—whether it's boosting sales, inspiring votes, or fostering community pride. 

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