Honestly, We're Learning

ClearEdge

Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned. As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen. The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.

  1. 5d ago

    Owning Feedback, Leading with Conviction, and Cultivating Purposeful Growth

    On this episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, hosts Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec kick things off by tackling a classic executive dilemma: the constant tug-of-war between working in the business versus working on the business. Lesly shares what it was like diving back into ground-level account work after years in a high-level strategic role, and both hosts unpack how rolling up your sleeves makes you a more empathetic, effective leader without losing your forward momentum. Then, they are joined by Michelle Sims, CEO of YUPRO Placement, a subsidiary of YearUp United and one of the country's leading voices in Skills First Hiring. Named to SIA’s Global Power 150 Women in Staffing for five consecutive years and a regular contributor to Forbes and SIA Staffing Stream, Michelle sits right at the intersection of workforce development, forward-thinking employers, and alternative talent pathways. Leslie, Lesly, and Michelle dive deep into the hard-won turning points that shape executive leadership. Michelle opens up about her favorite piece of personal advice—why you shouldn't carry baggage meant for others (and her "Let them" tattoo)—before sharing a deeply humbling story from her VP days when a client email write-up changed how she writes and gives feedback forever. She also breaks down her practical "10 and 2" framework for helping teams navigate a leader’s natural conviction, while tackling the real-world realities of skills-first hiring, default ATS degree filters, and the expansion of registered apprenticeships. Finally, Michelle reflects on the power of leading through purpose rather than constantly trying to prove yourself and why taking a breath to enjoy what you've built prevents team burnout. Connect with Michelle Sims on LinkedIn Learn more about YUPRO Placement The 10 and 2 Framework Listen to TheEdge with Michelle Sims

  2. Jul 7

    Leading with Purpose, Building Discipline, and Delegating to Win

    On this episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, hosts Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec kick things off by celebrating a massive milestone—20 years of ClearEdge! They reflect on how the marketing landscape has transformed over two decades, the ongoing battle to prove marketing’s value as a growth driver, and why leaders can never afford to get comfortable. Then, they are joined by Kelly McCreight, CEO of Hamilton-Ryker and owner of School of Rock Nashville. With over 30 years in staffing, Kelly is the definition of a multi-dimensional leader. Kelly opens up about his roots baling hay in Tennessee and how those formative, gritty years shaped his definition of hard work. Leslie, Lesly, and Kelly dive deep into the ultimate leadership hurdle: learning to let go. As a self-proclaimed "recovering CPA," Kelly shares his journey of embracing the discipline of delegation—even when it means letting his team fail forward. They also tackle a massive macroeconomic shift: how the impending "baby boomer exit" is forcing traditional staffing models to evolve into innovative apprenticeship programs that create genuine upward mobility for workers. Finally, Kelly shares a humbling, hilarious story about hitting rock bottom inside a porta-potty at mile 16 of a marathon, and the profound leadership lessons that endurance sports teach us about discipline. Connect with Kelly McCreight on LinkedInLearn more about Hamilton-RykerCheck out School of Rock Nashville Episode Chapters 0:00 – Celebrating 20 Years of ClearEdge & The Evolving Value of Marketing 05:50 – Introducing Kelly McCreight: CEO, 8-Time Iron Man, and Rockstar 08:45 – The Ultimate Walk-Up Song & Getting Grounded Baling Hay 12:40 – Preparing for Sudden Market Shifts 15:25 – How Apprenticeships Can Solve the Workforce Crisis 21:10 – Confessions of a Recovering CPA: The Discipline of Delegation 24:50 – Hitting Rock Bottom at Mile 16: Endurance Sport Lessons for Business Leaders 33:33 – Take Three: The ClearEdge Debrief on Being Change-Ready and Starting Small About Honestly, We’re Learning Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned. As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen. The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning. Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/

  3. Jun 23

    Building Communities and Claiming Your Value Through Resilience

    On this episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, hosts Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec dive into what happens when you step out of your comfort zone—and why sitting in uncomfortable moments is often the catalyst for our biggest growth. They are joined by Lamees Abourahma, CEO of the Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association (RPOA). From her roots as a math student organizing college clubs to leading a global trade association, Lamees has organically built communities her entire life. But stepping into the public spotlight didn't come naturally. Lamees opens up about her journey learning more about public speaking through Toastmasters, challenging herself with improv classes, and learning to embrace her role as an industry storyteller. Leslie, Lesly, and Lamees also tackle a critical conversation for women in the workforce: knowing your worth. They discuss the internal narratives that hold women back from negotiating, the power of mentorship for the next generation, and how RPOA is actively shaping the future of talent acquisition with their brand-new AI task force. Connect with Lamees Abourahma on LinkedInLearn more about the RPOACheck out RPOA’s new portal: AI and the Future of RPOListen to RPOA's podcast: Time to Hire Episode Chapters 2:10 – The parenting struggle of resisting the "rescue"  10:45 – Lamees’s organic journey from math society president to CEO  15:58 – Unlearning the fear of public speaking with Toastmasters and improv  22:53 – How AI is shaping the future of Talent Acquisition and RPO  25:22 – Knowing your worth and teaching the next generation to negotiate 30:52 - Top 3 Takeaways About Honestly, We’re Learning Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned. As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen. The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning. Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/

  4. Jun 9

    Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable and Leading with Strategic Speed

    In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec sit down with Ursula Williams, President of Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), to explore what it means to step into big corporate moments with strategic speed and undeniable authenticity. Ursula shares: How her upbringing by immigrant entrepreneurs gave her the foundation to be bold,Why getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is a prerequisite for leadership breakthroughsThe critical moment an unexpected ally changed her career trajectory.  Together, they also tackle the staffing industry’s historical blind spot—underinvesting in marketing—and explain why treating marketing as the technology-driven growth engine it is can yield a massive 10% growth advantage. Connect with Ursula Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ursula-williams-b79a54/ Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/ Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/  Listen to Ursula’s episode of TheEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/podcast/ursula-williams-evp-of-staffing-industry-analysts-says-if-you-can-see-it-you-can-be-it/  Explore the full episode details and key takeaways: https://meetclearedge.com/podcast/comfortable-being-uncomfortable/ Episode Chapters 00:10 - Believing in Your Own Story First 5:44 - Ditching the Traditional Career Script 8:13 - Meet Ursula Williams 10:42 - Rapid Fire: Turbo Speed, AI Notes, and Strict Coffee Rules 15:09 - Built to Be Bold 17:55 - The Unexpected Ally 22:18 - What Keeps the President of SIA Up at Night? 26:54 - The Architecture of a High-Achieving Life 33:29 - The Staffing Industry’s Blind Spot: Marketing as a Growth Engine 37:40 - Take Three: Small Acts of Allyship, Huge Career Trajectories About Honestly, We’re Learning Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned. As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen. The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning. Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/

  5. May 26

    Balancing Head and Heart to Unlock Potential

    In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec sit down with Jennie Dede, Head of Sales, Search and Staffing, North America at LinkedIn, to explore the intentional career pivots and human-centric leadership lessons that have defined her journey. They discuss the profound professional validation of leading with an impact so meaningful that your former team actively recruits you to be their boss, and the delicate balance of head and heart required to manage organizational change. Jennie also shares how her time coaching youth athletes shaped her competitive drive, proving that instilling unwavering confidence is the ultimate foundation for unlocking potential and taking big career risks. Connect with Jennie Dede: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniedede/  Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/ Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/  Episode Chapters 1:23: The AI Exhaustion Loop 14:00: Jennie’s Level 12,00 Morning Routine 16:33: Taking Risks and Embracing Change 21:01: Learning to Balance the Head and the Heart 22:16: Unlocking Potential to Find Someone’s Superpower 24:45: Being Excited By and Tackling New Technology 28:06: The Power of Great Parents 34:40: Top 3 Takeaways  About Honestly, We’re Learning Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned. As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen. The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning. Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/

  6. May 12

    Unlearning the Rules of Leadership and Building a Better Culture

    In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec flip the mics on themselves to explore the personal turning points and candid leadership lessons that have defined their partnership and the evolution of ClearEdge. They discuss the necessity of unlearning the rigid divide between personal and professional life to lead with authenticity, the difficult transition from "ruinous empathy" to radical candor during seasons of high growth and turnover, and the unwavering discipline of focus and execution required to navigate the "messy middle" of building a values-driven business. Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/ Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/  Explore the full episode details and key takeaways: www.meetclearedge.com/podcast/unlearning-leadership-rules/ Episode Chapters 3:38 - Learning genuine connection from each other 6:52 - Unlearning old leadership and workplace habits 13:25 - The hardest chapter in ClearEdge’s growth  19:03 - What “Honestly, We’re Learning” really means 20:13 - Three words shaping the rest of the year About Honestly, We’re Learning Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned. As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen. The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning. Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/

  7. Apr 28

    Why Great Leaders Don’t Need To Have All the Answers

    We often put leaders on a pedestal, assuming they arrived at the C-suite with a finished blueprint for every crisis. But behind every successful success story is a leader who is still learning. In this special episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, we’re looking back at a leadership lesson that has come up again and again: trusting yourself and trusting your team enough to delegate and learn from each other, and the impact it can have on a career. We’ve pulled together the most candid moments from five powerhouse leaders who prove that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it’s about being a facilitator of the right outcomes. Explore the full episode details and key takeaways: https://meetclearedge.com/podcast/leaders-dont-have-all-the-answers/ Featured in this episode: Joanie BilyBen EubanksJon GrossoMike SmithLeslie Snavely Episode Chapters 1:23 - 3:17: Joanie Bily on not having all of the answers 3:18 - 8:23: Ben Eubanks on trusting and delegating 8:24 - 11:07: Jon Grosso on a defining moment of trust  11:08 - 13:47: Mike Smith on vulnerability-based trust 13:48 - 21:05: Leslie Snavely on listening as a leadership tool About Honestly, We’re Learning Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned. As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen. The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning. Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/ Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/ Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/

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Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned. As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen. The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.