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. Leadership Under Alignment

    2D AGO

    Leadership Under Alignment

    Leadership today is increasingly shaped by complexity—but its core challenges remain deeply human. In this episode, Christy Honeycutt is joined by William Tincup, a leading voice in HR, recruiting, and the future of work, to explore how leadership, systems, and human behavior intersect in modern organizations. The conversation looks at the gap between vendor promises and real-world adoption, where success is determined not at purchase, but through implementation, alignment, and trust in execution. It then shifts into leadership identity—highlighting how misalignment between a leader’s natural style and their environment can quietly limit clarity, creativity, and performance. A key theme throughout is vulnerability in leadership. William emphasizes that asking for help and engaging peers is not a weakness, but a strategic advantage that accelerates growth and decision-making. The discussion also reinforces that communication and clarity are critical in uncertain environments. Effective leadership is not about having all the answers, but about addressing complexity directly and without ego. At its core, the episode underscores a simple principle: leadership effectiveness is shaped by self-awareness, environment, and the willingness to engage others openly. The strongest leadership is not defined by certainty, but by awareness, alignment, and openness to learning through others. Leadership success depends on implementation, not just selection of tools Misalignment between identity and environment can quietly constrain performance Authentic leadership is a factor in creativity and decision-making quality Vulnerability is not weakness—it is a mechanism for acceleration Peer networks often provide more practical support than internal structures The real value of vendors emerges after adoption, not at point of sale Trust and communication are foundational to effective partnerships Self-awareness is a performance driver, not just a personal trait Leaders grow faster when they normalize asking questions early Ego reduction improves both clarity and collaboration Complexity in systems requires simplicity in communication No leader operates effectively in isolation 00:00 – Introduction and guest context02:10 – Industry expectations vs reality in vendor relationships06:05 – Trust, adoption, and post-sale challenges10:20 – The gap between promise and implementation13:40 – Authenticity and leadership identity17:50 – Vulnerability and peer learning in leadership21:30 – Building trust in vendor-practitioner relationships25:10 – Communication, ego, and organizational clarity30:15 – Health crisis, advocacy, and support systems35:40 – Empathy, uncertainty, and human behavior39:20 – Final reflections on asking questions and peer support 🎙️ Watch the full episode here:Podcast — Christy Honeycutt |Connect With Us| Follow William Tincup: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/Company Page – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined/posts/?feedView=allFacebook – William TincupInstagram – William Tincup (@williamtincup) • Instagram profileWebsite – WRKdefined Podcast Network: Conversations Pushing The Boundaries of Work YouTube - WRKdefined Podcast NetworkX/ Twitter - William Tincup (@williamtincup) on X (William Tincup is a leading voice in HR, recruiting, and the future of work. Through his work with WRKdefined Podcast Network, he explores how organizations are evolving in real time—challenging traditional thinking around leadership, hiring, and workplace systems. Known for his direct and thoughtful perspective, he brings clarity to complex conversations about how work is changing and what that means for leaders navigating uncertainty.) 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
  2. Leadership in Motion

    APR 27

    Leadership in Motion

    Avelo Airlines is entering a new chapter of growth—and North Texas is part of that story. In this episode, Andrew Levy sits down with Christy Honeycutt and shares the leadership philosophy behind building Avelo: simplify travel, meet customers where they are, and rethink how air service connects everyday communities. That vision is now showing up in real time with Avelo’s planned expansion into McKinney National Airport in North Texas—a move designed to shift travel away from congestion-heavy hubs like DFW and toward local convenience, speed, and accessibility. For Collin County and surrounding communities, this isn’t just new service—it’s a structural shift in how people move. Shorter lines. Easier access. Point-to-point travel that prioritizes time as much as cost. At its core, this expansion reflects something deeper we explore in the conversation: LEADERSHIP is not only about scaling a company—it’s about reshaping how people experience a system (inside and out). This isn’t just another airline entering a market. It’s a bet on a different behavior entirely—that people will choose proximity over complexity, and simplicity over scale when given the option. If it lands as intended, it doesn’t just add routes.It redefines dependency—moving from large hub reliance to local convenience. Leadership is shaped more by experience than theory Complexity demands steadiness, not perfection Communication gaps often become leadership gaps over time Accountability is not about blame—it’s about ownership Identity can shift when roles change unexpectedly Failure is a requirement for meaningful leadership growth Culture is not controlled—it is continuously shaped by behavior The strongest teams are built on trust, clarity, and responsibility Talent is less about pedigree and more about character and discipline Staying grounded is a leadership practice, not a personality trait 00:00 – Introduction & Andrew Levy background01:15 – What Avelo Airlines is building04:10 – The strategy of convenience and everyday low fares08:09 – Leadership under tragedy and operational complexity13:37 – Career evolution and lessons from multiple airlines18:30 – Identifing high-potential talent22:01 – Why failure is essential to leadership growth25:42 – Growth through termination28:35 – Identity shift after leaving a long-term leadership role32:30 – Building Intentional culture35:21 – Defining values and hiring for alignment38:17 – Perspective on travel, patience, and human behavior40:49 – Closing reflections on leadership and Avelo’s future 🎙️ Watch the full episode here: Podcast — Christy Honeycutt   | Connect with Us |Follow Andrew Levy:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-levy-0b70931/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/avelo-airlines/Instagram - Avelo Airlines (@aveloair) • Instagram profileWebsite - HomepageFacebook - Avelo Airlines | Houston TX(Andrew Levy is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Avelo Airlines, an ultra low-cost carrier he launched in 2021. With over three decades of experience in aviation, he has held senior leadership roles at major U.S. airlines, including serving as CFO of United Airlines and Co-Founder and President of Allegiant Air. Today, he leads Avelo Airlines with a focus on making air travel more accessible, efficient, and affordable by serving underserved markets and building a streamlined, customer-focused operation.) 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

    45 min
  3. APR 20

    When Burnout Becomes the Breaking Point

    How do you know when to keep going—and when it’s time to walk away?Not just stress. Not just pressure.But something deeper your body can no longer ignore. In this episode, David Greenwood joins Christy Honeycutt for a real, unfiltered conversation on burnout—what it looks like, how it builds, and why so many high-performing professionals miss the signs until it’s too late. This is not a surface-level conversation about being “too busy.”It’s a deeper look at what happens when work, life, and constant pressure collide—and start showing up in your body, your habits, and your identity. Together, they unpack what people often overlook:Why burnout isn’t just about workloadWhy stress doesn’t stay in your head—it lives in your bodyAnd why pushing through can sometimes do more harm than good From caregiving responsibilities to the “always-on” culture of modern work, David shares practical, real-world insight on how burnout develops—and what it actually takes to move through it. We also get into the real conversations:Health. Boundaries. Leadership. Identity. Change.And the truth?If your work is making you physically sick, it’s no longer something to manage—it’s something to address. If you’re navigating pressure, leading teams, or questioning your current path—this isn’t theory.This is reality. Burnout often shows up physically—not just mentally One early sign: losing interest in the things you once loved Stress is stored in the body, not just the mind The “always-on” culture is quietly fueling burnout Caregiving, life pressure, and work all compound burnout Awareness is the first step—but action must follow You don’t always need to quit—but you do need a plan Sometimes healing starts with simple, physical reset habits Not all burnout looks the same—context matters Leadership plays a role in either fueling or reducing burnout Burnout isn’t weakness—it’s a signal Real change starts when you stop ignoring that signal 00:00 Introduction & David’s background01:20 The personal story behind burnout03:19 Burnout across life stages (career, kids, aging parents)05:31 The myth of “simple fixes” for burnout07:04 Employer awareness & responsibility09:45 The impact of “always-on” work culture11:47 What burnout actually looks like12:37 Early signs: losing connection to what you love15:50 When stress shows up physically18:11 Creating a plan & finding a way out21:50 Industry change, pressure & adaptation23:49 External stressors and mental load26:18 Practical ways to start healing28:38 When it’s time to walk away30:07 Where to connect with David 🎙️ Watch the full episode here: Podcast — Christy Honeycutt | Connect with Us |Follow David Greenwood:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidagreenwood/Instagram - David Greenwood (@david_greenwood1) • Instagram profileWebsite - Overcoming BurnoutFacebook - Overcoming Distractions 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. Beyond Good Intentions

    APR 14

    Beyond Good Intentions

    What does real leadership look like in a multicultural world?Not just awareness. Not just intention.Understanding. Respect. Action. In this episode, Brigitte Skeene joins Christy Honeycutt for a grounded, honest conversation on what it really takes to lead across difference—without reducing people to checkboxes, labels, or assumptions. This is not a surface-level conversation about inclusion.It’s a deeper look at culture, belonging, identity, and the invisible dynamics shaping how people experience work every day. Together, they unpack what leaders often miss:Why emotional intelligence alone is no longer enoughWhy culture is more than ethnicityAnd why respect without understanding can still fall short From Indigenous ways of knowing to the power of cultural intelligence, Brigitte brings a human-centered perspective that challenges organizations to stop confusing intention with impact. We also get into the real conversations:Belonging. Bias. Systems. Trust. Hiring.And the truth?If leadership is not changing people’s lived experience, it is not going far enough. If you are leading people, building teams, or shaping culture in today’s environment—this is not theory.This is the work. Emotional intelligence matters—but it’s not enough on its own Cultural intelligence shifts leaders from judgment to understanding Culture goes beyond ethnicity—it shapes how we think, act, and connect The Golden Rule is limited—practice the Platinum Rule instead Wanting to be respectful ≠ being respectful Belonging and authenticity can be in tension at work Indigenous ways of knowing offer lessons on balance, time, and community Inclusion becomes performative without real accountability Inclusive hiring starts with culture—not just job posts If people have to change to “fit,” they don’t truly belong Leadership means making space for overlooked voices Real change happens when awareness turns into action 00:00 Introduction & Brigitte’s story03:05 Identity, belonging & personal journey10:30 Why EQ is no longer enough11:12 What culture really means beyond ethnicity14:35 The 4 dimensions of cultural intelligence (CQ)17:31 Golden Rule vs. Platinum Rule20:25 When intention becomes performative22:01 Deep listening & the talking stick23:49 Why inclusion is urgent for leaders26:49 Why “fit” is the wrong goal28:31 The uncomfortable truth leaders must face29:33 How to start practicing CQ31:17 Final thoughts on leadership & belonging | Connect with Us |Follow Brigitte Skeene:Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brigittes-skeene-recrutement/Facebook - https://facebook.com/brigitte.skeeneInstagram - Brigitte Skeene (@olivalex) • Instagram profileWebsite - https://talentiq.ca/ (Brigitte Skeene is a leader in cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership, helping organizations move beyond surface-level diversity efforts toward deeper understanding, respect, and meaningful change. Her work integrates human-centered leadership with practical strategies that transform how teams connect, collaborate, and perform.) 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
  5. Leading Through Change (Without Losing Your Humanity) with Stephanie Manzelli | EP69

    APR 6

    Leading Through Change (Without Losing Your Humanity) with Stephanie Manzelli | EP69

    What does real leadership look like when things get hard?Pressure. Change. Uncertainty. Not when it’s polished—when it’s messy. In this episode, Stephanie Manzelli joins Christy Honeycutt for a straight, no-BS conversation on what it actually takes to lead humans—not just manage outcomes. We go deep on: Why clarity beats control—every time Why onboarding isn’t a process… it’s a signal And how trust is built (or broken) in the smallest, most overlooked moments From prepping a new CEO for day one to navigating layoffs with integrity, Stephanie brings a grounded, human-first perspective that most leaders talk about—but very few actually practice. We also hit the real conversations:AI. Accountability. Blind spots. Performance.And the truth? Kindness isn’t soft. It’s strategy. If you’re leading in today’s environment—or trying to—this isn’t theory.This is how you show up when it matters most. 🔑 What You’ll Walk Away With Onboarding isn’t a checklist—it’s your first leadership test The first 90 days? That’s where trust is won or lost Executive onboarding = context + connection + credibility (fast) If your people are surprised in performance reviews, you’ve already lost Trust breaks when leaders communicate how they prefer—not how others receive HR has a massive opportunity right now—if it chooses to lead, not react AI should drive better decisions—not justify bad ones When things get hard, leaders need a North Star: What am I going to say to my people? Kindness and respect aren’t optional—they’re differentiators Every experience (especially the hard ones) is data—if you choose to use it 🎙️ Episode Flow (30 min of real talk) 00:00 Who Stephanie is—and why her perspective matters01:10 The first 90 days: setting a CEO up to win03:13 Why executive onboarding is a different game06:39 Designing onboarding that actually works08:23 Best + worst onboarding stories (and what they teach us)12:30 The leadership behavior quietly killing trust15:04 Why context is everything17:38 What employees carry that leaders never see20:04 Why kindness is a leadership strategy22:58 Performance reviews: no surprises, ever26:08 HR’s moment to lead (or miss it)28:59 AI, layoffs, and the accountability gap34:13 Final word: growth, ownership, and showing up better | Connect with Us | Follow Stephanie Manzelli:LinkedIn – Stephanie Manzelli(Stephanie Manzelli is the Chief People Officer at Employ Inc., known for her expertise in transformational leadership and guiding organizations through periods of change. With a career rooted in navigating complexity, Stephanie specializes in turning chaos into clarity—helping companies evolve their people strategies while maintaining strong, human-centered cultures.) 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
  6. The Leadership Risks No One Talks About

    MAR 30

    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
  7. Leading With Heart

    MAR 16

    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
  8. Navigating Leadership Challenges

    MAR 9

    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

About

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.

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