Inside the C-Suite

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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. Average Is the Floor, Not the Ceiling

    3D AGO

    Average Is the Floor, Not the Ceiling

    What if success wasn't magic, but a repeatable science you could learn from astronauts and Olympians? On this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy connects with Dr. Ruth Gotian - Chief Learning Officer at Cornell University, a top executive coach, and a social scientist obsessed with deconstructing success. Dr. Gotian has spent years getting inside the heads of the world's highest achievers—from astronauts to NBA champions—to find out what they know that the rest of us don't. She’s the person who asks the questions no one else does and comes back with a playbook that turns ambition into achievement. They unpack: The Four Elements of Success – Breaking down the operating system of high achievers: intrinsic motivation, resilience, foundational habits, and relentless learning. Aiming Higher than Average – Why the language of "benchmarks" and "medians" limits our potential and how to make average the floor, not the ceiling. Mentorship vs. "Tormentors" – The difference between a true mentor who elevates you and a toxic "tormentor" who stalls your career—and how to find the right people for your corner. The Community of Practice – Why your most powerful allies are often your peers and how to build a support system with people who truly get it. Leading High Achievers – How to spot, retain, and develop the top performers on your team by investing in their curiosity instead of just managing their performance. The Art of the Interview – A behind-the-scenes look at how Dr. Gotian gets the world's most successful people to say yes and share the stories they've never told before. If you've ever wondered if you have what it takes to reach the next level, this conversation is your permission slip and your roadmap. Dr. Gotian proves that the world's highest achievers aren't a different species—they just have a different operating system. And it’s one you can install today. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome Dr. Ruth Gotian 00:01:50 - Obsessed with Success: The Subway Story 00:06:11 - How to Get Interviews with High Achievers 00:12:18 - How to Identify Superstars in Your Organization 00:18:41 - The Four Elements of Success 00:25:29 - Building Mentorship Programs 00:34:02 - Networking & Conversation Starters 00:42:19 - Recommendations for Micro-Learning | Connect with Us | Follow Ruth Gotian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgotian/ Website: https://www.ruthgotian.com/ Twitter: https://x.com/ruthgotian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthgotian/ Read Ruth's Books: The Success Factor Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Find them here: https://www.ruthgotian.com/books Free Resources from Ruth: Success Assessment: Discover your strengths and areas for growth with this free assessment based on Dr. Gotian's research. https://www.ruthgotian.com/assessment Conversation Starters: Download 13 of her favorite conversation starters to build authentic connections. https://www.ruthgotian.com/conversation (Dr. Ruth Gotian is a leadership expert recognized by Thinkers50 as the world's #1 emerging management thinker. She was also named one of the top 50 executive coaches in the world, one of the top 20 mentors in the world, and LinkedIn's Top Mentoring Voice. Her work is based on decades of research into the habits of high achievers, including Nobel laureates, astronauts, and Olympic champions. Dr. Gotian is the author of The Success Factor and the Financial Times Guide to Mentoring and has been published in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and Fast Company.) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might?  Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min
  2. Answering the Call to Something Bigger

    OCT 27

    Answering the Call to Something Bigger

    What happens when a Wall-Street-caliber energy trader steps off the trading floor to build pathways to the dignity of work for first-gen students? On this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy sits down with Paul Posoli - former energy executive (Enron, Calpine, Bear Stearns, J.P. Morgan) turned founder and president of CareerSpring. What starts as a cheetah-shoes networking story turns into a masterclass on moving from success to significance. From a life-altering ask by a beloved school leader to the “sandwiches moment” that reset his compass, Paul opens up about impact and why opportunity shouldn’t depend on the zip code you’re born into. They unpack: From Success to Significance: The mindset shift sparked by mid-career reflection (and a hard lesson watching a visionary founder get “whacked”) that redefined what a meaningful legacy looks like. The Sandwiches Story: The humbling moment that reframed service - and why no act of contribution is beneath a leader. CareerSpring’s Engine: A community-powered platform that’s already supported 33,000+ first-gen/low-income students from 1,250 colleges, with 550 partner orgs, 550 on-career videos, and ~900 direct offers - all designed to convert potential into full employment, not underemployment. Advisors at Scale: Why a single warm intro changes a life - and how today’s advisees are becoming tomorrow’s advisors (1,600 advisors pre-migration; rebuilding on a new platform and growing). AI, Work, and the Middle Class: A clear-eyed take on productivity gains, job displacement, and why capitalism requires an intentional pipeline into quality, dignified work. Leadership Without the Pedestal: Being approachable without being everyone’s “bestie,” holding firm to values, and measuring impact by how people feel after they interact with you. If you care about talent, mobility, impact, or the future of work - or you’re simply weighing your own second-half pivot - this conversation is equal parts practical and heart-forward. Because leadership isn’t just about making the right call on a volatile market. It’s about showing up, opening doors, and building the kind of tomorrow where more people get to walk through them. Chapters: | Connect with Us | Follow Paul Posoli: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-posoli-b566791aa/ Curious About the CareerSpring Mission: For Students: Join the CareerSpring Network - connect with mentors, explore careers, and find your first job opportunity. For Leaders & Employers: Get Involved Here - become an advisor, partner organization, or hiring ally. (Paul Posoli is the Founder and President of CareerSpring, a platform connecting first-generation students to advisors, internships, and meaningful first jobs. A former energy industry leader who ran global commodities at JPMorgan, he also served five years as President of Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston.) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might?  Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min
  3. The Loneliest Job in the C-Suite

    OCT 13

    The Loneliest Job in the C-Suite

    What happens when a leader known for her “stoic reputation” and strategic mind makes a bold career pivot everyone told her she couldn’t?  On this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy has a full-circle moment with Caroline Werner - Chief People Officer at LogicGate and a leader Christy has been “fangirling” since their shared days at Korn Ferry. From intentionally building a network that opens doors to navigating the loneliness at the top, Caroline pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to be the CEO of the people. She’s the leader who understands that business acumen is just as critical as the human element, and she’s not afraid to say that her job isn’t always about “loving people” - it’s about creating an environment where the right people can thrive. They unpack: Pivoting with Purpose: How Caroline broke into the tech industry after being told “no” and the power of “intentional networking” over collecting contacts. The CHRO’s Tightrope: Why the Chief People Officer role is often the loneliest in the C-Suite and the constant balance of being approachable but not being everyone’s “bestie”. Tradeoffs & Choices: Caroline’s core philosophy for navigating difficult decisions and why effective leadership isn’t about being liked - it’s about being respected and effective. The Power of Presence: A raw look at learning to be fully present as a leader and why the way you make people feel is the ultimate measure of your impact. Getting Unstuck: Embracing the reality that “nothing is forever,” whether you’re in a great season or feeling “stuck in the muck,” and how to learn more from your failures than your successes. Legacy Over Likes: How to define and build your legacy from day one and the privilege and pressure that comes with shaping an organization’s culture. If you’re a leader wrestling with tough calls, trying to pivot in your own career, or just want to hear from a leader who is as brilliant as she is real, this conversation provides a masterclass in leading with integrity and strategic grace. Because true leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, being present, and making the hard choices that build a stronger tomorrow. Chapters: 00:00:10 - A Full-Circle Moment and Fangirling Over a Past Mentor 00:01:25 - An Overview of LogicGate's GRC Platform 00:01:58 - Caroline's Multifaceted Role as Chief People Officer 00:03:09 - Navigating Career Progression and the Challenge of Being at the Top 00:06:54 - Pivoting from Professional Services to Tech 00:10:05 - Tips for Intentional and Effective Executive Networking 00:13:20 - Building Organizational Trust and Defining the Modern HR Team 00:19:24 - Managing the Stress and Reality of a People-Focused Role 00:21:55 - The Evolving Debate on Remote vs. In-Office Work 00:26:00 - Defining the Connection Between Leadership and Legacy 00:41:14 - Acknowledging Others and Enjoying the Journey | Connect with Us | Follow Caroline Werner: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-werner-0788513/ (Caroline Werner is a results-oriented Chief People Officer with a history of success in complex, high-growth global companies. She specializes in building high-performing HR teams and leading enterprise-wide transformations in areas like talent, culture, and employee experience. A trusted advisor to CEOs and boards, Caroline excels at guiding businesses through periods of disruption and expansion, ensuring their talent strategy aligns with key business outcomes.) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might?  Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min
  4. Fast, Messy Action Is a Leadership Skill

    SEP 29

    Fast, Messy Action Is a Leadership Skill

    What happens when a community-builder refuses to wait for permission, takes fast, messy action, and turns solidarity into a strategy for work and well-being. On this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy sits down with Anna Morgan - founder of Career BFF, talent leader, events creator, and the catalyst behind EVOLVE, a grassroots conference lifting up TA and HR. From getting quiet on a Costa Rica retreat to shipping a two-day event in 89 days, Anna brings a rare mix of compassion, candor, and get-it-done energy. She’s the person you want in your corner when the rug gets pulled - equal parts coach, connector, and accountability partner with receipts. They unpack: The last five years in TA/HR — layoffs, decision fatigue, “pandemic burn,” and why visibility + credibility (hello, LinkedIn) are armor for the next disruption Imposter syndrome vs. evidence — borrowing belief from your community until your own voice gets loud again Fast, messy action as a leadership skill — how Anna scopes, sequences, and ships community events (and why urgency + service beats perfection) Personal brand for practitioners — building relevance and inbound opportunities without becoming “a content person” Collaboration over competition — pulling back the curtain in recruiting to accelerate trust, reduce gatekeeping, and actually help people land The job search with dignity — why to say it out loud, ask for help, and surround yourself with safe, winning people “Failure isn’t the opposite of success - it’s the beginning of clarity.” Anna’s story, lessons, and how to analyze the pre-steps so you don’t repeat the miss If you’ve felt alone in a long search, or you’re leading teams through churn and change, this conversation puts language to what you’re carrying - and a blueprint for moving anyway.  Because staying human is not a soft skill.  It’s the operating system that makes every other skill work. Chapters: 00:02:46 - How the last five years reshaped TA 00:06:39 - How to choose your next move after a layoff 00:10:26 - Why building a conference in 89 days took empathy, community, and a little crazy 00:16:18 - Three pieces of advice for anyone in a long, public job search 00:19:31 - Who struggles more to self-promote - and how to use LinkedIn as service 00:22:56 - Why fake job postings erode trust and harm candidates 00:26:06 - Failure as the beginning of clarity - share a defining miss 00:33:08 - Finding your voice with the CHRO and protecting your integrity | Connect with Us | Follow Anna Morgan: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamorgan-recruiter-careerbff/ Check Out Anna’s Podcast – Your Career BFF: Coming Soon - https://yourcareerbff.com/podcast (Anna Morgan is the founder of Career BFF, a people-first recruiting and consulting partner that helps growth companies hire faster, smarter, and with heart. She blends direct hire, embedded TA, and manager training with community leadership (EVOLVE, Your CareerBFF Podcast) - backed by results like $1.2M in fees saved and 49% faster time-to-fill.) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might?  Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min
  5. The Power of Borrowed Belief

    SEP 15

    The Power of Borrowed Belief

    What happens when a Marine-turned-practitioner-turned-analyst puts adoption ahead of hype and refuses to ship “shiny things” no one will use. On this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy sits down with her long-time friend and mentor Pete Tiliakos - chief payroll champion, veteran, longtime HR operator, and the analyst behind an “open-source” approach to sharing insight. From auditing records in the Marines to building Disney’s HR/payroll transformation and advising the largest HCM platforms, Pete has sat in every seat that matters. He’s blunt about what works, generous with what he knows, and unapologetic about leading with heart. They unpack: Tech that dies on the shelf vs. products people actually touch - why user adoption beats executive intent every time Investment vs. being invested - how leaders move beyond budget approvals to shoulder the work with their teams The Payroll Profession Competence Index - what sentiment reveals about sponsorship, trust, and the real state of the employee experience “Failing to fail” - how imposter syndrome nearly derailed Pete’s analyst career and the discipline that kept him on the field The Marine advantage - habits, urgency of perfection, and mission focus you can graft onto any team Co-opetition over posturing - why open collaboration outperforms closed, “we-know-it-all” models If you’ve ever been sold a solution that never stuck - or wondered what it takes to earn adoption at scale - this conversation answers the question you’ve been avoiding and puts language to what your best operators already know. Because transformation isn’t a launch.  It’s leadership showing up, consistently, with discipline and a bias for humans over headlines. Chapters: 00:05:09 - User adoption over top-down IT in HR tech 00:09:12 - Securing organization-wide buy-in for change 00:09:52 - Tracksuit moment and brand authenticity context 00:11:43 - Favorite podcasts and shows cited 00:16:26 - Military branch and service origin shared 00:21:07 - 18-year-old self perspective on today 00:21:37 - Advice to 18-year-olds starting out 00:23:41 - Common C-suite myths challenged 00:30:56 - Failure that became a turning point 00:38:02 - Final message and where to connect | Connect with Us | Follow Pete Tiliakos: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/petetiliakos/ Twitter - https://x.com/petetiliakos Check Out Pete & Julie’s Podcast – HR & Payroll 2.0: Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hr-payroll-2-0/id1763160959 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/10HlnoTCwGPVQEtUHNcCWl YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0 (Pete is a globally recognized HR and payroll authority with 30+ years spanning practitioner, buyer, vendor, consultant, analyst, and advisor - known for sharp research and strategic guidance across global payroll, EOR, fintech/payments, and HCM. He co-hosts HR & Payroll 2.0, hosts The Source by DailyPay, and is a go-to voice for industry associations, publications, and events.) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might?  Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min
  6. Turning Hard Moments Into Durable Systems

    SEP 1

    Turning Hard Moments Into Durable Systems

    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy sits down with Libby DeLucien - a builder who turns hard moments into durable systems.  Libby builds in the real world. When recruiting broke, she engineered a better funnel.When pricing felt like guesswork, she turned quoting into a repeatable hand-off.  Her companies solve friction you can feel on the job site and in the back office. We start with the story and land on the system. When Libby explains she has aphantasia - it clicks: she runs on checklists and clean inputs that create real speed. From there, her leadership is simple and serious - force alignment first, then move with intention until the work is finished. And because presence is part of the job, she trained it on purpose - with a performance coach - so confidence isn’t a vibe; it’s a switch she hits on cue. Tune in to hear: How a personal reset became Organize It - and why recurring revenue changed her trajectory Aphantasia as a hidden edge - systems over visualization, clarity over vibe The persona work that helps her own a room on demand How to choose the right coach when the real constraint is you, not the playbook Family as an enterprise - real roles, real accountability, generational skills on purpose Leading Like an Elephant and “Kids That Clean” - building courage and capability early Indigenous roots and why representation in entrepreneurship matters Libby doesn’t trade in slogans. She builds systems that ship.  If you want a company that lasts, design it on purpose. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Libby DeLucien joins Inside the C-Suite - serial entrepreneur building three companies on purpose 00:01:50 - Where did it start?” From crisis to Organize It and the power of recurring revenue 00:04:29 - “What broke in hiring?” WootRecruit takes dead aim at no-shows and speed-to-hire 00:06:32 - “So what is Service Cart?” Quote with confidence and make sales delegable 00:08:59 - “Explain aphantasia.” No mental pictures—systems, checklists, and velocity instead 00:13:21 - “How are you leveling up?” Body first, home next, business follows 00:16:01 - “Which coach moves the needle?” Business vs. leadership vs. mindset—pick the constraint 00:20:01 - “Why a drag-queen coach?” Presence engineered—confidence as a switch, not a mood 00:24:12 - “Define intentional execution.” Alignment -> intention -> execution; replace balance with intentional time 00:26:26 - “Why write for kids?” Leading Like an Elephant, Kids That Clean, and building generational skill | Connect with Us | Book a professional clean or home organization session: https://organizeit.services/ Hire reliable talent fast with an automated recruiting funnel: https://wootrecruit.com/ Align, set intention, and execute with One Layer Deep: https://www.amazon.com/Layer-Deep-Winning-Business-Yourself-ebook/dp/B0F3NLK548 Teach courage and leadership with Leading Like an Elephant: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Like-Elephant-Heart-Difference-ebook/dp/B0F3YY3KW9 Follow Libby DeLucien: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanmurphy2/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/libbydelucien/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@libbydelucien (Libby DeLucien builds systems that turn home services into scalable businesses. Founder of WootRecruit (2020) and Service Cart (2025), she’s helped 400+ companies across 25 industries hire faster and sell cleaning services online in seconds. She also owns Organize It - launched in 2014 with a cleaning division added in 2018 - now a proving ground for her products and a growing franchise, all while raising three kids in a family of entrepreneurs.) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might?  Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
  7. The Impact of Speaking Every Customer’s Language

    AUG 18

    The Impact of Speaking Every Customer’s Language

    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy sits down with Bryan Murphy, CEO of Smartling - a leader in translation and localization whose mission is simple but powerful: help brands speak to the world in its own languages. Bryan doesn’t come across like your standard tech exec. He’s a gardener at heart, someone who likes to grow things - whether that’s plants, businesses, or people. And that instinct shows up in how he leads Smartling.  Tune in to hear: Why global brands are mandating AI adoption in 2025 - and how Smartling is delivering on it How multilingual content drives organic traffic and digital growth in international markets The cultural nuance of localization (why Canadian French ≠ French French, and why it matters) How Bryan approaches fear and skepticism around AI in the workforce - and why learning the skill set is non-negotiable The personal leadership lessons that carried him through crisis and into long-term success At its core, this episode is about connection - between brands and their customers, between leaders and their teams, and between language and meaning. Bryan doesn’t just translate content. He translates possibility.  And in a world moving this fast, that’s the kind of leadership we need. Chapters: 00:01:22 – How Smartling Helps Global Brands Like Tesla, Apple & Disney 00:03:30 – AI Translation: Cutting Costs & Growing Digital Footprints 00:06:35 – Unique Languages & Emerging Localization Trends 00:08:28 – Fear of AI vs. Curiosity: Why Skills Matter More Than Ever 00:11:13 – Christy’s First AI Experiment: From Poems to Prompts 00:12:53 – Top 3 Ways to Learn AI Skills Fast 00:14:34 – From Google to GPT: How Search Behavior Is Changing 00:19:18 – AI Vocabulary & The Challenge of Clear Communication 00:23:07 – Localization Done Right: Brand Voice & Cultural Nuance 00:25:52 – Leadership in Crisis: Lessons from Losing a Business in COVID 00:28:12 – A Defining Moment: Loss, Resilience & Leading Through Tragedy 00:32:30 – What Bryan Murphy Does Best as a CEO 00:34:39 – Final Takeaways: The Power of Language to Connect the World | Connect with Us | Learn more about Smartling: https://www.smartling.com/   Follow Bryan Murphy: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanmurphy2/ (Bryan helps global brands speak every customer’s language - building trust and driving growth through Smartling’s LanguageAI platform. With two decades of experience scaling e-commerce and SaaS companies, including leadership at eBay and co-founding WHI Solutions, he blends technology with empathy to make localization fast, accurate, and human. Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and recognized on a16z’s Marketplace 100, Bryan doesn’t just lead companies - he builds teams and tools that connect the world.) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might?  Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min
  8. The Researcher Rebuilding the Soul of Work

    AUG 4

    The Researcher Rebuilding the Soul of Work

    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy welcomes generational researcher and founder of Inlay Insights, Kim Lear - a speaker, writer, and cultural translator whose work puts context behind the chaos of modern work. Kim doesn’t do clickbait stereotypes or “Gen Z vs. Boomers” headlines. She studies shifts in trust, leadership, parenting, politics, and communication over time - then helps companies actually make sense of it. Through storytelling and hard data, she unpacks why cultural change feels disorienting and how leaders can navigate it with empathy, rigor, and intention. Together, Christy and Kim explore what happens when generations collide in the workplace - and why that tension might be exactly what we need. Tune in to hear: How Kim’s research into generational identity started with one radical question: “What if my grandmother had been born in a different era?” Why the collapse of institutional trust isn’t just a Gen Z issue - it’s a workplace wake-up call The missed opportunity in the “authenticity movement” and why emotional regulation is leadership’s next frontier What COVID did to our shared sense of direction - and how it rewired expectations for work, leadership, and belonging How Gen Z sees work differently than Millennials - and why that might be a good thing for business Kim doesn’t just study change - she maps it. And if we want to lead people forward, we need to understand them first.   Chapters: 00:01:56 - What Changes Across Time - and Why Context Is Everything  00:04:35 - Personal Roots of a Generational Obsession  00:11:40 - COVID’s Long Shadow and Gen Z’s Broken Trust  00:16:22 - Why Losing the Workplace as a Shared Space Changed Everything  00:20:11 - Vulnerability at Work: When It Helps and When It Hurts  00:22:25 - Whole Self vs. Best Self: The Career-Defining Distinction  00:26:35 - Why HR Must See Itself as an Energy Conduit  00:31:11 - Respect, Identity, and the Complexity of Modern Leadership  00:33:39 - Gen Z’s Take: Work Isn’t Family - It’s a Contract  00:34:45 - Kim’s Hard Lesson: Vetting Ideas Before Pitching Up  00:40:03 - Where Are the Grown-Ups? What Young People Are Really Asking  00:44:13 - Connection Over Perfection: What People Want from Leaders Now    Curious about the book Christy shared? Brand Up isn’t just a read - it’s a blueprint for showing up with purpose. Whether you're navigating college admissions, job interviews, or executive leadership, this book helps you clarify who you are and lead from it. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to step into who you are and lead with it - this is it.   | Connect with Us | Learn more about Inlay Insights: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inlay-insights/ Follow Kim Lear: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlylear/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kim_lear SubStack - https://kimlear.substack.com/   (Kim breaks down the cultural shifts shaping today’s workplace - using data, storytelling, and humor to make it stick. Her work has been featured by NPR, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and more. Trusted by Fortune 500s and top universities alike, Kim doesn’t just study change - she makes it make sense.)   Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160   Want to be on the show or know someone who might?  Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min
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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.

Information

  • Channel
    WRKdefined
  • Creator
    WRKdefined
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved by WRKdefined
  • Show Website
    Inside the C-Suite

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