Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom

Kim Miller - Hershon
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Entrepreneurship

Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom: Where clichés come to retire and fresh thinking we inspire. Smart minds don’t think alike—and that’s the point. Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom takes you inside the messy, brilliant, and bold thought processes of high-achieving leaders, entrepreneurs, and out-of-the-box thinkers. We skip the clichés and spotlight the real talk: the strange decisions that worked, the brilliant ideas that bombed, and the thought patterns that defy the rulebook—but still lead to growth, impact, and the occasional mic drop. If you’re tired of surface-level advice and crave the kind of wisdom that makes you pause, laugh, and level up—this is your new favorite listen. Because let’s face it: playing it safe never built anything worth bragging about.

  1. How CEO Kerri Burns Rebuilt a Nonprofit Animal Shelter From the Ground Up

    2d ago

    How CEO Kerri Burns Rebuilt a Nonprofit Animal Shelter From the Ground Up

    In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, i sit down with Kerri Burns CEO of Santa Barbara Humane and a nationally recognized animal welfare leader with more than 27 years of experience transforming how communities care for animals and the people who love them. Kerri shares a grounded, deeply honest, and highly practical perspective on leadership in the nonprofit world, opening up about what it really takes to scale an organization, build infrastructure from scratch, and lead through uncertainty, burnout, and rapid growth. From starting her role at Santa Barbara Humane with no systems, no software, and minimal structure, to helping transform the organization into a countywide leader in animal welfare, Kerri’s journey is a case study in vision, execution, and relentless adaptability. She also reflects on the emotional and operational complexity of rebuilding teams, leading through COVID, and launching a multi-million-dollar capital campaign to build a new state-of-the-art campus. At the heart of the conversation is Kerri’s unconventional leadership philosophy one that rejects rigid “boss culture” in favor of empowerment, trust, and shared ownership. She explains why traditional rules like “be early, stay late” don’t align with sustainable performance, and why understanding energy, communication, and human capacity matters far more than hours worked. Beyond systems and strategy, she brings a deeply human perspective to leadership discussing imposter syndrome, the pressure leaders feel to have all the answers, and the strength it takes to say “I don’t know” or “this isn’t mine to solve.” We explore: - Why “be early, stay late” is outdated leadership advice - How to build high performance around energy, not hours - The importance of trust, communication, and team empowerment - Why leaders should not be the center of every decision - Rebuilding an organization from zero systems to full infrastructure - Scaling Santa Barbara Humane through mergers, COVID, and rapid growth - What it really takes to lead a multi-million-dollar capital campaign Kerri’s story is a powerful reminder that modern leadership is not about control it’s about clarity, trust, and building systems that allow people and missions to thrive without dependence on a single leader. By staying connected to the work, empowering others to lead, and continuously aligning decisions with mission and community needs, she shows that sustainable impact comes from building organizations that can run and grow without ego at the center. Connect with me here: Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmillerhershon Newsletter: https://link.kimmillerhershon.com/widget/form/aEdmdA1W5MhoMCMfy5O8 Webinar: https://webinar.kimmillerhershon.com/?utm_source=Podcast Guest Details: Kerri Burns is CEO of Santa Barbara Humane and a nationally recognized animal welfare leader with more than 27 years of experience advancing the well-being of animals and the people who love them. Since joining Santa Barbara Humane in 2018, she has transformed the organization into a countywide leader in animal welfare, driving growth, leading a major merger, and expanding access to veterinary care, training, and essential services for thousands of pets and families across Santa Barbara County. She has held senior leadership roles across major humane organizations in the United States, including Tree House Humane Society in Chicago, Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, and American Humane’s animal emergency response programs. Her work spans disaster response, nonprofit transformation, and large-scale organizational leadership. Her leadership has earned national recognition, including the American Humane Dennis White Award, and she was named one of Pacific Coast Business Times’ Top 50 Women in Business in 2025. Beyond her professional work, Kerri is passionate about the natural world and enjoys sailing, hiking, traveling with her family, golfing, and fostering shelter animals. Links: Santa Barbara Humane: https://sbhumane.org Gala: https://sbhumane.org/gala2026/ Donations: http://sbhumane.org/give LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrib/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    43 min
  2. Climbing the Corporate Ladder Won’t Save You: The Millennial Lie About Success, Control, and Why Selling Beats Security with Charlie Sharp

    5d ago

    Climbing the Corporate Ladder Won’t Save You: The Millennial Lie About Success, Control, and Why Selling Beats Security with Charlie Sharp

    In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, Kim Miller-Hershon sits down with Charlie Sharp a property investor, estate agency owner, and property tech consultant who specializes in unlocking value from underperforming residential assets across London and the Southwest. With a background in prime Central London estate agency, Charlie has built and led teams focused on helping both established and aspiring property owners maximize the potential of residential real estate. Through his work, he combines hands-on market experience with a practical understanding of how technology and strategy can transform underperforming property assets into high-value opportunities. In this conversation, Charlie shares how one of his earliest “conventional wisdom” beliefs that climbing the corporate ladder is the only path to success ultimately led him to a moment of realization that success on paper does not always equal fulfillment in life. After rising quickly through the ranks in a competitive Central London agency, he discovered that the top of the corporate structure still left him feeling constrained creatively and professionally. He explains how this experience reshaped his thinking around autonomy, ownership, and building a career where you are in control of your own direction rather than dependent on corporate systems or external validation. Charlie also reflects on how modern shifts in business, including AI and workforce disruption, are accelerating the need for individuals to take ownership of their careers and develop their own value-driven paths. Throughout the episode, Charlie and Kim explore the realities of sales, leadership, and communication in business. Charlie emphasizes that sales is not just a function of business — it is the foundation of every successful venture — and highlights how many entrepreneurs underestimate its importance when starting out. He also discusses the critical role of “why” in sustaining motivation through the challenges of entrepreneurship and early-stage business building. They also unpack modern hiring and leadership challenges, including delegation, team building, and the emotional difficulty of letting people go when a business evolves. Charlie reflects on how over-hiring can create inefficiency and how early-stage founders often learn the hard way that smaller, more effective teams can outperform larger, less focused ones. Finally, Charlie opens up about imposter syndrome and how it can actually serve as a useful signal rather than a weakness. Instead of trying to eliminate it, he explains how he uses it as a cue to listen more, ask better questions, and build stronger relationships — particularly in high-stakes environments where expertise and perception may differ. This episode explores: - Why climbing the corporate ladder doesn’t always lead to fulfillment - How challenging clients respectfully builds long-term trust - The hidden challenges of hiring, delegation, and team structure - Why smaller, focused teams can outperform larger ones - How emotional decision-making impacts hiring and firing decisions - Why personal touch still matters in an increasingly automated world - How AI and automation are reshaping business communication - Why imposter syndrome can be used as a strategic signal rather than a weakness Charlie’s perspective is a reminder that building a successful business is not just about strategy or structure it’s about judgment, communication, emotional intelligence, and the willingness to continuously rethink what success actually means. If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or business leader navigating growth, hiring decisions, or your own relationship with success and identity, this conversation offers grounded, practical insights from someone who has lived through both corporate scale and entrepreneurial independence. Connect with me here: Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmillerhershon Newsletter: https://link.kimmillerhershon.com/widget/form/aEdmdA1W5MhoMCMfy5O8 Webinar: https://webinar.kimmillerhershon.com/?utm_source=Podcast Guest Details: Guest: Charlie SharpTikTok: CharlieSharpPropertyInstagram: HuntersSherborne Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    45 min
  3. Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom Podcast Episode Seventy Two with Jason Wong

    May 29

    Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom Podcast Episode Seventy Two with Jason Wong

    In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom , Kim Miller-Hershon sits down with Jason Wong a serial entrepreneur, manufacturing innovator, and the CEO of Packing Duck, a company specializing in customized packaging solutions for high-growth consumer brands. Having built multiple businesses across marketing, e-commerce, and manufacturing, Jason combines entrepreneurial creativity with deep operational expertise. From scaling packaging solutions for major consumer brands to building and exiting successful companies, he has spent the last decade learning how to navigate growth, leadership, hiring, and operational complexity in highly competitive industries. In this conversation, Jason shares why one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make early on is trying to imitate larger companies instead of building strategies that fit their current stage of growth. Reflecting on his early business experiences, he explains how copying billion-dollar companies led to costly mistakes and why smaller businesses must learn to think differently, move faster, and operate more intentionally. Jason also dives into the realities of entrepreneurship as an immigrant founder, discussing the pressure of cultural expectations, the challenge of creating unconventional career paths, and why building businesses often requires going against traditional definitions of success. He reflects on growing up in a culture where prestigious careers and big-name institutions were prioritized, while entrepreneurship was viewed as uncertain and unconventional. Throughout the episode, Jason offers a refreshing perspective on leadership, people management, and company culture. He explains why leadership is rarely black and white, why understanding context matters when managing people, and how giving employees room to grow can sometimes unlock extraordinary results. Beyond business strategy, Jason also reflects on hiring, accountability, persistence, imposter syndrome, and the importance of creating standards that shape company culture from the top down. This episode explores:  * Why copying large companies can hurt small businesses and startups  * The lessons Jason learned from costly early entrepreneurial mistakes  * How immigrant and cultural expectations shaped his career journey  * Why entrepreneurship often requires going against conventional paths  * The realities of bootstrapping businesses without outside investors  * Why leadership and people management are rarely black and white  * The importance of hiring for mindset, organization, and adaptability  * How strong leadership standards influence company culture  * Why accountability must start with leadership  * The challenges of building and managing high-performing teams  * Why persistence and relentless follow-up create opportunities  * Jason’s perspective on imposter syndrome and entrepreneurial comparison  Jason’s perspective is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship and leadership are not about following conventional paths or trying to copy what everyone else is doing they’re about resilience, adaptability, persistence, and having the courage to create opportunities for yourself. If you’re an entrepreneur, founder, executive, or leader navigating growth, hiring challenges, company culture, entrepreneurship, or self-doubt, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, mindset shifts, and real-world business insights. Connect with me here:  * Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmillerhershon  * Newsletter: https://link.kimmillerhershon.com/widget/form/aEdmdA1W5MhoMCMfy5O8  * Webinar: https://webinar.kimmillerhershon.com/?utm_source=Podcast Guest Details:  *Guest: Jason Wong  *Company: Packing Duck Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min
  4. Feeling Like an Imposter Is the Price of Becoming Someone New | Moti Elkaim

    May 26

    Feeling Like an Imposter Is the Price of Becoming Someone New | Moti Elkaim

    In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, Kim Miller-Hershon sits down with Moti Elkaim a fundraising and storytelling strategist who helps startup founders turn bold visions into investor-backed companies. As the creator of the Pitch Cycle method, Moti has helped startup leaders raise millions across seed, Series A, and growth stages. A former CMO who helped scale companies to more than $200 million in sales, Moti is also a former public speaking lecturer at Columbia University, a top writer on startups and fundraising, and the host of the How to Sell Your Vision podcast. In this conversation, Moti shares why one of the biggest mistakes leaders and entrepreneurs make is judging situations too quickly instead of asking deeper questions. Using a powerful story about a little girl holding two apples, he explains how assumptions, bias, and emotional reactions can distort leadership decisions and damage relationships before we fully understand what’s actually happening. Moti also dives into the psychology of entrepreneurship, fundraising, and self-worth explaining why founders often underestimate the value they bring to the table when facing investors, clients, or high-level executives. He discusses how entrepreneurs can stop overcompensating, stop trying to impress everyone, and instead learn to trust the value of their own lived experiences and expertise. Throughout the episode, Moti offers a refreshing and highly unconventional perspective on imposter syndrome. Rather than trying to eliminate it, he reframes it as a natural part of growth, explaining that stepping into rooms where you don’t yet fully belong is often exactly how transformation happens. Beyond fundraising strategy, Moti also reflects on authenticity, leadership psychology, storytelling, AI, and why founders must learn to communicate their vision with confidence, clarity, and emotional intelligence. This episode explores:  * Why leaders should ask more questions before making assumptions  * How entrepreneurs can stop overcompensating and trying to impress everyone  * Why every business relationship is an equal exchange of value  * Moti’s unconventional perspective on imposter syndrome  * Why growth often requires stepping into rooms where you feel uncomfortable  * How authenticity creates stronger leadership and business relationships  * Why lived experience matters more than credentials alone  * How AI can help founders organize ideas, systems, and workflows  * The importance of communicating ideas in ways that match how your brain works Moti’s perspective is a powerful reminder that leadership and entrepreneurship are not about pretending to have all the answers they’re about curiosity, resilience, authenticity, and having the courage to grow into the next version of yourself. Connect with me here:  * Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmillerhershon  * Newsletter: https://link.kimmillerhershon.com/widget/form/aEdmdA1W5MhoMCMfy5O8  * Webinar: https://webinar.kimmillerhershon.com/?utm_source=Podcast Guest Details:  * Guest: Moti Elkaim  * Podcast: How to Sell Your Vision  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moti-elkaim/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    35 min
  5. From Overcommitment to Alignment: Redefining Modern Leadership with  Natasha Paddock

    May 22

    From Overcommitment to Alignment: Redefining Modern Leadership with  Natasha Paddock

    In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, Kim Miller-Hershon sits down with Natasha Paddock CEO of the COPE Family Support Center and a mission-driven leader with a background in social work, psychology, and public service leadership. Natasha has spent her career working across government and nonprofit systems, including leadership roles in homelessness and community services across the Bay Area. Today, she leads COPE Family Support Center, where she and her team focus on strengthening family relationships through counseling, parent education, and community-based support services that help break intergenerational cycles and build healthier foundations for families. In this conversation, Natasha shares a powerful reframe on one of the most common leadership beliefs: that emotion should be removed from decision-making. While many leaders are taught to separate feeling from strategy, Natasha explains why that mindset can actually weaken leadership in human-centered work. Instead, she explores how emotional awareness when understood and managed becomes a source of clarity, compassion, and stronger decision-making. She also reflects on her early start in leadership, stepping into management roles in her early twenties within local government systems. That experience shaped her ability to navigate complexity, lead through crisis, and build systems-level thinking at a young age, while also learning the long-term responsibility of developing others. A major theme throughout the episode is the idea of alignment over balance. Natasha unpacks how leaders often struggle with competing demands from teams, communities, and organizations, and why the real challenge is ensuring your energy matches your values especially when everything feels important. The conversation goes deeper into leadership traps such as the “yes culture,” where high performers overcommit simply because they are capable. Natasha and Kim explore how this pattern can lead to burnout, bottlenecks, and a lack of strategic clarity, especially in mission-driven environments where everything feels urgent and meaningful. Natasha also opens up about unlearning the belief that strong leaders must always have the answers. Instead, she highlights the importance of curiosity, creating space for others to contribute, and building teams that are empowered to think and decide independently — rather than becoming overly dependent on leadership. One of the most reflective parts of the episode centers on imposter syndrome, identity, and transition. Natasha shares how growth often comes with discomfort and a redefinition of self, especially when stepping into new roles or environments. Rather than resisting that discomfort, she explains how leaning into it and reconnecting with lived experience and accomplishments helps leaders stay grounded and confident. Together, Kim and Natasha also explore deeper themes of bias, perspective, and lived experience, including how assumptions about identity, privilege, and workplace expectations shape how people move through the world and how leaders can become more aware of those dynamics. This episode explores: - How emotional intelligence strengthens clarity and decision-making - Why alignment matters more than traditional “work-life balance” - How overcommitment creates bottlenecks and burnout - Why strong leadership is about asking better questions, not having all the answers - The importance of building teams that contribute, not just execute - Why imposter syndrome often appears during growth and transition Natasha’s perspective is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about systems, strategy, or output it’s about people, awareness, and the ongoing process of becoming more intentional in how we lead and show up. If you’re a leader, executive, or change maker navigating complexity, growth, or personal evolution, this conversation offers grounded insights on how to lead with clarity, empathy, and alignment even in uncertain environments. Connect with me here: Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmillerhershon Newsletter: https://link.kimmillerhershon.com/widget/form/aEdmdA1W5MhoMCMfy5O8 Webinar: https://webinar.kimmillerhershon.com/?utm_source=Podcast Guest Details: Guest: Natasha Paddock CEO: COPE Family Support CenterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-paddock-msw-6278b0a/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    36 min
  6. Operational Excellence, Leadership, and Resilience with Alain Cohen

    May 19

    Operational Excellence, Leadership, and Resilience with Alain Cohen

    In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, Kim Miller-Hershon sits down with Alain Cohen a senior executive, CEO, and transformational leader with more than 20 years of experience in logistics, supply chain consulting, and AI-powered operational excellence. Having led multinational organizations across Europe and beyond, Alon has built a career helping companies scale profitably through innovation, digitization, operational excellence, and strong leadership. Known for combining strategic vision with hands-on execution, he has managed large profit centers, led complex teams, and driven high-stakes business transformations across multiple industries. In this conversation, Alon shares how one of the biggest mindset shifts in his career came from realizing that saying “yes” to every opportunity is not always the path to success. Early in his business development career, he was taught to maximize opportunities by always saying yes advice that initially seemed logical, but later proved to be limiting. Alon explains how learning to say no to the wrong opportunities, toxic business relationships, and short-term wins ultimately created space for stronger partnerships, healthier growth, and better long-term outcomes. He discusses why leaders must prioritize focus, standards, and long-term value creation over immediate financial gains or short-term validation. Throughout the episode, Alon offers a refreshing perspective on leadership, uncertainty, and growth. Rather than trying to eliminate doubt, he shares why embracing uncertainty has become one of his greatest leadership advantages allowing him to make decisions faster, stay adaptable, and continue pushing beyond his comfort zone. Beyond business strategy, Alon also reflects on his leadership philosophy, his transition from corporate executive roles into AI-focused entrepreneurship, and why building robust organizations that can thrive without constant leader involvement is a true sign of leadership maturity. This episode explores: - Why saying yes to everything can become a trap for high achievers - The power of learning when to say no in business and leadership - Why toxic but profitable client relationships often cost more than they give - How short-term wins can sabotage long-term sustainable growth - Why strong leaders don’t need to have all the answers - The importance of creating conditions for collective intelligence within teams - How embracing doubt and uncertainty can improve decision-making Alain perspective is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about certainty, perfection, or having all the answers it’s about building resilience, making intentional decisions, empowering others, and continuing to grow through uncertainty. If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or executive navigating growth, transformation, operational challenges, or leadership development, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom, mindset shifts, and real-world business lessons. Connect with me here: Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmillerhershon Newsletter: https://link.kimmillerhershon.com/widget/form/aEdmdA1W5MhoMCMfy5O8 Webinar: https://webinar.kimmillerhershon.com/?utm_source=Podcast Guest Details: Guest: Alon Cohen Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/famla/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    36 min
  7. The Power of Accountability and Resilience in Business and Life with Laurent Cohen

    May 15

    The Power of Accountability and Resilience in Business and Life with Laurent Cohen

    In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, Kim Miller-Hershon sits down with Laurent Cohen Founder and CEO of Go OBL, a voice-first AI platform helping local businesses never miss customer calls, capture leads, and book appointments automatically. With more than 20 years of entrepreneurial and technical leadership experience across Europe, the United States, and Israel, Laurent has built and scaled multiple businesses across industries including eCommerce, digital marketing, and AI. His journey has been shaped by high growth success, painful setbacks, and hard-earned lessons about resilience, accountability, and leadership. In this conversation, Laurent shares the story of how an unexpected volcanic eruption in Iceland nearly destroyed his thriving eCommerce business by disrupting global shipping during peak holiday season. What initially felt like an “act of God” became one of the most transformative moments of his career, forcing him to confront hard truths about risk, overconfidence, and the importance of personal accountability. Laurent explains why business owners must stop seeing themselves as victims of circumstance and instead take ownership of their blind spots, decisions, and missed opportunities. He shares how rebuilding after crisis ultimately led him to create an even larger and more successful company. Beyond business resilience, Laurent also reflects on how living and building businesses across France, the United States, and Israel shaped his leadership philosophy. He discusses the differences between craftsmanship, efficiency, and urgency and how each culture taught him a different dimension of entrepreneurship. This episode explores: - How a volcanic eruption nearly bankrupted Laurent’s business and changed his mindset forever - Why accountability is one of the most underrated leadership skills - The danger of success making entrepreneurs feel invincible - How setbacks often become the foundation for future breakthroughs - The differences between doing business in France, the U.S., and Israel - Why entrepreneurs must trust their intuition while staying accountable for mistakes - How imposter syndrome can show up even in highly experienced founders - The role meditation played in helping Laurent manage stress, anxiety, and internal pressure - Why AI is widening the gap between those who actively learn and those who get left behind Laurent’s perspective is a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t built when everything is going well it’s built in the moments when things fall apart and you decide what story you’re going to tell yourself next. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or business owner navigating uncertainty, setbacks, growth, or AI transformation, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, mindset shifts, and real world lessons. Connect with me here: Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmillerhershon Newsletter: https://link.kimmillerhershon.com/widget/form/aEdmdA1W5MhoMCMfy5O8 Webinar: https://webinar.kimmillerhershon.com/?utm_source=Podcast Guest Details: Company: Go OBL Website: https://getoblic.com Founder: Laurent Cohen Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min
  8. Hiring Beyond the Resume with Kate Pletcher

    May 12

    Hiring Beyond the Resume with Kate Pletcher

    In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, Kim Miller-Hershon sits down with Kate Pletcher Founder and CEO of Treehouse Partners, a boutique executive search firm specializing in placing executive talent and helping organizations build stronger leadership teams. Before launching Treehouse Partners 15 years ago, Kate led a successful franchised staffing firm in Los Angeles and served as Director of Global Brand Licensing for Skechers. Her unconventional path into executive recruiting shaped a business model that challenges traditional hiring norms and focuses less on rigid résumés and more on understanding people, culture, and long-term fit. In this conversation, Kate shares how one failed early hire taught her one of the most important lessons in business: sometimes expertise isn’t what makes someone the right fit. Instead, she explains why skills like adaptability, calm under pressure, customer service, and curiosity often outperform technical experience alone. Kate also opens up about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the reality of running and scaling a business while raising a family, volunteering, traveling, and managing the everyday chaos of life. She shares her perspective on letting go of perfection, deciding what truly matters, and giving yourself permission to stop trying to “do it all.” This episode explores: Why hiring for industry expertise alone can backfire How unconventional backgrounds can create stronger businesses What makes Treehouse Partners different from traditional recruiting firms Why cultural fit matters more than checking every box on a job description The myth of “doing it all” and how successful leaders actually prioritize Why leaders shouldn’t follow the outdated rule of “never let them see you sweat” The challenge of growing from founder to CEO and learning to let go Why businesses benefit from broad expertise rather than overly narrow specialization How imposter syndrome still shows up, even for highly accomplished leaders Practical ways to manage self-doubt and build confidence through evidence Kate’s perspective is a refreshing reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection, control, or having all the answers. Often, it’s about self-awareness, trusting your instincts, building the right team, and being willing to rewrite the rules that no longer serve you. If you’re building a business, leading a team, hiring talent, or navigating the messy reality of growth and leadership, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and grounded insights. Connect with me here: Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmillerhershon Newsletter: https://link.kimmillerhershon.com/widget/form/aEdmdA1W5MhoMCMfy5O8 Webinar: https://webinar.kimmillerhershon.com/?utm_source=Podcast Guest Details: Company: Treehouse Partners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katepletcher/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    35 min
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4 Ratings

About

Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom: Where clichés come to retire and fresh thinking we inspire. Smart minds don’t think alike—and that’s the point. Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom takes you inside the messy, brilliant, and bold thought processes of high-achieving leaders, entrepreneurs, and out-of-the-box thinkers. We skip the clichés and spotlight the real talk: the strange decisions that worked, the brilliant ideas that bombed, and the thought patterns that defy the rulebook—but still lead to growth, impact, and the occasional mic drop. If you’re tired of surface-level advice and crave the kind of wisdom that makes you pause, laugh, and level up—this is your new favorite listen. Because let’s face it: playing it safe never built anything worth bragging about.

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