Episodes

  • S3, Ep 9: Making Strategy Stick: Why Talent and Teams Matter Most

    S3, Ep 9: Making Strategy Stick: Why Talent and Teams Matter Most
    Jun 6 2025
    In this candid conversation, Susan MacKenty Brady sits down with Mark Servodidio—CEO, cofounder of PGP Solutions, and former global CHRO and Fortune 300 President—to explore how real transformation happens when leaders double down on people. From building community through teams to creating cultures of trust and accountability, Mark shares powerful lessons from his leadership journey—where humility meets high performance and purpose drives results.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • S3, Ep. 8 From Purpose to Power: Leading Authentically in Uncertain Times

    S3, Ep. 8 From Purpose to Power: Leading Authentically in Uncertain Times
    May 23 2025
    What does it really take to lead with impact in a world full of change? In this episode, Tamla Oates-Forney—change-maker, people-centered executive, and advocate for inclusive leadership—joins Susan MacKenty Brady for a candid conversation about leading from your Best Self, even in uncertain times. Tamla shares how a personal health scare transformed her outlook, deepening her commitment to joy, purpose, and people. She opens up about how leaders can rediscover themselves, show up more authentically, and build workplaces rooted in empathy, trust, and belonging.
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Leading with Calm: Finding Your Best Self in Chaos

    Leading with Calm: Finding Your Best Self in Chaos
    May 6 2025
    In this episode of the Better Understanding podcast, change maker Lori Spicer Robertson invites us to live in our vision, not our circumstances. She shares how returning to your Best Self—especially during times of uncertainty—is a daily practice rooted in calmness, curiosity, and joy. From redefining emotional expression in leadership to building intentional work tribes and setting personal boundaries, Lori offers practical wisdom on how to lead with authenticity, create inclusive environments, and source joy even in the toughest moments.
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Astrid Sheil | May You Be Your Best Self

    Astrid Sheil | May You Be Your Best Self
    May 6 2025
    Dr. Astrid Sheil, Dean of the Simmons University School of Business and former Fortune 500 executive, shares how leading from your Best Self means embracing humility, learning from mistakes, and building trust. In this short episode, she reflects on personal growth, leadership challenges, and what it takes to inspire others while staying grounded in your values.
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Leading Through Change: Building Culture with Purpose and Empathy

    Leading Through Change: Building Culture with Purpose and Empathy
    Apr 14 2025
    In this episode of the Better Understanding podcast, Susan MacKenty Brady interviews Pete Church, a driving force behind the culture at Point32Health. Their conversation dives deep into what it means to lead inclusively and authentically in today’s workforce—especially in a complex, ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Pete shares powerful reflections from his own leadership journey, drawing from 30 years of experience creating work cultures where employees feel seen, valued, and heard. From supporting caregivers to navigating burn out, Pete reminds us that thriving teams are built through intention, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • Igniting Passion and Growth: Leadership Lessons from Dr. Astrid Sheil

    Igniting Passion and Growth: Leadership Lessons from Dr. Astrid Sheil
    Feb 27 2025
    Susan MacKenty Brady welcomes Dr. Astrid Sheil, Dean of the School of Management at Simmons University. A former Fortune 500 executive and government affairs specialist, Dean Sheil has expertise in corporate communication, corporate social responsibility, strategic planning, board development, fundraising, crisis communication, and negotiation and bargaining. Astrid discusses the importance of leading from your "best self," drawing on her experiences of both wins and setbacks. She emphasizes the value of humility and trust in leadership while encouraging others to own their mistakes and learn from them. Astrid offers practical insights on fostering a collaborative, value-driven environment, especially in academic settings. Tune in for wisdom on leadership, personal growth, and how to ignite passion in those you lead.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • S3, Ep. 4 | From Climate Cardinals to Global Change

    S3, Ep. 4 | From Climate Cardinals to Global Change
    Feb 6 2025
    Sophia Kianni, founder of Climate Cardinals and the youngest UN advisor in U.S. history, shares her journey in climate activism, offering insights into her work and leadership approach. She discusses Climate Cardinals, which focuses on making climate education accessible across languages, highlighting challenges while sharing success stories. Throughout the conversation, Sophia provides actionable insights and inspiration for young people passionate about climate activism and leadership.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Season 3: Reinventing Yourself: Embracing Change to Thrive

    Season 3: Reinventing Yourself: Embracing Change to Thrive
    Jan 29 2025
    We were born for this. In this episode, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, "The Reinvention Guru," shows us why reinvention is the key to thriving in today’s constantly changing world. She explains that by adopting an adaptation mindset, tools, and skills, we can navigate both big and small disruptions in our daily lives. Nadya challenges us to quiet our minds, stay flexible, and identify adaptations to excel in every area of life by focusing on what energizes us and our teams, and celebrating every win as a way to lead more effectively in volatile times.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins