In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci Nelson speaks with Ronjini Joshua, CEO and founder of Silver Telegram, about the intricacies of public relations, especially in the tech industry. Ronjini shares her journey into tech PR, the importance of effective communication, and how to identify the right time for organizations to invest in PR. They discuss budgeting for PR services, the future of PR in a rapidly changing landscape, and the significance of building strong internal communication. Ronjini also shares valuable insights on choosing the right PR agency and the lessons learned from her leadership mistakes.

Episode Highlights:

• Behind the Buzz: Ronjini Joshua's Journey: Discover how Ronjini Joshua, CEO and founder of Silver Telegram, built a powerhouse PR agency specializing in the competitive tech industry.
• Is Your Business PR-Ready? Learn the critical indicators that signal the perfect time for your organization to invest in public relations and strategic communication.
• Budgeting for Impact: Get expert tips on how to effectively budget for PR services and ensure maximum return on investment.
• The Future of PR in the Digital Age: Ronjini shares her predictions on how the PR landscape is evolving and how tech companies can stay ahead of the curve.
• The Internal-External Connection: Understand the often-overlooked significance of strong internal communication as the foundation for successful external PR efforts.
• Choosing Your PR Partner: Essential advice on vetting and selecting the right PR agency that aligns with your company's mission and goals.
• Leadership Lessons: Hear candid insights from Ronjini on the biggest leadership mistakes she’s made and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way.

Listen in as Layci and Ronjini demystify the intricacies of tech PR, effective communication strategies, and transforming leadership failures into growth.

Takeaways:

PR is about effective communication between businesses and their audiences.

Ronjini fell into tech PR after starting in entertainment PR.

Startups often lack the budget for large PR agencies.

A solid PR strategy requires time and investment.

The future of PR involves adapting to new technologies like AI.

Effective communication is crucial for internal team dynamics.

Choosing the right PR agency involves assessing their experience and ideas.

Leadership mistakes often stem from a lack of planning.

Onboarding new employees takes time and requires a solid training program.

Setting employees up for success is key to a thriving business.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Confessional

01:00 Understanding Public Relations

07:17 When to Bring in PR

10:10 The Future of PR

12:41 The Importance of Clarity

18:46 Learning from Leadership Mistakes

23:53 Final Thoughts and Connections

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EPISODE LINKS:

Connect with Ronjini:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronjinim/

https://www.silvertelegram.com/

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🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

In the latest Q&A of "Confessions of a Terrible Leader," Producer Mary and Layci dive into a lively discussion about the significant shifts currently reshaping the world of leadership. The conversation immediately zeroes in on a critical concern: the noticeable and worrying decline in trust that organizations across the board are facing.

This erosion of trust isn't just an HR problem; it poses a genuine threat to a company's ability to thrive and sustain itself. The rigid, antiquated "boss-and-tell" leadership styles are quickly becoming obsolete—they are actively detrimental to creating a modern, effective workplace.

What do today's employees truly value? People aren't merely showing up for a paycheck or a title anymore; they are genuinely seeking meaningful connection and a sense of purpose in their professional lives. This profound shift in priorities mandates a serious transformation in leadership. The old model, built on hierarchy and power, is being replaced by a much more authentic, human-centered approach.

The central message of the episode is an earnest call for leaders to embrace the current era. Layci explains that to truly succeed in 2026, leaders must move beyond strict, authoritarian management and adopt a model that champions collaboration and mutual understanding. This new approach requires leaders to cultivate an environment where vulnerability is safe, communication is transparent, and the unique contributions of every individual are valued far more than adherence to rigid rules. The future of exceptional leadership, as Mary and Layci thoughtfully explore, is deeply rooted in empathy, a shared vision, and a sincere appreciation for the remarkable people who drive the company forward.

Keywords

leadership trends, trust in organizations, human-centered leadership, 2026 leadership, employee engagement, command and control, AI in leadership, workplace wellness, sustainable performance, leadership challenges

Takeaways

Trust is at an all-time low in organizations.

Control and command leadership styles are becoming obsolete.

Leaders must adapt to a human-centered approach to foster connection.

AI should complement human judgment, not replace it.

Understanding systemic issues is crucial for addressing employee burnout.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Trends 2026

01:13 The Crisis of Trust in Leadership

06:01 Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI

10:50 Balancing Competing Demands in Leadership

17:41 Understanding Burnout as a Systemic Issue

23:42 Adapting Leadership Styles for a Changing World

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EPISODE LINKS:

🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter:

https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup

🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

In this episode of "Confessions of a Terrible Leader," host Layci Nelson welcomes Glenn Sandifer, a seasoned executive in the security industry with over 20 years of experience. Glenn shares his journey of leading teams and the importance of effective communication, empathy, and adaptability in leadership. He emphasizes the need for leaders to understand their teams' dynamics, especially when many team members may not come from traditional security backgrounds. Glenn discusses the common misconceptions about the security industry and the critical role of sales in business, urging business owners to embrace their sales responsibilities and understand their value propositions deeply.

The conversation delves into the challenges of scaling teams and the pitfalls of rapid growth without proper planning. Glenn reflects on his own experiences, highlighting the importance of documented processes and the need for leaders to be hands-on in their sales strategies. He encourages small business owners to invest in sales coaching rather than relying solely on marketing tactics. The episode concludes with Glenn's insights on how sales can significantly impact a family's financial trajectory, reinforcing the idea that effective sales strategies are essential for long-term success.

Keywords

leadership, sales strategies, security industry, business growth, empathy in leadership, team dynamics, small business, value proposition, coaching, communication

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Confessions of a Terrible Leader

00:21 Meet Glenn Sandifer: A Leader in Security

01:55 Leading Non-Security Professionals

04:11 Misconceptions About the Security Industry

06:29 Understanding Sales for Business Owners

11:07 The Importance of Sales Ownership

21:45 Leadership Mistakes: Scaling Challenges

25:53 Final Thoughts and Insights from Glenn

Watch on YouTube!

EPISODE LINKS:

https://www.glennsandifer.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennsandifer/

🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter:

https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup

🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.