What happens when the life that looks perfect on the outside feels hollow on the inside?

In this compelling episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci dives deep with Kevin Palmieri, a man who traded a life of surface-level success for one of genuine impact. Kevin shares his raw, personal journey of recognizing that a lack of self-belief was holding him back, even when he had everything 'on paper.'

Tune in as they unpack critical lessons for any entrepreneur or leader, including:

• The Power of the 'Dream Chaser' Mindset: Beyond simply setting goals, Kevin breaks down the absolute commitment and relentless self-work required to not just chase your dreams, but to become the person who achieves them.
• The Uncomfortable Truth About Vulnerability in Leadership: Kevin shares candid stories of how past mistakes and a fear of exposure led to fractured relationships. Learn why psychological safety isn't just a buzzword, but the bedrock of a high-performing team, and how embracing vulnerability is the ultimate leadership strength.
• Navigating Partnerships Without Sacrificing Your Relationship: Business partnerships can be explosive. Layci and Kevin discuss the delicate balance of maintaining clarity, healthy communication, and personal boundaries, ensuring the business thrives without destroying the personal connection.
• Crisis-Proofing Your Leadership: Don't wait for a breakdown to start working on yourself. The conversation concludes with actionable advice on cultivating deep self-awareness and practicing vulnerability before the pressure cooker of a crisis forces you to.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to stop faking it and start forging a path of authentic, committed, and impactful leadership.

Takeaways:

Dream chasers aspire to more and commit to personal growth.

Self-belief is crucial for taking audacious steps in life.

Vulnerability in leadership can shift team dynamics.

Building partnerships requires shared core values and beliefs.

Recognizing comfort zones is essential for growth.

Feedback is a vital part of personal and professional development.

Practice vulnerability when life is stable, not just in crisis.

Understanding your triggers can improve relationships.

Psychological safety fosters transformation and closeness.

The journey of self-improvement is never truly complete.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Confessions

01:36 Understanding Dream Chasers

04:44 The Journey of Self-Discovery

09:28 Building Strong Partnerships

13:16 Pushing Through Comfort Zones

19:18 The Balance of Vulnerability in Leadership

23:59 Practical Steps for Growth

27:51 Conclusion and Resources

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EPISODE LINKS:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-palmieri/

https://www.nextleveluniverse.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 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

WATCH ON YOUTUBE!

EPISODE LINKS:

Connect with Ronjini:

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

https://www.silvertelegram.com/

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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 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:

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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/

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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 reflects on her biggest mistake of 2025, focusing on the detrimental effects of phone habits on mental health. The conversation transitions into the importance of establishing meaningful morning routines and grounding rituals to enhance productivity and wellbeing. As they wrap up the year, Layci and Producer Mary express gratitude for the listeners and emphasize the significance of self-awareness and personal growth as they look forward to 2026.

Takeaways

Layci reflects on her biggest mistake of 2025.

The impact of phone habits on mental health is significant.

Establishing meaningful morning routines can enhance productivity.

Grounding rituals help in navigating life's challenges.

Small habits can lead to big changes in wellbeing.

Intentionality in protecting emotional energy is crucial.

Time blocking can help manage daily tasks effectively.

Self-awareness is key to personal growth.

Gratitude for listeners fosters a sense of community.

Looking ahead to 2026 brings hope and motivation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Confessions

01:23 Reflecting on 2025's Biggest Mistake

03:31 The Impact of Phone Habits on Wellbeing

07:26 Creating Meaningful Morning Routines

11:21 Finding Grounding in Daily Rituals

15:40 Gratitude and Looking Ahead to 2026

EPISODE LINKS:

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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', Layci engages with credibility expert Mitchell Levy to explore the multifaceted concept of credibility in leadership. They discuss the importance of trust, the role of integrity, and the necessity of coachability in effective leadership. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight how leaders can assess their credibility and the credibility of their organizations, emphasizing the need for vulnerability and self-awareness in leadership roles. The conversation also touches on the impact of past experiences on leadership styles and the importance of surrounding oneself with trustworthy individuals.

Takeaways

Credibility is defined by trust, knowing, and liking.
Trust must come before knowing and liking in relationships.
Organizations often misjudge their own credibility.
Employee engagement and NPS scores are key indicators of credibility.
Leaders should seek honest feedback through 360 reviews.
Coachability is essential for effective leadership development.
Integrity is a crucial value in establishing credibility.
Personal experiences shape leadership styles and approaches.
Surrounding oneself with credible individuals enhances personal growth.
Forgiveness is a vital part of personal and professional development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Credibility and Leadership
01:59 Understanding Credibility: Trust, Know, Like
05:59 Assessing Organizational Credibility
09:06 Measuring Individual Credibility as a Leader
11:04 The Importance of Coachability in Leadership
15:07 The Role of Integrity in Leadership
18:21 Learning from Leadership Mistakes
23:28 Personal Stories and Lessons in Leadership

EPISODE LINKS:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelllevy/

https://mitchelllevy.com/

mitchell.levy@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/mitchell.levy/?hl=en

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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 this episode, Layci and Producer Mary discuss how leaders can finish strong during the busy holiday season. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the multiple commitments everyone has during this period, both at work and at home. Layci provides concrete steps for effective prioritization and maintaining productivity without burning out. The episode also covers the importance of meaningful gift-giving for employees and shares personal family traditions to remind listeners of the value of leaning into their own traditions. A free downloadable gift guide is offered to help alleviate decision fatigue for leaders.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:27 Navigating the Busy Holiday Season
03:37 Prioritization and Strategic Thinking
05:07 Practical Tips for Year-End Management
08:43 Meaningful Gift Giving
11:07 Family Traditions and Holiday Joy
14:36 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

Episode links:
https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/gift-guide

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', Layci Nelson speaks with Dana Sherwin about her framework, the Thinking Patient, which empowers individuals to take charge of their healthcare. Dana shares her personal health journey, emphasizing the importance of patient engagement, preparation, and effective communication with healthcare providers. The conversation highlights the need for patients to be proactive, ask questions, and participate actively in their health decisions, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. Dana also reflects on her leadership experiences and the lessons learned from her health challenges.

Takeaways:

Being engaged in your care leads to better health outcomes.

Preparation is crucial for effective communication with healthcare providers.

Patients should be the CEO of their own health.

Understanding medical language enhances patient advocacy.

Asking questions is essential for informed health decisions.

Courage in healthcare can be built gradually.

Active participation in appointments improves patient experiences.

Trustworthy health information comes from reputable sources.

Communication skills are vital for healthcare leaders.

Learning from personal health experiences can inform better patient care.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Thinking Patient Framework

02:55 Dana's Personal Health Journey

06:00 The Importance of Patient Engagement

08:57 Preparing for Medical Appointments

11:38 Understanding Medical Language

15:00 The Art of Questioning

17:40 Active Participation in Healthcare

20:42 Building Courage in Health Advocacy

23:39 Dana's Leadership Confession

26:38 Conclusion and Resources

EPISODE LINKS:

https://www.thethinkingpatient.com/about

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

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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.