In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Gia Duke shares her extraordinary journey from Mumbai to leading billions in global supply management at John Deere. From breaking through biases to building support networks and leading with purpose, Gia’s story is a masterclass in resilience and growth. Tune in as she reveals why growth and comfort rarely coexist — and why choosing growth makes all the difference.

This episode is brought to you by AceUp and Produced and Edited by Buttered Toast.

This episode of Courageous Conversations features Raymond Thompson, Senior Lighting Director for The Young and the Restless for over 40 years. Raymond shares his journey of shaping the show’s iconic look and atmosphere through visionary lighting design, earning 10 Daytime Emmy nominations and wins along the way. He discusses his early years, how he pivoted from acting to lighting, and the lessons he’s learned about creativity, leadership, and teamwork. Raymond’s story is one of passion, curiosity, and the power of commitment, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to make an impact in their field.

This episode is brought to you by AceUp and Produced and Edited by Buttered Toast.

Despite impacting nearly half the workforce, menopause remains one of the workplace’s most overlooked conversations. It’s not just a women’s health issue—it’s a leadership and business issue.

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, host Paul Tripp sits down with former C-suite executive Susan Mealy to shed light on the realities of perimenopause in the workplace. Susan shares her personal journey—how symptoms disrupted her career, why so many women struggle in silence, and what companies can do to better support their employees.

From tracking symptoms to advocating for policy changes, Susan offers practical advice for women navigating this transition and compelling reasons why leaders—men included—need to engage. Whether you’re an executive, a manager, or simply someone who cares about creating a more inclusive workplace, this episode challenges us to rethink how we support women at every stage of their careers.

This episode is brought to you by AceUp and produced and edited by Buttered Toast.