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.

What can writers teach us about navigating career pivots? In this episode of Courageous Conversations, host Paul Tripp sits down with screenwriter and storyteller Tobin Addington to explore the art of reinvention—both on the page and in life.

Tobin shares how writers, much like business leaders, face defining moments that force them to adapt, rethink their direction, and break through creative roadblocks. From reimagining characters to rewriting his own career path, Tobin reveals the strategies he uses to push past uncertainty and stay true to his voice.

Whether you're an executive considering a career shift, a creative struggling with self-doubt, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom on embracing change, taking risks, and finding new ladders to climb.

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

The episode of 'Courageous Conversations' features Admiral Jan Tighe, the first woman in U.S. Navy history to lead a numbered fleet and pioneer the future of cyber warfare. Admiral Tighe discusses her path to becoming a three-star admiral, her experiences in the Navy, and the challenges she faced in a traditionally male-dominated environment. The conversation highlights her leadership style of quiet authority and how she successfully navigated complex global challenges. Now retired, she continues to serve on corporate boards, exemplifying the power of resilience, courage, and innovation in leadership.

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