What does it take to leave one of the top HR roles in the world—and do it with clarity, humility, and zero regret? In this reflective episode of Courageous Conversations, we sit down with Stephane Charbonnier, former CHRO of L’Oréal USA, to explore how legacy is shaped not just by what you build, but by how you pass it on.

Stephane shares how he planned his retirement years in advance, mentored his successor with purpose, and embraced the next chapter of life with intention. From his “4 Fs” framework for fulfillment to the mindset shift that helped him let go of ego and title, this conversation is a masterclass in finishing strong and stepping forward with grace.

This episode is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t a moment. It’s a mindset. And it starts long before the end.

This episode is brought to you by AceUp.

What does it take to lead with high expectations while holding space for empathy, creativity, and grace? In this thought-provoking episode of Courageous Conversations, we sit down with Adrian Piro—CEO of Creative Market, a leader who has carved her path through male-dominated industries by blending rigor with compassion and redefining what strong leadership looks like.

Adrian shares how her multicultural upbringing shaped her values, how she’s learned to challenge perfectionism without lowering the bar, and how becoming a mother reframed her view of leadership. From navigating toxic workplaces to building inclusive teams that thrive on trust and accountability, Adrian’s journey offers a refreshing blueprint for authentic leadership in today’s complex world.

This episode is an honest exploration of trusting your instincts, giving grace without losing your edge, and leading teams with both heart and ambition.

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

What does it mean to lead with integrity, stand in your power, and stay true to yourself in every room you enter? In this inspirational episode of Courageous Conversations, we speak with Hope Gladney—a pioneering leader in a male-dominated industry, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and a woman whose faith, humility, and clarity have shaped a remarkable life and career.

Hope shares how growing up in a small Texas town laid the foundation for her resilience, how she navigated the culture shock of college and the realities of racism, and how her path pivoted when she became a single mother. From boardrooms to mentorship circles, she has learned to lead without compromise and to define success on her own terms.

This episode is a powerful exploration of owning your story, building community, and showing up authentically—even when the world asks you to shrink.

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

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Chief Venezio shares what it means to lead with integrity, clarity, and mission-first thinking in one of the most high-pressure professions. From navigating public scrutiny to building trust inside the force, he opens up about the power of honest feedback, the importance of mental wellness, and why leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.

Whether you’re leading a team or navigating your own growth, this conversation is a powerful reminder: the mission must come first — and leadership without compassion isn’t leadership at all.

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

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.