In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Mike Paton, EOS Implementer and co-author of Process!, to explore what truly drives healthy, high-performing organizations. Mike shares why alignment matters more than agreement, how accountability breaks down when authority is unclear, and why process is often misunderstood by entrepreneurial leaders. Drawing from years of experience working with leadership teams, he explains how honest conversations, focus, and the ability to say no create clarity and momentum. This conversation offers practical insight for leaders who want to scale without chaos and build teams that operate with ownership and trust.

Email: leadershipmatters@thebaileygroup.com

Subject Line: "Paton's Process!"

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thompson sits down with Princess Paula for a wide-ranging, real conversation on leadership, resilience, and the power of community. Paula shares how performance and teaching shaped her voice, how hard seasons built “muscle” for what came next, and why human connection matters even more in an AI-driven world. They also unpack what rest actually looks like, why it’s different for everyone, and how to lead with intention through life’s transitions. If you’re craving clarity, encouragement, and a few laughs, this episode is for you.

Connect with Princess Paula:

Website: https://princesspaulaconsulting.com/

Podcast: https://royallyunhinged.com/

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thompson sits down with David Magy, co-founder and principal at Abeln, Magy, Underberg & Associates, to explore the formative experiences that shaped his leadership journey. David reflects on the impact of mentors, learning by doing, and asking questions without hesitation. He shares lessons from corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and career transitions, emphasizing thoughtful decision-making, planning ahead, and listening to what your mind and body are telling you. From work ethic to culture fit, this conversation offers grounded insight into building a meaningful career over time. If you’re navigating a career transition, questioning your next step, or redefining success, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Founder Leigh Bailey to unpack one of the most challenging transitions in leadership: moving from being a trusted technical expert to becoming a strategic people leader. They explore why this shift can feel so uncomfortable - loss of control, a new definition of success, and the identity work required when you’re no longer “the doer” but the developer of others. Kaylee and Leigh break down the limiting beliefs that hold leaders back, share practical ways to rethink how you spend your time, and discuss why self-awareness, relationship-building, and emotional intelligence matter more than ever in an AI-driven world. They also reference a reel from @kelsewhatelse that perfectly illustrates this mindset shift.

Email leadershipmatters@thebaileygroup.com with the subject line “Strategic People Leader” to receive a free reflection worksheet. The first three listeners will also receive a complimentary Hogan Personality Inventory and a one-hour debrief with Kaylee.

Reel Mentioned in This Episode:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPCTlkZgUZ0/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nywIeE-0-Cc

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Kris Fortman, CEO of Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, to explore what it truly means to lead with heart, clarity, and courage over the long haul. Kris shares her journey from growing up with a professor father at the University of Minnesota, to conducting healthcare research at HealthPartners, to global work at Medtronic, and ultimately stepping into a mission-driven CEO role in cardiovascular health. She reflects on the early mentors and strong female leaders who shaped her leadership style, why kindness and accountability must work together, and what it was like to inherit a broken culture and quietly turn it around by focusing on people, listening deeply, and building an executive team that can think big while staying grounded in the mission. Kris also talks candidly about hiring lessons, the hard but deeply kind work of helping people find the right role, her passion for women’s heart health and education, and how coaching from The Bailey Group has strengthened both her leadership and her team. If you are a purpose-driven leader looking for honest, practical insight on culture, confidence, and sustainable impact, this conversation delivers grounded wisdom you can use right away.

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, Kaylee Thompson talks with Libby Doran, Founder of Doran Leadership Partners, about what it truly means to lead with courage, humanity, and clarity. Libby traces her journey from international development work with USAID in the Horn of Africa to boutique management consulting and ultimately building her own executive search firm. Along the way, she shares how early experiences in global aid shaped her beliefs about privilege, education, and economic mobility - and how those lessons now inform the way she advises leaders and organizations. Libby reflects on the power of values-based decision-making, why having hard conversations is an act of care, and how to navigate seasons of uncertainty as a business owner without burning out. She also offers a candid look into executive search: why so many leadership hires fail, what organizations overlook when they focus only on experience, and how to create the right “habitat” for new leaders to thrive. If you’re looking for thoughtful, grounded leadership wisdom that meets the moment we’re in today, this episode delivers powerful insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, Kaylee Thomsen talks with Mary Nutting, co-founder of Strategic Talent Partners, about what it really takes to grow as a leader. Mary shares how early imposter syndrome shaped her leadership journey and how leading 30 developers in her twenties taught her the power of vision, service, and humility. Drawing on her experience as an entrepreneur and talent strategist, Mary reflects on why leadership is rarely linear, how to navigate major career pivots, and why surrounding yourself with the right people makes all the difference. She also offers an honest look into the world of executive search and the realities of building - and rebuilding - a business. If you’re a leader, business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur seeking grounded, practical insight into becoming a more confident and authentic leader, this episode is filled with takeaways you can use right away.

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, Kaylee Thomsen talks with Mike Braun, founder of Pivotal Advisors, about what great leaders actually do. Mike shares how strong leaders shift from being the “answer man” to a coach who asks better questions, builds clarity, encourages feedback, and redefines accountability. Drawing on experience with 4,000+ companies, he explains why promoting top performers doesn’t always create great managers and why transparency matters most during tough moments. They also discuss how to scale teams, define success realistically, and move from daily operations to true leadership. If you’re a founder, sales leader, or manager who wants to build healthier teams and drive stronger results, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply right away.