Starting as a receptionist during the 2007 recession, Lindsay Phillips never imagined she’d one day co-found SkyPhi Studios, a consulting firm that prioritizes people first. In this episode, Lindsay shares her journey of resilience, leadership, and building a business that thrives on flexibility, trust, and mentorship.

From Receptionist to COO: A Nonlinear Path to Leadership

Lindsay’s career trajectory wasn’t a straight shot to the top—it was a winding road of learning, adapting, and proving that leadership isn’t about titles but about action. She worked her way up, gaining firsthand experience in operations and management, which eventually led to co-founding SkyPhi Studios.

Her experience during the 2007 recession shaped her perspective on leadership and business: people are the foundation of success. This belief became the driving force behind SkyPhi Studios' human-centric consulting model.

Creating a Business with Flexibility and Trust

SkyPhi Studios is more than a consulting firm—it’s a community. Lindsay and her co-founder designed a company that values team members’ well-being as much as client success. Instead of rigid structures, they embrace flexibility, allowing their team to work in ways that best support their lives.

One key innovation is their “roster” model, a pool of skilled contractors who can step in as needed. This approach ensures the right expertise is available for every project while allowing team members to maintain work-life balance.

The Power of Mentorship and Clear Roles

Lindsay attributes much of her success to strong mentorship and learning how to delegate and trust her team. She emphasizes the importance of defining clear roles to ensure everyone knows their purpose within the organization. By creating this structure, SkyPhi Studios fosters a work environment that is both collaborative and empowering.

Giving Back: A Company That Cares

Beyond consulting, SkyPhi Studios is deeply invested in its community. One of the most heartwarming initiatives Lindsay shares is their holiday efforts to support foster youth, demonstrating that business success is about more than profit—it’s about making a positive impact.

Advice for Entrepreneurs

For those looking to start their own businesses, Lindsay’s advice is simple yet profound:

• Find a strong, balanced partner—someone who complements your strengths and weaknesses.
• Build a supportive team—no one succeeds alone.
• Stay flexible and trust the process—success doesn’t come from rigidity but from adapting to change.

Lindsay’s journey is a testament to creating a business that works for people, not the other way around. Whether you're leading a team or starting your own venture, her insights offer a roadmap to building something meaningful and sustainable.

Get in touch:

• LinkedIn: (5) Lindsay Phillips, PMP | LinkedIn
• Website: SkyPhi Studios

🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear more about Lindsay’s journey and how SkyPhi Studios is redefining consulting.

In this episode of The Scrappy Leader Podcast, Christy sits down with Andrea Delancy, a seasoned real estate professional and Certified Divorce Specialist who has carved out a meaningful niche in helping individuals navigate one of life’s toughest transitions—divorce. Andrea shares her personal journey, lessons learned, and how she found her calling in providing guidance and support for divorcing clients facing difficult real estate decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Andrea’s Journey: From 20+ years in real estate to specializing in assisting divorcing clients.
• Personal Experience: How Andrea’s own challenging divorce shaped her mission to help others avoid common pitfalls.
• Lessons Learned: The importance of being informed, knowing all available options, and surrounding yourself with the right support system.
• Divorce Done Different: A collaborative network Andrea co-founded, bringing together financial, legal, and mental health experts to support women going through divorce.
• The Power of Community: Why having a team of professionals and a strong personal support system can make all the difference during major life transitions.
• Go Where You’re Celebrated: A powerful lesson on choosing relationships and environments that uplift and support growth.

Resources & Links:

🔗 Website: AndreaSellsJax.com

📸 Instagram: @AndreaSellsJax | @DivorcePropertyProJax

💼 LinkedIn: Andrea Delancy

Divorce Done Different: Andrea is a co-founder of Divorce Done Different, a collaborative group of women professionals in family law, finance, real estate, mortgage lending, and mental health. Their mission is to empower and educate women through the divorce process with a holistic approach. They host free webinars featuring expert guidance and offer complimentary consultations. 🌐 Website – Divorce Done Different (Coming Soon!)

National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP): Andrea is a member of the NADP and holds a Certified Divorce Specialist designation. The NADP is a valuable resource for individuals seeking qualified divorce professionals across various industries.

Join the Conversation: If you found this episode valuable, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need this message of support and empowerment. Let’s navigate change together!

The Scrappy Leader Podcast: From Jazz to Journalism to Leadership with Julia Scott

Episode Summary: Welcome back to The Scrappy Leader Podcast! I’m your host, Christy Ritchie, and I’m beyond excited to introduce you to this week’s guest, the incredible Julia Scott. Julia and I go way back—we first met while training for triathlons and fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Since then, she’s had an amazing career journey that perfectly embodies what it means to be a scrappy leader.

In this episode, Julia takes us through her fascinating career pivot from jazz to journalism to digital marketing. She shares invaluable insights on building confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and embracing leadership. We also dive into the power of difficult conversations, learning to fire people (yes, it’s a leadership skill), and the importance of lassoing your cheerleaders to help you through the inevitable bumps along the way.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself as a leader or wondered how to turn unexpected career shifts into opportunities, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Julia’s unexpected career path: how a jazz degree led her to journalism and, eventually, digital marketing.
• How learning to talk to strangers as a reporter helped shape her leadership and business skills.
• The art of navigating change and why breathwork (hello, box breathing!) helps keep her grounded.
• What it means to be a people-pleasing leader—and how to balance being kind while making tough business decisions.
• The importance of addressing difficult workplace conversations with honesty and respect.
• How to overcome imposter syndrome and remind yourself of the value you bring to the table.
• Why asking for help is one of the most powerful leadership skills you can develop.
• The power of “lassoing your cheerleaders” and how to intentionally build a network of supporters.
• Julia’s key leadership lesson: It’s okay to love being in charge!

Memorable Quotes:

• “There are wins, and there are lessons. You learn from everything.” – Julia Scott
• “As a leader, you need to ask yourself: does this serve the business?” – Julia Scott
• “Being in business is like being a reporter. You have to learn to ask good questions and listen.” – Julia Scott
• “Asking for help is a leadership skill—practice it!” – Christy Ritchie
• “You don’t have to know everything to be a great leader. You just have to be willing to figure it out.” – Christy Ritchie

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Julia Scott on LinkedIn: Julia Scott LinkedIn
• Learn more about her company, J Scott Marketing: www.jscottmarketing.com
• Follow J Scott Marketing on Instagram: @jscottmarketing

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! Did this episode resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag me on LinkedIn or Instagram and let’s talk about what lessons from Julia’s journey hit home for you. And if you found value in this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another scrappy leader in your life!

Thanks for tuning in, and remember—leadership is a journey, not a destination. Keep leading, keep learning, and keep being scrappy!

The Scrappy Leader Podcast with Elif Chiasson

In this episode of The Scrappy Leader Podcast, Christy welcomes Elif Chiasson, an engineer-turned-leadership expert, to discuss the power of emotional intelligence in technical fields. Elif shares her journey from excelling as an engineer to realizing that leadership required an entirely different skill set—one that wasn’t taught in engineering school. Together, Christy and Elif explore the balance of masculine and feminine leadership energies, the evolving workplace dynamics for women in male-dominated industries, and the critical need to develop emotional intelligence (EQ) alongside technical expertise.

Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating a leadership style that fosters collaboration, innovation, and long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is more than just technical expertise—it requires emotional intelligence and relational awareness.
• Balancing masculine (decisive, strategic) and feminine (empathetic, collaborative) leadership energies leads to better leadership outcomes.
• The workplace is evolving, but women in male-dominated fields still face challenges in networking and leadership development.
• Emotional intelligence is a skill that can be developed—and it’s just as critical as hard technical skills.
• Leaders who invest in developing their teams and fostering a psychologically safe environment create lasting impact.

Resources & Mentions:

• Amy Porterfield’s Digital Course Academy
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and leadership development
• Elif Chiasson’s upcoming leadership workshop for rising professionals (Launching end of February)
• Free leadership development resource from Elif: www.elifchiasson.com
• Connect with Elif on LinkedIn: Elif Chiasson

Connect with Christy:

• Website: Navigation Partners
• LinkedIn: Christy Ritchie

✨ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow scrappy leader!

#ScrappyLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #WomenInLeadership #EQ #TechLeaders

Crafting Change with Brynn Shader

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Scrappy Leader, host Christy Ritchie welcomes Brynn Shader, a business owner, change craft speaker, and advisor. Brynn takes us on a journey from her early days teaching English in the Czech Republic to building a career in HR, Salesforce administration, and change management. She shares how she found her true passion in supporting employees through organizational transitions and how that led her to consulting and public speaking. Brynn introduces her concept of "change craft," a creative and flexible approach to navigating change, and highlights the importance of self-care, mindset shifts, and leadership resilience.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Brynn’s international experiences shaped her approach to change management
• The pivotal moments that led her from HR to a focus on talent development and consulting
• The concept of "change craft" and how it applies to leadership and transformation
• The role of self-care, including therapy and fitness, in sustaining leadership effectiveness
• Strategies for setting boundaries, defining leadership goals, and navigating uncertainty
• Insights into Brynn’s upcoming speaking engagements and future plans

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership success requires intentionality, goal-setting, and a willingness to embrace change.
• Change management is more than process—it’s about people, mindset, and adaptability.
• Developing resilience and prioritizing self-care are crucial for long-term leadership effectiveness.
• Scrappy leaders balance creative problem-solving with polished execution.

Actionable Advice for Leaders:

• Define your leadership vision and core values to guide your decisions.
• Set firm boundaries to protect your energy and maintain focus.
• Stay open to different models and frameworks in change management.
• Practice "gratitude in advance" to shape your mindset for success.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Brynn Shader on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brynnshader/
• Learn more about Brynn’s speaking and work: https://www.brynnshader.com/
• Follow The Scrappy Leader for more inspiring conversations: https://thescrappyleader.podbean.com/

Episode Highlights: [00:02:15] Brynn’s journey from teaching abroad to business ownership [00:08:30] Transitioning from Salesforce admin to HR and talent development [00:15:45] The power of self-care in leadership and change management [00:22:10] Introducing the "change craft" approach to transformation [00:30:20] Advice for scrappy leaders navigating uncertainty and growth

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Scrappy Leader on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review. Your support helps us bring more insightful conversations to leaders like you!

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of The Scrappy Leader Podcast, Christy Ritchie welcomes a special guest and personal mentor, Bettina Morrow. Bettina has been instrumental in Christy's personal journey through her mom's dementia diagnosis and has dedicated her career to protecting vulnerable adults. Bettina shares her fascinating journey from Australia to England to the United States and dives deep into her passion for working with vulnerable adult populations.

1. Bettina's Journey in Social Work

• Early career in child protection in Australia and the UK

• Transitioning into adult protective services, specializing in elder abuse and dementia care

• Earning multiple degrees, including a Master's in Dementia

• Career path leading to her current role in Colorado APS

2. Raising Awareness Around Elder Abuse

• Common misconceptions about elder abuse and its intersection with financial exploitation, neglect, and physical abuse

• The importance of education and advocacy in reducing cases of abuse

• Collaboration with law enforcement and district attorneys to prosecute abusers

• Challenges in prosecuting physical abuse and neglect cases

3. Leadership and Self-Care in Challenging Fields

• The high burnout rate in protective services and the importance of self-care

• Strategies for maintaining mental well-being, including:

  • Exercise (running)

  • Conscious wardrobe changes to mentally separate work and personal life

  • Seeking support from peers and mentors

• Recognizing the power of showing up consistently with a positive attitude

4. Advocacy and Policy Change

• Bettina's efforts in policy reform and innovative programs to provide better support for vulnerable adults

• The success of Colorado's unique programs for person-centered support

• Importance of grassroots efforts and collaboration to effect meaningful change

5. Leadership and Feedback

• The role of self-awareness and receiving constructive feedback

• Importance of having personal cheerleaders and mentors

• Understanding individual processing styles for feedback in leadership roles

• Advocacy requires resilience, teamwork, and a strong support system.

• Passion for people is the driving force behind impactful leadership.

• Self-care is crucial to sustain long-term success in challenging fields.

• Leadership is about consistency, showing up, and supporting others.

• Be open to feedback as a growth opportunity.

• "Leadership isn't a job title; it's how you show up every day."

• "Find what works for you – whether it's running, meditation, or a support network."

• "You don't have to carry the world on your shoulders to make a difference."

• LinkedIn: Bettina Morrow

Navigating Leadership and Ethics with Dr. Emme Devonish

Welcome to another episode of The Scrappy Leader! In this episode, Christy sits down with the dynamic Dr. Emme Devonish—an attorney, author, executive coach, consultant, and educator—to discuss leadership, ethics, and personal growth. Dr. Devonish shares her multifaceted career journey and the lessons she's learned about leading with authenticity and purpose.

Dr. Devonish's diverse background spans multiple fields, including law, executive coaching, consulting, and education. Her work is deeply rooted in ethical stewardship and community service, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact.

Dr. Devonish began her professional journey at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where she developed critical skills in international collaboration, problem-solving, and working with cross-cultural teams. This early experience became the foundation for her future career transitions.

Drawn to the legal and compliance aspects of her roles, Dr. Devonish focused on solving complex problems and navigating regulatory environments. This focus shaped her approach to organizational leadership and culture.

Organizational changes inspired Dr. Devonish to further her education and transition into internal roles dedicated to fostering ethics and compliance culture. This pivotal shift highlighted the transformative power of coaching in driving organizational success.

Relocating to Jacksonville marked a new chapter for Dr. Devonish. She immersed herself in the local community through Rotary and environmental initiatives, discovering new ways to help individuals and organizations achieve their highest potential.

Today, Dr. Devonish works with leaders across industries—including financial services, manufacturing, construction, and environmental sectors—to build stronger teams through culture training and a deeper understanding of employee motivations.

Dr. Devonish emphasizes the value of authenticity in leadership. She shares how integrating her professional ambitions with personal passions, such as creative writing, has led to holistic growth in both areas.

Dr. Devonish reflects on the challenges she faced in an internal ethics-focused role, emphasizing the complexities of understanding organizational values and the difficulties of driving cultural change.

Her advice to emerging leaders: Cultivate self-awareness, define your values, and lead yourself before leading others. She encourages embracing your unique path and making choices that prioritize happiness and fulfillment.

Connect with Dr. Emme Devenish:

• Website: emmedevonish.com
• Email: info@emmedevonish.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmedevonish
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/emmedevonish/whale-and-ocean-haikus/

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Scrappy Leader podcast. Share it with leaders in your network who are navigating their own journeys!

Stay tuned for more insightful conversations—because leadership is a journey, not a destination.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Scrappy Leader! In this first episode, host Christy Ritchie dives into the story behind the podcast—how it started, what inspired the name, and what being a “scrappy leader” is all about.

You’ll get to know Christy as she shares her journey: from a love of learning and tackling odd projects to earning the nickname “scrappy” and turning it into a leadership philosophy. Plus, she’ll outline what you can expect from future episodes, including inspiring guests, actionable insights, and strategies to fuel your own leadership growth.

If you’re a leader who thrives on learning, digging deep, and rolling up your sleeves to figure things out, this podcast is for you. Let’s get scrappy together!

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts on what you’d like to hear in future episodes.

🎧 Tune in now and start your Scrappy Leadership journey!