What happens when a mother and daughter build a business grounded in legacy, love, and leadership? June Perry-Stevens and Krystle Rogers share the powerful story of their mother-daughter business partnership, rooted in a family lineage that dates back to ancestors who were enslaved. Their bond is built on mutual respect, deep trust, and a shared commitment to community, excellence, and generational leadership. Their company, Best Ed Business, has evolved through intentional partnerships and a cl...
Jul 07, 2025•47 min•Ep. 335
What does it mean to lead without fanfare or recognition? In this solo episode, I reflect on the life and legacy of my beloved mother, Doris Melancon—a woman whose quiet strength, unwavering love, and deep wisdom shaped generations. Though Doris never saw herself as a leader, her influence was undeniable and profound. I honor my mother’s legacy by highlighting the qualities that defined her: humility, generosity, patience, and a steadfast faith that guided her every action. Through personal stor...
Jul 01, 2025•9 min•Ep. 334
What if the secret to success is giving more? In this episode, Meredith Bell speaks with Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver , about why shifting your focus to consistently providing value leads to greater fulfillment and profitability. Bob explains the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success and how they apply to entrepreneurs, leaders, and teams. You'll come away inspired by Bob’s deep insights on value-based leadership, the true meaning of influence, and why receptivity is just as important as giv...
Jun 24, 2025•33 min•Ep. 333
Are your leadership habits helping you adapt…or holding you back? Kevin Eikenberry shares highlights from his new book, Flexible Leadership , and explores what it truly means to lead with confidence in uncertain times. Using the powerful image of a tree, deeply rooted yet able to bend, Kevin offers a fresh take on how leaders can stay grounded in their values while adapting their approach. The discussion covers the essential elements of mindset, skillset, and habitset, and how each one shapes a ...
Jun 17, 2025•48 min•Ep. 332
What if the only thing standing between you and stronger leadership is the way you see and lead yourself? In this conversation, Ben Albert shares how losing his job during the pandemic became the catalyst for his growth as an entrepreneur and podcaster. We explore why self-leadership matters, especially when no one else is steering the ship, and how habits, relationships, and honest feedback can help you grow. Ben also explains how self-care, personal branding, and seeking out mentors can transf...
Jun 10, 2025•44 min•Ep. 331
What if the real secret to great leadership isn’t found in strategy or skill, but in the strength of your character? This conversation with Dane Deutsch explores how character forms the true foundation of leadership, shaped by his own family values, military service, and years of leading diverse teams. Through stories from the Air Force and his own experience as a CEO, Dane reveals why caring for people and building trust matter more than any title or technique. His insights show that whether yo...
Jun 03, 2025•56 min•Ep. 330
What if the real key to powerful leadership is tuning in to your inner wisdom? Coco Sellman brings this idea to life by sharing how listening to that quiet inner voice and acting with integrity can transform not just your own journey, but also the lives of those you lead. Through stories of founding multiple companies and guiding teams through challenges like the pandemic, Coco highlights how self-leadership, reinvention, and daily rituals help unlock personal and professional growth. You’ll lea...
May 27, 2025•54 min•Ep. 329
Curious how LinkedIn can actually help you build real business relationships—not just rack up connections? In this episode, LinkedIn expert Bill McCormick shares his journey from traditional sales to becoming a trusted advisor on the platform. Bill reveals why authenticity, curiosity, and genuine engagement are the keys to standing out and building trust, whether you’re networking, recruiting, or growing your business. We dive into practical tips for optimizing your profile, engaging with others...
May 20, 2025•48 min•Ep. 328
When you hear the word authenticity, you might think of it as being your true self around other people. Actually, it’s much more than that. In our conversation, Erin Hatzikostas shares her bold and refreshing perspective on authenticity in leadership and life. As a former corporate CEO turned authenticity advocate, Erin opens up about her journey from a rocky start as an actuary to leading a company with a culture rooted in trust and connection. She introduces her HUMANS framework for authentici...
May 13, 2025•54 min•Ep. 327
How can leaders use AI to unlock new levels of strategic thinking and team collaboration? Meredith sits down with Geoff Woods, author of The AI Driven Leader , to explore how AI is transforming leadership and decision-making. Geoff shares his personal journey from fear of AI to embracing it as a powerful tool for growth, offering practical examples of how leaders can use AI to tackle challenges like restructuring debt or addressing toxic workplace dynamics. Geoff also dives into actionable strat...
May 06, 2025•47 min•Ep. 326
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your workload, unsure how to delegate effectively, or hesitant about bringing new people onto your team? Erin Bradley shares her powerful journey from burnout and anxiety to finding true freedom and fulfillment in her work. She opens up about the common leadership fears around hiring, delegating, and trusting others, and how shifting her mindset changed everything. Whether you're leading a team or stepping into a new role at your company, you'll find practical i...
Apr 29, 2025•48 min•Ep. 325
What if your introverted nature wasn't a limitation but a powerful strength in leadership? Dr. Nicole Bryan shares her personal journey as an introverted leader, debunking common misunderstandings and myths about introversion and highlighting its unique strengths. She emphasizes that introversion is not about being shy but about deriving energy from internal sources, which can be a powerful asset in leadership roles. Nicole's insights offer a fresh perspective on how introverts can thrive in pro...
Apr 22, 2025•51 min•Ep. 324
Have you ever wondered how your childhood experiences shaped your work ethic today? In this solo episode, I share personal stories about growing up in a household where chores, responsibility, and initiative were non-negotiable—and how those lessons have carried over into my adult life. I reflect on how these early habits built the foundation for a strong work ethic that continues to influence my life. But this isn’t just about childhood—it’s about leadership too. I explore how leaders can help ...
Apr 15, 2025•10 min•Ep. 323
Have you ever felt like certain patterns in your life keep repeating, no matter how much you try to change? Rich Habets shares the concept of “scripts”—deeply ingrained, unconscious behaviors shaped by past experiences that influence how we see ourselves and interact with the world. By recognizing and rewriting these scripts, we can break free from limiting beliefs and create more empowering, fulfilling experiences in both our personal and professional lives. We also explore the power of conscio...
Apr 04, 2025•54 min•Ep. 322
In this powerful episode, Dr. Beth Kaplan returns to discuss her groundbreaking book, Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point . She opens with her personal journey through workplace trauma. Beth reveals the critical distinction between inclusion and belonging—explaining that while others determine inclusion, belonging is an internal decision that requires staying true to yourself without compromising your values. You’ll be moved by Beth's compelling message about the dangers of se...
Apr 01, 2025•41 min•Ep. 321
Conflict is inevitable, but how leaders handle it makes all the difference. In this episode, vicki abadesco! shares a real-world example of a well-known organization struggling with team conflict and how small miscommunications can escalate when left unresolved. She explains how our upbringing shapes our approach to conflict and why developing emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership. Through her work with both executives and young children, vicki highlights the importance of...
Mar 25, 2025•52 min•Ep. 320
Company culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of an organization’s success or failure. Brad Federman shares how businesses can create a culture that balances people and results. He explains where many organizations go wrong when developing their values and why culture must be designed to outlast leadership changes. Brad also reveals how companies can avoid common pitfalls, such as tolerating bad behavior and adopting trendy policies without considering business needs. We dive into pr...
Mar 18, 2025•54 min•Ep. 319
Have you ever found yourself not speaking up, whether it’s in a 1:1 situation or in a group? For a variety of reasons, women often hold back instead of using their voice. Jennifer Wilkov, founder and CEO of Speak Up Women, learned to speak up in a powerful way herself and now teaches other women to do the same. Whether you're looking to build confidence, advocate for yourself, or become a more effective leader, you’ll take away actionable strategies to amplify your own voice. Jennifer shares her...
Mar 11, 2025•54 min•Ep. 318
In this eye-opening episode, we're joined by Erica Salmon Byrne, a leading expert in business ethics and compliance. Erica shares her fascinating journey from litigation attorney to becoming a key figure in shaping ethical business practices worldwide at Ethisphere. We dive deep into the upcoming announcement of the 2025 World's Most Ethical Companies, exploring what sets these organizations apart and why ethical behavior is not just good for society, but also for the bottom line. Whether you're...
Mar 04, 2025•54 min•Ep. 317
What wisdom could you extract from someone who’s had over 40 years of experience as a leader? An amazing amount, if that leader is Oakland McCulloch. You’ll hear practical ideas and stories that will inspire you to elevate your own leadership. Better known as Oak, our guest’s 40-plus years of leadership experience includes 23 in the U.S. Army, followed by various civilian positions. While in the Army, he was deployed overseas multiple times. Oak’s last position in the Army was a three-year tour ...
Feb 25, 2025•56 min•Ep. 316
Have you ever noticed how two people can experience the same event but walk away with entirely different perspectives? In this episode, I share a striking contrast between two individuals on a birdwatching trip. Their reactions caused me to reflect on how our attitudes shape our experiences and the energy we bring to those around us. I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We’ve created online resources that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to bui...
Feb 18, 2025•8 min•Ep. 315
Change can be daunting, no matter what size your organization is. Our guest Dr. Mary Lippitt sheds light on the common fears—fear of the future, fear of the process, and fear of unintended consequences—that often accompany new initiatives. Mary shares how organizations can address complexity through holistic strategies that emphasize listening, collaboration, and adaptability. We also discuss the power of asking the right questions to surface hidden concerns and ensure buy-in from all levels of ...
Feb 11, 2025•49 min•Ep. 314
Not everyone has equal access to mentoring and sponsorship opportunities. Ayana Carroll is on a mission to change that for Black mid-level managers. In her work with clients and in our conversation for this interview, Ayana shares valuable tips that can help those managers as well as those who make decisions around promotions. Ayana is the Founder of ARC Consulting, and she’s dedicated to elevating Black mid-level professionals into transformative leaders. With over 25 years of HR leadership and...
Feb 04, 2025•47 min•Ep. 313
What causes companies to experience rapid top-line revenue growth? Philippe Bouissou, PhD, provides the answer in this impactful conversation. His framework is brilliantly simple. Identify the four possible areas of misalignment between the company and the customer, then make changes to create alignment. Philippe outlines the four areas and provides concrete examples of each. He also describes one of the world’s most successful companies that excels in aligning all four. Philippe has been in Sil...
Jan 28, 2025•50 min•Ep. 312
Over the course of his career, Ethan Evans reviewed 10,000+ resumes, conducted over 2,500 interviews, and made more than 1,000 hires. He knows a thing or two about finding, onboarding, AND developing the right people. In this high-energy conversation, Ethan shares the qualities he looked for and the aspects of character he believes are most important for leaders. You’ll find great value in reflecting on the lessons he learned from a big mistake he made at Amazon that got him in trouble with CEO ...
Jan 21, 2025•51 min•Ep. 311
Have you ever taken on a project that you thought would be straightforward…and then discovered it wasn’t? Sometimes that occurs because of the expectations we put on ourselves to perform at a certain level. That’s what happened to me when I tried to record a headshot video. In this solo episode I describe the situation, how I handled the setbacks, and what I learned from the experience that might be helpful for you, too. I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We’ve created onli...
Jan 14, 2025•8 min•Ep. 310
Have you thought about how your words create you and your world? No matter what you answer, Trevor Timbeck will help you gain a better understanding of this power we all have if we choose to use it well. Trevor co-authored The Power of Systems with Steve Chandler. You’ll recognize the book and Steve’s name from episode 300 of the podcast. In this episode, we discussed the book and how it ties in with who you are BEING and what you’re CREATING in the world. Trevor is an absolutely remarkable huma...
Jan 07, 2025•52 min•Ep. 309
Do you ever have thoughts that could be called “head trash”? Very likely, you’ve experienced them, and those thoughts may even keep you awake at night. In this conversation, Dr. Robyn Odegaard provides a concrete, practical tip for getting back to sleep if you wake up at 3:00 am. She also shares her approach to questions and conversations with her clients that you can use yourself for your long-term happiness and success. Dr. Robyn is a former competitive beach volleyball player turned business ...
Dec 30, 2024•51 min•Ep. 308
Leading people who aren’t like you can be challenging. In this episode, Stephanie Chung provides important insights and tips to help you be more effective in this critical area. You will love the passion and stories she brings to our conversation. For the past 30 years, Stephanie has been a force of strategic innovation, a beacon of change, and a titan in the world of business growth and human capital management. Stephanie blazed trails as the first African American to serve as President at a pr...
Dec 17, 2024•54 min•Ep. 307
Here’s a startling statistic. Harvard published the results of a survey of 17,000 managers, and one of the questions asked was this: When did you experience your first formal leadership training? The average age was 42. What would happen if we started with children instead of waiting until someone is so far into their career? You don’t have to wonder what would happen because our guest, Dr. Alan Nelson, has focused on teaching leadership to young people for almost 20 years. Alan is the Founder o...
Dec 10, 2024•51 min•Ep. 306
