Lisa Gardner is joined by business growth strategist Dana Earhart to explore the transformative power of wholistic leadership. Dana shares her personal journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur, revealing pivotal moments that reshaped her approach to work and life. They dive deep into the importance of creating a balanced life across five key pillars: health, relationships, finances, business, and leadership. Dana also provides invaluable insights on empowering teams, avoiding burnout, an...
Jul 09, 2025•52 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Lisa Gardner chats Sheena Chan, an author, speaker, and host of the popular "Tell Self Confidence" podcast about you can create your own confidence. Sheena shares her personal journey of starting her podcast in 2015 to provide representation and support for Asian women struggling with confidence issues. Through over 800 interviews with successful women, Sheena has uncovered key patterns and themes that help women build lasting self-confidence, including the importance of self-love, authenticity,...
Jun 26, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Lisa Gardner chats with Nina Vaca, the CEO of Pinnacle Group to discuss her personal journey and the key principles that have guided her success, including the importance of a growth mindset, courage, and transparency. Nina draws powerful parallels between her experiences as a triathlete and the leadership lessons she has applied in building her company. She emphasizes the value of practicing virtues like resilience, humility, and risk-taking, and how she has instilled these qualities in her org...
Jun 19, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Lisa Gardner chats with Jimmy Hart, Founder of Hart Global Industries, about a powerful framework called R.A.I. (Respect, Affirmation and Inclusion). Jimmy shares how his early experiences growing up during desegregation and mentorship from African American leaders shaped his passion for fostering respect, affirmation and inclusion in the communities he serves. He discusses how the R.A.I. framework can be implemented in schools to create a sense of belonging for all students, especially those wh...
Jun 11, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Lisa Gardner chats with Shonn Evans Brown, Chief Compliance Officer Of Heidelberg Materials North America, about the benefits of balance between adaptability and authenticity in professional settings. Shonn emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships, fostering trust, and engaging in meaningful conversations to bridge differences. She also highlights the challenges of being "othered" in professional spaces and advocates for aligning personal values with organizational missions. A...
Jan 23, 2025•55 min•Ep. 15
Lisa Gardner chats with Shellye Archambeau, author of "Unapologetically Ambitious," who shares the key traits she looks for in leaders, including intellectual curiosity, trasformative leadership, a desire to learn, and the ability to genuinely care. Shellye discusses navigating change by creating trust and empowerment, allowing teams to innovate. She recounts risks she took, from leading an initiative at IBM despite lacking expertise, to leaving a successful IBM career to become a CEO. Shelly em...
Nov 06, 2024•36 min•Ep. 20
Lisa Gardner chats with former Dallas mayor and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk to discuss his unique perspective on defining great leadership and transformative leadership. Ambassador Kirk emphasizes the importance of respect, empowerment, and surrounding oneself with diverse, talented teams. Ambassador Ron Kirk also reflects on his own career journey, highlighting the mentors who opened doors and the importance of paying it forward. He also discusses critical leadership challenges facing po...
Oct 30, 2024•59 min•Ep. 19
Lisa Gardner chats with Rosilyn Houston, Santander US CHRO, Senior Executive Vice President, about human-centric leadership, preparedness, human connection, and embracing growth opportunities shaped her career. Rosilyn discusses leading through the challenges of COVID-19 and an organizational divestment, relying on her faith to guide her team with compassion. She also addresses gender disparity in corporate leadership, advocating for greater access and opportunities for women, particularly women...
Oct 16, 2024•52 min•Ep. 17
Lisa Gardner chats with Leah Williams of digitalundivided to explore why many people show resistance to change, even though they have the ability to make it happen. Leah discusses her unconventional career path, emphasizing how curiosity, perseverance, and key relationships shaped her journey. She highlights systemic barriers for women of color in entrepreneurship and introduces the Capital Access Network (CAPEX network), a collaborative effort to bridge female investors with women-led businesse...
Oct 09, 2024•51 min•Ep. 16
Lisa Gardner chats with Paul R. Genender, a Chambers USA ranked trial attorney, on leadership, ethics, and integrity in his personal and professional life. Paul shares how his parents' values shaped his leadership style, emphasizing honesty, directness, and the importance of challenging conversations. He discusses balancing high expectations with unconditional love as a father and how this informs his leadership approach. Paul reflects on ethical dilemmas in his 30-year legal career, highlightin...
Sep 25, 2024•58 min•Ep. 14
Lisa Gardner chats with John Tarnoff, a former DreamWorks Executive and current reinvention career coach about how to maintain integrity while building a strong network and ageism in the workplace. John recounts personal experiences and offers valuable advice on how to navigate the workforce, emphasizing the significance of knowing your unique value and leveraging it in your professional journey. John discusses the power of networking as a tool to combat ageism and the necessity of developing a ...
Sep 18, 2024•52 min•Ep. 13
Lisa Gardner chats with Hugh Allen, the newly appointed Head of U.S. Commercial Real Estate at TD Bank about business ethics, and how to balance it against the need for profit. Hugh shares his journey from a commercial real estate lender to a leader of leaders, highlighting the evolution of his leadership style. He also dives into the importance of personal values in leadership, the impact of corporate culture, and the complexities of ethical decision-making in the banking and real estate sector...
Sep 11, 2024•30 min•Ep. 12
Lisa Gardner is joined by Michael Ford, Senior Vice President of Global Real Estate and Security at AT&T to discuss transformative leadership, business analysis, corporate real estate, innovation and dedication to operational excellence. Michael shares insights from his transformative role at Microsoft, overseeing global workplace services, security, and risk mitigation for over 200,000 employees. He delves into his early influences growing up in New Market, Alabama, his education at Alabama...
May 10, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Lisa Gardner chats with Anton Vincent, President of Mars Wrigley North America about his journey from junior professional to senior leader, emphasizing the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome and how you can lead with authenticity and intentionality in communication. Anton also discusses strategies for emerging leaders to overcome imposter syndrome and emphasizes recognizing one's unique value. Plus, Anton explores the evolution of consumer buy-in power, highlighting Mars' "Always a Treat...
May 03, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Lisa Gardner is joined by Darren L. James, President and Equity Partner at KAI Enterprises, to delve into his visionary approach to community development through inclusive design in architecture. From his strategic vision for KAI Enterprises' national growth to his pivotal role in transforming spaces like Fair Park in Dallas, Darren shares candid insights into overcoming challenges and building trust within under-invested communities. Together, Lisa And Darren explore the intersection of leaders...
Apr 26, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Lisa Gardner is joined by Brooke Armstrong, President of Advisory Services for Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas at CBRE to discuss her creative strategies for expanding market share, fostering diverse thought leadership, and empowering her team to innovate and collaborate with a phrase she’s taken on: “Have Strong Opinions Loosely Held”. Reflecting on her upbringing in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Brooke credits her parents, particularly her father's leadership in banking, for instilling high standards and a s...
Apr 19, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Lisa Gardner is joined by Kimberly and Ansley Carlisle, a mother-daughter duo, to discuss law, venture capital, leadership, faith and how to work around intimidation when you don’t think your voice is welcome in a boardroom meeting. From Kimberly's distinguished career as Chief Legal Officer for major international airports to Ansley's dynamic role in venture capital at Mark Cuban Companies, the duo brings a wealth of wisdom and expertise to the table. They explore the challenges and triumphs of...
Apr 12, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Lisa Garnder is joined by Christine Perez, the award-winning editor of DCEO magazine to discuss her journey through the evolving landscape of business journalism, her unwavering commitment to excellence, the inspirational stories that have shaped her career, and balancing the journalism code of ethics with personal gain or sensationalism. Together, they chat business journalism, exploring the significance of confidence and passion in achieving success. Christine discusses the challenges and rewa...
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Lisa Gardner is joined by Vicki Blanton, Assistant Vice President and Senior Legal Counsel for AT&T to discuss transformative leadership through mentorship, availability, and empathy. Vicki shares her journey, from founding the Village Giving Circle at the Texas Women's Foundation to serving on the SMU Dedman School of Law executive board. Celebrated for her community and justice work, Vicki stresses her dedication to diversity, equity, and closing the gender wage gap. They explore qualities...
Mar 29, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Lisa Gardner is joined by Ronald C. Parker, a former NFL player and current trailblazer in securities, transformative leadership, and diversity advocacy. As former president and CEO of The National Association of Securities Professionals and The Executive Leadership Council, Ron shares his remarkable journey from the NFL, to the corporate world, and then to nonprofit leadership. Their conversation delves into the critical intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion in business and beyond. R...
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Lisa Gardner is joined by Terrence and Tim Maiden. Terrence, chairman of the Maiden Foundation, and Tim, a titan in banking and education sectors, discuss their vision for ebing change agents, creating lasting change in underserved communities, addressing systemic inequities, and fostering inclusivity. Terrence and Tim delve into their shared history, from collegiate football triumphs to individual accolades and collective impact. They reflect on the core values that drive change agents, discuss...
Mar 15, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Lisa Gardner, is joined by Whitney Strauss, the Executive Director of AdvoCare Foundation and Senior Counsel at Sunwest Communications. Whitney discusses the evolution of diversity and inclusion, as well as the benefits of urban agriculture. Whitney also highlights her doctoral research on the impact of urban farms in addressing food insecurity across the United States. She shares stories of transformative community projects in Detroit, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, where local leaders have cre...
Mar 08, 2024•58 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Lisa Gardner is joined by Kimberly Brown, the president of the African American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP) in Los Angeles, to discuss authentic representation, diversity across the industry and the idea of “lifting as we climb”. Highlighting the influx of young talent dedicated to community development, Kimberly believes in the transformative potential of organizations like AAREP in nurturing talent and embedding equity in real estate projects. Through personal reflections and professiona...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 1
Lisa Gardner is joined by Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman at JLL. To discuss insights on overcoming challenges like discrimination and unconscious bias, the “pet to threat” phenomenon, having a mentor vs. Sponsor, and the importance of mentorship. With 33 years in real estate, Bulls discusses founding the African American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP) and the impact of diversity in corporate America. Bulls recounts his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing integrity, perseverance, and the power o...
Dec 15, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Lisa Gardner is joined by Dorothy Jones, Chief Marketing Officer at Dallas College, to discuss maintaining authenticity and integrity while trying to find a seat at the table in corporate settings. Dorothy shares her strategies for storytelling, the pressures women face in business, and the importance of mentorship and sponsorship. Dorothy also explores the cultural differences between the private sector and higher education, highlighting Dallas College's mission-driven culture. Gain insights in...
Dec 08, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Lisa Gardner is joined by Christa Brown Sanford, Chair of the Intellectual Property Department and key member of the Executive and Diversity & Inclusion Committees at her firm. Together they discuss boardroom dynamics and the balance between listening and speaking. Christa shares insights on balancing faith and professional life, highlighting daily prayer and reliance on God. She discusses career milestones, the importance of sponsorship, and the challenges of being a trailblazer as an Afric...
Dec 01, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Lisa Gardner is joined by Jordan A. Miller Jr., the chairman and CEO of Adelphi Bank, Ohio's first black owned bank. Miller shares his journey from early challenges, including dropping out of college and facing resistance as a black bank examiner, to his leadership role at Fifth Third Bank. He emphasizes the importance of economic access for the Black community, advocating for entrepreneurship and homeownership. Miller proposes incentivizing support for black-owned businesses and stresses the ne...
Nov 17, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Lisa Gardner is joined by Tamela Thornton, a luminary in real estate management, discussing her unwavering integrity, being true to yourself, and her career challenges. Thornton shares insights into maintaining authenticity and confronting adversity in a closed industry. Raised in a supportive Midwestern environment, she credits her upbringing for shaping her resilience and commitment to excellence. Reflecting on her journey, Thornton emphasizes the importance of humility, boldness, and empathy ...
Nov 10, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Lisa Gardner is joined by Garland Fuller, a DEI advocate with extensive experience in HR and talent acquisition to discuss how small moments are defining your leadership, the importance of fostering inclusion, and combating biases in corporate settings. She advises individuals, especially those in C-suite positions, to embrace continuous learning and seek diverse mentorship. The discussion highlights the need for inclusive leadership at all levels and addresses challenges in change management. F...
Nov 03, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Lisa Gardner is joined by Tori Littlejohn, JLL's senior managing director to discuss the transformative power of equity and the importance of fostering cultures of belonging. Discover how Tori's journey as the first black woman in her role shapes her insights and drives her passion for change. With personal anecdotes and practical strategies, this episode offers actionable insights into creating environments where everyone can thrive. Also in this episode: Diversity extends beyond race to includ...
Oct 27, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 4
