You Belong in the C-Suite

Listener Favorite: Who are your MVPs

In today's listener favorite, Laura dives into the importance of building meaningful partnerships in your career. Drawing from her experience and insights from her new book, Values First Teams , Laura shares her framework for identifying and nurturing your MVPs —your most valuable partnerships. Find here Laura’s first book – Values First. How Knowing Your Core Beliefs Can Get You the Life and Career You Want – Grab your copy today ! Love audiobooks? Values First is also available on Audible and ...

Business and Worker Well-being with Anant Nyshadham

In today's episode, Laura sits down with Anant Nyshadham, a development economist and tenured professor at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Anant is also the co-founder of Good Business Lab , an organization dedicated to improving working conditions for frontline workers, particularly women, in various industries. Anant's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in a small town in Georgia, he faced systemic inequities and extreme poverty, which shaped his resilience a...

Values First Teams Prologue / Intro

Values First Teams: How to Build a Culture That’s Synchronized for Success is out in the world and we couldn't be more excited! In today's episode, Laura shares the audio version of the prologue and introduction of this new book, diving deep into how you can build a culture that's synchronized for success. As leaders, you have the unique opportunity to shape the environments in which your teams operate, and Laura believes that leading with your values is the key to creating a thriving team cultu...

Values First Teams

In today's episode, we are doing things a little differently. We have author, story coach, and entrepreneur Lauren Marie Fleming interview Laura on her journey from the C-suite to becoming a coach and author, and how her experiences shaped her latest book, "Values First Teams", which launches on May 20th, 2025. Whether you're a leader looking to enhance your team's culture or a team member wanting to bring these concepts to your organization, this episode is packed with valuable insights and pra...

Listener Favorite: Values First Framework

In today's episode, Laura revisits the core principles of the Values First Framework, which she has used to coach high-achieving leaders like you. Whether you're just starting your career or are already in the C-suite, this framework is designed to meet you where you are and help you lead authentically. Laura truly believes that the best leaders never stop realigning with their values, and this episode is a perfect opportunity for you to reset and refocus. Don't miss out! Listen to the episode n...

Listener Favorite: Protect Your Time, Empower Your Team

Are you feeling overwhelmed by back-to-back meetings and struggling to find time for strategic thinking? You're not alone! Many leaders fall into traps that hinder their ability to delegate effectively and empower their teams. In today's episode, Laura brings back a listener favorite where she dives into the crucial topic of delegation and empowerment for leaders. Join Laura as she highlights three key traps they often encounter: 1. Comfort in the Weeds : Discover why it's easy to get bogged dow...

The Power of Leadership by Example with Kamya Elawadhi

In today's episode, Laura is joined by Kamya Elawadhi, a trailblazer at the intersection of healthcare and digital marketing. As a founding member of Doceree, Kamya shares her inspiring journey of launching a company during the pandemic and how they have successfully tripled revenue while expanding into major global markets. Kamya discusses her passion for public health, her advocacy for gender equality in tech, and the importance of building a diverse and inclusive workplace. With 55% of Docere...

Listener Favorite: Shifting from Culture Fit to Values Alignment

In today's episode, Laura dives deep into the concept of values alignment versus the traditional notion of culture fit . As an organizational psychologist, Laura shares her insights on why the term "culture fit" can be problematic and how it often leads to unconscious bias in hiring and team dynamics. Join us as we explore: The true meaning behind culture fit and its limitations The importance of defining and articulating organizational values How to identify toxic cultures and the red flags to ...

Aligning Values for Career Impact with Wendy Gonzalez

Welcome to Season 5 of the You Belong in the C-Suite podcast! In this episode, host Laura sits down with Wendy Gonzalez, the CEO of Samasource, a leader in providing high-quality training data for AI technology. Wendy shares her inspiring career journey, from her roots as a child of immigrants to her pivotal role in a mission-driven organization that aims to create jobs in underserved communities. Here are some key takeaways from this conversation: Values Alignment : Wendy shares her pivotal mom...

Podcast the Year Ahead 2025

Welcome to the You Belong in the C-Suite podcast! In this episode, Laura wraps up season 4 and gives you an exciting sneak peek into what’s coming in season 5. Join Laura as she reflects on the journey so far, shares her gratitude for the listeners, and outlines three big themes for the upcoming season: Keeping What Works : Expect inspiring interviews with thought leaders, solo episodes addressing common leadership challenges, and insights into Laura's personal and professional growth. Trying Ne...

Podcast 2024 Year in Review

As we wrap up another incredible season of the You Belong in the C-Suite podcast, we want to take a moment to reflect on the amazing journey we've had together. This season marks our fourth, and we couldn't be more grateful for the connections we've built and the insights we've shared. In this special episode, Laura highlights five of her most impactful conversations from Season 4, featuring thought leaders who have inspired her to lead with her values and embrace her authentic self. We invite y...

Listener Favorite: You Are Already Ready

As we approach the holiday season, we want to take a moment to remind you of something incredibly important: You are already ready for that next step in your career! In this week's episode, Laura shares insights from a recent coaching session that inspired her to bring back this listener favorite. Many women leaders often feel they aren't ready for promotions or new opportunities, even when they have the skills and experience to excel. If you've ever felt this way, you're not alone! Laura dives ...

Why You Need a Community to Support Your Growth

In today's episode, Laura sits down with three inspiring leaders from her group coaching program: Kate Helmick, Tara Hesson, and Marilyn Woodruff. Together, they share their experiences from the recent in-person retreat, discussing the power of community, the importance of values in leadership, and the challenges they face, such as imposter syndrome and advocating for themselves authentically. Whether you're feeling lost in your career, seeking clarity on your values, or simply looking for inspi...

Pausing with Praise

As we wind down the year, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of wrapping up projects and planning for the next big thing. But what if we told you that taking a moment to reflect and celebrate achievements—both yours and your team's—can be incredibly beneficial? In this episode, Laura shares insights on why many of us downplay the need for recognition, and how this can impact our motivation and career growth. She’ll guide you through the VALUES FIRST framework , focusing on the "...

How I Invested In Myself This Year

Today, Laura talks about a topic close to her heart: investing in yourself. In this episode, she models her core values of growth and balance by sharing how she has prioritized her personal development this year. From coaching and therapy to her passion for rowing, she discusses the tangible steps she has taken to ensure that she's not just pouring her energy into her work, but also nurturing her own growth and well-being. Additionally, she discusses how she has invested in her core value of bal...

Putting the No in November

As we transition into November and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begin, Laura takes a moment to talk about something that can truly transform your life and career: the power of saying "no". In this week's episode of the You Belong in the C-Suite Podcast , she dives deep into why saying no is not just okay, but essential for your well-being and success. Many of us struggle with the urge to please others, often at the expense of our own needs and values. But by saying yes to everythi...

Have the Difficult Conversation You Know You Need to Have

In today's episode, Laura dives deep into a topic that is crucial for effective leadership: the importance of having difficult conversations. She goes over the most common challenge many leaders face—avoiding tough conversations. Whether it's due to fear of conflict, concern for relationships, or simply feeling unprepared, these hesitations can lead to unresolved issues and increased tension within teams. Laura explores the concept of triangulation, where feedback is given to a third party inste...

Protect Your Time, Empower Your Team

In today's episode, Laura goes over the common traps that leaders fall into that hinder their effectiveness and overwhelm their schedules. Are you finding yourself buried in back-to-back meetings, struggling to focus on strategic work? You're not alone! Laura discusses three key traps: Getting comfortable in the weeds : Learn how being too involved in day-to-day details can prevent you from focusing on long-term strategic priorities. Protecting your team : Discover why shielding your team from w...

Start Your End of Year Wind Down Now (not in December)

As we approach the end of the year, Laura takes a moment to reflect on her journeys and the importance of slowing down. In this week's episode, she dives deep into the concept of winding down instead of ramping up as we head into the final quarter of 2024. This episode is all about embracing balance and redefining success. Laura shares her personal struggles with perfectionism and the chaos that often accompanies the end of the year. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to meet every goal and push t...

Less is More in Customer Experience with Jessica Kinghorn

In today's episode, Jessica Kinghorn, principal consultant at Kinghorn Strategy, shares her wealth of knowledge on how organizations can enhance their customer journeys and create meaningful experiences. With over 20 years of experience in organizational strategy and customer experience, Jessica has a unique perspective on the importance of aligning teams and simplifying processes to better serve customers. Some key takeaways from the conversation are: Understanding Customer Experience : Jessica...

Sustaining Your Core Values Over Time

Welcome to the final episode of our Values First Framework / Book Club series, where Laura explores each section of the Values First Framework. In this episode, Laura dives into the crucial step of Sustaining Values. Discover how to maintain an intentional and consistent practice of living and leading with your core values. Laura shares her personal journey of overcoming limiting beliefs and embracing her entrepreneurial spirit, illustrating how she transitioned from a corporate role to founding...

Using Your Values to Manage Conflict

Welcome to this week's episode of the You Belong in the C-Suite podcast! Join Laura as she continues the exploration of the Values First framework. In this episode, she dives into the theme of experiencing conflict—a crucial aspect of leadership that often goes unaddressed. Laura discusses various types of conflict, including internal conflicts with personal values, task or strategy conflicts, and interpersonal conflicts within teams. She shares her own experiences and insights on how to navigat...

Uplifting Others Through Your Leadership

Uplifting others is a critical aspect of leadership. It involves receiving support from peers and mentors to uphold one's values and boundaries, as well as supporting others in doing the same. In today's episode, Laura discusses the importance of uplifting others in the Values First framework. She shares personal stories and practical tips on how leaders can support their teams while staying true to their values and boundaries. Join Laura as she explores the impact of peer feedback, building a p...

Building Boundaries to Care for Your Values

Building boundaries is crucial for both career success and personal well-being. By setting and upholding boundaries, individuals can prioritize their values, safeguard their well-being, and establish a work environment that aligns with their core beliefs. Building boundaries not only enhances personal well-being but also boosts career success by enabling individuals to focus on what truly matters to them and avoid burnout. In today's episode, Laura shares insights, personal experiences, and acti...

Are You Living Your Core Values?

Identifying and clarifying core values is essential for living a fulfilling and purposeful life. In today's episode, Laura continues the Values First book club series by focusing on the second section of the framework, Audit Time. Join Laura as she delves into the importance of auditing where your core values show up in your life and how to increase the frequency of utilizing them. She introduces a valuable tool called the Values Check-in and shares a chapter from the Values First audiobook to i...

Clarifying Your Values

Did you know that clarifying your core values can shape your decision-making and career success? In today's episode, the first of this book club series, Laura explores the steps of the Values First framework, starting with clarifying your core values. She discusses how to identify what matters most to you and how to set a foundation of your core values. She also touches on the importance of auditing your time, setting life boundaries, uplifting others, experiencing conflict, and sustaining value...

Building Team Health with Katie McLaughlin

In today's episode, Laura reconnects with Katie McLaughlin to discuss the importance of team health and leadership in shaping team culture. Katie, an experienced workshop facilitator and strategy consultant, shares insights on improving team dynamics and building a collaborative culture. They explore the value of bringing in a third party to provide a fresh perspective and practical solutions for team challenges. They also discuss the importance of investing in your team's health, the impact of ...

Get the Job by Declaring Your Expertise with Annie Yang

Common Pain Points of Senior Leadership Teams with James Madison

In today's episode, Laura and guest James Madison delve into some common pain points faced by senior leadership teams, such as tolerating poor performance, comparisonitis, and the importance of focusing on the one thing that truly matters. Join the conversation as they explore the impact of culture, strategy, and decision-making within senior leadership teams. Discover practical insights on prioritization, empowerment, and the power of saying no to good ideas. If you're interested in gaining val...

Listener Favorite: The New Type A: Authentic

Welcome to this listener favorite! In today's episode, Laura delves into the concept of authenticity in leadership, exploring the shift from the traditional Type A personality to the new Type A - Authenticity. If you're a high-achieving individual looking to make a difference in your career while staying true to yourself, this episode is for you. Learn how to lead authentically, drive results, and create a positive work environment that fosters growth and development. Laura’s first book – Values...