Badass Leaders Podcast: Leadership, Career Growth, and Company Culture

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with business acceleration strategist, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence expert Chris Salem to explore why communication is the foundation of sustainable leadership and long-term business success.

Chris shares his deeply personal journey from burnout, anxiety, and seeking external validation to becoming a leading voice on emotional intelligence, effective communication, and sustainable success. Together, Angela and Chris challenge the idea that emotional intelligence is simply a "soft skill," arguing instead that it's one of the most important business skills leaders can develop.

They discuss why great organizations remain adaptable while others become stagnant, how leaders unintentionally create cultures where employees don't feel seen or heard, and why so many workplace challenges can be traced back to communication breakdowns rather than strategy failures.

Along the way, they dive into practical leadership lessons on building resilient teams, preventing burnout, creating psychologically safe workplaces, improving customer experience, and leading with greater self-awareness.

Learn more about Chris Salem:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.salem.773
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisrsalem/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersalem/
• Website: http://www.christophersalem.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/christopherrsalem
• Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/chrisrsalem
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/353WlixQoLa3JNifg5NXyv
• Book:https://www.amazon.com/Master-Your-Inner-Critic-Prosperity/dp/1938015525
• Other:https://sustainablesuccess.net/services/

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Good to Great by Jim Collins
• Getting to Aha! by Andy Cunningham
• No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer

Timestamps:

00:00 Understanding Workplace Conflict and Communication

02:01 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

11:13 Defining Emotional Intelligence and Its Impact

24:35 Discipline and Personal Well-being in Leadership

29:12 Recognizing and Combating Burnout

31:34 The Holy Shift Moment: Personal Transformation

42:00 Building a Sustainable Foundation for Success

44:59 The Process of Sustainable Success

47:43 The Importance of Effective Communication

01:03:07 Breaking Barriers in Leadership Communication

01:11:23 The Four Pillars of Success

01:24:35 The Power of Giving and Receiving

The discussion also tackles questions…

• What is emotional intelligence, and why is it essential for effective leadership?
• How do you prevent burnout while maintaining high performance?
• What does sustainable success actually look like?
• Why do employees leave organizations even when the pay is good?
• How can leaders improve communication across different personality types and generations?
• What causes workplace disengagement and poor team culture?
• How do you build a psychologically safe workplace?
• Why do businesses often "break in the middle" instead of at the top?
• What are the warning signs of poor communication inside an organization?
• How do you adapt your communication style to different people?
• Why is customer experience directly connected to emotional intelligence?
• How do you create a more resilient and adaptable organization?
• What are the foundations of a robust leadership culture?
• How can leaders become better listeners?
• What daily habits help leaders avoid burnout and make better decisions?
• Why do personal experiences shape leadership more than most people realize?
• How do you break unhealthy leadership patterns inherited from childhood?
• What does it really mean to lead with empathy without becoming a people pleaser?
• How do you create healthy boundaries as a leader?

Key takeaways:

1. Emotional intelligence is not a soft skill. It's a business strategy. 
2. Most organizational problems are communication problems before they become operational problems.
3. Sustainable success requires adaptability, not perfection. 
4. Great leaders focus on what they can control.
5. Burnout begins long before people recognize it. 
6. Communication should adapt to the listener, not the speaker. Effective leaders understand that different personalities, generations, and communication styles process information differently. 
7. Company culture is built through daily leadership behaviors, not mission statements.
8. Personal growth and leadership growth cannot be separated. 
9. Customer experience is a direct reflection of leadership culture. 
10. Leadership is measured by the people you develop, not the 

Similar episodes: 

AI Won’t Replace You… But This Will (Lessons from Microsoft) | Allister Frost: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhe_CKZiR28 

Why High Performers Stay Stuck (And How to Break Through) | Hilary Porta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTeEcOqZ7lE&t=26s 

The Leadership Secrets Behind The 4 Disciplines of Execution | Jim Huling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_oYkReLpQU 

Production

Produced by: The AGN Group

Host: Angela Gill Nelms

Producer: Katie Hart

Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.

Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com

About The AGN Group:

At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/

Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/ 

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Brandon Smith, leadership coach, TEDx speaker, professor at Emory University, and author known as "The Workplace Therapist." Together, they explore the human side of leadership and why so many workplace challenges are rooted in psychology rather than process.

Brandon shares the deeply personal story of growing up with a debilitating stutter, how that experience shaped his understanding of communication and resilience, and why he believes purpose is often born from pain. The conversation dives into narcissistic leadership, toxic workplace cultures, trust, vulnerability, curiosity, and the hidden costs of urgency-driven organizations.

You'll also learn Brandon's powerful frameworks for building trust, navigating difficult leaders, setting healthy boundaries, creating psychological safety, and moving from being the hero of the team to becoming the leader who develops others

Learn More About Brandon Smith:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandonsmithwpt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsmithtwpt/
• Website: www.theworksmiths.com /  www.theworkplacetherapist.com 

Timestamps:

00:00 The Chaos of Urgency in Leadership
02:12 Brandon Smith: The Workplace Therapist's Journey
06:18 The Impact of a Horrible Boss on Leadership Philosophy
11:51 Balancing Compassion and Accountability in Leadership
16:32 Overcoming Stuttering: A Journey to Empathy
20:25 The Role of Pain in Finding Purpose
25:59 Understanding Narcissism in Leadership
30:00 Identifying Narcissistic Traits in Interviews
34:02 Understanding Narcissism and Insecurity
35:16 Healthy Confidence vs. Narcissism
39:32 The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership
44:14 The Dilemma of Toxic Leaders
48:54 Recognizing Adaptation to Toxic Environments
57:02 Building Trust Through Vulnerability and Curiosity
01:05:00 The Impact of Curiosity and Questioning
01:08:52 Understanding Assumptions and Clarifying Questions
01:12:55 The Importance of Personal Branding in Leadership
01:20:01 Managing Urgency and Prioritization in Leadership
01:26:59 Rapid Fire Insights and Final Thoughts

The discussion also tackles questions…

• What is the difference between confidence and narcissism in leadership?
• How do narcissistic leaders impact team culture and performance?
• Why do organizations tolerate toxic high performers?
• What are the warning signs of a dysfunctional workplace?
• How can employees protect themselves when working for a toxic leader?
• Why is curiosity one of the most important leadership skills?
• How do assumptions damage communication and trust?
• What does healthy vulnerability look like in leadership?
• How is psychological safety created on a team?
• Why do leaders struggle to build trust with employees?
• What is the relationship between authenticity, vulnerability, and credibility?
• Why are so many leaders addicted to urgency?
• What is the Hot Sauce Principle?
• How can leaders distinguish healthy pressure from toxic pressure?
• Why do organizations unintentionally create burnout?
• What is the difference between being an "Author" and an "Editor" as a leader?
• Why do high performers struggle to delegate?
• How can leaders stop being the hero and start developing others?
• How do communication skills impact leadership effectiveness?
• Can resilience and confidence be developed over time?

10 Key Takeaways from Brandon Smith on Leadership, Trust, and Workplace Culture

1. The Best Leaders Build Trust Through Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Credibility
2. Purpose Often Emerges from Life's Hardest Experiences
3. Curiosity Is One of the Most Underrated Leadership Skills
4. Narcissistic Leadership Creates Long-Term Damage to Teams
5. Psychological Safety Starts with the Leades
6. Most Workplace Conflicts Are Rooted in Poor Communication
7. Healthy Urgency Creates Focus; Excessive Urgency Creates Chaos
8. Leadership Is About Developing People, Not Becoming the Hero
9. Strong Boundaries Protect Both Performance and Well-Being
10. Resilience and Agency Can Be Developed Over Time

Similar Episodes

• Patrick Lyons: https://youtu.be/Crf6TXEB-Rk?si=rifGZy1I2LH-oFF3 
• Jim Huiling: https://youtu.be/P_oYkReLpQU?si=UjLWWJAIkBfgyn8r 

Production

Produced by: The AGN Group

Host: Angela Gill Nelms

Producer: Katie Hart

Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.

Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com

About The AGN Group:

At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/

Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/ 

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela sits down with leadership expert, executive coach, and bestselling author Jim Huling, co-author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution, to explore what it really takes to build high-performing teams, execute what matters most, and create a legacy that outlasts your title.

Together, they challenge outdated leadership models built on compliance and control, and make the case for a more powerful approach rooted in curiosity, commitment, empowerment, and accountability. Jim shares lessons from coaching more than 20,000 leaders around the world, while Angela brings practical insights from scaling organizations, leading startups, and developing the next generation of leaders.

The conversation explores why top talent leaves organizations, how leaders accidentally create cultures of disengagement, and why sustainable performance requires more than motivational speeches and short-term wins. They also unpack the difference between playing to win and playing not to lose, and how that mindset shapes everything from decision-making to innovation.

Learn more about Jim Huling:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhuling/ 
• Book: https://www.amazon.com/Disciplines-Execution-Achieving-Wildly-Important/dp/145162705X
  
  

Timestamps:

00:00 The Evolving Landscape of Leadership

07:36 From Success to Significance

11:47 Stages of Leadership Development

19:48 Curiosity as a Leadership Tool

25:37 Empowerment Over Compliance

30:59 The Cost of Talent Loss

37:15 Playing to Win vs. Playing Not to Lose

45:12 The Importance of Humility and Collaboration

48:00 The Impact of Toxic Culture on Organizations

51:25 Starting Anew: The Power of Leadership Example

56:01 The Role of Coaches in Leadership

01:00:00 Execution: From Strategy to Action

01:07:00 The Four Disciplines of Execution

01:27:20 Building Relationships for Success

01:28:44 Understanding Lagging and Leading Indicators

01:32:15 The Importance of Leading Measures

01:38:03 Engagement and Meaning in Leadership

01:48:01 The Power of Accountability

The discussion also tackles questions…

• Why do leaders struggle to execute their most important goals?
• What are the biggest mistakes leaders make when managing high performers?
• How do you create commitment instead of compliance?
• Why is curiosity one of the most important leadership skills today?
• How can leaders retain top talent in a competitive market?
• What's the difference between empowering people and simply delegating work?
• How do you build a culture where people feel safe speaking up?
• Why are younger generations challenging traditional leadership models?
• How can leaders balance accountability with collaboration?
• What does it mean to move from achievement to scalability to legacy?
• How do you identify and focus on your wildly important goals?
• Why do so many teams achieve short-term wins but fail to sustain performance?
• What does "playing to win" look like in leadership and business?
• How can organizations create cultures that drive innovation, engagement, and long-term results?

Key takeaways:

1. Great leaders move from achievement to legacy.

2. Sustainable success requires more than short-term wins.

3. Commitment always outperforms compliance.

4. Curiosity is one of the most powerful leadership skills.

5. Top talent leaves when their voice does not matter.

6. Empowerment creates stronger teams than delegation.

7. The fastest way to improve execution is to focus on what matters most.

8. Leaders should play to win, not play not to lose.

9. Culture determines whether people speak up or stay silent.

10. Every new level of leadership requires a new version of you.

Similar episodes: 

• Scott Wozniak: https://youtu.be/YJ05Ewazics?si=kLjRjiyH-yWiYKFR 
• Allister Frost: https://youtu.be/mhe_CKZiR28?si=HHOsvLVP4gQJR2GG 
• Mark Williams: https://youtu.be/RVhQK9FT0hI?si=LamgObAHOcu_UqwB 

Production

Produced by: The AGN Group

Host: Angela Gill Nelms

Producer: Katie Hart

Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.

Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com

About The AGN Group:

At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/

Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/ 

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela sits down with Jessica Tracy, Certified Jungian Coach, consultant, speaker, and former corporate executive, to explore the hidden cost of high performance and why so many successful leaders find themselves battling anxiety, burnout, and a lingering sense that something is missing.

Jessica shares her personal journey from thriving in high-pressure corporate leadership roles to confronting the trauma, perfectionism, and need for external validation that were quietly driving her life. Together, Angela and Jessica discuss the warning signs leaders often ignore, the limitations of traditional approaches to mental health, and why self-awareness, creativity, rest, and inner work are becoming essential leadership skills.

The conversation dives into topics like shadow work, emotional regulation, workplace mental health, leadership blind spots, and how unresolved stress can impact not only individual performance but entire team cultures. Jessica also explains how Jungian psychology, archetypes, dream work, and alternative healing modalities can help leaders gain deeper insight into themselves and lead more consciously.

Learn More About Jessica Tracy:

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jessica.tracy.547 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jessicatracy_ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-tracy-gbds-clcs/
• Website: https://www.jessicathejungian.coach/
• Substack https://jessicathejungiancoach.substack.com/
  
  

The discussion also tackles questions…

• Why do high performers often struggle with anxiety and burnout?
• What are the early warning signs that you're heading toward burnout?
• Why doesn't traditional success always lead to fulfillment?
• What do most executives misunderstand about stress?
• How can leaders become more self-aware?
• What is shadow work, and why does it matter for leadership?
• How does unresolved trauma show up in decision-making and team culture?
• What does emotionally regulated leadership actually look like?
• Why are creativity, rest, and play critical for high performance?
• What are some practical ways leaders can improve their mental health?
• How can organizations better support employee well-being?
• What role do alternative healing modalities play in personal growth and transformation?
• How can leaders identify and overcome their unconscious blind spots?

Themes:

• Leadership and self-awareness
• High performance and burnout
• Executive mental health
• Emotional regulation
• Shadow work and personal growth
• Jungian psychology
• Leadership blind spots
• Trauma and resilience
• Workplace mental health
• Conscious leadership
• Creativity and innovation
• Rest, play, and sustainable performance
• Team culture and psychological safety
• Alternative healing modalities
• Personal transformation

Produced by: The AGN Group

Host: Angela Gill Nelms

Producer: Katie Hart

Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.

Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com

About The AGN Group:

At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/

Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email [email protected].

In this special re-release of one of the most personal episodes in Badass Leaders Podcast history, Gia Ganesh takes over the host chair and turns the tables on Angela Gill Nelms.

Angela opens up about the experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy, from surviving an abusive childhood and becoming a single mother, to earning an engineering degree while raising a daughter with special needs, leading high-growth companies, and building a career centered on helping others reach their full potential.

Together, Angela and Gia explore the meaning behind "Be Brave. Be Badass.," the power of resilience, how to overcome perfectionism and imposter syndrome, what great leaders understand about conflict resolution, and why emotional intelligence matters more than raw talent.

As an added bonus, this episode features People Multiple host Gia Ganesh before the launch of her own podcast. Be sure to check out People Multiple, with the first three episodes available now.

Learn More About Gia:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/giaganesh/ 
• https://www.peoplemultiple.com/ 

The Discussion Also Tackles Questions Like...

• What does "Be Brave. Be Badass." actually mean?
• How do you overcome imposter syndrome as a leader?
• How can leaders stop perfectionism from holding them back?
• What are the warning signs of burnout?
• How do you know when it's time to take a step back from work?
• What makes someone coachable?
• Why is emotional intelligence more important than technical expertise?
• How do great leaders handle conflict?
• What does healthy conflict look like on a team?
• How can leaders give and receive feedback more effectively?
• How do you build a strong personal brand?

Themes

• Resilience and adversity
• Leadership development
• Personal growth and self-awareness
• Burnout and recovery
• Emotional intelligence
• Coachability and feedback
• Personal branding
• Conflict resolution
• Women in leadership
• High-performance leadership
• Perfectionism and imposter syndrome
• Building great teams
• Lifelong learning
• Career pivots and reinvention

Production

Produced by: The AGN Group

Host: Angela Gill Nelms

Producer: Katie Hart

Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.

Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com

About The AGN Group:

At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/

Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Sam Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Amissa Health, to unpack the massive gaps in women’s healthcare, the business opportunity behind menopause care, and the reality of building a startup in an industry most people still feel uncomfortable talking about.

Angela and Sam dive deep into the emotional reality of entrepreneurship, startup failure, fundraising as a female founder, healthcare innovation, AI in medicine, the hidden burden women carry in leadership, and why the future of healthcare depends on better data, better workflows, and better listening.

They also explore the business case for women’s health, why symptom tracking matters, how healthcare systems are failing both patients and clinicians, and what founders need to understand about resilience, timing, and learning through failure.

Learn More About Sam Smith:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amissa_inc/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-c-smith52415/
• Website: www.amissa.com 

Mentioned in this Episode: 

• Seed the South: https://www.seedthesouth.com/ 
• Techstars AI Health Baltimore
• NIH (National Institutes of Health)
• Epic Systems
• Oura Ring
• Menopause Society certification (formerly NAMS)
• Women’s Health Access Matters (WHAM)

The discussion also tackles questions…

• Why is women’s health historically underfunded and overlooked?
• What are the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause?
• How can wearable data improve menopause care?
• Why do so many women struggle to get diagnosed during menopause?
• How does symptom tracking help doctors make better decisions?
• Why are healthcare startups so difficult to build?
• What do investors look for in healthcare startups?
• What is it really like to raise money as a female founder?
• How can AI and wearable technology improve healthcare outcomes?
• Why do so many startups fail even when the idea is strong?
• What lessons do entrepreneurs learn from failure?
• How do healthcare systems handle menopause care today?
• Why are women leaving the workforce during menopause?
• What makes a good founder or startup leader?
• How can founders protect their mental health during high-growth periods?
• Why is timing so important in startups and innovation?
• What role does data play in improving patient care?
• How can clinicians better support women navigating menopause?

Themes:

• Entrepreneurship & startup resilience
• Women’s health innovation
• Menopause & perimenopause care
• Healthcare technology & AI
• Wearable data & symptom tracking
• Startup failure & rebuilding
• Female founders & fundraising
• Leadership under pressure
• Healthcare system inefficiencies
• Founder mental health
• Product-market timing
• Data-driven healthcare
• Healthcare workflow innovation
• Building mission-driven companies
• The business opportunity in women’s health
• Leadership, motherhood, and ambition
• Healthcare accessibility & patient advocacy

Production

Produced by: The AGN Group

Host: Angela Gill Nelms

Producer: Katie Hart

Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.

Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com

About The AGN Group:

At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/

Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/ 

What if the biggest thing holding people back from success isn’t lack of skill — but the belief that they’re not worthy of a second chance?

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes, for a powerful conversation about leadership, human dignity, confidence, and the systems that help people rebuild their lives.

Bonni shares her journey from a shy Arizona kid who often felt like an outsider to becoming the second CEO in Working Wardrobes’ 30+ year history. Along the way, she opens up about imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, learning to “wear your own damn shoes,” and why great leadership starts with truly seeing people as humans.

Together, Angela and Bonni explore what it takes to build high-performing teams without losing humanity, how data and empathy can coexist in leadership, and why nonprofit leadership is every bit as strategic and operationally complex as the corporate world.

The conversation also dives into the transformative work Working Wardrobes is doing to help people overcome barriers to employment — from career readiness and confidence building to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals re-entering the workforce with dignity and purpose.

Learn More About Bonni Pomush:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonni-pomush-1106b513/
• Website: https://www.workingwardrobes.org/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingwardrobes1597
• Podcast: https://www.workingwardrobes.org/rebuilding-careers-podcast/

Mentioned in this Episode: 

• Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement Framework
• First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman
• Scott KartvetL https://youtu.be/S5jEUv6gLdE?si=pQCYCjtSCr4r4wxN 
• Raheem Beyah: https://youtu.be/qab7tPVmWng?si=mHzzLBCmx1vhlcBp 
• Brian Rowe: https://youtu.be/sMWZ5bhTZ0M?si=uG_uFn-en-rxg2zW 

The discussion also tackles questions…

• How do great leaders balance accountability with empathy?
• What does “strengths-based leadership” actually look like in practice?
• How do you build a high-performing team culture?
• Why do so many leaders struggle with imposter syndrome?
• What’s the difference between being “fair” and being “equal” as a leader?
• How do you step into leadership after a long-time founder leaves?
• Why do people resist data-driven leadership decisions?
• How can leaders create psychological safety on their teams?
• What soft skills are most important for people entering the workforce today?
• How do nonprofits measure success and organizational impact?
• What barriers do formerly incarcerated individuals face when re-entering the workforce?
• How can organizations support second chances and workforce re-entry?
• Why is curiosity one of the most important leadership skills?
• What does it mean to truly “see humans as humans”?
• How do you help employees discover and use their strengths?
• Why is career exploration so important early in your professional journey?
• How do leaders avoid making changes too quickly in a new organization?
• What can businesses learn from nonprofit leadership?

Themes:

• Human-centered leadership
• Strengths-based leadership
• Nonprofit leadership
• Leadership development
• Emotional intelligence
• Workforce development
• Career readiness
• Confidence and self-worth
• Imposter syndrome
• Data-driven leadership
• Organizational culture
• Team performance
• Psychological safety
• Leadership transitions
• Founder succession
• Trauma-informed leadership
• Second chances and re-entry
• Personal growth
• Purpose-driven work
• Leadership and humanity

Production

Produced by: The AGN Group

Host: Angela Gill Nelms

Producer: Katie Hart

Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.

Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com

About The AGN Group:

At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/

Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/ 

What can fighter pilots teach us about leadership, trust, accountability, and high-performance teams?

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with former Blue Angels pilot, Navy fighter pilot, combat commander, and Top Gun: Maverick stunt pilot Scott “Intake” Kartvedt for a conversation about elite performance under pressure and the leadership lessons that apply far beyond aviation.

Scott shares stories from combat deployments, the Blue Angels, Hollywood film sets, and military leadership to break down how high-performing teams operate when mistakes carry real consequences. Together, Angela and Scott explore the importance of preparation, honest feedback, psychological safety, resilience, communication, and building cultures rooted in trust and accountability.

The conversation also dives into leadership development, decision-making under stress, learning from failure, surrounding yourself with the right people, and why many organizations struggle to create environments where people feel safe admitting mistakes.

From leading combat squadrons to working alongside Tom Cruise on Top Gun: Maverick and Mission Impossible, Scott reveals what elite teams understand about performance, discipline, and teamwork that every leader can apply.

Learn More About Scott Kartvedt:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottkartvedt/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kartvedt/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottKartvedt/
• Website: https://scottkartvedt.com/ 
• Scott’s book, Full Throttle: From the Blue Angels to Hollywood Stunt Pilot: https://www.amazon.com/Full-Throttle-Angels-Hollywood-Stunt/dp/B0C9S7HD3V 

Mentioned in this Episode: 

• Top Gun: Maverick: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13907124/ 
• Blue Angels: https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/ 
• Lake Placid Ironman: https://www.ironman.com/races/im-lake-placid 

Similar Episodes

• Brandon Williams (fighter pilot & business leader): https://youtu.be/okCk8B_UEUE 
• Andrew Dingee (fighter pilot and BP executive): https://youtu.be/7eR-ui05Or0 

The discussion also tackles questions…
What separates people who succeed in elite environments from those who quit?

• How do fighter pilots stay calm under extreme pressure?
• What can businesses learn from Blue Angels debrief culture?
• Why do high-performing teams struggle with accountability?
• How do great leaders create trust inside organizations?
• What does “slow is smooth, smooth is fast” actually mean?
• How can leaders give and receive feedback more effectively?
• What leadership lessons apply from combat aviation to corporate teams?
• How do elite performers train for high-stakes decision-making?
• What can organizations learn from military leadership and culture?
• How do you build resilient teams that perform under pressure?
• Why is admitting mistakes critical to leadership success?
• What challenges do veterans face transitioning into civilian life?
• How do you know when to say yes to opportunities?
• What does Top Gun get right about fighter pilot culture?

Themes:

• Leadership under pressure
• Elite performance culture
• Accountability and ownership
• Team trust and communication
• High-performance teams
• Psychological safety
• Feedback and debrief culture
• Resilience and perseverance
• Decision-making under stress
• Fighter pilot mindset
• Blue Angels leadership lessons
• Military leadership
• Risk management and safety
• Purpose and identity
• Veteran transition to civilian life
• Mentorship and surrounding yourself with the right people
• Growth mindset and continuous improvement
• Strategic communication
• Training and preparation
• Leadership development

Production

Produced by: The AGN Group

Host: Angela Gill Nelms

Producer: Katie Hart

Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.

Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com

About The AGN Group:

At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/

Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/ 

Not every client is worth keeping—and the best leaders know when to walk away.

In this powerful compilation episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms brings together real stories from founders, executives, and operators who made one of the hardest decisions in business: firing a client.

From walking away from $30K/month in recurring revenue to cutting ties with million-dollar accounts, these leaders share what happens when values, respect, and alignment break down—and why protecting your team, culture, and long-term vision matters more than short-term profit.

You’ll hear firsthand how toxic client relationships impact team morale, decision-making, and growth—and how choosing boundaries over revenue often leads to better opportunities, stronger leadership credibility, and healthier businesses.

If you’ve ever questioned whether to hold onto a difficult client, this episode will challenge your thinking and give you the clarity (and courage) to act.

Watch the full interviews here:

• Ed Morgan: https://youtu.be/w3MDOEksdQM 
• Barrie Cohen: https://youtu.be/b2ePNiJOuRY 
• Marc Reifenrath: https://youtu.be/x4yuJeb3G4Q 
• Anne Chow: https://youtu.be/JrgdCCOwkG0 
• Drew Harden: https://youtu.be/Z1xPDTB_TxA 
• Dr. Kofi Smith: https://youtu.be/5CKPG7nfwww 

The discussion also tackles questions…
When is it time to fire a client—even if they’re bringing in significant revenue?

• How do you know if a client relationship is misaligned with your values or culture?
• What are the hidden costs of keeping the wrong client?
• How do toxic clients impact team morale, retention, and performance?
• Should leaders prioritize revenue or protecting their people?
• What role do core values play in deciding to walk away from business?
• How do you handle clients who are disrespectful, controlling, or uncoachable?
• What happens after you fire a major client—does the business recover?
• How can firing a client actually create better opportunities?
• How do you communicate the decision internally and externally?

Themes:

• Leadership courage and decision-making under pressure
• Values-driven leadership vs. revenue-driven decisions
• Protecting team culture and morale
• Boundaries in business relationships
• Opportunity cost and strategic growth
• Client alignment and partnership vs. vendor dynamics
• Emotional intelligence in high-stakes situations
• Long-term thinking vs. short-term gain
• Empowering teams and earning trust as a leader

Production

Produced by: The AGN Group

Host: Angela Gill Nelms

Producer: Katie Hart

Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.

Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com

About The AGN Group:

At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/

Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/ 

What if the real reason you feel stuck isn’t your strategy, your team, or your execution—but your identity?

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Hilary Porta, identity and performance expert, to unpack what actually drives leadership behavior, decision-making, and long-term success. This conversation goes beyond mindset and into the subconscious patterns, nervous system responses, and internal beliefs that quietly shape how leaders show up.

Hilary shares how high performers unknowingly sabotage their own growth, why traditional leadership development often falls short, and what it really takes to scale a business without losing yourself in the process.

Learn More About Hilary Porta:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilary.porta
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamhilaryporta/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-porta-566b486/
• Website: www.hporta.com 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IAMTheLifeArchitect
• Other: https://thelifearchitect.kartra.com/page/vipdiscoverycall
  
  

The discussion also tackles questions…

• Why do high performers still feel stuck even when they’re doing everything right?
• What subconscious beliefs are limiting leadership growth and decision-making?
• Why isn’t mindset work alone enough for true transformation?
• How does identity impact business success and leadership effectiveness?
• What causes leaders to micromanage, control, or operate from fear?
• How can you identify and change limiting patterns in your behavior?
• What does it mean to “scale from soul” in business?
• How do you build a successful company without sacrificing your relationships or well-being?
• What are the signs your nervous system is working against your performance?
• How can leaders create alignment between who they are and how they lead?

Themes:

• Identity and leadership alignment
• Subconscious programming and behavior patterns
• Nervous system regulation and high performance
• Emotional intelligence vs identity-level transformation
• Leadership blind spots and self-awareness
• Scaling businesses without burnout or identity loss
• Culture, agreements, and team dynamics
• Personal growth, fulfillment, and legacy
• Fear, control, and micromanagement in leadership
• Intentional living and daily practices for leaders

Production

Produced by: The AGN Group

Host: Angela Gill Nelms

Producer: Katie Hart

Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.

Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com

About The AGN Group:

At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/

Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/