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

Where Grit Meets Grace: Trauma, Leadership & Reinvention | Live at STRIPES with Dr. Crystal Simon
What happens when two women in the medtech industry sit down to discuss trauma, leadership, reinvention, and the harsh reality of career transitions? In this live STRIPES conversation, Dr. Crystal Simon interviews Angela Gill Nelms about the stories behind her grit, the grace that helped her heal, and the mindset required to lead through the hardest seasons.

Angela opens up about surviving a kidnapping, rebuilding her life, overcoming imposter syndrome, leading companies, navigating layoffs, personal branding, conflict resolution, and how to build an A-Team that accelerates your growth. Together, they unpack the emotional, professional, and deeply human sides of leadership in medtech, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

Whether you're navigating trauma, experiencing a career shift, building resilience, or stepping into a bigger leadership role—this episode will give you tools, courage, and perspective. This is where grit meets grace.

Watch this if you want to learn:
- How trauma shapes leadership—and how to heal while leading
- How women can lead without mimicking male leadership styles
- The A-Team model: boardroom, locker room, foxhole
- How to navigate layoffs with clarity, grace, and strategy
- How to speak up in difficult rooms without overthinking
- How personal branding drives opportunity and alignment
- Why mindset and emotional regulation matter more than perfection
- The power of curiosity, “tell me more,” and the 5-second rule
- How to de-escalate conflict and build trust across cultures
- What “be brave, be badass” looks like in real life

If you’re a woman in medtech, a leader in transition, or someone healing from hard things while trying to make big things happen—this episode is for you.

KEY THEMES:
- Trauma-informed leadership
- Women in medtech
- Grit vs grace
- Imposter syndrome
- Layoffs as catalysts
- Conflict resolution & emotional intelligence
- Leadership authenticity
- Personal branding
- Resilience & mindset
- The A-Team (boardroom, foxhole, locker room)
- Handling hard conversations
- Overcoming perfectionism
- Cross-cultural leadership
- Career reinvention
- Boundaries & burnout prevention

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
How does trauma shape leadership—and how do you heal while leading?
What does “where grit meets grace” look like in real life?
How should women navigate imposter syndrome in executive roles?
How do you build your boardroom, foxhole, and locker room?
What’s the right way to handle layoffs, emotionally + strategically?
Why do we overthink speaking up—and how do we stop?
How do you build a personal brand that attracts opportunity?
What’s the difference between regulating and resolving trauma?
How do you show up in rooms where you’re the only woman?
How do leaders model vulnerability without losing authority?
How do you disarm conflict quickly using curiosity?

Learn More About STRIPES & Crystal Simons:
STRIPES (event organizer, women in medtech group): https://www.stripes.network/ 
STRIPES LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stripesnetworking/ 
Crystal Simons: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalsimonphd/ 

Mentioned in this Episode: 
Boundaries — Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
The 5 Second Rule / 5-4-3-2-1 method — Mel Robbins
The Culture Map — Erin Meyer
Badass Leaders Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bebravebebadass?sub_confirmation=1 
“A-Team” philosophy (Boardroom, Foxhole, Locker Room): https://www.angelagillnelms.com/building-your-a-team/ 
Cathleen Quigley (transgender leader, Georgia Tech alum, Broadcom engineer, Emmy winner): https://youtu.be/A1FVVQ1hmi4?si=PzqizRuuwTajuwGk 
Gia Ganesh (People & Culture leader, podcast guest, Florence alum): https://youtu.be/vh69c_f4Sv8?si=vf92g1YVKjC6KpDf 
Biolocity (Angela’s current role, Georgia Tech & Emory program): https://biolocity.gatech.edu/ 
Chief (networking group for female executives): https://chief.com/

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]

 @AngelaGillNelms  

trauma leadership, women in medtech, women leaders, resilience training, , grit and grace, trauma recovery leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, medtech leadership, A-Team leadership model, executive coaching, conflict resolution tools, leadership mindset, healing trauma, layoff recovery, navigating career transitions

Change isn’t on the horizon — it’s here, it’s loud, and if you’re leading a team, you’re feeling the waves. In this episode of Badass Leaders, Angela Gill Nelms walks you through six essential leadership keys to help you steer through turbulence with clarity, empathy, and resilience.

You'll discover how to:
- Set the right pace so your team isn't overwhelmed or lost
- Create the anchor of routine when uncertainty is the only constant
- Use empathy as your compass when direction isn’t clear
- Shift from resisting change to adapting boldly
- Celebrate small wins to build momentum and trust
- Prepare for the calm after the storm so your team comes out stronger

Whether you’re managing a pivot, crisis, growth surge, or cultural shift — this episode is your map for steering through the storm without capsizing.

👉 Subscribe, like, and comment below: share what storm you’re navigating and let’s build that badass resilience together.

Key Questions Answered:
- What’s the biggest mistake leaders make when steering through change?
- How can I set a pace that neither paralyzes nor outpaces my team?
- Why do routines matter more than ever during disruption?
- How does empathy factor into leadership when everything’s shifting?
- When should you stop resisting change and start adapting?
- How do you celebrate wins when it feels like nothing is working?
- What does “preparing for calm” mean — and how do you do it?
- How do you emerge from change stronger, not just surviving?

Key Themes:

Change Leadership
Resilience & Agility
Team Culture During Turbulence
Routine & Stability
Empathy in Leadership
Adaptation vs Resistance
Celebrating Progress
Leading Through Uncertainty
High-Performance Teams in Crisis

Keywords:

leadership change management, navigating change for leaders, how to lead through turbulence, resilience in leadership, team culture during change, shift from resistance to adaptability, empathy in leadership, routines during uncertainty, badass leadership strategies, Angela Gill Nelms change leadership

#Leadership
#ChangeManagement
#Resilience
#BadassLeaders
#TeamCulture
#Adaptability
#LeadThroughChange
#EmpathyInLeadership
#HighPerformanceTeams
#NavigatingChange

Mentioned this Episode:
The fragile refuge of routines in a time of uncertainty by Amy J. Ko: https://medium.com/bits-and-behavior/the-fragile-refuge-of-routines-in-a-time-of-uncertainty-4ecce13a99d0
New EY US Consulting study:https://www.ey.com/en_us/newsroom/2023/03/new-ey-us-consulting-study 
Resist Resisting from Calm: https://www.calm.com/blog/navigating-change 
Conflict Management highlights from the Badass Leaders Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7boqkSxN9U&t=3s
Read the full blog here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/navigating-change-a-leaders-6-keys-to-steering-through-stormy-seas/ 

About Angela:
Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in the creation of exceptional companies and teams. She serves as the Director of Biolocity and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of both The AGN Group and the Recovery Advocate Network. Previously, she held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Aetos Imaging, RenovoRx, and Florence Healthcare. With a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Angela has a proven track record of successfully navigating the FDA, leading diverse teams, prioritizing the needs of customers and patients, and building exceptional companies.
Angela shares her lessons learned around the country in keynote speeches, coaching, and team-building workshops. Learn more about Angela at 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. We offer keynote and panel speaking, leadership and team-building workshops, fractional and management consulting, brand and storytelling services. Email us at [email protected] to connect. Learn more at www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bebravebebadass/podcasts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73Dg8OQ7SqtGtSiCWQUfLB?si=c17c0f1abe29446f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/badass-leaders-podcast-brave-hearts-brave-conversations/id1788987881
Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/Badass-Leaders-Podcast-Brave-Hearts-Brave-Conversations-Badass-Leaders/B0DS2CQL9V?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
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]. 

Learn more about the podcast at www.BadassLeadersPodcast.com.

What does it take to go from practicing law to leading companies through $800M acquisitions? In this episode of Badass Leaders, Lynn Herrick shares her unconventional path from attorney to COO, the hard-won lessons she learned scaling GreatCall to its Best Buy exit, and why culture—not strategy—saves companies. 

We dig into how she transformed high-turnover call centers into thriving “caring centers,” simplified complex problems that consultants said would take years, and navigated the messy realities of mergers, leadership, and conflict. If you’re serious about building resilient teams and leading with humanity, this conversation is a masterclass.

Learn More About Lynn:
Instagram: @lynnherrickart
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lynnkantorherrick

Mentioned in this Episode: 
Make Work Not Suck (Podcast hosted by Daniel Steere & Ryan) https://www.makeworknotsuck.com 
Vicki Bradley’s episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast https://youtu.be/1npYQanCFTE?si=CdCWNKkB0kWYMURb 
Daniel Steere’s episode of the Badass Leaders Podcat https://youtu.be/3ony669Dmy4?si=68b69GI4sp9xOzSd 
GreatCall (now Lively by Best Buy Health) https://corporate.bestbuy.com/2021/best-buy-health-introduces-lively-smart-smartphone-for-the-active-aging-community/ 
Florence Healthcare – Company where Angela Gill Nelms served as COO https://florencehc.com/
Simon Sinek – Author & speaker referenced regarding leadership and corporate culture) https://simonsinek.com/ 
Jack Welch – Former GE CEO referenced as an example of old-school ranking systems in corporations (books like Winning)

About Angela:
Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in the creation of exceptional companies and teams. She serves as the Director of Biolocity and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of both The AGN Group and the Recovery Advocate Network. Previously, she held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Aetos Imaging, RenovoRx, and Florence Healthcare. With a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Angela has a proven track record of successfully navigating the FDA, leading diverse teams, prioritizing the needs of customers and patients, and building exceptional companies.
Angela shares her lessons learned around the country in keynote speeches, coaching, and team-building workshops. Learn more about Angela at 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. We offer keynote and panel speaking, leadership and team-building workshops, fractional and management consulting, brand and storytelling services. Email us at [email protected] to connect. Learn more at www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bebravebebadass/podcasts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73Dg8OQ7SqtGtSiCWQUfLB?si=c17c0f1abe29446f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/badass-leaders-podcast-brave-hearts-brave-conversations/id1788987881
Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/Badass-Leaders-Podcast-Brave-Hearts-Brave-Conversations-Badass-Leaders/B0DS2CQL9V?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
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]. 

Learn more about the podcast at www.BadassLeadersPodcast.com.

This is not a typical episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast. Today, it’s just me — Angela Gill Nelms — sharing a story I never thought I’d tell publicly.

This year marks two milestones:
50 years alive — and 5 years free.
Five years since I escaped a kidnapping that nearly ended my life. Five years of rebuilding, healing, reclaiming my voice, and redefining what leadership truly means when you’ve had to fight for your own survival.

In this deeply personal episode, I open up about:
- Surviving childhood abuse
- Navigating heartbreak, loss, and stillbirth
- Escaping captivity and the five days that changed everything
- The years of healing that followed
- How resilience, empathy, and purpose reshaped my leadership
- Why “Be Brave. Be Badass.” looks different every single day
- What it truly means to thrive after trauma

This isn’t trauma for shock value — it’s a conversation about courage, survival, purpose, self-trust, and building a life worth living.

If you’ve survived something that tried to break you, or you’re walking through your own battle, I hope my story reminds you that you are not alone.

👉 If this resonates, please comment, like, subscribe, and share — these stories reach the people who need them because of you.
👉 Share your story in the comments — I read every single one.

Half a century alive. Five years free. And still just getting started.

Key Questions Answered:
- What does resilience look like when life hits harder than you ever imagined?
- How do you rebuild trust in yourself after trauma?
- What does healing actually require — and what doesn’t it fix?
- How do fear, purpose, and leadership evolve after surviving something life-altering?
- What is the difference between surviving and thriving?
- How do you reclaim your identity after abuse, loss, or trauma?
- How do leaders stay human while still being strong for others?
- Why is “Be Brave. Be Badass.” different every single day?

Key Themes:
Surviving Trauma
Healing, PTSD, and Recovery
Courage in Leadership
Emotional Resilience
Personal Transformation
Escaping Abuse
Self-Trust & Rebuilding Identity
Purpose-Driven Leadership
Mental Health for Leaders
Survival vs. Thriving
Freedom as a Daily Practice
Vulnerability & Authentic Leadership

Keywords:

surviving kidnapping story, trauma recovery journey, leadership after trauma, resilience story podcast, surviving abuse and healing, emotional resilience for leaders, Angela Gill Nelms story, five years free kidnapping survival, personal transformation after trauma, mental health leadership podcast, overcoming childhood abuse, thriving after trauma, trauma healing journey, badass leaders podcast

#SurvivalStory
#TraumaHealing
#Resilience
#LeadershipJourney
#SurvivingAbuse
#HealingAfterTrauma
#KidnappingSurvivor
#MentalHealthMatters
#BadassLeaders
#BeBraveBeBadass
#EmotionalResilience
#FreedomJourney

Resources & Links:
Listen to more episodes of the Badass Leaders Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bebravebebadass?sub_confirmation=1

About Angela:
Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in the creation of exceptional companies and teams. She serves as the Director of Biolocity and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of both The AGN Group and the Recovery Advocate Network. Previously, she held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Aetos Imaging, RenovoRx, and Florence Healthcare. With a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Angela has a proven track record of successfully navigating the FDA, leading diverse teams, prioritizing the needs of customers and patients, and building exceptional companies.
Angela shares her lessons learned around the country in keynote speeches, coaching, and team-building workshops. Learn more about Angela at 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. We offer keynote and panel speaking, leadership and team-building workshops, fractional and management consulting, brand and storytelling services. Email us at [email protected] to connect. Learn more at www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bebravebebadass/podcasts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73Dg8OQ7SqtGtSiCWQUfLB?si=c17c0f1abe29446f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/badass-leaders-podcast-brave-hearts-brave-conversations/id1788987881
Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/Badass-Leaders-Podcast-Brave-Hearts-Brave-Conversations-Badass-Leaders/B0DS2CQL9V?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
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]. 

Learn more about the podcast at www.BadassLeadersPodcast.com.

In this candid and energetic conversation, Daniel Steere ( @steeringventures ) unpacks what it really takes to “make work not suck.” From reframing “BS jobs” to uncovering dignity in every role, Daniel shares his Vision–Journey–Culture–Results framework and challenges leaders to think beyond quick wins. We dig into why purpose matters more than process, the hidden dangers of “hero culture,” and how the right mindset can transform even the most mundane tasks into meaningful work.

Along the way, we tackle the leader–manager divide, the importance of superpowers over well-roundedness, and why “cool” is never a business plan. Whether you’re a CEO, a new manager, or someone wondering how to find meaning in your 9-to-5, this episode will give you the perspective (and push) you need to make your work matter.

Learn more about Daniel at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.r.steere
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsteere3/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielsteere/
Website: www.steeringventures.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steeringventures
Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@makeworknotsuck  @makeworknotsuck

Mentioned This Episode:
Make Your Brand Legendary – book by Scott Wozniak: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Brand-Legendary/dp/1647469986
Scott Wozniak’s episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast – https://youtu.be/YJ05Ewazics?si=YTguwzCqw-ATTCFo
Working Genius Assessment – team productivity tool by Patrick Lencioni https://www.workinggenius.com/
Boundaries – book by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/0310247454
DISC Personality Assessment – behavioral assessment tool  https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc
628 Dirt Rooster – https://www.youtube.com/@628DirtRooster

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]
 @AngelaGillNelms ​

From the streets of Savannah to the boardrooms of European hospitals, Dr. Beth Harrison’s life is a masterclass in resilience and bold leadership. In this powerful episode, she shares her journey of growing up adopted in a conservative Southern home, later discovering the truth about her birth, and turning life’s challenges into unstoppable momentum.

Dr. Harrison reveals how sailing and game theory shaped her leadership style, why she left a secure career to launch a healthcare consulting firm from scratch, and how she went on to turn around struggling hospitals while navigating high-stakes conflicts in Germany’s healthcare system. Her story is raw, inspiring, and filled with lessons on courage, vulnerability, and the power of truly seeing humans as humans.

Learn more about Beth Harrison at:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.harrison.16547008
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_beth2017/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-elizabeth-harrison-60054372/

Mentioned this episode:
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
- A Beautiful Mind (film, referenced for game theory)
- Dallas TV series — “Who Shot J.R.?” storyline
- Rotary International Scholarship (for study in Germany)
- University of Georgia (UGA) — “Double Dawg” program
- UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham)
- Humboldt University, East Berlin
- 628 Dirt Rooster: https://www.youtube.com/@628DirtRooster
- Cathleen Quigley's Interview: https://youtu.be/A1FVVQ1hmi4?si=RZk9KRJdl_u9BC9X

About Angela:
Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in the creation of exceptional companies and teams. She serves as the Director of Biolocity and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of both The AGN Group and the Recovery Advocate Network. Previously, she held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Aetos Imaging, RenovoRx, and Florence Healthcare. With a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Angela has a proven track record of successfully navigating the FDA, leading diverse teams, prioritizing the needs of customers and patients, and building exceptional companies.
Angela shares her lessons learned around the country in keynote speeches, coaching, and team-building workshops. Learn more about Angela at 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. We offer keynote and panel speaking, leadership and team-building workshops, fractional and management consulting, brand and storytelling services. Email us at [email protected] to connect. Learn more at www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bebravebebadass/podcasts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73Dg8OQ7SqtGtSiCWQUfLB?si=c17c0f1abe29446f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/badass-leaders-podcast-brave-hearts-brave-conversations/id1788987881
Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/Badass-Leaders-Podcast-Brave-Hearts-Brave-Conversations-Badass-Leaders/B0DS2CQL9V?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
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].

Learn more about the podcast at www.BadassLeadersPodcast.com.
 @BMEGeorgiaTechEmory @GeorgiaTechCoE @georgiatech ​

What if mastering conflict could bring you more freedom, not friction? In this episode, Angela sits down with Karen Valencic—engineer, Aikido black belt, and author of Spiral Impact: The Power to Get It Done with Grace—to talk about why most of us misunderstand conflict and how to flip it into connection.

Karen unpacks the difference between force and power, shares why confrontation is rarely the answer, and explains how a screw and a spiral can teach you more about leadership than a business degree ever will. From childhood survival roles to executive boardrooms, this conversation rewires how we think about tension, communication, and impact.

Learn more about Karen Valencic at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenvalencic/
Website: https://www.karenvalencic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karenvalencic  @karenvalencic
Podcast: https://valencic.substack.com,
Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1946533831
Substack: https://valencic.substack.com

Mentioned in this Episode:
The Magic of Conflict by Thomas Crum: https://amzn.to/4m9YAQX
Georgia Tech (Georgia Institute of Technology)
https://www.gatech.edu/
Butler University (where Karen has mentored students)
https://www.butler.edu/
Trine University (formerly Tri-State University) – Karen’s alma mater
https://www.trine.edu/
“The person who has a mind to fight has broken their connection with the universe.” – Aikido philosophy (Morihei Ueshiba)
“Power is rotational. Force is linear.” – Karen Valencic, explaining the Spiral vs. Hammer analogy
“Tell me more.” – A core practice Karen recommends to shift from confrontation to connection
“Conflict means to strike together.” – Latin root of conflict explained in Spiral Impact

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.
 @AngelaGillNelms  

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]

Gamification expert Caitlin Johnson joins Angela Gill Nelms to unpack how leaders can transform their work, careers, and teams using game design thinking.

From leveling up your career to designing systems that make hard things fun, Caitlin shares tactical strategies and hard-earned wisdom from her work coaching tens of thousands of leaders. They dig into motivation, breaking out of comfort zones, embracing experimentation, and why 90-day quests might be the secret to your next breakthrough. This episode is a high-energy blend of inspiration and action—perfect for leaders ready to play bigger.

Learn more about Caitlin Johnson at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldbirdconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-s-johnson/
Website: www.bold-bird.com
Podcast: Campus to Corporate
 @bold-birdconsulting1309

Mentioned this episode:
Guion Bluford Jr. – First African-American astronaut; personal inspiration for Caitlin (https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/bluford_guion.pdf)
Scott – Podcast host Caitlin previously co-hosted with (https://youtu.be/YJ05Ewazics?si=dDNopyVJ9JknJ2bp)
Florence Healthcare – Angela’s former company where she implemented gamification in software design (https://florencehc.com/)
Richard Bartle – Game designer who created the 4 player types: Dominator, Achiever, Explorer, Connector (https://www.essex.ac.uk/people/BARTL01006/Richard-Bartle)
Working Genius – Personality assessment tool referenced (https://www.workinggenius.com/)
Ikigai – Japanese concept of “reason for being,” discussed in relation to evolving epic missions
Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

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]
 @AngelaGillNelms ​

- Ferrari Racing, Accenture & Global Leadership | Bud Moeller
How do you earn followers, not just employees?

In this episode of The Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Bud Moeller—Georgia Tech Hall of Fame alum, former Booz Allen & Accenture partner, global transformation consultant, semi-pro Ferrari race car driver, jet pilot, and certified sommelier.

They dig into how Bud:
Went from chemical engineering at Georgia Tech to Harvard Business School
Led total corporate transformations across Asia, Europe, and the U.S.
Helped build Accenture’s strategic change management capability
Grew a practice from 1% to 24% of regional revenue
Now channels his leadership into nonprofits, mentoring, and legacy work

You’ll hear candid stories about:
- Why most executives misunderstand change management
- How culture (Thailand vs Netherlands vs U.S.) completely reshapes leadership style
- The brutal reality of consulting, layoffs, and hard decisions
- What passion (Ferraris, flying, wine) has to do with leading well and living fully
- Why “life’s too short to drink bad wine and drive bad cars” is more than a cute quote

If you’re a founder, executive, emerging leader, or consultant, this conversation will challenge how you think about strategy, people, culture, and what “success” actually means in the second half of life.

Key Questions Answered:
- What is the real difference between a manager and a leader?
- How do you turn employees into followers—not just people who obey?
- Why do most companies fail at change management, even with a great strategy?
- How do you lead large-scale transformations across countries and cultures?
- What does it take to grow from 1% to 24% of a region’s business?
- How should leadership evolve in nonprofits and volunteer-driven organizations?
- What’s the role of empathy and passion in modern leadership?
- How do you consciously design your legacy in the “give-back” stage of life?
- How did Bud go from Mustangs to Ferraris, from consulting to flying jets, and why does that matter for leadership?
- What does “life’s too short” really mean when you apply it to work, time, and joy?

Core Themes:
Manager vs Leader
Leadership vs Management
Influence vs Positional Authority
Corporate Transformation & Turnarounds
Strategy, Operating Models & People
Change Management (beyond “training”)
Cross-Cultural Leadership (Asia, Europe, U.S.)
Consulting Life (Booz Allen, Accenture)
Nonprofit & Board Leadership
Legacy, Significance & “Halftime” in Life
Empathy, Passion & Personality in Leadership
Conflict Resolution & Hard Decisions
Race Cars, Flying & High-Performance Mindsets
Wine, Taste, and Designing a Life You Actually Enjoy

Learn more about Bud Moeller at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bud.moeller
Instagram: @budmoeller
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bud-moeller-94068/
Mentioned in this episode:
A-Tteam blog: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/building-your-a-team/v
Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.com/
Halftime: https://amzn.to/44M9TYF
 @budracerf1
 @georgiatech @GeorgiaTechCoE

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]

 @AngelaGillNelms    

Keywords:
manager vs leader, leadership vs management, what makes a good leader, total corporate transformation, change management consulting, Booz Allen Hamilton partner, Accenture strategy partner, global leadership, cross-cultural leadership, Georgia Tech College of Engineering Hall of Fame, Harvard MBA leadership, nonprofit board leadership, legacy in leadership, empathy in leadership, passion and leadership, conflict resolution at work, firing with empathy, consulting career advice, high performance mindset, Ferrari race car driver business lessons, jet pilot leadership lessons, sommelier leadership, Angela Gill Nelms podcast, Badass Leaders Podcast

#Leadership
#ManagerVsLeader
#BadassLeadersPodcast
#ChangeManagement
#GlobalLeadership
#ConsultingLife
#CorporateTransformation
#NonprofitLeadership
#Legacy
#FerrariRacing
#JetPilot
#EmpathyInLeadership
#GeorgiaTech
#Accenture
#harvardmba

How a fighter pilot helped BP slash safety incidents by 70%—Andrew Dingee on systems, leadership, and learning from failure.

Andrew Dingee, former fighter pilot and BP executive, joins Angela Gill Nelms to share how aviation safety principles—like checklists, debriefs, and human factors thinking—can transform corporate culture. They discuss building systems that learn from mistakes, the role of leadership in psychological safety, and what it takes to drive lasting change in high-risk industries.

Learn more about Andrew at:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-d-23812115/
Website:
https://www.systemsafety4u.com/
Book:
https://www.amazon.ca/Delivering-Right-Stuff-Operational-Excellence/dp/148348713X

Mentioned in this Episode:
The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe: https://buff.ly/R48YGSR 
Kofi Smith's episode: https://youtu.be/5CKPG7nfwww?si=TA65aKABYBf6aN7Q 
Basketball Gorilla Experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo 
Angela’s Iron Man races: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/my-triathlon-days/ 
Hawthorne Effect: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/hawthorne-effect.asp 
Angela's book list: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/angelas-ultimate-business-booklist-for-growth-leadership/ 
Jacob Karnes’s (Chick-fil-a) episode: https://youtu.be/C3mpwikZWXw?si=Wgx86IISi-PdZ6kS 
Scott Wozniak’s  (Chick-fil-a)  episode: https://youtu.be/YJ05Ewazics?si=p1NUy9n9FUKEvMYq  

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]