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

You can be successful and sane — yes, really. In this episode, we delve into how leaders can avoid the burnout trap while still accomplishing significant work and making a meaningful impact.

Join Angela Gill Nelms as she shares 6 badass steps from her blog post/mini-episode that help you:
- Recognize the early warning signs of burnout (before it burns you out)
- Define success on your terms — not someone else’s standard
- Build boundary systems, support networks, and resilience habits
- Leverage “less is more” productivity and sustainable growth
- Reconnect with purpose, energy, and clarity — not just drive
- Create a leadership rhythm that wins without wrecking you

If you’re a leader, founder, executive, or high-performer chasing big results but done sacrificing everything else—this is for you.

👉 Subscribe and click the bell to get more episodes on leadership, culture, and high-performing lives.

Questions Answered:
- Can you really be productive without burning out?
- What are the early signs of burnout and what to do about them?
- How do high-achievers redefine success to protect their well-being?
- What systems, rituals or habits help leaders sustain performance and sanity?
- How do you build a support structure so you’re not doing it all alone?
- Why “work harder” often equals “work longer” — and what to change instead?
- How do you build sustainable momentum vs. short-term bursts of hustle?

Key Themes:
Avoiding Burnout
Sustainable Leadership Performance
Healthy Boundaries & Support Systems
Redefining Success
Purpose-Driven Productivity
High-Performance without Self-Destruction
Leadership Rhythm & Resilience
Energy Management vs Time Management

Read the full blog here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/a-blueprint-for-success-without-burnout-6-easy-steps/

 Keywords:

leadership without burnout, sustainable success for leaders, burnout prevention strategies, 6 easy steps to success, high performing leaders healthy habits, redefine success burnout, Angela Gill Nelms blueprint for success, avoid burnout leadership, resilient leadership habits

#Leadership
#BurnoutPrevention
#HighPerformance
#SustainableSuccess
#BadassLeaders
#LeadershipHabits
#PurposeDriven
#WorkLifeBalance
#ResilientLeadership
#SuccessWithoutBurnout

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 ​

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of the Badass Leaders podcast, Angela welcomes Emmy Award-winning technologist and engineering trailblazer Cathleen Quigley, who shares her remarkable journey through Silicon Valley, Broadcom, and beyond.

Cathleen opens up about pioneering broadband innovations, earning over 100 patents, and the emotional and professional complexity of transitioning later in life. The conversation blends leadership, legacy, imposter syndrome, and diversity in STEM, offering a humanizing and authentic look at what it means to lead—and live—courageously.

Learn more about Cathleen at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quigleycathleen/
Email: [email protected]

Mentioned This Episode:
Georgia Tech College of Engineering
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification)
Broadcom Inc.
National Semiconductor
VLSI Technology
TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company):
Head Over Heels: https://amzn.to/3ZMsMJd

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 @georgiatech @GeorgiaTechCoE ​

Former college football athlete turned powerhouse leader, Kofi Smith joins the Badass Leaders Podcast to share his journey from the field to the front office. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Kofi unpacks how discipline, resilience, and teamwork shaped his leadership style. He dives deep into the power of authenticity, conflict resolution, mental health, and the importance of embracing vulnerability. From overcoming rejection to building a legacy, this episode is a masterclass in turning adversity into fuel—and leading with purpose, heart, and hustle.

Learn more about Kofi at:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drkofismith43
Instagram: dr._kksmith

Mentioned this episode:
The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins: https://buff.ly/xd5CeEQ
Columbus War Dogs football team: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Wardogs
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson: https://buff.ly/87CLRXB
AATC: https://aatc.org/
Georgia Tech Black Alumni Association: https://www.instagram.com/gtbao_/?hl=en 
Daniel Steere’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-work-not-suck/id1745439676
Scott Wozniak’s episode: https://youtu.be/YJ05Ewazics?si=_NtXaPffWAGNVEYJ
Angela's triatholon blog post: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/my-triathlon-days/
A-Team blog post: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/ep-021-building-your-a-team-who-you-need-in-your-corner-for-leadership-success/
Angela’s story of abuse as a child: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/from-survival-to-strength-my-journey/
The SPEED of Trust by Stephen M .R. Covey: https://buff.ly/0wBld3t

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 @georgiatech @GeorgiaTechCoE ​

You can’t lead well alone. Real leadership demands a trusted squad in your corner — people who challenge you, support you, and push you forward. In this episode (or video), Angela Gill Nelms breaks down the three vital roles your personal leadership “A-Team” must fill — the Boardroom, the Foxhole, and the Locker Room — and how each one elevates your game and builds your resilience. 

We’ll walk you through:
- Why your leadership support system matters more than your “solo-hero” mindset
- How to identify who should sit in each A-Team role: Boardroom (strategic mentors), Foxhole (rock-solid allies), Locker Room (motivators & champions) 
- Real-world actions to build and nurture that support team — from outreach to appreciation
- How this network helps you see blind spots, boost your confidence, open doors, and celebrate your wins 

A reflection question: What role is missing from your A-Team today?

If you’re serious about stepping up as a leader, this episode is a blueprint for creating the ecosystem that supports you — not just your function, but you.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs their A-Team too.

Want to read the full article? Go here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/building-your-a-team-who-you-need-in-your-corner-for-leadership-success/ 

Questions Answered:
- Why do great leaders stop doing it all — and start building a team around them?
- What are the three essential roles of your leadership A-Team (Boardroom, Foxhole, Locker Room)?
- How do you identify who fits each role in your leadership support system?
- What actions can you take to build or strengthen your A-Team today?
-- Why does having trusted advisors boost confidence, open doors, and improve decisions?
- How do you evaluate your current team and ask: “Who’s missing from my corner?”
- How does the concept of an A-Team apply outside business (e.g., parenting, sports, life)?

Key Themes:
- Leadership Support Systems
- Building High-Performing Teams
- Mentorship & Advisors
- Emotional & Strategic Allies
- Boardroom vs Foxhole vs Locker Room Roles
- Blind Spots & Self-Awareness in Leadership
- Networking, Relationships & Growth
- Recognizing and Celebrating Wins
- Leadership Ecosystem, Not Solo Hero

Keywords:
leadership support system, build your A-team, leadership team roles, who you need in your corner, mentorship for leaders, leadership network, high performing leadership teams, boardroom foxhole locker room, Angela Gill Nelms A-Team article, better leadership through relationships

#Leadership
#ATeam
#Mentorship
#HighPerformingTeams
#BadassLeaders
#LeadershipSupport
#BuildYourTeam
#ExecutiveLeadership
#TeamBuilding
#LeadershipDevelopment

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 episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, business coach and former Chick-fil-A leader Jacob Karnes ( @WavesBusinessCoaching )  shares practical insights on leadership, team dynamics, and employee retention. He dives into why clarity is a leader’s superpower, how to build strong workplace cultures, and why belonging matters more than money when it comes to retention.

Jacob discusses how to grow yourself and your team, the power of feedback, and the role of personal branding in leadership. From navigating conflict to building community at work, this episode is packed with real-world strategies to help you lead with purpose, empower your people, and drive impact.

Learn more about Jacob at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobkarnes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkarnes/
Website:https://wavesbusinesscoaching.com/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@WavesBusinessCoaching
Podcast https://wavesbusinesscoaching.com/podcast
Get my Book For Free: https://masteryourfirstjob.com/free

Mentioned in this episode:
Atomic Habits: https://amzn.to/3FC3uXi
Man's Search for Meaning: https://amzn.to/3FAMDnM
Hero on a Mission: https://amzn.to/3Hi0zDT
Storyworthy: https://amzn.to/3HpqDwF
The 6 Types of Working Genius: https://amzn.to/43G88f3
Radical Candor: https://amzn.to/4kJ69xd
The Making of a Manager: https://amzn.to/3HoxFlp
Scott Wozniak’s episode: https://youtu.be/YJ05Ewazics?si=w14rrl67JEeYxsga
Anne Chow’s episode: https://youtu.be/JrgdCCOwkG0?si=VZHi7xMyesEmEyaO
Kristi Shaw’s episode: https://youtu.be/_beumKc6pDI?si=0A12Co7KsOASNGRJ
A famous quote was once said by a one Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group. It was simple, “take care of your employees and they'll take care of your business”.
Angela’s working genius:
Genius: Galvanizing and Discernment
Competency: Tenacity and Enablement
Frustration: Wonder and Invention

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 ​

What does it really mean to lead with authenticity in a world that often rewards conformity? In this powerful episode, Kristi Straw ( @KristiStraw_UNICORNLeader ) —serial founder, leadership coach, and creator of the Unicorn Leader framework—joins host Angela Gill Nelms to unpack the real story behind effective leadership.

As she navigates toxic corporate culture and embraces emotional intelligence with compassionate communication, Kristi shares how today’s leaders can stand out by standing in their truth. Together, they explore the rise of the “shamager” (shame-filled manager), the myth of work-life balance, and why visibility and personal branding are no longer optional.

Learn more about Kristi Straw at:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kstrawmba
Website: www.LighthouseLeadershipConsultants.com
YouTube: @KristiStraw_UNICORNLeader •
Podcast: https://kristitanquerayontherocks.buzzsprout.com
Book: https://a.co/d/6BL1ib0
Academy: https://impactlegacylab.com/influenceandincome/

Mentioned in this Episode:
Lake Atitlan Airbnbs: https://tinyurl.com/5c9jsj9b
Angela's trip to Guatemala: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/guatamala-2019-building-a-medical-clinic/
Authentic Authority™ Archetype quiz: https://0vk6npipung.typeform.com/to/yLi40tuY?typeform-source=www.linkedin.com
Burnout blog: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/a-blueprint-for-success-without-burnout-6-easy-steps/
Full digging quote: “If you’re digging a hole in the wrong place, making it deeper doesn’t help anything.” — Seymour Chwast
Make Your Brand Legendary: https://amzn.to/4k87zlD
Raving Fans: https://amzn.to/3Qzu5WY
Nonviolent Communication by by Marshall B. Rosenberg PhD: https://amzn.to/3Sn7Kgc
Radical Candor: https://amzn.to/3XjDVzX
The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo: https://amzn.to/3FaEoPh
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 ​

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we sit down with leadership coach and global thinker Sophie Badré to explore what it truly means to lead in a multicultural world. Sophie unpacks the concept of peaceful leadership—a style rooted in kindness, self-awareness, and authentic communication—and why it’s becoming essential in today’s complex global landscape.

From her rich experiences working across cultures, Sophie shares insights into how adaptability, intuition, and cultural sensitivity shape a leader’s effectiveness. The conversation dives deep into how leaders can build legacy through alignment, emotional intelligence, and genuine human connection, rather than authority or ego.

Learn more about Sophie at:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophie-badré
Website: www.peaceful-leadership.com
Email: [email protected]

Mentioned this episode:
Daniel Barenboim: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD7QUSiWc7QBP2XGRMGwjEg
Butterfly Effect book: https://amzn.to/3Zjfq6R
Dash poem: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/the-dash-poem-by-linda-ellis/
"I heard you die twice. Once when they bury you in the grave. And the second is the last time when someone mentions your name.": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OrLroFa0AI&t=66s
The Culture Map: https://amzn.to/43bWlVq 
Radical Candor: https://amzn.to/43hO6HC
Questions Are the Answer: https://amzn.to/431g5wg

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 ​

Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it makes all the difference.

In this special “best of” episode, we’ve curated powerful moments from past guests who’ve shared their wisdom on navigating conflict at work and in life. From embracing discomfort to leaning into tough conversations, our guests offer practical strategies, candid stories, and refreshing perspectives on what it means to manage tension with empathy, clarity, and confidence.

Whether you're leading a team, managing up, or facing peer-to-peer challenges, this montage is packed with insights to help you transform conflict into connection.

Watch the full interviews here:
Mark Williams: https://youtu.be/RVhQK9FT0hI?si=HP3AE0An7YAaz3fD
Patrick Lyons: https://youtu.be/Crf6TXEB-Rk?si=9U3DsVX1HxkF1q3V  @TheFrustratedCEOPodcast  
Gia Ganesh & Angela Gill Nelms: https://youtu.be/vh69c_f4Sv8?si=hQX1M2dx6bcnKyOc
Marc Reifenrath: https://youtu.be/x4yuJeb3G4Q?si=MsI0yunXLmxkeDR7  ‪ @spinutech

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 @GiaGanesh ​

In this episode, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Sherry Farrugia, Senior Vice President at Veranex, to unpack what it really takes to lead in today’s complex healthcare and life sciences landscape. From her decades in health IT to her work commercializing cutting-edge medical devices, Sherry shares the behind-the-scenes lessons that have shaped her leadership philosophy — one rooted in empathy, inclusion, and relentless innovation.

We dive into the challenges women face in STEM, how public-private partnerships can actually work, and why diversity isn’t just a checkbox — it’s the key to better solutions. Sherry opens up about the importance of a joint mission, the art of conflict resolution, and how to build sustainable teams in a fast-moving, high-stakes industry.

Learn more about Sherry at:
Instagram: sherryfar723
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sherryfarrugia
Website: www.veranex.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 ​

In this special role-reversal episode of Badass Leaders Podcast, the mic is flipped! Angela Gill Nelms, usually the fearless host, takes the hot seat while her dear friend and fellow badass leader, Gia Ganesh, steps in as interviewer.

What unfolds is a raw, inspiring, and refreshingly candid conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it really means to be brave. Angela opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, learning to lead with authenticity, and how a tough childhood shaped her fierce determination. She shares the wisdom she’s gained from motherhood, her journey as a single parent pursuing higher education, and her commitment to giving back through the AGN Group and Georgia Tech.

Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned exec, this episode is packed with insight, laughter, and moments that might just shift how you lead—and live.

Learn more about Gia at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giaganesh/
Website: https://giaganesh.com/meet-your-career-success-coach-gia-ganesh/
 @GiaGanesh @giaganesh1036

Mentioned this episode:
Angela's blacksmithing: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/1287-2/
Woodturning Bowls: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/1332-2/
Radical Candor: https://amzn.to/42EL7IH
Making of a Manager: https://amzn.to/42oOc0L
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 ​