Leadership is often portrayed as strength, certainty, and having the right answers. But real growth happens in the moments when we allow ourselves to be seen — fully, honestly, and without the mask.

In this solo episode, Sierra explores the surprising power of small groups and why leaders need spaces where they can drop the pressure to perform and instead show up as their whole selves. After witnessing how quickly meaningful connection happens in rooms where honesty is welcomed, Sierra unpacks the transformational impact of being known, supported, and challenged in a trusted circle.

From building accountability with compassion to creating the kind of safety where vulnerability becomes strength, this episode invites leaders to consider who they allow into their lives and why those relationships matter. Leadership is not meant to be a solo journey. The right circle can change everything.

Tune in for insights, reflection, and a reminder that courage is not about being flawless — it is about being willing to be seen.

What does transformational leadership look like in the high-stakes world of healthcare? In this episode, Sierra Collins talks with Mark Nantz, President & CEO of Valley Health, about how to inspire teams, foster innovation, and create a culture where excellence and compassion go hand-in-hand.

Mark shares his leadership journey, the intentional steps Valley Health takes to empower staff at all levels, and the role of mentorship in developing future leaders. You’ll also hear about unique cultural practices, like “affirmations on demand,” and how they strengthen connection and positivity across the organization.

They also tackle the realities of public perception — from celebrating the daily wins in patient care to constructively addressing criticism — and explore how community members can be true partners in strengthening their healthcare system.

Whether you’re leading in healthcare or any other field, you’ll walk away with actionable insights on building a shared vision, challenging the status quo, and inspiring those you lead to exceed expectations.

Link:  https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/

What if leadership isn’t about flying higher than others, but about flying alongside them?

In this episode of Branching Out with Sierra, Sierra sits down with Dr. Eric “Rabbit” Jorgensen, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, fighter pilot, and executive coach, to explore the powerful concept of Wingman Life — the commitment to supporting one another in both business and life.

Drawing from more than two decades of military service and years of coaching senior leaders, Eric shares what it means to be a “wingman” in leadership — someone who listens first, builds trust, and shows up with humility and consistency. Together, they discuss how the principles that keep pilots safe in the air — awareness, trust, and teamwork — can also help leaders create strong, people-centered cultures on the ground.

Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring others, or navigating your own growth, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think differently about leadership. True leadership, as Eric reminds us, isn’t about being out front — it’s about choosing to fly together.

🎧 Tune in for stories from the cockpit and the coaching room, lessons in trust and teamwork, and practical steps to help you live out the spirit of Wingman Life.

What happens when leaders start thinking like coaches?

In this episode, Sierra sits down with Jack Sharkey, VP of Distribution for Orgill’s East Region, to unpack his powerful leadership philosophy: “People move the numbers. Move the people, and you’ll move the numbers.”

Drawing from more than four decades of experience, from his early days at UPS to leading large-scale operations at Orgill, Jack shares how focusing on people first drives performance, shapes culture, and builds teams that win together.

Whether you are leading on the field, on the floor, or from the front office, this conversation will inspire you to lead with both purpose and presence. When leaders focus on growing their people, the results naturally follow.

Tune in for practical lessons, coaching insights, and a reminder that leadership is not about managing the numbers. It is about growing the people behind them.

In this solo episode, Sierra explores one of the biggest misconceptions in leadership: that you need authority to create change. Drawing from real-world experiences, coaching insights, and practical tools, she unpacks how anyone, from any seat, can influence outcomes, shape culture, and lead with confidence.

Whether you’re managing people, collaborating on a team, or simply trying to make things better where you are, this episode will help you lead with purpose and clarity right where you stand.

Because true leadership doesn’t wait for permission; it starts with influence.

What does it really mean to lead with both compassion and accountability?

In this episode, Sierra sits down with Lauren Clouse, CEO of the Winchester Rescue Mission, to explore the balance between grace and grit — the kind of leadership that sees people as neighbors, not numbers, and believes that true change starts with relationships.

Together they tackle one of the most common questions people face: What’s the right way to help? Should we give directly to someone in need, or support organizations that provide long-term transformation? Lauren shares her journey from shelter director to CEO, offering insight into how faith, empathy, and tough decision-making come together to create authentic, sustainable change.

Whether you lead a team, a family, or a community effort, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to lead with both strength and heart.

As leaders, we’re quick to notice what needs improvement — but too often, we skip over the wins. In this solo episode, Sierra shares a personal lesson from the Tri-State Leadership Summit: how rushing straight into “what’s next” can rob us of the joy and momentum that come from pausing to celebrate success.

Discover why celebration isn’t fluff. It’s a leadership discipline that fuels morale, anchors progress, and sustains growth. You’ll walk away with practical ways to build celebration into your leadership and a reminder that honoring what went right is just as important as addressing what needs to change.

Have you ever walked into an appointment and instantly realized the other person wasn’t prepared? Maybe it was a doctor skimming your chart for the first time, a colleague winging a meeting, or someone showing up without the right resources. In each case, the message is clear: you’re not a priority.

In this episode of Branching Out with Sierra, we explore why preparation is more than just good manners — it’s leadership. Sierra unpacks how readiness shows respect, builds trust, and drives results, and she shares practical strategies for making preparation a consistent part of your leadership rhythm.

Because winging it might get you through a moment, but preparation is what earns you credibility that lasts.

What grounds you and how do you protect it? In this episode of Branching Out with Sierra, she sits down with John McGraw of Roots and Rocks Adventures to explore how time outdoors can shape our resilience, presence, and leadership.

With more than 3,000 miles of hiking experience, including a 1,000-mile Appalachian Trail trek, John shares lessons from the trail and why stewardship, of time, priorities, and natural spaces, is key to leaving things better than we found them.

Tune in for practical takeaways on protecting what keeps you grounded and leading with intention.

Website: www.rootsandrocksadventures.com

Email: [email protected]

FB: Roots and Rocks Adventures

Have you ever walked into an appointment and instantly realized the other person wasn’t prepared? Maybe it was a doctor skimming your chart for the first time, a colleague winging a meeting, or someone showing up without the right resources. In each case, the message is clear: you’re not a priority.

In this episode of Branching Out with Sierra, we explore why preparation is more than just good manners — it’s leadership. Sierra unpacks how readiness shows respect, builds trust, and drives results, and she shares practical strategies for making preparation a consistent part of your leadership rhythm.

Because winging it might get you through a moment, but preparation is what earns you credibility that lasts.