ConvHERsations with Kristie

In this vulnerable and empowering episode of ConvHERsations with Kristie, Kristie Clayton sits down with longtime friend and founder of Authentic Brand, Jennifer Zick, to explore the real stories behind leadership, loss, and launching something new.

Jennifer opens up about how Authentic Brand was born—80% out of anger and 20% out of love—after being pushed out of a toxic culture and realizing it was time to create a seat, a team, and a company culture that honored people first. Together, she and Kristie dive into the power of women setting their own tables, the importance of operating from a place of abundance, and the grace that comes from letting go of bitterness and moving forward with boldness and clarity.

They also reflect on the reality of being a woman in male-dominated rooms, what it means to lead with integrity, and how Jennifer’s faith, family, and lived experiences shaped the mission of Authentic Brand: to help growing companies stop the “random acts of marketing” and scale with confidence.

Whether you’re navigating a personal transition or a professional leap, this conversation is a testament to the strength it takes to feel it all, own your story, and keep moving—one brave step at a time.

In this episode of ConvHERsations with Kristie, Kristie Clayton is joined by Tony Bednar, President and Integrator at Strategic Talent Partners, to unpack one of the most impactful tools for second-in-command leaders: the Integrator Continuum.

Tony shares the origin story of the continuum—how it was developed to help visionaries understand the different types of integrators based on business size, need, and leadership style. Together, they explore how the role of an integrator evolves over time, what it looks like to truly align personal passions with business needs, and how staying too long in the wrong seat can drain your energy. Kristie reflects on her own experience living on the wrong side of the continuum, and how identifying her natural strengths became a game-changer.

They also dive into how this framework applies across operating systems like EOS, Pinnacle, and Scaling Up, and why self-awareness and honest conversations are critical for both Visionaries and Integrators to thrive together.

If you've ever wondered what kind of integrator you are—or how to find the right integrator for your business—this episode is packed with insight.

In this special Women’s History Month episode of ConvHERsations with Kristie, Kristie Clayton welcomes Jill Simond, founder of Savvy Strategic Partners, for a soul-stirring conversation about feminine energy, conscious leadership, and the future we’re building for the next generation.

Jill shares her reflections on the energetic shift happening in 2025 and how women—and teams—can benefit from integrating both masculine and feminine energies. From honoring intuition and empathy to embracing structure and drive, this conversation explores how balance creates thriving cultures. Together, Kristie and Jill discuss the importance of raising self-aware daughters, healing generational patterns, and equipping the next wave of women to not just walk through doors—but remove them entirely.

This episode is a powerful blend of personal insight and professional wisdom for anyone interested in redefining leadership, creating team harmony, and building a future that empowers everyone to lead boldly and authentically.

In this episode of ConvHERsations with Kristie, Kristie Clayton is joined by Jenna Spencer, founder and visionary of AssistPro, for a heartfelt and honest conversation about redefining success, embracing your identity, and building a life and business that truly align with your values.

Jenna shares her journey from executive assistant to visionary entrepreneur, and how she discovered that being a visionary doesn't have to fit a stereotype. Together, she and Kristie unpack the internal tension that comes with identity shifts—especially for those moving from integrator to visionary—and why understanding tools like Kolbe and Working Genius can empower you to lead in your own way.

They also explore the importance of creating a life that works for your whole family, including the decision Jenna and her husband made to reverse traditional roles so she could grow AssistPro while he supported at home.

Whether you’re questioning your next role, wondering if you're "visionary enough," or looking to find harmony between business and personal life—this episode will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and encouraged to own your path.

In this episode of ConvHERsations with Kristie, Kristie Clayton is joined by Grace Gavin, co-founder of Know Honesty, to talk about one of the most overlooked yet powerful skills in leadership and team dynamics: having truly open and honest conversations.

Grace shares how her experience implementing EOS® revealed a crucial insight—businesses often don’t fail because of the system, but because team members lack the ability to communicate with openness and honesty. She breaks down these concepts into practical, two-sided definitions: “Honesty” as being fully yourself, and “Openness” as listening without reservation. Together, they explore how curiosity, presence, and letting go of assumptions can build trust, prevent drama, and strengthen visionary-integrator partnerships.

This conversation is packed with insights for leaders, especially those in EOS® roles, who want to stop talking at each other and start actually connecting. If you’re looking to create a culture where people feel heard, valued, and empowered—this episode is your roadmap.

In this powerful episode of ConvHERsations with Kristie, Kristie Clayton sits down with Nathan Young—fractional COO and co-author of How to Be Second—to explore the concept of “second” not as a role, but as an identity.

Together, they unpack what it truly means to be a “second”: someone who sees the world through implication, who carries both extraordinary imposter syndrome and high competence, and who often supports others as their primary mode of operating. Nathan shares how “being second” is less about hierarchy and more about wiring—and how many seconds have mistakenly wrapped their identity in a title, rather than understanding it as who they are at their core.

They also dig into the challenge of using the word “second” in a culture that often equates it with being “less than.” Nathan explains why the term was chosen anyway, how it translates globally, and why being second should be viewed as a destination, not a stepping stone.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the tension between role and identity—especially those who have felt both essential and invisible at the same time.

In this episode of ConvHERsations with Kristie, Kristie Clayton sits down with Susan Goebel—CEO of Scaling Management Consulting Group and fractional COO/Integrator—to talk about the journey from second-in-command to CEO, the evolution of leadership, and the power of building systems and support that scale.

Susan shares her story of unexpectedly entering entrepreneurship, building a thriving team, and learning to lead as a visionary—thanks in part to her own incredible COO, Jill. Together, she and Kristie reflect on what they’ve learned transitioning from integrators to founders, why assessments and peer groups only matter if you use them, and how tools like AI can be powerful—but only if paired with human insight and action.

They also dive into the three essentials every executive needs: an operating system, a strong peer group, and an executive coach.

This conversation is full of real-life leadership lessons, laughs, and reminders that growth often starts with asking for help—and saying yes to the unexpected.

In this heart-filled episode of ConvHERsations with Kristie, Kristie Clayton sits down with Grandi Washington—CXO of HERverse and founder of Extraordinary Seconds—for a candid conversation about leadership, burnout, authenticity, and finding your way back to yourself.

Grandi shares her journey from burnout to breakthrough, describing how she reclaimed her time, redefined success, and began showing up in life and leadership as her full, unapologetic self (yes—tiara, glitter, blue hair and all). Together, she and Kristie explore what it means to stop living for others' expectations, set healthy boundaries, and build a life rooted in core values.

They also discuss how real leadership is about making others feel wanted, not just welcome—and how Grandi is helping clients tackle communication and accountability with empathy and confidence through her work at Extraordinary Seconds.

This is a powerful reminder for women in leadership: you don’t have to lose yourself to lead well. In fact, being yourself is exactly what the world needs most.

In this inspiring episode of ConvHERsations with Kristie, Kristie Clayton welcomes Joni Goodman—founder of JDG Advisors, emotional intelligence coach, and Brene Brown-certified Dare to Lead™ facilitator—for a heartfelt discussion on self-awareness, emotional connection, and supporting women leaders.

Joni shares why emotional intelligence is critical for second-in-command leaders, and how practices like journaling, mindfulness, and coaching create safer, more connected workplaces. She also introduces her Encounter You Luxury Women’s Experience—a transformative, year-long growth program for women seeking clarity, confidence, and community.

Together, Kristie and Joni reflect on their shared mission to foster authentic connection and celebrate the power of women supporting women—without competition, comparison, or burnout. This conversation is both energizing and grounding, and yes… includes a surprise dance break in the pink seat.

If you're a leader ready to explore your inner landscape and lead with heart, this episode is for you.

In this episode of ConvHERsations with Kristie, Chris Lambert—founder of Life Remodeled and Next Level Nonprofit—joins Kristie Clayton for a powerful dialogue on transforming communities and nonprofit leadership. Chris shares how Life Remodeled revitalizes vacant Detroit schools into hubs for holistic support, and how Next Level Nonprofit is helping organizations build dream teams and drive lasting impact through a tailored operating system.

They discuss his faith-driven mission, why collaboration across nonprofits is essential, and what it takes to build the right visionary-integrator partnership. Chris reflects on leadership lessons, how EOS® inspired his nonprofit framework, and what he's learned from both success and failure. The conversation also touches on the importance of role clarity, growth-centered cultures, and empowering future generations of leaders.

Whether you're in the nonprofit world or simply passionate about meaningful leadership, this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, and plenty of practical insight.