Heartbeat For Hire with Lyndsay Dowd

Henna Pryror Speaker. Executive Coach. Workplace Performance Expert.

Considered one of the best recruiters on the east coast - and gave it all up. She had an incredible sales and consulting career. She shattered records and was in the top 10% of the company every year. She loved the industry – but her heart broke every time she helped a high-performing employee exit their high-potential team.

Socials:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hennapryor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/hennapryor

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hennapryorcoach

Summary:

In this episode, workplace performance expert and bestselling author Henna Pryor joins the show to discuss the hidden challenges of the modern workday. The conversation dives deep into why many professionals feel like "drunk baby giraffes" navigating constant change and how "social muscle atrophy" is impacting team dynamics in a hybrid world. Henna shares why embracing awkwardness is a professional advantage and offers actionable strategies to rebuild social courage and connection.

Key Takeaways:

- Social Muscle as Currency: Your ability to navigate social discomfort is a hidden performance currency in today's workplace.

- The "Atrophy" Epidemic: Remote and hybrid work have caused our social skills to weaken due to a lack of real-world practice and a tendency to avoid difficult conversations.

- Awkwardness is an Emotion, Not a Trait: Awkwardness is a unique form of social discomfort triggered by uncertainty and change, rather than a permanent personality flaw.

- The "Drunk Baby Giraffe" Mindset: Leaders must model being okay with "stumbling" through change to encourage their teams to take risks and keep moving forward.

- Focus on the Start: The hardest part of social interaction is the "activation energy" required to begin; focusing on simply starting can overcome most social anxiety.

Episode Chapters:

[00:00:00] The "Drunk Baby Giraffe" Workplace

[00:02:24] Henna's Path to Performance Coaching

[00:03:52] Defining "Good Awkward"

[00:06:17] Why We Are More Awkward Now

[00:09:44] The Danger of Social Comfort

[00:12:30] The Spotlight Effect and the Liking Gap

[00:16:15] Strategy: Social Risk Micro-Dosing

[00:19:50] The "Activation Energy" of Conversation

[00:23:10] Leadership and the Permission to Stumble

[00:27:18] Embracing the Messy Middle

[00:31:05] Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

[00:33:45] Closing Thoughts and "Good Awkward" Resources

Victoria Pelletier is recognized across North America as a dynamic, captivating keynote speaker, published author and dynamic executive. Her story of overcoming unspeakable odds to live a life of #NoExcuses is both moving, and incredibly inspiring.

Victoria draws from her 20+ years in corporate senior leadership at companies like IBM and American Express to deliver engaging, inspiring keynotes to audiences across North America.

Socials:

Website: https://victoria-pelletier.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VictoriaPelletierUnstoppable

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoria_pelletier_unstoppable/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriapelletier/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Victoria.Pelletier.Unstoppable/

Summary:

In this episode of The Heartbeat for Hire Podcast, host Lyndsay Dowd welcomes Victoria Pelletier, a powerhouse executive who became a COO at just 24 and has held senior leadership roles at IBM, Accenture, and American Express. Victoria shares her harrowing journey from a childhood defined by abuse, addiction, and trauma to becoming a global voice on "healthy resilience". She discusses the pivotal moment when she realized her "Iron Maiden" nickname was a sign that her professional armor was actually distancing her from her humanity. The conversation explores how leaders can shed their protective shields, embrace vulnerability, and build cultures where people can succeed without breaking.

Key Takeaways:

- Resilience is a Muscle: While some resilience may be innate, it is primarily a muscle that can be developed and strengthened through intentional work.

- Armor vs. Humanity: Wearing a "shield of protective armor" to appear strong can often be perceived by others as a lack of emotion or empathy.

- Humanize Your Leadership: Small, deliberate actions—like spending the first few minutes of a meeting on personal connection—can bridge the gap between performance and humanity.

- Embrace Discomfort: Stepping into the "zone of discomfort" is necessary for high-performers to learn how to show vulnerability and lead as their whole selves.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:52 Meet Victoria Pelletier: A Story of Resilience

03:02 Victoria's Early Life and Challenges

05:07 The Iron Maiden: Leadership and Resilience

07:25 Balancing Strength and Vulnerability in Leadership

14:25 Maintaining Authenticity in Corporate Leadership

16:53 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

23:00 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Elatia Abate is an entrepreneur with a mission to revolutionize leadership to empower humanity in the Age of AI. Named a Forbes leading female futurist, she is a globally recognized expert on the futures of work and strategy and is a distinguished member of the American

Her Future-Led Leadership learning and development content has been utilized in organizations including Verizon, UniGroup RMI – Rocky Mountain Institute, Grupo Globo, CME Group, Arcus Power, GMAC (Graduate Management Admissions Council), and The College of William and Mary Raymond A. Mason School of Business. She previously served as Futurist in Residence for Paylocity.

Elatia is a sought-after keynote speaker on the topics of the future of work, leadership and resilience, sharing her message for audiences of tens and auditoriums of thousands for including, Citi, NY Life, VRBO, Deloitte, Honeywell, KPMG, and SHRM, among many others. She has a TEDx talk titled, "Pioneering the Future of Work."

Summary:

In this episode of The Heartbeat For Hire, we welcome back Elatia Abate, a Forbes-recognized futurist and expert on the future of work. As the conversation around Artificial Intelligence shifts from "possibility" to "pressure," leaders are often left feeling off-balance by the sheer velocity of change.

Elatia breaks down how we can move from fear to empowerment in the face of disruption. She introduces the concept of the "Stackable Factory" to explain the evolution of knowledge work and discusses the critical need for "Regenerative Resilience". From the emergence of new roles like "Vibe Coders" to the importance of embodied leadership, this episode is a guide to maintaining humanity and ethics in a rapidly accelerating digital world.

Key Takeaways:

- The "Stackable Factory" of Knowledge Work

- Regenerative Resilience

- Business Beyond the Brain

- Slow Down to Lead

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: The shift from AI hype to AI pressure.

01:07 – Meet Elatia Abate: Futurist and Leadership Expert.

03:21 – The Leadership Room: What executives are really asking about AI.

06:52 – Operationalizing AI: Focusing on business challenges, not just tools.

08:08 – The "Stackable Factory": How AI changes knowledge work.

10:10 – Future Roles: From Prompt Engineers to Vibe Coders.

12:10 – The Ethics of AI: Safety, profit, and global responsibility.

15:37 – Regenerative Resilience: Thriving in chaos.

18:13 – Business Beyond the Brain: The Think, Do, Be framework.

23:37 – Looking Ahead: Impact and conscious leadership in 2026.

27:37 – Conclusion: Slowing down to speed up.

Gabe Lullo is the CEO of Alleyoop, a sales development agency working with industry giants such as ZoomInfo, Salesloft, and Adobe.

He has trained over 8,000 salespeople across diverse businesses and, during his tenure in Alleyoop, he has personally hired and managed more than 1,500 BDRs.

With over two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and executive recruitment, his strategies have significantly driven Alleyoop's growth and shaped its corporate culture.

Beyond his career accomplishments, Gabe graduated from the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford, and his leadership ethos is rooted in cultivating environments that prioritize both professional development and individual success.

Socials:

linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lullo/

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

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL61t3M6geW84XNxsfKI5iARqa6_M9MuSy

Episode Summary:

In this episode, host Lyndsay Dowd talks with Gabe Lullo, the CEO of AlleyOOP, a sales-as-a-service company that specializes in helping businesses scale through effective outreach. Gabe shares his unique journey from recruiting to running a company that makes over 11 million cold calls a year.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of building high-performing revenue teams that last. Gabe and Lindsay discuss the difficult but necessary decision to fire toxic top performers to protect company culture. They also explore how to keep Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) motivated in a grueling role, the critical importance of a "video-on" culture for remote teams, and why LinkedIn is no longer optional for modern executives.

Key Takeaways:

- Culture Over Revenue

- Mindset is 50% of Success

- Video is Essential for Remote Trust

- LinkedIn is a Must-Have

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro to Gabe Lullo and AlleyOOP

00:02:17 – Gabe's background: From fundraising at 11 years old to recruiting

00:06:00 – The three pillars of success: People, Process, and Technology

00:07:40 – Why you should fire your toxic top performer

00:10:14 – Culture as a KPI and the "shadowing" interview process

00:13:19 – What is AlleyOOP? (The "unsung hero" of sales)

00:18:18 – The SDR Mindset and daily "Power Up" videos

00:21:26 – Why a "camera on" culture matters in remote work

00:24:05 – What inspires Gabe and his legacy

00:26:43 – Why leaders and employees must be on LinkedIn

00:31:26 – Where to find Gabe and his podcast, Do Hard Things

Dana Grant is an International Master Life and Business Coach, best-selling author of The Truth Within The Lie: How to Align with Universal Principles to Create the Life You Deserve, host of global retreats, keynote speaker, host of top performing podcast The Dana Grant Show, and co-founder of the multi-million-dollar-brand, Cali'Flour Foods. Her influence spans continents, leading transformational retreats in Italy and delivering sold-out masterclasses in Paris and Amsterdam.

From her triumphant defeat of her debilitating illness in which she battled addiction and found a path to recovery, to setting unbreakable corporate sales records, she is now on a soul quest to see everyone reach their full potential. Her mission is clear: to ignite the soul potential in every person she meets. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Microsoft, Medium, New York Today, Miami Post, and more, making her a recognized voice in the fields of transformation, business, and intuitive leadership.

Socials:

https://danagrant.me/

https://www.instagram.com/therealdanagrant/

https://www.youtube.com/@therealdanagrant/

https://www.facebook.com/thedanagrant

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-grant-408522a2/

https://www.tiktok.com/@therealdanagrant

Episode Summary:

In the first episode of 2026, the host welcomes Dana Grant—an international master coach, bestselling author, and global retreat leader—to discuss the power of radical honesty and vulnerability. Dana shares her personal journey from a life of "chaos," severe illness, and victimhood to one of aligned purpose and truth.

Key Takeaways:

- Vulnerability is Magnetic: Leaders who share their struggles—not just their wins—build the deepest connections.

- Divorce the Outcome: To find true alignment, you must "marry the process and divorce the outcome".

- Your "Truth" May Be a Lie: Many of the stories we tell ourselves (e.g., "I need this medication to survive" or "I am a victim") are actually lies created by the ego for protection. Real growth requires radical honesty to identify and dismantle these stories.

- Everything is Energy: You cannot fake your vibration; if you enter a room with chaos or anger, people will feel it regardless of what you say.

- Perfection is Paralysis: Waiting for the perfect moment is a waste of energy.

Betsy Hamm, MBA, is the former CEO of Duck Donuts, where she led the brand's expansion from 20 locations in 2016 to nearly 200 by 2025. Under her leadership, the company grew across the United States and expanded internationally into nine countries, including locations in the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Asia. Before serving as CEO, Betsy held key roles at Duck Donuts, including Chief Operating Officer and Director of Marketing. She brought more than 15 years of marketing and leadership experience, including serving as Marketing Director for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, a premier hospitality company known for its iconic attractions, resorts, and venues in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

In her latest venture, Betsy Hamm Lifted Studio, she partners with founders and executives to accelerate growth, streamline operations, and build strong, scalable brands and leadership teams. Betsy also hosts Loud & Lifted, a women-in-leadership podcast blending real talk with practical tools on confidence, executive presence, and career growth. She serves on the board of Central Penn College and holds a B.A. in Communications and an MBA from Shippensburg University.

Summary:

In this episode, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Betsy Hamm, the former CEO of Duck Donuts who helped scale the beloved brand from 20 local shops to nearly 200 global locations. Betsy shares her journey from a marketing career at Hershey Entertainment to navigating the chaotic startup environment of Duck Donuts as employee number 12. She discusses the critical operational strategies required to scale a franchise without losing its soul, the delicate art of giving founders honest feedback (or "calling the baby ugly"), and why consistency is the hardest part of growth. Now an advisor for emerging brands, Betsy also opens up about the importance of personal branding for leaders and her passion for empowering women to be louder, braver, and more supportive of one another through her own podcast, Loud and Lifted.

Key Takeaways:

- Scaling Requires Standards

- The Art of "Calling the Baby Ugly

- Build Your Personal Brand

- Women Supporting Women

After nearly 200,000 cold calls and a million auto-dialer calls, Stephen Oommen discovered something shocking: 98% of his revenue came from warm referrals. Today, he breaks down how sellers can turn relationships into predictable growth. In this episode, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Stephen Oommen, a 25-year go-to-market veteran, speaker, and author of the upcoming book The Referral Effect. Stephen shares why nearly 98% of his business revenue came from warm referrals, despite making hundreds of thousands of cold calls throughout his career. Stephen opens up about growing up as the child of immigrants in Oklahoma, navigating an identity crisis that ultimately became his superpower—the Chameleon Effect—his ability to adapt, connect, and create trust across any environment. That skill later became the foundation for his referral-based sales methodology. You'll learn: - Why executives don't respond to cold outreach—and what they do respond to - How to close the trust gap by scaling warm referrals - The "Magic Networking Question" that instantly upgrades your network - The 99 and 1 Principle for managing energy in sales and relationships - How leaders can balance intensity, kindness, and long-term legacy If you're a B2B seller, founder, GTM leader, or executive tired of low-yield outreach, this conversation will challenge how you think about networking, sales culture, and growth.

Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Stephen Oommen, the Truth Teller. 02:22 – Stephen's Origin Story: From Bankruptcy to Corporate Success. 04:48 – The Chameleon Effect: Turning Identity Crisis into a Superpower. 10:39 – Cold Calls vs. Warm Referrals: The Efficiency vs. Effectiveness Debate. 16:54 – How to Start Networking: Nurturing and Activating Relationships. 19:16 – The Live Exercise: Asking the Right Questions to Build a Network. 22:50 – Using Qualifiers: Geography, Industry, and Title. 26:08 – The 99 and 1 Principle: Managing Energy in Sales. 30:04 – What Inspires Stephen: Growth, Contribution, and Laughter. 32:38 – Legacy: Kindness Character vs. Intense Personality. 35:00 – What's Next: Speaking Tours and The Referral Effect. About the Guest Stephen Oommen is a 25-year go-to-market veteran with experience spanning frontline sales to executive leadership. He has worked with startups and global enterprises including Microsoft, ADP, and Citibank. Stephen is the only speaker and trainer dedicated to helping B2B sellers solve the biggest challenge in modern sales: lack of access to decision makers. His work focuses on closing the trust gap by scaling the most successful method known—warm referrals. A successful entrepreneur and W2 employee ("entreployee"), Stephen has retired from corporate twice, paid off hundreds of thousands in non-mortgage debt, and is currently writing his book The Referral Effect. He believes legacy is built at the intersection of kindness, generosity, and laughter. Connect with Stephen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenoommen/ About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. Official Brand Partner: https://MyDeals.Page/19c3 To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #B2BSales #SalesStrategy #WarmReferrals #ColdCalling #SalesLeadership #GTM #Networking #RelationshipSelling #SalesPodcast #TheReferralEffect

What if the solution to feeding the world isn't on land—but in the ocean? Today, we're diving into the future of food with James Beard and Emmy-nominated storyteller Jennifer Bushman. In this episode of The Heartbeat for Hire, we dive into the deep blue with Jennifer Bushman, a James Beard Award–nominated chef, Emmy-nominated producer, and co-founder of Fed by Blue. Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in a cattle-ranching family in Colorado to becoming one of the world's leading advocates for sustainable aquaculture, ocean health, and blue foods. We explore her groundbreaking PBS docuseries Hope in the Water, the innovators restoring our oceans, and why the future of food depends on what comes from water—not land. Jennifer debunks common myths around farmed vs. wild seafood, explains how seaweed farming can regenerate ecosystems, and reveals why storytelling—not fear—is the key to environmental leadership and lasting change. From shrimp farms in Minnesota dairy barns to kelp used in skincare and ice cream, this conversation offers a hopeful, practical vision for feeding a growing world while healing our oceans. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Why Seaweed is the Vegetable of the Future 00:44 – Welcome: Meet Jennifer Bushman 01:51 – Jennifer's Origin Story: From Cattle Ranching to Ocean Advocacy 03:50 – Feeding the World: Reliance on Blue Foods 05:15 – Seaweed: It's More Than Just Sushi (Skincare, Toothpaste, & Ice Cream) 07:05 – Fed by Blue and the Hope in the Water Docuseries 09:00 – The Power of Celebrity Advocates: David E. Kelly & Martha Stewart 11:35 – Breaking the Stigma: The Truth About Farm-Raised Seafood 14:10 – Innovation Spotlight: Farming Shrimp in Minnesota Dairy Barns 16:45 – Leadership Lesson: Using Storytelling to mobilize funding and action 22:15 – Finding Inspiration and Defining Legacy 24:58 – What's Next & The Blue Food Cookbook About the Guest Jennifer Bushman is an award-winning chef, cookbook author, consultant, and storyteller working at the intersection of food, sustainability, and ocean health. A multiple James Beard Award nominee and Emmy nominee, Jennifer is the co-founder of Fed by Blue, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainable blue foods and aquaculture. She is also the creator and producer of the PBS docuseries Hope in the Water, spotlighting the water farmers, fishers, and scientists driving real solutions to restore our oceans and feed the world. Jennifer serves on the Board of Directors of The Marine Mammal Center and believes innovation, education, and hope are essential to solving the ocean crisis. Website: www.jenniferbushman.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bushman-86782212/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_bushman About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. Official Brand Partner: https://MyDeals.Page/19c3 To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #JenniferBushman #FedByBlue #BlueFoods #FutureOfFood #SustainableSeafood #OceanHealth #Aquaculture #FoodSystems #EnvironmentalLeadership #HopeInTheWater #SustainableEating #ClimateSolutions

What if the secret to leading creative teams wasn't control — but curiosity? Rob Sharenow shares the leadership philosophy behind decades of award-winning programming.

In this episode of The Heartbeat for Hire Podcast, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Rob Sharenow, President of Programming for A+E Networks, overseeing the creative vision behind A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, A&E Indie Films, and Home.Made.Nation.

Rob is one of the most respected creative executives in modern media — an award-winning writer and producer, Emmy and Peabody–recognized leader, and a guiding force behind some of the most impactful storytelling and programming in the industry.

But his career? Anything but linear.

Rob takes us through his unexpected path:

➡️ an unhappy academic in a PhD program

➡️ a risk-taking pivot into screenwriting

➡️ a bold 30–40% pay cut to pursue passion

➡️ and finally, rising to the top of a major media organization

This powerful conversation offers a rare inside look at what it really takes to lead creative teams, navigate volatility, and shape culture in one of the most competitive industries in the world.

This episode is a must-listen for creators, leaders, media professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to understand the DNA of great storytelling and extraordinary leadership.

📌 Timestamps

0:00 | The Evolution from a "Unified Culture" to a "Fragment Culture"

0:37 | Introducing the Episode's Three Key Learning Themes

1:12 | Meet Rob Sharenow, Creative Force at A&E, Lifetime, and History

1:59 | The First Rule of Leadership: Always Give Credit to Your Teams

2:30 | Rob's Circuitous Journey: From Academics to Screenwriter to TV Executive

5:53 | The Unique Culture of A&E and Leading Multiple Brands

7:41 | The "No One Wants to Read Anything Twice" Rule: Why Preparation is Everything

9:11 | Leadership Principle: Differentiating Passion from Conviction

10:48 | Killing a Good Idea: Navigating Tough Creative Feedback in "Show Business"

13:25 | The Risky Decision: Taking a Pay Cut for a Passion Project

15:13 | Decoding the Volatile Media Landscape and Targeted Content

19:15 | How to Maintain Psychological Safety for Creative Teams

21:28 | The Enduring Power of Individual Creative Acts

27:04 | Rob's Final Advice for Aspiring Creators & Final Thoughts

👤 About the Guest

Rob Sharenow is a leading creative media executive, award-winning writer, and producer who currently serves as President of Programming for A+E Networks. He oversees all creative development and production for A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, A&E Indie Films, and Home.Made.Nation. Throughout his career, his teams have earned numerous Primetime Emmys, News & Documentary Emmys, Peabody Awards, and even Academy Award recognition. A former screenwriter and longtime executive, Rob's leadership is defined by curiosity, clarity, and a deep respect for creative storytelling.

👩‍💼 About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation.

As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts.

Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action.

🌐 Official Brand Partner: https://MyDeals.Page/19c3

🛍️ To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping!

📲 Connect with Lyndsay Dowd:

👉 Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H

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What It Feels Like to Lead the World's Most Successful Musical with Maggie Brohn ---------------------------- She started answering phones. Now she runs Broadway's biggest global hit. Meet Maggie Brohn, the powerhouse behind Hamilton. In this episode of Heartbeat for Hire, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Maggie Brohn, Chief Operating Officer of Adventureland and the powerhouse Executive Producer of Hamilton across Broadway, the West End, Disney+, multiple global tours, and international productions. Maggie shares the remarkable story of how she went from answering phones in a theatrical office to becoming an owner, producer, and one of the most influential leaders in modern theater. She breaks down how Hamilton transitioned from a groundbreaking production into a global business — operating more like a major corporation than a traditional Broadway show. We explore the art of leading creatives, building trust, setting authority, navigating strong emotions, and making mission-critical decisions. Maggie reveals what it takes to guide artists while staying grounded in business realities and cultivating a team capable of worldwide excellence. She also opens up about listening, cultural sensitivity, DEI conversations, building long-term contracts, and why the industry needs a full reset. Plus, Maggie shares what Broadway needs most right now — and how audiences can help. Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro: The Audience's Desire for Delight in Theater 00:01:00 Introducing Maggie Brohn: Broadway's Executive Producer and COO 00:01:58 Maggie's Journey: From Answering Phones to Producing Hamilton 00:03:23 Leading Creatives: Setting Authority and Navigating Feelings 00:04:30 The Power of Trust and Delegating to Expertise 00:06:00 The Biggest Lesson: Moving Theater from "Show" to Global Business 00:08:15 Adapting Hamilton for International Audiences 00:11:59 The Current State of the Broadway Business 00:18:24 Setting Boundaries as a Manager 00:20:32 An Early Leadership Test: The Jack Daniels & Massage Request 00:23:46 Leading as an Outsider and a Woman in a Male-Dominated Group 00:24:49 Listening & Hard DEI Conversations 00:26:50 Maggie's Legacy: Leading an Industry "Reset" 00:30:22 Union Negotiations & Long-Term Contracts 00:33:26 How to Support Theater & Broadway Today 00:34:18 Conclusion & Final Thoughts About the Guest Maggie Brohn is the Chief Operating Officer of Adventureland and the Executive Producer of Hamilton on Broadway, the West End, the international tour, UK/Ireland Tour, and Disney+. Her recent credits include The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at New York Botanical Garden, the 2023 Sweeney Todd Broadway revival, Hamilton in Hamburg and Australia, Derren Brown: Secret, and The Cher Show. Previously a partner at Bespoke Theatricals, Maggie general-managed major plays and musicals for over a decade. She serves on the Board of Governors and Executive Committee for The Broadway League and is a former Co-Chair of the Labor Committee. She resides in New York City with her husband and two children. About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. Official Brand Partner: https://MyDeals.Page/19c3 To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #Hamilton #Broadway #MaggieBrohn #HamiltonMusical #ExecutiveProducer #LeadershipPodcast #CreativeLeadership #TheaterBusiness #WomenInLeadership #BehindTheScenes #HeartbeatForHire