Honestly, We're Learning

On this episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, hosts Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec open with a reflection on takeaways from recent conversations—sharing how Rodrigo inspired Leslie to swap hotel room laptop time for gym workouts during business trips, and how Michelle’s "10 and 2" framework forced them to pause, sit in the recipient's shoes, and communicate with greater intentionality.

Then, they are joined by Lauren Jones, CEO and founder of Leap Advisory Partners—one of the staffing and recruiting industry’s leading AI advisory firms. With 30 years in staffing, Lauren is a three-time author, keynote speaker, and founder of The Real AI Agency, dedicated to helping leaders and women navigate technology transformation with practical, no-fluff strategies.

Leslie, Lesly, and Lauren dive into the personal turning points and pragmatic strategies required to navigate rapid change. Lauren shares how major life shifts gave her radical clarity, why she proudly wears the title of "Chief Failure Officer," and how she completely turned her own business model upside down to stay ahead of market demands. 

She also breaks down why leaders need to stop overcomplicating AI, why fear is holding firms back, and why treating AI like a new team member—rather than looking for an "easy button"—unlocks real-time savings and ROI.

Episode Chapters
00:00 - Guest Takeaways in Action: Workout Accountability and The "10 and 2" Rule
04:54 - Meet Lauren Jones, Founder and CEO of Leap Advisory Partners
07:39 - Daily Rituals That Keep a CEO Grounded
09:55 - Reaching “Zero Fs to Give”: Unlearning and Radical Clarity
14:34 - What Younger Us Needed
17:52 - Turning Business Upside Down and Rebuilding an Entire Service Model
23:30 - An AI Optimist’s Take
33:55 - Why There Is No “Easy Button” with AI
41:17 - Host Recap: The “Take Three” Key Takeaways

About Honestly, We’re Learning

Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.

As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.

The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.

Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/

On this episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, hosts Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec open with a candid check-in on their own hosting habits. They reflect on a recent recording clip where they repeatedly interrupted a guest out of pure excitement—prompting a real-time lesson on the power of pausing, active listening, and sitting through uncomfortable silences.

Then, they are joined by Stephen Dwyer, President and CEO of the American Staffing Association (ASA). With more than two decades at the intersection of law, public policy, and workforce solutions, Stephen is one of the staffing industry's premier legal and policy authorities, guiding the association into its next chapter while representing North America on the World Employment Confederation board.

Leslie, Lesly, and Stephen dive into the defining mindsets and turning points that shape long-term executive impact. Stephen reveals how his father’s advice taught him to stay open to rare opportunities, how a life-altering hospital stay reshaped how he sees his job title, and why he defines the role of a CEO as simply "helping others succeed." He also breaks down how staffing firms can avoid commoditization by selling value over price, and why he approaches AI, automation, and robotics with genuine excitement rather than fear.

Connect with Stephen Dwyer on LinkedIn
Learn more about Staffing World 2026 at staffingworld.net.
Join ASA Thrive Live in Denver. Register at https://americanstaffing.net/thrive-live-sw2026/.

Episode Chapters
00:00 – Calling Ourselves Out: Confessions of Over-Excited Hosts
04:10 – Meet Stephen Dwyer, President and CEO of the American Staffing Association
06:07 – Unlearning the Urge to Talk: Why Active Listening Wins
10:20 – How Stephen Dwyer Defines His Role
13:16 – Craft vs. Connection: Fatherly Wisdom on Recognizing Opportunity
17:07 – Value vs. Price: Reframing AI and Commoditization
23:34 – Dad Jokes, A Secret Waze Trick, and Breaking the “Serious Exterior”
29:13 – Leading Through Transformation: Why the Industry’s Best Days Are Ahead
33:06 – Host Recap: The “Take Three” Key Takeaways

About Honestly, We’re Learning

Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.

As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.

The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.

Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/

On this episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, hosts Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec open with a candid check-in on personal accountability, building healthy habits, and the friction of sticking to new routines. Lesly breaks down how external accountability partners keep her grounded, while Leslie shares a relatable moment of weakness involving her son’s sleepover snacks and a box of mint Oreos.

Then, they are joined by Rodrigo Alcaine, CEO of Eastridge Workforce Solutions. Named to SIA’s Staffing 100 for 2026 and SIA’s 40 Under 40, Rodrigo has led Eastridge through significant transformation and double-digit growth in a challenging market.

Leslie, Lesly, and Rodrigo dive into the pivotal moments and operational mindsets that define his executive style. Rodrigo reveals the career-changing advice that transformed how he leads: why managers must stop providing answers and start asking better questions. He breaks down why he completely eliminated the word “buy-in” from his company's vocabulary in favor of true alignment, how everyday leadership habits silently build company systems, and how to navigate AI optimization without sacrificing the human element of staffing.

Finally, Rodrigo breaks down the architecture of his personal life—from his disciplined 4:30 AM marathon training routine to why leaders must define who they are on Monday and Saturday instead of waiting for work to slow down. It’s an inspiring conversation on discipline, clarity, and refusing to settle for what is safe so your team can reach what they are truly capable of achieving.

Connect with Rodrigo Alcaine on LinkedIn

Episode Chapters

00:32 - Accountability and Getting Healthy

06:24 - Meet Rodrigo Alcaine, CEO of Eastridge Workforce Solutions

09:12 - Rapid Fire: Why Rodrigo Despises the Thumbs-Up Emoji

11:46 - Why Great Leaders Should Stop Giving Answers, and Start Asking Questions

15:28 - Ditching “Buy-In”: Moving from Compliance to True Alignment

20:15 - AI, Margin Pressure, and Keeping Human Connection in Staffing

23:25 - 4:30 AM Discipline: Defining Who You Are and Being That Person

27:42 - Moving Beyond What’s Safe to Reach True Capability

29:23 - Host Recap: The “Take Three” Key Takeaways

About Honestly, We’re Learning

Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.

As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.

The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.

Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/ 

On this episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, hosts Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec kick things off with a hilarious "Momager" confession. Leslie shares what it was like taking her 10-year-old son to VidCon, complete with AI-planned schedules, custom-printed QR code business cards, and the hard-won parenting (and leadership) lesson of knowing when to step back and let someone find their own footing through moments of disappointment.

Then, they are joined by Myla Ramos, Founder and CEO of SearchPros, an enterprise workforce solutions provider built around the simple idea that people and performance should work hand in hand. Recognized among SIA’s 100 Most Influential People in Staffing, the Global Power 150 Women in Staffing, and an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Bay Area Award winner, Myla has accomplished what few founders can: scaling SearchPros over 21 years into an entirely self-funded, debt-free enterprise.

Leslie, Lesly, and Myla dive deep into the personal turning points and candid stories that shaped Myla’s service-first leadership style. Myla reflects on how buying a $2 bottle of discount perfume as a young immigrant in Baltimore defined her early vision of independence, before tackling the hard shift of unlearning the 12-hour hustle mindset in the era of AI. She breaks down why she hires for intent and tech-adaptability over static experience, opens up about growing up in a Philippines convent where service was the core of daily life, and shares the hilarious story of how an introverted recruiter who "didn't even like people" learned to master enterprise sales.

Finally, Myla reflects on how stepping back onto the frontline to recruit and onboard alongside her team removes excuses, builds unshakeable culture, and proves that scrappy, hands-on leadership will always outmaneuver out-of-touch management.

Connect with Myla Ramos on LinkedIn

Episode Chapters

00:43 - A "Momager" Confession

09:33 - Meet Myla Ramos, Founder and CEO of SearchPros

12:25 - Rapid Fire: Bringing the Drama

15:12 - What a $2 Bottle of Cologne Taught an Enterprise CEO

20:43 - Unlearning the 12-Hour Grind: Performance Over Clock-Watching

27:55 -  Intent vs. Capability: The Red Flag Disrupting Modern Hiring

33:27 - The Genesis of a Servant Mentality

43:34 - Host Recap: The “Take Three” Key Takeaways

About Honestly, We’re Learning

Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.

As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.

The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.

Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/

On this episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, hosts Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec kick things off by tackling a classic executive dilemma: the constant tug-of-war between working in the business versus working on the business. Lesly shares what it was like diving back into ground-level account work after years in a high-level strategic role, and both hosts unpack how rolling up your sleeves makes you a more empathetic, effective leader without losing your forward momentum.

Then, they are joined by Michelle Sims, CEO of YUPRO Placement, a subsidiary of YearUp United and one of the country's leading voices in Skills First Hiring. Named to SIA’s Global Power 150 Women in Staffing for five consecutive years and a regular contributor to Forbes and SIA Staffing Stream, Michelle sits right at the intersection of workforce development, forward-thinking employers, and alternative talent pathways.

Leslie, Lesly, and Michelle dive deep into the hard-won turning points that shape executive leadership. Michelle opens up about her favorite piece of personal advice—why you shouldn't carry baggage meant for others (and her "Let them" tattoo)—before sharing a deeply humbling story from her VP days when a client email write-up changed how she writes and gives feedback forever. She also breaks down her practical "10 and 2" framework for helping teams navigate a leader’s natural conviction, while tackling the real-world realities of skills-first hiring, default ATS degree filters, and the expansion of registered apprenticeships.

Finally, Michelle reflects on the power of leading through purpose rather than constantly trying to prove yourself and why taking a breath to enjoy what you've built prevents team burnout.

Connect with Michelle Sims on LinkedIn

Learn more about YUPRO Placement

The 10 and 2 Framework

Listen to TheEdge with Michelle Sims

On this episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, hosts Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec kick things off by tackling the ultimate executive vacation dilemma—how to actually disconnect. Leslie shares how her recent vacation went after silencing notifications, giving yourself grace on the road, and how a team challenge on Strava is keeping the ClearEdge crew moving.

Then, they are joined by Kellen Smith, CEO of 8020 Consulting. From playing Rice University Division I soccer to leading over 25 M&A transactions and successful exits for private equity-backed firms, Kellen is the definition of a high-impact operational leader.

Leslie, Lesly, and Kellen dive deep into the power of a winding career path, examining why Kellen rejected a "perfect on paper" Fortune 500 offer for a smaller entrepreneurial firm to gain the operational role she wanted. Kellen opens up about reframing failure as a required variable for scaling, knowing when a CEO must get out of the way, and how mid-market companies can leverage practical, piece-by-piece AI integration.

Finally, Kellen pulls back the curtain on the intense "architecture" of a hyper-busy life, sharing the reality of climbing into the C-suite with four kids under four, and the non-negotiable "family school drop-off" routine that keeps her grounded.

Connect with Kellen Smith on LinkedIn
Learn more about 8020 Consulting

On this episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, hosts Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec kick things off by celebrating a massive milestone—20 years of ClearEdge! They reflect on how the marketing landscape has transformed over two decades, the ongoing battle to prove marketing’s value as a growth driver, and why leaders can never afford to get comfortable.

Then, they are joined by Kelly McCreight, CEO of Hamilton-Ryker and owner of School of Rock Nashville. With over 30 years in staffing, Kelly is the definition of a multi-dimensional leader. Kelly opens up about his roots baling hay in Tennessee and how those formative, gritty years shaped his definition of hard work.

Leslie, Lesly, and Kelly dive deep into the ultimate leadership hurdle: learning to let go. As a self-proclaimed "recovering CPA," Kelly shares his journey of embracing the discipline of delegation—even when it means letting his team fail forward. They also tackle a massive macroeconomic shift: how the impending "baby boomer exit" is forcing traditional staffing models to evolve into innovative apprenticeship programs that create genuine upward mobility for workers.

Finally, Kelly shares a humbling, hilarious story about hitting rock bottom inside a porta-potty at mile 16 of a marathon, and the profound leadership lessons that endurance sports teach us about discipline.

• Connect with Kelly McCreight on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Hamilton-Ryker
• Check out School of Rock Nashville

Episode Chapters

0:00 – Celebrating 20 Years of ClearEdge & The Evolving Value of Marketing

05:50 – Introducing Kelly McCreight: CEO, 8-Time Iron Man, and Rockstar

08:45 – The Ultimate Walk-Up Song & Getting Grounded Baling Hay

12:40 – Preparing for Sudden Market Shifts

15:25 – How Apprenticeships Can Solve the Workforce Crisis

21:10 – Confessions of a Recovering CPA: The Discipline of Delegation

24:50 – Hitting Rock Bottom at Mile 16: Endurance Sport Lessons for Business Leaders

33:33 – Take Three: The ClearEdge Debrief on Being Change-Ready and Starting Small

About Honestly, We’re Learning

Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.

As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.

The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.

Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/ 

On this episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, hosts Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec dive into what happens when you step out of your comfort zone—and why sitting in uncomfortable moments is often the catalyst for our biggest growth.

They are joined by Lamees Abourahma, CEO of the Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association (RPOA). From her roots as a math student organizing college clubs to leading a global trade association, Lamees has organically built communities her entire life. But stepping into the public spotlight didn't come naturally. Lamees opens up about her journey learning more about public speaking through Toastmasters, challenging herself with improv classes, and learning to embrace her role as an industry storyteller.

Leslie, Lesly, and Lamees also tackle a critical conversation for women in the workforce: knowing your worth. They discuss the internal narratives that hold women back from negotiating, the power of mentorship for the next generation, and how RPOA is actively shaping the future of talent acquisition with their brand-new AI task force.

• Connect with Lamees Abourahma on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the RPOA
• Check out RPOA’s new portal: AI and the Future of RPO
• Listen to RPOA's podcast: Time to Hire

Episode Chapters

2:10 – The parenting struggle of resisting the "rescue" 

10:45 – Lamees’s organic journey from math society president to CEO 

15:58 – Unlearning the fear of public speaking with Toastmasters and improv 

22:53 – How AI is shaping the future of Talent Acquisition and RPO 

25:22 – Knowing your worth and teaching the next generation to negotiate

30:52 - Top 3 Takeaways

About Honestly, We’re Learning

Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.

As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.

The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.

Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec sit down with Ursula Williams, President of Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), to explore what it means to step into big corporate moments with strategic speed and undeniable authenticity. Ursula shares:

• How her upbringing by immigrant entrepreneurs gave her the foundation to be bold,
• Why getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is a prerequisite for leadership breakthroughs
• The critical moment an unexpected ally changed her career trajectory. 
  

Together, they also tackle the staffing industry’s historical blind spot—underinvesting in marketing—and explain why treating marketing as the technology-driven growth engine it is can yield a massive 10% growth advantage.

Connect with Ursula Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ursula-williams-b79a54/

Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/
Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/ 

Listen to Ursula’s episode of TheEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/podcast/ursula-williams-evp-of-staffing-industry-analysts-says-if-you-can-see-it-you-can-be-it/ 

Explore the full episode details and key takeaways: https://meetclearedge.com/podcast/comfortable-being-uncomfortable/

Episode Chapters

00:10 - Believing in Your Own Story First

5:44 - Ditching the Traditional Career Script

8:13 - Meet Ursula Williams

10:42 - Rapid Fire: Turbo Speed, AI Notes, and Strict Coffee Rules

15:09 - Built to Be Bold

17:55 - The Unexpected Ally

22:18 - What Keeps the President of SIA Up at Night?

26:54 - The Architecture of a High-Achieving Life

33:29 - The Staffing Industry’s Blind Spot: Marketing as a Growth Engine

37:40 - Take Three: Small Acts of Allyship, Huge Career Trajectories

About Honestly, We’re Learning

Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.

As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.

The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.

Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec sit down with Jennie Dede, Head of Sales, Search and Staffing, North America at LinkedIn, to explore the intentional career pivots and human-centric leadership lessons that have defined her journey. They discuss the profound professional validation of leading with an impact so meaningful that your former team actively recruits you to be their boss, and the delicate balance of head and heart required to manage organizational change. Jennie also shares how her time coaching youth athletes shaped her competitive drive, proving that instilling unwavering confidence is the ultimate foundation for unlocking potential and taking big career risks.

Connect with Jennie Dede: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniedede/ 

Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/
Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/ 

Episode Chapters

1:23: The AI Exhaustion Loop

14:00: Jennie’s Level 12,00 Morning Routine

16:33: Taking Risks and Embracing Change

21:01: Learning to Balance the Head and the Heart

22:16: Unlocking Potential to Find Someone’s Superpower

24:45: Being Excited By and Tackling New Technology

28:06: The Power of Great Parents

34:40: Top 3 Takeaways 

About Honestly, We’re Learning

Join ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.

As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.

The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.

Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/