Honestly, We're Learning

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec flip the mics on themselves to explore the personal turning points and candid leadership lessons that have defined their partnership and the evolution of ClearEdge. They discuss the necessity of unlearning the rigid divide between personal and professional life to lead with authenticity, the difficult transition from "ruinous empathy" to radical candor during seasons of high growth and turnover, and the unwavering discipline of focus and execution required to navigate the "messy middle" of building a values-driven business.

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

Explore the full episode details and key takeaways: www.meetclearedge.com/podcast/unlearning-leadership-rules/

Episode Chapters

3:38 - Learning genuine connection from each other

6:52 - Unlearning old leadership and workplace habits

13:25 - The hardest chapter in ClearEdge’s growth 

19:03 - What “Honestly, We’re Learning” really means

20:13 - Three words shaping the rest of the year

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/

We often put leaders on a pedestal, assuming they arrived at the C-suite with a finished blueprint for every crisis. But behind every successful success story is a leader who is still learning.

In this special episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, we’re looking back at a leadership lesson that has come up again and again: trusting yourself and trusting your team enough to delegate and learn from each other, and the impact it can have on a career. We’ve pulled together the most candid moments from five powerhouse leaders who prove that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it’s about being a facilitator of the right outcomes.

Explore the full episode details and key takeaways: https://meetclearedge.com/podcast/leaders-dont-have-all-the-answers/

Featured in this episode:

• Joanie Bily
• Ben Eubanks
• Jon Grosso
• Mike Smith
• Leslie Snavely

Episode Chapters

1:23 - 3:17: Joanie Bily on not having all of the answers

3:18 - 8:23: Ben Eubanks on trusting and delegating

8:24 - 11:07: Jon Grosso on a defining moment of trust 

11:08 - 13:47: Mike Smith on vulnerability-based trust

13:48 - 21:05: Leslie Snavely on listening as a leadership tool

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/

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

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec sit down with Leslie Snavely, CEO and President of CHG Healthcare, to explore the unconventional journey from finance and marketing to the corner office. They discuss the "20% rule" for active listening and transparent communication that sustains a values-driven culture at scale, the critical importance of connecting every departmental function back to business results, and the courageous decision to pivot your career to build a life you love.

Connect with Leslie Snavely: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lsnavely/ 

Explore the full episode details and key takeaways: https://meetclearedge.com/podcast/building-trust-through-listening/

Episode Chapters

02:10: The 10-10-10 decision model

4:00: Being present and disconnecting for family time

10:53: From Marketing to CEO by learning the business

17:20: Building a culture through listening and engagement

24:40: Building the life and career you want

29:09: Leading a tough decision with empathy and courage

33:27: Key takeaways from the conversation

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/ 

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

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec speak with Mike Smith, Chief Executive of Randstad Enterprise, to explore three pillars of enabling functions that Randstad Enterprise uses to make sure everyone understands the full picture, the power of leading through vulnerability and still bringing decisiveness and a bias towards action, and how to turn professional setbacks into strategic re-evaluations and advantages.

Connect with Mike Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljohnsmith/ 

Explore the full episode details and key takeaways: https://meetclearedge.com/podcast/leading-with-vulnerability/

Episode Chapters

08:40 - Falling into staffing and learning the ins and outs of business

10:45 - An integrated approach to enabling functions at Randstad Enterprise

13:45 - Turning failures into growth: a vulnerable moment in leadership

21:18 - The exciting and scary future of AI

27:16 - Staying grounded with friends, family, books, and more

32:13 - Key takeaways from the conversation

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/ 

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

Are you ready to ignite your leadership with authenticity, empathy, and purpose? In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec speak with Erica Keswin, bestselling author and workforce strategist, to dive into how rituals transform workplaces, the power of vulnerability, and the crucial role of human connection, especially now, when technology often feels like it’s pulling us apart.

Connect with Erica Keswin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericakeswin/ 

Episode Chapters

01:55 - The human side of remote work

06:19 - Defining moments that shaped Erica's leadership journey

08:28 - Technology’s evolving role in connection

10:11 - Balancing vulnerability, empathy, and experimentation

12:32 - Applying human-centered leadership in a tech-driven world

16:31 - Motivating teams amid AI and economic uncertainty

20:51 - Turning everyday habits into leadership rituals

28:30 - Practical tips & mental models for human leadership in the age of AI

31:05 - Key takeaways from the conversation

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/ 

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

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec sit down with Jon Grosso, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing at Adecco US, to explore how leaders with a growth mindset flourish. Jon shares powerful insights on the power of new opportunities, how the competitive spirit drives staffing, and why he believes flat growth is a myth for those who obsess over customer value.

Connect with Jon Grosso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-grosso-28a412/ 

Episode Chapters

1:27 - Trends in the Marketing Job Market

6:46 - Jon's Career Snapshot

8:17 - Leadership Lessons from Sports

10:27 - A Defining Career Moment

13:25 - Recent Challenges and Professional Growth

17:30 - The Future of Meaningful Work

19:18 - Competitive Spirit in Staffing

23:05 - Family Influence on Leadership Style

25:21 - Debunking Industry Growth Myths

28:55 - Key Takeaways from the Conversation

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/ 

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

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec sit down with Ben Eubanks to dive deep into leading with heart, embracing continuous learning, and staying true to who you are — online and off. Ben shares lessons about trusting your team, the importance of kindness, and how our vulnerabilities can be our greatest strengths. Get inspired to lead with passion, authenticity, and a relentless desire to grow.

Connect with Ben Eubanks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beneubanks/ 

Stay in the loop on what Ben is up to: https://thebeneubanks.com/

Episode Chapters

02:13 - The power of an ensemble

05:18 - Ben’s influence in HR & the future of work

07:19 - The impact of early encouragement

09:06 - How your story evolves without changing your core purpose

10:56 - Real challenges with online criticism and responding with humanity

12:37 - The importance of empathy and authentic connection in leadership

16:02 - Delegating with clarity and trust in your team

19:48 - The weight of influence in the age of AI — fears, hopes, and responsibilities

22:21 - Leading from your core: Communication, vulnerability, and embracing imperfections

32:14 - 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/ 

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

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec share how they are kicking off their new year and sit down with Joanie Bily, CEO of Dress for Success, the leading global nonprofit employment resource for unemployed and underemployed women. She shares her journey into nonprofit leadership, the mission of empowering women, and the importance of overcoming self-doubt.

Connect with Joanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaniebily/ 

Episode Chapters

1:10: New Year's Resolutions and What We're Not Doing

8:20: The History and Mission of Dress for Success

11:45: A Journey to Building Self-Belief

15:05: Learning Uncomfortable Lessons

17:00: CEOs Don't Know Everything

19:20: What Does Staffing Look Like in 2026?

22:56: Feeling Most Like Yourself and How That Influences Leadership

24:55: Tips for Leading Through Uncertainty

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.

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

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

Honestly, We’re Learning is hosted by Leslie Vickrey (CEO and Founder, ClearEdge) and Lesly Cardec (CMO & SVP of Recruiting, ClearEdge) — yes, same name, different spelling, double the insights.

In this podcast, we're skipping the highlight reels and diving into the real stuff: the pivots nobody saw coming, the identity shifts that rattled everything, and the "wait, is this normal??" moments leaders experience but rarely admit out loud.

Each episode will feature candid conversations with leaders who've lived through it all, and we'll also share what we're seeing at ClearEdge — how personal brand shapes opportunity, why storytelling isn't just for marketing teams, and what it really takes to lead authentically.

We’ll be launching at the start of 2026. Hit subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/
Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/ 

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