Most leadership stories start with a title. This one starts with a name people tried to weaponize.

In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Ashley T Brundage - a former homeless part-time bank teller turned national VP, political candidate, and now CEO of Empowering Differences. Ashley didn’t just navigate discrimination, transition, and poverty - she transformed it into one of the most dynamic leadership blueprints of our time.

Her method is simple, but not easy: track power, own your differences, and use both to lead.

Ashley’s story isn’t about making people comfortable. It’s about making people capable - of leading with clarity, building across difference, and staying rooted in conviction when the spotlight turns political.

This isn’t just a masterclass in equity. It’s a case study in courage.

Chapters:

00:01:20 – How We Met and Why Ashley Stood Out  

00:01:47 – Ashley’s Background Beyond the Bio  

00:03:10 – What Happens When You Google Ashley T Brundage  

00:04:19 – How Ashley Helps Teams Feel More Inclusive  

00:08:07 – Ashley’s Journey from Homelessness to the C-Suite  

00:18:49 – A Common Myth About the C-Suite Experience  

00:20:07 – A Failure That Shaped Ashley’s Leadership Path  

00:22:11 – Campaigning Stories and Leadership Lessons from the Field  

00:27:42 – The Deeper Layers of Empowering Differences  

00:33:55 – Final Thoughts and How to Engage with Ashley’s Work

| Connect with Us |

Learn more about Empowering Differences:

https://empoweringdifferences.com/

Grab Ashley’s book and start empowering differences today:

https://empoweringdifferences.com/product/empowering-differences-book/

Follow Ashley Brundage:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleytbrundage/

(Rebuilt from rock bottom and now equips leaders to recognize power, difference, and what’s really driving impact.)

Follow Inside the C-Suite:

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Most leadership stories start with a promotion. This one starts with five felonies.

In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy Honeycutt welcomes Garrett Mintz - former drug dealer turned executive mastermind facilitator, founder of Ambition in Motion, and the kind of person who’s built his career on second chances and relentless experimentation.

What happens when you combine IO psychology, startup scrappiness, and a deep belief in human potential? You get a business that didn’t just survive - it scaled. Garrett shares how his journey from prison risk to purpose-driven CEO has shaped his views on mentorship, motivation, and building real community at the top.

This isn’t a redemption arc. It’s a blueprint for doing business with conviction.

They unpack:

• Why horizontal mentorship (not top-down advice) creates the best growth

• The real reason most mentoring programs fail - and what to do instead

• How “work orientation” reveals the hidden reason mentorship either clicks or crashes

• Why clarity of why beats charisma or credentials every time

• How executive loneliness gave rise to community-led mastermind groups

• Why obsession with the problem is more powerful than worship of the solution

Whether you’re rebuilding after failure, leading a team through chaos, or trying to scale without losing soul - Garrett’s story proves grit and grace can coexist.

Because leadership doesn’t start with having all the answers. It starts with asking better questions.

Chapters:

00:00:54 – From drug dealer to executive facilitator

00:02:54 – The mentors who changed everything

00:07:24 – Why mentorship often fails

00:08:00 – What makes mentorship work

00:11:20 – Surprised by your work mindset?

00:13:47 – Daily habits that fuel leadership

00:15:17 – What’s next for Garrett’s work

00:22:50 – Keeping your team motivated

00:25:11 – A failure that reshaped the business

00:27:19 – How fatherhood changed his mindset

00:29:02 – A common myth about the C-Suite

00:30:49 – What Garrett does better than anyone else

| Connect with Us |

Learn more about Ambition in Motion:

https://ambition-in-motion.com/

Follow Garrett Mintz:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettmintz/

(Built a business on second chances and now helps leaders see what’s really happening beneath the surface.)

Follow Inside the C-Suite:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/

Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b

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Most companies talk about putting people first. Few build systems that prove it. 

This episode unpacks what happens when empathy isn’t a value - it’s the infrastructure.

In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Josh Varone - CFO and EVP at Centreville Bank, longtime HR pro, board member, and unshakable believer in leading with humanity. With more than 20 years in HR and a deep resume of community impact, Josh breaks down how his L&D roots shaped a career defined by empathy & servant leadership.

This isn’t your typical HR playbook - it’s a reminder that caring still scales.

They unpack:

Why “employer of choice” isn’t a buzzword - it’s a mission

How handwritten notes and DoorDash gift cards beat policy changes in real impact

The red folder lesson: why HR’s reputation depends on showing up before there’s a problem

What real consultation looks like in today’s HR: less compliance, more conversation

How to build an HR team that challenges you (instead of just nodding yes)

Why your leadership ladder needs to be 40 feet wide - not 40 feet tall

How to get on a board the right way - starting with passion, not position

Whether you’re HR of one or leading a department, Josh’s journey is a blueprint for showing up with consistency, clarity, and compassion.

Because great leadership? It starts with being a good human.

| Connect with Us |

Learn more about Centreville Bank:

https://www.centrevillebank.com/

Follow Josh Varone:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-varone/

(HR lifer turned CFO – known for handwritten notes, red folder wisdom, and building cultures where people feel seen before they're managed)

Follow Inside the C-Suite:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/

Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b

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What do red shoes and a sloth mascot have in common? They’re all part of the wild ride that is Mike Stafiej’s leadership style.

In this delightfully unfiltered episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Mike Stafiej, CEO of ERIN - a referral automation platform with serious enterprise muscle and an even stronger personality.

Known as “The Fun CEO” for a reason, Mike shares how he’s

They dive headfirst into:

Whether you’re bootstrapping your dream or riding the post-funding rollercoaster, Mike’s story is a masterclass in leading with grit, humility, and a touch of ridiculous.

And if you’re not building something fun… why build it

| Connect with Us |

Learn more about ERIN:

https://erinapp.com/

Follow Mike Stafiej:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstafiej/

(The Fun CEO himself – known for sloth-themed branding, pixel-perfect marketing, and leading Aaron with equal parts grit and weirdness) 

Follow Inside the C-Suite:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/

Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b

Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160

Want to be on the show or know someone who might?

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Giuliana Corbo, the CEO of Nearsure, scaled her company to 22 countries by the age of 32, proving that age is just a number when it comes to leading a global business. She shares her no-BS approach to leadership, project management, and building a company culture that thrives under pressure. Along the way, Giuliana reveals the untold challenges of being a young CEO in the tech industry.

In this episode, we look at entrepreneurship, project management, leadership, mentorship, company culture, software development, business growth, and the impact of women in tech. Giuliana's insights uncover the importance of decisive communication, handling emotional challenges, and staying agile while scaling a business rapidly.

➡️ Nearsure operates in 22 countries solving business problems through technology.

➡️ Most of Nearsure’s clients are in the healthcare space, highlighting a niche focus.

➡️ Effective project management is crucial for successful outsourcing and client satisfaction.

➡️ Giuliana's journey into entrepreneurship began at a young age, driven by a passion for tech.

➡️ Crafting a business plan was an emotionally challenging but necessary step.

➡️ Leadership, for Giuliana, means making tough decisions while prioritizing team well-being.

➡️ Mentorship played a significant role in Giuliana's career development and growth.

➡️ Company culture is a cornerstone of Nearsure's rapid growth and team dynamics.

➡️ Strategic communication within teams helps maintain alignment and efficiency.

➡️ Giuliana’s leadership style has evolved with the company’s expansion and challenges.

➡️ Investing opportunities are being explored as Nearsure scales further.

➡️ The nearshore business model offers a unique advantage in talent accessibility and cost-efficiency.

💬 Hot take or just hype? Are we headed toward a new normal, or is this just workplace chaos rebranded? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

00:00 — Introduction to Giuliana Corbo and Nearsure

02:55 — Exploring Nearsure's Business Model and Clientele

05:58 — Project Management and Team Dynamics

09:04 — Giuliana's Journey to Entrepreneurship

11:46 — The Challenges of Writing a Business Plan

14:59 — Leadership and Company Growth

18:08 — Mentorship and Personal Development

20:48 — The Reality of Being a CEO

23:52 — Cultural Integrity in Rapid Growth

26:54 — Reflections on Leadership and Future Aspirations

🔗 Connect with Giuliana Corbo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giulianacorbo/

🔗 Connect with William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/

🔗 Connect with Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/

🔗 Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/

🐦 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined

📩 Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com

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Nicole Sahin shares her journey from anthropology to entrepreneurship, leading G-P to simplify global employment. She discusses the challenges of compliance, the acceleration of remote work due to COVID-19, and the role of intuition in business decisions. Nicole’s insights on building a global infrastructure and the hurdles faced by female entrepreneurs highlight the intricacies of leading a global company.

In this episode, we look at globalization, remote work, compliance, entrepreneurship, AI, SaaS, hiring, business growth, leadership, and data ownership. Nicole’s experiences and strategies offer valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of global business and building high-performing teams.

➡️ G-P simplifies hiring across borders.

➡️ The complexity of global compliance is often underestimated.

➡️ COVID-19 has accelerated the acceptance of remote work.

➡️ Entrepreneurship requires strong intuition and adaptability.

➡️ Building a global infrastructure takes time and investment.

➡️ Female entrepreneurs face unique challenges in business.

➡️ High-performing teams are essential for company growth.

➡️ The role of board members is crucial for support and guidance.

➡️ Data ownership is vital for compliance and scalability.

➡️ The evolution of work culture is reshaping hiring practices.

➡️ Intuition can be a powerful tool for business decisions.

➡️ Managing team dynamics requires clear communication and trust.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to G-P

03:10 The Global Employer of Record Model

05:55 Nicole's Journey to Founding G-P

08:48 The Evolution of Global Hiring

10:45 Navigating Compliance and Legal Risks

12:49 The Impact of COVID-19 on Remote Work

15:40 The Future of Global Employment

20:20 The Journey of a Female Entrepreneur

21:57 Building High-Performing Teams

24:57 Navigating Difficult Conversations

29:01 Managing Team Dynamics

32:31 The Role of Board Members

35:16 Finding Trusted Advisors

💬 What’s your take? Are we headed toward a new normal, or just workplace chaos? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

🔗 Connect with Nicole Sahin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolesahin/

🔗 Connect with G-P: https://www.globalization-partners.com/

🔗 Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/

🐦 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined

📩 Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com

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Startup life isn’t for the faint of heart—especially for women entrepreneurs. Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and co-founder of Plum, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a company, secure funding, and challenge gender bias in venture capital. From navigating the complexities of co-founding a business with her husband to finding the right mentors, Caitlin shares the highs, lows, and lessons from her journey.

In this episode, we look at the fundraising hurdles women face, the unique mindset of Canadian entrepreneurs, the evolving role of venture capital in supporting social impact, and how mentorship and executive coaching shape leadership success.

➡️ Plum helps companies match candidates to roles for better productivity and fulfillment.

➡️ Co-founding a business with a spouse brings unique strengths and challenges.

➡️ Mentorship is a game-changer in leadership growth and career success.

➡️ Women face systemic barriers in raising venture capital compared to men.

➡️ Female investors are often more supportive of women-led businesses.

➡️ Caitlin’s executive coach transformed her approach to leadership at 27.

➡️ Work-life balance is a myth—what matters is setting the right boundaries.

➡️ Canadian entrepreneurs approach risk differently than their U.S. counterparts.

➡️ The startup world is shifting toward a greater focus on social impact.

➡️ Engaging men in women’s leadership conversations is crucial for real change.

➡️ Entrepreneurs shouldn’t rely on luck—everyone has the potential to lead.

➡️ The venture capital landscape is slowly evolving, but there’s still work to do.

Caitlin MacGregor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinmacgregor

Learn more about Plum here: https://www.plum.io/about

🔗 Connect with William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/

🔗 Connect with Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/

🔗 Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/

🐦 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined

📩 Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com

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HR isn’t what it used to be, and neither are career paths. In this episode, we sit down with Jon Lowe, Chief People Officer at DailyPay to explore the evolution of HR, the importance of self-awareness in career choices, and why adaptability is the key to success. From home improvement projects that went hilariously wrong to lessons learned in the workplace, we discuss how grit, intentionality, and accountability shape personal and professional growth.

In this episode, we look at earned wage access, HR transformation, professional development, and career pivots—breaking down the unpredictable nature of the job market and how to find the right workplace fit. Whether you’re in HR, exploring new career opportunities, or just trying to navigate life’s unexpected turns, this conversation is packed with insights and laughs.

➡️ Home improvement projects can spark unexpected (and hilarious) neighbor disputes.

➡️ The role of HR is evolving—fast.

➡️ Self-awareness is critical in shaping career paths.

➡️ No two days in HR look the same.

➡️ Personal growth often comes from career pivots.

➡️ Humor makes even the toughest career lessons more bearable.

➡️ Workplace dynamics are changing, and adaptability is key.

➡️ Career paths are rarely linear—embrace the pivots.

➡️ HR titles and responsibilities are often misunderstood.

➡️ Family expectations can heavily influence career choices.

➡️ There’s a lack of real resources for career guidance.

➡️ Most people don’t end up working in their college major.

➡️ Finding work you enjoy is more important than chasing a title.

➡️ Grit and adaptability determine long-term success.

➡️ Building something meaningful beats maintaining the status quo.

➡️ Intentional career choices lead to better opportunities.

➡️ Self-reflection is essential for personal and professional growth.

➡️ Accountability is the backbone of career development.

➡️ The job market is always changing—flexibility is a must.

Chapters

00:00 Building Projects and Neighborly Relations

05:01 Introduction to DailyPay and HR Evolution

10:00 The Changing Landscape of HR

12:50 Jon Lowe's Journey: From High School to Career

20:00 Self-Awareness and Career Choices

20:32 Navigating Career Choices and Education

23:00 The Journey from College to Career

29:01 Finding the Right Fit in the Workplace

35:12 Building a Career in Tech and Beyond

41:11 The Importance of Grit and Adaptability

46:52 Intentionality in Career Growth

🔗 Connect with Jon Lowe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lowejon/

🔗 Connect with William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/

🔗 Connect with Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/

🔗 Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/

🐦 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined

📩 Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com

🔥 What’s your take? Is career success more about luck or grit? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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Lara Abrash didn’t just climb the corporate ladder—she redefined the ascent. As Chair of Deloitte’s US firm, she leads one of the most influential professional services organizations in the world. But leadership isn’t just about strategy and governance; it’s about listening, making tough decisions, and preparing the next generation for success.

In this episode, we dive into Lara’s career journey, the lessons that shaped her leadership style, and the pivotal role mentorship played along the way. She shares why listening is an active skill, why calculated risks drive innovation, and how personal fulfillment should be at the core of career decisions. From navigating the complexities of corporate governance to the evolution of mentorship in a fast-changing business world, Lara offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to lead at the highest level.

Chapters

00:00 Who is Lara Abrash and Deloitte

02:52 The Role of the Chair at Deloitte

05:59 Navigating Decision-Making in a Complex Environment

09:00 The Importance of Listening as a Leader

11:58 Personal Influences and Early Aspirations

15:00 Career Journey and Growth at Deloitte

18:58 Navigating Corporate Culture and Personal Growth

21:10 The Importance of Fulfillment in Career Choices

22:48 Understanding the Art of Accounting

25:37 The Role of Leadership vs. Management

28:06 Transitioning from Manager to Leader

35:07 The Evolution of Mentorship

38:47 Key Ideas for Aspiring Leaders

42:04 Stewardship and Future Leadership

🔗 Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/

🐦 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined

📩 Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/

🔥 Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/work

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James Cross’s career has been anything but linear. A musician turned teacher turned tech entrepreneur, he’s spent years figuring out how to make learning more engaging, scalable, and effective. Along the way, he’s explored how AI can transform leadership development, making personalized coaching accessible to the next generation of managers.

Here's a quick breakdown: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined/video/7465459318578482462

In this episode, we look at football, e-learning, AI, leadership development, skills training, music education, technology, corporate training, personal journey, innovation, education, video technology, startups, corporate culture, business strategy, and employee engagement. James breaks down how startups can stay focused, why video is reshaping education, and the real-world challenges of scaling AI-powered learning solutions.

Connect with James here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrcross/

Connect with William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/

Connect with Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/

The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok

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