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In this episode of Lead Through It, Jada and Kim pull back the curtain on the kinds of conversations showing up in real coaching sessions right now. From overwhelmed leaders and overextended managers to team members who need clearer expectations, they unpack why so many leadership challenges start with the same root issue: the leader carrying too much.

Together, they talk about burnout, boundaries, self-leadership, and the power of small experiments that help leaders create space before everything falls apart. This episode is honest, practical, and deeply relatable for anyone who has felt stretched too thin while still trying to show up well for their team.

Part one sets the stage for a deeper conversation about the simple but powerful leadership tool they both found themselves recommending to clients. Before getting there, Jada and Kim remind listeners that progress does not have to be perfect. Sometimes the first step is one small shift, one intentional boundary, or one tiny win that helps you feel like change is possible again. 

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When everything feels like too much, it can be hard to know where to even begin. In this solo episode, Kim gets real about the overwhelm so many leaders, parents, and professionals are carrying right now.

She shares what she is personally trying to get back on top of the mental load, from going back to pen and paper to experimenting with new boundaries around work and rest. Kim also talks about what she is seeing with clients who are struggling to slow down, stop working late, and lead in a way that is actually sustainable.

This episode is a reminder that you do not have to solve everything at once. Pick one thing. Try one new habit. Notice what happens. Because being overwhelmed does not mean you are failing. It usually means you have been carrying too much for too long. 

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If today’s conversation resonated, connect with us and be part of the community of leaders who refuse to lead alone. 

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In this episode, Jada and Kim sit down with Jace Woodrum, a South Carolina native, longtime advocate, and the first transgender executive director in the 100-year history of the nationwide American Civil Liberties Union. Jace has spent his career fighting for LGBTQ rights, healthcare access, and civil liberties, and now leads the ACLU of South Carolina at a time when many South Carolinians feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure if progress is possible.

Together, they talk about what it means to lead when the wins are hard to see, how to keep people motivated after setbacks, and why building connection and community matters so much in difficult seasons. Jace also opens up about leading as a transgender man in a politically charged environment, carrying the weight of advocacy work, and helping people hold onto hope even when change feels slow.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not always about immediate victories. Sometimes it is about helping people keep going, keep believing, and keep showing up.

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If today’s conversation resonated, connect with us and be part of the community of leaders who refuse to lead alone. 

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What do you do when your team feels off, culture feels heavy, and “fixing it” feels overwhelming?

In this episode, we’re coming off a powerful conversation about what great culture looks like and bringing it back down to reality. Because most leaders aren’t starting from scratch… they’re stepping into something messy, unclear, or already strained.

So where do you begin?

We break it down into simple, actionable steps. Not a full culture overhaul. Not a 12-month plan. Just the next right move.

We talk about:

•  Why trying to fix everything at once will backfire 
•  How to identify one change that actually moves the needle 
•  The power of honest, low-pressure conversations with your team 
•  How to get a real read on your culture without overcomplicating it 
•  What 1% better actually looks like in practice 

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this episode will help you take that first step and build momentum from there.

Because getting your team back on track doesn’t start with a big move. It starts with a small one done well.

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If today’s conversation resonated, connect with us and be part of the community of leaders who refuse to lead alone. 

JadaWillis.com | KimAndrewsCoaching.com | Hard Conversations AI Toolkit

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What does it actually take to build a culture people don’t want to leave?

In this episode, we sit down with Cheryl Holland, Founder of Abacus Planning Group, to unpack what exceptional culture looks like in practice, not theory.

This is not about perks or pizza parties. It is about the intentional, daily work of valuing people, building trust, and creating systems that support both performance and humanity.

Cheryl shares how her team built a culture so strong that it shows up without prompting, why praise is a leadership skill most people get wrong, and how culture must be embedded into hiring, onboarding, feedback, and decision-making.

We also go deeper into the hard side of leadership. Cheryl opens up about a defining moment when multiple team members exited at once, including a breach of trust, and what that revealed about leadership, accountability, and strengthening culture under pressure.

If you are a leader trying to “fix culture,” this conversation will challenge how you think about it entirely.

Key takeaways:

•  Why people cannot care for others if they do not feel cared for first 
•  How to use specific praise to build stronger, more effective teams 
•  What it really means to build culture into the DNA of an organization 
•  How to lead through trust-breaking moments and come out stronger 
•  Why attention, not time, may be your most valuable leadership tool 

This episode is a masterclass in leading with intention, even when it is hard.

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If today’s conversation resonated, connect with us and be part of the community of leaders who refuse to lead alone. 

JadaWillis.com | KimAndrewsCoaching.com | Hard Conversations AI Toolkit

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Most leaders treat LinkedIn like an afterthought. Something they’ll “get to eventually.” But the truth is, whether you’re active or not, you already have a presence there. And it’s either working for you or against you.

In this episode, we break down why LinkedIn is no longer optional for leaders. It’s one of the most powerful tools you have to build credibility, attract opportunities, and communicate what you actually stand for.

We talk about the real reason leaders avoid showing up, what people are actually looking for when they find your profile, and how to use LinkedIn in a way that feels authentic, not forced or performative.

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t need LinkedIn” or “I don’t know what to post,” this conversation will challenge that and give you a practical way forward.

Because leadership doesn’t just happen in rooms anymore. It happens online too.

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If today’s conversation resonated, connect with us and be part of the community of leaders who refuse to lead alone. 

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What are you really promising the people you serve?

In this quick-fire debrief, we unpack a powerful idea from our conversation with Melanie Huggins: your brand promise means nothing if it is not reflected in your everyday behaviors.

It is easy to talk about culture at a high level. Most organizations have values on the wall, in the handbook, or in a strategic plan. But what actually matters is how those values show up in real moments, in real decisions, and in how people are treated day to day.

We explore what it looks like to move culture from a buzzword to something operational. From defining non-negotiables to making hard decisions that truly reflect your values, even when it costs you. Because if you are not willing to uphold your values when it is uncomfortable, they are not really your values.

You will also hear why culture is built in the small, everyday interactions, not the big initiatives, and how aligning internal behaviors with external promises is what builds real trust with your customers, clients, and communities.

Because at the end of the day, your promise is not what you say. It is what people consistently experience.

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If today’s conversation resonated, connect with us and be part of the community of leaders who refuse to lead alone. 

JadaWillis.com | KimAndrewsCoaching.com | Hard Conversations AI Toolkit

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If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Why won’t my team just take initiative?” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common frustrations leaders face.

In this episode of Lead Through IT, Jada and Kim tackle the leadership question that sits underneath that frustration. Why do capable, smart people sometimes wait to be told what to do? And what can leaders do to create an environment where initiative actually happens?

They explore the hidden dynamics that often hold teams back. From unclear expectations to fear of making the wrong decision, many organizations unintentionally train people to wait instead of act. Jada and Kim break down how leadership habits, organizational culture, and communication patterns can quietly shape whether employees step up or stay silent.

Throughout the conversation, they share practical ways leaders can build trust, clarify ownership, and create the kind of culture where people feel confident taking action without being asked.

If you’ve ever wondered why initiative seems to disappear inside otherwise talented teams, this episode will help you rethink the leadership patterns that might be driving it.

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If today’s conversation resonated, connect with us and be part of the community of leaders who refuse to lead alone. 

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In this powerful episode of Lead Through It, Jada and Kim are joined by Lyndsay Dowd, a top-tier sales leader, coach, and the author of Top-Down Culture. With 23 years of experience at IBM and a family legacy in the corporate world, Lyndsay shares the raw, transformative story of an unexpected career turning point at age 50 and how that moment became the push that led her to build a thriving coaching business. 

This conversation is a masterclass in modern leadership and emotional resilience, covering:

• The Myth of Perfection: Why Lyndsay is proud to admit she was fired and how "naming the shame" became her greatest source of power and authenticity.
• Irresistible Culture vs. Micromanagement: A deep dive into why micromanagement is rooted in insecurity and how the best leaders lead with trust and psychological safety.
• The "Maverick and Hustler" Approach: How to foster a team environment that celebrates "weirdness," unconventional ideas, and human connection through storytelling.
• The Personal Board of Advisors: Why every leader needs a "kitchen cabinet" of people who remind them who they are when their confidence is shaken.
• The One Question Every Leader Should Ask: Lyndsay shares the most humbling and effective question you can ask your team: "How can I be the best leader for you?"

Whether you're navigating a career setback or looking to evolve your leadership style for the modern workforce, Lyndsay’s high-energy wisdom and practical tactics will leave you inspired to lead from the heart.

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If today’s conversation resonated, connect with us and be part of the community of leaders who refuse to lead alone. 

JadaWillis.com | KimAndrewsCoaching.com | Hard Conversations AI Toolkit

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In this episode of Lead Through It, hosts Jada and Kim sit down with Caroline Pennington, a powerhouse in the world of executive recruitment and personal branding. Caroline shares her journey from placing entry-level temporary employees to working with Fortune 500 boards and C-suite executives.

Throughout the conversation, the trio explores:

• The LinkedIn "Secret Sauce": How Caroline grew her following from zero to over 13,000 in two years and the specific strategies she uses to grab the attention of high-level decision-makers.
• The Art of the "Un-Salesy" DM: Why simple, sincere outreach is more effective than automated pitches.
• Navigating the Side-Hustle Transition: Tips for starting a business while working a corporate job, including how to communicate with your current employer and managing "moonlighting" policies.
• Embracing the "Suck": A candid discussion on why you must be okay with being imperfect when you first start out.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a senior leader, or looking to supercharge your professional presence, this episode offers actionable wisdom on building a brand that resonates.

Support the show

If today’s conversation resonated, connect with us and be part of the community of leaders who refuse to lead alone. 

JadaWillis.com | KimAndrewsCoaching.com | Hard Conversations AI Toolkit

[email protected] | [email protected]