Leading the Way in RVA

Nancy Thomas came to Richmond from Long Island on a volleyball scholarship to VCU, stood on Broad Street waiting to hail a taxi that never came, and never left. Today she's the president and CEO of InUnison, formerly the Retail Merchants Association, the organization that champions local independent businesses across Richmond.

In this episode of Leading the Way in RVA, KC Long talks with Nancy about her path from answering phones at This End Up Furniture to helping grow it from 10 stores to 250, owning her own shop, and eventually leading an organization that's been around since 1906.

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👥 Book a complimentary leadership coaching call → https://fulfilledcc.com/

Powered by Concentric Wealth Partners → https://www.concentricwealthpartners.com/The Reflective Feedback Model - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16xDMrLQ-DCYck38UuScZWXl-pF6Wv4RDJDdOXfIvNw4/edit?usp=sharingMargo Tacey spent over a decade as a trauma therapist, including years working inside the Child Advocacy Center and as the manager of trauma responsive strategy for Richmond Public Schools, before becoming a leadership coach almost by accident. In this episode, she joins KC Long to talk about that path, and shares a feedback framework she still uses with nearly every coaching client.Here's what we cover:-Margo's path from preschool teacher to licensed clinical social worker to running Upstream Therapy and Consulting-What compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress actually are, and why they aren't a sign that something is wrong with you-Why she calls her approach reflective leadership coaching, and how it differs from a traditional coaching certification-The reflective feedback triangle: self assessment, observable behavior, and actionable guidance, explained with a real example-Why asking for permission before giving feedback matters more than most leaders realize-The one word Margo avoids when asking questions, and why "why" tends to put people on the defensive-Why people change when they choose to, not when they're told to, and what that means for how you coach your teamIf you've ever dreaded giving feedback, or you're not sure how to make it land without putting someone on the defensive, this conversation gives you an actual framework to use next time.💡 Like, subscribe, and comment: Which RVA leader should we feature next?👥 Book a complimentary leadership coaching call → https://fulfilledcc.com/

💡 Like, subscribe, and comment: Which RVA leader should we feature next?👥 Book a complimentary leadership coaching call → https://fulfilledcc.com/Powered by Concentric Wealth Partners → https://www.concentricwealthpartners.com/Welcome back to Leading the Way in RVA! In this episode, we wrap up our inspiring conversation with Mackenzie, diving into practical insights on presence, setting boundaries, and maintaining balance.Mackenzie shares her powerful "tree analogy" on how different areas of life and work function together for overall health, emphasizing that true work-life balance isn't about perfection—it's about intentionality and being present where your feet are. Plus, we highlight some incredible local leaders doing impactful work across Hanover County and the greater Richmond region.💡 Key Takeaways & Episode Highlights:Work-Life Balance as a Muscle: Why presence takes intentional practice and how to leave work at work.The "Strategic No": Prioritizing self-care and asking who else can step in so you can carve out space for what matters most.The Power of Alignment: Spending time in line with your personal values.Recommended Read: Good to Great — a classic business & leadership book worth diving into.⭐ Guest Recommendations for Future Episodes:Christy Proctor – Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Center, known for her results-driven leadership, nonpartisan navigation, and community impact.Teresa Mueller & Megan Underwood – Mother-daughter duo and owners of Closet Factory, recognized for their leadership with the Hanover Chamber of Commerce and dedicated fundraising for local forensic nurses and violence response teams.💬 Join the Conversation:How do you practice work-life balance and stay present? Who is a leader in the Richmond community that inspires you and should be a guest on our podcast? Let us know in the comments below!🔔 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share!#Leadership #WorkLifeBalance #BeingPresent #GoodToGreat #RichmondVA #HanoverCounty #WomenInLeadership #CommunityLeaders

💡 Like, subscribe, and comment: Which RVA leader should we feature next?

👥 Book a complimentary leadership coaching call → https://fulfilledcc.com/

Powered by Concentric Wealth Partners → https://www.concentricwealthpartners.com/

https://henryhomes.com

Leveraging AI to Enhance Leadership & Team Development in 2026!

Can AI make you a better human leader? In this episode, KC (Fulfilled Coaching and Consulting) explores how leaders can leverage AI to grow professionally, boost team engagement, and streamline management without losing the human touch.

Before diving into how to use AI, KC challenges leaders to answer the foundational question: Who do you want to be as a leader? Learn practical frameworks—including the AI Partnership Model (Delegate, Partner, Lead)—and actionable hacks to enhance your communication, empathy, and decision-making.

Key Topics Covered:

00:00 - Navigating team emotions and mindsets around AI

03:40 - Starting with "Who" before "How" in leadership identity

06:06 - Analyzing admired leaders using AI to crystallize your goals

09:10 - The AI Partnership Model: What to Delegate, Partner, and Lead

10:54 - Why empathy, creativity, and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable

13:47 - Creating employee-specific AI notebooks for personalized coaching

15:39 - Using AI as a safe rehearsal space for difficult conversations

Use AI as a thought partner to delegate routine tasks so you can double down on what matters most: leading with empathy, strategy, and vision.

🔔 Subscribe for more insights on modern leadership, workplace culture, and the future of work!

#Leadership #AIinWorkplace #TeamManagement #AIForLeaders #FutureOfWork #ExecutiveCoaching

💡 Like, subscribe, and comment: Which RVA leader should we feature next?👥 Book a complimentary leadership coaching call → https://fulfilledcc.com/Powered by Concentric Wealth Partners → https://www.concentricwealthpartners.com/https://henryhomes.comWelcome back to Leading the Way in RVA! KC talks with life-long entrepreneur Aaron Montgomery as he shares his inspiring transition from Detroit roots to Chicago corporate life, and ultimately to Richmond, Virginia, where he co-founded high-growth ventures including CarLotz and Henry Homes. He breaks down the mindsets required to overcome fear, scale company culture, and turn everyday everyday pain points into thriving businesses. An absolute MUST watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals looking for advice on Start Ups and Risk Taking. Key Timestamps & Topic Breakdown00:00 - Introduction & The Unexpected LeapHow a random call from a friend convinced Aaron to leave a stable career in Chicago and dive headfirst into Richmond’s startup scene.05:08 - The Detroit Mindset: Grit, Work Ethic, & RiskHow growing up in Detroit shaped Aaron's relentless work ethic and willingness to bet on himself.07:13 - The Catalyst: Selling Cars on CommissionUnlocking the true potential of performance-based income and realizing there is no cap on entrepreneurial output.12:22 - The Path to Good JudgmentWhy bad judgment and early business mistakes are the essential building blocks for long-term entrepreneurial wisdom.14:01 - Fear of Regret vs. Fear of FailureReframing risk: Why asking "what if?" is far more dangerous than trying and failing.19:25 - Building Henry HomesSpotting everyday friction: How automating and simplifying small home maintenance tasks created a high-demand concierge service.25:57 - Scaling Leadership & Company DNAMoving beyond revenue numbers: How to replicate your decision-making framework across entire teams.28:27 - The Personal "Owner's Manual"A practical tactic for transparent leadership, reducing workplace friction, and building psychological safety.33:01 - Embedding Core Values Through RepetitionWhy leading a culture requires constant, multi-channel communication to make principles stick.37:21 - Preventing Organizational "Scar Tissue"How clear expectations eliminate toxic workplace politics and foster direct, healthy feedback.Key Takeaways for Founders:1.Prioritize Regret Minimization: Use the fear of missing out on your potential to overcome the anxiety of initial failure.2.Scale Culture, Not Just Headcount: Teach your teams how to think and solve problems like founders rather than relying on top-down directives.3.Document Your Style: Create an "Owner's Manual" for your team to accelerate trust and clarify communication expectations early on.

💡 Like, subscribe, and comment: Which RVA leader should we feature next?

👥 Book a complimentary leadership coaching call → https://fulfilledcc.com/

Powered by Concentric Wealth Partners → https://www.concentricwealthpartners.com/

https://www.richmondraceway.com/

Raised by two high school principals, Lori draws from a foundation of hard work, pragmatic humility, and spirited leadership. Her career trajectory spans diverse industries—from performing on cruise ships to executive leadership in media and publishing—before returning home to lead one of Richmond’s iconic legacy sports institutions. Lori breaks down what it takes to lead authentically when stepping into non-traditional roles, manage self-doubt, and reframe fear as a tool for growth. She also discusses the delicate balance between honoring long-standing sports traditions and driving innovation to attract new audiences.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Rooted in Grit: Early family dynamics shape leadership styles—balancing high-energy passion with grounded practicality.

Transferable Experience: Skills gained in entertainment, hospitality, and media directly fuel adaptability in live sports operations.

Fear as a Signal: Rather than a barrier, view fear like a NASCAR restrictor plate—a tool that maintains safety while pushing you to grow sustainably.

Collective Momentum: True organizational progress isn't a solo effort; it relies on mutual trust, clear accountability, and shared joy.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, sports management, and organizational growth!

💬 Comment below: How do you navigate the balance between tradition and innovation in your own career?

#Leadership #NASCAR #RichmondRaceway #WomenInSports #SportsManagement #AuthenticLeadership #BusinessGrowth

💡 Like, subscribe, and comment: Which RVA leader should we feature next?

👥 Book a complimentary leadership coaching call → https://fulfilledcc.com/

Powered by Concentric Wealth Partners → https://www.concentricwealthpartners.com/

https://www.richmondraceway.com/

Raised by two high school principals, Lori draws from a foundation of hard work, pragmatic humility, and spirited leadership. Her career trajectory spans diverse industries—from performing on cruise ships to executive leadership in media and publishing—before returning home to lead one of Richmond’s iconic legacy sports institutions. Lori breaks down what it takes to lead authentically when stepping into non-traditional roles, manage self-doubt, and reframe fear as a tool for growth. She also discusses the delicate balance between honoring long-standing sports traditions and driving innovation to attract new audiences.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Rooted in Grit: Early family dynamics shape leadership styles—balancing high-energy passion with grounded practicality.

Transferable Experience: Skills gained in entertainment, hospitality, and media directly fuel adaptability in live sports operations.

Fear as a Signal: Rather than a barrier, view fear like a NASCAR restrictor plate—a tool that maintains safety while pushing you to grow sustainably.

Collective Momentum: True organizational progress isn't a solo effort; it relies on mutual trust, clear accountability, and shared joy.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, sports management, and organizational growth!

💬 Comment below: How do you navigate the balance between tradition and innovation in your own career?

#Leadership #NASCAR #RichmondRaceway #WomenInSports #SportsManagement #AuthenticLeadership #BusinessGrowth

💡 Like, subscribe, and comment: Which RVA leader should we feature next?

👥 Book a complimentary leadership coaching call → https://fulfilledcc.com/

Powered by Concentric Wealth Partners → https://www.concentricwealthpartners.com/

In this episode, KC sits down with Richmond community leader Kelli Lemon for an insightful discussion on authentic, ego-free leadership. Kelli shares her career journey across education, hospitality, and media, highlighting how saying "yes" to new opportunities helped build her influence across multiple industries.

Key takeaways from this episode:

Get Out of the Way: Why effective leaders must step back, stop micromanaging, and trust their teams to innovate and succeed.

Drop the Ego: How separating emotions from business decisions leads to clearer, more effective leadership.

Customer Connection Over Competition: Why focusing on the unique emotional experience you provide matters more than competing with others.

Building a Legacy: The importance of preparing successors to ensure your mission and community impact continue to grow.

Whether you are an emerging leader, an entrepreneur scaling a business, or a manager transitioning into a higher role, this conversation offers practical strategies to empower your team and foster sustainable growth.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Early Leadership Journey

08:05 - Career Progression & Media Engagement

14:43 - Leadership Philosophy: Getting Out of the Way

27:01 - Mission, Competition & Business Legacy

33:55 - Final Thoughts & Future Leadership Insights

💡 Like, subscribe, and comment: Which RVA leader should we feature next?👥 Book a complimentary leadership coaching call → https://fulfilledcc.com/Powered by Concentric Wealth Partners → https://www.concentricwealthpartners.com/In this episode, Ashley Williams Hillman—CEO of The Well Collective and a prominent community leader in Richmond, VA—shares her transformative journey through mental and behavioral health, community empowerment, and holistic wellness. From her early work in juvenile justice re-entry and founding Bare Soul Yoga & Wellness, to co-leading The Well Collective across six pillars of health, Ashley highlights the true essence of self-leadership and evolution.Tune in to discover:Holistic Community Wellness: How integrating Eastern practices into Western systems helps address systemic health disparities.The Power of Self-Leadership: Why leading yourself is the essential first step to guiding others effectively.Proactive Succession Planning: Tactical advice on early planning, documentation, and operationalizing knowledge to protect your mission.Values-Based Leadership: How faith, integrity, and relationship-building drive long-term sustainability and smooth leadership transitions.https://www.iamashleywilliams.com/about

💡 Like, subscribe, and comment: Which RVA leader should we feature next?

👥 Book a complimentary leadership coaching call → https://fulfilledcc.com/

Powered by Concentric Wealth Partners → https://www.concentricwealthpartners.com/

In this episode of Leading the Way in RVA, KC interviews Jody Alexander, CEO of the Greater Richmond YMCA. Alexander shares her 37-year journey from a youth swim team participant to the organization's leader, illustrating how personal alignment with core values drives long-term commitment. She discusses the challenges of scaling leadership and curiosity across 2,600 employees, advocating for an empowerment model over micromanagement ("sprinkler leadership"). Alexander also reflects on navigating crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing multi-modal strategies to engage diverse learning styles, and operationalizing abstract values into daily, actionable behaviors through "YX principles." The conversation underscores the importance of grounded, mission-driven leadership, community integration, and cross-sector collaboration to achieve lasting local impact.

https://www.ymcarichmond.org/