Making Maverick Moves

What does it take to become the youngest—and first female—dean at a major university? Kristine Collins, Dean of Continuing Education at UC Irvine (UCI), joins Gina L. Osborn to talk servant leadership, building aligned teams, practicing for hard conversations, performance management, bouncing back from setbacks, and why you should never quit before the magic happens. They discuss Kristine's journey to becoming the youngest and first female dean at a major university, emphasizing the importance of vision, practice, and resilience in leadership. Kristine reflects on her sports background and its impact on her leadership style, the importance of team alignment, and dealing with setbacks. The conversation also highlights the challenges of being a female leader, balancing work and personal life, and the significance of self-awareness and adaptability. Join Gina and Kristine for an inspiring discussion on what it takes to achieve greatness in both professional and personal spheres. 00:00 Introduction to Dean Kristine Collins 00:47 Gina L. Osborn's Background 01:27 Leadership Lessons from Sports 03:06 The Importance of Practice 05:18 Building and Leading Effective Teams 10:05 Navigating Challenges and Change 13:55 Vision and Perseverance 20:14 Dealing with Setbacks 26:45 Recognizing When It's Time to Pivot 28:02 Trusting Your Gut and Intuition 28:57 Balancing Work and Personal Life 29:40 Supportive Relationships and Their Impact 32:49 Lightning Round: Fun and Trivia 34:55 Self-Awareness and Leadership 41:05 Embracing Authentic Leadership 47:22 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude Key Takeaways

• Practice is a leadership skill. Prep for meetings and crucial conversations the way athletes prep for games.

• Alignment beats "forced fun." High-trust teams flow on clarity, feedback, and shared goals—not gimmicky offsites.

• Leaders manage performance. Diagnose problems early; avoidance costs culture and results.

• Don't tap out early. Setbacks aren't the ending—often they're the setup.

• Vision needs repetition. Write it down, say it often, and hold steady through noise.

• Remote is different. Create new rituals to keep a pulse on your people.

• Self-awareness matters. Know your blind spots (precision vs. big picture), mood, and impact.

• Work–life alignment > balance. Sports, family, and community fuel better leadership.

Standout Moments

• Growing up in a sports-centric family shaped Kristine's mindset: process, effort, and growth every day.

• Why "practice is everything"—and how leaders can script outcomes and language for tough talks.

• The feeling of an "invincible" team: trust, easy feedback, and simple, shared goals.

• Performance management as a duty: empathy first, clarity always, and decisive action when needed.

• Leading change inside a large bureaucracy with business-speed decisions.

• Setback story: losing a coveted role by email on Father's Day → startup leap → recruited to UCI.

• "Don't quit before the magic happens"—Naked & Afraid metaphor and betting on yourself.

• Work–life alignment: sport, book club, and a supportive partner create capacity to lead.

• Authentic leadership for women: likability vs. leadership, scrutiny, and owning your style.

• Tall-woman leadership: presence can be strength without intimidation.

Notable Quotes

• "Practice is everything—in sports and at work." — Kristine

• "Alignment is gold. High-trust teams make feedback easy and progress inevitable." — Kristine

• "Avoiding performance conversations creates bigger problems." — Kristine

• "Don't quit before the magic happens." — Gina

• "Vision needs to be written, repeated, and protected." — Kristine

About the Guest - Kristine Collins

Kristine Collins is the Dean of Continuing Education at UC Irvine, the youngest and first woman to hold the role. A former athlete and systems thinker, she blends servant leadership with business-speed execution. Recruited from Canada, Kristine's path includes university leadership and a stint in the private sector at a VR startup.

About the Host — Gina L. Osborn

Gina L. Osborn is a retired FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Army counterintelligence veteran, former Chief Safety & Security Officer for LA Metro, keynote speaker, and host of Making Maverick Moves. She helps leaders navigate chaos, crisis, and change with courage and clarity.

Resources & Mentions

• Allen Iverson "Practice" press conference - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byR3Nda7azA

• Naked & Afraid: Last One Standing - https://www.discovery.com/shows/naked-and-afraid-last-one-standing

• UCI Division of Continuing Education - https://ce.uci.edu/

Connect

Follow Gina: www.ginalosborn.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube (@MakingMaverickMoves)

If this episode sparked something, subscribe, rate, and share with a leader who needs it. Want more maverick moves? Join the list at www.ginalosborn.com/making-maverick-moves .

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What happens when you leave everything behind—your home, your career, your comfort zone—for the unknown? Rosslyn Cooper did just that, moving from Australia to the U.S., taking a 42% pay cut, and stepping into tech leadership with no tech background. In this episode of Making Maverick Moves with Gina L. Osborne, Rosslyn shares her fearless mantra—say yes before you think you're ready—and how it transformed her career and life. From navigating imposter syndrome and leading global digital transformation to embracing authenticity and mentoring future leaders, Rosslyn's journey is a masterclass in courage, adaptability, and heart-led leadership. Whether you're looking to make your own bold move, lead authentically, or simply get inspired by a story of grit and growth, this conversation will challenge you to step through the door—even when you don't feel ready.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Rosslyn's bold leap: moving from Australia, pay cut, and no tech background

02:05 – Saying yes before you're ready: from executive assistant to lifelong mantra

03:36 – The "upper limit problem" and overcoming self-imposed boundaries

05:16 – Facing doubts, embracing resilience, and lessons from her South African upbringing

08:13 – Rising to global leadership without a tech background

11:41 – Heart-led leadership: people first, balance, and authenticity

15:54 – Mentorship, empowering others, and building legacy

20:04 – Problem-solving as a leadership superpower

24:30 – Communicating complex systems simply and driving global buy-in

30:28 – The art of pivoting: turning setbacks into opportunities

35:10 – Lightning round: breaking leadership rules, empathy, and emotional control

40:14 – Rosslyn's proudest Maverick Move & final message: Say yes now, get ready later

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Follow Helen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clearpathhelen

Helen Lao, a first-generation American, left a secure HR career to build Clear Path Solutions, one of the top executive search firms in the U.S. In this conversation, she shares her journey from selling tires to leading a national team, her philosophy of relationships over transactions, and the bold risks that shaped her success.

Timestamps:

00:01 – Betting on herself: founding Clear Path Solutions

01:31 – Growing up first-generation, language barriers & resilience

02:49 – Expectations, being the "black sheep," and work ethic

04:22 – Selling tires as the only woman in the room—becoming top salesperson

05:10 – Transition to recruiting and early HR career

06:39 – Quitting a stable HR role (with 4 kids) to start a firm from scratch

09:30 – Early struggles: $700 split payroll and hand-written checks

10:39 – Matchmaking philosophy: cultural fit over job titles

14:47 – Leadership traits of top CEOs & listening as a superpower

24:58 – Saying "no" to clients: living from abundance, not scarcity

38:17 – Boldest move: walking away from stability into entrepreneurship

45:20 – Advice to women leaders: unlearn silence, speak boldly

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In this episode of Making Maverick Moves, Suzy Crawford shares how she walked away from an 8-year career at Google to launch Crawford Marketing, build a thriving coaching program, and teach entrepreneurs the real power of personal branding. From cleaning up your online image to gaining audience trust in the AI era, Suzy offers raw, actionable advice for anyone ready to make their own maverick move.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Suzy Crawford: From Google to marketing agency founder

01:42 – Why your personal brand is your "digital currency" in 2025

03:03 – The dark side of branding: when past social posts come back to haunt you

04:17 – Audience-first content: posting what they want, not what you want

05:21 – Trust in the AI era: how real engagement builds loyalty

10:32 – The corporate shakeup that pushed Suzy to finally leave Google

12:14 – Landing a $100M case study from a cold email

13:17 – Inside Suzy's Freelancer to CEO program

15:12 – Thought leadership through originality and vulnerability

23:29 – Why marketers must embrace AI to stay ahead

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Follow Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-l-goodman-14279580/

What if your greatest pain became your purpose?

Eric Goodman, 2024 Orange County Philanthropist of the Year, shares his unbelievable journey from being immobilized in a full-body cast at age 15 to becoming the CEO of a company serving 3,500 people with disabilities every month. In this powerful conversation, Eric opens up about overcoming severe spinal issues, launching multiple companies, battling depression and dyslexia, and how his mindset and faith shaped it all. This episode is a masterclass in authentic leadership, resilience, and the power of service. If you're feeling stuck, Eric's motto says it all: "Serve."

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: From challenge to calling

01:42 – The surgery that changed everything

03:21 – Developing empathy through pain

04:41 – Turning disability into purpose

05:07 – How Eric scaled Mountain View Services

07:23 – Writing What's Your Mindset?

11:52 – Choosing positivity daily

15:59 – The weight of leadership and workplace culture

18:56 – A cousin's suicide and the impact of toxic leadership

31:50 – Giving back through business resources, not just checks

33:18 – Launching a mental health initiative for CEOs

36:53 – Leadership lessons & setting boundaries

40:02 – A powerful tribute to his parents

44:02 – Advice to parents and kids dealing with disabilities

45:38 – Final mindset advice: Use your difference as your superpower

46:23 – Outro

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Follow Winnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winnie-da-silva-1b8414/

In this episode of Making Maverick Moves, host Gina Osborne sits down with Winnie Da Silva, who shares her transformative journey—from creating an alter ego and using neuroscientific visualization techniques to challenging internal stories and embracing uncertainty. You don't need permission to lead like a boss. You just need courage, creativity, and the willingness to start—even before you're ready.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Introduction: rewriting the rules and making bold maverick moves

01:43 — Transitioning from social work to corporate consulting at Arthur Andersen

03:55 — Applying social work insights to executive leadership and stakeholder ecosystems

09:42 — Building confidence using an alter ego ("Winnie the Consultant") and visualization

11:51 — Differentiating imposter syndrome from unfamiliarity in new roles

15:34 — Identifying and reframing limiting stories about yourself, others, and culture

31:34 — Implementing feedback systems (check-ins, peer exchange, 360 reviews) to surface blind spots

41:58 — When strengths become blind spots: why leaders must evolve their style

49:25 — Building leadership through authentic relationships and empowering others

51:00 — How to make a maverick move: planting seeds, flexing courage, and accepting learning through failure

1:03:42 — Insights from immigrant entrepreneurs: adaptation, resilience, and identity

1:06:16 — What distinguishes a great leader from a poor one: self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and authenticity

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Follow Wing: https://www.instagram.com/wahooswing/

What happens when you leave a high-tech aerospace career working on the Star Wars defense program to open a taco joint for surfers? Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo's Fish Tacos, shares his inspiring journey of taking risks, embracing authenticity, and building one of California's most iconic lifestyle brands.

In this episode of Making Maverick Moves, Wing reveals how he turned a simple idea into a cultural movement by aligning with the surf and skate community, empowering his team, and leading with purpose. He also discusses lessons in leadership, resilience during COVID-19, and why creativity and community will always win in business.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Wing Lam: From aerospace to tacos

01:34 – Fitting in vs. standing out: the power of authenticity

04:48 – Why Wing quit aerospace after a single conversation

06:41 – How surfing inspired the birth of Wahoo's Fish Tacos

08:23 – Partnering with Billabong & the surf community

11:10 – Business relationships: loyalty, transparency & trust

14:10 – Building a team culture of respect and legacy

15:31 – Sponsoring surf events & athletes: authentic marketing

21:49 – Wing's leadership style: empowering people to own their work

24:19 – California Love Drop: pivoting to philanthropy during COVID-19

31:40 – Why creativity & community matter more than ever in the age of AI

38:00 – Authenticity, healthy food, and creating a lifestyle brand

42:10 – Wing's inspiration today & leaving a legacy of impact

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Follow Dr. Mowlds: https://www.instagram.com/dsmowldsmd/

Dr. Mowlds, the viral plastic surgeon behind Real Housewives star Tamra Judge's transformation, joins Making Maverick Moves to reveal what really happened, the truth about plastic surgery, and how to age gracefully—without losing yourself. Whether you're considering cosmetic work or just curious about how to look your best as you age, this episode is full of eye-opening insights, powerful advice, and real talk about confidence, self-image, and the future of aesthetics.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Meet Dr. Mowlds, the man behind Tamra Judge's transformation

01:28 – What is a blue peel and brow lift? (Explaining the viral procedure)

03:48 – Why the healing looks worse than it feels

06:27 – Aging in the social media era: Skincare vs surgery

07:52 – Is preventative Botox really worth it?

11:08 – The danger of tying surgery to happiness

16:54 – The truth about Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL risks explained)

18:31 – Facelifts & gravity: What to expect long-term

22:07 – What to do in your 20s, 30s, and 40s to delay aging

23:16 – "I might not be your person": Why Dr. Mowlds turns some patients away

26:26 – Longevity = Mobility + Strength (More than just looks)

28:28 – Plastic surgery is more than vanity: Life-saving & restorative care

30:04 – Kris Jenner's results? Genetics + a great surgeon

31:05 – Final message: "Confidence starts within. I can't do that for you."

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Special thanks to Amanda Selogie at Inclusive Education Project, Aldair Perez at Storm mma, and Michelle McDuffie at The Johnson Academy for their support.

When Tamme Smith's son, Thomas, was bullied, excluded, and physically attacked in middle school, she refused to stay silent. Instead, she wrote a bold, emotional letter to the parents of the bullies—and posted it online. That letter went viral.

In this powerful episode of Making Maverick Moves, Tamme shares her family's journey through pain, advocacy, and healing. From a school system that failed her son to the unexpected hero—a boxing coach named Aldair—who helped Thomas regain his confidence, this story will inspire every parent, educator, and student who's ever felt alone.

Timestamps:

00:00 – The letter that exposed the truth

01:50 – "I couldn't get him to go to school"

04:36 – Excluded by his own friends

06:55 – School hears the reports—but does nothing

09:01 – Thomas' neurodiversity: dyslexia and more

11:17 – A boxing coach offers Thomas his power back

17:58 – Beaten in the bathroom: the final straw

21:09 – Testing reveals academic failure

24:47 – Tamme's viral open letter to the bullies' parents

29:03 – Her message to parents everywhere

31:21 – Thomas' bond with his mentor, Aldair

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In this gripping episode, trailblazing FBI profiler Jana Monroe shares her experiences from the elite Behavioral Science Unit. From interviewing serial killers to solving one of Florida's most notorious murder cases, Jana opens up about what it takes to face pure evil — and how she stayed strong as one of the first women in this male-dominated field. Hosted by Gina L. Osborn, this conversation dives deep into the psychology of killers, leadership under pressure, and rare behind-the-scenes moments like working on Silence of the Lambs.

🔥 Don't miss this powerful inside look at true crime, leadership, and the dark side of human behavior.

Timestamps:

00:01 – Jana Monroe's groundbreaking career in the FBI

01:59 – Challenges of being a woman in the Behavioral Science Unit

04:47 – John Douglas' intense interview test

08:53 – The chilling Oba Chandler triple murder case

14:57 – How FBI agents interview serial killers

20:26 – Are serial killers born or made?

22:46 – The role of AI in the future of law enforcement

25:31 – Leadership lessons from law enforcement to corporate

26:40 – Consulting Jodie Foster for Silence of the Lambs

27:49 – Hanging up on the FBI Director during a live shootout

35:17 – Powerful leadership advice: say yes, take risks, learn from failure