Master Move

Erik Blachford helped pioneer the online travel industry as a founding executive at Expedia, eventually serving as its CEO. Since then, he’s built a career as a board member and investor in iconic consumer tech companies, including more than 20 years on the board at Zillow. In this episode, Erik shares a wide range of insights on CEO leadership, company culture, board governance, and the future of AI. We also talk about his early jobs in adventure travel, his theater background, and how storytelling and cadence shape enduring organizations.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eblach/

Monica Molenaar and Anne Fulenwider are the co-founders and co-CEOs of Alloy Women’s Health, a fast-growing telehealth platform redefining care for women navigating hormonal changes. In this candid conversation, they share the deeply personal origins of Alloy and unpack the widespread medical gap in menopause care, highlighting how limited training and systemic shortcomings have left many women underserved. We also explore lessons from their second-act careers, the realities of building a mission-driven company, and the power of curiosity, trust, and timing in both leadership and life.

https://www.myalloy.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-molenaar-2945b225/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-fulenwider-b367181b7/

Linh Peters has held senior marketing leadership roles at some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Starbucks, Walgreens, Calvin Klein, and Target. In this episode, she shares what it takes to lead brand transformation at scale, how to build customer-centric teams, and why short tenures and fractional roles are reshaping the CMO landscape. We also explore her work as an executive coach, the challenges of translating strategy across industries, and what today’s marketing leaders need to succeed in an ever-evolving landscape.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/linh-peters/

Jenna Fisher is a leading voice in executive search and the head of the Global CFO Practice at Russell Reynolds Associates. In this episode, she draws on insights from completing over 500 senior financial officer and board searches to offer a practical roadmap for executives aspiring to the C-suite. She talks about what boards are really looking for, why CFOs often become CEOs, and how to build the right narrative around your career.

Jenna also shares key lessons from her book To the Top, including how to position yourself for succession, communicate your leadership potential, and align with the right opportunities at the right time. Whether you're a rising finance leader or any executive planning a strategic career move, this conversation is a blueprint for owning your journey to the top.

https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/people/consultant-directory/jenna-fisher

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-fisher-902650/

https://amzn.to/43JydcS

Ajay Prakash is the co-founder and CEO of Rinse, a company redefining laundry and dry cleaning through a managed marketplace model built on trust, technology, and consistency. In this conversation, Ajay shares his decade-long journey building Rinse from an idea into a multi-city operation with W2-employed valets, a growing brick-and-mortar presence, and a clear vision for national scale. We explore the lessons learned from scaling a service business, the intentionality behind hiring and culture, and why Ajay believes in playing the long game in both business and in life.

https://www.rinse.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprakash03/

Hannah Gordon spent over two decades breaking barriers in the NFL, culminating in her role as Chief Legal and Administrative Officer of the San Francisco 49ers. In this episode, she shares lessons from a remarkable career built on purpose, perseverance, and integrity — and why she made the bold decision to pause at the peak of her success to focus on family. We explore her strategic leadership style, her views on inclusive hiring and cultural alignment, and her book SZN of Change, a practical journal for leading with joy and authenticity.

https://www.hannah-gordon.com/

https://www.hannah-gordon.com/thebook

Dr. John Hillen is a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, CEO, decorated Army officer, and professor of leadership and strategy. In this episode, John shares insights from his latest book, The Strategy Dialogues: A Primer on Business Strategy and Strategic Management, offering practical tools for executives navigating complexity. We discuss how dialogue sharpens strategic thinking, why leaders must build a shared vocabulary around strategy, and what separates effective decision-makers from reactive ones. A must-listen for current and aspiring C-level leaders.

Sherri Coale, Hall of Fame basketball coach, educator, and author, joins Master Move to explore what it takes to build a lasting culture of excellence. As the longtime head coach of the University of Oklahoma women’s basketball program, Sherri led her teams to Final Fours, Big 12 Championships, and 19 straight NCAA tournaments — but her leadership lessons reach far beyond the court.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How clarity, consistency, and private victories shape culture
• The art of leading through relational trust, not control
• How presence and awareness unlock deeper leadership
• Lessons from motion offense about communication, selflessness, and timing
• Why reflection — even when difficult — accelerates growth

Drawing from her books Rooted to Rise and The Compost Files, Sherri shares wisdom on leadership, coaching, and living with purpose that is as timeless as it is powerful.

Listen now to discover why true leadership isn’t about dominance — it’s about connection, vision, and perseverance.

"Rooted to Rise"
https://amzn.to/44JUUQs

"The Compost File"
https://amzn.to/4jwtMZL

https://www.sherricoale.com/

Tracey Newell is a seasoned tech executive, board leader, and fierce advocate for women in leadership. As the former President of Informatica and a board member for several public companies, she brings deep experience in scaling organizations and leading high-performance teams. In this episode, Tracey shares practical insights from her new book, Hers for the Taking: Your Path to the C-Suite & Beyond, including how to cultivate executive presence, take strategic risks, and build the mindset required to lead at the highest level.

Whether you're climbing toward the C-suite or mentoring the next generation of leaders, this conversation is packed with real-world wisdom and actionable takeaways.

Topics include:

• The most common traits of rising executives
• Why board service is more accessible than you think
• How to advocate for yourself without apology
• Navigating transitions, imposter syndrome, and long-term career vision
• What it really takes to lead at scale

Hers for the Taking: Your Path to the C-Suite & Beyond
https://amzn.to/44C3yAl

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-newell/

Ron Tite is a globally recognized speaker, entrepreneur, and creative strategist who helps brands and leaders communicate with authenticity and impact. As the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Church+State, Ron has advised some of the world’s most respected organizations at the intersection of commerce and creativity.

In this episode, we explore key insights from his latest book, The Purpose of Purpose—a follow-up to the bestselling Think. Do. Say. We discuss why companies often get purpose wrong, how to reconnect purpose to profit, and what authenticity really means in leadership today.

In this episode:

• Why shouting your values isn’t enough if they aren’t tied to how you make money
• How mid-level leaders can apply “Think. Do. Say.” to differentiate themselves
• What comedy taught Ron about business growth, creativity, and personal reinvention
• Lessons from the Savannah Bananas, Blue Man Group, and the corporate graveyard of inauthentic branding
• The difference between adapting in a downturn… and accelerating through the curve

Whether you lead a global brand or your own career, this conversation will help you reframe purpose as a lever for meaningful, measurable growth.

Order Ron's book The Purpose of Purpose Now: https://amzn.to/4lBSqd8

https://rontite.com/

https://churchstate.co/