Are you ready to leap out of your comfort zone? Embrace transitions, from small steps to monumental leaps, with this week's special guest, Adrienne Ramsay, founder and managing director of Delphi Strategies. Adrienne shares her remarkable journey from the era of NASA's Apollo missions to the high-powered corridors of Washington, D.C.

Adrienne's narrative is a testament to the power of strategic thinking and clear communication, especially when bridging the gap between complex ideas and diverse audiences. Adrienne unpacks the importance of communication that resonates across technical and non-technical divides and the cultural savvy needed to navigate industry-specific lingo. Furthermore, she imparts wisdom and the courage required to redefine yourself amidst skepticism. Adrienne's insights into the art of high-stakes decision-making and the importance of resilience and courage are invaluable. This episode is not just about the decisions that shape our nation's security and financial future; it's a blueprint for anyone seeking to make a meaningful transition in their career. Key points throughout points include:

• Raised in the shadows of satellites: Continuing the legacy in defense contracting
• An insight into day-to-day life inside Capitol Hill
• Department of defense bills: Crafting legislation for national security
• Embracing change and empowering clients: The power of effective communication
• The power of adaptation and perspective in leadership
• Crafting Connections: Tailoring messages for maximum impact
• The role of resilience in reinventing oneself professionally
• Soul Searching: The key to meaningful life transitions
• Transforming 'No' into motivation
• The value of surrounding yourself with people who lift you higher

"Being able to see things from other points of view, I believe, is one of the strengths of a leader because they're able to communicate to many different facets, but also to think further outside the box." – Adrienne Ramsay.

Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader. 

Get connected socially with Adrienne Ramsay:

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

https://delphi-strategies.com/

Get connected socially with host Bonnie Hagemann:

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

https://edainc.io/ 

https://mobile.twitter.com/bonnie_hagemann 

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/ 

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

From humble beginnings to the heights of the pharmaceutical industry, Amy Bricker, former president of Express Scripts, sits down with Bonnie to recount her extraordinary career path. Amy takes us on a tour of her formative years, where the dream of becoming a community pharmacist in her small town set the stage for an incredible journey. It's a story that unfolds across the pillars of persistence, vision, and a heartfelt drive to transform healthcare, proving that one's origin is no boundary to professional triumph.

Navigating the complexities of the healthcare system requires more than just knowledge; it requires passion and a desire to bring about real change. Amy delves into the intricate world of pharmacy benefit managers and how her role at Express Scripts played a pivotal part in managing medication costs for an array of clients from various sectors. Amy also delves into how creating and sustaining a high-performance culture in business isn't for the faint-hearted, especially in the face of mergers and acquisitions. Amy reflects on the challenges she faced while steering Express Scripts through such transformative times and shares valuable insights on the power of a positive environment and the intricacies of balancing professional success with personal growth and self-discovery. Key points throughout points include:

• Unlocking potential: Embracing the call to make a greater impact
• Express Scripts: The role of pharmacy benefit managers in healthcare and communities
• Leading Express Scripts through mergers, acquisitions and a global pandemic
• The importance of deliberate leadership and consistent actions
• How to overcome the challenges of blending cultures
• Embracing Change: Recognizing the seasons of opportunity
• Navigating a legal battle and new paths to fulfilment
• The importance of staying true to yourself and recognizing the call for change

"It's less to me about putting slogans on walls or coming up with a mission statement that we’ll all recite, but how do you do business inside that organization?" – Amy Bricker.

Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader. 

Get connected socially with Amy Bricker:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bricker/

Get connected socially with host Bonnie Hagemann:

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

https://edainc.io/ 

https://mobile.twitter.com/bonnie_hagemann 

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/ 

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

Imagine unlocking the secret sauce to a thriving workplace culture. That's exactly what Garry Ridge, chairman emeritus of WD-40 Company, unveils in our latest episode of Real Life Real Leaders. With Garry's remarkable journey from a humble Aussie fax machine to the helm of a global brand, we uncover how the heart of WD-40's success lies in its culture—a culture that makes coming to work feel like contributing to a grander mission, learning, and heading home fulfilled. 

“Culture is a competitive advantage and that we, as leaders, have a real responsibility, and that is to create a place where people go to work every day, they make a contribution to something bigger than themselves, they learn something new, they're protected and they're set free by a compelling set of values, and they go home happy – Garry Ridge

This isn't just about business; it's about fostering joy in families and communities worldwide. This is a a masterclass in nurturing a work environment that is not just a place of employment, but a source of happiness and growth.

Further key points throughout include:

• Learn about Garry Ridge's "crockpot approach" to building a strong corporate culture, which led WD-40 to global success with a 98% employee satisfaction rate.

• Find out how WD-40 maintained its workforce during the pandemic due to a resilient culture.

• Benefit from Dr. Rebecca Homkus's "Survive, Reset, Thrive" strategy for achieving growth during volatile times.

• Understand Garry Ridge's belief that a supportive workplace contributes to happier families and communities, leading to a more joyful world.

• Hear about Garry’s upcoming book “Any Dumb Ass Can Do It”.

“If I can do this, anybody can do it, because I'm consciously incompetent and probably wrong and roughly right in most circumstances.” – Garry Ridge

Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader. 

Resources: 

Get connected socially with Garry Ridge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/

https://thelearningmoment.net/

Get connected socially with host Dave Komar:

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

https://edainc.io/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/ 

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

Leadership extends beyond mere guidance; it's a continuous journey of learning, growth, and facing the storm head-on, no matter how daunting it might appear. In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership and navigating times of turbulence with Aku Pauline Odinkemelu, a towering figure in Nigeria's economic and banking landscape whose impact reaches far beyond her borders.

Despite starting her career in law, Aku discovered her passion and found her calling in banking, rising to executive positions and serving on the Central Bank's Monetary Policy Committee, overcoming Nigeria's economic challenges. Growing up as one of nine children, Aku shares how education, family support and mentorship steered her professional trajectory and fueled her commitment to growth. Aku shares her remarkable account of navigating through times of significant unrest and danger in River State, emphasizing the role of strategic thinking when steering her teams to safety. Join us as we celebrate Aku's inspirational leadership journey—a testament to resilience, integrity, and unwavering courage. Key points include:

• A stroke of chance: Aku's career evolution from legal counsel to banking leader
• Tackling conflicts of interest, inflation and currency challenges in Nigeria's economy
• The greatest gift of education and the role of family support in shaping careers
• Building a legacy of impact and nurturing future leaders
• Influential mentors: Shaping values and leadership principles
• Career turning points: Overcoming challenges and navigating the social unrest in Nigeria
• Crisis Management: Optimizing strategic security measures amidst turbulent times
• Spiritual resilience: Finding strength and balance in faith

"You have to find that inner strength to detach from everything that is happening. Connect with your team, reach out to your networks, and see how you can analyze and get to the root causes of whatever challenges you face." – Aku Pauline Odinkemelu.

Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader. 

Resources:

Our Iceberg Is Melting by John Kotter

https://www.ouricebergismelting.com/

Get connected socially with Aku Pauline Odinkemelu:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aku-odinkemelu-b3823070

Get connected socially with host Bonnie Hagemann:

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

https://edainc.io/ 

https://mobile.twitter.com/bonnie_hagemann 

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/ 

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

Leading Nigerian lawyer, acclaimed author, and champion for children's rights, Bola Tinubu, joins Bonnie this week to reveal how she achieved professional success whilst always keeping her family at the forefront. Discover how Bola's ascent to the top of Nigeria's legal landscape is a tale of ambition fueled by her father's influence. As the country managing partner at a prestigious law firm, Bola takes us behind the scenes of data governance, sustainability, and the weighty responsibilities shouldered by modern boards. Yet, in the harmonizing of motherhood with the mantle of leadership, Bola's story finds its warmest notes, offering a symphony of strategies for balancing professional growth with family life. Bola's unequivocal advocacy for women and children has made a breathtaking impact in countless lives. Through it all, she remains as steadfastly committed to her family as to her profession, proudly doing it all in the name of making a difference. Key points include: 

• Rising up the ranks: The journey to the top of Nigeria's legal field 

• Navigating the complexities of sustainability issues and data governance risks 

• From courtroom visits to career visions: A father's strategic influence 

• Parenthood and professional progression: Achieving success with family at the forefront 

• Empowering women and driving change in the workplace 

• Giving back: Bola's advocacy for children's rights and her nonprofit initiatives 

• The value of prioritization and saying yes to less 

"Family was first. I wanted to bring up my children in the way my mother brought me up. I wanted to give them nurturing to the best of my ability. So for me, it was understanding my priorities, and not letting it get to me that my career didn't progress as quickly off the mark as I wanted it to." – Bola Tinubu. 

Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader.  

Resources:  

Book: Bisi is the Boss by Bola Tinubu 

https://www.amazon.com/Bisi-Boss-Bola-Tinubu-ebook/  

Get connected socially with Bola Tinubu:  

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

Get connected socially with host Bonnie Hagemann: 

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

https://edainc.io/  

https://mobile.twitter.com/bonnie_hagemann  

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/  

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com 

Get ready to embark on a journey through the extraordinary life of a trailblazer whose resilience and passion have forged a legacy destined to inspire generations. Meet Cristiana Salgado-Braga, the visionary force propelling CSX and bioconsulting while reshaping the global scientific landscape with her unwavering commitment to innovation.

In this episode, Cristiana unveils the pivotal moments that propelled her to become a leader in science, a profession she adores whole-heartedly and delves into the importance of cultural sensitivity in crafting bespoke healthcare solutions and reflects on the impact of growing up in male-dominated cultures and the scarcity of female role models. Cristiana also explores the transformative power of community and mentorship in navigating adversity and shares her experiences handling shocking international upheavals, highlighting the imperative of prioritizing your own safety. Join us as we delve into the ethos of pushing boundaries to realize your true potential and the profound influence of advocates nurturing the next generation of women in STEM. Key points include:

• The influence of cultural roots on shaping identity and career choices
• Unlocking solutions with the power of deep understanding
• Kickstarting progress and embracing the power of initiative
• Navigating Male-Dominated Cultures and recognizing the absence of female role models
• Overcoming unexpected challenges: Why you should never outsource your safety
• The importance of having a solid support network
• Pushing boundaries: Embracing challenges to discover unseen limits

"I have always been passionate about my career without any false modesty. The culture within the biotechnology sector is so aligned with patient-centric goals that my career has become my go-to safe place in many difficult personal moments. It has been the place for me to fall back on when personal times get hard. My career has always been a safe port for me." – Cristiana Salgado-Braga.

Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader. 

Get connected socially with Cristiana Salgado-Braga:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/Cristiana-salgado-braga-nacd-dc-mba-m-sc-252345/

Get connected socially with host Bonnie Hagemann:

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

https://edainc.io/ 

https://mobile.twitter.com/bonnie_hagemann 

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/ 

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

The essence of leadership is more than just steering a ship; it's weathering storms, fostering resilience, and nurturing company culture. This week, Ana Hory, a seasoned advisor, board director, and executive renowned for her strategic risk-taking and entrepreneurial acumen, joins Bonnie.

Get ready to dive in and discover how Ana's strategic vision transformed the Polly Pocket brand into a Brazilian sensation by understanding the market's unique needs and how deciding to remove a team member whose influence was hindering team dynamics became a pivotal moment in her career. Ana also gets candid about resetting and rebuilding, sharing the emotional toll of layoffs and offering practical advice for bouncing back stronger than ever. Tune in now to hear Ana's recipe for success and the decisions that can pave the way for a bright and prosperous future. Key points include:

• Career highlights: Launching Polly Pocket in Brazil, elevating it to the second-largest market outside of the US
• Rescuing company culture with the power of coffee walks, talks, and listening
• Culture fit: How removing a negative element can spark overnight transformation
• CEO Insights: The crucial lesson learned a little too late
• Transforming consumer experiences through product management
• Surviving storms: Navigating transitions in life and finding new opportunities
• Tackling hardship: Ana's advice for overcoming life obstacles
•  

"I always ask, is there anything you would have done differently from when you started as a CEO? And I kid you not, 100% of the time, they tell me, I wish I had let go of the wrong people sooner." – Ana Hory.

Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader. 

Get connected socially with Ana Hory:

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

Get connected socially with host Bonnie Hagemann:

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

https://edainc.io/ 

https://mobile.twitter.com/bonnie_hagemann 

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/ 

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

Best-selling author and three-time TEDx speaker Ron Carucci joins us this week to unveil the blueprint for authentic leadership. As proud co-founder and managing director of Navalent and a visionary in the realms of leadership and organizational change, Ron reveals his transformative journey from working in Europe to becoming a celebrated consultant and author.  

In this episode, Ron brings to the table nearly four decades of experience in guiding top executives and organizations through significant change. He offers practical strategies and real-world examples that illustrate the importance of honesty, the challenges of mentorship, embracing failures and the courage it takes to lead with integrity. Key points include: 

• An accidental entrepreneur pursuing a passion beyond organizational boundaries 

• Unveiling heroes: Stories of inspirational leadership worth writing about 

• Dual Roles: Navigating five years of grueling challenges 

• Key business advice: Wisdom and warnings for career starters 

• Learning from Failure: Embracing setbacks for personal growth 

• Perception: Challenging the truths within our minds 

"I had a terrifying thought. Could we have found four fundamental principles about how to shape a culture that nobody's doing? Because that would suck. So I had to find out if anybody was living out what we learned or if they were only living in the dark side of it." – Ron Carucci. 

Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader.  

Resources:  

To Be Honest by Ron Carucci 

https://tobehonest.net/  

Get connected socially with Ron Carucci:  

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

https://www.navalent.com/  

Get connected socially with host Dave Komar: 

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

https://edainc.io/  

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/  

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com 

Get ready to dive into the heart of effective leadership through the eyes of Seth Stein, CEO of Eastridge Workforce Solutions and champion of servant leadership. In this episode, we explore Seth's unexpected professional ascent from an eager young worker to the helm of a thriving, employee-owned enterprise. Throughout the discussion, Seth reveals the trials and triumphs of being CEO amidst the tumultuous times of 2020, highlighting the significance of transparency, sincerity, and a robust, high-performance culture. Delving into the emotional depths of crisis management, Seth unpacks the emotional burdens that many leaders shoulder. Seth also generously shares his indispensable leadership toolkit, ensuring leaders are equipped for success. Trust us when we say you won't want to miss it! Further key points throughout include: 

• An unconventional path to success: The journey from eager learner to visionary leader 

• CEO Challenges: Unveiling the true tests of leadership 

• Leading with heart: Navigating the weight of employee departures and personal accountability 

• Lessons learned from embracing mistakes, parental guidance, and mentorship 

• Words of wisdom: Seth's advice for navigating leadership challenges 

• The essential leadership toolkit for cultivating a thriving culture 

"This is an unusual environment that we're living in. You'll be misunderstood and won't always have the opportunity to defend yourself. So it comes back to values, purpose, and your moral compass, which is that I have a point of view and values and have to stick to that. I have to do the best for the most. And it won't always work out for everybody." – Seth Stein. 

Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader.  

Resources:  

Leading at a Higher Level by Ken Blanchard  

https://resources.blanchard.com/ebooks/leading-at-a-higher-level  

Get connected socially with Seth Stein:  

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

https://www.eastridge.com/  

Get connected socially with host Dave Komar: 

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

https://edainc.io/  

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/  

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com 

When Alan White speaks about the intersection of human connection and leadership, you can't help but be drawn into his world-view, one honed from the streets of Belfast to the boardrooms of Oklahoma. Alan, who is Sr. Director of IT at Dolese Bros, is an exceptional mind in the world of technology and leadership, offers profound insights into the often overlooked emotional landscape of tech industry leaders. His candid discussions about the role of vulnerability in forming durable bonds and the forward-thinking strategies necessary for technological evolution are enlightening for anyone curious about the human side of innovation. 

During our exchange, Alan doesn't shy away from the complexities of leadership and recruitment in tech, illuminating the path to integrating a diverse array of professionals into this dynamic field. He champions the importance of blending creativity with logic, and shares a personal narrative that underscores his commitment to gender equality in the tech space. This episode is more than a mere conversation; it's an expedition through the heart and mind of a leader who dares to think differently about the synergy between people and technology—inviting us all to consider the fabric of our own professional environments and the diverse threads that can lead to groundbreaking achievements.Further key points throughout include: 

• Learn why Alan left Belfast and ended up leading teams in Oklahoma. 

• Discover Alan White's insights on empathetic leadership and tech innovation. 

• Learn how vulnerability plays a key role in tech leadership. 

• Understand how diverse backgrounds drive innovation in tech. 

• Explore Alan White's commitment to gender equality in tech. 

• Learn about the challenges of future tech planning. 

• Get insights on balancing creativity, cost, and viability in tech. 

• Understand the need to focus on potential and adaptability in tech recruitment. 

"Nothing else will have as big an impact on your leadership journey as really the power of human connection, and that's really tied to the power of vulnerability. It may seem very Brene Brown and cringy to sort of lean into that vulnerability, but, man, it is truly game-changing." - Alan White 

Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader.  

Get connected socially with Alan White: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-white-13ba8446/ 

Learn more about Dolese Bros: https://www.dolese.com/ 

Get connected socially with host Bonnie Hagemann: 

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

https://edainc.io/  

https://mobile.twitter.com/bonnie_hagemann  

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/  

Purchase Leading With Vision: The Leader's Blueprint for Creating a Compelling Vision and Engaging the Workforce: 

https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Vision-Blueprint-Compelling-Workforce/dp/1473696062 

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com