Leadership today requires more than just strategy — it demands grace, courage and a willingness to let go of outdated norms. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Blake, Chief Executive Officer of Building Forward Now, and author of "Leading With Grace," to explore how leaders can liberate others, lead authentically and make bold, meaningful transitions in their careers. David reflects on lessons from the military, the service industry and his own second act, offering a timely perspective on human-centered leadership in today’s landscape. 

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

00:51 A 20-year military career sparked a lifelong fascination with leadership.

04:59 Nelson Mandela showed how courage and grace can outlast imprisonment.

11:02 Different generations bring different values; leaders must adapt and understand.

13:39 Retirement felt daunting but became a courageous leap into something new.

16:25 Embracing a passion for steam trains brought unexpected joy and challenge.

17:38 Joy is lasting — don’t chase happiness or doubt your value with age.

20:19 Great leaders empower others to think, decide and create freely.

21:41 Leaders must set the tone by prioritizing rest and encouraging balance.

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. David Blake

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

Building Forward Now, LLC | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-forward-now-llc/

Building Forward Now, LLC | Website

https://www.buildingforwardnow.com/

“Leading with Grace: The Quiet Strength of Exceptional Leaders” by David M Blake, Ph.D.

https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Grace-Strength-Exceptional-Leaders/dp/B0FF58N2W8

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations. 

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Courage isn't always loud — it often shows up in quiet moments of truth-telling, tough decisions and choosing impact over approval. In this episode, we speak with Ian Ziskin, President of EXec EXcel Group LLC, to reflect on decades of HR leadership, executive coaching, and organizational transformation. Ian shares insights on leadership, building trust and how courageous choices define a legacy. We also explore the fine balance between doing your job and keeping your job, and what it really takes to lead with courage. From navigating tough conversations to empowering others to speak up, this episode is packed with stories and strategies that challenge the status quo. 

Key Takeaways:

(02:36) Courage means facing hard truths instead of denying inconvenient facts.

(06:22) Courageous leaders welcome diverse views that challenge their own.

(11:45) Speaking the truth, even at risk, can strengthen leadership and drive impact.

(17:00) Growth happens when we stop avoiding tough conversations.

(21:18) The best teams win when everyone plays their role and lets go of needing credit.

(25:21) Pride comes from helping others fulfill their potential and creating freedom for family.

(30:23) HR is becoming the orchestra conductor — aligning diverse talents to solve big problems.

(32:05) The best leaders spot a gap and step up, finding a void and filling it.

Resources Mentioned:

Ian Ziskin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ziskin-bb1504/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations. 

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Leaders often face pivotal moments that call for courage, resilience and reinvention. In this episode, we speak with Kip Knight, Founder of CMO Coaches. He shares hard-won leadership lessons from his career across iconic companies and how he knows taking leaps of faith can be transformative. Kip reflects on what it means to lead with integrity, how to navigate change, and the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and risk-taking — especially during uncertain times.

Key Takeaways:

(02:07) Kip shares how switching industries helped him become an innovative leader.

(06:09) Leaders should ask what’s blocking engagement and keep the dialogue open.

(10:03) Authentic leaders welcome disagreement and speak up with candor and respect.

(12:09) Standing up to workplace bullies takes courage and sets a powerful example.

(16:34) The best jobs come through networking, so build real connections and stay resilient.

(19:12) Taking smart risks at 70% certainty led to successful global market launches.

(22:46) With today’s tools and speed, there’s never been a better time to be a marketer.

(27:41) Find role models, and when the odds are decent, take the leap.

Resources Mentioned:

Kip Knight

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

CMO Coaches | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cmo-coaches/

CMO Coaches | Website

https://www.cmocoaches.com

“Learn to Leap: How Leaders Turn Risk Into Opportunity” by Kip Knight

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Leap-Leaders-Turn-Opportunity/dp/1737796406

"Crafting Persuasion" by Kip Knight, Ed Tazzia and Bob Pearson

https://www.amazon.com/Crafting-Persuasion-Handbook-Influence-Behavior-ebook/dp/B07S52F7YQ

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations. 

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. 

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Making a bold leap from corporate success to personal fulfillment takes more than ambition — it takes courage. In this episode, Joan Clark of JM Clark & Company joins us to explore what it means to listen to your inner voice, take calculated risks and reshape your professional life on your own terms. Joan shares her journey from leading HR teams at a Fortune 500 company to launching her business. We also hear how her leadership philosophy led her to write “Common Sense Leadership,” a practical guide for emerging leaders.

Key Takeaways:

(02:04) Leadership courage means moving forward despite fear.

(03:17) Leaving corporate life to start a business was Joan’s most courageous choice.

(05:46) External success clashed with an inner calling for greater impact.

(10:29) Joan started JM Clark & Company to help others live true to themselves.

(14:52) Leading with listening ensures every solution meets the client’s needs.

(18:57) A simple question from her nephew sparked Joan's idea for her leadership book.

(23:30) Leadership is constant and silence often speaks louder than words.

(25:53) Know your who, why, what and how to lead with clarity and purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

Joan Clark

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

JM Clark & Company | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jmclark/

JM Clark & Company | Website

https://jmclark.com/

"Common Sense Leadership" by JM Clark

https://www.commonsenseleadership.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations. 

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. 

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

As the workplace continues to evolve, so must our approach to leadership, culture and personal growth. In this episode, we sit down with Devin C. Hughes, Award Winning Keynote Speaker, Best-Selling Author and Leadership Coach, to explore the courageous choices that have defined his journey and the practical insights he shares with organizations around the world. We discuss the intersection of belonging and accountability, how culture is shaped by intention, not perks, and why showing up authentically can change lives.

Key Takeaways:

(01:27) Going from the corporate playbook to building a boutique business.

(04:47) Credentials aside, today’s leaders must stay open, agile and always learning.

(10:47) Leadership, like parenting, means guiding, not doing the work for others.

(14:53) Growth comes from leaning in and bringing hidden truths to light.

(19:06) Returning to the Boys & Girls Club reminded Devin of its pivotal role in his childhood.

(21:45) Well-being isn’t optional — it must be built into the strategy.

(24:21) Don’t ignore the data. Leaders must act on burnout, loneliness and disengagement.

(26:26) Celebrating progress boosts motivation and builds momentum.

Resources Mentioned:

Devin C. Hughes

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

Devin C. Hughes Enterprises | Website

https://devinchughes.com

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

https://www.bgca.org/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations. 

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. 

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Starting your own business takes courage, but sustaining it requires vision, resilience and a deep commitment to your values. In this episode, we sit down with Ilona Brunner and Takaya Brunner, Partners at Brunner Accounting Group, to discuss the journey from big accounting firms to building their own successful practice. They share their experiences of entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing family and business and the importance of identifying ideal clients and sticking to core values.

Key Takeaways:

(01:21) Early careers at PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG shaped IIona and Takaya’s approach to client service.

(05:39) Starting a family pushed them to create a business on their own terms.

(07:10) Family support and a fearless mindset fueled their entrepreneurial journey.

(10:38) Defining their “why” and ideal client shaped their business for long-term success.

(15:01) Understanding your ideal client and their needs is the foundation of lasting success.

(20:37) Building a business around your values allows you to thrive personally and professionally.

(22:10) Courage is pushing through fear and finding strength in past successes.

(26:39) Nurturing relationships can open unexpected doors and opportunities.

Resources Mentioned:

Ilona Brunner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilona-brunner-2993b93a/

Takaya Brunner

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

Brunner Accounting Group | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/brunner-accounting-group/

Brunner Accounting Group | Website

https://brunneraccounting.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations. 

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. 

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Stepping away from corporate success to build something of your own takes more than strategy, it takes courage. We sit down with Jennifer Smith, Career + HR Consultant of Flourish Careers LLC and Gig Talent, to unpack what it takes to leave a successful corporate career and build a fulfilling independent practice. With a background in HR across Fortune 50 companies, Jennifer shares how she traded predictability for purpose and leaned into her intuition to build a values-driven business. From graveyard shifts to consulting, she reflects on what it means to take courageous steps, trust your gut and redefine success on your own terms.

Key Takeaways:

(01:21) Career success doesn’t have to come at the expense of well-being.

(03:41) HR wasn’t an obvious path. Jennifer carved her own by volunteering and showing up.

(06:50) “Five minutes to flourish” helped her build momentum while still in her day job.

(13:37) The pandemic shifted her focus fully to coaching.

(16:26) A “portfolio career” allows Jennifer to flex different muscles and manage risk.

(19:06) Prioritizing three things per week keeps her focused and energized.

(20:51) Redefining success based on alignment and fulfillment, not promotions.

(25:40) Trust the glimpse — it may lead to more than you imagine.

Resources Mentioned:

Jennifer Smith

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlsmith9200/

Gig Talent

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gig-talent/

Flourish Careers LLC | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-careers/

Flourish Careers LLC | Website

https://www.flourish.careers/

The Muse

https://www.themuse.com/

Frito-Lay

https://www.fritolay.com/

PepsiCo

https://www.pepsico.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations. 

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. 

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

We’re kicking off our new podcast, “The Courageous Choice,” talking to Lynn Herrick, Chief Operating Officer at Blucrest. Lynn shares how she navigated one of the most defining leadership moments of her career — taking over a high-turnover call center in the middle of a private equity transition. She walks us through her courageous decision to reimagine operations through the lens of empathy, stability and purpose. Lynn’s story offers practical inspiration for leaders transforming culture, scaling teams and placing people at the center of business strategy.

Key Takeaways:

(02:31) Why Lynn left a safe legal path to join a risky startup.

(05:01) What made her initially say no to the COO role, and why she changed her mind.

(07:48) Replacing fear-based systems with a culture of trust and stability.

(13:29) Tactical changes that led to a drop in employee turnover from 20% to under 2%.

(15:55) How to unify engineers and customer service teams through shared purpose.

(19:44) The moment Best Buy cited “meaningful work” as the reason for their $800M acquisition.

(22:52) Advice for young professionals: resilience, self-awareness and knowing when to walk away.

Resources Mentioned:

Lynn Herrick

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

Blucrest | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/blucrest/

Blucrest | Website

https://blucrest.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations. 

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. 

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Every breakthrough begins with a decision — a moment of hesitation followed by a leap. “The Courageous Choice” is the podcast that explores those defining moments when leaders, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and individuals bet on themselves, defy expectations and step into the unknown.

Hosted by Jamie Jacobs, founder and CEO of Gig Talent, each episode explores bold career moves and industry-shaping innovations. We dive into the risks, the resilience and the rewards that come with making the courageous choice.