Psychological safety isn’t about eliminating discomfort. It’s about creating the conditions where challenge and growth can thrive without fear of retaliation or exclusion. Dr. Ryan C. Warner joins James to explore how leaders at every level can balance safety with accountability, and why emotional intelligence is a critical skill for high-performing, inclusive teams. From feedback dynamics to work-life integration, this conversation offers practical insight for leaders navigating complexity, ambition, and change.

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In this episode, we dig into leading through disruption and why culture sets the ceiling for results. We talk about finding common ground in uncertain times, creating safe spaces for honest conversation, and how people first decisions show up when it matters most. We also look at mergers and acquisitions, keeping brand identities intact, and what it takes to unite teams without flattening what makes them unique.

You will hear real examples from the pandemic, a hurricane response that mobilized a community, and the ongoing “scorecard” leaders carry. We explore resilience for mid-career professionals, accountability that ladders to shared KPIs, and the reality of impostor syndrome. The throughline is simple. Great leadership is a daily practice of clarity, care, and grit.

Topics: disruption, culture, safe spaces, M&A integration, resilience, accountability, impostor syndrome, C-suite responsibility, parenting parallels, perseverance.

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What does it take to lead through discomfort, own your mistakes, and keep showing up? In this episode, John Bratsakis, President of the MD|DC Credit Union Association, joins James in the studio for an unfiltered conversation on leadership, accountability, and the quiet strength of consistency.

They explore the professional lessons learned through failure, how presence outweighs perception, and why the ability to self-assess—honestly and early—might be the most underrated leadership skill we have. From early missteps to fostering 170 dogs, John shares personal stories that challenge us to rethink what it really means to lead through change.

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What happens when early childhood experiences shape your leadership presence as an adult? In this episode of The Right Kind of Uncomfortable, Emma Hayes, Chief Learning and Engagement Officer at State Employees’ Credit Union of North Carolina, shares how a painful moment in first grade set her on a path of self-protection, purpose, and ultimately, transformation.

Emma opens up about the unseen weight many leaders carry, from cultural expectations around food and wellness to the pressures of perception in professional spaces. Her story is both deeply personal and widely relatable for anyone navigating leadership, authenticity, and growth.

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What do you do when your next big conference lands in a city that clashes with your values? In this episode of The Right Kind of Uncomfortable, Dr. James Pogue sits down with Dr. Elena Gersman, co-founder of Social Offset, to unpack a practical alternative to staying home. 

They explore why in-person connection matters for business, how boycotts can unintentionally hurt local communities, and how Social Offset lets leaders and attendees invest in local change while showing up for the conversations that drive big ideas forward. 

If you’re navigating hard choices about where you gather and how you lead, this episode will get you thinking about what it really means to leave a place better than you found it.

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In part 2 of this episode, Dr. James Pogue and Paul Carolan dive deeper into the principles of active, intentional leadership. Paul shares powerful stories about fostering inclusivity, balancing core values, and the importance of recognizing individuality in the workplace. From addressing gender and cultural differences to navigating faith in business settings, Paul provides actionable insights and heartfelt anecdotes that challenge conventional leadership norms.

Discover how Paul’s concept of leadership as a "full-contact sport" emphasizes trust, empathy, and the courage to lead authentically. Whether it’s creating a culture of dignity, embracing diverse perspectives, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, Paul’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of active leadership.

This episode is packed with thought-provoking lessons for leaders at every stage. Tune in for Part 2 of this compelling and inspiring discussion!

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In part one of this two-part episode of The Right Kind of Uncomfortable, Dr. James Pogue sits down with Paul Carolan, a former C-suite executive and current consultant and adjunct professor at Virginia Tech. From humble beginnings sweeping floors to leading companies like Bruegger's Bagels and Genghis Grill, Paul shares his journey through the highs and lows of leadership.

Paul opens up about navigating cultural divides, building trust across diverse teams, and the importance of authentic relationships in fostering meaningful change. He also reflects on lessons learned from his mentors, his approach to active leadership, and his philosophy of giving back through teaching and charity.

This episode offers valuable insights into overcoming bias, leading with empathy, and embracing discomfort to grow as a leader. Join us for Part 1 of this compelling conversation!

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In this episode of The Right Kind of Uncomfortable, Dr. James Pogue sits down with Eric Goldfeld, Senior Vice President of Sales and Distribution at DIRECTV. They explore the profound elements of leadership and connection, diving deep into the pivotal moments of Eric's career. From his beginnings at AT&T in customer service to his current executive role, Eric shares the evolution of his leadership style. The conversation highlights the importance of transparency, the balance between being liked and respected, and even what love looks like in a business context. Tune in to learn how genuine connection and clear communication can transform team dynamics and drive success.

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 In Episode 4 of "The Right Kind of Uncomfortable," host James speaks with Tarji Carter, founder of "That Franchise Player," an organization dedicated to bridging the gap in franchise ownership education for underrepresented communities. Tarji shares her mission to empower people, especially within the Black community, by providing insights into the franchise industry—a sector where communities of color are often consumers but rarely owners. She discusses her vision for "The Franchise Game," a symposium and trade show that introduces franchise opportunities to new audiences. Tarji’s personal journey, marked by overcoming exclusion and corporate trauma, fuels her work to create wealth and eradicate poverty through accessible franchise ownership. 

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In this episode, Dr. James Pogue, CEO of JP Enterprises, and CeCe Cox, CEO of Resource Center, discuss LGBTQIA+ awareness, terminology, and inclusion. Cox elaborates on the meanings of LGBTQIA+ terms, emphasizing the importance of education and respectful communication to foster deeper connections.

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