The Unscripted Leader Podcast

By Steve Margerin | Brand ManagersBusiness Management

The Unscripted Leader Podcast episodes

April 29Culture Is What Happens When No One’s Looking (VIDEO)
Episode Description:
In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with transformational executive Tia Newcomer to explore what truly drives organizational culture and leadership performance.

Tia has led teams across multiple industries including consumer packaged goods, technology, healthcare, private equity, and nonprofit organizations. Her leadership journey includes roles at companies like PepsiCo, Clorox, and HP, along with CEO positions and board leadership in healthcare and nonprofit spaces. During the conversation, Tia shares how her early experience in sales shaped her leadership philosophy and why leaders must stay connected to the front lines of their organizations. She also discusses how leaders can build cultures grounded in transparency, accountability, and psychological safety.

From navigating career inflection points to transforming company culture, Tia offers practical insights on how leaders can create environments where people feel empowered to challenge ideas, grow, and perform at their best.
Guest Introduction:
Tia Newcomer is a transformational executive leader, board member, and go-to-market operator who has led teams across multiple industries including consumer packaged goods, technology, healthcare, private equity, and nonprofit organizations. She began her career in sales at Frito-Lay before holding leadership roles at PepsiCo, Clorox, and HP. Over time, she transitioned into healthcare leadership, serving as CEO and board member for several organizations focused on improving patient outcomes and advancing women's health initiatives. Most recently, Tia served as CEO of CaringBridge, where she led a major transformation across people, culture, and strategy. Today she serves on multiple boards while exploring the next chapter of her leadership journey.
Key Takeaways:
Culture is not defined by corporate slogans but by the behaviors people demonstrate when leadership isn’t present.
Diverse industry experience can strengthen leadership by bringing new perspectives to familiar challenges.
Sales experience provides leaders with a powerful frontline understanding of customers and markets.
Leaders must create psychological safety so teams feel comfortable challenging decisions.
Career inflection points often come from personal reflection and recognizing when growth has stalled.
Diagnosing an organization starts with listening—leaders must seek honest feedback from employees at every level.

Chapter Markers:
0:00 Welcome to The Unscripted Leader
1:30 Introducing Tia Newcomer
4:00 Leading across multiple industries
7:30 Why frontline sales experience shapes great leaders
10:30 The “Wall of Reality” leadership exercise
14:30 Why Tia originally resisted a career in sales
18:00 The career moment that changed her leadership direction
23:00 Recognizing personal and professional inflection points
28:00 What culture really means inside organizations
32:00 Creating psychological safety on leadership teams
37:00 Avoiding the “meeting after the meeting” problem
41:00 Diagnosing organizational culture as a new CEO
45:00 Leadership lessons and closing thoughts
Keywords:
The Unscripted Leader podcast, Tia Newcomer, Steve Margerin, leadership culture, executive leadership lessons, organizational culture transformation, leadership transparency, psychological safety at work, leadership development, women in leadership
Pull Quotes:
“Culture isn’t what’s written on the wall — it’s what people do when no one’s looking.”
“If you want to understand your business, go to the frontline. That’s where the truth lives.”
51 min
April 29Culture Is What Happens When No One’s Looking (AUDIO)
Episode Description:
In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with transformational executive Tia Newcomer to explore what truly drives organizational culture and leadership performance.

Tia has led teams across multiple industries including consumer packaged goods, technology, healthcare, private equity, and nonprofit organizations. Her leadership journey includes roles at companies like PepsiCo, Clorox, and HP, along with CEO positions and board leadership in healthcare and nonprofit spaces. During the conversation, Tia shares how her early experience in sales shaped her leadership philosophy and why leaders must stay connected to the front lines of their organizations. She also discusses how leaders can build cultures grounded in transparency, accountability, and psychological safety.

From navigating career inflection points to transforming company culture, Tia offers practical insights on how leaders can create environments where people feel empowered to challenge ideas, grow, and perform at their best.
Guest Introduction:
Tia Newcomer is a transformational executive leader, board member, and go-to-market operator who has led teams across multiple industries including consumer packaged goods, technology, healthcare, private equity, and nonprofit organizations. She began her career in sales at Frito-Lay before holding leadership roles at PepsiCo, Clorox, and HP. Over time, she transitioned into healthcare leadership, serving as CEO and board member for several organizations focused on improving patient outcomes and advancing women's health initiatives. Most recently, Tia served as CEO of CaringBridge, where she led a major transformation across people, culture, and strategy. Today she serves on multiple boards while exploring the next chapter of her leadership journey.
Key Takeaways:
Culture is not defined by corporate slogans but by the behaviors people demonstrate when leadership isn’t present.
Diverse industry experience can strengthen leadership by bringing new perspectives to familiar challenges.
Sales experience provides leaders with a powerful frontline understanding of customers and markets.
Leaders must create psychological safety so teams feel comfortable challenging decisions.
Career inflection points often come from personal reflection and recognizing when growth has stalled.
Diagnosing an organization starts with listening—leaders must seek honest feedback from employees at every level.

Chapter Markers:
0:00 Welcome to The Unscripted Leader
1:30 Introducing Tia Newcomer
4:00 Leading across multiple industries
7:30 Why frontline sales experience shapes great leaders
10:30 The “Wall of Reality” leadership exercise
14:30 Why Tia originally resisted a career in sales
18:00 The career moment that changed her leadership direction
23:00 Recognizing personal and professional inflection points
28:00 What culture really means inside organizations
32:00 Creating psychological safety on leadership teams
37:00 Avoiding the “meeting after the meeting” problem
41:00 Diagnosing organizational culture as a new CEO
45:00 Leadership lessons and closing thoughts
Keywords:
The Unscripted Leader podcast, Tia Newcomer, Steve Margerin, leadership culture, executive leadership lessons, organizational culture transformation, leadership transparency, psychological safety at work, leadership development, women in leadership
Pull Quotes:
“Culture isn’t what’s written on the wall — it’s what people do when no one’s looking.”
“If you want to understand your business, go to the frontline. That’s where the truth lives.”
51 min
March 25Leadership in a Polarized World (VIDEO)
In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with civic leader and nonprofit founder Libby Stegger for a powerful conversation about leadership, community, and navigating complexity in today’s divided world.

Libby shares her journey from earning an MBA at Yale to dedicating her career to nonprofit and civic leadership. Together, Steve and Libby explore how leaders can build trust across differences, develop sustainable organizations, and stay energized while managing growing demands.

From youth civic engagement to building earned-revenue models and hiring at the “edge,” this episode delivers practical insight for founders, executives, and emerging leaders alike. If you’re looking to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience, this conversation is for you.
Guest Introduction:
Libby Stegger is the founder and Executive Director of Civic Bridges and the CEO of Peer Partners. A Yale School of Management MBA graduate, Libby has spent her career in the nonprofit and civic sectors, leading statewide programs and building cross-sector partnerships. She is passionate about developing young leaders, strengthening democratic culture, and helping organizations thrive through collaboration and trust.
Key Takeaways:
Leadership requires energy, creativity, and intentional self-awareness.
Sustainable organizations start with a clear mission and strong financial structure.
Hiring “at the edge” helps leaders stay ahead of growth challenges.
Founders must recognize their skill gaps and empower strong team members.
Civic engagement extends beyond politics into everyday leadership.
Building trust and curiosity across differences strengthens communities.
Chapter Markers:
0:00 Welcome to The Unscripted Leader
0:50 Introducing Libby Stegger
1:55 America’s Future Summit overview
3:15 Youth civic engagement and leadership
5:20 Private vs. nonprofit leadership paths
6:50 Libby’s MBA and career journey
8:20 Organizational structure and mission
9:55 Revenue models in the social sector
11:20 Hiring at the edge of growth
12:45 Founder capacity and complexity
14:10 Building strong leadership teams
15:30 Finding your leadership “sweet spot”
17:00 Little “d” democracy explained
19:10 Community-level engagement
21:00 Navigating conflict productively
23:15 Leadership and emotional intelligence
25:00 Final reflections and advice
End: Closing remarks
Keywords:
The Unscripted Leader podcast, Steve Margerin, Libby Stegger, civic leadership, nonprofit leadership, democracy building, leadership development, founder mindset, organizational growth, community engagement, sustainable leadership, executive coaching, nonprofit management, leadership podcast
Pull Quotes:
“Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself — it’s about knowing when to let great people lead.”

“A healthy democracy starts with everyday leaders choosing curiosity over division.”
38 min
March 24Leadership in a Polarized World (AUDIO)
In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with civic leader and nonprofit founder Libby Stegger for a powerful conversation about leadership, community, and navigating complexity in today’s divided world.

Libby shares her journey from earning an MBA at Yale to dedicating her career to nonprofit and civic leadership. Together, Steve and Libby explore how leaders can build trust across differences, develop sustainable organizations, and stay energized while managing growing demands.

From youth civic engagement to building earned-revenue models and hiring at the “edge,” this episode delivers practical insight for founders, executives, and emerging leaders alike. If you’re looking to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience, this conversation is for you.
Guest Introduction:
Libby Stegger is the founder and Executive Director of Civic Bridges and the CEO of Peer Partners. A Yale School of Management MBA graduate, Libby has spent her career in the nonprofit and civic sectors, leading statewide programs and building cross-sector partnerships. She is passionate about developing young leaders, strengthening democratic culture, and helping organizations thrive through collaboration and trust.
Key Takeaways:
Leadership requires energy, creativity, and intentional self-awareness.
Sustainable organizations start with a clear mission and strong financial structure.
Hiring “at the edge” helps leaders stay ahead of growth challenges.
Founders must recognize their skill gaps and empower strong team members.
Civic engagement extends beyond politics into everyday leadership.
Building trust and curiosity across differences strengthens communities.

Chapter Markers:
0:00 Welcome to The Unscripted Leader
0:50 Introducing Libby Stegger
1:55 America’s Future Summit overview
3:15 Youth civic engagement and leadership
5:20 Private vs. nonprofit leadership paths
6:50 Libby’s MBA and career journey
8:20 Organizational structure and mission
9:55 Revenue models in the social sector
11:20 Hiring at the edge of growth
12:45 Founder capacity and complexity
14:10 Building strong leadership teams
15:30 Finding your leadership “sweet spot”
17:00 Little “d” democracy explained
19:10 Community-level engagement
21:00 Navigating conflict productively
23:15 Leadership and emotional intelligence
25:00 Final reflections and advice
End: Closing remarks
Keywords:
The Unscripted Leader podcast, Steve Margerin, Libby Stegger, civic leadership, nonprofit leadership, democracy building, leadership development, founder mindset, organizational growth, community engagement, sustainable leadership, executive coaching, nonprofit management, leadership podcast
Pull Quotes:
“Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself — it’s about knowing when to let great people lead.”

“A healthy democracy starts with everyday leaders choosing curiosity over division.”
38 min
March 11Revenue Over Random (VIDEO)
Episode Description:
What happens when marketing lives in an ivory tower and sales is left to improvise in the field?
In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, I sit down with Jennifer Zick, Founder and CEO of Authentic, to unpack the real work behind building a unified revenue organization. We dive into the evolution of the fractional CMO model, the difference between “little m” and “big M” marketing, and why sales and marketing alignment is the connective tissue every growth company needs.

Jennifer shares how values-driven leadership, humility, and strategic marketing orchestration can eliminate “random acts of marketing” and build sustainable, profitable growth.

If you’re a CEO, sales leader, or marketing executive looking to create true revenue alignment, this episode is for you.

Guest Introduction:
Jennifer Zick is the Founder and CEO of Authentic, a fractional CMO firm helping growth companies move beyond random acts of marketing and build strategic revenue engines. She serves on multiple boards, has been recognized by the Minneapolis–St. Paul Business Journal and Enterprising Women, and leads one of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Jennifer brings both sales and marketing perspective to the revenue conversation.

Key Takeaways:
Sales and marketing alignment isn’t optional — it’s the connective tissue of a healthy revenue organization.
“Little m” marketing supports sales; “Big M” marketing drives the entire customer experience and revenue flywheel.
Fractional leadership isn’t a temporary fix — it can be a long-term strategic advantage.
Marketing must move beyond random acts and become an orchestrated operating system.
True alignment requires empowered leadership seats that can handle healthy friction and real-time feedback.
Humility and confidence must coexist in modern marketing leadership.

Chapter Markers:
0:00 Intro
1:05 Welcome & Jennifer Zick Introduction
3:05 The Origin of Authentic & Values-Driven Leadership
7:30 Hiring, Clients, and Values Alignment
10:00 From Random Acts of Marketing to Fractional CMO
14:10 The Evolution of Fractional Leadership
19:40 Big M vs. Little m Marketing
24:20 Sales & Marketing Alignment and Revenue Teams
28:00 The “Connective Tissue” Breakdown
31:20 Speaking Truth as a Fractional Leader
34:15 Leadership Growth, EQ, and Self-Awareness
39:00 Women in Business & What’s Next for Authentic
43:10 Closing Thoughts

Keywords:
Steve Margerin, Jennifer Zick, The Unscripted Leader, Authentic Brand, fractional CMO, sales and marketing alignment, revenue organization, Big M marketing, little m marketing, random acts of marketing, revenue growth strategy, fractional leadership, business leadership podcast, marketing strategy, customer experience
45 min
March 11Revenue Over Random (AUDIO)
Episode Description:
What happens when marketing lives in an ivory tower and sales is left to improvise in the field?
In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, I sit down with Jennifer Zick, Founder and CEO of Authentic, to unpack the real work behind building a unified revenue organization. We dive into the evolution of the fractional CMO model, the difference between “little m” and “big M” marketing, and why sales and marketing alignment is the connective tissue every growth company needs.

Jennifer shares how values-driven leadership, humility, and strategic marketing orchestration can eliminate “random acts of marketing” and build sustainable, profitable growth.

If you’re a CEO, sales leader, or marketing executive looking to create true revenue alignment, this episode is for you.

Guest Introduction:
Jennifer Zick is the Founder and CEO of Authentic, a fractional CMO firm helping growth companies move beyond random acts of marketing and build strategic revenue engines. She serves on multiple boards, has been recognized by the Minneapolis–St. Paul Business Journal and Enterprising Women, and leads one of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Jennifer brings both sales and marketing perspective to the revenue conversation.

Key Takeaways:
Sales and marketing alignment isn’t optional — it’s the connective tissue of a healthy revenue organization.
“Little m” marketing supports sales; “Big M” marketing drives the entire customer experience and revenue flywheel.
Fractional leadership isn’t a temporary fix — it can be a long-term strategic advantage.
Marketing must move beyond random acts and become an orchestrated operating system.
True alignment requires empowered leadership seats that can handle healthy friction and real-time feedback.
Humility and confidence must coexist in modern marketing leadership.

Chapter Markers:
0:00 Intro
1:05 Welcome & Jennifer Zick Introduction
3:05 The Origin of Authentic & Values-Driven Leadership
7:30 Hiring, Clients, and Values Alignment
10:00 From Random Acts of Marketing to Fractional CMO
14:10 The Evolution of Fractional Leadership
19:40 Big M vs. Little m Marketing
24:20 Sales & Marketing Alignment and Revenue Teams
28:00 The “Connective Tissue” Breakdown
31:20 Speaking Truth as a Fractional Leader
34:15 Leadership Growth, EQ, and Self-Awareness
39:00 Women in Business & What’s Next for Authentic
43:10 Closing Thoughts

Keywords:
Steve Margerin, Jennifer Zick, The Unscripted Leader, Authentic Brand, fractional CMO, sales and marketing alignment, revenue organization, Big M marketing, little m marketing, random acts of marketing, revenue growth strategy, fractional leadership, business leadership podcast, marketing strategy, customer experience
45 min
January 30Productive Conflict & Positive Intent (VIDEO)
In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with Clint Hooppaw—Mayor of Apple Valley, Minnesota and leadership coach behind High Point Advisors—for a refreshingly honest conversation about leading with intention in challenging environments. Clint brings 30+ years of executive experience and over a decade in public service to explore how leaders can embrace productive conflict, recognize the loudest voices aren’t always the majority, and create space for meaningful dialogue—even when emotions run high.

Guest Introduction:
Clint Hooppaw is the Mayor of Apple Valley, MN and a seasoned executive with more than 30 years in banking and credit unions. Alongside his public service career, Clint leads High Point Advisors, helping financial institutions strengthen leadership, communication, and decision-making. Known for his thoughtful approach to conflict and consensus-building, Clint bridges public and private leadership in a uniquely relatable way.

Key Takeaways:
Productive conflict is essential—if everyone agrees all the time, someone isn’t needed.
The loudest voices aren’t the majority; leaders must seek out quieter perspectives.
Assuming positive intent changes the tone of disagreements and fosters trust.
Public service and corporate leadership share surprising similarities in conflict, culture, and communication.
Titles often create hesitation—leaders must intentionally draw out unheard voices.

Keywords:
The Unscripted Leader, Steve Margerin, Clint Hooppaw, Apple Valley Mayor, High Point Advisors, productive conflict, leadership communication, positive intent, public service leadership, conflict resolution, verbal judo, executive coaching, civic leadership, organizational culture, consensus building
47 min
January 30Productive Conflict & Positive Intent (AUDIO)
In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with Clint Hooppaw—Mayor of Apple Valley, Minnesota and leadership coach behind High Point Advisors—for a refreshingly honest conversation about leading with intention in challenging environments. Clint brings 30+ years of executive experience and over a decade in public service to explore how leaders can embrace productive conflict, recognize the loudest voices aren’t always the majority, and create space for meaningful dialogue—even when emotions run high.

Guest Introduction:
Clint Hooppaw is the Mayor of Apple Valley, MN and a seasoned executive with more than 30 years in banking and credit unions. Alongside his public service career, Clint leads High Point Advisors, helping financial institutions strengthen leadership, communication, and decision-making. Known for his thoughtful approach to conflict and consensus-building, Clint bridges public and private leadership in a uniquely relatable way.

Key Takeaways:
Productive conflict is essential—if everyone agrees all the time, someone isn’t needed.
The loudest voices aren’t the majority; leaders must seek out quieter perspectives.
Assuming positive intent changes the tone of disagreements and fosters trust.
Public service and corporate leadership share surprising similarities in conflict, culture, and communication.
Titles often create hesitation—leaders must intentionally draw out unheard voices.

Keywords:
The Unscripted Leader, Steve Margerin, Clint Hooppaw, Apple Valley Mayor, High Point Advisors, productive conflict, leadership communication, positive intent, public service leadership, conflict resolution, verbal judo, executive coaching, civic leadership, organizational culture, consensus building
47 min
November 10, 2025(VIDEO) AI for the Everyday Business
In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with Dustin Bruzenak, CEO of Modern Logic, to talk about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the business landscape—especially for small and mid-sized companies. Dustin shares how AI is democratizing technology, freeing up teams from repetitive tasks, and empowering leaders to focus on creativity, innovation, and purpose-driven growth. If you’ve been curious (or even skeptical) about how to actually make AI work in your organization, this conversation breaks it down with clarity, humor, and hard-earned experience.
Guest Introduction:
Dustin Bruzenak is the CEO and co-founder of Modern Logic, a digital innovation firm specializing in helping small and mid-sized businesses leverage AI and automation. With over 15 years of experience leading technology ventures—including five startups he’s founded—Dustin’s passion lies in making emerging technologies accessible, ethical, and actionable for everyday business leaders.
Key Takeaways:
AI is not just for big tech—small businesses can see real ROI within months by automating repetitive work.
The most effective leaders are those learning how to apply AI strategically, not just tactically.
“Human-in-the-loop” workflows are essential to keep authenticity and prevent what Dustin calls work slop—AI output without human empathy.
Use frameworks like ICE (Impact, Confidence, Ease) to prioritize where to apply AI in your business.
The next revolution is agentic AI—systems that act on tasks autonomously—but we’re not there yet. Start simple, start now.
AI adoption isn’t about replacement; it’s about reallocation—freeing people to do more meaningful, creative work.

Chapter Markers:
0:00 – Intro
1:00 – Welcome and Guest Introduction
2:20 – Why AI is the “Industrial Revolution” of our time
5:20 – Dustin’s entrepreneurial journey and founding of Modern Logic
8:00 – Making AI accessible for small and mid-sized businesses
10:00 – The real-world impact of AI on jobs and creativity
13:30 – How AI empowers small teams to scale faster
17:00 – Rapid ROI: How businesses are saving hours (and headcount) with automation
20:00 – The ethics of AI and the role of human oversight
23:00 – Preparing the next generation of talent for an AI-driven economy
26:00 – Practical advice for business leaders starting with AI
28:00 – Top 3 AI use cases moving the needle today
31:00 – The future of agentic AI and where it’s headed next
33:00 – Human creativity, authenticity, and “work slop”
36:00 – Closing reflections on leadership in the age of AI

Keywords:
Steve Margerin, Dustin Bruzenak, The Unscripted Leader, Modern Logic, AI for business, artificial intelligence, small business automation, AI strategy, human-in-the-loop, digital transformation, leadership podcast, business innovation, agentic AI, AI consulting, AI workflow automation
52 min
November 10, 2025(AUDIO) AI for the Everyday Business
In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with Dustin Bruzenak, CEO of Modern Logic, to talk about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the business landscape—especially for small and mid-sized companies. Dustin shares how AI is democratizing technology, freeing up teams from repetitive tasks, and empowering leaders to focus on creativity, innovation, and purpose-driven growth. If you’ve been curious (or even skeptical) about how to actually make AI work in your organization, this conversation breaks it down with clarity, humor, and hard-earned experience.
Guest Introduction:
Dustin Bruzenak is the CEO and co-founder of Modern Logic, a digital innovation firm specializing in helping small and mid-sized businesses leverage AI and automation. With over 15 years of experience leading technology ventures—including five startups he’s founded—Dustin’s passion lies in making emerging technologies accessible, ethical, and actionable for everyday business leaders.
Key Takeaways:
AI is not just for big tech—small businesses can see real ROI within months by automating repetitive work.
The most effective leaders are those learning how to apply AI strategically, not just tactically.
“Human-in-the-loop” workflows are essential to keep authenticity and prevent what Dustin calls work slop—AI output without human empathy.
Use frameworks like ICE (Impact, Confidence, Ease) to prioritize where to apply AI in your business.
The next revolution is agentic AI—systems that act on tasks autonomously—but we’re not there yet. Start simple, start now.
AI adoption isn’t about replacement; it’s about reallocation—freeing people to do more meaningful, creative work.

Chapter Markers:
0:00 – Intro
1:00 – Welcome and Guest Introduction
2:20 – Why AI is the “Industrial Revolution” of our time
5:20 – Dustin’s entrepreneurial journey and founding of Modern Logic
8:00 – Making AI accessible for small and mid-sized businesses
10:00 – The real-world impact of AI on jobs and creativity
13:30 – How AI empowers small teams to scale faster
17:00 – Rapid ROI: How businesses are saving hours (and headcount) with automation
20:00 – The ethics of AI and the role of human oversight
23:00 – Preparing the next generation of talent for an AI-driven economy
26:00 – Practical advice for business leaders starting with AI
28:00 – Top 3 AI use cases moving the needle today
31:00 – The future of agentic AI and where it’s headed next
33:00 – Human creativity, authenticity, and “work slop”
36:00 – Closing reflections on leadership in the age of AI

Keywords:
Steve Margerin, Dustin Bruzenak, The Unscripted Leader, Modern Logic, AI for business, artificial intelligence, small business automation, AI strategy, human-in-the-loop, digital transformation, leadership podcast, business innovation, agentic AI, AI consulting, AI workflow automation
52 min

About The Unscripted Leader Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Unscripted Leader, where your host, Steve Margerin, dives into real, raw conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, and visionaries who are shaping the world of business. This podcast…

Share The Unscripted Leader Podcast

Sign up to save your podcasts

The Unscripted Leader Podcast

The Unscripted Leader Podcast episodes

About The Unscripted Leader Podcast