"More than education, more than experience, more than training — resilience determines who succeeds and who fails." Diane Coutu's 25-year-old definition opens this conversation, and Lindsey Rai Kortan lives it.

Lindsey leads Ronald McDonald House Charities of Omaha, an organization built for families fighting for their children's lives. While leading it, she privately navigated domestic violence, her husband's addiction and overdose, her mother's death, and single parenting two sons — during COVID. This is an honest look at leading through the unimaginable, and the architecture of survival: community.

Content / sensitivity note: This episode discusses domestic violence, addiction, and overdose.   If you are someone you know is strugging, contact SMHSA National Hotline, or Al-Anon. 

In this episode, Lindsey and Janyne explore:

•      Resilience as a built capacity, never achieved alone

•      Why shame — not a lack of helpers — keeps leaders isolated

•      Psychological safety that starts when the leader goes first

•      Policies that make care reliable: compassion leave, unlimited PTO, meeting check-ins

•      The brain under threat, and why empathy reopens clear thinking[1]

Diane Coutu's research names what Lindsey embodies: the most resilient people accept hard reality clearly, hold a deep belief that life is meaningful, and improvise a way through.[2]

Take the FREE 5R Edge™ Diagnostic and discover your resilience edge.

https://tinyurl.com/5R-Podcast

🎯 Action4Traction™ — Take one this week:

1.     Name one private weight to one person you trust this week.

2.     Open one meeting by saying how you're actually doing first.

3.     Remove one fear your team carries — make it a real policy.

💬 Talk4Traction™ — Bring one to your next team meeting to elevate the dialogue:

1.     What are we each carrying that we haven't said out loud?

2.     Where does shame keep us from asking each other for help?

3.     What would make it safe here to not be okay?

About our Guest: 

Lindsey Rai Kortan is the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Omaha, where she leads an organization that stands with families fighting for their children's lives — in the cancer ward, the ICU, and the hardest moments they will ever face. What makes Lindsey rare is that she has lived the territory she leads through: while running her organization, she privately navigated domestic violence, her husband's addiction and overdose, her mother's death, and single parenting two young sons — all at once, during COVID. She is, in every sense of the word, a study in resilience.

Connect with Lindsey on LinkedIn

Together, we've got this!

Janyne

Connect with Janyne on LinkedIn 

Subscribe: Your Authentic Executive Podcast · The Executive Edge™ — Resilience in Action

#YourAuthenticExecutive #5REdge #ExecutiveLeadership #Resilience #PsychologicalSafety

[1] Matthew D. Lieberman et al., "Putting Feelings into Words: Affect Labeling Disrupts Amygdala Activity in Response to Affective Stimuli," Psychological Science 18, no. 5 (2007): 421–28, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.01916.x.

[2] Diane Coutu, "How Resilience Works," Harvard Business Review, May 2002.

Your Authentic Executive Podcast

Authentic Leadership | Profound Stories | Proven Lessons

Hosted by Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D.

For SPARKS! sneak peeks of each full episode, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janyneyourexecutivecoach/

You can also listen to our podcast on-the-go now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Hf8dKgOS9jniNdmfg1i8q?si=4ded7c1ab5c0440a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-authentic-executive-podcast/id1794646555

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Your Authentic Executive Podcast content every month! 

Bob Gerst spent weeks building one report. His managing partner kept three pages and threw the rest in the wastebasket. What Bob learned in that moment — from the man who hired him — shaped the next 50 years.

That man was my Dad, Jim Peek: Bob’s first boss and lifelong mentor.

My dad read the same poem every morning for half a century. He was passed over for partnership twice and never turned bitter. In his final days he could still recite that poem from memory. I’m releasing this episode the week before Father’s Day — and it is Bob’s tribute to the leader who taught him what resilience looks like when the work doesn’t go your way.

Today Bob is president of HR Transitions and host of the People in Transition podcast.

In this episode, Bob and I explore:

- The poem my dad read every morning — and the two instructions inside it

- “Look at what you have. Not what you don’t have.” — the wastebasket reframe

- How HR earns a strategic seat when it’s still called overhead

- Why even a VP of 10,000 can feel qualified to run a team of 5

___________________

Take the FREE 5R Edge™ Diagnostic:

https://tinyurl.com/5R-Podcast

 ---

Action4Traction™ — Take one this week:

1. Identify your “poem on the breadboard” — the belief that has carried you through your hardest seasons. Write it down and put it somewhere visible.

2. Name one person who modeled resilience under pressure for you. Send them a message naming one specific thing they showed you.

3. In transition: write down the three capabilities that made you effective in your last role. Read it before your next interview.

Talk4Traction™ — Bring one to your next team meeting:

1. Who has modeled responding to setback with forward momentum — and what did that look like?

2. When your team doesn’t get the outcome you worked toward, where does your first conversation go?

3. Where do leaders in your organization most need to understand the business from the ground up?

---

Together, we’ve got this!

Janyne

Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/

Connect with Bob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobgerst/

About our Guest:  

Bob Gerst began his career as an auditor — until one recruiting season changed the trajectory of his life. Recognized early for his rare ability to spot, develop, and inspire talent, he made the leap into HR and never looked back.

Over the next four decades, Bob became a transformative HR leader across industries spanning national real estate, global financial services, Las Vegas hospitality, and international agriculture. He guided organizations through mergers, built HR infrastructures from the ground up, and led teams across continents — always with a people-first approach.

Today, as president of HR Transitions and host of the People in Transition podcast, the “Job Transition Professor” is dedicated to one mission: helping job changers land faster, smarter, and with greater confidence. In every sense of the word, Bob Gerst is a builder of people.

#YourAuthenticExecutive #5REdge #ExecutiveLeadership #Resilience #HRLeadership #JobTransition #DadsDay

Your Authentic Executive Podcast

Authentic Leadership | Profound Stories | Proven Lessons

Hosted by Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D.

For SPARKS! sneak peeks of each full episode, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janyneyourexecutivecoach/

You can also listen to our podcast on-the-go now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Hf8dKgOS9jniNdmfg1i8q?si=4ded7c1ab5c0440a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-authentic-executive-podcast/id1794646555

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Your Authentic Executive Podcast content every month! 

Why do 70% of transformations fail—even for well-intentioned leaders?

I sit down with Thomas Saller to explore what derails change initiatives. Thomas is partner at 5L Partners, serves senior leaders across Europe, and author of Work It Like a German. He doesn't coach clichés—he coaches complexity.

Three critical blind spots:

1. The neuroscience behind resistance – People aren't afraid of change; they're afraid of loss. We unpack the SCARF model and how brains default to threat detection 80% of the time—your team's "resistance" is neuroscience.
2. The transition timing gap – You finished the change 18 months ago; your team started yesterday. As Thomas says: "Of course the change is done for you. You had 3 years to work on it. Other people just heard of it last week."
3. The leadership-management imbalance – Why initiatives fail when they're over-led (vision without execution) or undermanaged (process without purpose).

This connects to our 5R Edge™: REACH (navigating transformation), REGULATION (managing emotions), RESULTS (balancing vision with execution).

Take our FREE 5R Edge™ Diagnostic: https://tinyurl.com/5R-Podcast

Key timestamps:
[00:06:45] P&G and Gillette M&A
[00:11:12] Why executives finish before teams begin
[00:34:49] Neuroscience of competing commitments
[00:41:06] Balancing leadership and management

ABOUT YOUR HOST & GUEST

Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D. is an executive coach and creator of our 5R Edge™ framework. NeuroLeadership Institute certified.

Thomas Saller is executive coach, partner at 5L Partners, author of Work It Like a German.

Connect with Thomas:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-saller-82a5b479/
Book: https://a.co/d/b3jTpUp

Connect with Janyne:
Website: www.YourExecutiveCoach.com
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/JPE-LinkedIn
Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/YAE-LinkedIn-Newsletter
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/JPE-Facebook
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YAE-Youtube
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/YAE-Spotify
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/YAE-Apple-Podcast

Together, we've got this!

Janyne

YourExecutiveCoach.com

Your Authentic Executive Podcast

Authentic Leadership | Profound Stories | Proven Lessons

Hosted by Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D.

For SPARKS! sneak peeks of each full episode, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janyneyourexecutivecoach/

You can also listen to our podcast on-the-go now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Hf8dKgOS9jniNdmfg1i8q?si=4ded7c1ab5c0440a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-authentic-executive-podcast/id1794646555

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Your Authentic Executive Podcast content every month! 

How Redemption, Resilience, and Brokenness Feed the Multitude 

Our newest episode is out now! 

In Episode 6 of Your Authentic Executive, we sit down with Stephen Barbee—a former All-American athlete, mentor, and founder of Passion to Purpose Ministries. Stephen transformed his life from crack addiction and incarceration to finding a meaningful purpose, developing a faith-driven life, and inspiring leadership. Stephen’s story is a raw, powerful testimony of redemption and resilience, proving that transformation is not only possible—it’s contagious.

 Key Takeaways from this Episode: 

Redemption Starts with a Choice – Stephen shares the moment he hit rock bottom, asked three hard questions, and chose to change the trajectory of his life. 

You Can’t Heal What You Won’t Face – Whether in a prison cell or a classroom, Stephen teaches that growth requires courage, accountability, and honesty.

Your Brokenness Feeds the Multitude – Stephen shows how your story—especially the hardest chapters—can be someone else’s roadmap.

Leadership is Often Planted in Crisis – From a team captain in high school to a mentor in federal prison, Stephen reflects on how his leadership took root in the most unexpected places.
 
Powerful Quotes from the Episode:

 “Changing my location didn’t change me. I brought my addiction with me.”

“It’s not because of my all-American status that people listen to me. It’s because of my brokenness.”

"I had to go inward before I could go outward."

"Pride will keep you in your addiction much longer than you desire."

Your Authentic Executive Podcast

Authentic Leadership | Profound Stories | Proven Lessons

Hosted by Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D.

For SPARKS! sneak peeks of each full episode, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janyneyourexecutivecoach/

You can also listen to our podcast on-the-go now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Hf8dKgOS9jniNdmfg1i8q?si=4ded7c1ab5c0440a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-authentic-executive-podcast/id1794646555

Thank you so much to Stephen Barbee for taking time to deliver such valuable insight to fellow executives!

Follow him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-stephen-barbee-a3362450/

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Your Authentic Executive Podcast content every month! 

Your Authentic Executive Podcast

Authentic Leadership | Profound Stories | Proven Lessons

Hosted by Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D.

For SPARKS! sneak peeks of each full episode, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janyneyourexecutivecoach/

You can also listen to our podcast on-the-go now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Hf8dKgOS9jniNdmfg1i8q?si=4ded7c1ab5c0440a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-authentic-executive-podcast/id1794646555

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Your Authentic Executive Podcast content every month! 

CEO Mom: Leading with Grit, Grace, and Generational Wisdom  

As we approach Mother’s Day, Episode 5 features a story that honors the profound intersection of leadership and legacy.

Meet Kim Cappellano, CEO of Private Wealth and a mother of four, in her most courageous leadership act to date: sharing her deeply personal IVF journey for the first time. A private leader by nature, Kim steps forward in this conversation—not for attention, but because she knows that sharing what’s real helps others find their way through.

Raised in a small Indiana town by a lineage of strong women, Kim’s leadership is rooted in generational wisdom, deep values, and an unwavering belief that “you create the life you want.” 

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

The Power of Quiet Strength: Kim reflects on lessons from her mom and grandmother that shaped how she leads under pressure.
IVF, NICU, and Resilience: Kim opens up about her emotional journey through infertility, loss, and hope—and how it transformed her leadership.
Boundaries as Strategic Leadership: From limiting travel to prioritizing family events, Kim demonstrates how boundaries clarify vision.
Authenticity in High-Stakes Roles: Kim models the CEO mindset that doesn't separate personal and professional—she integrates them.
The “Controllables” Mindset: She reveals how mindset, attitude, and emotional regulation helped her through the most uncertain seasons. 

Powerful Quotes from the Episode: 

“There is no balance. But there are boundaries. And when you set them with intention, they give you your life back.” 

"A system should hold the values of an organization. If it doesn’t, it won’t hold the people either.” 

"Before this, I’d never faced something where effort alone couldn’t deliver the result. IVF broke that myth for me—and built something stronger.” 

“My team knows my non-negotiables. I don’t miss my kids’ games. I don’t travel more than two nights in a row. And we’re still outperforming our goals.” 

"Do you surround yourself with great people?"

" If you're not happy with something—go change it. You create the life you want, you control your destiny" 

 “Having the right partner alongside you in your journey is really important—you need that support.” 

Actions4Traction™

1. Lead from Your Story: What part of your personal journey—painful or powerful—might serve others if you shared it with intention?
2. Redefine Success: Are your boundaries aligned with the future you’re building, or the expectations you’ve inherited?
3. Embrace the Controllables: In uncertainty, how are you managing mindset, energy, and focus?

Your Authentic Executive Podcast

Authentic Leadership | Profound Stories | Proven Lessons

Hosted by Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D.

For SPARKS! sneak peeks of each full episode, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janyneyourexecutivecoach/

You can also listen to our podcast on-the-go now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Hf8dKgOS9jniNdmfg1i8q?si=4ded7c1ab5c0440a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-authentic-executive-podcast/id1794646555

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Your Authentic Executive Podcast content every month! 

How Freediving, Failure, and a 16-Year-Old Leader Built Executive Grit 

– New Podcast Episode Out Now! What do freediving and boardroom leadership have in common? 

In Episode 4 of Your Authentic Executive, I sit down with Robert Vause, an unconventional leader whose journey began at age 16, managing a service department—and has taken him everywhere from near-military flight school to the depths of freediving and the heights of executive leadership. 

Robert’s story is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and self-leadership under pressure. 

Key Takeaways From This Episode: 

Leadership Begins Early – At 16, Robert was leading adults, solving real problems, and learning the value of trust and grit. 

Setbacks Aren’t Endings – A detour from his Navy pilot dream led to something even better: purpose-driven business leadership. 

Virtual Teams Need Presence – Robert shares how he leads remotely with intentional communication using the 7/38/55 Rule. 

Freediving Builds Focus – Training your body and mind to stay calm underwater is a surprising and powerful metaphor for executive presence. 

Powerful Quotes From This Episode:

"I’ve immersed my body in stress before—so when I walk into high-stakes leadership moments, I tell myself, 'It’s not going to be that bad. It’s okay.'"

"I'm glad I got the opportunity because had I not, he would have never seen the fight in me."

"There were concessions I needed to take within myself to adapt."

"55% of communication is done via talking, 38% is done via the face and how it moves, and 7% is done by the inflection of the voice."

"I can go further than I think I can."

This is an episode for anyone who's faced the unexpected—and come out stronger. 

Your Authentic Executive Podcast 

Authentic Leadership | Profound Stories | Proven Lessons 

Hosted by Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D. 

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6903082941388587009/?displayConfirmation=true

Tune in next Tuesday, April 8th, for our first SPARK! with our next guest, Kimberly Cappellano, CEO of Private Wealth. 

For SPARKS! sneak peeks of each full episode, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!

 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janyneyourexecutivecoach/

You can also listen to our podcast on-the-go now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Hf8dKgOS9jniNdmfg1i8q?si=4ded7c1ab5c0440a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-authentic-executive-podcast/id1794646555

Thank you again to Robert Vause for coming onto the podcast and sharing your valuable experiences! 

Follow him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-vause/

Be sure to like and comment on the video and subscribe for more Your Authentic Executive Podcast content every month! 

Your Authentic Executive Podcast

Authentic Leadership | Profound Stories | Proven Lessons

Hosted by Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D.

For SPARKS! sneak peeks of each full episode, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janyneyourexecutivecoach/

You can also listen to our podcast on-the-go now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Hf8dKgOS9jniNdmfg1i8q?si=4ded7c1ab5c0440a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-authentic-executive-podcast/id1794646555

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Your Authentic Executive Podcast content every month! 

In this episode of Your Authentic Executive, host Dr. Janyne Peek Emsick sits down with Nash Mahupete, the newly appointed CEO of QLI (Quality Living, Inc.) in Omaha, Nebraska. Nash shares his inspiring journey from his upbringing in Zimbabwe to leading a multiple-time Best Places to Work organization.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

• A Journey of Resilience & Leadership

Nash reflects on his formative years in Zimbabwe, where he grew up in a home shaped by faith, community, and a deep sense of service. He discusses his transition to the U.S. and how QLI transformed his career and life.

• The Power of Community & Culture

Nash shares how QLI fosters a culture where every team member is valued and empowered—an ethos that reminds him of his origins, where leadership meant seeing and uplifting people.

• Ubuntu & Leadership

Exploring the African philosophy of Ubuntu—"I am because we are"—Nash unpacks how interdependence and shared success fuel QLI’s mission-driven work.

• People Will Rise to the Belief You Have in Them

Nash discusses the importance of instilling belief in people and treating everyone as a future leader. He shares how this mindset has shaped his leadership at QLI.

• Lessons in Personal Growth & Gratitude

From overcoming personal loss to navigating career transitions, Nash emphasizes the importance of leaning into community, practicing gratitude, and always being curious.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode:

• "Not one is better than you. Not a soul…but you are no better than anyone else."
• "One of the most powerful things that's really simple is for you as a leader…to sit down at the table with the folks that you don't know with the purpose of getting to know them."
• "It's not your problem, it's our problem."
• "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
• "Failure is a feeling long before it is a result." – Michelle Obama
• "Your brain is like a piggy bank, you can't get out of it what you haven't put into it."
• "Ubuntu: I am because we are."
• "People will rise to the level of belief you have in them."

For sneak peeks at each episode at the beginning of each month, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook! You can also watch our full recording on YouTuve!
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janyneyourexecutivecoach/

YouTube: https://youtu.be/jb8dshZaYQo

Special shoutout to Nash Mahupete for coming onto the podcast. 
Follow him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahupete/

Tune in for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and creating cultures where people thrive.

Your Authentic Executive Podcast

Authentic Leadership | Profound Stories | Proven Lessons

Hosted by Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D.

For SPARKS! sneak peeks of each full episode, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janyneyourexecutivecoach/

You can also listen to our podcast on-the-go now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Hf8dKgOS9jniNdmfg1i8q?si=4ded7c1ab5c0440a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-authentic-executive-podcast/id1794646555

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Your Authentic Executive Podcast content every month! 

In this episode of Your Authentic Executive, host Dr. Janyne Peek Emsick welcomes Pat Kearns, a physical therapist, President, and CEO of QLI (Quality Living, Inc.), an award-winning organization recognized multiple times as a Best Places to Work organization.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Roots & Leadership Foundations
  Pat shares her upbringing in rural western Nebraska (Gordon, NE), a community she describes as "God’s country," rich in safety, connection, and opportunity. She reflects on the values instilled in her by small-town life—hard work, community, and resilience—which have deeply influenced her leadership style.
• Early Life & Professional Journey
  Growing up in a pre-digital era, Pat reminisces about a childhood spent outdoors, fostering independence and collaboration. Her passion for helping others led her to the field of physical therapy, and ultimately to QLI, where she found a mission-driven organization dedicated to restoring lives through rehabilitation and innovation.
• Leadership at QLI
  As CEO, Pat leads a culture-first organization, emphasizing trust, empowerment, and purpose-driven leadership. Pat shares how QLI's unique workplace culture has fueled its success, shaping an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to make a difference in the lives of others.
• The Role of Intellectual Conflict in Leadership & Growth
  One of the most powerful themes of this episode is the importance of intellectual conflict as a driver of growth, change, and excellence. Pat challenges the common assumption that conflict should be avoided, instead advocating for productive disagreement as a catalyst for innovation and leadership development. She emphasizes the distinction between destructive, personal conflict and intellectual, idea-driven conflict—a crucial skill for high-performing teams.
• Lessons in Resilience & Adaptability
  Throughout the conversation, Pat highlights the power of resilience—a key leadership trait that has shaped both her career and QLI’s growth. She shares stories of transformation, both personal and professional.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode:

• "The process of change and growth is conflict. And so if you don’t have conflict, there is no change, no growth, no progress—or even the possibility of pursuing excellence."
• "Not all conflict is bad. When we think of conflict, we often think of the icky personal conflict that feels uncomfortable. But having conflict around ideas or circumstances is essential for progress."
• "If we can be responsible for engaging in conflict while keeping it intellectual and not letting it turn emotional or personal, really amazing things can happen. That’s what I see at QLI every day—teams embracing intellectual conflict as a path to excellence."
• "Culture is not a buzzword here. It’s our foundation. It’s what allows us to bring out the best in our people, and when you do that, you see extraordinary things happen."
• "Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, listening deeply, and creating the space where people can do their best work."
• "At the end of the day, leadership is about people. If you take care of your people, the results will follow."

Tune in for a compelling conversation on leading with heart, purpose, and the courage to embrace the right kind of conflict to drive excellence. ​

Your Authentic Executive Podcast

Authentic Leadership | Profound Stories | Proven Lessons

Hosted by Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D.

For SPARKS! sneak peeks of each full episode, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janyneyourexecutivecoach/

You can also listen to our podcast on-the-go now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Hf8dKgOS9jniNdmfg1i8q?si=4ded7c1ab5c0440a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-authentic-executive-podcast/id1794646555

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Your Authentic Executive Podcast content every month! 

In this debut episode of Your Authentic Executive Podcast, we sit down with Susan Courtney, retired Executive Vice President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, to explore her incredible journey from a small-town childhood in Minnesota to leading at the highest levels of corporate America.

Susan shares insights from her early years, the impact of her family, and how golf played a pivotal role in shaping her identity. She reflects on her time in the Navy during the Cold War, where she developed resilience through high-stakes operations, including nuclear launch communications and in-flight refueling.

We also dive into her transition from military to civilian life, the lessons she learned about toxic work cultures, and what ultimately led her to a successful leadership career at Blue Cross Blue Shield. Along the way, Susan reveals some of her most valuable leadership philosophies—like why failure is “the tuition you pay for learning” and the power of thinking like a CEO.

Tune in to hear Susan’s inspiring story, the defining moments of her career, and her reflections on servant leadership, mentorship, and what’s next in her journey.

Listen now and join us in uncovering the authentic lessons of top executives! 

Powerful Quotes from the Episode:

• "Make it to breakfast, make it to lunch, make it to dinner…”
• "Failure is the tuition you pay for learning. You've paid your tuition—now learn."
• "Suck it up, buttercup."
• "Leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege."
• "You can stand on your head for 16 weeks if you have to…If you want something bad enough, you can do it."
• "Think like the CEO."
• "Culture is critical. It's not just about the paycheck or title—it’s about where you thrive."
• "I thought, 'How hard could it be?' And I learned that culture makes all the difference."
• "You never know when opportunities will arise—always be ready to stretch your skills."
• "All of us need a little kick in the pants now and then."
• "Rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. You have to be before you can do."

Your Authentic Executive Podcast

Authentic Leadership | Profound Stories | Proven Lessons

Hosted by Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D.

For SPARKS! sneak peeks of each full episode, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janynepeekemsick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janyneyourexecutivecoach/

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Hf8dKgOS9jniNdmfg1i8q?si=4ded7c1ab5c0440a

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-authentic-executive-podcast/id1794646555

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