Episodios

  • Find Your Way or Make One | EP44

    Find Your Way or Make One | EP44
    Jul 7 2025
    What do you do when you're expected to be the moral compass and the legal expert - and you’re neither a therapist nor a lawyer? In this real-talk episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy sits down with Jocelyn King, the founder and CEO of Virgil HR, who went from overwhelmed HR exec to startup founder by asking a simple but powerful question: Isn’t there a better way? Together, they unpack the messy middle of leadership - where pressure, purpose, and people all collide. Tune in to hear: Why Jocelyn swears by grit, grace, and Google (yes, really) The communication skill that almost derailed her career - and how she turned it into her superpower The hidden weight of sitting in the C-suite (and how to carry it without crumbling) What HR leaders are really facing in a post-COVID, multi-state world And the moment that made her say: If the tool doesn’t exist... I’ll build it myself Whether you’re leading a team, building something from scratch, or just trying to keep your head above water - this episode is your reminder that there is always a way forward. And if you can’t find one? Make one. Chapters: 00:01:52 - Why HR keeps saying “I’m not a lawyer” 00:02:22 - What grit and resilience really look like in a startup 00:03:44 - The people who shaped Jocelyn’s leadership 00:05:28 - Building a team you can trust 00:05:42 - Leading through chaos without rituals 00:07:12 - Traits that helped Jocelyn succeed 00:08:01 - Turning communication into a leadership superpower 00:09:15 - Jocelyn’s mantra for overcoming obstacles 00:10:22 - What Jocelyn would tell her younger self 00:11:51 - A startup failure that turned into growth 00:15:01 - The biggest compliance issues HR leaders face 00:17:51 - Why HR carries more weight than people realize 00:18:38 - Where to meet Jocelyn at upcoming events 00:19:14 - Jocelyn’s personal outlets and self-care habits 00:22:08 - What makes Virgil HR different 00:22:54 - What no one tells you about the C-suite | Connect with Us | Learn more about VirgilHR: https://virgilhr.com/ Follow Jocelyn King: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynanneking/ (She's the real deal: CEO of VirgilHR, HR Compliance Expert and Technology Innovator, & A Proud Dog Mom) Meet Jocelyn IRL at Upcoming Conferences: SHRM Annual Conference - San Diego 2025 HRTech Conference - Las Vegas 2025 Transform (Already attended, but one of her favs!) HRWest (Already attended, but she may return next year!) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might? Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 m
  • She Turned Rejection Into ROI - And Now Everyone’s Listening | EP43

    She Turned Rejection Into ROI - And Now Everyone’s Listening | EP43
    Jun 23 2025
    Most leadership stories start with a title. This one starts with a name people tried to weaponize. In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Ashley T Brundage - a former homeless part-time bank teller turned national VP, political candidate, and now CEO of Empowering Differences. Ashley didn’t just navigate discrimination, transition, and poverty - she transformed it into one of the most dynamic leadership blueprints of our time. Her method is simple, but not easy: track power, own your differences, and use both to lead. This episode explores: Why “diversity” isn’t a checkbox - it’s a business development strategy How to dismantle fear-based inclusion programs and replace them with ROI-backed leadership pipelines What most companies get wrong about DEI (and why renaming it won’t fix it)How to navigate identity-based ignorance without retreating or retaliating Why socioeconomic class is the most overlooked dimension of inclusion What it really takes to campaign for office while being “othered” on every doorstep How Ashley scaled her impact by treating empowerment like a strategy, not a sentiment Ashley’s story isn’t about making people comfortable. It’s about making people capable - of leading with clarity, building across difference, and staying rooted in conviction when the spotlight turns political. This isn’t just a masterclass in equity. It’s a case study in courage. Chapters: 00:01:20 – How We Met and Why Ashley Stood Out 00:01:47 – Ashley’s Background Beyond the Bio 00:03:10 – What Happens When You Google Ashley T Brundage 00:04:19 – How Ashley Helps Teams Feel More Inclusive 00:08:07 – Ashley’s Journey from Homelessness to the C-Suite 00:18:49 – A Common Myth About the C-Suite Experience 00:20:07 – A Failure That Shaped Ashley’s Leadership Path 00:22:11 – Campaigning Stories and Leadership Lessons from the Field 00:27:42 – The Deeper Layers of Empowering Differences 00:33:55 – Final Thoughts and How to Engage with Ashley’s Work | Connect with Us | Learn more about Empowering Differences: https://empoweringdifferences.com/ Grab Ashley’s book and start empowering differences today: https://empoweringdifferences.com/product/empowering-differences-book/ Follow Ashley Brundage: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleytbrundage/ (Rebuilt from rock bottom and now equips leaders to recognize power, difference, and what’s really driving impact.) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might? Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 m
  • Burned Out Executives Are Turning to This Former Felon | EP42

    Burned Out Executives Are Turning to This Former Felon | EP42
    Jun 9 2025
    Most leadership stories start with a promotion. This one starts with five felonies. In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy Honeycutt welcomes Garrett Mintz - former drug dealer turned executive mastermind facilitator, founder of Ambition in Motion, and the kind of person who’s built his career on second chances and relentless experimentation. What happens when you combine IO psychology, startup scrappiness, and a deep belief in human potential? You get a business that didn’t just survive - it scaled. Garrett shares how his journey from prison risk to purpose-driven CEO has shaped his views on mentorship, motivation, and building real community at the top. This isn’t a redemption arc. It’s a blueprint for doing business with conviction. They unpack: • Why horizontal mentorship (not top-down advice) creates the best growth • The real reason most mentoring programs fail - and what to do instead • How “work orientation” reveals the hidden reason mentorship either clicks or crashes • Why clarity of why beats charisma or credentials every time • How executive loneliness gave rise to community-led mastermind groups • Why obsession with the problem is more powerful than worship of the solution Whether you’re rebuilding after failure, leading a team through chaos, or trying to scale without losing soul - Garrett’s story proves grit and grace can coexist. Because leadership doesn’t start with having all the answers. It starts with asking better questions. Chapters: 00:00:54 – From drug dealer to executive facilitator 00:02:54 – The mentors who changed everything 00:07:24 – Why mentorship often fails 00:08:00 – What makes mentorship work 00:11:20 – Surprised by your work mindset? 00:13:47 – Daily habits that fuel leadership 00:15:17 – What’s next for Garrett’s work 00:22:50 – Keeping your team motivated 00:25:11 – A failure that reshaped the business 00:27:19 – How fatherhood changed his mindset 00:29:02 – A common myth about the C-Suite 00:30:49 – What Garrett does better than anyone else | Connect with Us | Learn more about Ambition in Motion: https://ambition-in-motion.com/ Follow Garrett Mintz: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettmintz/ (Built a business on second chances and now helps leaders see what’s really happening beneath the surface.) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might? Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 m
  • The Hidden ROI of Human-Centered Leadership | EP41

    The Hidden ROI of Human-Centered Leadership | EP41
    May 26 2025
    Most companies talk about putting people first. Few build systems that prove it. This episode unpacks what happens when empathy isn’t a value - it’s the infrastructure. In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Josh Varone - CFO and EVP at Centreville Bank, longtime HR pro, board member, and unshakable believer in leading with humanity. With more than 20 years in HR and a deep resume of community impact, Josh breaks down how his L&D roots shaped a career defined by empathy & servant leadership. This isn’t your typical HR playbook - it’s a reminder that caring still scales. They unpack: Why “employer of choice” isn’t a buzzword - it’s a mission How handwritten notes and DoorDash gift cards beat policy changes in real impact The red folder lesson: why HR’s reputation depends on showing up before there’s a problem What real consultation looks like in today’s HR: less compliance, more conversation How to build an HR team that challenges you (instead of just nodding yes) Why your leadership ladder needs to be 40 feet wide - not 40 feet tall How to get on a board the right way - starting with passion, not position Whether you’re HR of one or leading a department, Josh’s journey is a blueprint for showing up with consistency, clarity, and compassion. Because great leadership? It starts with being a good human. | Connect with Us | Learn more about Centreville Bank: https://www.centrevillebank.com/ Follow Josh Varone: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-varone/ (HR lifer turned CFO – known for handwritten notes, red folder wisdom, and building cultures where people feel seen before they're managed) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might? Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 m
  • What Happens When a Sales Nerd Builds a Startup | EP40

    What Happens When a Sales Nerd Builds a Startup | EP40
    May 12 2025
    What do red shoes and a sloth mascot have in common? They’re all part of the wild ride that is Mike Stafiej’s leadership style. In this delightfully unfiltered episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Mike Stafiej, CEO of ERIN - a referral automation platform with serious enterprise muscle and an even stronger personality. Known as “The Fun CEO” for a reason, Mike shares how he’s scaled a scrappy team into a global operation, all while keeping culture, accountability, and weird swag front and center. This one’s for the builders, the underdogs, and anyone who’s ever been told to stay in their lane. They dive headfirst into: How growing up blue-collar shaped Mike’s unshakable work ethic The hard truth about hiring friends - and how to know when to let go Why culture isn’t beanbags, it’s accountability Lessons from failure, fundraising, and the illusion that more headcount = more growth Why leadership means making space for reflection, not just reaction Plus: The legendary sloth suit origin story and why branding like you’ve got $10M (even if you’ve got $10K) works Whether you’re bootstrapping your dream or riding the post-funding rollercoaster, Mike’s story is a masterclass in leading with grit, humility, and a touch of ridiculous. And if you’re not building something fun… why build it at all? | Connect with Us | Learn more about ERIN: https://erinapp.com/ Follow Mike Stafiej: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstafiej/ (The Fun CEO himself – known for sloth-themed branding, pixel-perfect marketing, and leading Aaron with equal parts grit and weirdness) Follow Inside the C-Suite: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/ Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160 Want to be on the show or know someone who might? Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 m
  • The Brutal Truth About Scaling a Tech Company: How Giuliana Corbo Took Nearsure to 22 Countries by 32 Years Old

    The Brutal Truth About Scaling a Tech Company: How Giuliana Corbo Took Nearsure to 22 Countries by 32 Years Old
    Mar 10 2025
    Giuliana Corbo, the CEO of Nearsure, scaled her company to 22 countries by the age of 32, proving that age is just a number when it comes to leading a global business. She shares her no-BS approach to leadership, project management, and building a company culture that thrives under pressure. Along the way, Giuliana reveals the untold challenges of being a young CEO in the tech industry. In this episode, we look at entrepreneurship, project management, leadership, mentorship, company culture, software development, business growth, and the impact of women in tech. Giuliana's insights uncover the importance of decisive communication, handling emotional challenges, and staying agile while scaling a business rapidly. Key Takeaways ➡️ Nearsure operates in 22 countries solving business problems through technology. ➡️ Most of Nearsure’s clients are in the healthcare space, highlighting a niche focus. ➡️ Effective project management is crucial for successful outsourcing and client satisfaction. ➡️ Giuliana's journey into entrepreneurship began at a young age, driven by a passion for tech. ➡️ Crafting a business plan was an emotionally challenging but necessary step. ➡️ Leadership, for Giuliana, means making tough decisions while prioritizing team well-being. ➡️ Mentorship played a significant role in Giuliana's career development and growth. ➡️ Company culture is a cornerstone of Nearsure's rapid growth and team dynamics. ➡️ Strategic communication within teams helps maintain alignment and efficiency. ➡️ Giuliana’s leadership style has evolved with the company’s expansion and challenges. ➡️ Investing opportunities are being explored as Nearsure scales further. ➡️ The nearshore business model offers a unique advantage in talent accessibility and cost-efficiency. 💬 Hot take or just hype? Are we headed toward a new normal, or is this just workplace chaos rebranded? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Giuliana Corbo and Nearsure 02:55 — Exploring Nearsure's Business Model and Clientele 05:58 — Project Management and Team Dynamics 09:04 — Giuliana's Journey to Entrepreneurship 11:46 — The Challenges of Writing a Business Plan 14:59 — Leadership and Company Growth 18:08 — Mentorship and Personal Development 20:48 — The Reality of Being a CEO 23:52 — Cultural Integrity in Rapid Growth 26:54 — Reflections on Leadership and Future Aspirations Connect with us here: 🔗 Connect with Giuliana Corbo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giulianacorbo/ 🔗 Connect with William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ 🔗 Connect with Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network 🔗 Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ 🐦 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined 📩 Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 m
  • Mastering Global Hiring: Insights from Nicole Sahin of G-P

    Mastering Global Hiring: Insights from Nicole Sahin of G-P
    Mar 3 2025
    Nicole Sahin shares her journey from anthropology to entrepreneurship, leading G-P to simplify global employment. She discusses the challenges of compliance, the acceleration of remote work due to COVID-19, and the role of intuition in business decisions. Nicole’s insights on building a global infrastructure and the hurdles faced by female entrepreneurs highlight the intricacies of leading a global company. In this episode, we look at globalization, remote work, compliance, entrepreneurship, AI, SaaS, hiring, business growth, leadership, and data ownership. Nicole’s experiences and strategies offer valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of global business and building high-performing teams. Key Takeaways ➡️ G-P simplifies hiring across borders. ➡️ The complexity of global compliance is often underestimated. ➡️ COVID-19 has accelerated the acceptance of remote work. ➡️ Entrepreneurship requires strong intuition and adaptability. ➡️ Building a global infrastructure takes time and investment. ➡️ Female entrepreneurs face unique challenges in business. ➡️ High-performing teams are essential for company growth. ➡️ The role of board members is crucial for support and guidance. ➡️ Data ownership is vital for compliance and scalability. ➡️ The evolution of work culture is reshaping hiring practices. ➡️ Intuition can be a powerful tool for business decisions. ➡️ Managing team dynamics requires clear communication and trust. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to G-P 03:10 The Global Employer of Record Model 05:55 Nicole's Journey to Founding G-P 08:48 The Evolution of Global Hiring 10:45 Navigating Compliance and Legal Risks 12:49 The Impact of COVID-19 on Remote Work 15:40 The Future of Global Employment 20:20 The Journey of a Female Entrepreneur 21:57 Building High-Performing Teams 24:57 Navigating Difficult Conversations 29:01 Managing Team Dynamics 32:31 The Role of Board Members 35:16 Finding Trusted Advisors 💬 What’s your take? Are we headed toward a new normal, or just workplace chaos? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Connect with us here: 🔗 Connect with Nicole Sahin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolesahin/ 🔗 Connect with G-P: https://www.globalization-partners.com/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network 🔗 Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ 🐦 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined 📩 Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 m
  • Breaking Barriers: Women, Leadership & The Startup Funding Gap with Caitlin MacGregor

    Breaking Barriers: Women, Leadership & The Startup Funding Gap with Caitlin MacGregor
    Feb 24 2025
    Startup life isn’t for the faint of heart—especially for women entrepreneurs. Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and co-founder of Plum, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a company, secure funding, and challenge gender bias in venture capital. From navigating the complexities of co-founding a business with her husband to finding the right mentors, Caitlin shares the highs, lows, and lessons from her journey. In this episode, we look at the fundraising hurdles women face, the unique mindset of Canadian entrepreneurs, the evolving role of venture capital in supporting social impact, and how mentorship and executive coaching shape leadership success. Key Takeaways ➡️ Plum helps companies match candidates to roles for better productivity and fulfillment. ➡️ Co-founding a business with a spouse brings unique strengths and challenges. ➡️ Mentorship is a game-changer in leadership growth and career success. ➡️ Women face systemic barriers in raising venture capital compared to men. ➡️ Female investors are often more supportive of women-led businesses. ➡️ Caitlin’s executive coach transformed her approach to leadership at 27. ➡️ Work-life balance is a myth—what matters is setting the right boundaries. ➡️ Canadian entrepreneurs approach risk differently than their U.S. counterparts. ➡️ The startup world is shifting toward a greater focus on social impact. ➡️ Engaging men in women’s leadership conversations is crucial for real change. ➡️ Entrepreneurs shouldn’t rely on luck—everyone has the potential to lead. ➡️ The venture capital landscape is slowly evolving, but there’s still work to do. Guest and Resources Caitlin MacGregor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinmacgregor Learn more about Plum here: https://www.plum.io/about Connect with us here: 🔗 Connect with William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ 🔗 Connect with Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network 🔗 Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ 🐦 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined 📩 Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 m