Honestly, We're Learning

We often put leaders on a pedestal, assuming they arrived at the C-suite with a finished blueprint for every crisis. But behind every successful success story is a leader who is still learning.In this special episode of Honestly, We’re Learning, we’re looking back at a leadership lesson that has come up again and again: trusting yourself and trusting your team enough to delegate and learn from each other, and the impact it can have on a career. We’ve pulled together the most candid moments from five powerhouse leaders who prove that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it’s about being a facilitator of the right outcomes.Explore the full episode details and key takeaways: https://meetclearedge.com/podcast/leaders-dont-have-all-the-answers/Featured in this episode:Joanie BilyBen EubanksJon GrossoMike SmithLeslie SnavelyEpisode Chapters1:23 - 3:17: Joanie Bily on not having all of the answers3:18 - 8:23: Ben Eubanks on trusting and delegating8:24 - 11:07: Jon Grosso on a defining moment of trust 11:08 - 13:47: Mike Smith on vulnerability-based trust13:48 - 21:05: Leslie Snavely on listening as a leadership toolAbout Honestly, We’re LearningJoin ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec sit down with Leslie Snavely, CEO and President of CHG Healthcare, to explore the unconventional journey from finance and marketing to the corner office. They discuss the "20% rule" for active listening and transparent communication that sustains a values-driven culture at scale, the critical importance of connecting every departmental function back to business results, and the courageous decision to pivot your career to build a life you love.Connect with Leslie Snavely: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lsnavely/ Explore the full episode details and key takeaways: https://meetclearedge.com/podcast/building-trust-through-listening/Episode Chapters02:10: The 10-10-10 decision model4:00: Being present and disconnecting for family time10:53: From Marketing to CEO by learning the business17:20: Building a culture through listening and engagement24:40: Building the life and career you want29:09: Leading a tough decision with empathy and courage33:27: Key takeaways from the conversationAbout Honestly, We’re LearningJoin ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/ Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec speak with Mike Smith, Chief Executive of Randstad Enterprise, to explore three pillars of enabling functions that Randstad Enterprise uses to make sure everyone understands the full picture, the power of leading through vulnerability and still bringing decisiveness and a bias towards action, and how to turn professional setbacks into strategic re-evaluations and advantages.Connect with Mike Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljohnsmith/ Explore the full episode details and key takeaways: https://meetclearedge.com/podcast/leading-with-vulnerability/Episode Chapters08:40 - Falling into staffing and learning the ins and outs of business10:45 - An integrated approach to enabling functions at Randstad Enterprise13:45 - Turning failures into growth: a vulnerable moment in leadership21:18 - The exciting and scary future of AI27:16 - Staying grounded with friends, family, books, and more32:13 - Key takeaways from the conversationAbout Honestly, We’re LearningJoin ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/ Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/

Are you ready to ignite your leadership with authenticity, empathy, and purpose? In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec speak with Erica Keswin, bestselling author and workforce strategist, to dive into how rituals transform workplaces, the power of vulnerability, and the crucial role of human connection, especially now, when technology often feels like it’s pulling us apart.Connect with Erica Keswin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericakeswin/ Episode Chapters01:55 - The human side of remote work06:19 - Defining moments that shaped Erica's leadership journey08:28 - Technology’s evolving role in connection10:11 - Balancing vulnerability, empathy, and experimentation12:32 - Applying human-centered leadership in a tech-driven world16:31 - Motivating teams amid AI and economic uncertainty20:51 - Turning everyday habits into leadership rituals28:30 - Practical tips & mental models for human leadership in the age of AI31:05 - Key takeaways from the conversationAbout Honestly, We’re LearningJoin ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/ Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec sit down with Jon Grosso, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing at Adecco US, to explore how leaders with a growth mindset flourish. Jon shares powerful insights on the power of new opportunities, how the competitive spirit drives staffing, and why he believes flat growth is a myth for those who obsess over customer value.Connect with Jon Grosso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-grosso-28a412/ Episode Chapters1:27 - Trends in the Marketing Job Market6:46 - Jon's Career Snapshot8:17 - Leadership Lessons from Sports10:27 - A Defining Career Moment13:25 - Recent Challenges and Professional Growth17:30 - The Future of Meaningful Work19:18 - Competitive Spirit in Staffing23:05 - Family Influence on Leadership Style25:21 - Debunking Industry Growth Myths28:55 - Key Takeaways from the ConversationAbout Honestly, We’re LearningJoin ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/ Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec sit down with Ben Eubanks to dive deep into leading with heart, embracing continuous learning, and staying true to who you are — online and off. Ben shares lessons about trusting your team, the importance of kindness, and how our vulnerabilities can be our greatest strengths. Get inspired to lead with passion, authenticity, and a relentless desire to grow.Connect with Ben Eubanks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beneubanks/ Stay in the loop on what Ben is up to: https://thebeneubanks.com/Episode Chapters02:13 - The power of an ensemble05:18 - Ben’s influence in HR & the future of work07:19 - The impact of early encouragement09:06 - How your story evolves without changing your core purpose10:56 - Real challenges with online criticism and responding with humanity12:37 - The importance of empathy and authentic connection in leadership16:02 - Delegating with clarity and trust in your team19:48 - The weight of influence in the age of AI — fears, hopes, and responsibilities22:21 - Leading from your core: Communication, vulnerability, and embracing imperfections32:14 - Top 3 takeawaysAbout Honestly, We’re LearningJoin ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.The banter is warm. The coffee is hot. And there’s no need to pretend you have it all figured out because, honestly, we’re all still learning.Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/ Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/

In this episode, Leslie Vickrey and Lesly Cardec share how they are kicking off their new year and sit down with Joanie Bily, CEO of Dress for Success, the leading global nonprofit employment resource for unemployed and underemployed women. She shares her journey into nonprofit leadership, the mission of empowering women, and the importance of overcoming self-doubt.Connect with Joanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaniebily/ Episode Chapters1:10: New Year's Resolutions and What We're Not Doing8:20: The History and Mission of Dress for Success11:45: A Journey to Building Self-Belief15:05: Learning Uncomfortable Lessons17:00: CEOs Don't Know Everything19:20: What Does Staffing Look Like in 2026?22:56: Feeling Most Like Yourself and How That Influences Leadership24:55: Tips for Leading Through UncertaintyAbout Honestly, We’re LearningJoin ClearEdge’s CEO and founder, Leslie Vickrey, and CMO and SVP of Recruiting, Lesly Cardec, for a raw look at the career turning points that make or break a person. Together, they speak with guests who have handled it all—from successes to roadblocks to pivots—for a candid, witty, never-judgmental exploration of their journey. Focus not just on their wins, but the messy middle—failures, pivots, and lessons learned.As leaders of a marketing agency that also helps place marketers in roles where they thrive, Leslie and Lesly bring a unique perspective to every conversation—one grounded in both building great brands and great careers. Between guest episodes, they dive into what’s happening in marketing and talent today: the trends reshaping how brands connect, the shifts redefining hiring, and what makes truly impactful marketing happen.Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/ Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/

Honestly, We’re Learning is hosted by Leslie Vickrey (CEO and Founder, ClearEdge) and Lesly Cardec (CMO & SVP of Recruiting, ClearEdge) — yes, same name, different spelling, double the insights.In this podcast, we're skipping the highlight reels and diving into the real stuff: the pivots nobody saw coming, the identity shifts that rattled everything, and the "wait, is this normal??" moments leaders experience but rarely admit out loud.Each episode will feature candid conversations with leaders who've lived through it all, and we'll also share what we're seeing at ClearEdge — how personal brand shapes opportunity, why storytelling isn't just for marketing teams, and what it really takes to lead authentically.We’ll be launching at the start of 2026. Hit subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!Learn more about ClearEdge: https://meetclearedge.com/Connect with Leslie Vickrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lvickrey/ Connect with Lesly Cardec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslycardec/