Kristi & Tanqueray On the Rocks

Send a textIn this episode of Kristi & Tanqueray On The Rocks™, we’re joined by Dan Albaum, a seasoned marketing strategist and author, for a conversation that goes far beyond campaigns and clicks. We dig into what it really means to lead with service, build trust at scale, and create demand for solutions your audience doesn't even know they need yet. From AI’s evolving role in marketing to the radical necessity of self-care for leaders, this one is packed with real talk and powerful reminders! If you're navigating leadership, growth, and brand visibility in a noisy world, this is your nudge to hydrate, stay human, and lead with presence.

Send a textEpisode Summary:This week on Kristi & Tanqueray On The Rocks™, we’re bringing the fire with Eugina Jordan, a telecom phenom, AI innovator, and unapologetic reinvention queen. From growing up under communism to holding multiple tech patents, Eugina’s story is as inspiring as it is instructive. We dig into what it really takes to build a startup in AI, why ethics and data privacy are business essentials, and how manifesting your boldest goals isn't just mindset work - it's strategy. If you’re building, leading, or launching what’s next, this conversation is your permission slip and playbook. Key Takeaways:Reinvention is a superpower.Ethical AI and data privacy are non-negotiable.Community support is vital for entrepreneurs.Don't let perfection halt your progress.

Send a text In this insightful episode of "On the Rocks," Kristi and Tanqueray engage in a compelling discussion with Amy C. Horner about the complexities of leading change in today's fast-paced world, with a particular focus on the impact of AI. They explore the inherent emotional responses to change, highlighting how resistance often stems from fear of loss or identity. The conversation underscores the vital role of emotional intelligence for leaders navigating these transitions. Key themes include the necessity for organizations to foster a culture of experimentation and continuous learning to thrive amidst constant evolution. Amy emphasizes that individuals are often more adaptable than they realize, and that acknowledging emotional responses to change can facilitate smoother transitions. The discussion also touches upon the rapid implementation required for AI adoption and the importance of leaders modeling adaptability and openness to new ideas. Ultimately, the episode champions the ability to pivot as a crucial skill for success in a rapidly changing environment. 

Send a textThis episode of "On the Rocks" features a conversation with "The Marketing Psychologist," Chelsea Burns, focusing on the critical intersection of marketing psychology and ethical marketing. The discussion highlights how a deep understanding of consumer behavior can lead to more genuine and impactful marketing strategies, emphasizing human connection over manipulative tactics.Key takeaways include:The importance of authenticity and self-awareness for entrepreneurs to build trust.Viewing AI in marketing as a tool to enhance human connection, stressing the ethical responsibilities that come with its use.The power of value aspiration, aligning business goals with consumer desires for sustainable growth and loyalty.The idea that emotional engagement drives true business transformation, moving beyond simple transactions to create lasting relationships.The overarching theme that effective marketing is an invitation to positive change, starting with crucial inner work.

Send a textIn this engaging conversation, Kristi Straw and Tanqueray Edwards welcome Elyse Archer to discuss the intersection of mindset, sales strategies, and personal development. Elyse shares her journey from feeling stuck in her business to experiencing quantum leaps in income and impact. The discussion emphasizes the importance of identity, emotional intelligence, and the power of permission in achieving success. Listeners are encouraged to explore their desires and create a new personality aligned with their goals, while also recognizing the emotional addictions that may hold them back. In this conversation, Elyse Archer discusses the importance of reconditioning emotional set points to overcome scarcity mentality and achieve a state of abundance. She emphasizes the journey to wholeness, the internal game of abundance, and the necessity of continuous self-realignment. The discussion also covers authentic selling practices that align with personal values and the significance of trusting oneself to achieve quantum growth in business and life.Key Takeaways:Mindset is crucial for sales success.Identity must align with desired outcomes.Emotional addictions can hinder progress.Permission to be powerful is essential.Desires are indicators of true potential.Creating a new personality can transform results.Quantum leaps require inner work, not just strategy.Self-doubt and fear can be addictive emotions.Awareness of emotional states is key to growth.You get what you are, not what you want. You can recondition your body to a different emotional set point.Awareness of lower-level feelings is crucial for growth.Selling from a place of wholeness attracts more clients.Your outer reality reflects your inner state.Continuous self-work is necessary for sustained success.Expanding your self-concept allows for greater opportunities.Authentic selling is a divine exchange, not a transaction.Trusting your desires is key to personal growth.You should go where you are wanted, not needed.Mindset is foundational to achieving your goals.

Send a textWelcome back to the bold conversations where we ditch the corporate jargon and get straight to what works! This time, Kristi Straw and Tanqueray Edwards are joined by Drew Burdick, the managing partner at Stealth X, a firm that's flipping the traditional consulting model on its head with their focus on "un-consulting."Drew takes us on his journey from conventional consulting to building an anti-consultancy powerhouse that prioritizes doing over just advising. We dive deep into the mission-critical role of emotional intelligence in today's leaders, the absolute necessity of creating a psychologically safe space for teams to thrive and innovate, and the undeniable link between a happy internal team and booming external success.Get ready to hear how Drew and his team champion collaboration, celebrate learning from mistakes (yes, you heard that right!), and leverage the power of AI and tech to solve real-world problems. We also explore why understanding the internal customer experience is just as vital as external satisfaction.This isn't just about a new business model; it's about a fundamental shift in how we approach challenges, foster innovation through subcultures and clear guiding principles, and why getting users involved from the get-go is crucial for driving real change. We'll also touch on the often-underestimated power of leadership introspection and the hurdles of navigating resistance to change in our ever-evolving business landscape.Key Takeaways Include:Meet Drew Burdick, the managing partner shaking things up at Stealth X with "un-consulting.""Un-consulting" prioritizes hands-on execution and problem-solving over traditional advisory roles.Emotional intelligence isn't a soft skill, it's a leadership essential.Psychological safety fuels innovation and empowers teams.Happy internal teams directly translate to happy customers and investors.Collaboration and open feedback are the lifeblood of successful teams.AI and technology are powerful tools for enhanced problem-solving.A positive internal customer experience is the bedrock of external success.Mistakes are valuable learning curves, not failures.Simplifying complexity leads to broader understanding and adoption.Cultivating subcultures within organizations can be a catalyst for innovation.Clearly defined guiding principles are crucial for effective collaboration.A strong organizational culture is the foundation for successful strategy implementation.Engaging users early in the development process drives adoption.People embrace change when they feel involved, not dictated to.Understanding the "why" behind changes is key to gaining buy-in.Prioritizing user experience is a smart business decision.Leaders must be agile and adapt to evolving customer needs.Introspection and reflection are vital tools for effective leadership.Resistance to change is a common hurdle that leaders must address.

Send a textWelcome back to Kristi & Tanqueray On The Rocks™! In this crucial conversation, we dive deep into the delicate dance between empathy and execution in leadership. We tackle the real struggles leaders face in weaving compassion into their style while still delivering results. Join us as we explore the vital role of emotional intelligence, the insidious dangers of toxic leadership, and actionable strategies for cultivating a truly empathetic workplace culture.We also unpack the power of building strong team relationships, championing coaching over punishment, and the often-overlooked costs of sky-high, unempathetic expectations. Through personal stories and practical insights, we underscore the profound impact of understanding and support in professional settings. Tune in for concrete steps you can take today to foster stronger connections and build a more human-centered, empathetic work environment.Key Takeaways Include:True leadership blends empathy and the ability to execute effectively.While empathy alone can lead to chaos, it's a critical strength, not a weakness.Many leaders genuinely grapple with finding this crucial balance.Toxic leadership, often rooted in outdated notions of masculinity, is a serious concern.Emotional intelligence training needs reinforcement through practical application and assessment."Work-life balance" is often a myth; striving for integration is more realistic.Connection, built on empathy, fosters trust far more effectively than control.Feedback should prioritize constructive growth over negativity.Self-reflection on leadership behaviors and their impact is essential.Leading with empathy should be celebrated and normalized.Start every conversation with a foundation of humanity and understanding.Coaching should always be the first approach before resorting to punishment. Generate Audio Overview 

Send a textWelcome to Kristi & Tanqueray On The Rocks™. In this engaging episode, hosts Kristi Straw and Tanqueray Edwards welcome John Tuders to explore the evolving landscape of work and the indispensable role of human skills in effective leadership. Gain valuable insights on emotional intelligence, building trust, navigating work-life integration, and the significance of personal growth for professional success.Key Takeaways Include:The increasing importance of human skills like emotional intelligence in the future workforce.Practical strategies for fostering trust and effective communication as a leader.The critical need for work-life integration, not just balance, for sustainable success.Discover actionable takeaways for leading with authenticity and impact in today's dynamic environment.

Send a textIn this episode:Kristi & Tanqueray delve into leadership lessons drawn from books, podcasts, movies, and personal experiences. The importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and sharing one’s voice while exploring how personal growth fuels better leadership. Key Takeaways:"Leadership isn’t about hitting numbers; it’s about aligning people, values, and actions." - Kristi Straw"The world needs more of each of us—our unique perspectives make teams and communities stronger." - Tanqueray Edwards"Anticipating needs and delivering personalized experiences builds lasting connections." - Tanqueray Edwards"Leadership lessons are everywhere—books, podcasts, even in your own life." - Kristi Straw Contact your hosts:Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Send a textIn this 3 part series:Kristi & Tanqueray explore the pervasive issue of microaggressions in the workplace, featuring candid discussions with leaders from diverse backgrounds. Guests shared personal experiences, such as subtle slights, mispronounced names, and inappropriate comments, highlighting the cumulative harm these behaviors inflict on marginalized individuals and organizational culture. The conversation emphasized the importance of awareness, allyship, and accountability in addressing microaggressions while empowering listeners to document their experiences, advocate for change, and foster inclusive environments.Key Takeaways:"Microaggressions can feel like whiplash—sometimes you don’t even process what just happened until much later." -Dr. Zaibis Muñoz-Isme"No matter the situation. Your safety and mental well-being come first." -Tanqueray Edwards"When women are interrupted 19 times more than men, how can we expect them to ‘speak up’ and be heard?" - Kristi StrawContact your hosts:Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contactMicroaggressions Series Guests:Brae Richardson - Brand & Creative Lead, Brae Richardson, LLCSunny Myers - Senior Global Leader/DEIBDr. Zaibis Muñoz-Isme - Architect of Inclusive Leadership

Send a textIn this 3 part series:Kristi & Tanqueray explore the pervasive issue of microaggressions in the workplace, featuring candid discussions with leaders from diverse backgrounds. Guests shared personal experiences, such as subtle slights, mispronounced names, and inappropriate comments, highlighting the cumulative harm these behaviors inflict on marginalized individuals and organizational culture. The conversation emphasized the importance of awareness, allyship, and accountability in addressing microaggressions while empowering listeners to document their experiences, advocate for change, and foster inclusive environments. Key Takeaways:"Move into spaces knowing it’s an uphill battle. Every step will make you stronger." -Sunny Myers"Advocate for yourself and document everything—your safety and mental well-being come first." -Tanqueray Edwards"Calling workplaces a ‘family’ sets unrealistic expectations and leads to burnout—workplaces need to be professional, not familial." - Kristi StrawContact your hosts:Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contactMicroaggressions Series Guests:Brae Richardson - Brand & Creative Lead, Brae Richardson, LLCSunny Myers - Senior Global Leader/DEIBDr. Zaibis Muñoz-Isme - Architect of Inclusive Leadership

Send a textIn this 3 part series:Kristi & Tanqueray explore the pervasive issue of microaggressions in the workplace, featuring candid discussions with leaders from diverse backgrounds. Guests shared personal experiences, such as subtle slights, mispronounced names, and inappropriate comments, highlighting the cumulative harm these behaviors inflict on marginalized individuals and organizational culture. The conversation emphasized the importance of awareness, allyship, and accountability in addressing microaggressions while empowering listeners to document their experiences, advocate for change, and foster inclusive environments.  Key Takeaways:"Microaggressions are like paper cuts—they build up and exhaust you, even if they seem small at the moment." -Brae Richardson "Microaggressions may seem subtle, but they assault your identity and undermine your sense of belonging." -Tanqueray Edwards" Empathy and execution can coexist—this shouldn’t still be something we have to explain in 2025." - Kristi StrawContact your hosts:Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contactMicroaggressions Series Guests:Brae Richardson - Brand & Creative Lead, Brae Richardson, LLCSunny Myers - Senior Global Leader/DEIBDr. Zaibis Muñoz-Isme - Architect of Inclusive Leadership

Send a textIn this episode:Kristi & Tanqueray welcome Sara Goscha, founder of Carroll Management Consulting. Sara shares her transformative journey from corporate executive to purpose-driven entrepreneur, reflecting on how personal loss catalyzed her decision to create a legacy-focused business. Through candid discussions about overcoming a scarcity mindset, building genuine relationships, and the therapeutic process of memoir writing, Sara provides actionable insights into navigating challenges with resilience and authenticity. Key Takeaways:"I wanted more than this. I had to put in the work." - Sara Goscha"Scarcity mentality focuses on something that you don't have enough of."  -Tanqueray Edwards"Changing your space can change your mindset." - Kristi StrawContact your hosts:Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contactContact today's guest Sara Goscha: https://www.carrollmanagementconsulting.com

Send a textIn this episode:Kristi & Tanqueray dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, emphasizing that successful ventures come in many forms and timelines. The hosts discuss their contrasting entrepreneurial journeys, with one starting strong with a major client and the other investing time into foundational work, highlighting that there is no singular path to success. Key Takeaways:"Lay the foundation that you can iterate and evolve along the way." - Tanqueray Edwards"Be scared and do it anyway." - Kristi StrawYou get one shot at this life. Bet on yourself." - Tanqueray Edwards"Entrepreneurship is iterating and building in broad daylight." - Kristi StrawContact your hosts:Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Send a textIn this episode:Kristi & Tanqueray season two of Kristi and Tanqueray on the Rocks: The Trailblazers Toolkit kicks off with an engaging discussion on "Trailblazer Burnout," featuring guest Nakira Carter, a corporate real estate executive with over 25 years of experience. Nakira shared insights on navigating burnout as a woman of color in corporate America, highlighting the challenges of being a "first, only, and different" in leadership roles, and the emotional and psychological toll of tokenism and isolation. Key Takeaways: "When you lead with love, you challenge norms and invite others to rethink their leadership styles." - Nakira Carter "If people don’t feel psychologically safe, you’re only getting a fraction of their potential."  - Tanqueray Edwards "We shine a light on what others are not, and that discomfort often leads to resistance rather than reflection." - Kristi Straw Contact your hosts:Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contactContact today's guest Nakira Carter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nakira-carter-pmp-leed-ap-b2ba381a/

Send a textIn this episode:Kristi & Tanqueray discuss shedding corporate habits, redefining success beyond the “ladder” mentality, and embracing more fulfilling, multifaceted career paths. With plans for an exciting Season 2, including guest appearances and a series on microaggressions from women of color’s perspectives, they encourage listeners to stay curious, unlearn outdated mindsets, and—above all—put down the cape and prioritize well-being.Key Takeaways:"Success isn’t a ladder; it’s more dynamic and fluid, about alignment, impact, and fulfillment rather than constant upward climbing." - Kristi Straw"This season for me really has been all about unlearning—not just corporate habits, but mindsets and expectations that don’t serve me anymore." - Tanqueray Edwards"I’ve learned to lead with kindness and good intentions, not the sharp, rushed energy that sometimes defined corporate life." - Tanqueray Edwards"You don't have to stay in one lane. You are multifaceted, multi-talented, multi-passionate—and you don’t have to stay in just one lane." - Kristi Straw Contact your hosts:Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Send a textIn this episode:Kristi & Tanqueray explore the importance of authenticity, intentional community building, and self-directed growth, especially for leaders transitioning from corporate roles to entrepreneurship. The hosts emphasize that showing up as your true self attracts supportive relationships and strengthens professional networks. They share insights on transforming corporate setbacks into business-building wins, highlighting that personal growth starts as soon as one commits to a new path. Overall, the episode underscores the power of community and resilience in navigating both corporate and entrepreneurial journeys. Key Takeaways:"Show up as your authentic self—it attracts the right people and repels the rest." - Kristi Straw "Self-directed leaders thrive by using setbacks as a springboard for growth." - Tanqueray Edwards "Find a network of people that are going to support you." - Tanqueray Edwards "Transformation starts the moment you make a commitment—growth begins long before the event starts." - Kristi Straw Contact your hosts:Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Send a textIn this episode:Kristi & Tanqueray share leadership insights and tips on personal productivity. They discuss the importance of time management through techniques like time blocking, aided by AI tools like ChatGPT, and the value of building in “thinking time” for mental clarity.  Key Takeaways:"Be true to you. It ultimately comes back to your intuition, your gut feeling." - Kristi Straw"Become a process engineer. Learn what things to say to AI to get out the type of data that you want." - Tanqueray Edwards"One of my modes of thinking time is to push back from the computer, go outside, especially if it's a nice day, and take a walk or find someplace to sit." - Tanqueray Edwards"Start a book club. It’s my number one quickest way to create immediate buy-in." - Kristi Straw Contact your hosts:Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Send a textIn this episode:Kristi & Tanqueray explore the theme of resilience, particularly in the context of job loss and role elimination. Tanqueray shares her experience of handling the emotional impact after her role was eliminated in a major hospitality brand, emphasizing the importance of composure and self-reflection during such challenging moments. Kristi adds her perspective, discussing her own reactions to leaving a toxic work environment and how she found excitement in new beginnings despite the difficulties faced. This episode reminds us that resilience is not merely about enduring hardship, but also recognizing one's agency to pivot and move forward positively.  Key Takeaways:"My resiliency has been exactly what you see sitting here today. Grateful. Grateful to have been cast out, grateful for much of the silence that followed, and grateful for those who have followed me and have reached out and said, "Don't change." - Kristi Straw"I found myself questioning my worth which surprised people around me. I heard people say things like, 'You have so much self-esteem.' However, what you see externally isn't always the reality." - Tanqueray Edwards"I took a deep breath, and decided to move through this difficult and unexpected moment by putting my integrity to the forefront of the situation." - Tanqueray Edwards"It came to a point of, OK, y'all don't want us here. Fine. We're going to go start our own thing. We're going to build our own stampede. We're going to build our own following. We are going to do it a different way. We might struggle. We might fail. We might have to try six times. But the mental health struggles or the challenges and the pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps that we may experience on our own, on any of our darkest days are worth it compared to the narcissism and the gaslighting and the toxicity and the egotistical nature that runs rampant from women and men in corporate America." - Kristi Straw Contact your hosts:Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Send a textIn this episode:Kristi & Tanqueray focused this episode's conversation on Tall Poppy Syndrome, a phenomenon where successful women, particularly in leadership, are criticized or undermined for standing out. You'll hear Kristi & Tanqueray's personal experiences and frustrations with the gender gap in leadership and what strategies are useful for overcoming workplace bias, including building allies, fostering open communication, and creating mentorship programs. Get ready to drill down on the importance of advocating for oneself, emotional intelligence, and cultivating inclusive, psychologically safe leadership environments for future generations. Key Takeaways:"You have to have a psychologically safe environment to have conversations that challenge the status quo." - Kristi Straw"I'm going to take a moment to challenge myself. There were moments in which I thought to myself, 'I'm not feeling safe.' I need to have open dialog about this. For these particular issues that I'm experiencing here at work... I need advocacy, I need mentorship. I need you to help me build the table and the chair so that I can feel like I am a part of this. But in those moments... I have not asked for those things." - Tanqueray Edwards"If we are serious about leadership, creativity, innovation, and growth, we have to root out these biases, and we have to do it together." - Kristi Straw Contact your hosts:Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Send a textIn this episode:Kristi & Tanqueray discuss the critical challenges organizations face as they adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and automation strategies. They delve into how the rapid technological changes, like AI, are transforming the workforce, highlighting the human element often left behind in this transition. Emotional intelligence (EQ) emerges as a central theme, with both hosts stressing how crucial it is for leaders to develop empathy and soft skills to navigate these shifts successfully.Key Takeaways: "I often say this right, you know, we know that if we have emotionally intelligent leaders, better engagement scores happen. People will stay five years longer at an employer. Yet time and time again, companies will blow cash on tech splurges or golf outings, but they'll skip the EQ training despite knowing it drives performance and retention." - Kristi Straw"When implementing AI, organizations must consider what happens if it doesn't go well. Who gets left behind? I'm thinking about that in light of being in Charleston, South Carolina right now, a block from where I am sitting, some longshoremen are, on the picket lines and are demanding that their jobs not all be automated and their roles don't all go away." - Tanqueray Edwards"Emotional intelligence isn't just a soft skill, it's a survival tool." - Kristi Straw Contact your hosts: Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.comTanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Send a textIn this episode:Kristi & Tanqueray dive into the world of corporate rebels. They discuss how embracing one's "unfit and feral" side can be a catalyst for success. With personal anecdotes and expert insights, Kristi and Tanqueray explore the challenges and rewards of breaking free from traditional corporate norms. They encourage listeners to embrace their unique qualities, challenge the status quo, and create their own paths to leadership.The episode highlights the importance of authenticity, resilience, and innovation in today's business landscape.

Send a textJoin Kristi Straw and Tanqueray Edwards as they shake up the world of work—one cocktail and candid conversation at a time. On this podcast, we dive into the messy realities of corporate life that nobody talks about over office coffee. From the high stakes of boardroom battles to the day-to-day grind that tests our spirits, we're here to share it all!Kristi, with her vibrant Unicorn Leader approach, and Tanqueray, the leader in creating value and realizing return on investment who knows her way around AI and value creation, are not your typical corporate fits. Each week, they’ll break down complex issues with simplicity and a splash of humor, ensuring even Grandma can follow along.Whether you’ve felt like a misfit, been branded too bold, or just need a break from the corporate playbook, pull up a chair and pour yourself a drink. We’re here to toast to the thrills AND spills of being visionary mavens in a world that often prefers we’d just quietly conform.Grab your cocktail and join us as we get real about work, life, and everything in between.