Leadership Matters- A Podcast by The Bailey Group

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Kara Kuykendall, Founder of True North Leadership, joins host Kaylee Thomsen for a grounding conversation on alignment, communication, and what it truly takes to lead people through change. Kara shares her 27-year career journey and why she left corporate America to help executives close the gap between strategy and execution. She unpacks why alignment breaks down between the leadership room and the front lines, what stability really means in today's workplace, and how leaders can embrace AI without losing the people behind the work. Kara also shares a powerful reflection exercise to help every leader communicate with more intention and impact. 

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Laura Best, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and coach, joins host Kaylee Thomsen for an energizing conversation on passion, leadership, and unlocking what truly lights you up. Laura shares her journey from corporate burnout to founding Passion Collective, and why rediscovering your passions isn't a luxury - it's foundational to your health, happiness, and effectiveness as a leader. She unpacks the difference between harmonious and obsessive passion, what it means to be a passion-first leader, and how organizations can create cultures where employees bring more of themselves to work. Laura also shares practical ways to rediscover your spark - no matter where you are in your career.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Tané Minnick, business guide and executive coach, joins host Kaylee Thomsen for a rich conversation on self-awareness, leadership growth, and building high-performing teams. Tané shares her unconventional path from growing up in Switzerland to leading retail divisions at Macy's and Patagonia, and the hard lessons she learned along the way. She unpacks why ego is the biggest barrier to self-awareness, what it really means to "play in the outfield," and why the leader's job is to step back so others can lean in. Tané also shares her framework for team alignment and why self-reflection is the foundation of every great leader.https://www.taneminnick.com/homePinnacle Baseline Assessment

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Jennifer Zick, Founder and CEO of Authentic, joins host Kaylee Thomsen for a candid conversation on marketing, entrepreneurship, and leading with purpose. Jennifer shares how losing her job at 39 sparked the launch of Authentic, what she learned spending 13 years inside a fast-growth startup, and why most businesses misunderstand what marketing really is. She unpacks the concept of "random acts of marketing," the four questions every company needs to answer to grow strategically, and why trust is at the heart of everything she builds. Jennifer also shares her take on AI, her values-driven culture, and why she's learning to hold loosely to her best laid plans.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Jim Willenbring, Partner, Board Director, and Executive Coach at The Bailey Group, joins host Kaylee Thomsen for a candid conversation on what it really takes to lead people well. Jim explores why most leaders learn to lead by osmosis, picking up both good and bad habits along the way, and what it looks like to treat leadership as a true professional discipline. He digs into the shift from being the expert problem solver to developing expert problem solvers, the science behind giving and receiving feedback, and why avoiding difficult conversations always costs more than having them. If you lead people at any level, this one is worth your time.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Scott Schwefel, Founder and CEO of Discover Yourself, joins host Kaylee Thomsen for a fascinating conversation on self-awareness, personality, and intentional leadership. Scott shares his winding journey from aspiring architect to discovering the transformative power of Insights Discovery, and how a single moment with an employee changed everything. He reflects on surviving the Y2K crisis, the daily habits that trigger conscious awareness, and why failure teaches what success never can. Scott also explores the elevator personality test, the power of writing your future self on a bathroom mirror, and why replacing "I have to" with "I choose" might be the most important leadership shift you ever make.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Marilyn Vetter, President and CEO of Pheasants Forever, joins host Kaylee Thomsen for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, culture, and mission-driven impact. Marilyn shares how curiosity, courage, and strong mentors shaped her path from corporate leadership to the nonprofit world. She reflects on building healthy culture through candid feedback, aligning teams around mission, and helping people see strengths in themselves before they fully recognize them. Marilyn also discusses confidence, coaching, women in leadership, and what it means to lead with clarity, grace, and a commitment to lifelong learning, resilience, and purpose in times of change.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Chris Meidt, President and CEO of North Risk Partners, joins host Kaylee Thomsen for a powerful conversation on leadership, culture, and what it takes to build a high-performing team. Chris reflects on his unique path from football coaching to corporate leadership and shares how servant leadership, talent development, and clear vision have shaped North Risk’s growth. He talks about owning your seat, giving real feedback, facing challenges head-on, and creating a culture where people can be their best selves. Chris also shares his perspective on AI, resilience, and why great leaders must keep moving forward with clarity, courage, and conviction.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Jaime Taets, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Keystone Group International, joins host Kaylee Thomsen for an honest conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, and the inner work required for growth. Jaime shares how her corporate experience, coaching journey, and commitment to impact led her to build a business centered on leadership, strategy, and culture. She reflects on navigating imposter syndrome, setting stronger boundaries, leading through hard seasons, and learning to trust new opportunities. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to building a thriving company, Jaime offers a powerful reminder that growth often comes through discomfort, courage, curiosity, and resilience.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Patience Ferguson, Chief Human Resources Officer for Ramsey County, Minnesota, joins host Kaylee Thomsen for a powerful conversation on values-based leadership, resilience, and authenticity. Patience shares how an early experience of being treated unfairly shaped her commitment to HR and inclusive workplaces. With over 30 years of experience across nonprofit, city government, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, she reflects on leading through crisis, amplifying unheard voices, and aligning work with personal values. The conversation explores faith, family, lived experience, and her guiding belief: go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Chris Heim, CEO of Atomic Data, joins host Kaylee Thomsen for an honest conversation about people-first leadership, change, and what it takes to lead through uncertainty. Chris shares Atomic Data’s mission to “humanize the IT experience,” reflects on stepping into a founder-led company after loss, and explains how he built trust while leading major change. He also talks about servant leadership, communication, feedback, and why words matter in culture. Chris offers a thoughtful look at leading in 2026, including AI, strategy, and staying adaptable, while keeping the human side of leadership at the center.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Vanan Murugesan, Executive Director of Sahan Journal, joins host Kaylee Thomsen to unpack servant leadership, responsibility, and what it means to lead with humanity. Vanan shares how Spider-Man’s “great power” lesson shaped his view of privilege and duty, and why leadership is an everyday practice - not a single test. They discuss balancing empathy with accountability, setting high expectations, and building teams on shared experience. Vanan also opens up about quiet self-doubt, the “15-second” practice of celebrating wins, and a COVID-era moment that reshaped how he thinks about fairness, work, and community hope. The conversation closes with a powerful Jürgen Klopp quote on helping people feel valued, respected, and needed.“To create a situation where everybody feels important, enjoys themselves, knows their jobs, feels respected and feels needed – that's how life should be.” -Jürgen KloppPhoto: Stepro, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons) — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2022-07-21_Fu%C3%9Fball,_M%C3%A4nner,Freundschaftsspiel,_RB_Leipzig_-_FC_Liverpool_1DX_2243_by_Stepro.jpg

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Roshini Rajkumar, CEO and C-Suite Advisor and Crisis Strategist at Roshini Multi-Media, Inc., joins host Kaylee Thomsen to explore what it means to lead calmly through uncertainty. Drawing on her background as a TV news reporter, attorney, and executive coach, she shares how leaders can navigate crises, communicate with intention, and stay grounded in facts. They discuss the evolving impact of social media, the importance of knowing your audience, and why investing in employees builds lasting trust. A thoughtful conversation on executive presence, stakeholder messaging, culture, and leading with clarity in 2026.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Anna Kisting, Director of Business and Clinical Intelligence at Revo Health, joins host Kaylee Thomsen to unpack what it means to lead with a growth mindset. Anna shares how coaching kids shaped her ability to spot potential in others, why “why not me?” can quickly shift confidence, and how leaders can create a safe space for learning through mistakes. They also explore her unconventional path from art major to data leader, why clean data matters before AI, and how the best organizations focus on a few of the right questions. A practical, human conversation on clarity, relationships, feedback, and building trust.The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covery: https://a.co/d/islHEGDSwitch by Chip Heath and Dan Heath: https://a.co/d/iUTQGnDEast of Eden by John Steinbeck: https://a.co/d/1VMRshbDelirium by Lauren Oliver: https://a.co/d/6JWCaSP

In this episode of Leadership Matters, host Kaylee Thomsen speaks with David Lyman, Founder and Partner at Lyman Executive Search, about what truly determines leadership success. Drawing on decades of executive search experience, David shares why preparation, listening, and alignment are critical in the first 90 days of leadership. The conversation explores how companies choose the right leaders, the evolving traits of modern leadership, and why empathy and self-awareness matter more than command-and-control styles. David also unpacks the art and science of executive search and offers practical advice for leaders navigating growth, change, and complexity.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Mike Frommelt, Co-Founder of Strategic Talent Partners, to explore what authentic leadership looks like in real life. Drawing from decades of experience in executive search, Mike shares why core values, humility, and consistent communication matter more than titles or executive presence. The conversation covers culture fit from both the employer and candidate perspective, the role of ego in leadership success, and why the strongest leaders find their own path instead of following a script. This episode offers practical insight for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking meaningful, values-aligned work.Values cards mentioned: https://a.co/d/eH1KHop

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with David Dardano, Human Resources Director at Episcopal Homes of Minnesota, to explore the leadership mindset behind trust, clarity, and lasting culture. David shares how leading “with people” (not just managing them) shapes stronger teams, and reflects on a formative lesson from early in his career: you are the “dinner table conversation” your people take home each day. He discusses why “clear is kind,” how tough feedback can be delivered with transparency, and what he learned from early missteps - including the importance of history, context, and repairing conversations when impact doesn’t match intention. The conversation also highlights imposter syndrome, balancing leadership with family life, and why follow-through and honest communication are foundational to building a culture people believe in.

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Dean Dovolis, Owner of DJR Architecture, Inc., to explore leadership at the intersection of systems, community, and long-term impact. Dean shares what motivates him today, from community-led development and modular housing to projects that shape how people live and thrive. He reflects on the shift from early “survival mode” entrepreneurship to being invited to the table for his expertise, and introduces the idea of the genius of community, shaped by founding his firm in Minneapolis’ Phillips neighborhood. The conversation also explores building teams through self-awareness, valuing loyalty and integrity, and why true legacy comes from sharing knowledge openly so it lives on beyond you.DJR Architecture: https://www.djrarch.com/

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Mike Paton, EOS Implementer and co-author of Process!, to explore what truly drives healthy, high-performing organizations. Mike shares why alignment matters more than agreement, how accountability breaks down when authority is unclear, and why process is often misunderstood by entrepreneurial leaders. Drawing from years of experience working with leadership teams, he explains how honest conversations, focus, and the ability to say no create clarity and momentum. This conversation offers practical insight for leaders who want to scale without chaos and build teams that operate with ownership and trust.Email: [email protected] Line: "Paton's Process!"

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thompson sits down with Princess Paula for a wide-ranging, real conversation on leadership, resilience, and the power of community. Paula shares how performance and teaching shaped her voice, how hard seasons built “muscle” for what came next, and why human connection matters even more in an AI-driven world. They also unpack what rest actually looks like, why it’s different for everyone, and how to lead with intention through life’s transitions. If you’re craving clarity, encouragement, and a few laughs, this episode is for you.Connect with Princess Paula:Website: https://princesspaulaconsulting.com/Podcast: https://royallyunhinged.com/

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thompson sits down with David Magy, co-founder and principal at Abeln, Magy, Underberg & Associates, to explore the formative experiences that shaped his leadership journey. David reflects on the impact of mentors, learning by doing, and asking questions without hesitation. He shares lessons from corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and career transitions, emphasizing thoughtful decision-making, planning ahead, and listening to what your mind and body are telling you. From work ethic to culture fit, this conversation offers grounded insight into building a meaningful career over time. If you’re navigating a career transition, questioning your next step, or redefining success, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Founder Leigh Bailey to unpack one of the most challenging transitions in leadership: moving from being a trusted technical expert to becoming a strategic people leader. They explore why this shift can feel so uncomfortable - loss of control, a new definition of success, and the identity work required when you’re no longer “the doer” but the developer of others. Kaylee and Leigh break down the limiting beliefs that hold leaders back, share practical ways to rethink how you spend your time, and discuss why self-awareness, relationship-building, and emotional intelligence matter more than ever in an AI-driven world. They also reference a reel from @kelsewhatelse that perfectly illustrates this mindset shift.Email [email protected] with the subject line “Strategic People Leader” to receive a free reflection worksheet. The first three listeners will also receive a complimentary Hogan Personality Inventory and a one-hour debrief with Kaylee.Reel Mentioned in This Episode:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPCTlkZgUZ0/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nywIeE-0-Cc

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Kris Fortman, CEO of Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, to explore what it truly means to lead with heart, clarity, and courage over the long haul. Kris shares her journey from growing up with a professor father at the University of Minnesota, to conducting healthcare research at HealthPartners, to global work at Medtronic, and ultimately stepping into a mission-driven CEO role in cardiovascular health. She reflects on the early mentors and strong female leaders who shaped her leadership style, why kindness and accountability must work together, and what it was like to inherit a broken culture and quietly turn it around by focusing on people, listening deeply, and building an executive team that can think big while staying grounded in the mission. Kris also talks candidly about hiring lessons, the hard but deeply kind work of helping people find the right role, her passion for women’s heart health and education, and how coaching from The Bailey Group has strengthened both her leadership and her team. If you are a purpose-driven leader looking for honest, practical insight on culture, confidence, and sustainable impact, this conversation delivers grounded wisdom you can use right away.

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, Kaylee Thompson talks with Libby Doran, Founder of Doran Leadership Partners, about what it truly means to lead with courage, humanity, and clarity. Libby traces her journey from international development work with USAID in the Horn of Africa to boutique management consulting and ultimately building her own executive search firm. Along the way, she shares how early experiences in global aid shaped her beliefs about privilege, education, and economic mobility - and how those lessons now inform the way she advises leaders and organizations. Libby reflects on the power of values-based decision-making, why having hard conversations is an act of care, and how to navigate seasons of uncertainty as a business owner without burning out. She also offers a candid look into executive search: why so many leadership hires fail, what organizations overlook when they focus only on experience, and how to create the right “habitat” for new leaders to thrive. If you’re looking for thoughtful, grounded leadership wisdom that meets the moment we’re in today, this episode delivers powerful insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, Kaylee Thomsen talks with Mary Nutting, co-founder of Strategic Talent Partners, about what it really takes to grow as a leader. Mary shares how early imposter syndrome shaped her leadership journey and how leading 30 developers in her twenties taught her the power of vision, service, and humility. Drawing on her experience as an entrepreneur and talent strategist, Mary reflects on why leadership is rarely linear, how to navigate major career pivots, and why surrounding yourself with the right people makes all the difference. She also offers an honest look into the world of executive search and the realities of building - and rebuilding - a business. If you’re a leader, business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur seeking grounded, practical insight into becoming a more confident and authentic leader, this episode is filled with takeaways you can use right away.

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, Kaylee Thomsen talks with Mike Braun, founder of Pivotal Advisors, about what great leaders actually do. Mike shares how strong leaders shift from being the “answer man” to a coach who asks better questions, builds clarity, encourages feedback, and redefines accountability. Drawing on experience with 4,000+ companies, he explains why promoting top performers doesn’t always create great managers and why transparency matters most during tough moments. They also discuss how to scale teams, define success realistically, and move from daily operations to true leadership. If you’re a founder, sales leader, or manager who wants to build healthier teams and drive stronger results, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply right away.

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen brings together a panel of The Bailey Group’s executive coaches for an honest, heartfelt conversation about what truly shapes great leaders. They explore the power of the right conversation at the right time, the pivotal decisions that changed their trajectories, and the mistakes that became turning points. Through stories of executive presence, conflict, vulnerability, and growth, the panel pulls back the curtain on what really happens in executive coaching—and how meaningful reflection creates healthier workplaces, stronger teams, and better humans.If you care about leading with purpose and growing as both a professional and a person, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, we sit down with Craig Warren, CEO of Washburn Center for Children, for a powerful conversation about what it means to lead with courage, curiosity, and care, especially when the environment feels chaotic.Craig’s leadership journey has been anything but linear. From his formative experiences in the U.S. military to his work in nonprofit leadership, he’s learned that no book or training fully prepares you for the moments when things don’t go your way. Drawing from both the battlefield and the boardroom, Craig shares how those early lessons taught him to “keep moving” through uncertainty and to cultivate resilience rooted in purpose.Together, we explore how he’s navigated what he calls “crisis stacking,” why he believes in energy management over time management, and how curiosity fuels his ability to stay grounded and forward-looking as a leader. Craig also brings his passion for mental health advocacy to the conversation, offering insights into early interventions that build healthier children, and, ultimately, a healthier society and workforce.If you care about leading through complexity without losing your humanity, this conversation will remind you that the most courageous leaders are the ones who stay curious, keep moving, and lead with heart.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Sals Mondelli joins us for a candid conversation about what it means to lead with heart, resilience, and a relentless commitment to growth. Drawing from his diverse leadership journey, Sals shares how authenticity, trust, and clear vision shape strong teams and lasting impact.Tune in to hear practical leadership wisdom, personal stories, and strategies for creating meaningful change in any organization.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, we sit down with Jim Willenbring to explore what it means to lead with clarity, trust, and intention. Jim shares pivotal lessons from his leadership journey, reflecting on how effective leaders create space for growth, empower their teams, and navigate complex challenges with confidence.Whether you’re leading a team, an organization, or shaping your own leadership path, this conversation offers practical insights and real-world wisdom you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Ann Houser, CEO of The Bailey Group, to explore what it means to lead leaders. With decades of experience as an executive coach and now as CEO, Ann shares how she blends strategy and self-awareness to guide both her organization and her clients through complexity.She opens up about her own leadership journey — the lessons, challenges, and mindset shifts that have shaped her — and offers insights for anyone striving to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead at the highest level — and how to stay grounded while doing it — this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Leadership Matters, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Barb Krantz Taylor, psychologist, executive coach, and Principal Consultant at The Bailey Group, to explore what it truly means to lead with humanity. Barb shares lessons from decades of guiding leaders — from embracing vulnerability to cultivating emotional intelligence — and offers a powerful reminder that great leadership begins with self-awareness.

Recap of our Launch Party

In this episode, the tables turn as founder Leigh Bailey interviews our very own host, Kaylee Thomsen. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at Kaylee’s journey—her leadership experiences, what inspires her, and why she’s passionate about the conversations we’re bringing to you through Leadership Matters. It’s a chance to connect with the voice behind the mic and learn more about the perspectives shaping our series.

In our debut episode, The Bailey Group founder Leigh Bailey shares the vision and values that inspired him to create a firm dedicated to transforming leaders and organizations. Leigh reflects on pivotal leadership moments, the evolving challenges executives face today, and why authentic, purpose-driven leadership is more important than ever. Get inspired by the story behind The Bailey Group and discover what makes leadership truly matter.

Tomorrow, Leadership Matters, a podcast by The Bailey Group, officially launches! Here’s a sneak peek at the meaningful conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to inspire, influence, and create lasting change.