The Executive Edge

The advice for keeping good employees loyal seems simple: pay them well, give them a title, and assume they will stay. Callie says that is exactly how organizations lose their best people. The real issue isn't compensation or generation gaps. It's trust.Callie, a leadership development professional, nonprofit veteran, and culture strategist, shares what actually keeps people engaged, loyal, and willing to give their best.Jamal and Callie explore why the free agency mindset in today’s workforce is really a trust problem, what leaders get wrong when trying to be human-centered, and why culture is ultimately shaped by your direct supervisor.They also unpack layoff culture, generational dynamics, and what it takes to build a workplace where people feel safe enough to stay, speak honestly, and grow.This conversation is for leaders who want to retain great people and build a culture that holds up under pressure. If you care about trust, leadership, and human-centered growth, this one will challenge the way you think.EP Guest: Callie StewartLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calliecstewart/

AI is quietly changing leadership development, culture, and even how junior employees learn their craft - and most leaders are missing the most important part. Amy shares why the real risk isn't just automation replacing tasks, but losing the hands-on work that builds judgment, confidence, and future leaders.Jahmad and Amy unpack the leadership lessons hidden inside AI adoption, from how to use AI as a thinking partner instead of a replacement, to why the first draft should still be yours. Amy explains how mentorship, gut-check relationships, and intentional coaching can keep people growing even as technology takes over repetitive work. They also get into the practical side of building a culture that scales, without losing the casual, approachable feel that makes people feel safe enough to speak honestly.This conversation is especially valuable if you're leading through change, developing people, or trying to build a culture that can scale without becoming cold. If you care about AI, leadership, mentorship, and human-centered growth, this one will give you practical ideas you can use immediately.EP Guest: Amy NordmarkenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-nordmarken-c-mgr-07b6a271/

The advice that keeps talented leaders stuck is simple: stay grateful, keep the secure job, and ignore the ache for something more. Jeff Johannigman says that’s exactly how people end up wasting their best years, and he shares the four-part framework that helps you find work that actually feels meaningful.Jeff, a longtime career coach, former game industry producer, and outplacement consultant, has spent decades watching people get pushed - or pulled - out of jobs that no longer fit. From early Atari game development to helping laid-off employees find their next chapter, he brings a rare perspective on purpose, pressure, and what really changes when the “good job” is no longer good enough.EP GUEST: Jeff JohannigmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannigman/

The best leadership advice in this conversation is also the hardest to practice: pause, pace yourself, and stop pretending you have to know everything. Henrena Brunson shows why the leaders who last are the ones who protect their own well-being, model vulnerability, and create cultures where accountability and compassion can coexist.Jahmad Canley opens up a candid conversation with Henrena about what today’s leaders are up against - burnout, complexity, pressure to perform, and the temptation to lead from image instead of intention. Henrena brings a grounded, lived-in perspective on what it really takes to lead well when the stakes are high and the work never stops.This episode goes deeper into the hidden cost of leadership than most conversations do. If you’ve ever felt pressure to have all the answers, struggled to balance empathy with performance, or wondered whether your actions match the culture you say you want, this one will challenge you in the best way.EP Guest: Henrena BrunsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrenabrunson/

Unlock the secret to transforming toxic workplaces into thriving, impactful cultures—by challenging silence itself. Dr. Trina Peterson-Garcia reveals how leaders unknowingly perpetuate harm through silence, and how speaking up with courage not only changes the culture but also saves careers and lives. This episode is essential for anyone who’s ever felt powerless to address workplace injustice or wants to lead with authentic impact.Dr. Trina, founder of Growth Focus Consulting, brings a rare blend of executive experience, academic rigor, and on-the-ground leadership. Having risen to top roles in large organizations and researched organizational behavior, she knows what it takes to challenge the status quo—and the risks involved. She shares personal stories of navigating silence and advocates for cultivating courage over conformity at every level.EP Guest: Trina Peterson-Garcia, PhDWebsite: http://growthfocusconsulting.com/

Most organizations overlook one of the most powerful ways to sustain growth and employee engagement: genuine leadership that values people over processes. When leaders shift from a traditional business mindset to a people-first approach, the impact is transformative—teams feel seen, supported, and motivated to thrive even during times of uncertainty.In this episode, Kasia, a Human Resources strategist at Habitat for Humanity, reveals how leaders can build cultures rooted in trust, transparency, and authentic communication. Discover why fostering psychological safety and breaking down the ‘us versus them’ mentality are critical to preventing disengagement and silent quitting. She shares practical strategies like modeling behaviors of openness, listening deeply, and recognizing individual preferences to truly connect with your team.

Most leaders are trying to navigate building culture and leading with authenticity — but many find themselves overwhelmed by the size and complexity of the task. What if the secret isn’t fighting the enormity but breaking culture down into manageable, measurable pieces? In this episode, Sara reveals how shifting the focus from the "art" to the "science" of culture can transform your leadership approach and create sustainable change.Discover how simple frameworks like introspection and community-building can unlock authentic culture in any organization. Sara shares actionable tips on navigating inherited cultures, addressing subtle team behaviors, and implementing transparent decision-making processes that foster trust and accountability. You'll learn why small, intentional changes—like clarifying values or addressing silent barriers—can lead to profound shifts in team dynamics and organizational health.We break down real-world examples from schools to Fortune 100 companies, illustrating how leaders can leverage social-emotional learning principles to build inclusive, resilient cultures. Plus, practical strategies for addressing less-than-desirable team behaviors—without jumping to termination—by focusing on impact, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving.Ep Guest: Sara Hardie (Paymark)- Senior commercial/client leadership- Experience in client sourcing, account management, enterprise sales- Strong in B2B sales, customer acquisition, key account management

Most leadership advice focuses on titles and charisma—Milton Flournoy explains why real influence is rooted in servant leadership and psychological safety.In this eye-opening conversation, Milton shares how introverted leaders can thrive, why organizations struggle with genuine innovation, and the crucial role of embracing failure. Discover how respecting people, asking the right questions, and creating safe spaces for experimentation can transform your leadership approach—whether you're managing teams or optimizing processes with lean and Six Sigma.Organizations that cling to control and fear failure risk stagnation—those that foster a culture of trust, learning, and experimentation will lead the future. If you're ready to develop authentic influence and harness tools like AI for meaningful impact, this episode is your roadmap.EP Guest: Milton FlournoyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miltonsflournoyiv/Website:https://obsidiansuccess.onepage.me/obsidiansuccess

Most leaders struggle to shift from managing tasks to shaping strategy — but what if the secret to transformational leadership is a simple mindset shift?In this thought-provoking episode, John Bishoff from Canopy Mortgage reveals how top organizations develop strategic thinkers, not just task managers. You'll learn how to move beyond the day-to-day firefighting and start leading with clarity, vision, and purpose.Discover why understanding your organization’s big goals is critical for any leader aiming for the C-suite, and how cultivating authentic, strategic thinking transforms teams and drives real results. John shares practical tips on fostering a high-trust culture, empowering managers to delegate effectively, and integrating the human element to stay connected in an AI-driven world.EP Guest: John BishoffLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbishoff/Website: https://canopymortgage.com/

Unlock the secrets to transformational leadership in this insightful conversation with Laura Freeman, a leader shaping the future of development within a family-owned company. If you're a leader striving to stay relevant, inspire your team, and navigate multi-generational dynamics, this episode is your essential guide. Laura reveals the innovative leadership journeys she's built—tailored pathways that develop talent at every stage, from emerging leaders to seasoned executives.Discover how top organizations are redefining leadership development beyond traditional training—through internal competency models, mentorship networks, and customized pathways that recognize diverse skills and experiences. Laura shares the remarkable "Lead to Succeed" program, a multi-tiered leadership journey designed to nurture future-ready leaders at every level. You'll learn how this targeted approach not only boosts retention and engagement but also creates a robust bench strength capable of facing future challenges head-on.Why does this matter? As baby boomers retire and the workforce increasingly diversifies across age groups, organizations that intentionally develop leadership pipelines and adapt their benefits will thrive. Without these investments, they risk costly turnover, stagnant growth, and missed opportunities to harness the full potential of their team.EP Guest: Laura Freeman Website: https://www.orgill.com/

Unlock the secret to building a thriving organization from the inside out with Amir Durrani, SVP of People and Culture at Norm’s Restaurant. In this episode, Amir reveals why customer experience is just the tip of the iceberg—true success depends on fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to leave work happier than when they arrived. Discover how Norm’s low turnover and loyal, multi-generational staff exemplify these principles in action, emphasizing that culture isn’t just a buzzword but the core driver of exceptional hospitality.You'll learn concrete strategies for aligning your team around shared values, creating genuine connection, and building a culture of continual growth. Amir discusses the impact of words—like choosing to call guests “guests” rather than “customers”—and how small acts, like knowing employee names, foster a sense of belonging. We break down the importance of leadership that is rooted in vulnerability, reflection, and leading from the heart—especially when facing headwinds or managing a multigenerational workforce.This episode is essential for leaders committed to transforming their workplace culture, whether in or outside hospitality. Amir’s insights will inspire you to prioritize connection over speed, understand the power of a shared vision, and realize that happy employees lead to happy guests. If you're ready to shift from transactional management to transformational leadership, this conversation will serve as your blueprint.Amir Durrani is the Senior Vice President of People and Culture at Norm’s Restaurants, known for his innovative approach to leadership rooted in empathy, reflection, and authentic connection—proving that great leadership is a continuous journey, not a destination.Perfect for managers, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about culture-building, this episode will leave you with actionable insights and a new appreciation for what it truly takes to lead with purpose.EP Guest: Amir DurraniLinkedIn: ⁠(19) Activity | Amir Durrani, PhD, PHR, SHRM-CP | LinkedIn⁠Website: ⁠https://norms.com/