Leadership Portraits

Structure and Soul The case for human-first operational leadershipIf you've ever felt like you're holding your entire business together with sheer willpower — this episode is for you.Jen Wyatt is the founder of Elite BizOps and has spent over eleven years helping business owners build the operational systems that let them breathe again. She's a fractional operations expert, a soon-to-be author, and someone who brings a genuinely unique perspective to leadership — one shaped by an art and fashion design background, an MBA, life as a military spouse, and more than a decade of figuring out how people actually work best.In this conversation, we get into all of it — the messy, the practical, and the refreshingly honest.In this episode we talk about:Why her art background made her a sharper operational thinkerThe "my way or the highway" mindset and why it no longer worksHow to lead remote and hybrid teams with fairness and flexibilityUsing AI responsibly without losing the human touchWhat fractional leadership really looks like day-to-dayThe boundaries and systems she uses to protect her own time and energyWhy her biggest leadership goal is to work herself out of a jobA few of our favorite moments: "Collaboration fosters innovation. The 'my way or the highway' mindset just fosters the status quo.""The key commodity moving forward is going to be the human touch.""In a vacuum, we can create any kind of story we want about any situation. Stop the stories. Keep it simple."Connect with Jen: Find Jen Wyatt on LinkedIn and follow her newsletter on operational leadership. Her book on operational leadership is coming soon — one you'll want to watch for.https://www.elite-biz-ops.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennferwyattmba/Connect With Us and Learn More about Leadership PortraitsConnect With Us and Learn More about Leadership PortraitsHost: Jennifer WrightPodcast: Leadership PortraitsFollow for more conversations that explore the stories, struggles, and insights behind modern leaderswww.LeadershipPortraits.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwrightexecuwright/

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Jennifer sits down with Lauren Fox, a seasoned project management leader whose path to leadership looks nothing like a straight line. Lauren opens up about her unexpected entry into project management, the challenges of leading high‑performing teams, and the personal work required to grow beyond people‑pleasing into a grounded, confident leadership style.Together, they explore the realities of leadership — the emotional load, the role of boundaries, the messy middle of growth, and the courage required to hold space for both yourself and your team. Lauren shares how listening more deeply, understanding what people truly need, and redefining fairness transformed the way she leads. She also speaks candidly about therapy, grace, and the internal journey that’s shaped her more than any job title ever could.This episode is full of heart, honesty, and practical wisdom for leaders at every stage — especially women who are unlearning old rules and choosing healthier, more sustainable ways to show up at work and in life.Key Topics CoveredHow Lauren “fell into” project management — and why it stuckLeadership growing pains and navigating strong personalitiesSetting boundaries at work without losing compassionFairness vs. sameness: learning what each person truly needsWhy listening is a leader’s most underrated skillHow therapy and self-awareness shaped her confidenceThe power of genuine women’s networksWhat’s next as Lauren steps outside her comfort zoneNotable Quotes“People needed to be heard. They didn’t need me to assess it — they needed me to understand.”“Fairness isn’t giving everyone the same thing. It’s giving people what they need.”“If you’re walking around with yourself all day, don’t be the meanest voice in your own head.”“I’m not here to tell my team what to do — I’m here to make it possible for them to do what they do best.”About Lauren FoxLauren Fox is a seasoned project management leader with more than a decade of experience guiding teams and navigating complex transitions in the medical device industry. Though she leads today with clarity and steadiness, her path didn’t begin that way. She spent years overextending herself — saying yes, carrying others’ emotions, and pushing past her limits — until burnout forced her to rebuild her approach from the inside out.Now, she brings that hard-earned wisdom into her work and her writing, including her chapter Boundaries Don’t Make You a B‑!$@& Word in Leadership Voices. She hopes her journey helps other women reclaim their energy, confidence, and boundaries one brave decision at a time.Connect with Lauren:https://www.linkedin.com/in/-lauren-fox/Connect With UsHost: Jennifer WrightPodcast: Leadership VoicesFollow for more conversations that explore the stories, struggles, and insights behind modern leaderswww.LeadershipVoices.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwrightexecuwright/

Barbara (Bosslady) Heil-SonneckLet’s Collaborate for Impact and Growth” Opportunity Architect and Connector – Real Estate & Investments – Nonprofit Focus for Social Impact – CEO and World Traveler.With over two decades of management experience and a focus on real estate investments, she is dedicated to driving community impact in all her endeavors. This commitment has led her to her current roles as a General Partner in multifamily real estate syndication and an Advisory Board Member in 2 companies.At the heart of her professional journey is a commitment to strategic wealth building and empowering others through her expertise in organizational setup, fostering growth, and innovative thinking.In her advisory roles, she leverages her knowledge to tackle operational challenges, teambuilding, collaboration and focus on investor relations.If you would like to connect with Barbara you can find her at www.BarbaraHS.com or on LinkedIn: Barbara Heil-SonneckHer books are available on Amazon at:Real Women in Real EstatePowerful Female ImmigrantsThe Venus Approach to Real EstateAbout Leadership Portraits:Leadership Portraits is a curated collection of extraordinary individuals who have mastered the delicate brushstrokes of influence, resilience, and vision. Each portrait is a testament to the unique leadership styles that have shaped industries, communities, and legacies. Explore the nuanced narratives behind each face, and let these captivating images inspire your own journey of leadership excellence. Join us in celebrating the diverse stories that define leadership in its myriad forms—captured, framed, and showcased for your inspiration.To learn more about the leaders featured here go to www.leadershipportraits.com. You can read articles about the guests and view video clips.If you know a leader who would make a great portrait, please use the nomination link to submit their nomination - you may nominate yourself. https://leadershipportraits.com/nominations/Connect with us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-portraitsConnect with Podcast Host Jennifer Wright:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwrightexecuwright/

About Community Assistance Center:Community Assistance Center (CAC) provides basic needs assistance for neighbors to prevent homelessness and hunger while promoting self-sufficiency and empowering them to thrive.We pursue this mission through a series of services to residents of Sandy Springs and Dunwoody, Georgia:Financial Assistance3 Food PantriesThrift StoreAdult EducationCareer CenterCAC Cares 4 Kids – backpacks, summer lunches, coats for winter, gifts at ChristmasVolunteer Income Tax AssistanceTo help support the CAC visit: https://ourcac.org/Francis K. Horton, III grew up in Mississippi and graduated from Mississippi State University with a B.S. in Computer Science. After graduating from Mississippi College School of Law in 1987, Francis served as Staff Attorney for the Department of Justice until 1994.In 1995 he was appointed by the International Mission Board to an overseas post where he did a variety of mission, community development and disaster response work.He and his family have lived and served in Pakistan, Thailand, India, Singapore and Turkey. Francis has directed responses to several major disasters and worked in community development projects in more than 16 countries.He stepped into his current position of Chief Executive Officer of Community Assistance Center in 2021 and moved to Sandy Springs.About Leadership Portraits:Leadership Portraits is a curated collection of extraordinary individuals who have mastered the delicate brushstrokes of influence, resilience, and vision. Each portrait is a testament to the unique leadership styles that have shaped industries, communities, and legacies. Explore the nuanced narratives behind each face, and let these captivating images inspire your own journey of leadership excellence. Join us in celebrating the diverse stories that define leadership in its myriad forms—captured, framed, and showcased for your inspiration.To learn more about the leaders featured here go to www.leadershipportraits.com. You can read articles about the guests and view video clips.If you know a leader who would make a great portrait, please use the nomination link to submit their nomination - you may nominate yourself.https://leadershipportraits.com/nominations/Connect with us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-portraitsConnect with Podcast Host Jennifer Wright:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwrightexecuwright/

In this episode of Leadership Portraits, host Jennifer Wright sits down with Brian Dedischew, a fractional strategic leader specializing in CIO and CTO roles, to discuss the emerging trend of fractional leadership in the business world.In an era of rapid business evolution, a new role in executive leadership is emerging: fractional leadership. This model, particularly prevalent in startups, is reshaping how companies access high-level expertise. To gain deeper insights into this trend, we conducted an in-depth interview with Brian Dedischew, a fractional strategic leader specializing in CIO and CTO roles."Surround yourself with what you want to be. So, if you want to make millions of dollars, you should be surrounding yourself with people who make millions of dollars. If you want to be the best leader possible in your space, make sure you're surrounding yourself with those same types of leaders." - Brian DedischewBrian Dedischew, a dynamic business strategy executive with over 20 years of experience, excels in leading large-scale security transformation programs and managing multimillion-dollar budgets to drive innovative solutions and strategic growth. His expertise in translating complex security challenges into global solutions, coupled with his passion for supporting small and medium-sized businesses, makes him a versatile leader in fostering innovation across various industries. When not spearheading organizational transformations or optimizing operational excellence.Discussion Topics:The rise of fractional leadership in various C-suite roles (CFO, CMO, CRO, CTO, CIO)Challenges and benefits of working with multiple companies as a fractional leaderStrategies for effective time management and networking in a fractional roleThe importance of surrounding yourself with people who align with your goalsCreating an environment that encourages creative problem-solving and innovationThe future of fractional leadership and its impact on traditional executive rolesResources MentionedChange Your Paradigm, Change Your Life – August 21, 2021, By Bob ProctorFind on AmazonSebastian Enges Video: We Always Do What We Value MostFind on YouTubeConnect with Brian Dedischew:To learn more about Brian, you can connect with him on LinkedInAbout Leadership Portraits:Leadership Portraits is a curated collection of extraordinary individuals who have mastered the delicate brushstrokes of influence, resilience, and vision. Each portrait is a testament to the unique leadership styles that have shaped industries, communities, and legacies. Explore the nuanced narratives behind each face, and let these captivating images inspire your own journey of leadership excellence. Join us in celebrating the diverse stories that define leadership in its myriad forms—captured, framed, and showcased for your inspiration.To learn more about the leaders featured here go to www.leadershipportraits.com. You can read articles about the guests and view video clips.If you know a leader who would make a great portrait, please use the nomination link to submit their nomination - you may nominate yourself.https://leadershipportraits.com/nominations/Connect with us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-portraitsConnect with Podcast Host Jennifer Wright:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwrightexecuwright/

Amanda Witmond never expected her teaching career to unfold the way it did. Fresh out of college and stepping into her first classroom as a second grade teacher, she had no idea that within a few short years she would be thrust into a leadership role during one of the most challenging periods in modern education. But as Amanda reflects on her five-year journey as an educator, it’s clear that the unexpected twists and turns helped shape her into a dynamic leader with valuable insights to share.There’s little doubt that whatever role Amanda takes on next, she’ll approach it with the same dedication, adaptability, and collaborative spirit that made her such an effective educator and leader. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the wealth of talent and transferable skills that teachers possess – and the tremendous value they can bring to any organization lucky enough to have them.To learn more about Amanda read her Leadership Portraits profile here: https://leadershipportraits.com/amandawitmond/Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-witmond-profile/Editor's Note: Since this episode was recorded, Amanda was offered and accepted a curriculum designer role at an Atlanta-based company. Join me in congratulating Amanda on this new, exciting venture. Leadership Portraits is a curated collection of extraordinary individuals who have mastered the delicate brushstrokes of influence, resilience, and vision. Each portrait is a testament to the unique leadership styles that have shaped industries, communities, and legacies. Explore the nuanced narratives behind each face, and let these captivating images inspire your own journey of leadership excellence. Join us in celebrating the diverse stories that define leadership in its myriad forms—captured, framed, and showcased for your inspiration.To learn more about the leaders featured here go to www.leadershipportraits.com. You can read articles about the guests and view video clips.If you know a leader who would make a great portrait, please use the nomination link to submit their nomination - you may nominate yourself. https://leadershipportraits.com/nominations/Connect with us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-portraits

Whether you’re an aspiring author, songwriter, speaker or simply someone looking to live a more creative life, the path to self-expression and fulfillment often lies in the stories we tell. In a recent episode of The Author’s Way podcast, host Jennifer Wright sat down with Brian Perry – a Singer-songwriter, authentic communication coach, copywriter, speaker and author – to discuss the transformative power of storytelling and how to embark on your own creative journey. We are re-posting that episode for the the Leadership Portraits podcast audience because there were so many insights that Brian shared that also applies to leadership.For Perry, creativity has been a lifelong pursuit and outlet, though he didn’t always feel he quite fit in. “I felt like I didn’t make sense in most places…I was too sensitive, I felt too deeply,” he recalls of his youth. It was music that first provided an entry point, allowing him to channel those intense emotions. To connect with Brian:His most recent book is The Myth Of Certainty…And Other Great News.You can connect with Brian at www.yesbrianperry.com and on FB, IG, & LI @yesbrianperryHis newest album, Yes, And at https://yesbrianperry.hearnow.com/ Leadership Portraits is a curated collection of extraordinary individuals who have mastered the delicate brushstrokes of influence, resilience, and vision. Each portrait is a testament to the unique leadership styles that have shaped industries, communities, and legacies. Explore the nuanced narratives behind each face, and let these captivating images inspire your own journey of leadership excellence. Join us in celebrating the diverse stories that define leadership in its myriad forms—captured, framed, and showcased for your inspiration.To learn more about the leaders featured here go to www.leadershipportraits.com. You can read articles about the guests and view video clips.If you know a leader who would make a great portrait, please use the nomination link to submit their nomination - you may nominate yourself. https://leadershipportraits.com/nominations/Connect with us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-portraits

Anna is a Naturopath (ND) specializing in BioEnergetic Assessment (BEA), Neurofeedback (NFB), and Energy Healing (IEM). Using her extensive training and experience and fueled by her passion to help others in their journey to wellness, Anna supports clients by providing the necessary tools, education, and coaching along the way. She believes that the key to attaining and sustaining maximum health is multi-faceted and should address the whole person in ways that are natural, safe, and effective. Anna helps her clients improve sleep, reduce brain fog, increase energy, minimize stress, and diminish aches and pains. To connect with Anna, visit her website @ https://www.annamarshallpowers.com/ Leadership Portraits is a curated collection of extraordinary individuals who have mastered the delicate brushstrokes of influence, resilience, and vision. Each portrait is a testament to the unique leadership styles that have shaped industries, communities, and legacies. Explore the nuanced narratives behind each face, and let these captivating images inspire your own journey of leadership excellence. Join us in celebrating the diverse stories that define leadership in its myriad forms—captured, framed, and showcased for your inspiration.To learn more about the leaders featured here go to www.leadershipportraits.com. You can read articles about the guests and view video clips.If you know a leader who would make a great portrait, please use the nomination link to submit their nomination - you may nominate yourself. https://leadershipportraits.com/nominations/Connect with us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-portraitshttps://www.facebook.com/leadershipportraits

In this episode, we spend time with Preston Poore, Author of Discipled Leader: Inspiration from a Fortune 500 Executive for Transformation Your Workplace by Pursuing Christ. We explore a number of topics from talking about the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, to standup comedy to using procrastination to how he wrote and uses his book. In one poignant moments he talks about how he has those who have shared how his book has affected their lives. He also shares about going through the traditional publishing process and what he learned along the way.Preston is available as a professional speaker for your events. To connect with Preston: https://prestonpoore.com/To Purchase Preston's Book: https://a.co/d/f5VYpRTLeadership Portraits is a curated collection of extraordinary individuals who have mastered the delicate brushstrokes of influence, resilience, and vision. Each portrait is a testament to the unique leadership styles that have shaped industries, communities, and legacies. Explore the nuanced narratives behind each face, and let these captivating images inspire your own journey of leadership excellence. Join us in celebrating the diverse stories that define leadership in its myriad forms—captured, framed, and showcased for your inspiration.To learn more about the leaders featured here go to www.leadershipportraits.com. You can read articles about the guests and view video clips.If you know a leader who would make a great portrait, please use the nomination link to submit their nomination - you may nominate yourself. https://leadershipportraits.com/nominations/Connect with us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-portraitshttps://www.facebook.com/leadershipportraits

I recently had the chance to sit down with Chris Yadon, Managing Director at Saprea, a nonprofit that exists to liberate individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts. Chris shared some insights into the valuable work that Saprea is doing to help address the trauma experienced by adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse. He also shared his thoughts on leading through societal change, leadership in a non-profit as compared to for profit companies and how we can all help to make lasting impacts on men and women who dealing with the effects of childhood sexual abuse. Join me in exploring these important topics with Chris.If you know a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who needs support, visitwww.Saprea.org for free resources to provide support.There are many ways that you can support Saprea as they provide healing for survivors of sexual abuse and protect the innocence of childhood. Visit their website at: www.Saprea.org to learn how you can donate or offer other support. The upcoming Saprea International Gala will be held in at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia on June 8th, 2024. If you're interested in joining for an evening of hope and inspiration or you would like to become a sponsor for the events visit: https://bit.ly/SAPREAGALA2024 Leadership Portraits is a curated collection of extraordinary individuals who have mastered the delicate brushstrokes of influence, resilience, and vision. Each portrait is a testament to the unique leadership styles that have shaped industries, communities, and legacies. Explore the nuanced narratives behind each face, and let these captivating images inspire your own journey of leadership excellence. Join us in celebrating the diverse stories that define leadership in its myriad forms—captured, framed, and showcased for your inspiration.If you haven't already joined and would like to explore other leaders in the gallery or leave comments about the portraits, please select the Join Us button above. There is no cost to register. If you know a leader who would make a great portrait, please use the nomination link to submit their nomination - you may nominate yourself. Nominate a Great LeaderConnect with podcast host Jennifer Wright:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwrightexecuwright/

In this edition of Leadership Portraits, we sat down with Jason Morris, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in Six Sigma, process improvement, and transformation leadership. Hosted by Jennifer Wright, the conversation delves into Jason's diverse career, his perspectives on leadership, and the challenges he's faced in leading teams through various transformations.  Jason Morris, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and transformation leader, has forged his career through various industries, including sales, account management, finance auditing, and extensive work in transformation roles. Notably, his tenure at General Electric as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt laid the foundation for his expertise in process improvement methodologies. Subsequently, Jason navigated roles at McKesson, Fiserv, Ultimate Software and UKG, contributing significantly to each organization's transformation initiatives. He is currently a Senior Management Consultant at CapTech Consulting.  Leadership Portraits is a curated collection of extraordinary individuals who have mastered the delicate brushstrokes of influence, resilience, and vision. Each portrait is a testament to the unique leadership styles that have shaped industries, communities, and legacies. Explore the nuanced narratives behind each face, and let these captivating images inspire your own journey of leadership excellence. Join us in celebrating the diverse stories that define leadership in its myriad forms—captured, framed, and showcased for your inspiration.If you haven't already joined and would like to explore other leaders in the gallery or leave comments about the portraits, please select the Join Us button above. There is no cost to register. If you know a leader who would make a great portrait, please use the nomination link to submit their nomination - you may nominate yourself. Nominate a Great LeaderConnect with podcast host Jennifer Wright:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwrightexecuwright/

In the realm of leadership and personal growth, few stories resonate as profoundly as that of Doree O’Neal. Her "Leadership Portraits" interview revealed not only her knowledge in the corporate world and entrepreneurship but also her views on leadership, mentorship, and the power of transformation. Doree's journey from a fresh college graduate to a seasoned leader and entrepreneur is a testament to the potential within each of us to navigate our paths with resilience, adand a heart for mentorship.To connect with Doree:https://www.linkedin.com/in/doreeo/https://www.therealdoreeo.com/To purchase Doree's book on Amazon: Seriously? How I Went from a Hot Mess to a Daring Badasshttps://a.co/d/aAo17j0Leadership Portraits is a curated collection of extraordinary individuals who have mastered the delicate brushstrokes of influence, resilience, and vision. Each portrait is a testament to the unique leadership styles that have shaped industries, communities, and legacies. Explore the nuanced narratives behind each face, and let these captivating images inspire your own journey of leadership excellence. Join us in celebrating the diverse stories that define leadership in its myriad forms—captured, framed, and showcased for your inspiration.If you haven't already joined and would like to explore other leaders in the gallery or leave comments about the portraits, please select the Join Us button above. There is no cost to register. If you know a leader who would make a great portrait, please use the nomination link to submit their nomination - you may nominate yourself. Nominate a Great LeaderConnect with podcast host Jennifer Wright:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwrightexecuwright/

Leadership comes in many forms, and one individual who embodies the essence of a dynamic and transformative leader is Tina Frausto. With a wealth of experience in leadership roles across diverse industries, including notable stints at companies like Equifax and Verizon, Tina stands out not just for her extensive professional background but also for her commitment to mentorship and her role as a transformational leader. Leadership Portraits is a curated collection of extraordinary individuals who have mastered the delicate brushstrokes of influence, resilience, and vision. Each portrait is a testament to the unique leadership styles that have shaped industries, communities, and legacies. Explore the nuanced narratives behind each face, and let these captivating images inspire your own journey of leadership excellence. Join us in celebrating the diverse stories that define leadership in its myriad forms—captured, framed, and showcased for your inspiration.If you haven't already joined and would like to explore other leaders in the gallery or leave comments about the portraits, please select the Join Us button above. There is no cost to register. If you know a leader who would make a great portrait, please use the nomination link to submit their nomination - you may nominate yourself. Nominate a Great Leader

Leadership Portraits is a captivating gallery that pays homage to the exceptional individuals who have not only led great teams but have also ignited inspiration and motivation in the hearts of their followers. This unique collection of portraits delves into the core qualities that define extraordinary leadership, capturing the essence of those who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields.This is a distinguished space where we illuminate the dynamic tapestry of leadership across various fields and industries. In this gallery of inspiration, we celebrate the visionaries, trailblazers, and influencers who have left an indelible mark on their organizations and communities through their exceptional leadership abilities. Each portrait is a testament to the artistry of leadership, capturing the essence of individuals who have navigated challenges, inspired change, and propelled their teams to new heights.To join the community visit: www.leadershipportraits.comTo nominate yourself or another great leader to become a Leadership Portraits guest visit: bit.ly/40N216N