• Q&A: What Makes a World Class Team?
    Mar 4 2025

    Join Layci as she dives into the essential traits that define a world-class team. This episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader explores high-performance teams, healthy team dynamics, the importance of varied life experiences, and the role of innovation in achieving extraordinary results. Discover the concept of intrapreneurship and extreme ownership, and learn how intentional practice and leadership can cultivate a team that's truly killing it. Whether you're reconfiguring goals at the end of Q1 or aiming to improve your team’s output, Layci's insights and practical benchmarks offer valuable guidance for leaders aspiring to transcend the ordinary. Tune in and step into the confessional to hear real stories and gain actionable advice on building elite teams.

    00:00 Introduction to Confessions of a Terrible Leader
    00:26 Meet the Hosts: Layci Nelson and Mary Skop
    00:44 End of Q1 Reflections and Team Goals
    01:10 What Makes a World Class Team?
    02:54 Hallmarks of High-Performance Teams
    03:46 The Importance of Healthy Team Dynamics
    09:29 Innovation and Capacity in Teams
    13:06 Extreme Ownership and Intrapreneurship
    17:01 Engage with Us on YouTube
    18:18 Conclusion and Call to Action

    Curious to learn more about taking your team to the next level? Reach out to us! We'd love to hear from you!

    Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.


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    19 mins
  • From NASA Scientist to Holistic Healer: Mayim Vega's Transformative Journey
    Feb 19 2025

    In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci welcomes Mayim Vega, a former NASA computer scientist turned holistic life coach and entrepreneur. They discuss Mayim's diverse background, her transition from a career in science to holistic health, and her journey managing nine children. Mayim shares her experiences dealing with high stress, migraines, and the inadequacies of conventional medical solutions, which led her to explore holistic healing. She highlights the importance of understanding root causes rather than just treating symptoms and the value of movement, sun exposure, and nutrition. Mayim also opens up about how personal coaching transformed her life during a challenging period when she and her husband took in two additional children. This enlightening episode touches on the differences between therapy and coaching, the significance of mindset in leadership and parenting, and practical tips for holistic living.


    00:00 Introduction to Confessions of a Terrible Leader

    00:36 Meet Mayim Vega: A Diverse Career Journey

    01:47 Lessons from Early Jobs and NASA

    04:02 Transition to Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

    05:26 The Turning Point: Health Crisis and Holistic Healing

    06:52 From Hard Science to Holistic Health

    09:21 Challenges and Insights in Holistic Practice

    11:07 The Root Causes of Health Issues

    15:52 The Impact of Modern Lifestyles on Health

    16:42 Adapting to Modern Pressures

    16:59 The Benefits of Movement and Sunlight

    18:26 Healthy Eating Principles

    18:48 Personal Experience with Outdoor Activities

    19:43 Incorporating Movement into Daily Routines

    20:14 A Leadership Confession

    22:47 The Role of Coaching in Personal Growth

    24:20 Therapy vs. Coaching

    26:44 Valuing Diverse Perspectives

    28:36 Conclusion and Contact Information

    EPISODE LINKS:
    https://www.mayimvega.com/
    https://www.arukah.com/

    Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.



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    31 mins
  • The Power of the Pause: Leadership Lessons in Times of Crisis
    Feb 5 2025

    In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci and producer Mary reflect on the importance of vulnerability in leadership. Layci shares a poignant story about the time she continued onboarding a new team member right after her father's death in 2024, which led to significant challenges. They discuss the crucial lesson of knowing when to press pause, especially during personal crises, and the impact of prioritizing tasks effectively. Layci emphasizes giving oneself grace and the value of emotional intelligence in leadership. The episode wraps with a reminder to use the 'pause' button wisely and to embrace gratitude and perspective through life's ups and downs.


    00:00 Introduction to Confessions of a Terrible Leader

    00:24 Meet the Hosts: Layci and Mary

    01:09 A Vulnerable Confession: Layci's 2024 Regret

    05:30 The Importance of Pausing

    11:06 Reflections on Grief and Aging

    16:07 Closing Thoughts and Farewell


    Want to stay in the loop for all of the latest news and offerings from Transcend Leadership Collective? Subscribe to our newsletter here!


    Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

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    17 mins
  • Unmasking the Complexities of Leadership and Transformation, feat. Rachel Burr of Catamentum
    Jan 29 2025

    In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci engages in an enlightening conversation with executive coach and author Rachel Burr. They delve into Rachel's new book, 'Butterfly Goo, The Down and Dirty Truth of Transformation,' and discuss the raw complexities of leadership. Rachel shares valuable insights on what executive coaching entails, emphasizing the importance of mindset, navigating ambiguity, and being true to oneself as a leader. They also address common leadership challenges and the gap between leaders' intentions and team perceptions, illustrated by practical examples from Rachel’s coaching experience. Rachel reveals her motivation for writing 'Butterfly Goo' and the transformative process behind it, aiming to make personal transformation more actionable and relatable. Finally, Rachel confesses a pivotal learning moment in her leadership journey, highlighting the importance of understanding, listening, and connecting with team members to drive successful change. This episode is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and candid confessions that underscore the messy reality of effective leadership and transformation.


    00:00 Introduction to Confessions of a Terrible Leader

    00:35 Meet Rachel Burr: Executive Coach and Author

    01:28 Understanding Executive Coaching

    02:42 Navigating Leadership Challenges

    09:28 The Journey of Writing 'Butterfly Goo'

    14:49 Actionable Steps for Personal Transformation

    20:44 Rachel's Leadership Confession

    28:34 Conclusion and How to Connect with Rachel


    Episode Links:

    https://catamentum.com/


    Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

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    31 mins
  • HR Blind Spots and Leadership Lessons, feat. Yara Banks, President & Founder of BNX Business Advisors
    Jan 22 2025

    In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci talks with Yara Banks, a seasoned HR professional and author of 'Executive Blind Spots: How Misalignment with HR Can Impact Your Bottom Line.' Yara shares her career journey from studying criminal justice to becoming a key player in HR and operations. She discusses the common blind spots executives have regarding HR, the importance of involving HR in strategic planning, and the pitfalls of underutilizing HR professionals. The conversation also covers the critical role of middle management, the need for continuous leadership development, and practical tips for conducting effective HR investigations. Yara candidly shares a personal story about her entrepreneurial missteps, providing valuable lessons on the importance of planning and seeking help. Tune in to gain insights into improving leadership through better HR practices and strategic alignment.


    00:00 Introduction to Confessions of a Terrible Leader

    00:37 Meet Yara Banks: Author and Business Advisor

    02:50 Yara's Journey into HR

    04:10 A Life-Changing Experience

    07:54 Understanding HR Investigations

    12:44 The Importance of HR in Business

    17:32 The Role of HR as a Trusted Advisor

    19:07 Challenges Faced by Middle Management

    21:07 Importance of Continuous Leadership Development

    23:48 The Brown Door Secret and Succession Planning

    26:34 Leadership Confessional: Learning from Mistakes

    31:34 Final Thoughts and Resources


    EPISODE LINKS:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/yarabanksmba/

    https://bnxba.com/

    https://yarabanks.com/


    Pre-Order Yara’s upcoming book! The Executive Blind Spot: How Misalignment with HR Impacts Your Bottom Line”

    Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

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    34 mins
  • GIVEAWAY!! Launching Our YouTube Channel & Effective Annual Planning Strategies
    Jan 8 2025

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of 'Confessions of a Terrible Leader' on YouTube! Join host Layci Nelson and producer Mary Skop as they discuss effective annual planning strategies for leaders. This episode delves into the importance of mindset, strategic planning, and setting up your team for a successful year. Layci shares insights on gathering market intelligence, paying attention to business constraints, and the importance of refining processes. Perfect for leaders and team managers aiming to start the new year on a strong note.

    GIVEAWAY: Subscribe to our YouTube channel, then Like and leave a Comment on our premiere episode for a chance to win a pair of AirPod Pros! Winner will be contacted by Producer Mary and announced on Wednesday, January 15th.

    00:00 Introduction to Confessions of a Terrible Leader
    00:24 Meet the Hosts: Layci Nelson and Mary Skop
    01:32 Launching Our YouTube Channel
    02:51 Annual Planning Insights
    03:37 Mindset for Effective Leadership
    12:15 Evaluating and Refining Your Team
    13:31 Celebrating Wins and Reviewing Core Values
    19:41 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

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    21 mins
  • Special Announcement: YouTube launch AND a GIVEAWAY!
    Dec 25 2024

    Hello, listeners! Producer Mary Skop here, just to say thank you so much for listening to Confessions of a Terrible Leader. We so appreciate you giving us some of your very valuable time, and making us part of your podcast listening experience. We want to show our appreciation by hosting a little giveaway to celebrate our listeners AND to celebrate the launch of our brand new YouTube channel! That’s right; Confessions of a Terrible Leader is making its debut on YouTube on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025. What can I say, it was time to bring the podcast into the current century. To enter and win a brand new pair of AirPod Pros, give us a follow on YouTube on our launch day and leave us a comment on our inaugural episode. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, January 15th. Thanks again for listening, and we’re looking forward to another year of stepping into the confessional and bringing our whole selves to the table. Now go manage like a leader.


    Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.


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    1 min
  • Transforming Customer Experience: Lessons from Lynn Daniel, founder and CEO of The Daniel Group
    Dec 18 2024

    In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci chats with Lynn Daniel, the CEO and founder of The Daniel Group. Lynn, a veteran in transforming customer journeys since 1989, dives into the dramatic evolution from customer service to customer experience. Discover how real-time feedback, employee engagement, and senior leadership can revolutionize your business. Lynn also shares his entrepreneurial highs and lows, the game-changing decision to hire a COO, and the courage to innovate. Tune in for eye-opening insights, relatable leadership confessions, and practical advice on setting your business apart through exceptional customer experience.

    00:00 Welcome and Introduction
    01:21 Guest Introduction: Lynn Daniel
    03:05 Understanding Customer Experience
    04:37 Evolution of Customer Experience
    07:08 Importance of Customer Feedback
    14:04 Leadership and Company Culture
    20:50 Leadership Mistakes and Lessons
    24:48 Conclusion and Contact Information

    EPISODE LINKS:
    https://thedanielgroup.com/
    Lynn's email: lynndaniel@thedanielgroup.com
    Lynn's phone number: (704) 749-5018

    Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.


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    27 mins