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Confessions of a Terrible Leader

Confessions of a Terrible Leader

Hosted by Layci Nelson

Episodes

112

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN

About the show

Welcome to Confessions of a Terrible Leader, where real leaders share the raw truth about the lessons they learned the hard way, so you don’t have to. Join our host, Layci Nelson, founder of Transcend Leadership Collective and former terrible leader. Every leader can become worthy of being followed if they are willing to put in “the work.” On this podcast, we share the messy stories and behind the scenes reality of what the work actually entails.

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60 recent
October 7, 2026Episode 432 min

Building a Smarter Sales Path with Warren Miles-Pickup, COO & CMO of Pixel True

How do you turn attention into trust, and trust into action, without wasting money on marketing that has nowhere to lead? Layci Nelson talks with Warren Miles-Pickup about building a clear, customer-centered path from first discovery to purchase. Drawing on 15 years in finance and experience in product sales, Warren explains how marketing and sales work together, why businesses should validate an offer before investing heavily in promotion, and how a “product staircase” can guide potential customers from do-it-yourself resources to higher-touch support. He also shares practical ways to use decision-making psychology and strategic design to make websites easier to navigate and act on. The conversation closes with Warren’s leadership confession: how avoiding accountability affected his team, and how setting clearer expectations helped improve results and team satisfaction. In this episode How marketing differs from sales Why a proven offer and a clear audience should come before scaling promotion The product staircase: guiding customers from DIY to done-with-you and done-for-you offers How missing follow-up and unclear next steps create breaks in the customer journey How single-option bias and anchoring can influence decisions What to look for in a marketing partner, and why transparency builds trust Website signals to monitor, including calls to action, engagement, and conversion Warren’s experience learning to hold himself and his team accountable Conversation chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 02:08 The difference between sales and marketing 04:07 Building a clear customer journey 05:59 Using heuristics and cognitive biases in marketing 08:07 The product staircase concept 10:00 Automating sales processes 11:57 Common mistakes in marketing and sales 13:58 Human psychology and decision shortcuts 16:02 The impact of heuristics like single option bias and anchoring 18:01 The importance of accountability in leadership 20:00 Website optimization and conversion metrics 21:57 Organic marketing and avoiding paid ad pitfalls 23:53 Designing a customer journey on your website 26:00 How to evaluate and vet marketing partners 28:01 The value of transparency and sharing knowledge 29:59 Closing thoughts and contact information About Warren Miles-Pickup Warren Miles-Pickup is the COO and CMO of Pixel True. After 15 years in finance and experience with more than $2 billion in product sales, he moved into creative enterprise. He focuses on using human psychology and strategic design to help businesses build clearer customer journeys and improve conversion. Connect with Warren Pixel True Warren Miles-Pickup on LinkedIn Listen and share If this conversation helped you rethink your customer journey or your approach to accountability, share the episode with a business owner or leader who would find it useful. Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and produced by Fixation Point Productions . Music is by The Number of Months .

September 8, 2026Episode 330 min

When Success Becomes Suffocation: feat. Elinor Moshe, co-founder of The Truth of You

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader , Layci Nelson sits down with Elinor Moshe, four time author and co-founder of The Truth of You , to explore the hidden wounds that shape how leaders show up. Elinor shares how outward success became suffocating, why performative leadership often grows out of survival, and what it means to move beyond conventional personal development into deeper inner work. Together, they unpack the cost of overidentifying with productivity, the difference between power and performance, and why leaders who avoid their own healing often end up hurting the people around them. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Unraveling 03:00 The Journey of Unraveling Success 05:51 The Role of Unconscious Wounds in Leadership 08:40 Exploring Unconventional Methods 11:33 The Limitations of Conventional Personal Development 14:18 Reclaiming the Feminine Energy in Leadership 17:08 Navigating the Path of Self-Discovery 19:15 The Impact of Leadership on Mental Health 20:14 Conclusion and Call to Action Key Takeaways Success is not the same as alignment. You can be effective, admired, and still feel disconnected from yourself. A lot of leadership is performance. Elinor challenges the version of leadership built on validation, utility, and being needed. Unhealed wounds do not stay private. They show up in how we manage pressure, treat people, and define our worth. Conventional growth tools are not always deep enough. Some patterns do not shift with surface level mindset work alone. Healing is not about fixing what is broken. It is about creating space for truth, compassion, and integration. Leadership has a human cost. If leaders do not deal with their inner world, the people around them often pay for it. About the Guest Elinor Moshe is a four time author and the co-founder of The Truth of You . Her work helps people uncover deeper truths beneath identity, achievement, and inherited conditioning. RESOURCES: https://www.elinormoshe.com/about https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinor-moshe/ 🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️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 Month s.

August 18, 202633 min

HHART-First Leadership for Manufacturing: Fixing Silent Failures, Turnover & Growth Ceilings

Layci recently had the privilege of being a guest of Kirk Davis, Executive Director of CAMPS, to explore a challenge manufacturers know all too well: why does growth stall when the "people side" of the business can't keep pace with technology? Layci traces her path from workforce development to founding Transcend — built on a simple but powerful premise: leadership training should deliver measurable, practical ROI, not just feel-good moments. At the heart of her approach is the HHART-First Leadership framework — a system grounded in honest communication, healthy conflict, and cultures built on acceptance, respect, and trust, backed by 48 concrete, teachable skills. The conversation gets into the real results clients experience: problems surfacing earlier, sharper quality standards, cleaner shift handoffs, and a dramatic reduction in "silent failures." Layci also tackles the turnover crisis head-on — calling out the supervisory behaviors and dehumanizing workplace dynamics that quietly drive good people out the door. She rounds out the discussion with a compelling example of how making promotion criteria transparent through a weighted skills matrix can eliminate perceived favoritism and rebuild trust on the shop floor. Keywords: Leadership, Manufacturing, HHART First, Communication, Organizational Culture, Performance Systems, Employee Engagement, Strategic Planning, Workforce Development Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:08 Layci's Journey into Workforce Development 04:28 Founding Transcend Leadership Collective 06:44 Heart First Leadership Philosophy 09:56 The Science and Skills of Heart First Leadership 11:41 Real-World Impact of Heart First Systems 14:45 Diagnosing Organizational Challenges 21:00 Performance Accelerator Framework 24:40 Client Success Stories and Outcomes 28:24 How to Connect with Layci Nelson Learn more about CAMPS: https://www.camps-us.com/ 🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️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 Month s.

July 13, 2026Episode 132 min

Principles of Soul-Centered Leadership, feat. James Oyola, Founder of The Helpful Leader

We’re thrilled to feature leadership expert and author James Oyola on the show today. James opens up about his unique path to becoming an author and introduces his powerful, transformative approach to soul-centered leadership. Whether you're looking to strengthen your team or find your own path, you'll discover practical strategies for building trust, managing difficult conversations, and leading with integrity—essential tools for any leader looking to make a lasting impact. Keywords: Leadership, Soul-Centered Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Management, Personal Development, Workplace Culture, Conflict Resolution, Leadership Books, Leadership Lessons Podcast, Leadership Podcast Interviews, Leadership Podcasts Key topics: Journey to writing a book Principles of soul-centered leadership Managing trauma and relationships Building trust and relational capital Handling difficult conversations and terminations Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Writing Journey 02:52 The Concept of the Helpful Leader 05:34 Understanding Trauma in Leadership 08:23 Building Trust and Relationships in Leadership 11:14 Balancing Accountability and Empathy 15:47 Effective Communication and Support in Leadership 16:54 Graceful Exits: Navigating Difficult Conversations 19:46 The Importance of Dignity in Termination 22:53 Curiosity and Compassion in Leadership 26:28 Understanding Employee Significance 29:20 Lessons from Leadership Mistakes 34:16 Balancing Authority and Approachability Resources: James Oyola on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-oyola-29471114/ The Helpful Leader Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehelpful_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.

May 12, 2026Episode 1019 min

Q&A: Surviving a Toxic Boss: Essential Strategies

In this engaging episode, Mary and Layci explore how employees can navigate difficult bosses, offering practical advice, personal stories, and mental models to maintain agency and well-being in challenging work environments. Keywords: leadership, workplace, difficult bosses, employee strategies, mental health, career growth Key topics: Control what you can control in the workplace Recognizing different types of difficult bosses Self-awareness and articulating your needs Strategies for protecting your mental health Creative exit planning and long-term health Takeaways: Only control yourself, focus on self-awareness. Identify specific issues with your boss to address effectively. Protect your mental health and avoid burnout. Have a clear vision and pathway for your career growth. Sometimes leaving is the best option for well-being. Soundbites: "Everyone has a terrible boss at some point" "Clear vision and pathway create hope" "Healthy bosses empower and engage employees" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges 02:56 Navigating Difficult Bosses 05:20 Identifying Common Leadership Issues 08:02 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned 10:37 When to Leave a Toxic Work Environment 13:09 Maintaining Agency in Adverse Situations 15:41 The Importance of Hope and Clarity 17:46 Closing Thoughts on Leadership and Growth 18:50 Confessions Outro RESOURCES: Transcend Leadership Collective - https://transcendleadershipcollective.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/layci-nelson/ Book a free call with Layci: https://calendly.com/layci_nelson 🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️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 Month s.

April 14, 2026Episode 817 min

Q&A: 2026 Leadership Trends, Part 2

In the second installment of this essential Q&A, Producer Mary and Layci delve deeper into the dynamic world of 2026 leadership. This session moves beyond surface-level trends, focusing instead on the critical inner work required for effective leadership. They explore the nuanced art of managing human energy in the workplace, the necessity of understanding systemic complexity, and why radical authenticity and robust self-regulation are no longer optional—but vital anchors for navigating today's uncertain and rapidly changing environment. Key Topics: Leadership shift from managing performance to managing human energy Impact of AI on leadership identity and decision-making Importance of self-awareness and self-regulation for leaders The role of authenticity and transparency in leadership Understanding complexity and culture in leadership Takeaways: Leadership is shifting from performance management to managing human energy. AI collaboration is disrupting traditional leadership identities. Self-awareness and self-regulation are crucial for navigating uncertainty. Authenticity and transparency build trust and improve team dynamics. Leaders need to develop a deeper understanding of complexity and culture. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Confessions 01:16 Recap of Previous Leadership Trends 01:53 Current Market Observations and Divergence from Trends 02:50 Leadership Shifts in 2026: From Performance to Human Energy 04:02 Impact of AI on Leadership Identity and Decision-Making 05:17 Developing Leadership in a Complex, Disconnected World 07:05 Advice for Leaders Under Pressure 08:09 Internal Strategies: Self-Regulation and Nervous System Awareness 11:27 External Strategies: Authenticity and Transparency 12:41 Practical Steps for Leaders: Small Changes for Big Impact 13:58 Future of Leadership Development: Blending Mainstream and Cutting Edge 14:54 Starting Points for Leadership Growth 15:47 Conclusion and Resources for Leaders WATCH ON YOUTUBE! EPISODE LINKS: Transcend Leadership Collective - https://transcendleadershipcollective.com/ Harvard Business Review - https://hbr.org/ Deloitte Insights - https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights.html 🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️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 Month s.

February 19, 2025Episode 530 min

From NASA Scientist to Holistic Healer: Mayim Vega's Transformative Journey

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.

January 10, 2024Episode 1913 min

19: Flipping the Script on Degree Requirements

It's time to flip the script on the discussion around viewing a college degree as the absolute end-all as a benchmark for intellect and competence. In this solo episode, Layci challenges leaders to examine their own personal biases and pause before making assumptions about what a team member can bring to the table, regardless of their level of education. As a leader, it's on us to cast a wide net in our ability to communicate clearly to our team, ensure that there is clarity and understanding across the board, and to check our assumptions at the door. To level up your own communication as a leader, visit us at https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/ Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and produced by Mary Skop. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band " ⁠⁠The Number of Months.⁠⁠ "

November 8, 2023Episode 119 min

11: That Time Self-Regulation Left The Building

In this solo episode, Layci shares a not-so-distant moment where she found herself "below the line." Join Layci as she shares what it means to be "at the line" or "below the line" and how having a healthy team who feels safe to communicate can bring an open leader back into self-regulation. To learn more about creating safe and open communication as a leader and access our FREE resources, visit www.transcendleadershipcollective.com. Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and produced by Mary Skop. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band " The Number of Months ."

February 20, 2024Episode 214 min

S2, Ep. 2: The 3 Levels of Leading Well

And we're back for Day 2 of our Leadership Mini Series! In today's episode, Layci discusses the 3 levels of leading well: Personal Leadership, Leading Teams, and Organizational Leadership. One common thread between all of these leadership components is radical self-awareness and self-regulation. Tune in to hear more, and don't forget to sign up for our free newsletter to be the first to know about our upcoming offering for emerging leaders! Sign up here to be first in line: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and produced by Mary Skop. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band " ⁠⁠⁠The Number of Months.⁠⁠⁠ "

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