Confessions of a Terrible Leader

Hosted by Layci Nelson

Business Management

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110

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Aug 2026

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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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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 10, 2024Episode 129 min

S2, Ep. 12: Hot Take: Tracking Personal Development on Company Time?

In this episode, you'll get to hear Layci unpack why she supports tracking personal development on company time. Wait; what?? You might be asking why on earth would you take the time to track personal development on company time? This may seem highly counterintuitive at first, but stay with us. First of all, we're not talking about unpacking the depths of your personal trauma in team meetings. Nor are we talking about spending half the meeting comparing notes on morning routines. But we are talking about... -Brief check-ins on things like sleep habits -What we're doing to cultivate mindfulness and joy -How we're managing stress All within just a few minutes of checking in with each other. Layci challenges leaders to consider their workers as whole humans whose personal development directly affects their quality of work. Listen in! LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/ https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/coaching Sign up for The Lift!! https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/theliftleadershipdevelopment 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.⁠⁠ "

June 5, 2024Episode 2028 min

S2, Ep. 20: Your Entire Career Doesn't Have To Be A Battle, feat. Liz Orr of The Rude Ass Enneagram

In this conversation, Liz Orr, the Gordon Ramsay of the Enneagram and Associate University Chaplain at Wake Forest University, shares her journey from university chaplain to Enneagram expert and author. She discusses the unexpected growth of her Enneagram Instagram page, her transition to university chaplaincy, and the intersection of the Enneagram with her work. Liz also reflects on her leadership journey, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned along the way. Links from this episode: https://chaplain.wfu.edu/chaplains-office/chaplains-staff/liz-orr/ https://www.instagram.com/rudeassenneagram/ https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ The Essential Enneagram, by Dr. David Daniels and Dr. Virginia Price https://drdaviddaniels.com/ https://www.bookmarksnc.org/book/9780593593899 https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722658/the-unfiltered-enneagram-by-elizabeth-orr/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:55 The Growth of the Enneagram Instagram Page 06:01 The Intersection of Enneagram and University Chaplaincy 10:05 Reflections on Personal Growth and Leadership Wisdom 14:58 The Impact of the Enneagram on Personal and Professional Development Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Mary Skop and Leif Olsen from the band The Number of Months.

July 23, 2024Episode 326 min

S3, Ep. 3: Confessions of a Micromanager: Learning to Let Go and Trust the Team, feat. Amanda Bedell, The Business Chaos Sorter

Amanda Bedell, the Business Chaos Sorter, shares her journey from running a bakery business to becoming a consultant helping business owners get their chaos sorted. She talks about the challenges she faced, including financial struggles and the need to sell her business. Amanda emphasizes the importance of looking at the numbers and making strategic decisions to improve profitability. She also discusses her focus on helping women in male-dominated industries, particularly in the trades and construction. Amanda's confession revolves around her experience of micromanaging and the lesson she learned about letting go of the process and trusting her team. LINKS IN THIS EPISODE: https://www.instagram.com/amandabedell https://bccbusinessconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabedell/ 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 3, 2024Episode 1818 min

Coming in Hot in 2024: Don't Miss the Fun!

Happy New Year from all of us here at Transcend Leadership Collective! We wish only the very best for you in 2024! Listen in on today's podcast as Layci shares a sneak peek of what's in store for Transcend Leadership Collective in 2024 and how you (yes, you!) can become a part of the leadership revolution. To learn more about the Compass Sessions, click here. To get on Layci's 1:1 coaching waitlist, click here . To learn more about how Transcend Leadership Collective can help you and your team scale greater heights in 2024, click here. 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 3, 2026Episode 326 min

Q&A: Leadership in 2026 is Getting a Major Upgrade

In the latest Q&A of "Confessions of a Terrible Leader," Producer Mary and Layci dive into a lively discussion about the significant shifts currently reshaping the world of leadership. The conversation immediately zeroes in on a critical concern: the noticeable and worrying decline in trust that organizations across the board are facing. This erosion of trust isn't just an HR problem; it poses a genuine threat to a company's ability to thrive and sustain itself. The rigid, antiquated "boss-and-tell" leadership styles are quickly becoming obsolete—they are actively detrimental to creating a modern, effective workplace. What do today's employees truly value? People aren't merely showing up for a paycheck or a title anymore; they are genuinely seeking meaningful connection and a sense of purpose in their professional lives. This profound shift in priorities mandates a serious transformation in leadership. The old model, built on hierarchy and power, is being replaced by a much more authentic, human-centered approach. The central message of the episode is an earnest call for leaders to embrace the current era. Layci explains that to truly succeed in 2026, leaders must move beyond strict, authoritarian management and adopt a model that champions collaboration and mutual understanding. This new approach requires leaders to cultivate an environment where vulnerability is safe, communication is transparent, and the unique contributions of every individual are valued far more than adherence to rigid rules. The future of exceptional leadership, as Mary and Layci thoughtfully explore, is deeply rooted in empathy, a shared vision, and a sincere appreciation for the remarkable people who drive the company forward. Keywords leadership trends, trust in organizations, human-centered leadership, 2026 leadership, employee engagement, command and control, AI in leadership, workplace wellness, sustainable performance, leadership challenges Takeaways Trust is at an all-time low in organizations. Control and command leadership styles are becoming obsolete. Leaders must adapt to a human-centered approach to foster connection. AI should complement human judgment, not replace it. Understanding systemic issues is crucial for addressing employee burnout. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Trends 2026 01:13 The Crisis of Trust in Leadership 06:01 Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI 10:50 Balancing Competing Demands in Leadership 17:41 Understanding Burnout as a Systemic Issue 23:42 Adapting Leadership Styles for a Changing World WATCH ON YOUTUBE! EPISODE LINKS: 🗞️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.

March 3, 2026Episode 531 min

From the 'Perfect Life' Facade to True Fulfillment: A Raw Conversation with Kevin Palmieri of

What happens when the life that looks perfect on the outside feels hollow on the inside? In this compelling episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader , Layci dives deep with Kevin Palmieri , a man who traded a life of surface-level success for one of genuine impact. Kevin shares his raw, personal journey of recognizing that a lack of self-belief was holding him back, even when he had everything 'on paper.' Tune in as they unpack critical lessons for any entrepreneur or leader, including: The Power of the 'Dream Chaser' Mindset: Beyond simply setting goals, Kevin breaks down the absolute commitment and relentless self-work required to not just chase your dreams, but to become the person who achieves them. The Uncomfortable Truth About Vulnerability in Leadership: Kevin shares candid stories of how past mistakes and a fear of exposure led to fractured relationships. Learn why psychological safety isn't just a buzzword, but the bedrock of a high-performing team, and how embracing vulnerability is the ultimate leadership strength. Navigating Partnerships Without Sacrificing Your Relationship: Business partnerships can be explosive. Layci and Kevin discuss the delicate balance of maintaining clarity, healthy communication, and personal boundaries, ensuring the business thrives without destroying the personal connection. Crisis-Proofing Your Leadership: Don't wait for a breakdown to start working on yourself. The conversation concludes with actionable advice on cultivating deep self-awareness and practicing vulnerability before the pressure cooker of a crisis forces you to. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to stop faking it and start forging a path of authentic, committed, and impactful leadership. Takeaways: Dream chasers aspire to more and commit to personal growth. Self-belief is crucial for taking audacious steps in life. Vulnerability in leadership can shift team dynamics. Building partnerships requires shared core values and beliefs. Recognizing comfort zones is essential for growth. Feedback is a vital part of personal and professional development. Practice vulnerability when life is stable, not just in crisis. Understanding your triggers can improve relationships. Psychological safety fosters transformation and closeness. The journey of self-improvement is never truly complete. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Confessions 01:36 Understanding Dream Chasers 04:44 The Journey of Self-Discovery 09:28 Building Strong Partnerships 13:16 Pushing Through Comfort Zones 19:18 The Balance of Vulnerability in Leadership 23:59 Practical Steps for Growth 27:51 Conclusion and Resources WATCH ON YOUTUBE! EPISODE LINKS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-palmieri/ https://www.nextleveluniverse.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.

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.