Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

Hosted by Meredith Bell

Business Careers Entrepreneurship Management

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Instagram

Episodes

398

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

I’m fascinated by what it takes for leaders to live their values consistently, especially when it’s hard. On the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast, I have candid conversations with senior executives who are sustaining principled leadership inside complex organizations. We explore how leadership capability, organizational systems, and the everyday decisions reinforce values. Our discussions also explore what gets tested when pressure rises—and the personal guardrails leaders rely on to stay aligned. If you believe values should guide real decisions—not just appear on the wall—you'll feel right at home here.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 20, 2026Episode 39949 min

399: What CEOs Don’t Hear

The information that could protect your organization may never reach the people who need it most. Nicole Vaughan has seen firsthand how information can be filtered, reshaped, or stopped as it moves through an organization—leaving CEOs and boards unaware of risks developing beneath them. You’ll hear why trusting your leadership team isn’t always enough, how hierarchy and self-preservation can distort what reaches the top, and why external employee feedback may contain warning signs long before a problem becomes a crisis. Nicole also explains how her company’s AI-powered platform, Walk the Floors, surfaces signals from external employee feedback that leaders might otherwise miss—and gives them an opportunity to act before those signals become bigger problems. Nicole has spent two decades building high-performing teams, launching new ventures, and advising companies—experiences that have given her a firsthand view of what can happen when there’s a gap between what senior leaders believe is happening in an organization and what employees are actually experiencing. Today, Nicole is the founder and CEO of myCandr, where she’s bringing together her experience as a senior leader and entrepreneur with the power of AI to help CEOs and boards uncover organizational risks and blind spots they might otherwise miss. At the heart of Nicole’s work are three values that say a lot about how she approaches leadership: Curiosity. Candor. Courage. You’ll discover Why critical information often never reaches senior leaders How self-preservation can distort what leaders are told Why external employee feedback can reveal hidden risks How independent oversight helps you verify internal information How early warning signals give you time to act Connect with Nicole Vaughan on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nvwetherley/ Website MyCandr https://www.mycandr.io/ Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

October 13, 2026Episode 39850 min

398: Who Will You Be Under Pressure?

Who will you be when the pressure rises and your principles become harder to live? Greg Brown has spent more than four decades finding out—as a public-company CEO, technology executive, board member, mentor, and leader responsible for decisions affecting thousands of people. His experiences reveal why the moments you'd most like to avoid may be the ones that show you most clearly what you actually stand for. You'll hear how Greg navigated a dramatic reversal at Udemy that forced him to make painful decisions affecting hundreds of employees and their families. You'll also discover why he imagines his own children on the receiving end of difficult leadership decisions, what he looks for beyond the résumé when hiring A players, why recognition has a protected place on his calendar, and how courage has shaped some of the most consequential choices of his life. Through it all, Greg offers a compelling example of what happens when you refuse to let pressure decide who you'll become. Greg is CEO of Illumia, a platform built to empower education, healthcare, and corporate enterprises with secure, intelligent technology. Across more than 25 years in technology, Greg has led organizations through almost every kind of challenge a leader can face—hypergrowth, turnarounds, acquisitions, global expansion, and enormous change. Along the way, he’s helped build companies that have reached millions of people, including Udemy, a leading global platform for online learning and skills development, where he served as President and CEO. Through all those experiences, Greg has remained passionate about building high-performing teams and creating environments where people can grow and succeed. And Greg knows something about performing under pressure from another part of his life: Before becoming a CEO, he was a college quarterback at Cal Poly. You'll discover How your principles guide you under intense pressure Why difficult decisions still require deep humanity What reveals an A player beyond credentials How recognition makes your people feel valued Why courage requires you to embrace discomfort Connect with Greg Brown on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregsbrown/ Website Illumia https://illumiatech.com/ Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

October 6, 2026Episode 39753 min

397: They Can't Read Your Mind

They can't meet an expectation you've never made clear. Michael D. Morrison discovered that lesson the hard way after entering a business partnership without first defining the values, boundaries, and expectations that mattered most to him. What followed became a painful, years-long experience that affected employees, clients, and vendors—and fundamentally changed how he thinks about leadership. You'll hear why Michael believes so many workplace frustrations begin with assumptions rather than bad intentions, and how something as simple as a messy desk can expose a much bigger leadership problem. He also shares why asking for help is especially difficult for leaders, how clear boundaries create freedom rather than restriction, and why taking intentional action often means stopping long enough to fix what's actually broken. Michael is a business coach, speaker, author, entrepreneur, and host of the globally ranked Top 10% podcast Small Business Pivots. An entrepreneur for nearly three decades, Michael has spent more than half that time helping business owners find clarity, overcome obstacles, and build businesses that create greater freedom, purpose, and lasting success. Today, he works with entrepreneurs who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their next step, helping them break through limitations, unlock new possibilities, and build businesses that don't depend entirely on them. Whether he's coaching one-on-one, speaking from the stage, or interviewing successful entrepreneurs, Michael's mission is to be a voice of hope and encouragement, inspiring others to become more than they currently believe is possible. You'll discover Why your unspoken expectations create unnecessary frustration How clear boundaries prevent conflict before it starts What asking for help requires from you Why slowing down can help you move faster How intentional action gets you beyond the status quo Connect with Michael Morrison on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldmorrisonokc/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@michaeldmorrisonokc Websites Michael D. Morrison https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/ Small Business Blog https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/articles Podcast Small Business Pivots https://smallbusinesspivots.buzzsprout.com/share Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

September 29, 2026Episode 39647 min

396: Great Leaders Turn the Temperature Down

Great leaders know how to turn the temperature down when everyone else is turning it up. Roxanne Petraeus discovered that early as a U.S. Army officer, watching the leaders she most admired become calmer as situations grew more stressful. Today, as CEO of Ethena, she draws on those lessons to lead through uncertainty, develop other leaders, and create an environment where people can think clearly instead of reacting from fear. You'll hear how Roxanne responded when COVID derailed a critical fundraising effort, why she believes bad news should never be sugarcoated, and what being one of very few women in both the Army and venture capital taught her about confidence and authenticity. She also explains why your most important work as a leader may be the conversations that produce nothing tangible, how your behavior signals what you'll tolerate, and why learning something new in public—including AI—may be one of the most powerful ways to lead. Roxanne is the co-founder and CEO of Ethena, a compliance training company trusted by more than 2,000 organizations, including Pinterest, Zendesk, Notion, and Figma. A U.S. Army veteran, Roxanne served as an engineer officer in Afghanistan and later as a Civil Affairs officer supporting Special Operations. She went on to become a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford and worked at McKinsey before co-founding Ethena. Since launching Ethena in 2019, Roxanne has raised $50 million in venture capital while building a company focused on taking workplace compliance beyond simply checking the box. Throughout her career, she has maintained a deep interest in learning about and practicing effective leadership. You'll discover How your calmness changes others under pressure Why transparency builds trust during uncertainty What helps you lead without being the expert How your behavior signals what you'll tolerate Why learning publicly gives others courage Connect with Roxanne Petraeus on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-bras-petraeus-2292b8109/ Website Ethena https://www.goethena.com/ Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

September 22, 2026Episode 39550 min

395: What Have Your Values Cost You?

Your values become real when you're willing to pay a price for them. Shalini Rajoo believes the real test of leadership isn't what you say you value, but what you're willing to risk when those values collide with pressure, expectations, and organizational rewards. Drawing on more than two decades across law, ethics and compliance, organizational culture, and leadership, she reveals why the gap between what leaders say and what they do teaches people far more than any values statement ever could. You'll hear what happened when Shalini chose honesty over winning a coveted recognition for her organization—and wondered whether that decision might cost her role. You'll also discover why leaders underestimate the ripple effect of their behavior, how clarity about who you are strengthens courage, and why developing people requires something very different from managing resources. Ultimately, you're invited to consider a bigger question: What will remain because you led? Shalini’s career began in South Africa, where she served as a prosecutor and later held leadership roles in government. She went on to practice law in New York and hold a senior leadership position at a Fortune 500 company. Today, Shalini is the founder of Shalini Rajoo Advisory. She helps executives and leadership teams identify where leadership behavior, team dynamics, and organizational systems have fallen out of alignment—and build organizations that hold together under pressure. You'll discover Why your values matter most when they cost you How your behavior teaches others what leadership means What fear keeps you from being transparent Why managing resources isn't developing people What your leadership will leave behind Connect with Shalini Rajoo on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalinirajoo/ Website Shalini Rajoo https://www.shalinirajoo.com/ Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

September 15, 202648 min

394: Confidence Comes After You Act

What would you do if you didn’t wait for confidence first? John Mollura knows what it's like to appear highly successful while privately questioning whether you're good enough. During 15 years supporting NASA and elite U.S. military units, perfectionism became his protection against being exposed—and eventually taught him that waiting until you're completely ready can come with serious costs. You'll hear how to separate the data from the drama your mind creates, regain clarity when everything feels important, and stop allowing fear to dictate your next move. John shares practical frameworks for responding instead of reacting, recovering quickly from mistakes, and taking action before confidence arrives. Because confidence isn't what allows you to act. It's what you build when you act bravely despite the fear. John is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of the upcoming book Let It Fly: Stop Overthinking. Take Action. Live with Confidence . He helps capable leaders stop overthinking, cut through mental noise, and take the next right action before they feel fully ready. He has coached over 400 high-performing professionals and delivered keynotes across the U.S. and internationally. His message is simple: overwhelm is not a sign you are incapable. It’s usually a sign that too many things feel important at the same time. Clarity comes first. Confidence follows action. You'll Discover: Why perfectionism may be protecting you from judgment How overwhelm weakens your ability to make decisions What separates useful data from destructive drama How you can reset quickly after mistakes Why action and bravery build your confidence Connect with John Mollura on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mollura Website John Mollura https://johnmollura.com Free Navigators Masterclass https://johnmollura.com/freestuff Book Let It Fly: Stop Overthinking. Take Action. Live with Confidence https://johnmollura.com/let-it-fly-book Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

September 8, 2026Episode 39248 min

393: What 50 Cups of Coffee Can Build

What if one conversation could change your career—but fifty could change your life? Dr. Elizabeth Fried explains why building meaningful relationships isn't about collecting contacts; it's about investing in what she calls relationship capital . Whether you're changing careers, seeking greater visibility, or simply wanting stronger professional relationships, you'll discover a practical approach that replaces awkward networking with genuine curiosity and service. Elizabeth shares unforgettable stories from coaching Navy SEALs and other Special Operations personnel as they transition into civilian careers, along with examples of helping corporate leaders become more influential inside their organizations. You'll discover how to recognize your own hidden strengths, evaluate organizational culture before making a move, and create lasting relationships by focusing on others rather than yourself. You'll Discover Why relationship capital outlasts networking How fifty conversations build confidence What hidden strengths you may overlook Why culture matters before accepting opportunities How curiosity creates stronger relationships Connect with Dr. Fried Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfried/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.fried YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nefried Website Elizabeth Fried Https://executivecoachingfirms.com Book Strategic Networking: A Practical Playbook https://a.co/d/04poLVnk Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

September 1, 2026Episode 39252 min

392: What Are You Built to Do?

Have you ever been successful at work but felt like something was missing? You may have been doing work you were capable of—but not the work you were built to do. That disconnect affects not only your own fulfillment but also the people you lead. Leadership coach Greg Harrod explains why self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership and how understanding the unique ways people contribute can transform teams. Through his personal stories and practical examples, you'll discover why extending grace, valuing differences, and placing people where they naturally thrive leads to stronger relationships, greater productivity, and healthier organizations. Greg is a business coach who helps leaders identify where clarity is breaking down so they can stop carrying work their teams should own and build a team they're proud to lead. He brings more than 30 years of manufacturing experience to his coaching. Outside of coaching, Greg and his wife Kiersten raise a small flock of sheep in southeastern Kansas. You'll Discover Why self-awareness changes how you lead. How pressure causes leaders to reclaim work. What work naturally energizes you. Why understanding replaces judgment. How different strengths strengthen every team. Connect with Greg Harrod on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-harrod/ Website Leadership Clarity Scorecard https://gregharrod.com/leadershipclarityscorecard/ Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

August 25, 2026Episode 39149 min

391: The Hidden Cost of Misalignment

How much does misalignment really cost? Most people think about missed goals or lost revenue. Anthony "AJ" Vaughan challenges you to look deeper and consider the human cost when leaders fail to communicate, listen, and create environments where people feel safe speaking up. Through stories from his own successes and painful failures, AJ explains why alignment begins long before strategy meetings. You'll discover how honest communication, thoughtful onboarding, rewarding courage, and putting employees first can transform the way people work together. By the end of this episode, you'll likely find yourself looking differently at your own team—and asking where better communication could prevent tomorrow's biggest problems. AJ is a partnerships and growth leader, an HR tech strategist, and founder of The E1B2 Collective, built on the belief that when organizations put employees first, stronger business outcomes follow. He works across three areas—leadership behavior, employee experience, and business performance— to help companies close the gap between what they say matters and how their teams actually operate. AJ is also the host of The Business of Alignment podcast, where he has led more than 1,000 conversations with HR and business leaders around trust, clarity, alignment, and what it really takes to build healthy organizations. You'll discover Why misalignment hurts people before profits How one ignored conversation changed AJ's career What great onboarding really accomplishes Why rewarding courage changes culture How honest communication prevents costly mistakes Connect with Anthony (AJ) Vaughan on Social Media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-vaughan-8ba8a8172/ Website The E1B2 Collective https://thee1b2collective.com/ Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

August 18, 2026Episode 39053 min

390: Would YOU Want to Work for YOU?

What kind of experience do other people have when they work with you? It's a simple question—and one that can transform the way you lead. In this conversation, executive coach and bestselling author Brenda Bence shares lessons from coaching CEOs around the world, along with pivotal moments from her own leadership journey. Through unforgettable stories and practical examples, she explains why great leaders build people before they build businesses, why curiosity and listening matter more than having all the answers, and why the best leaders continually examine the impact they have on others. Whether you lead an organization, a team, or simply want to become a better colleague, Brenda offers wisdom that will challenge you to think differently about the kind of leader you're becoming. Brenda Bence is recognized by Thinkers50 as a Coaching Legend and is ranked by Global Gurus as one of the world's top three executive coaches. She is a Hall of Fame professional speaker and the award-winning author of 12 books, including her latest, Would YOU Want to Work for YOU™? Known as the "Billion Dollar Coach," Brenda has coached dozens of C-Suite executives from many of the world's largest and most recognized corporations. Her passion lies at the intersection of leadership and branding, helping leaders build both the organizations they lead and the individual leadership brands they leave behind. Through Brenda’s coaching, global keynote speeches, and award-winning books, she has inspired and developed hundreds of thousands of leaders around the world. You'll Discover Why growing people must be part of every business strategy. The mindset shift every leader must make to move from expert to leader. How understanding what motivates each employee dramatically improves engagement and retention. Why middle managers determine whether organizational change succeeds or fails. How listening and curiosity create stronger leaders than certainty and control. Connect with Brenda Bence LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendabence Website Brenda Bence https://www.BrendaBence.com Books Would YOU Want to Work for YOU? https://www.amazon.com/Would-YOU-Want-Work-Performance/dp/B0H5RDP3N1 Leading YOU https://www.amazon.com/Leading-YOU-self-leadership-executive-success/dp/1942718012 Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn