Humans of Authenticity is a conversational podcast series that delves into the vibrant tapestry of human expression and identity. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the stories of individuals who embrace and celebrate their authenticity in all its forms. In each episode, your host, Vy Le, engages in open conversations with diverse guests who have chosen to live life on their own terms. As we stop holding back on who we are, we are celebrated and liberated. Let's celebrate these humans of authenticity with us.
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May 20, 2025Episode 2343 min
23. Embracing pride with Tyler Eble
In this episode of Humans of Authenticity, CEO Special Edition, Tyler Eble shares his journey of personal and professional growth, discussing how pride plays a crucial role in his life. Tyler's journey, from being recognised as a natural leader in his childhood to his current focus on self-improvement through learning from successes and setbacks, highlights the significance of taking pride in our actions and efforts. Let's delve into the guiding golden rule that shapes Tyler's life and leadership philosophy.
May 13, 2025Episode 2251 min
22. Curiosity as a superpower with Joanna Pineda
What does it really mean to lead with curiosity? In this episode of Humans of Authenticity – CEO Special Edition, host Vy Le sits down with Joanna Pineda, CEO of Matrix Group, to explore how curiosity powers innovation, drives team culture, and keeps organizations evolving in a rapidly changing world. Joanna doesn’t just talk about curiosity, she lives it. Whether she’s reimagining virtual conferences, responding to RFPs with bold ideas, or transforming how her team collaborates, Joanna brings a mindset of “make it up, make it happen” to every leadership challenge. In one powerful example, she shares how her team asked her to step out of a meeting so they could openly discuss a high-risk project. Her response? Trusting them completely because leadership, at its core, is about knowing when to lean in and when to let go. Tune in now to learn how curiosity, when practiced with intention, can reshape how you lead, work, and live.
May 6, 2025Episode 2140 min
21. Meaningfulness with Joe Lindahl
In this episode of Humans of Authenticity, host Vy Le interviews Joe Lindahl, the Chief Executive Officer of Mission MSA. Joe discusses the rare disease multiple system atrophy (MSA), which affects an estimated 15,000 to 50,000 people in the U.S. He highlights the organization's mission to raise awareness, support research and advocate for patients. Joe shares his journey in the association sector, the challenges of raising awareness for a little-known disease, and the importance of patient-centric approaches in healthcare. He also touches upon the emotional and logistical struggles MSA patients face, the organization's global outreach efforts, and the impact of meaningful work on both a professional and personal level.
April 30, 2025Episode 2045 min
20. Generosity in Leadership with Christina Lewellen
In this episode of Humans of Authenticity, Vy Le hosts Christina Lewellen, CEO of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS). Christina shares her journey in association management, detailing insights from her career path in corporate America and the nonprofit sector, including her initial foray into journalism and later transition to executive leadership. The discussion covers Christina’s leadership style and her path to becoming a CEO. She describes how to embody generosity within the organizational culture. Christina also delves into how she maintains authenticity, balances her professional and personal life, and continually strives to understand and connect with her members and team in the most genuine way.
April 29, 2025Episode 200 min
20. Generosity in Leadership with Christina Lewellen [trailer]
In this trailer of Humans of Authenticity, Vy Le hosts Christina Lewellen, CEO of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS). Watch out for the full episode release soon.Christina shares her journey in association management, detailing insights from her career path in corporate America and the nonprofit sector, including her initial foray into journalism and later transition to executive leadership. The discussion covers Christina’s leadership style and her path to becoming a CEO. She describes how to embody generosity within the organizational culture. Christina also delves into how she maintains authenticity, balances her professional and personal life, and continually strives to understand and connect with her members and team in the most genuine way.
April 25, 2025Episode 1938 min
19. Kindness with Jim Fielding
In this episode of Humans of Authenticity, Vy Le interviews Jim Fielding, author of All Pride, No Ego and a leader known for his roles at major companies like Disney, The Gap, and DreamWorks. Jim shares his personal journey of coming out as a gay man, the challenges he faced, and his leadership philosophies based on authenticity and kindness. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe work environments and treating people with dignity and respect. Learn about Jim's perspective on leadership, his mantra of being a human being, not a human doing, and the significance of kindness in both personal and professional settings.
April 11, 2025Episode 1837 min
18. Credibility with Molly Georgakis
What does credibility in leadership really look like? And how do association executives build it, maintain it, and model it during moments of crisis and change? In this CEO Special Edition of Humans of Authenticity, host Vy Le interviews Molly Georgakis, Executive Director at the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO), to explore the three aspects of credibility, adaptability, and legacy in association management.With nearly 30 years in the nonprofit space, Molly opens up about the challenges of leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, taking over after a long-tenured predecessor, and the ongoing journey of building organizational and professional credibility. She breaks down how credibility operates on multiple levels, such as personal professional credibility, the organization's credibility, and the credibility of its members.Tune in now to learn how credibility is not a destination, but a leadership practice rooted in authenticity, continuous learning and growth.
March 11, 2025Episode 1742 min
17. Accountability with Claude Molinari
A CEO's story of owning mistakes and turning things around. What happens when a leader makes a mistake? True leadership isn't about avoiding failure. It's about owning up, taking action and rebuilding trust. Retelling these stories takes incredible strength and introspection. In this compelling episode of Humans of Authenticity, Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit, shares how he turned some challenging situations into leadership lessons. When Claude pushed for a bold rebranding decision, renaming the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau to Visit Detroit, he didn’t anticipate the backlash from key stakeholders. Hotel owners and county leaders resisted, with some even threatening to pull funding. Faced with a potential crisis, Claude owned his mistake, acknowledged that he hadn’t involved them in the decision-making process, and worked tirelessly to rebuild trust. The result? A stronger coalition, a more unified vision, and a leadership lesson in humility and collaboration.3 key leadership lessons from Claude MolinariAlways raise your hand. Step up, take the initiative and embrace new challenges. Admitting mistakes = accountability. Great leaders don't shift blame. They take responsibility and make things right.Take care of your team. A strong, supported team is the foundation of a successful organization. Tune in now and learn how accountability can build trust, credibility and sustainable growth.
March 7, 2025Episode 1650 min
16. Co-creation with Shane Feldman | Lead with courage and break through societal limitations
What does it take to lead with courage, empower communities, and break through societal limitations? In this episode of Humans of Authenticity, Vy Le sits down with Shane Feldman, CEO of Innivee Strategies, to explore the power of co-creation, his impact-driven work and stepping outside of your comfort zone.Shane opens up about his journey as a Deaf leader, breaking through perceptions that tried to pinhole him into serving only one community. He shares how his defining moment of self-acceptance allowed him to challenge the status quo, advocate for broader representation, and create transformative impact through co-creation.One defining moment: stepping out of the pinholeFor years, Shane confined himself to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, often defined by both his own perceptions and others’ expectations. He was seen solely as a leader within that space. However, a pivotal moment came when he realized that he could redefine his own narrative. By stepping outside of that box, Shane became an advocate for inclusion and representation and empowered others to lead with courage."It's time to think about being uncomfortable and stepping out of that zone. And if you're in a situation where you feel unsure and doubtful about what to do, use your courage, use your bravery. And take that risk on and say, what can really happen, right?" - Shane Feldman3 leadership lessons from Shane Feldman:Co-creation builds sustainable change – True leadership happens when organizations design solutions with their communities, not for them.Impact isn't just measured by the final result but by how inclusive and collaborative the journey is. The best outcomes happen when those affected by the work are part of shaping it. Courage drives growth – Stepping outside your comfort zone is where authentic connections and new opportunities are found.This episode is brought to you by McKinley Advisors.McKinley Advisors helps mission-driven organizations deliver positive change for our planet and its people. McKinley works in partnership with association executives and volunteer leaders to identify and address their most significant challenges and opportunities.McKinley's team of expert advisors provides research-based guidance to strengthen organizational performance across strategy, governance, and operations—empowering associations to accelerate their impact and achieve lasting success.To learn more about how McKinley can support your organization, visit mckinley-advisors.com.
February 25, 2025Episode 1535 min
15. Rejection with Carmen Elliott | How do you turn rejection into resilience?
In this inspiring episode of Humans of Authenticity, Vy Le sits down with Carmen Elliott, Executive Director of the Physical Therapy Fund and VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the American Physical Therapy Association, to explore how setbacks and career rejection have shaped her leadership journey.Carmen shares a deeply personal story about her first CEO interview, an opportunity she was highly qualified for but didn’t receive. The rejection stung even more when she later discovered that the organization valued her expertise but not herself. Instead of letting that moment define her, Carmen reframed rejection as a lesson in resilience, self-worth, and strategy.As a woman of color in leadership, Carmen also highlights the unique barriers faced by leaders from underrepresented backgrounds and how she has navigated them with confidence and intention. She introduces her G.R.O.W. framework, a structured approach to processing rejection, learning from it, and turning setbacks into stepping stones for future opportunities.3 key leadership lessons from Carmen Elliott1️⃣ Rejection isn’t the end. It’s a lesson. Every “no” is an opportunity to refine your approach and come back stronger.2️⃣ Detach from the need for approval. True leadership comes from within, not from external validation.3️⃣ Find strength in what motivates you. Lean on the lessons and find ways to improve your approach for future opportunities.
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