The Bold Lounge

Hosted by Leigh Burgess

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Episodes

200

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Everyone has a bold story, and every story is important. This podcast presents bold stories that will inspire and enable you to free your own boldness. There is a continuum of boldness where each of these stories belongs. From true vulnerability and service to making the tough choices and taking the big leap, each episode will feature an extraordinary journey of hope and perseverance. So tune in and take your seat at The Bold Lounge, the place where bold stories are freed.

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60 recent

June 12, 2026Episode 20039 min

Scott Erdmann: Bold Moves in BBQ

Send us Fan MailAbout This EpisodeA million-dollar prize may grab attention, but Scott Erdman’s bigger vision is building a global home for competition barbecue. In this episode, Scott shares how he went from sports and entertainment partnerships to founding the Barbecue World Cup and Expo, why the BBQ market is bigger than most people realize, and what it takes to build something bold when there is no blueprint. We talk fundraising, partnerships, pitmaster storytelling, judging, community, and how newcomers can find their way into the world of competitive barbecue. About Scott ErdmannScott Erdmann is a sports and entertainment partnership strategist turned founder, building BBQ World Cup & Expo, an ambitious global platform designed to modernize and elevate the world of barbecue through competition, media, and community. Known for turning big ideas into real-world revenue and experiences, Scott focuses on building ecosystems that create long-term ownership, not just one-off events. He’s passionate about leadership, innovation, and creating momentum by betting on the unconventional and then executing like it’s already inevitable. Additional ResourcesWebsite: bbqunited.comInstagram: @bbqworldcup / @scotterdmannSupport the show--------Stay Connected www.leighburgess.comWatch the episodes on YouTube Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgessFollow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgessSign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

May 28, 2026Episode 19954 min

Eric Ries: Bold Systems that Keep Companies Incorruptible

Send us Fan MailAbout This EpisodeEric Ries, creator of the Lean Startup method and author of Incorruptible explores what bold leadership looks like when certainty is impossible, pressure is high, and telling the truth may come at a cost. We talk about learning velocity, the danger of vanity metrics, why governance shapes destiny, and how organizations can build systems rooted in integrity, creativity, and human flourishing. Tune in to hear Eric’s take on principled decision-making, smarter innovation, and what it takes to build institutions people can trust. About Eric RiesOver the last two decades, Eric Ries’s ideas about continuous innovation, long-term thinking, governance, and market reform have reshaped company building and management practices. He is the creator of the Lean Startup method, and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup; The Leader’s Guide; and The Startup Way. As a founder, he has put his own ideas into practice with The Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE); Answer.AI, an AI R&D lab; the Lean Startup Co, which teaches and supports the implementation of Lean Startup; Virgil, a legal services startup; and IMVU, where the ideas that became the Lean Startup method were forged. On his podcast, The Eric Ries Show, he talks to guests including world-class technologists, thought leaders, and executives working to build profitable companies for the long-term benefit of society. Eric has served as an entrepreneur-in-residence at Harvard Business School and IDEO. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children. Additional ResourcesWebsite: incorruptible.coLinkedIn: @EricRiesInstagram: @ericriesactualSupport the show--------Stay Connected www.leighburgess.comWatch the episodes on YouTube Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgessFollow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgessSign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

May 22, 2026Episode 19845 min

Caroline Stokes: Bold Conversations for Future-Ready Leaders

Send us Fan MailAbout This EpisodeIn this episode, global leadership strategist and author Caroline Stokes talks about what it takes to lead through AI acceleration, climate risk, and constant societal change. We explore psychological safety, neuroplasticity, AI experimentation, and why resistance is so costly for leaders and organizations. Caroline challenges outdated leadership models and offers a practical, future-focused view of how leaders can build strategic agility, listen more deeply, adapt faster, and create operating models where mission leads before hierarchy. Tune in for a bold conversation about what it really takes to lead, adapt, and stay human in a world that keeps changing. About Caroline StokesCaroline Stokes is a global leadership strategist, founder and author of AfterShock to 2030: A CEO’s Guide to Reinvention in the Age of AI, Climate, and Societal Collapse, a radical roadmap for leaders navigating our disruptive new reality. She is a member of the Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2026, and was shortlisted for the Thinkers50 Leadership Award in 2025. A Sony alum who contributed to the launch of PlayStation, and a PCC-level, EQ 2.0–certified coach, Caroline has evolved from executive headhunter to one of the few global authorities on psychological and strategic leadership reinvention. Additional ResourcesWebsite: theforward.co LinkedIn: @CarolineStokes Instagram: @OCarolineStokes Facebook: @TheForwardCoSupport the show--------Stay Connected www.leighburgess.comWatch the episodes on YouTube Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgessFollow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgessSign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

April 30, 2026Episode 19747 min

Tom Rath: The Bold Way to Rethink Purpose

Send us Fan MailAbout This EpisodeIn this episode, Leigh sits down with New York Times bestselling author and behavioral researcher Tom Rath to rethink purpose in a more grounded, actionable way. Tom explores why purpose is not one perfect calling or one perfect job, but a daily practice shaped by energy, alignment, contribution, and the small choices we make in the next 24 hours. Tom shares how his research, introversion, and experience living with a rare hereditary cancer condition have shaped his urgency, focus, and understanding of what it means to live boldly. This conversation offers a practical reset for anyone feeling misaligned, distracted, burned out, or ready to move from consuming to creating with greater intention. About Tom RathTom Rath is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose books include How Full Is Your Bucket?, StrengthsFinder 2.0, Eat Move Sleep, and Life’s Great Question. His work, which blends behavioral research with practical insight, has influenced how organizations and individuals think about performance, wellbeing, and purpose. Tom lives with a rare terminal illness and has written extensively about work, health, and contribution with unusual clarity and urgency. Additional ResourcesWebsite: tomrath.orgInstagram: @tomrath_author LinkedIn: @TomRathSupport the show--------Stay Connected www.leighburgess.comWatch the episodes on YouTube Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgessFollow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgessSign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

April 17, 2026Episode 19646 min

Amy Clark: Unseen Leadership- The Bold Instincts That Shape Your Impact

Send us Fan MailAbout This EpisodeExecutive advisor, coach, and C-suite leader Amy Clark explores the hidden instincts that shape leadership under pressure and often limit growth, culture, and impact. Drawing from Amy’s work on unseen leadership, she unpacks how the need for certainty, control, expertise, and perfection can quietly drive decisions, especially in high-stakes environments. The conversation also dives into culture, decision-making, growth, and Amy’s CARE model: curiosity, adaptability, resilience, and empathy, offering leaders a practical way to lead with greater awareness, humanity, and boldness. Tune in for a thoughtful and practical conversation that will help you lead with more awareness, courage, and impact. About Amy ClarkAmy J. Clark is an executive advisor, coach, and C-Suite executive who has spent more than two decades guiding senior executives and organizations through complex change. Amy helps leaders interrupt the instincts and patterns that limit their impact and activate the strategic capacity to lead inside uncertainty.As the author of the best-selling book Growth Point and co-author of Talent Impact, Amy’s work has influenced leaders across Fortune 500 companies, mission-driven organizations, and emerging enterprises. Today, she partners with executives and teams to redefine relevance, build credibility that lasts, and develop leaders for the business they are becoming, not the one they have been. Amy resides in Middletown, Delaware with her husband, Ken, alongside their forever puppy golden retriever, Max. Additional ResourcesLinkedIn: @AmyClark Support the show--------Stay Connected www.leighburgess.comWatch the episodes on YouTube Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgessFollow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgessSign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

April 3, 2026Episode 19533 min

Ashley Cheung: A Bold Approach to Purpose

Send us Fan MailAbout This EpisodeAs the founder of a virtual paralegal consultancy, Ashley Cheung shares her personal and professional journey as an entrepreneur and how that has shaped her bold approach to life and leadership. In this conversation, we explore her three-part definition of bold, the mindset shifts that helped her build a specialized business, and the inner work required to trust yourself, navigate uncertainty, and lead with greater purpose. Ashley also shares how creativity, illustrated storytelling, and everyday courage can help us grow in business and in life. About Ashley CheungAshley Cheung is the founder of a virtual paralegal consultancy whose journey from hard-working Asian American immigrant to entrepreneur has shaped a powerful second chapter rooted in purpose, creativity, and impact. In the past five years, she has expanded her work as an author, speaker, mentor, and advocate for others, with a passion for empowering the next generation of leaders to pursue their dreams. Inspired by travel, collaboration, and the opportunity to support women and young creatives, she is committed to building a future where talent thrives and possibility expands. Additional ResourcesWebsite: ashley-cheung.comInstagram: @ashley.cheung.16LinkedIn: @AshleyCheungSupport the show--------Stay Connected www.leighburgess.comWatch the episodes on YouTube Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgessFollow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgessSign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

March 27, 2026Episode 19429 min

Jasmine Moseley Beal: Building a Bold Career on Your Own Terms

Send us Fan MailAbout This EpisodeIn this episode, Jasmine Moseley Beal, an award-winning global learning and talent development leader and CEO of Virtue Key Consulting Group, talks about bold leadership in the real world: career pivots, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and building a career that aligns with your values. We also dive into talent strategy, leadership development, performance management, and the role of AI in HR, including governance, privacy, and using automation to free people for higher-value work. Tune in for practical insights, honest conversation, and the bold encouragement you may need to take your next step forward. About Jasmine Moseley BealJasmine Moseley Beal is an award-winning Global Learning & Talent Development leader and the Founder, President & CEO of Virtue Key Consulting Group, a boutique consultancy helping mid-size to large companies move from chaos into clarity through transformational efforts in performance management, talent management, and leadership development. With 15 years of experience building and scaling talent, performance, and leadership strategies across five continents, Jasmine is known for translating complex people challenges into practical, business-driving solutions.Her expertise spans leadership development, performance transformation, talent strategy, organizational culture, and the future of work making her a sought-after voice for covering workplace trends, employee experience, inclusive leadership, and how organizations can unlock human potential at scale. Based in Richmond, VA and operating globally, Jasmine brings a rare blend of corporate rigor and entrepreneurial insight to every conversation. Her perspective is shaped by real-world transformation experience, a passion for developing leaders who drive impact, and a commitment to equipping organizations for the future. Additional Resources:LinkedIn: @JasmineMBeal @VirtueKeyConsultingGroup Instagram: @jasmoseley @TheVirtueKeySupport the show--------Stay Connected www.leighburgess.comWatch the episodes on YouTube Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgessFollow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgessSign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

March 20, 2026Episode 19336 min

Glen Galaich: Bold Thinking on Big Giving & Philanthropy

Send us Fan MailAbout This EpisodeIn this episode, we unpack how private foundations shape giving, influence public priorities, and often operate with limited accountability despite major tax advantages. Joined by foundation CEO and the author of Control: Why Big Giving Falls Short, Glen Galaich explores the 5% payout rule, donor control, “fake rules” in philanthropy, and why so much charitable wealth can sit invested during times of crisis. He also discusses what stronger community engagement and more effective, accountable giving could look like, and how anyone can start by learning more and asking questions. Tune in to better understand how philanthropy really works, challenge common assumptions, and rethink what giving should really mean. About Glen GalaichGlen Galaich is the CEO of the Stupski Foundation where he oversees large-scale philanthropic investments. He holds a Ph.D. in political science and brings more than 25 years of experience working with major donors, policymakers, corporate leaders, and global philanthropic networks. Previously, he served as CEO of Forward Global, leading a landmark international merger, helped launch the Global Philanthropy Forum, and held national fundraising roles at Human Rights Watch. He is also the host of the podcast Break Fake Rules and the author of the newsletter Who Gives?! and the book, CONTROL: Why Big Giving Falls Short. Additional Resources Website: stupski.orgLinkedIn: @GlenGalaichSupport the show--------Stay Connected www.leighburgess.comWatch the episodes on YouTube Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgessFollow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgessSign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

March 6, 2026Episode 19247 min

Tom Hardin: The Bold Side of Redemption

Send us Fan MailAbout This EpisodeIn this honest and thought-provoking episode, Tom Hardin, known publicly as Tipper X, opens up about the choices, pressures, and personal struggles that led to his role in Wall Street’s biggest insider trading scandal. He shares how ambition, insecurity, and the quiet rationalizations that happen in high-pressure environments can slowly pull someone off course. Tom also reflects on the consequences that followed, from working with the FBI in their investigation to facing the impact on his family and reputation, and what it took to rebuild his life through truth, accountability, and service. This conversation offers powerful insight into ethics, leadership, culture, and the kind of boldness it takes to choose integrity when it matters most. About Tom HardinTom Hardin is a former hedge fund analyst who became one of the FBI’s most significant insider-trading cooperators during the government’s sweeping investigation into Wall Street corruption. Known publicly as “Tipper X,” he wore a wire for the FBI and helped expose widespread misconduct in the hedge fund industry. He is the author of "Wired on Wall Street," a firsthand account of ambition, ethical erosion, and the hidden pressures of the corporate world. Additional ResourcesWebsite: tipperx.comInstagram: @iamtipperx_ LinkedIn: @TomHardinSupport the show--------Stay Connected www.leighburgess.comWatch the episodes on YouTube Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgessFollow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgessSign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

February 26, 2026Episode 19145 min

Fiona Macaulay: The Bold Comeback- Turning Failure Into Strategy

Send us Fan Mail Content Warning: description of panic attack About This EpisodeIn this powerful conversation, award-winning social entrepreneur and women’s leadership expert Fiona Macaulay reframes failure as strategic data, not personal defeat. From leading a global network of 25,000 purpose-driven leaders to serving as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Georgetown University, Fiona shares practical tools to tame perfectionism, navigate the messy middle, and turn setbacks into momentum. We explore her five failure types, the neuroscience behind small steps and confidence rebuilding, and her 3G Framework (Ground, Gather, Go) to help leaders re-enter the arena with clarity and courage. Whether you are recalibrating, recovering, or simply ready for more, this episode will help you move forward with intention, strategy, and true boldness. About Fiona MacaulayFiona M. Macaulay is an award-winning social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author who helps Fortune 500 and social impact leaders transform failure into competitive advantage through resilience and strategic risk-taking.A women's leadership expert, she is founder and CEO of the Women for Impactful Leadership Development Network (WILD), connecting 25,000 leaders across 100 countries, and serves as Professor and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business.She has advised JP Morgan, McKinsey, and Microsoft. Recognized among the top 1 percent of U.S. women entrepreneurs, her work has been featured in The New York Times and O, The Oprah Magazine. Fiona lives in Washington, DC, with her husband and daughters. Additional Resources LinkedIn: @FionaMacaulay X: @F_Macaulay Instagram: @wildinnovators Support the show--------Stay Connected www.leighburgess.comWatch the episodes on YouTube Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgessFollow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgessSign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter