The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Change Agents

How You Can Step Into Your Confidence Era | feat. Sheena Yap Chan

Lisa Gardner chats Sheena Chan, an author, speaker, and host of the popular "Tell Self Confidence" podcast about you can create your own confidence. 
Sheena shares her personal journey of starting her podcast in 2015 to provide representation and support for Asian women struggling with confidence issues. Through over 800 interviews with successful women, Sheena has uncovered key patterns and themes that help women build lasting self-confidence, including the importance of self-love, authenticity, and taking action despite fear. Listeners will gain insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, the impact of representation in leadership roles, and practical daily practices to boost confidence. Sheena also discusses her upcoming book "Bridging the Confidence Gap" and how organizations can better support women in stepping into leadership positions. 
 
Also in this episode:  
Transparency, authenticity, and vulnerability are important in building confidence and creating unity among women. 
Confidence is not static - it's a journey that requires constant work and evolves with new challenges and experiences. 
Overcoming trauma, whether personal or intergenerational, is key to building lasting confidence. 
Daily practices like personal development, self-care, and gratitude can significantly boost confidence. 
Encouraging and empowering young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, is vital for their future confidence. 
Preparation, practice, and using fear as motivation are important strategies for delivering high-stake speeches and presentations. 
Sheena's upcoming book "Bridging the Confidence Gap" aims to guide women in building leadership skills and overcoming imposter syndrome. 
 
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About Sheena Yap Chan 
Sheena Yap Chan is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster renowned for her expertise in elevating leadership and self-confidence through media. She is the founder and host of the acclaimed podcast, The Tao of Self-Confidence, where she interviews women about their journeys to self-confidence. With over one million downloads, her podcast ranks among the top 0.5% most popular shows globally and features over 800 interviews, including conversations with celebrities and eight-figure CEOs. Sheena's influence extends beyond podcasting. Her debut book, The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within, published by Wiley, is a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller. It is also recognized as one of the top 20 best self-confidence books of all time by Book Authority, the world's leading site for book recommendations. Her work has been featured on prominent platforms such as MindValley, FOX, NBC News, and the Manila Times. Sheena is dedicated to closing the gender confidence gap through her training and programs, aiming to elevate women into leadership roles across all industries. She has delivered impactful speeches for organizations like Live Nation, NASA, and UKG, sharing her insights on self-confidence and leadership. 
 
About Lisa Gardner 
Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children. 
 
 
How You Can Step Into Your Confidence Era | feat. Sheena Yap Chan 
The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Business Executives & Coporate Trailblazers 

STOP Seeking Common Ground And Start Seeking Higher Ground | feat. Nina Vaca

Lisa Gardner chats with Nina Vaca, the CEO of Pinnacle Group to discuss her personal journey and the key principles that have guided her success, including the importance of a growth mindset, courage, and transparency.  
Nina draws powerful parallels between her experiences as a triathlete and the leadership lessons she has applied in building her company. She emphasizes the value of practicing virtues like resilience, humility, and risk-taking, and how she has instilled these qualities in her organization. Nina also speaks passionately about the significance of diversity and inclusion, explaining how Pinnacle has made this a core part of their culture. She provides concrete advice for companies looking to foster true inclusivity, highlighting the need for intentionality, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. 
 
Also in this episode:  
Courage is essential for leadership - Nina defines courage as the strength and ability to do the uncomfortable. She has cultivated courage through surrounding herself with a supportive network and drawing on her experiences as a triathlete. 
Practicing virtues builds resilience - Activities like triathlons allow Nina to practice virtues like resilience, humility, and risk-taking. She then applies these lessons to her business, helping her and her team navigate challenges. 
Responding vs. reacting is crucial - Nina emphasizes the importance of thoughtful responses over knee-jerk reactions. She has instilled this mindset in her organization and personal life, encouraging a pause to consider the best course of action. 
Seek "higher ground" in communication - Rather than searching for common ground, Nina advocates finding "higher ground" where you can seek to understand others without judgment, even if you don't agree with them. 
Diversity is a core value, not just a box to check - At Pinnacle, diversity is embedded into the culture from the top down. Nina ensures there is intentionality, accountability, and continuous improvement around building a diverse and inclusive workforce. 
Leaders must transform themselves first - As Pinnacle has grown, Nina has had to continuously evolve as a leader. She has invested heavily in her own professional development to ensure she can guide the company effectively. 
Developing people, not just companies - Nina's ultimate goal is to be remembered as someone who built people up, not just built successful businesses. She sees her role as creating the conditions for others to thrive. 
Transparency and vulnerability are strengths - Nina is willing to share her personal stories and struggles, believing that this openness can inspire and teach others. She sees transparency as essential for effective leadership. 
Leveraging a "growth mindset" - Throughout her career, Nina has maintained a growth mindset, constantly seeking to learn, adapt, and improve. This mindset has been a key driver of her success and that of her organization. 
 

Organizations Grow At The Speed Of Trust And R.A.I | feat. Jimmy Hart

Lisa Gardner chats with Jimmy Hart, Founder of Hart Global Industries, about a powerful framework called R.A.I. (Respect, Affirmation and Inclusion).  
Jimmy shares how his early experiences growing up during desegregation and mentorship from African American leaders shaped his passion for fostering respect, affirmation and inclusion in the communities he serves. He discusses how the R.A.I. framework can be implemented in schools to create a sense of belonging for all students, especially those who are historically marginalized. Jimmy describes a successful pilot program he ran to increase enrollment of underserved students in advanced placement courses, and the lasting impact it had on the district. 
Also in this episode:  
The RAI program focuses on the core principles of Respect, Affirmation, and Inclusion (RAI) to address unity in family, corporate, and educational structures. 
Implementing the RAI framework in schools involves starting with teachers, then involving students, parents, and the broader community to create a culture of belonging. 
A key strategy for school leaders is to spend at least half the day in classrooms observing teacher-student and student-student interactions to model and reinforce the principles of RAI. 
The RAI framework can be applied beyond education, in corporate and other organizational settings, as it addresses the universal human needs for respect, affirmation, and inclusion. 
The eight habits of the Ray framework (nurturing attitude, responsibility, dependability, friendship, brotherhood/sisterhood, high expectations, courage, hope) provide a practical way to live out the principles of respect, affirmation, and inclusion. 
Balancing personal beliefs and creating inclusive spaces for diverse communities is an ongoing challenge, which Jimmy Hart addresses by making the RAI principles a daily practice in his personal life. 
The RAI program has the potential to address systemic issues in education, such as the exclusion of underserved students from advanced placement courses, by focusing on equitable access and opportunities. 
 
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About Jimmy Hart 
Jimmy Hart, Ed.S., is an author, coach, speaker, and trainer dedicated to fostering Respect, Affirmation, and Inclusion (RAI) in education and leadership. Influenced by his parents' commitment to mentoring and his experience as a Division 1 football player, Jimmy has built a career centered on empowering individuals and teams to thrive. As a principal and district leader, he championed equity through initiatives like recruiting underserved students for advanced placement courses, creating district-wide STEM enrichment programs, and establishing Response to Intervention (RTI) positions to support diverse learners. Recognized multiple times as one of Southern Arizona's most influential African Americans, Jimmy’s work in mentorship, leadership development, and community service has left a transformative and lasting impact, ensuring equitable opportunities for students and leaders alike. 
 
About Lisa Gardner 
Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children. 

Are You Balancing Your Adaptability And Authenticity Correctly? | feat. Shonn Brown

Lisa Gardner chats with Shonn Evans Brown, Chief Compliance Officer Of Heidelberg Materials North America, about the benefits of balance between adaptability and authenticity in professional settings. 
Shonn emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships, fostering trust, and engaging in meaningful conversations to bridge differences. She also highlights the challenges of being "othered" in professional spaces and advocates for aligning personal values with organizational missions. Addressing hiring and leadership practices, she urges a focus on diversity and innovation. Brown’s insights into personal and professional growth, authenticity, and strategic advocacy offer valuable perspectives on achieving inclusivity and navigating leadership challenges. 
Also in this episode:  
Importance of Genuine Relationships: Shonn Evans Brown values authentic relationships and trust, gained through observing, listening, and being vulnerable, rather than just adapting to different environments. 
Building Bridges Across Differences: She emphasizes finding commonalities to foster respect and meaningful conversations, even amidst disagreements, and sees this as crucial for successful advocacy for inclusion. 
Experiences of Being "Othered": Brown highlights the significance of sharing experiences of exclusion with majority groups to build mutual understanding and trust. 
Alignment with Organizational Values: She ensures that her professional roles align with her personal values and advises understanding an organization’s culture before advocating for change. 
Broader Approach to Leadership: Brown advocates for inclusive hiring practices that look beyond familiar networks and focus on diverse recruitment and retention strategies. 
Conversational Approach to Inclusion: She recommends engaging leaders in discussions about team diversity and its role in fostering innovation and success. 
 
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About Shonn Brown 
 
Shonn Brown, a strategic business leader with over two decades of trial law experience, joined Kimberly-Clark in 2019 as Chief Global Litigation Counsel. She has since transitioned to the inaugural legal advisor for global ESG and Sustainability matters. In this role, she focuses on addressing social and environmental challenges while aligning with Kimberly-Clark's commitments. Recognized by D CEO and the Dallas Business Journal for her leadership, Shonn is a zealous advocate for gender and racial equity, serving as Immediate Past Board Chair for the Texas Women’s Foundation. She is also a distinguished alumna of SMU Dedman School of Law and enjoys running and spending time with her three children. 
 
 
About Lisa Gardner 
 
Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children. 
 
 
The Benefits Of Workplace Diversity Are Not About Making An Exception – They Are About Advancing The Ball And Being Competitive | feat. Shonn Brown 
The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Business Executives & Coporate Trailblazers 

People Won’t Follow You If They’re Scared: Transformative Leadership Through Change, Courage and Care | feat. Shellye Archambeau

Lisa Gardner chats with Shellye Archambeau, author of "Unapologetically Ambitious," who shares the key traits she looks for in leaders, including intellectual curiosity, trasformative leadership, a desire to learn, and the ability to genuinely care.  
Shellye discusses navigating change by creating trust and empowerment, allowing teams to innovate. She recounts risks she took, from leading an initiative at IBM despite lacking expertise, to leaving a successful IBM career to become a CEO. Shelly emphasizes diversity, recounting a powerful story of restructuring a meeting to give a women's council a voice. This conversation offers inspiration and wisdom for aspiring professionals looking to advance their careers and leadership. 
Also in this episode:  
Seek Intellectual Curiosity: Look for leaders who are intellectually curious and always eager to learn and grow.  
Demonstrate Genuine Care: Effective leaders show they genuinely care about their teams through their actions, not just words. 
Embrace Risk-Taking: Taking calculated risks is essential for career growth and organizational innovation. 
Develop Others: A leader's primary job is to create more leaders by empowering and supporting their team members. 
Leverage Diversity: Actively creating an environment that values diverse perspectives leads to better ideas and solutions. 
Ask for Help: Seeking mentorship and sponsorship from others is crucial for navigating challenges and advancing one's career. 
 
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About Shellye Archambeau 
Shellye Archambeau is an accomplished CEO and Board Director with over 30 years of experience in technology, leading organizations in both B2B and B2C sectors. As the former CEO of MetricStream, she transformed the company into a global leader in governance, risk, and compliance software. Shellye is a frequent expert on CNBC and CNN and the author of Unapologetically Ambitious, which inspires professionals from diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about mentoring and has created spaces to share insights with her growing community. She has held leadership roles at Blockbuster.com and co-authored Marketing That Works. 
 
About Lisa Gardner 
Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children. 
 
 
People Won’t Follow You If They’re Scared: Creating Change with Courage and Care | feat. Shellye Archambeau 
 
The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Business Executives & Coporate Trailblazers 

You’ll NEVER Regret Extending Grace: Transformative Leadership Advice From A Former Mayor Of Dallas | feat. Ambassador Ron Kirk

Lisa Gardner chats with former Dallas mayor and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk to discuss his unique perspective on defining great leadership and transformative leadership.  
Ambassador Kirk emphasizes the importance of respect, empowerment, and surrounding oneself with diverse, talented teams. Ambassador Ron Kirk also reflects on his own career journey, highlighting the mentors who opened doors and the importance of paying it forward. He also discusses critical leadership challenges facing policymakers, strategies for bridging public and private sectors, and the value of extending grace and creating an organizational culture that mirrors the world we want our children to inherit. 
Also in this episode:  
Great leaders treat people with respect and empower their teams, avoiding the "jerk" syndrome. 
The best leaders surround themselves with talented individuals, regardless of age or background, and empower them to succeed.  
Diversity and inclusion foster innovation - leaders should create an environment where different perspectives are welcomed. 
Extending grace, managing conflicts with care, and focusing on the positive contributors are hallmarks of effective leadership. 
Public service experience can be leveraged effectively in the private sector by understanding the impact of policies and bringing a governance mindset. 
Inspiring leaders often come from personal relationships and networks - mentorship and sponsorship are crucial for developing the next generation. 
 
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About Ron Kirk 
Ron Kirk is Senior Of Counsel at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, leading the International Trade Practice Group and participating in Sports Law, Public Policy, and Private Equity groups. Former U.S. Trade Representative and a member of President Obama’s Cabinet, he also served as Mayor of Dallas and Texas Secretary of State. Kirk is a corporate director for Texas Instruments and Macquarie Infrastructure Corp and holds various board and trustee roles, including with Austin College and the LBJ Presidential Library Foundation. He earned his law degree from the University of Texas and lives with his wife, Matrice Ellis-Kirk. 
 
About Lisa Gardner 
Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children. 
 
 
You’ll NEVER Regret Extending Grace: Transformative Leadership Advice From A Former Mayor Of Dallas |  feat. Ron Kirk 
The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Business Executives & Coporate Trailblazers 

Despise NOT Small Beginnings: Why Human-Centric Leadership Is The Key To Transformative Leadership | feat. Rosilyn Houston

Lisa Gardner chats with Rosilyn Houston, Santander US CHRO, Senior Executive Vice President, about human-centric leadership, preparedness, human connection, and embracing growth opportunities shaped her career.  
Rosilyn discusses leading through the challenges of COVID-19 and an organizational divestment, relying on her faith to guide her team with compassion. She also addresses gender disparity in corporate leadership, advocating for greater access and opportunities for women, particularly women of color. Through mentorship and advocacy, she has helped elevate women in their careers. Rosilyn's insights on leadership, change management, and the importance of heart-driven connections make this episode a must-listen for aspiring leaders. 
Also in this episode:  
Leadership Journey: Rosilyn's career began as a bank teller at 19, rising to a global HR executive through hard work, preparedness, and a passion for people. 
Consistent Leadership Style: Her leadership approach, rooted in personal connection and service to others, remained consistent from her early roles to senior executive positions. 
Human Connection in Leadership: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of showing humanity in the workplace, especially during challenging events like the George Floyd tragedy. 
Faith as a Guide: Rosilyn relied on her faith for strength during difficult times, particularly while leading her team through the sale of the bank amidst pandemic-related stress. 
Gender Disparity in Corporate Leadership: Rosilyn highlights the systemic challenges women, especially women of color, face in advancing to senior leadership positions despite equal or superior qualifications. 
Challenging the Status Quo: She advocates for hiring diversity and challenging non-diverse candidate pools, encouraging leaders to create equitable opportunities for women in senior roles. 
Access Over Training: Rosilyn argues that women don't lack qualifications but rather access to leadership opportunities. Companies should focus on sustainability and support once women reach leadership roles. 
 
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About Lisa Gardner 
 Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children. 
 
Despise NOT Small Beginnings: Why Human-Centric Leadership Is The Key To Transformative Leadership | feat. Rosilyn Houston 

Why People Who Have The Ability To Make Change Also Show Resistance To Change | feat. Leah Williams

Lisa Gardner chats with Leah Williams of digitalundivided to explore why many people show resistance to change, even though they have the ability to make it happen.  
Leah discusses her unconventional career path, emphasizing how curiosity, perseverance, and key relationships shaped her journey. She highlights systemic barriers for women of color in entrepreneurship and introduces the Capital Access Network (CAPEX network), a collaborative effort to bridge female investors with women-led businesses. Leah discusses her leadership style, influenced by figures like Phil Jackson, and the importance of timing and adaptability. Tune in to hear Leah and Lisa Gardner discuss resilience, purposeful leadership, and creating systemic change in both business and social impact. 
Also in this episode:  
Curiosity and Relationships: Leah emphasizes the role of curiosity and meaningful relationships in shaping her non-traditional career path. Her journey was influenced by connections with mentors and colleagues, highlighting how staying open to people and their perspectives can lead to unexpected opportunities. 
Mission-Driven Leadership: Williams' career has been driven by a larger purpose rather than a rigid plan. Her work with organizations like WestEd and Digitalundivided reflects her focus on mission-driven leadership, aiming to create positive change and adapt based on values and goals. 
Timing and Decision-Making: Both Leah and Lisa discuss the significance of timing in leadership and personal growth. Leah advocates for taking time to "marinate" on decisions, underscoring the importance of patience and thoughtful decision-making for achieving the greatest impact. 
Systemic Barriers in Entrepreneurship: Leah addresses the systemic barriers faced by women, especially women of color, in entrepreneurship and investment. She points out the low percentage of institutional investments received by women-led businesses and introduces the Capital Access Network (CAPEX) to bridge this gap. 
Collaboration Over Competition: Leah highlights the need for collaboration among female investors and women-led businesses to create systemic change. She argues that building a collective movement through intentional networks can lead to more scalable and impactful outcomes than isolated efforts. 
Humility and Adaptability in Leadership: Leah reflects on her evolving leadership style, marked by humility and curiosity. She notes the importance of admitting what she doesn’t know and being open to ideas from all levels, emphasizing that real leaders see obstacles as challenges to overcome rather than roadblocks. 
 
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About Leah Williams 
 
As an experienced C - Suite member, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary; I have established and reset legal departments serving highly regulated professional service organizations with revenues of $100 million - $500 million. Enjoyed experiences of restructuring contract management structure, system, and function during hyper growth from 1k to over 3k in one year. 
 
 
About Lisa Gardner 
 
Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children. 
 
 
Why People Who Have The Ability To Make Change Show Resistance To Change 
 
The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Business Executives & Coporate Trailblazers 

There's NEVER Anything Confrontational (Or Inappropriate) About Standing Up For What's Right | feat. Paul Genender

Lisa Gardner chats with  Paul R. Genender, a Chambers USA ranked trial attorney, on leadership, ethics, and integrity in his personal and professional life. 
Paul shares how his parents' values shaped his leadership style, emphasizing honesty, directness, and the importance of challenging conversations. He discusses balancing high expectations with unconditional love as a father and how this informs his leadership approach. Paul reflects on ethical dilemmas in his 30-year legal career, highlighting the need to prioritize integrity over winning. He also explores the significance of collaboration and the responsibility lawyers have to uphold ethical standards and serve the greater good. This conversation offers valuable insights into values-driven decision-making and ethical leadership in a competitive field. 
Also in this episode:  
Leadership Style and Personal Influence: Paul emphasizes that his leadership style is a work in progress and is deeply influenced by his parents.  
Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: True leadership involves fostering the success of others, even if it means they surpass their mentor. 
Collaborative and Ethical Leadership: Paul sees his role not as a boss but as part of a team. He also recalls advice from a mentor that one’s professional integrity and bar license should never be compromised, even if it means standing up to a client. 
Ethical Leadership and Integrity: It is essential it is to care genuinely about people and not just transactional outcomes. 
Handling Difficult Clients and Situations: Paul stresses the importance of not compromising principles for short-term gains and highlights the value of maintaining professionalism and patience in such situations. 
Responsibility and Courage in Leadership: The need to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.   
 
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About Paul Genender 
 
Paul R. Genender, a partner at Paul Hastings, leads the Complex Litigation and Arbitration practice and chairs the Texas Commercial Litigation practice. He represents a diverse range of clients in business disputes across multiple sectors and is known for his strategic litigation skills and high ethical standards. Recognized as a top commercial litigator by Chambers USA and other publications, Mr. Genender has also been honored with awards such as the President’s Award from Paul Quinn College and the James E. Coleman, Jr. “Her Champion Award” from the Dallas Women Lawyers Association. Active in various civic and educational organizations, he serves on the Board of Visitors at Duke University School of Law and has held significant roles in the Dallas Bar Association and other pro bono initiatives. 
 
 
About Lisa Gardner 
 
Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children. 
 
There's NEVER Anything Confrontational (Or Inappropriate) About Standing Up For What's Right | feat. Paul Genender 
The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Business Executives & Coporate Trailblazers 

Former Dreamworks Executive Helps You FINALLY Overcome Ageism In The Workplace | feat. John Tarnoff

Lisa Gardner chats with John Tarnoff, a former DreamWorks Executive and current  reinvention career coach about how to maintain integrity while building a strong network and ageism in the workplace. 
John recounts personal experiences and offers valuable advice on how to navigate the workforce, emphasizing the significance of knowing your unique value and leveraging it in your professional journey. John discusses the power of networking as a tool to combat ageism and the necessity of developing a clear career narrative. He talks about his clients, including a compelling tale of a corporate lawyer who transformed her career by aligning it with her personal growth values, and much more.  
 
Also in this episode:
  
Integrity in Networking: Compromising your principles can lead to long-term dissatisfaction and misaligned career paths.  
Value Your Unique Skills: Knowing your value is crucial for standing out in the job market and making meaningful career advancements. 
Combat Ageism with Networking: Building strong, genuine connections can help you find opportunities and support in your career journey. 
Develop a Clear Career Narrative: This helps potential employers or business partners understand your journey, skills, and future aspirations. 
Inspiration from Real Stories: Learn from real-life stories, like that of a corporate lawyer who successfully pivoted her career by aligning it with her personal values. These examples provide practical insights and inspiration. 
Embrace Midlife Reinvention: With the right mindset and strategies, it's possible to regain confidence, overcome challenges, and thrive in new career ventures. 
  
 
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About Jon Tarnoff 
John Tarnoff, born in 1952, is a career coach focused on helping baby boomers and late-career professionals transition to new careers or businesses, defying ageism and extending their working years. With a 40-year career in the Los Angeles entertainment industry, he pivoted to career counseling after his tech startup collapsed during the dot-com bust. Tarnoff earned a master's in spiritual psychology and served as Head of Show Development at DreamWorks Animation, contributing to its recognition on Forbes' and Fortune's "100 Best Places to Work" lists. He later joined Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College as a professor and Head of Industry Relations. In 2012, he launched the Boomer Reinvention® career coaching program and authored "Boomer Reinvention: How to Create Your Dream Career after 50." Tarnoff holds a B.A. from Amherst College and an M.A. in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica, and he resides in Los Angeles. 
 
About Lisa Gardner 
Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children.  
Former Dreamworks Executive Helps You FINALLY Overcome Ageism In The Workplace| feat. Jon Tarnoff
The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Business Executives & Coporate Trailblazers