The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Change Agents

When Vulnerability Becomes Your Most Powerful Career Tool | feat. D Magazine’s Power Couple - Marissa & Michael Horne

Lisa Gardner is joined by D Magazine’s power couple, Marissa and Michael Horne, to discuss leadership, love, and purpose. The conversation delves into their remarkable journey as a married couple, their professional achievements, and their approach to leadership across different sectors.  
Marissa, with a background in tech and financial services, and Michael, the President and CEO of Parkland Health Foundation, share intimate insights into their relationship, family dynamics, and how they support each other's individual and collective goals. They discuss their innovative approach to family management, including weekly family meetings and assigned roles, and explore the importance of inclusive leadership, generational shifts in the workplace, and maintaining authenticity in professional environments. 
Also in this episode:  
Supportive Partnership: Marissa and Michael emphasize the importance of being each other's biggest supporters, with Michael often dreaming bigger for Marissa and encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone. 
Intentional Family Management: They implement weekly family meetings and assign specific roles (like Director of Operations and Director of Health and Nutrition) to effectively manage family logistics and personal development. 
Inclusive Leadership: Both stress the importance of creating workplace environments where everyone, regardless of level, feels empowered to share their perspectives and contribute to decision-making. 
Generational Workplace Shifts: They discuss how younger generations are pushing organizations to be more transparent, collaborative, and purpose-driven, requiring leaders to adapt their management styles. 
Faith and Purpose: Michael and Marissa ground their work and personal life in their faith, believing they have a higher purpose to serve others and create positive change in their community. 
Continuous Learning and Growth: They approach both personal and professional challenges by breaking down complex tasks, staying flexible, and continuously learning from each other and their experiences.  
Balancing Individual Strengths: The couple leverages their different professional backgrounds and skills (Marissa in tech and Michael in social services) to support each other's individual goals while maintaining a strong, unified partnership. 
 
Subscribe to The Uncompromise Podcast 
Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
YouTube 
 
Connect With Lisa Gardner 
Instagram 
Linkedin 
TikTok 
 
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. 
 
 
When Vulnerability Becomes Your Most Powerful Career Tool | feat. DCO’s Power Couple - Marissa & Michael Home
The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Business Executives & Coporate Trailblazers 

Playing From The Rough | feat. Jimmie James

Lisa Gardner is joined by Jimmie James, former ExxonMobil executive and author of "Playing from the Rough." James shares his remarkable journey from poverty in East Texas to becoming a senior executive, using golf as a metaphor for life's challenges.  
He discusses his book's inspiration, which includes honoring his mother, preserving his family's story, and promoting understanding across different backgrounds. 
James explores how golf became a lens for examining race, class, and human connection, detailing his post-retirement project of playing the top 100 golf courses in the United States. He candidly shares professional lessons about leadership, integrity, and treating people with compassion, emphasizing the importance of bringing one's whole self to work. 
Also in this episode:  
Perseverance Matters Most: Success isn't about having special talents, but about never quitting and consistently working hard, even when facing significant challenges. 
Dream Bigger Than You Think Possible: James advises that people should dream as big as they can, and they'll still likely be dreaming too small. The only real limitation is one's own imagination. 
Golf as a Unifying Force: The sport can break down social barriers, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect and understand each other beyond stereotypes. 
Principles Over Preferences: Be firm on core principles like integrity, but remain flexible about preferences and specific methods of achieving goals. 
Bring Your Whole Self to Work: Employees are most productive when they can be authentic and don't have to expend energy "code-switching" or hiding parts of themselves. 
Faith as a Guiding Force: Faith means believing in something greater than yourself and understanding that you're equipped to overcome any challenge you face. 
Challenges Don't Define You: Your circumstances don't determine your potential. What matters is how you handle and respond to those challenges, turning rough patches into opportunities for growth. 
 
Subscribe to The Uncompromise Podcast 
Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
YouTube 
 
Connect With Lisa Gardner 
Instagram 
Linkedin 
TikTok 
 
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. 
 
 
Playing From The Rough | feat. Jimmie James 
The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Business Executives & Coporate Trailblazers 

A Son's Courageous Quest to Restore Dignity for Our Veterans | feat. Gino Johnson

Lisa Gardner is joined by Gino Johnson, CEO of Champions for Veterans, to discuss his inspiring mission to help veterans secure the benefits they deserve.  
After witnessing his father's 17-year struggle to receive proper VA compensation, Gino created an organization dedicated to educating and empowering veterans through their benefits process.  
Hear a deeply personal story of family, service, and commitment as Gino discusses the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life, the critical importance of understanding their unique skills, and how his organization is changing lives one veteran at a time. From navigating VA claims to addressing mental health challenges, this episode offers a compelling look at supporting those who have sacrificed for our country. 
Also in this episode:  
Personal Motivation: Gino was inspired to start Champions for Veterans after witnessing his father's 17-year struggle to receive proper VA benefits, missing out on over $600,000 in potential support. 
Veterans' Transition Challenges: Many veterans struggle to translate their military skills to corporate environments, facing communication and leadership style differences. 
VA Benefits Impact: Proper VA benefits can be life-changing, potentially providing medical coverage, financial support, and educational opportunities for veterans and their families. 
Servant Leadership: Gino emphasizes cultivating leadership by giving team members opportunities to grow, providing training, and offering constructive feedback. 
Holistic Support: The organization focuses on more than just financial benefits, addressing mental health challenges like PTSD and supporting veterans' overall well-being. 
Technology Solution: Champions for Veterans developed the VA Claim Builder app to help veterans more easily navigate the benefits application process. 
Mission-Driven Approach: The organization aims to help 100,000 veterans this year, with a long-term goal of simplifying and improving the veterans' benefits system. 
 
Subscribe to The Uncompromise Podcast 
Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
YouTube 
 
Connect With Lisa Gardner 
Instagram 
Linkedin 
TikTok 
 
Connect With Gino Johnson 
Email at gino@championsforveterans.com. 
If you're a Veteran or know a Veteran, download our comprehensive guide to determining your eligibility for VA Disability Benefits here (https://www.championsforveterans.com/comprehensiveguide) and join our new platform, VA  Claim Builder, to get started building your claim. https://vaclaimbuilder.com 
 
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 covrporate 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. 
 
A Son's Courageous Quest to Restore Dignity for Our Veterans | feat. Gino Johnson 
The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Business Executives & Coporate Trailblazers 

Real Successful And Wholistic CEOs Always Ask THIS Question First | feat. Business Growth Strategist Dana Earhart

Lisa Gardner is joined by business growth strategist Dana Earhart to explore the transformative power of wholistic leadership.  
Dana shares her personal journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur, revealing pivotal moments that reshaped her approach to work and life. They dive deep into the importance of creating a balanced life across five key pillars: health, relationships, finances, business, and leadership. 
Dana also provides invaluable insights on empowering teams, avoiding burnout, and leading with purpose. She challenges traditional notions of hustle culture, emphasizing the need for intentional leadership that supports both professional success and personal fulfillment. 
Also in this episode:  
Wholistic Leadership: Successful leaders focus on five key life pillars - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual health, relationships, and professional goals - creating a more balanced and fulfilling approach to work and life. 
Empowerment Over Micromanagement: Effective leadership involves trusting and mentoring team members, delegating decision-making, and avoiding being the bottleneck in organizational growth. 
Scaling Strategically: Business growth isn't about constantly reinventing the wheel, but about developing and refining systems that work, making minor improvements while maintaining a strong foundation. 
Time Management: Leaders should prioritize leading their calendar, not letting the calendar lead them. This includes blocking time, setting clear meeting outcomes, and protecting personal time for health and family. 
Personal Growth Through Feedback: Embracing constructive criticism and viewing challenges as opportunities for improvement is crucial for both personal and professional development. 
Avoiding Burnout: Working longer hours doesn't equal more productivity. Instead, focus on purposeful, intentional work and creating systems that support team efficiency. 
Life-Work Integration: Success isn't about separating personal and professional life, but about creating a harmonious approach where personal fulfillment drives professional performance, and vice versa. 
 
Subscribe to The Uncompromise Podcast 
Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
YouTube 
 
Connect With Lisa Gardner 
Instagram 
Linkedin 
TikTok 
 
Connect With Dana Earhart 
Website 
 
About Dana Earhart 
With over 25 years of experience, Dana Earhart has extensive experience in building, leading and developing teams (made up of 2 – 100 individuals) from the ground up. With a wealth of knowledge, she has successfully mentored hundreds in a variety of leadership positions. 
Dana has a proven track record of delivering results for her clients, having assisted them in doubling their revenue within 60 days, tripling it within 90 days, and adding multiple 6-figures to their bottom line, all while reducing the number of hours working “in” the business. Her extensive real-world experience, paired with ongoing training, enables her to provide a shortcut to high 6 and 7+ figure success. By working with her, you can strengthen your leadership, develop the right – rock solid team and create robust systems that increase your profits and free up your time. 
 
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 covrporate 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. 
 
 
Real Successful And Wholistic CEOs Always Ask THIS Question First | feat. Dana Earhart 
The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Business Executives & Coporate Trailblazers 
 
 
YOUTUBE CHAPTERS:   00:00 - Introduction: Meet Dana Earhart 
03:30 - The 9/11 Moment: A Turning Point in Leadership 
10:15 - Why We Stay in Unfulfilling Jobs 
17:45 - The Five Pillars of Holistic Leadership 
25:20 - Balancing Personal and Professional Life 
32:40 - Empowering Teams: Beyond Task Delegation 
38:05 - The Myth of Hustle Culture 
43:30 - Scaling Business: Systems Over Constant Change 
47:15 - Leading Your Calendar, Not Being Led By It 
49:45 - Closing Insights and Takeaways 
 

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. 
 
Subscribe to The Uncompromise Podcast 
Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
YouTube 
 
Connect With Lisa Gardner 
Instagram 
Linkedin 
TikTok 
 
Connect With Sheena Yap Chan 
Website 
 
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. 
 
Subscribe to The Uncompromise Podcast 
Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
YouTube 
 
Connect With Lisa Gardner 
Instagram 
Linkedin 
TikTok 
 
Connect With Jimmy Hart 
Website 
 
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. 
 
Subscribe to The Uncompromise Podcast 
Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
YouTube 
 
Connect With Lisa Gardner 
Instagram 
Linkedin 
TikTok 
 
Connect With Shonn Brown 
LinkedIn 
 
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. 
 
Subscribe to The Uncompromise Podcast 
Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
YouTube 
 
Connect With Lisa Gardner 
Instagram 
Linkedin 
TikTok 
 
Connect With Shellye Archambeau 
Website 
 
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. 
 
Subscribe to The Uncompromise Podcast 
Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
YouTube 
 
Connect With Lisa Gardner 
Instagram 
Linkedin 
TikTok 
 
Connect With Ron Kirk 
Website 
 
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