Success Leaves Clues
Success Leaves Clues is a podcast spotlighting the stories, strategies, and transformations created by today’s top career, leadership, executive, and other coaches.Each episode dives into the real-world journeys behind coaching businesses, how they started, scaled, and succeeded, along with lessons learned, client success stories, and practical takeaways for aspiring or established coaches.Whether you’re helping professionals pivot careers, grow as leaders, or step into entrepreneurship, this show offers an inside look at what it takes to build a purpose-driven, profitable coaching practice.
How to Make Coaching Valuable to the People Who Need It with David Scott
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is David Scott, founding partner and consultant at Rambutan, a UK-based consultancy specializing in coaching, leadership development, and organizational culture. David shares his journey from a senior corporate operations role into building a coaching business, driven by a desire for greater freedom, control of his time, and more meaningful work. In this conversation, David reveals the early mistakes he made as a coach, including assuming that being good at coaching automatically meant people would find and hire him, and explains how he eventually developed a structured business with a...
When Self-Awareness Becomes the Key to Business Growth with Nikki Brent Finnemore
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Nikki Brent Finnemore, founder of Kintsugi and a former C-level executive who has held CMO, COO, and Chief People Officer roles before transitioning from consulting into executive coaching. Nikki shares how she discovered that even the best systems and strategies cannot create sustainable growth if leaders and teams are unable to change, develop, and evolve. We explore the difference between consulting and coaching, navigating high-stakes organizational change, developing self-awareness in leaders, and helping executives recognize the interpersonal dynamics that may be holding their businesses back. Nikki also explains...
Justin CalderonBuilding a $30K/Month Agency in the Age of AI with Justin Calderon
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Justin Calderon, founder of Mint Position, a content marketing agency helping fintech and B2B technology companies build online visibility through journalistic SEO and AI search optimization. Justin shares his journey from nearly two decades in journalism, with experience writing for major publications and interviewing C-suite executives and political leaders around the world, to building his own agency during the uncertainty of 2020. In this conversation, we explore how businesses can adapt to the rapidly changing search landscape, why AI visibility and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) are becoming increasingly...
Why Your Past Success Could Be Holding You Back with Melissa Sierra
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Melissa Sierra, a certified executive and business coach who spent more than two decades in marketing and media before making the leap from the C-suite into entrepreneurship. In this conversation, Melissa shares her journey of redefining success, overcoming fear, and discovering what she was truly meant to do. She explains why the behaviors that created your past success can eventually become the behaviors that limit what comes next, and how founders and high achievers can break through their self-imposed ceilings. Melissa also shares her Opportunity Flywheel framework, lessons...
How to Scale Without Doing Everything Yourself with Jonathan Maxim
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Nancy Chu, founder of Nancy Chu & Co., a coaching practice for senior product leaders. After nearly 20 years in engineering and product management, including leadership roles at Meta and Roku, Nancy made the decision to bet on herself following a surprising layoff and transition into full-time coaching. In this conversation, Nancy shares the lessons she learned from redefining her identity beyond corporate prestige, narrowing her ideal client profile, and building a coaching business focused on helping senior product leaders land high-paying roles. She explains why consistently showing up and...
The Career Identity Crisis Nobody Talks About with Nancy Chu
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Nancy Chu, founder of Nancy Chu & Co., a coaching practice for senior product leaders. After nearly 20 years in engineering and product management, including leadership roles at Meta and Roku, Nancy made the decision to bet on herself following a surprising layoff and transition into full-time coaching. In this conversation, Nancy shares the lessons she learned from redefining her identity beyond corporate prestige, narrowing her ideal client profile, and building a coaching business focused on helping senior product leaders land high-paying roles. She explains why consistently showing up and...
The Courage to Reinvent Your Career and Your Life with Debra Boulanger
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Debra Boulanger, entrepreneur, executive coach, author, and founder of Life After Corporate, where she helps high-achieving professionals transition from successful corporate careers into thriving, purpose-driven businesses. Debra shares her entrepreneurial journey, the lessons she learned from leaving the corporate world, and why so many talented professionals struggle to make the leap despite having the skills to succeed. We explore the mindset shifts required to overcome burnout, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and fear while building a sustainable business rooted in purpose and impact. Debra also discusses leadership, business strategy, personal...
How Curiosity Creates Better Leaders and Better Businesses with Jill Hutchison
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Jill Hutchison, leadership coach, executive advisor, and organizational development expert who helps leaders build stronger teams through curiosity, intentional communication, and a coaching-first approach. Jill shares practical insights on developing authentic leadership, empowering others through meaningful conversations, and creating workplace cultures where trust, accountability, and continuous learning thrive. We also discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, self-awareness, and coaching as essential leadership skills that enable individuals and organizations to navigate change while achieving sustainable success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, coach, manager, or aspiring leader, this conversation...
Peter Quayle on Building a Business Without Burning Out
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, host Pedro welcomes Peter Quayle, owner and lead facilitator of TAB St. Paul, certified business coach, and executive advisor with over 30 years of leadership experience.
Peter shares how his journey from advertising and executive leadership led him to coaching business owners through strategic planning, peer advisory boards, and leadership development. He explains the power of asking the right questions instead of giving answers, why clarity is the foundation of business growth, and how intentional leadership helps entrepreneurs avoid burnout while building successful companies.
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How Experts Can Win More Clients Without Hard Selling with Bryan Mcdonald
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Bryan McDonald, partner at On Purpose Growth, where he helps entrepreneurs, consultants, and fractional executives build sales systems that create predictable revenue growth through trust, positioning, and authentic relationships rather than scripts and hard closes. With more than two decades of business development experience, Bryan shares the story of leaving corporate sales, “burning the ships,” and building a business focused on helping technical experts and service professionals who are exceptional at their craft but uncomfortable with selling. We explore differentiation, client-centered sales conversations, pricing and self-worth, building confidence thro...
How Great Leaders Grow Themselves Before They Grow Others with Jane Onoka
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Jane Onoka, leadership coach, executive advisor, and professional development expert who is passionate about helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through authentic leadership and intentional growth. Jane shares valuable insights on building confidence, strengthening leadership capabilities, developing emotional intelligence, and creating meaningful impact through effective communication and purposeful decision-making. We also explore the importance of resilience, continuous learning, coaching, and cultivating a leadership mindset that empowers both individuals and teams to thrive in today's evolving workplace. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, coach, manager, or emerging leader...
The Journey From Expert to Influential Leader with Dr. Marc Reynolds
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast our guest is Dr. Marc Reynolds, a professional leader and expert who shares valuable insights on career development, leadership, personal growth, and creating meaningful impact through your work. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Reynolds explores the lessons that come from building a successful career, developing expertise, navigating professional challenges, and turning experience into opportunities for growth and influence. We also discuss the importance of self-awareness, intentional leadership, continuous learning, resilience, and staying focused on the bigger picture when pursuing long-term success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, coach, professional, or aspiring leader...
Simone Fortier on Scaling a Business Without Burning Out
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, host Pedro welcomes Simone Fortier, a business and mindset coach with over 30 years of experience helping entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and business owners unlock peak performance through neuroscience, brain health, and leadership. Simone shares her journey from entrepreneur to coach, explains how ADHD can impact business growth, and reveals practical strategies for overcoming self-sabotage, building high-performing teams, and scaling without burnout. She also discusses the power of AI, why relationships outperform hard selling, and the importance of creating systems that build businesses capable of long-term success.
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Vasanthan Ramakrishnan on Building an Immigration Business Through Trust
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, host Pedro welcomes Vasanthan Ramakrishnan, founder and Principal Consultant of Ascend HSI Advisory Partners. After successfully navigating his own EB1A immigration journey when traditional legal paths fell short, Vasanthan built a fast-growing consultancy dedicated to helping highly skilled professionals achieve their U.S. immigration goals.
In this insightful conversation, Vasanthan shares how he transformed personal adversity into a thriving business, the lessons he learned while scaling to a global team, why empathy and trust matter more than speed, and how technology can enhance—not replace—the huma...
Why Reinvention Is the Secret to Sustainable Success with Andrea Morgan
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast our guest is Andrea Morgan, a leadership and career development expert who shares valuable insights on navigating professional growth, embracing change, and creating a career and life aligned with your strengths, values, and purpose. In this inspiring conversation, we explore the challenges and opportunities that come with career transitions, the importance of self-awareness and intentional decision-making, and how leaders and professionals can reinvent themselves while continuing to grow and make a meaningful impact. Andrea also shares practical lessons on leadership, personal development, resilience, confidence, and finding clarity when you're ready for...
The Leadership Lessons That Transform Teams and Careers with Jen Halpern
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast our guest is Jen Halpern, a leadership and professional development expert who shares valuable insights on building meaningful relationships, strengthening leadership skills, and creating lasting personal and professional growth. In this engaging conversation, we explore the importance of authentic connection, self-awareness, communication, trust, and emotional intelligence in helping leaders and professionals navigate challenges and reach their full potential. Jen also shares perspectives on developing confidence, fostering collaboration, and creating environments where people can thrive while achieving meaningful results. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, coach, manager, or professional looking to grow, this...
How Tim Madden Built a Career Coaching Company That Changes Executive Lives
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, host Pedro welcomes Tim Madden, Founder and CEO of Executive Career Upgrades, to discuss what it really takes to land executive-level roles in today's competitive job market. Tim shares how his own struggles transitioning from the military inspired him to build one of the fastest-growing executive career coaching firms in the U.S.
The conversation explores personal branding, LinkedIn optimization, executive recruiting, salary negotiation, AI's growing role in career coaching, leadership, scaling a coaching business, and building systems that allow companies to grow beyond the founder. Tim...
Jessica Smith on Building Wealth with Purpose and Confidence
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, host Pedro welcomes Jessica Smith, Co-Founder and Principal Financial Advisor at Vitality Wealth, for an insightful conversation about financial planning, entrepreneurship, and building a life of confidence through smart financial decisions.
Jessica shares her journey from becoming a CPA to discovering her passion as a Certified Financial Planner, and why she and her husband took the leap to launch Vitality Wealth. Together, they discuss serving high-income professionals, creating personalized financial plans, balancing wealth with well-being, and helping clients make confident decisions about retirement, investing, taxes, and lifestyle...
Beyond the Job Title: The Human Side of Leadership with Rebecca Williams
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Rebecca Williams, leadership coach, career strategist, and professional development expert who helps individuals and leaders unlock their potential, navigate career growth, and create meaningful success in their professional lives. In this insightful conversation, Rebecca shares valuable perspectives on authentic leadership, personal growth, career development, effective communication, and the importance of aligning your work with your strengths, values, and purpose. We explore how leaders can build confidence, develop stronger relationships, overcome professional challenges, and create an environment where people can thrive and perform at their best. Whether you're an...
Amber Duncan on Scaling Businesses Through Operational Clarity
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, host Pedro welcomes Amber Duncan, entrepreneur, business operations coach, and founder of Life After Debt. After losing everything during the 2008 financial crisis, Amber rebuilt her life, created one of America's largest debt settlement operations, and now helps entrepreneurs increase profits through better systems, leadership, and operational clarity.
Amber shares why most businesses don't have a revenue problem—they have an operations problem. She explains her hands-on three-month consulting process, how she identifies leadership bottlenecks, builds high-performing teams, and uses numbers to drive smarter decisions. The conversation also ex...
How Gabe McManus Helps Professionals Write Books That Win Clients
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, host Pedro welcomes Gabe McManus, a former theater director turned message coach who helps financial advisors, coaches, founders, and business leaders transform their expertise into books that attract ideal clients and establish lasting authority.
Gabe shares how storytelling builds trust, why most professionals underestimate the power of their own experiences, and how anyone—even someone who doesn't consider themselves a writer—can publish a compelling book without spending years behind a keyboard. He also reveals his "Greatest Hits" framework for podcast interviews, explains why authenticity beats memorized scri...
How to Become the Person Your Goals Require with Anthony Trucks
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Anthony Trucks—former NFL player, American Ninja Warrior competitor, keynote speaker, and creator of the Dark Work Framework. Anthony shares how an unexpected transition from professional sports led him to build a coaching business focused on the one thing most entrepreneurs overlook: identity. He explains why success isn't determined by what you know but by who you become, how identity shapes business growth, and why high performers often hit invisible ceilings despite having the right skills. Anthony also discusses the lessons he carried from the NFL into entrepreneurship, th...
The Business of Building Leaders Without Burnout with Jen Ziegner
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Jen Ziegner, co-founder of Mountains and Marathons, who shares how a passion for leadership, adventure, and human transformation evolved into a global coaching business. Jen reveals why so many successful executives, entrepreneurs, and impact-driven leaders experience burnout despite achieving everything they once wanted, and how true leadership begins with aligning who you are before focusing on what you accomplish. She discusses the creation of the six-month Aligned Leadership Program, combining deep coaching with life-changing expeditions to destinations like Patagonia, Machu Picchu, Kilimanjaro, and Bhutan. Jen also shares valuable...
How Jill Phillips Helps CEOs Build Businesses from the Inside Out
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, host Pedro welcomes Jill Phillips, founder of Strategic Soul Solutions and Jill Phillips Coaching. Jill shares how a personal breakdown led her to discover her true calling as a coach and why authentic leadership starts with personal growth.
Together, they explore the difference between treating symptoms versus addressing root causes, why business growth is directly connected to personal development, overcoming burnout, building sustainable success, and creating lasting transformation from the inside out. Jill also discusses her Leadershift Framework, the importance of mindset, leadership, and strategy, and the...
Atta Emami on Executive Coaching That Actually Transforms Leaders
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, host Pedro welcomes Atta Emami, an executive coach, leadership development expert, and organizational transformation specialist who has spent years helping executives, founders, and senior leadership teams unlock better performance by transforming how they lead.
Atta shares the pivotal breakfast conversation that changed the course of his career, how he overcame imposter syndrome, and why executive coaching is about far more than strategy—it's about helping leaders develop the mindset and self-awareness needed to execute effectively.
Together, Pedro and Atta dive into executive coaching, organizational change, le...
Why Relationships Are the Foundation of Business Success with Joe Novara
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Joe Novara, executive coach, leadership consultant, speaker, and business advisor who helps leaders strengthen relationships, develop high-performing teams, and create organizations built on trust, accountability, and long-term success. Drawing from his extensive experience working with executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners, Joe shares practical insights on authentic leadership, effective communication, strategic decision-making, and cultivating a culture where people are empowered to perform at their best. We also discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, coaching, continuous learning, and relationship-building as essential drivers of sustainable business growth and leadership excellence...
How Great Leaders Create Cultures Where People Thrive with Kristi Baxter
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Kristi Baxter, executive coach, leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and organizational development expert who is passionate about helping leaders cultivate high-performing teams and purpose-driven workplace cultures. Drawing from her experience coaching executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations, Kristi shares practical insights on authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and developing leaders who inspire trust, accountability, and meaningful results. We also explore the importance of coaching, resilience, employee engagement, continuous learning, and creating environments where individuals and teams can reach their full potential while driving sustainable business success. Whether you're an entrepreneur...
The Human Connection Behind Exceptional Leadership with Laura Simms
n this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Laura Sims, founder of Your Career Homecoming, who shares her remarkable journey from pursuing a career as a professional actor in Hollywood to helping high achievers find work that aligns with their purpose, strengths, and values. Laura reveals how questioning her own definition of success led her to create the Homecoming Career Framework, guiding professionals who appear successful on paper but feel deeply unfulfilled. She discusses overcoming identity shifts, niching her coaching business, attracting ideal clients through education-first marketing, building a high-ticket...
How Intentional Leadership Creates Extraordinary Teams with Paul Casey
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Paul Casey, executive coach, leadership trainer, keynote speaker, author, and founder of Growing Forward Services, where he helps leaders become more intentional, effective, and influential through practical coaching and leadership development. Drawing on decades of experience working with executives, managers, entrepreneurs, and organizations, Paul shares valuable insights on developing coaching skills, building high-performing teams, improving communication, fostering accountability, and creating workplace cultures where people can thrive. We also discuss the importance of intentional leadership, emotional intelligence, productive feedback, time management, and continuous personal growth, along with practical strategies...
Building Better Leaders, Stronger Teams, and Bigger Results with Jens Nielsen
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Jens Nielsen, executive coach, business strategist, leadership advisor, and entrepreneur who helps leaders and organizations unlock sustainable growth through intentional leadership and high-performing teams. Drawing from his extensive experience working with executives, founders, and business leaders, Jens shares practical insights on building resilient organizations, developing effective leadership habits, improving communication, and creating cultures where people and businesses thrive together. We also explore the importance of strategic thinking, accountability, coaching, continuous learning, and leading with clarity in today's fast-changing business environment. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, coach, manager, or...
The Leadership Mindset That Creates Sustainable Success with Kirstin Purcell
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Kirstin Purcell, executive coach, leadership consultant, facilitator, and organizational development expert who helps leaders and organizations navigate change, strengthen leadership capability, and create high-performing workplace cultures. Drawing from her extensive experience coaching executives, business owners, and leadership teams, Kirstin shares practical insights on authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, resilience, effective communication, and empowering people to reach their full potential. We also explore how leaders can build trust, lead through uncertainty, foster collaboration, and create meaningful, lasting impact while driving business success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, manager, coach, or...
How to Optimize Your Mind, Body, and Business with Angela Shurina
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Angela Shurina, high-performance coach, biohacking expert, entrepreneur, and leadership strategist who helps founders, executives, and professionals optimize their energy, resilience, and decision-making to achieve sustainable success. Drawing from her expertise in human performance, neuroscience, wellness, and business leadership, Angela shares practical insights on maximizing productivity, preventing burnout, developing resilient leadership, and building habits that support long-term personal and professional growth. We also explore the connection between physical well-being and leadership effectiveness, the importance of mindset, emotional intelligence, and intentional living, and how small daily improvements can create extraordinary...
Jossie Haines on Engineering Leadership, Burnout & Executive Success
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, host Pedro welcomes Jossie Haines, an executive coach, former VP of Engineering at Tile, and former engineering leader at Apple, to discuss what it truly takes to grow into senior leadership without burning out.
Jossie shares her journey from leading engineering teams at Apple and Tile to building a coaching business that helps engineering leaders navigate promotions, imposter syndrome, executive transitions, and career growth. They explore women in tech, leadership confidence, the first 90 days in a new executive role, personal branding, coaching, and building a business with...
The Leadership Skills Every Professional Needs to Master with Kenny Brown
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Kenny Brown, keynote speaker, executive coach, leadership strategist, and communication expert who is passionate about helping leaders unlock their potential and create meaningful impact through authentic leadership. Drawing from his experience coaching executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations, Kenny shares practical insights on developing influential leadership, mastering effective communication, building high-performing teams, and fostering workplace cultures rooted in trust, accountability, and continuous growth. We also explore the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, servant leadership, and the mindset required to inspire others while navigating today's rapidly changing business landscape. Whether you're...
How Coaching and Leadership Transform Organizations with Shawn Doyle
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Shawn Doyle, executive coach, keynote speaker, leadership expert, and author who has spent decades helping leaders, teams, and organizations improve performance through stronger communication, employee engagement, and people-first leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience working with businesses across a wide range of industries, Shawn shares practical insights on developing exceptional leaders, building high-performing teams, creating positive workplace cultures, and inspiring employees to perform at their best. We also explore the role of coaching, accountability, emotional intelligence, resilience, and continuous learning in today's rapidly evolving workplace, along with actionable...
How Great Coaches Create Lasting Impact with Monica Taylor
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Monica Taylor, executive coach, leadership consultant, speaker, and organizational development expert dedicated to helping leaders unlock their potential and create meaningful, lasting impact. Drawing from her extensive experience coaching executives, entrepreneurs, and leadership teams, Monica shares valuable insights on authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and building high-performing teams that thrive in today's evolving workplace. We also explore the importance of self-awareness, resilience, coaching conversations, organizational culture, and developing leaders who inspire trust, collaboration, and sustainable success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, coach, manager, or aspiring leader, this...
How Great Leaders Build Trust, Influence, and Impact with Amanda Hennessey
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Amanda Hennessey, executive coach, leadership consultant, speaker, and organizational development expert who is passionate about helping leaders and teams unlock their full potential through authentic leadership and purposeful growth. Drawing from her experience coaching executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations, Amanda shares practical insights on developing self-aware leaders, building resilient teams, navigating change with confidence, and creating workplace cultures rooted in trust, collaboration, and accountability. We also explore the importance of emotional intelligence, effective communication, coaching as a leadership tool, and the mindset shifts that enable individuals and organizations to...
Danny Creed on Building a Million-Dollar Coaching Business Through Referrals
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, host Pedro welcomes Danny Creed, a Certified Master Coach, serial entrepreneur, and seven-time Brian Tracy Award winner, for an inspiring conversation about business coaching, entrepreneurship, sales, leadership, and building a referral-driven coaching business.
Danny shares how growing up on a farm shaped his relentless work ethic, why coaches should stop chasing niches and let the right niche find them, and how referrals—not expensive marketing—helped him build a million-dollar coaching practice. He also explains why sales is about serving, how listening creates trust, and why understanding a cl...
How Steve DeVries Helps Business Owners Build Companies That Run Without Them
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, host Pedro welcomes Steve DeVries, a former multi-site GM and COO turned executive coach, for an insightful conversation about leadership, manufacturing, business growth, and building companies that thrive without relying on the owner. Steve shares his journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, the challenges of starting a coaching business, and why helping leaders create freedom inside their businesses is more valuable than simply increasing profits. They also explore networking, succession planning, coaching vs. consulting, scaling without burnout, and the mindset required to build a business that lasts.
Building Better Leaders Through Coaching and Accountability with Dan Dowdy
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues Podcast, our guest is Dan Dowdy, leadership coach, keynote speaker, author, and founder of Built For The Trades, where he helps contractors, business owners, and leaders build thriving companies by developing exceptional leadership skills and high-performing teams. Drawing on years of experience leading organizations and coaching businesses across the skilled trades, Dan shares practical insights on creating healthy workplace cultures, developing people through accountability and trust, improving communication, and making the shift from simply managing employees to truly leading them. We also discuss the importance of servant leadership, intentional coaching, empowering teams...