Libsyn Directory

Drew Harden: Building Workplaces That Spark Joy

Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders

Release Date: 02/26/2025

Badass Best of: Real Talk on Conflict Management

Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders

Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it makes all the difference. In this special “best of” episode, we’ve curated powerful moments from past guests who’ve shared their wisdom on navigating conflict at work and in life. From embracing discomfort to leaning into tough conversations, our guests offer practical strategies, candid stories, and refreshing perspectives on what it means to manage tension with empathy, clarity, and confidence. Whether you're leading a team, managing up, or facing peer-to-peer challenges, this montage is packed with insights to help you transform conflict...

Sherry Farrugia: Diversity is the Driver, Creating Inclusive Healthcare Innovation

Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders

In this episode, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Sherry Farrugia, Senior Vice President at Veranex, to unpack what it really takes to lead in today’s complex healthcare and life sciences landscape. From her decades in health IT to her work commercializing cutting-edge medical devices, Sherry shares the behind-the-scenes lessons that have shaped her leadership philosophy — one rooted in empathy, inclusion, and relentless innovation. We dive into the challenges women face in STEM, how public-private partnerships can actually work, and why diversity isn’t just a checkbox — it’s the key...

Gia Ganesh: Behind the Mic with Angela Gill Nelms

Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders

In this special role-reversal episode of Badass Leaders Podcast, the mic is flipped! Angela Gill Nelms, usually the fearless host, takes the hot seat while her dear friend and fellow badass leader, Gia Ganesh, steps in as interviewer. What unfolds is a raw, inspiring, and refreshingly candid conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it really means to be brave. Angela opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, learning to lead with authenticity, and how a tough childhood shaped her fierce determination. She shares the wisdom she’s gained from motherhood, her journey as a single...

Tracy Lee: Redefining Tech Leadership

Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders

In this episode, host Angela Gill Nelms chats with Tracy Lee—entrepreneur, technologist, and advocate for women in tech—about her journey from learning to code to leading in the health and life sciences space. Tracy shares why building community matters, how to hire for culture adds over culture fits, and why meaningful work resonates so strongly with today’s talent. They dive into the nuances of leadership vs. management, the challenges of scaling engineering teams, and how AI is reshaping the way we work. Packed with real talk, insights, and laughs, this conversation is a must-listen...

Steve Garraty: What Cancer Taught Me About Business & Life

Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders

In this insightful episode, Steve Garraty, author of Grapefruit, shares how his battle with cancer reshaped his views on life, leadership, and gratitude. The conversation explores the power of empathy in navigating grief, the role of appreciation in leadership, and the contrast between managers and true leaders. Listeners gain valuable insights on building a winning culture, transforming underperforming teams, and integrating purpose into leadership. The episode concludes with key lessons on presence, personal growth, and fostering strong, community-driven leadership. Learn more about Steve...

Sherry Grote: How Marketers Can Find Their Voice

Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders

In this episode, Sherry Grote shares her journey from traditional marketing to becoming a licensed pastor and industry leader. She discusses balancing creativity with data-driven strategies, leading fragmented teams, and the power of communication in workplace culture. Sherry also introduces Harmony Hero, an initiative empowering marketers and HR professionals to find their voice and drive change. The conversation explores emotional intelligence, team dynamics, leadership, key differences between B2B and B2C marketing, team-building strategies, and the impact of cultural diversity on...

Mark Williams: From Barstool to Boardroom, The Rise of a CEO

Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders

In this episode, we sit down with an insurance industry CEO Mark Williams to explore the nuances of authentic leadership. Our conversation delves into creating employee-centric cultures, fostering open communication, and balancing business goals with employee well-being. We discuss the significance of vulnerability, empathy, and personal branding, sharing insights on conflict resolution, embracing failures, and encouraging innovation. Tune in for practical takeaways and personal anecdotes that highlight the human side of effective leadership. Learn more about Mark at: LinkedIn: ...

Jon Sexton: Music & Million-Dollar Deals, Leadership Lessons Learned

Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders

In this insightful conversation, Jon Sexton shares his journey from aspiring musician to successful entrepreneur in real estate and health clubs. He emphasizes adaptability, mentorship, and the value of building a strong team. Jon explores leadership dynamics, employee transitions, and personal well-being alongside Angela Gill Nelms. They discuss handling separations with grace, balancing coaching with tough decisions, and maintaining health routines. Jon also reflects on scaling teams, memorable career moments, and his ventures into podcasting and television. The conversation wraps up with...

Brandon Williams: From Fighter Pilot to Business Leader

Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders

In this episode, Angela Gill Nelms talks to fighter pilot and leadership expert Brandon Williams, who shares powerful insights on building high-performing leaders by understanding human factors. He explores the critical role of work-life integration, daily habits, and mindfulness in effective leadership. The discussion also examines the challenges of leading in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environment and how lessons from aviation—such as mutual support, debrief culture, and just culture—can transform business leadership. Through real-world examples, Williams...

Vicki Bradley: Breaking Barriers, Women Redefining Leadership

Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders

In this insightful and dynamic conversation, Angela Gill Nelms and Vicki Bradley dive deep into the core of leadership—exploring trust, confidence, and personal growth. Through personal stories and real-world experiences, they discuss overcoming adversity, the power of internal validation, and the role of emotional intelligence in building strong relationships. They highlight the importance of conscious leadership, authentic communication, and the impact of trust on team dynamics. The conversation culminates in a powerful discussion on crafting a personal brand story rooted in...

More Episodes

Angela Gill Nelms and Drew Harden dive into the essence of company culture and leadership, challenging the notion that culture is just about perks. Drawing from Drew’s book Retain, they explore the power of visible values, appreciation, and working with like-minded clients. The conversation is packed with actionable insights on fostering joy, connection, growth, and vulnerability in the workplace. Through personal anecdotes and practical strategies, they highlight how authentic leadership and meaningful interactions create a thriving, engaged workforce.

Learn more about Drew at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewrharden
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewharden/
YouTube: youtube.com/@DrewHarden
Twitter / X: https://x.com/drewharden
Drew's book, Retain: https://amzn.to/4k00FyC
Drew’s basketball video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DacuaYxzmRU
Drew’s employee banner video: https://youtu.be/StR2CZ1_RhU?si=noV2iLjoo2Nj4VJJ

About Angela:
Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in the creation of exceptional companies and teams. She serves as the Director of Biolocity and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of both The AGN Group and the Recovery Advocate Network. Previously, she held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Aetos Imaging, RenovoRx, and Florence Healthcare. With a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Angela has a proven track record of successfully navigating the FDA, leading diverse teams, prioritizing the needs of customers and patients, and building exceptional companies.

Angela shares her lessons learned around the country in keynote speeches, coaching, and team-building workshops. Learn more about Angela at www.AngelaGillNelms.com.

About The AGN Group:
At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. We offer keynote and panel speaking, leadership and team-building workshops, fractional and management consulting, brand and storytelling services. Email us at [email protected] to connect. Learn more at www.TheAGNGroup.com.

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Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email [email protected].

Learn more about the podcast at www.BadassLeadersPodcast.com.

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