Scaling Startups to $800M Exits | Lynn Herrick
Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders
Release Date: 08/27/2025
Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders
In this episode, Dr. John Tuders breaks down what it truly means to lead with courage, clarity, and integrity in a world that often rewards shortcuts. He shares the lessons that shaped him, from growing up in Queens to becoming a professor and trusted voice in leadership. You’ll hear real stories, practical insights, and a grounded perspective on trust, culture, conflict, and personal growth. If you’re serious about becoming a stronger, more self-aware leader, this conversation will push you in all the right ways. Questions answered during this conversation: What is the real difference...
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In this episode of Badass Leaders, Raheem Beyah, Georgia Tech’s Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs joins Angela to talk about innovation, mentorship, and the evolution of leadership in higher education. Born and raised in Atlanta, Raheem shares how his grandmother’s biscuits and a childhood love of video games first sparked his curiosity for technology—and how that curiosity became a lifelong mission to empower others through education and innovation. From Georgia Tech’s groundbreaking AI Makerspace to national initiatives in cybersecurity and access to STEM...
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What does it really mean to leave a legacy? In this Badass Leaders Podcast “Best Of” episode, we bring together powerful insights from leaders who are redefining what impact looks like. Together, these guests offer perspectives that challenge traditional ideas of success and invite us to think bigger about purpose, service, and the mark we leave behind. If you’re ready to build something that lasts longer than your title or tenure, this episode is for you. Tune in to explore: How today’s leaders define and live their legacies Why gratitude and service are at the heart of lasting...
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In this powerful conversation, veteran and entrepreneur Suzy Wraines opens up about her journey from military medic to trauma-informed business coach. She shares how growing up in remote Alaska built her resilience, how joining the Army at 29 reshaped her identity, and how ignoring her trauma nearly cost her her health and purpose. Suzy explains the difference between regulating and resolving trauma, why so many high achievers stay stuck in survival mode, and how she now helps healthcare professionals create healing-centered businesses. With raw honesty, she and host Angela Gill Nelms dive...
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In 2010, Brian Rowe was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for a nonviolent drug conspiracy. Most people would have seen that as the end. Brian saw it as a turning point. In this episode, he shares how he transformed pain into purpose, turned crisis into opportunity, and rebuilt his life to become a business catalyst, AWS Partner, and community leader. Brian’s story is a masterclass in resilience and leadership—from surviving “Bloody Beaumont” to redefining success through service, innovation, and mentorship. If you’ve ever faced adversity and wondered how to turn it into...
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What if treating brain cancer wasn’t about destroying tumors, but redirecting them? In this captivating episode, Dr. Nassir Mokarram—Director of Venture Investments at the Emory Endowment and a Georgia Tech “40 Under 40” honoree—shares the remarkable story behind the “Tumor Monorail,” a groundbreaking medical device designed to guide brain tumors away from vital tissue and into a controlled space. From the early research labs at Georgia Tech to real-world clinical trials, Nassir takes us through the decade-long journey of translating science fiction into surgical reality. Beyond...
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Host Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Aimee Christian, a former biopharma executive who boldly walked away from a 25-year corporate career to design a life and career on her own terms. Now a Professor of the Practice at Boston University, President of the Massachusetts Society for Medical Research, and CEO of Yes Communications, Aimee opens up about the courage it took to pivot mid-career, embrace a portfolio career, and balance ambition with authenticity. Together, Angela and Aimee unpack what it really means to: Be brave enough to leave a secure job and redefine success Turn “you’re too...
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In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, we dive deep into the critical differences between managers and leaders. Our guests explore how authentic leadership is about influence, empathy, and empowering people, while management often focuses on processes, outcomes, and tasks. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, running a team, or building your own organization, this conversation will help you reflect on your leadership style and understand the impact you have on those around you. Key Topics Covered: Defining the difference between a manager and a leader. The role of...
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What’s the real difference between a leader and a manager? Why do so many successful executives still wrestle with imposter syndrome? And how do leaders handle conflict, burnout, and pressure without losing themselves? In this episode of The Badass Leaders Podcast, host Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Sam Osborne—The Neurosurgeon of Self-Worth—and attorney and educator David Graf. Together, they explore how values-driven leadership, authentic confidence, and emotional resilience can transform the way you show up at work and in life. Sam shares how his unconventional path—from teaching...
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In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Jonathan Bennett, leadership advisor, board director, and former CEO, shares how great leaders don’t avoid conflict—they humanize it. From scripting tough conversations with executives to building resilient board cultures, Jonathan reveals how curiosity, generosity, and relational governance can transform how leaders show up in the moments that matter most. You’ll hear: Why conflict can unlock growth instead of derail it How boards can move beyond ego and power struggles The personal journey that shaped Jonathan’s leadership...
info_outlineWhat does it take to go from practicing law to leading companies through $800M acquisitions? In this episode of Badass Leaders, Lynn Herrick shares her unconventional path from attorney to COO, the hard-won lessons she learned scaling GreatCall to its Best Buy exit, and why culture—not strategy—saves companies.
We dig into how she transformed high-turnover call centers into thriving “caring centers,” simplified complex problems that consultants said would take years, and navigated the messy realities of mergers, leadership, and conflict. If you’re serious about building resilient teams and leading with humanity, this conversation is a masterclass.
Learn More About Lynn:
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Instagram: @lynnherrickart
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LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lynnkantorherrick
Mentioned in this Episode:
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Make Work Not Suck (Podcast hosted by Daniel Steere & Ryan) https://www.makeworknotsuck.com
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Vicki Bradley’s episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast https://youtu.be/1npYQanCFTE?si=CdCWNKkB0kWYMURb
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Daniel Steere’s episode of the Badass Leaders Podcat https://youtu.be/3ony669Dmy4?si=68b69GI4sp9xOzSd
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GreatCall (now Lively by Best Buy Health) https://corporate.bestbuy.com/2021/best-buy-health-introduces-lively-smart-smartphone-for-the-active-aging-community/
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Florence Healthcare – Company where Angela Gill Nelms served as COO https://florencehc.com/
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Simon Sinek – Author & speaker referenced regarding leadership and corporate culture) https://simonsinek.com/
Jack Welch – Former GE CEO referenced as an example of old-school ranking systems in corporations (books like Winning)
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 hello@TheAGNGroup.com to connect. Learn more at www.TheAGNGroup.com.
Social Media Channels:
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73Dg8OQ7SqtGtSiCWQUfLB?si=c17c0f1abe29446f
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/badass-leaders-podcast-brave-hearts-brave-conversations/id1788987881
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Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2
Want to be a Podcast Guest?
If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email brave@angelagillnelms.com.
Learn more about the podcast at www.BadassLeadersPodcast.com.