Podcasting as Leadership

**Podcasting as Leadership and Cultural Stewardship**  

Podcasting isn’t just a marketing tool for me—it’s a form of leadership and cultural stewardship. I’ve learned since 2021 that holding the mic comes with real ethical responsibility. I’m not just shaping conversations; I’m shaping culture. What I choose to amplify, who I invite, and how I edit all have long-term impact.

**How I Choose and Work With Guests**  
I’m a big believer in trust and long-term relationships. I follow people for years, watching for consistency and authenticity before I invite them on. Cold pitches almost never make it through. Most of my guests are referrals from people I already respect. Sometimes, even after all that, the fit isn’t perfect—and that’s okay. I value ongoing connections, but I also respect when someone moves on.

**Editing, Consent, and Representation**  
I want my guests to feel comfortable and represented well, but I also believe in showing people as they are. If a guest checks their phone mid-interview or delivers a lecture instead of a conversation, I’ll often leave that in. That’s who they chose to be in that moment. I do sometimes edit or delete content at a guest’s request, especially if it’s sensitive or could impact their reputation. I’m always thinking about the ethics of what stories are mine to tell and how to share them with respect.

**Learning From Mistakes and Staying Accountable**  
I don’t always get it right. There have been times when I missed red flags or didn’t do enough research across all platforms. When that happens, I reflect and adjust my approach. I use transcripts to review my own performance and look for ways to improve as a host.

**Navigating Tough Topics and AI Bias**  
I’m not afraid to talk about hard things—whether it’s microaggressions at work, mental health, or the risks of AI amplifying dominant narratives and erasing marginalized voices. I know these conversations have real consequences, and I try to handle them with care, nuance, and honesty.

**Duty of Care and the Power of Editing**  
Publishing an episode isn’t just about getting content out there. Sometimes, caring for a guest means not publishing something at all—especially if I think they’re vulnerable or not making decisions in their own best interest. That’s not censorship; that’s care.

**Sponsorship and Independence**  
Right now, I’m my own sponsor. I’d love to find a partner who shares my values and commitment to honest, courageous leadership—but I won’t compromise my message or let a sponsor dictate what I say. If you think your brand is up for that, let’s talk.

**My Commitment**  
Every guest, every question, every edit, every silence—it all builds culture. My goal is to be trustworthy and to support conversations about the future of work from all perspectives. I call this podcast a love letter to the future of work because I’m optimistic that together, we can create healthier, more sustainable work cultures. I won’t always get it right, but I’m committed to learning, growing, and leading with integrity.

**Thank You**  
Thanks for listening. If you have feedback, want to connect, or just want to share your thoughts, I’d love to hear from you. And if you feel like leaving a review or rating, that would mean a lot to me.

 

Top 5 Questions I’m Asking Myself

1. How do I decide whose voice gets a platform, and what messages am I choosing to amplify?
   This question gets to the heart of my role as a host and the impact my choices have on shaping culture and conversation.

2. Am I doing enough due diligence when I vet potential guests—across all their public platforms and not just the ones I’m most comfortable with?
   I’ve learned the hard way that consistency across platforms matters, and that I need to check for alignment of values everywhere, not just on LinkedIn or the spaces I frequent.

3. How do I balance presenting my guests in a positive light with representing them authentically—even when their choices or behavior during the interview are unexpected or disappointing?
   This is an ongoing challenge, especially when a guest’s actions don’t align with the tone or values I want to uphold for my audience.

4. What are my ethical responsibilities when telling stories that involve others, especially when those stories touch on sensitive topics or could have unintended consequences?
   I constantly ask myself if it’s my story to tell, how to convey it with respect, and when it’s better to edit or delete content out of care rather than censorship.

5. How do I maintain integrity and independence in my work—especially when considering sponsorships or partnerships that might not fully align with my values or vision for the future of work?
   I’m committed to only working with brands that share my commitment to courageous, honest leadership, even if that means going it alone.