What happens when an old-school creative jumps headfirst into AI? In this episode of Leader Generation, Tessa Burg talks with Sergio Cardona for an eye-opening look at how technology is changing the creative process. Sergio shares his journey from traditional design roots to becoming a leader in AI-driven creativity, showing how curiosity and adaptability can open new doors for any creative professional. You’ll hear how tools like Midjourney and ChatGPT help Sergio move faster, break through creative blocks, and tell richer, more engaging stories. But this conversation goes beyond tools—it’s about mindset. Whether you’re a designer, marketer, or just AI-curious, you’ll walk away with fresh insights on how to partner with technology without losing the human spark that makes great work stand out. Give it a listen—you’ll be inspired to rethink what’s possible.
In this week’s commentary, Deborah Fell explores the wisdom from her conversation with Rear Admiral Brian “Lex” Luther on leading through change. “The balance of leadership is hard,” Deborah notes, “with internal issues, external forces, and human complexity creating cloudy challenges.” Yet Lex’s transformation of Navy Mutual reveals a fundamental truth: you can’t lead if no one follows. He prioritized his people rather than issuing directives and wondering why progress stalls. His approach of turning long-tenured employees into owners of change while managing “soft saboteurs” demonstrates that transformation starts with engagement, not mandates. As Luther powerfully stated, “Leaders shine brightest with reflected light.” Like Bill Marriott’s philosophy that caring for employees leads to satisfied customers and ultimately profit, Lex’s military precision and transparent communication created a framework where change could thrive.
In this episode of Market Dominance Guys, Chris Beall welcomes Will Post, a rising sales pro from Branch 49, Corey Frank’s high-velocity sales team. Will shares what it’s like to sit in the ConnectAndSell seat of fire: navigating nerves, building momentum, and ringing the bell with every hard-won meeting. This isn’t just about dialing—it’s about showing up with your full self: mind, body, and voice. If you’ve ever been new to sales or coached someone through the steep part of the learning curve, this one’s for you.
Lany and Susan dive into the sometimes murky waters of consultant-client relationships. Drawing from years of experience sitting on every side of the boardroom table, they tackle the age-old question: “Who is responsible for doing the tasks at hand?” Let’s face it—consultants don’t come with magic wands, and CEOs don’t get to toss the keys and walk away. Whether you’ve ever wondered “Why isn’t this working?” or “I paid a consultant, so why isn’t everything fixed?” this episode cuts through the confusion with practical advice on setting boundaries, managing expectations, and creating successful partnerships. Susan and Lany share real-world stories about scope creep, communication breakdowns, and the emotional rollercoaster that can derail even the best-intentioned business relationships. They also offer straightforward tips for both sides to keep things running smoothly, from clear contracts to honest conversations about decision-making authority.
Financial stress doesn’t always show up in obvious ways, but it’s quietly impacting your people, your productivity, and your retention. In this episode of The Granite List Live, Katie Rapley, Head of Marketing at BrightDime, shares why HR leaders should think of financial wellness as preventative care. We explore what financial stress really looks like at work, the ripple effects organizations often overlook, and how the right support can completely shift an employee’s experience. Katie shares a powerful comparison of one employee’s journey—with and without access to financial guidance—that highlights just how much is at stake. Katie also breaks down the key ingredients of a financial wellness program that actually gets used—and how HR teams can make progress even without a big budget.
When 15 blankets arrived with messy selvage edges despite “clear” instructions, I blamed the volunteers. That was not great, but then I asked: What if the problem is my communication? In this vulnerable episode, I share how frustration over “ruined” Binky Patrol blankets led to a profound leadership insight about expert blindness. After 30 years of nonprofit work, I discovered I’ve been assuming knowledge that first-time volunteers simply don’t have. Learn why I’m inviting children to critique our instructions, how to recognize when your expertise becomes a communication barrier, and practical strategies to bridge the gap between what you know and what volunteers understand. For nonprofit leaders tired of repeating themselves or fixing well-intentioned mistakes, this episode offers a fresh perspective on volunteer guidance that transforms frustration into growth opportunities.
As we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, Mother’s Day, and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, it is important for us to remember that, when we hear the voice of the good shepherd, we not only follow him but we discover for each one of us the vocation that he has entrusted to us.
