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Badass Leaders Podcast: Leadership, Career Growth, and Company Culture

Badass Leaders Podcast: Leadership, Career Growth, and Company Culture

By: Angela Gill Nelms
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Welcome to The Badass Leaders Podcast: Leadership Without the Corporate BS. This is where real leadership meets real life. Hosted by Angela Gill Nelms, founder, speaker, and executive coach, this show dives deep into the mindset, emotional intelligence, and bold decision-making today’s leaders need. Each episode delivers raw, actionable strategies on leadership development, team culture, conflict resolution, personal branding, resilience, and navigating high-stakes moments. You’ll hear unfiltered conversations with founders, executives, innovators, and badass humans redefining modern leadership. 🎙️ Perfect for: • Women in leadership • Entrepreneurs • Executive coaching & personal growth • Leadership skills, communication, & EI • High-performance teams & conflict mastery 👉 Subscribe to join the movement: @BeBraveBeBadass Shop Badass Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeBraveBeBadass #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BadassLeadersPodcast #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #ConflictResolution #HighPerformanceTeams2024 Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • If Your Emotional Intelligence Is Weak, Your Leadership Will Be Too | Chris Salem

    If Your Emotional Intelligence Is Weak, Your Leadership Will Be Too | Chris Salem
    Jul 1 2026
    In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with business acceleration strategist, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence expert Chris Salem to explore why communication is the foundation of sustainable leadership and long-term business success.Chris shares his deeply personal journey from burnout, anxiety, and seeking external validation to becoming a leading voice on emotional intelligence, effective communication, and sustainable success. Together, Angela and Chris challenge the idea that emotional intelligence is simply a "soft skill," arguing instead that it's one of the most important business skills leaders can develop.They discuss why great organizations remain adaptable while others become stagnant, how leaders unintentionally create cultures where employees don't feel seen or heard, and why so many workplace challenges can be traced back to communication breakdowns rather than strategy failures.Along the way, they dive into practical leadership lessons on building resilient teams, preventing burnout, creating psychologically safe workplaces, improving customer experience, and leading with greater self-awareness.Learn more about Chris Salem:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.salem.773Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisrsalem/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersalem/Website: http://www.christophersalem.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/christopherrsalemTwitter / X: https://twitter.com/chrisrsalemPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/353WlixQoLa3JNifg5NXyvBook:https://www.amazon.com/Master-Your-Inner-Critic-Prosperity/dp/1938015525Other:https://sustainablesuccess.net/services/Mentioned in this episode: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel GolemanAtomic Habits by James ClearGood to Great by Jim CollinsGetting to Aha! by Andy CunninghamNo Rules Rules by Reed Hastings & Erin MeyerTimestamps:00:00 Understanding Workplace Conflict and Communication02:01 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership11:13 Defining Emotional Intelligence and Its Impact24:35 Discipline and Personal Well-being in Leadership29:12 Recognizing and Combating Burnout31:34 The Holy Shift Moment: Personal Transformation42:00 Building a Sustainable Foundation for Success44:59 The Process of Sustainable Success47:43 The Importance of Effective Communication01:03:07 Breaking Barriers in Leadership Communication01:11:23 The Four Pillars of Success01:24:35 The Power of Giving and ReceivingThe discussion also tackles questions…What is emotional intelligence, and why is it essential for effective leadership?How do you prevent burnout while maintaining high performance?What does sustainable success actually look like?Why do employees leave organizations even when the pay is good?How can leaders improve communication across different personality types and generations?What causes workplace disengagement and poor team culture?How do you build a psychologically safe workplace?Why do businesses often "break in the middle" instead of at the top?What are the warning signs of poor communication inside an organization?How do you adapt your communication style to different people?Why is customer experience directly connected to emotional intelligence?How do you create a more resilient and adaptable organization?What are the foundations of a robust leadership culture?How can leaders become better listeners?What daily habits help leaders avoid burnout and make better decisions?Why do personal experiences shape leadership more than most people realize?How do you break unhealthy leadership patterns inherited from childhood?What does it really mean to lead with empathy without becoming a people pleaser?How do you create healthy boundaries as a leader?Key takeaways:Emotional intelligence is not a soft skill. It's a business strategy. Most organizational problems are communication problems before they become operational problems.Sustainable success requires adaptability, not perfection. Great leaders focus on what they can control.Burnout begins long before people recognize it. Communication should adapt to the listener, not the speaker. Effective leaders understand that different personalities, generations, and communication styles process information differently. Company culture is built through daily leadership behaviors, not mission statements.Personal growth and leadership growth cannot be separated. Customer experience is a direct reflection of leadership culture. Leadership is measured by the people you develop, not the Similar episodes: AI Won’t Replace You… But This Will (Lessons from Microsoft) | Allister Frost: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhe_CKZiR28 Why High Performers Stay Stuck (And How to Break Through) | Hilary Porta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTeEcOqZ7lE&t=26s The Leadership Secrets Behind The 4 Disciplines of Execution | Jim Huling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_oYkReLpQU ProductionProduced by: The AGN GroupHost: Angela Gill ...
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • The Truth About Narcissistic Leaders | Brandon Smith

    The Truth About Narcissistic Leaders | Brandon Smith
    Jun 24 2026
    In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Brandon Smith, leadership coach, TEDx speaker, professor at Emory University, and author known as "The Workplace Therapist." Together, they explore the human side of leadership and why so many workplace challenges are rooted in psychology rather than process.Brandon shares the deeply personal story of growing up with a debilitating stutter, how that experience shaped his understanding of communication and resilience, and why he believes purpose is often born from pain. The conversation dives into narcissistic leadership, toxic workplace cultures, trust, vulnerability, curiosity, and the hidden costs of urgency-driven organizations.You'll also learn Brandon's powerful frameworks for building trust, navigating difficult leaders, setting healthy boundaries, creating psychological safety, and moving from being the hero of the team to becoming the leader who develops othersLearn More About Brandon Smith:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandonsmithwptLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsmithtwpt/Website: www.theworksmiths.com / www.theworkplacetherapist.com Timestamps:00:00 The Chaos of Urgency in Leadership02:12 Brandon Smith: The Workplace Therapist's Journey06:18 The Impact of a Horrible Boss on Leadership Philosophy11:51 Balancing Compassion and Accountability in Leadership16:32 Overcoming Stuttering: A Journey to Empathy20:25 The Role of Pain in Finding Purpose25:59 Understanding Narcissism in Leadership30:00 Identifying Narcissistic Traits in Interviews34:02 Understanding Narcissism and Insecurity35:16 Healthy Confidence vs. Narcissism39:32 The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership44:14 The Dilemma of Toxic Leaders48:54 Recognizing Adaptation to Toxic Environments57:02 Building Trust Through Vulnerability and Curiosity01:05:00 The Impact of Curiosity and Questioning01:08:52 Understanding Assumptions and Clarifying Questions01:12:55 The Importance of Personal Branding in Leadership01:20:01 Managing Urgency and Prioritization in Leadership01:26:59 Rapid Fire Insights and Final ThoughtsThe discussion also tackles questions…What is the difference between confidence and narcissism in leadership?How do narcissistic leaders impact team culture and performance?Why do organizations tolerate toxic high performers?What are the warning signs of a dysfunctional workplace?How can employees protect themselves when working for a toxic leader?Why is curiosity one of the most important leadership skills?How do assumptions damage communication and trust?What does healthy vulnerability look like in leadership?How is psychological safety created on a team?Why do leaders struggle to build trust with employees?What is the relationship between authenticity, vulnerability, and credibility?Why are so many leaders addicted to urgency?What is the Hot Sauce Principle?How can leaders distinguish healthy pressure from toxic pressure?Why do organizations unintentionally create burnout?What is the difference between being an "Author" and an "Editor" as a leader?Why do high performers struggle to delegate?How can leaders stop being the hero and start developing others?How do communication skills impact leadership effectiveness?Can resilience and confidence be developed over time?10 Key Takeaways from Brandon Smith on Leadership, Trust, and Workplace CultureThe Best Leaders Build Trust Through Authenticity, Vulnerability, and CredibilityPurpose Often Emerges from Life's Hardest ExperiencesCuriosity Is One of the Most Underrated Leadership SkillsNarcissistic Leadership Creates Long-Term Damage to TeamsPsychological Safety Starts with the LeadesMost Workplace Conflicts Are Rooted in Poor CommunicationHealthy Urgency Creates Focus; Excessive Urgency Creates ChaosLeadership Is About Developing People, Not Becoming the HeroStrong Boundaries Protect Both Performance and Well-BeingResilience and Agency Can Be Developed Over TimeSimilar EpisodesPatrick Lyons: https://youtu.be/Crf6TXEB-Rk?si=rifGZy1I2LH-oFF3 Jim Huiling: https://youtu.be/P_oYkReLpQU?si=UjLWWJAIkBfgyn8r ProductionProduced by: The AGN GroupHost: Angela Gill NelmsProducer: Katie HartTagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.comAbout 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. www.TheAGNGroup.com.Social Media Channels:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2Want to be a Podcast Guest?If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/
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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • The Leadership Secrets Behind The 4 Disciplines of Execution | Jim Huling

    The Leadership Secrets Behind The 4 Disciplines of Execution | Jim Huling
    Jun 17 2026
    In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela sits down with leadership expert, executive coach, and bestselling author Jim Huling, co-author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution, to explore what it really takes to build high-performing teams, execute what matters most, and create a legacy that outlasts your title.Together, they challenge outdated leadership models built on compliance and control, and make the case for a more powerful approach rooted in curiosity, commitment, empowerment, and accountability. Jim shares lessons from coaching more than 20,000 leaders around the world, while Angela brings practical insights from scaling organizations, leading startups, and developing the next generation of leaders.The conversation explores why top talent leaves organizations, how leaders accidentally create cultures of disengagement, and why sustainable performance requires more than motivational speeches and short-term wins. They also unpack the difference between playing to win and playing not to lose, and how that mindset shapes everything from decision-making to innovation.Learn more about Jim Huling:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhuling/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Disciplines-Execution-Achieving-Wildly-Important/dp/145162705XTimestamps:00:00 The Evolving Landscape of Leadership07:36 From Success to Significance11:47 Stages of Leadership Development19:48 Curiosity as a Leadership Tool25:37 Empowerment Over Compliance30:59 The Cost of Talent Loss37:15 Playing to Win vs. Playing Not to Lose45:12 The Importance of Humility and Collaboration48:00 The Impact of Toxic Culture on Organizations51:25 Starting Anew: The Power of Leadership Example56:01 The Role of Coaches in Leadership01:00:00 Execution: From Strategy to Action01:07:00 The Four Disciplines of Execution01:27:20 Building Relationships for Success01:28:44 Understanding Lagging and Leading Indicators01:32:15 The Importance of Leading Measures01:38:03 Engagement and Meaning in Leadership01:48:01 The Power of AccountabilityThe discussion also tackles questions…Why do leaders struggle to execute their most important goals?What are the biggest mistakes leaders make when managing high performers?How do you create commitment instead of compliance?Why is curiosity one of the most important leadership skills today?How can leaders retain top talent in a competitive market?What's the difference between empowering people and simply delegating work?How do you build a culture where people feel safe speaking up?Why are younger generations challenging traditional leadership models?How can leaders balance accountability with collaboration?What does it mean to move from achievement to scalability to legacy?How do you identify and focus on your wildly important goals?Why do so many teams achieve short-term wins but fail to sustain performance?What does "playing to win" look like in leadership and business?How can organizations create cultures that drive innovation, engagement, and long-term results?Key takeaways:1. Great leaders move from achievement to legacy.2. Sustainable success requires more than short-term wins.3. Commitment always outperforms compliance.4. Curiosity is one of the most powerful leadership skills.5. Top talent leaves when their voice does not matter.6. Empowerment creates stronger teams than delegation.7. The fastest way to improve execution is to focus on what matters most.8. Leaders should play to win, not play not to lose.9. Culture determines whether people speak up or stay silent.10. Every new level of leadership requires a new version of you.Similar episodes: Scott Wozniak: https://youtu.be/YJ05Ewazics?si=kLjRjiyH-yWiYKFR Allister Frost: https://youtu.be/mhe_CKZiR28?si=HHOsvLVP4gQJR2GG Mark Williams: https://youtu.be/RVhQK9FT0hI?si=LamgObAHOcu_UqwB ProductionProduced by: The AGN GroupHost: Angela Gill NelmsProducer: Katie HartTagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.comAbout 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. www.TheAGNGroup.com.Social Media Channels:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2Want to be a Podcast Guest?If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/
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    2 hrs and 8 mins
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