Leaders Lane™

You know you need to be visible — to share your ideas, your expertise, your story — but fear creeps in. What if I’m judged? What if I’m not ready? What if no one cares? Episode 150 marks a milestone — and a conversation every leader needs to hear. In this special episode of Leaders Lane, Carlii Lyon, a global leader in personal branding, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to show up with courage and clarity. She shares why a smaller, loyal audience beats chasing popularity, how to choose your purpose instead of waiting for it, and why building your brand is less about algorithms — and more about authenticity. What You’ll Take Away intentional story you tellinsecurities that keep you playing smallpurpose-driven visibilityconnects, not just fills a feedcommunity of true fansThe Courage to BeMind, Body & Brand framework This isn’t just another conversation about personal branding. It’s your wake-up call to stop hiding, start showing up, and build a brand that reflects the leader you’re becoming.

Struggling to speak with confidence in high-stakes moments? Want to lead meetings, conversations — even your career — with more influence and clarity? In this episode of Leaders Lane, I speak with Dr. Laura Sicola, a global expert in leadership communication and executive presence. Whether you're leading a team, pitching an idea, or stepping into the next level of your career, how you show up verbally and non-verbally matters. Together, we unpack: → How to command the room — even before you speak → What it really takes to connect with your audience (clients, teams, execs) → Why most leaders hit a “linguistic glass ceiling” — and how to break it → Simple mindset shifts to overcome fear of public speaking → The three C’s of leadership communication: Command, Connect, Close This conversation is packed with actionable tips, relatable stories, and fresh ways to build your confidence and credibility — so you can stop holding back and start leading with impact. If you’ve ever thought, “I know what I want to say, but I’m not sure how to say it so it lands,” — this one’s for you. 🔗 Stay Connected With Me. Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/monicakade Website: http://www.monicakade.com/ Connect with Dr Laura Sicola Laura’s TEDx talk with nearly 7,000,000 views: "Want to Sound like a Leader? Start by Saying Your name Right" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlaurasicola/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraSicola Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlaurasicola/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWri2F_hhGQpMcD97DctJwA LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurasicola CTA - Get 2 free chapters of my book: https://speakingtoinfluence.com/2free-chapters/ Whole book link: Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice or listen Speaking to Influence on Audible

In this episode of Leaders Lane, I sit down with Genevieve Piturro — a woman who walked away from a high-powered TV marketing career and found her true purpose in pajamas. After a life-changing moment and a quiet question from within — “If this is the next 30 years of your life... is this enough?” — Genevieve left corporate life behind to found the Pajama Program, a nonprofit delivering pajamas and books to children in need across America. We talk about what it really means to lead with love, how hard it can be to ask for help, and why listening to your heart voice is often the bravest step of all. Genevieve shares the four truths of heart-led leadership, and how transformation isn’t always graceful — but always worth it. In our Leaders Lane conversation, Genevieve shared: → Why she left a “perfect” career to start a nonprofit→ How asking for help became her superpower→ The four truths of leading with love→ And why the world needs heart-led leaders now more than ever! If you’ve ever felt called to something more meaningful, but weren’t sure how to begin — this episode will speak directly to you. 🔗 Stay Connected With Me. Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/monicakade Website: http://www.monicakade.com/ CONNECT WITH GENEVIEVE PITURO Website: https://www.genevievepiturro.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevievepiturro/ Substack: https://genevievepiturro.substack.com/?utm_campaign=email-home&r=ti2xu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenevievePajama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genevievepiturro/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@genevievepiturro9950

From fighter jets to AI-powered learning — and the loss that changed everything. What do survival training, business culture, and AI have in common? That’s what I explored with Mike Thompson — a former military trainer, now CEO of one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Mike’s story is extraordinary. He began in advertising. Trained teams in survival with the Air Force. Became a pilot. Built a tech company revolutionizing workforce learning. But what shaped him most… was losing his son. “Life is precious — and we only get one shot to make it matter.” That loss deepened Mike’s perspective on leadership. It became the lens through which he leads his people, builds culture, and shows up with purpose. In this episode, we talk: → The painful pivot points that shape who we become → How quiet reflection fuels clarity and direction → Why culture will always beat strategy → What AI means for leadership and learning → And how to stay human in a high-tech world Whether you're leading a team, navigating personal change, or searching for purpose — this one will stay with you. → Tune in now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube #Leadership #AI #Resilience #GriefToGrowth #PurposeDriven #ModernWorkforce #BusinessCulture From fighter jets to AI-powered learning — and the loss that changed everything. What do survival training, business culture, and AI have in common? That’s what I explored with Mike Thompson — a former military trainer, now CEO of one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Mike’s story is extraordinary. He began in advertising. Trained teams in survival with the Air Force. Became a pilot. Built a tech company revolutionizing workforce learning. But what shaped him most… was losing his son. “Life is precious — and we only get one shot to make it matter.” That loss deepened Mike’s perspective on leadership. It became the lens through which he leads his people, builds culture, and shows up with purpose. In this episode, we talk: → The painful pivot points that shape who we become → How quiet reflection fuels clarity and direction → Why culture will always beat strategy → What AI means for leadership and learning → And how to stay human in a high-tech world Whether you're leading a team, navigating personal change, or searching for purpose — this one will stay with you. → Tune in now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube #Leadership #AI #Resilience #GriefToGrowth #PurposeDriven #ModernWorkforce #BusinessCulture 🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@LeadersLanePodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 🔗 Stay Connected With Me. Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/monicakade Website: http://www.monicakade.com/ 🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@LeadersLanePodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 🔗 Stay Connected With Me. Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/monicakade Website: http://www.monicakade.com/ CONNECT WITH MIKE THOMPSON Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-thompson-9872181/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learner-mobile/

What if your boredom was the key to your next big idea? I spoke to a man who’s stood on volcanoes, fought for patents, and invented a device that’s saved lives at sea. Dr. Robert Yonover is a volcanologist, geochemist — and accidental entrepreneur. But his most powerful tool isn’t tech. It’s creativity. You see, he didn’t invent ocean rescue tech because he wanted to be famous. He did it because he survived a harrowing moment where he almost didn’t come home. In our conversation, he reminded me of something important: Boredom is a gateway to invention. And creativity is not just for kids. We talked on: ultimate If you’ve ever stared at a blank page, hit a wall, or felt the tug of a crazy idea you’re not sure is worth chasing — this one’s for you. STAY CONNECTED WITH MEInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/monicakade Website: http://www.monicakade.com/ CONNECT WITH DR ROB YONOVER Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/RobYonover LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-yonover-732b84/ Facebook: http://seerescuestreamer.com/ Website: http://seerescuestreamer.com/ → Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and now on YouTube #Leadership #Innovation #Creativity #ProblemSolving #OceanTechnology

Picture this: You're crushing it in business. Your leadership skills are on point. You're the person everyone comes to when sh*t hits the fan. Then your phone rings with news that changes everything—and suddenly, you're the one who needs to lead yourself through the unthinkable. That's exactly what happened to executive coach Joelle Kaufman. One minute she's teaching CEOs how to handle their worst days, the next she's staring down a cancer diagnosis thinking, "Am I gonna die?" But here's where it gets interesting for us entrepreneurs... Instead of falling apart, Joelle did something brilliant. She applied every leadership principle she'd been teaching to her own crisis. And what she discovered will change how you think about running your business—and your life. We dive deep into: Joelle gets brutally honest about the moment she realised she wasn't just coaching leadership—she was about to live it. If you're the person everyone depends on but you're not sure who's got your back when you need it most... This one's going to hit home hard. CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE Follow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/monicakadeWebsite – www.monicakade.comLeaders Lane on YouTube – youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiowInstagram – www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast CONNECT WITH JOELLE KAUFMAN Follow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/joellekaufman Instagram — www.instagram.com/gritgrowthresilience Grab the FREE TRAINING: It's based on over 50 years of research and applies across industries and roles. 15-minute free training to change how you approach your careers and work.

Phil Portman had the six-figure job. The respect. The routine. But somewhere between morning meetings and endless emails, he realised: He was succeeding at a life he didn’t want. In this episode, we dig into what no one talks about: How success—when misaligned—can be its own kind of failure. We talk about: just to escapePhil shares how he rebuilt his relationship with ambition, rewrote his story, and created a framework for success that includes his family, his freedom—and himself. If you’re grinding your way to a version of success that feels more draining than fulfilling… This conversation will hit home. Now live on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE Follow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/monicakadeWebsite – www.monicakade.comLeaders Lane on YouTube – youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiowInstagram – www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast CONNECT WITH PHIL PORTMAN Follow on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/philportman/ Twitter — https://x.com/philportman Website — https://philportman.com/YouTube – youtube.com/@mjdigeronimoBuy Phil’s book: https://a.co/d/11hVist

I didn’t expect a conversation about submarines to change how I think about leadership — but that’s exactly what happened. Matt DiGeronimo spent years submerged beneath the surface as a nuclear submarine officer in the US Navy. Tight quarters. High stakes. Zero room for ego. Now, he brings that same level of clarity and pressure-tested insight into his work as a writer, executive, and leadership voice. In this conversation, Matt and I talk about what leadership really looks like when you strip away the buzzwords. We explore how identity, communication, and motivation show up under pressure — and how the words we choose (and how we use them) matter more than we think. Inside the episode: If you’ve ever wanted to be a better leader, communicator, or writer — this is the conversation to start with. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and now on YouTube. CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE Follow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/monicakadeWebsite – www.monicakade.comLeaders Lane on YouTube – youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiowInstagram – www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast CONNECT WITH MATT DIGERONIMO Follow on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjdigeronimo/ Substack — beyondplatitudes.substack.comYouTube – youtube.com/@mjdigeronimo Buy Matt’s books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Matt-DiGeronimo/author/B08YWZ6CYZ

I invited branding expert Versaviya Despars onto Leaders Lane because she’s one of the few creatives who doesn’t just make things look good—she makes them work. Her story starts where many of ours do: with rejection. She didn’t land her dream job. So she built her own studio instead. We talked about that pivotal moment, and how it taught her the most important skill in branding: saying one clear thing, and saying it well. Versaviya shares how she helps founders go from: 1. overwhelmed to razor-sharp in their messaging, 2. why great design is never just about how it looks, 3. and how the rhythm of music shapes memorable storytelling. We also dive into the brutal truth most people avoid:If your audience is confused, they’re gone. This is a conversation about storytelling, editing, ownership—and learning to “kill your darlings” for the sake of clarity, connection, and growth. What we covered: say the same thing 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify + YouTube. CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE Follow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/monicakadeWebsite – www.monicakade.comLeaders Lane on YouTube – youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiowInstagram – www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast CONNECT WITH VERSAVIYA DESPARS Follow on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/versaviya-despars/ Website — https://www.pivotbranding.co/

What if your biggest wins don’t follow the timeline you imagined? In this episode of Leaders Lane, I chat with Connor Treacy — a cultural strategist and entrepreneur whose story proves that success rarely shows up on schedule, but often in ways you never saw coming. At just 19, Connor orchestrated a “Project X”–style party that caught national media attention — a wild event that became the launchpad into LA’s elite circles. By 24, he co-founded OffSunset, a West Hollywood nightclub that pulled in $4M+ in its first year, drawing the attention of A-list celebrities and major industry players. But Connor’s path wasn’t as polished as his résumé. We dive into: really Connor's story is gritty, refreshing, and a must-listen if you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “on time.” 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and now on YouTube. CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE Follow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/monicakadeWebsite – www.monicakade.comLeaders Lane on YouTube – youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiowInstagram – www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast CONNECT WITH CONNOR TREACY Follow on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortreacy/ Website — https://connortreacy.com/ Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/theconnortreacy

What happens when the business takes off faster than you expected—but the weight of success feels just as heavy as failure? In this episode of Leaders Lane, I chat with Mia Plecic, founder of Slick Hair, whose viral growth story during the pandemic made headlines… but what followed rarely gets talked about. Mia built a beauty brand in lockdown, scaled it through TikTok, landed in retail stores, and created a cult following in record time. But behind the growth? Pressure. Loneliness. Decision fatigue. And a hard-won lesson: you can’t do it all—and you shouldn’t try to. This conversation is honest, real, and a must-listen for any e-comm or beauty brand founder navigating high growth and high expectations. Together, we dive into: This episode won’t just motivate you—it’ll make you pause and reconsider how you’re building. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE Follow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/monicakadeWebsite – www.monicakade.com Leaders Lane on YouTube – youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiow Instagram – www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast CONNECT WITH MIA PLECIC Follow on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/miaplecic/ SLICKHAIR — https://slickhair.com/ Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/slickhairco TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@slickhairco Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/slickhairco

When I sat down with Larry Namer, co-founder of E! Entertainment Television, I didn’t expect to walk away with a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and real leadership. Larry grew up in Coney Island, fixing cables and dreaming big—but he didn’t just climb the ladder. He rebuilt the whole thing. This is the story of how a kid from Brooklyn helped launch one of the most iconic media brands in the world. How he pushed through rejection, broke rules (and rewrote a few), and used curiosity, creativity, and collaboration to turn a wild idea into a global phenomenon. We talk about: Larry’s story is a reminder: You don’t need to play by the rules to change the game. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to shape culture, lead with heart, or start over without losing yourself—this one’s for you. CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE Follow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/monicakade Website – www.monicakade.com Leaders Lane on YouTube – youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiow Instagram – www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast CONNECT WITH LARRY NAMER Follow on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-namer/ Buy Larry’s book, Offscript: https://a.co/d/7A09GXP

What happens when your identity is so wrapped up in your job title… and then everything shifts? In this episode of Leaders Lane, I chat with Melissa Cohen, who left behind a high-flying fashion career and found herself rebuilding from scratch—on LinkedIn of all places. We dive into: really As a LinkedIn Top Voice, Melissa doesn’t just talk about building a personal brand—she lives it. So, if you’re at a career crossroad … If your job title just took an undesirable plunge into the abyss If LinkedIn feels like a mystery or your content's getting crickets, this one’s for you. 👉 Tune in on Spotify, Apple—and now YouTube. CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE Follow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/monicakadeWebsite – www.monicakade.com Leaders Lane on YouTube – youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiow Instagram – www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast CONNECT WITH MELISSA COHEN Follow on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-beth-cohen/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/melissabethcohen/ Buy Melissa’s book: https://a.co/d/1J8ztQ1

Building Better: How Lil McAvaney is Changing the Clean Beauty Game. What happens when you stop waiting for perfect conditions—and just start? In this episode of Leaders Lane, I chat with Lil McAvaney, founder of Summer Skin, a clean and conscious self-tanning and skincare brand rewriting the rules of beauty. Lil shares the raw, behind-the-scenes reality of bringing products to life—from spending over a year formulating a natural deodorant to building a supportive community that shapes what she creates. We dive into what it really takes to be a founder today: → Why involving your community leads to better launches → The pressure of being a present parent and a business owner → What it means to stay hands-on and trust the slow build → And how to adapt your vision when things don’t go to plan This episode is packed with insights on product development, branding, and staying grounded in your values—even when the journey takes unexpected turns. 🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube. Just search Leaders Lane. CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE Follow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/monicakade Website – www.monicakade.com Leaders Lane on YouTube – youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiow Instagram – www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast CONNECT WITH LIL MCAVANEY Follow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/lil-mcavaney Website – https://summerskinau.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/summerskinau/

What do elevator sales, the United Nations, and authentic leadership have in common? In this episode of Leaders Lane, I sit down with Erin Herman—keynote speaker, consultant, and all-round powerhouse—to explore the often messy, yet incredibly human side of leadership. We talk about what happens when we ditch perfection, lean into resistance (instead of running from it), and start leading with purpose, not ego. Erin shares what it really looks like to go from corporate suits to global impact—and how courage, empathy, and growth aren't just buzzwords, but tools for real change. This one’s for the leaders tired of the façade—who want to make space for vulnerability, voice, and bold growth. In this episode, we unpack: ✨ Why resistance is actually an invitation ✨ How confidence is built in the doing—not just the knowing ✨ The courage to lead with empathy ✨ The real reason groupthink can damage teams ✨ And how reconnecting to purpose reinvigorates not just people—but whole organisations Ready to create real impact—and get a little uncomfortable in the process? Tune in! CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE Follow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/monicakade Website – www.monicakade.com Leaders Lane on YouTube – youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiow Instagram – www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast CONNECT WITH ERIN HERMAN Follow on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-herman-97832217/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/erin.beaton.18/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_erin111?lang=en Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/eebherm

When was the last time you looked around your home or office and wondered: Is this space supporting the life I want?In this episode, I sit down with Award Winning Feng Shui master and author Jane Langof—who traded in accounting ledgers for energy maps—and now helps people design lives that feel as good as they look.Jane’s approach to Feng Shui is practical, powerful, and refreshingly modern. Whether it’s your front door, your desk placement, or the stack of papers you’ve been avoiding—she explains how even the smallest shifts in our space can lead to surprising transformations in focus, wellbeing, and even prosperity.We dive into:1. How Feng Shui principles apply to both homes and high-performing workspaces2. Why the front entrance is more than just a doorway—it’s your energy gateway.3. What clutter might be doing to your mental clarity and career growth4. How she built her consulting business and what writing a book unlocked for her.If you’re curious about how your environment shapes your energy, career, and life success—this episode is a fresh perspective you don’t want to miss.Listen now and rethink what your space is saying about you.CONNECT WITH MONICA KADEFollow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/monicakadeWebsite – www.monicakade.comLeaders Lane on YouTube – youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiowInstagram – www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcastCONNECT WITH JANE LANGOFFollow on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/janelanghoffWebsite – www.fengshuiconcepts.com.auInstagram – www.instagram.com/fengshuiconceptsGrab her book – Feng Shui: A Homeowner’s Guide to AbundanceLearn the secrets to transforming your home into a source of prosperity and well-being. A must-read for anyone wishing to manifest or create their forever home.→ www.fengshuiconcepts.com.au/book

What if the root cause of every leadership hurdle wasn’t a lack of strategy, structure, or skill—but something much deeper? Did you know connection makes it impossible to fight? In this mind-expanding conversation, I sit down with Dr. Ravi Iyer — Harvard-trained physician-scientist, author, inventor, 3x TEDx speaker, and one of the Top Doctors of America. With a 42-year career spanning medicine, science, and leadership, Dr. Iyer brings a rare depth of insight into how we lead, connect, and evolve. His 2024 TEDxGary talk was the 3rd most globally viewed TEDx talk of the year — and for good reason. This episode doesn’t scratch the surface. It dives deep. We explore the intersection of biology, identity, and leadership. Dr. Iyer unpacks how focus, observation, and presence are not just personal development tools — they are leadership fundamentals. From dissolving conflict through connection to practicing silence as a tool for influence, this conversation challenges conventional wisdom and offers a new lens on what it means to lead well. Takeaways include: → Why connection makes conflict impossible → How focus is a muscle that transforms your leadership → The real reason leaders struggle — and how to shift it → Why leadership begins at the level of being, not doing → What a monk taught him about silence and power If you’ve ever felt like your leadership has hit a wall — this is the conversation that will help you break through it. CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE 1. Follow on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/monicakade 2. Website - www.monicakade.com 3. Leaders Lane on YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiow 4. Instagram - www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast CONNECT WITH DR. RAVI IYER www.linkedin.com/in/driyermd www.driyer.comwww.youtube.com/@driyermdwww.instagram.com/driyermd

Somewhere along the way, we started believing that if your business isn’t growing fast, hiring like crazy, or chasing investment... it’s failing. But what if building a small, values-driven brand that supports your life—not consumes it—is the real flex? In Episode 133 of Leaders Lane, I sat down with Briony Kennedy, founder of Adorn Cosmetics, who’s built a sustainable beauty brand by staying true to her own definition of success. Briony started young—selling animals as a kid in the playground—and her entrepreneurial fire never faded. Fast forward to today, where she runs Adorn, a multi-million dollar beauty company. But her success has come intentionally. As she grew Adorn, she made a conscious choice: not to chase rapid scale, but to build a purpose-led, ethical business that supports her well-being and her customers. We spoke about personal risk, mental health, community, and why being smaller—but most importantly ‘intentional’ can actually be the bravest path of all. YOU might be feeling the pressure to “go big or go home.” But Briony’s journey is a reminder that you get to decide what success looks like—and it doesn’t have to match anyone else’s version. But you do need to know what your version is. Do you? Tune into the episode and hear the full conversation. LISTENER GIFT: Leaders Lane listeners get 10% off with the code: LEADERS10 Expire 13th June 2025 CONNECT WITH BRIONY KENNEDY 1. Follow on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/brionykennedy 2. Website - www.adorncosmetics.com.au 3. Instagram - www.instagram.com/adorncosmetics 4. YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCSr5zbEvUVDsb4OZqZtFBKw CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE 1. Follow on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/monicakade 2. Website - www.monicakade.com 3. Leaders Lane on YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiow 4. Instagram - www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast

This week, I sat down with Jingjing Liu, a powerhouse leader who went from thriving in the male-dominated automotive industry to founding Zazazoo, Asia’s first sexual well-being hub. And now, co-founding The Elevate Group. Her journey is one of bold transformation—stepping away from a traditional corporate path to tackle one of society’s most taboo topics: female pleasure and confidence. But this conversation isn’t just about business. It’s about the invisible pressures women face—at work, at home, and even within themselves. Why do so many women struggle with confidence in their own competence? How does embracing identity and sexuality fuel stronger leadership? And what happens when we stop conforming to outdated expectations and start leading on our own terms? Jingjing doesn’t hold back as we dive into cultural barriers, personal growth, and the power of authenticity in leadership. If you’ve ever felt like you had to play by someone else’s rules to succeed, this episode will make you rethink everything. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ➝ Why confidence, not just competence is the biggest barrier for many women in leadership. ➝ How embracing your identity and sexuality can transform the way you lead. ➝ The hidden pressures women face in male-dominated industries—and how to break free from them. ➝ Why women are often “over-advised” and what they actually need to succeed. ➝ The role of sexual well-being in empowerment—and why no one talks about it. CONNECT WITH JINGJIN 1. Follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jingjin-liu/ 2. Subscribe to ELEVATE's newsletter - https://elevateasia.org/ 3. Watch her Ted Talk - Confidence in the Bedroom leads to Confidence in the Boardroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw6AbRid9jE&t=1s 4. Join the Waitlist of Cohort 2 - "Transform from hidden talent to visible leaders" https://elevate-14.kit.com/visibleleader2 CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE 1. Follow on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/monicakade 2. Website - www.monicakade.com 3. Leaders Lane on YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiow 4. Instagram - www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast

This week on Leaders Lane, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Josh Perry, a former X-Games athlete who’s faced more adversity than most of us could imagine. After being diagnosed with multiple brain tumours and battling through years of physical and mental challenges, Josh became a performance coach and speaker with a unique perspective. We talk about how fear is just a thought that can be reframed (but watch out for that reframe!) and why ‘feeling your emotions’ is key to growth. His story shows us that by embracing vulnerability and authenticity, we can change our experience of life. Josh opens up about his BMX career, sharing how the sport was not only his passion but also his escape. He talks on the journey of overcoming multiple brain tumour diagnoses—how his outlook on life flipped — and what really matters to him now. We dive into the power of support systems, the importance of believing in yourself when it feels impossible, and how we can all prioritise what truly matters to us in life. This conversation is a raw, honest look at resilience, mental health, and the courage to show up as our authentic selves—even when life throws curveballs. Takeaways: CONNECT WITH JOSH PERRY 1. Follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshperrybmx/ 2. Website - www.JoshPerryBMX.com 3 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@JoshPerryBMX 4 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joshperrybmx/ CONNECT WITH MONICA KADE 1. Follow on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/monicakade 2. Website - www.monicakade.com 3. Leaders Lane on YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCmMz5gF55YIizWH_pJJxiow 4. Instagram - www.instagram.com/leaderslanepodcast