TheEdge Podcast: Recent Episodes
ClearEdge Marketing
TheEdge podcast works to shine a bright light on the stories, wisdom and career guidance of the women executives (and their workforce allies) who are elevating the talent and tech industries. Our “How to Lead and Thrive” format is focused on providing listeners with real-world advice they can use to drive their own careers and companies forward. Our host is talent and tech industry thought leader Leslie Vickrey, who is a passionate advocate for creating equity and positive change in the world of work and one of the co-founders of ARA, a 6,000 people-strong national organization focused on supporting women in technology.
When most people sign up for LinkedIn, they make their URL their name. Heather Jennings made hers, healthcarestaffing.
Her dedication to the industry is second to none and led her to her current role as President of iDEAL Personnel Services, a healthcare employment and education staffing firm that recently celebrated its 15th anniversary.
In this episode of TheEdge, Leslie Vickrey sits down with Heather to talk through how her grandmother’s history of horse diving in Atlantic City inspired her to live a life filled with sports and resilience and how she has learned to use her voice, advocate for herself, and build a purposeful career and team that is leading an industry forward.
Finding Confidence in Your Worth“For a long time, I did find myself overextending to prove my worth. And despite doing good work, I struggled to advance. It was frustrating and at times, I doubted if I’d ever break through, but the key to building resilience was to shift my mindset from constantly seeking external validation to recognizing my own value and contribution,” Heather shared when asked how she was able to take the leaps she’s made in her career.
While it may have taken her time to find that confidence in herself, she now brings that value into her every day at work, including how she interacts with and leads her team.
Leading with Passion and Purpose“I encourage everyone to stay connected to our mission and our mission statement is, ‘Connecting people and creating paths to thrive together.’ It’s just not a statement that we put on paper. It’s words that we live by,” Heather shared when asked how she builds a team that is so enthusiastic about their work.
Heather Jennings believes in leading with transparency and empathy and she shares how she embraces recognition as a practice in the episode. Give a listen to learn her leadership secrets as well as find the inspiration you need to bring the best of yourself to work every day.
For more episodes of TheEdge, click here.
When Leslie Snavely first applied at CHG Healthcare Services 5 weeks into parental leave with her first child, she got a rejection in less than 24 hours. But she didn’t take no for an answer and has since spent her career working her way up the company to her current role as President.
In this episode of TheEdge, Leslie Vickrey dives into how Leslie’s midwestern roots helped her grow into the leader she is today and how she uses her lifelong love of learning to tackle every new challenge with an eye for opportunity.
Learn It, Dream It, and Work For It“Growing up in central Ohio, I learned that it was my responsibility to take control of my life,” Leslie shared when asked how her work ethic grew from her midwestern roots. Being raised by two teachers, she knew that learning everything she could at any chance meant that doors would open for her.
She has brought that passion for learning into every facet of her life and even uses it when mentoring and leading her teams…even if their learning looks different than hers. “I’ve had to learn to really listen and understand how people learn…The people that I lead have tremendous potential and my job is to help them get to where they want to be, wherever that ‘where’ is.”
The Only Competition Is YourselfIn the conversation, Leslie shares how she maximizes her potential by knowing that the only competition she’s really up against is herself. “I don’t feel the need to out ski someone or out mountain bike someone…me doing these things comes from a place of, ‘Why wouldn’t I?’”
That doesn’t mean everything always goes according to plan!
Sometimes you have to get up and dust yourself off (literally…Leslie has dislocated her shoulder three times mountain biking, but she always gets back on the trail) and keep going after what you want.
When she first got rejected for the marketing role she applied for at CHG she had to make a decision. “In some sense, I’ve channeled in my life that ‘no’ is a reason to assess. Is it really something I want? If yes, keep persisting. And it almost turns into a challenge for me. They said no, how am I going to get them to a yes?”
Give a listen to the episode to learn what Leslie Snavely did to get that yes and how it has led to a 14-year career that reminds her every day that, “Work doesn’t just have to be work. It can be fun too.”
For more episodes of TheEdge, click here.
Sales organizations at staffing firms have long been perceived as a male-dominated field. However, women are increasingly breaking barriers and achieving remarkable success in sales leadership roles. Our most recent episode of TheEdge podcast features a conversation between Leslie Vickery and Jessie McGowan, Senior Vice President, Business Development, at PeopleScout, A TrueBlue Company. Their insightful discussion explored the challenges and rewards of navigating sales as a woman, offering valuable advice for those looking to thrive in this competitive field.
This episode is a must-listen for:
- Women considering or working in sales organizations
- Sales managers and leaders in the Staffing Industry
- Anyone passionate about creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace
Overcoming Challenges and Finding SuccessJessie acknowledged the challenges faced by women in sales. From confronting stereotypes to navigating a culture that may not always be welcoming, women often encounter unique obstacles. However, she emphasized that these hurdles can be overcome by focusing on developing key skills. Here are some key takeaways from the conversation:
- Communication is King (or Queen): Strong communication skills are essential for success in sales. Being able to articulate the value proposition, connect with clients, and build rapport are all crucial aspects of the job.
- Embrace Resilience: The sales profession comes with its share of rejections and setbacks. Developing resilience allows you to bounce back from challenges and stay motivated in the face of adversity.
- Lifelong Learning: The sales landscape is constantly evolving. A commitment to continuous learning ensures you stay up-to-date on industry trends and equip yourself with the latest sales methodologies.
Mentorship: A Catalyst for GrowthThe conversation highlighted the importance of mentorship, particularly for women in sales. Jessie shared her own experience of being guided and encouraged by a supportive mentor who played a pivotal role in her journey to sales leadership. Mentors provide invaluable guidance, share industry knowledge, and offer a safe space for discussing challenges.
Mentorship can take various forms, not just through dedicated mentors but also through supportive colleagues and leaders. Building a strong network of mentors can provide the encouragement and sponsorship necessary to propel women towards success in sales.
Building an Inclusive Sales TeamJessie emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive sales environment. This means creating a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, voicing concerns, and contributing their unique perspectives. A truly inclusive environment requires challenging the status quo and dismantling any existing biases within the sales team.
By promoting open communication and building trust, leaders can create a more positive and productive work environment. This, in turn, leads to a more diverse and engaged workforce, ultimately contributing to better decision-making and improved sales performance.
The path to success in sales leadership is paved with hard work, dedication, and the development of key skills. However, as Jessie McGowan’s story demonstrates, women can excel in this field by overcoming challenges, finding strong mentors, and advocating for themselves within a supportive and inclusive sales environment.
Vinda Souza, CMO at RefAssured, joins Leslie Vickery on TheEdge for a conversation that’s both inspiring and thought-provoking. They delve into the importance of marketing as a strategy, finding your authentic voice and brand purpose, and how DEI as a strategy is faring in today’s market.
This episode is a must-listen for marketing leaders in the staffing industry, women looking to navigate their careers with confidence, anyone passionate about creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
Why Marketing Gets Lost in the Shuffle: The Staffing Industry vs. Tech Giants * How can women in marketing leadership secure the resources they need within the staffing industry? * What unique strategies can be used to build a strong employer brand in staffing?
How to Leverage Storytelling and Authenticity to Craft a Powerful Employer Brand * Why is storytelling such a powerful tool inmarketing? * How can you leverage authenticity to connect with potential candidates?
The importance of paying more than lip service to your DEI initiatives* Should DEI be a strategy or a tactic? * How can we prioritize these initiatives in today’s market?
In life and throughout the episode, Vinda doesn’t shy away from the challenges. She emphasizes the importance of companies actively seeking solutions to combat bias and empowering women throughout the entire recruitment process.
Drawing on her own experiences witnessing vast improvements in diversity throughout her life, she ignites a spark of hope. Vinda believes that with collective action, we can accelerate progress towards a future free from bias.
Join Vinda and Leslie on The Edge as they challenge the status quo and empower you to own your voice!
A Journey Through Leadership and InnovationIn the latest episode, Leslie Vickrey welcomes Lesly Cardec, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Recruiting for ClearEdge Recruiting. With over four years of dedicated service to ClearEdge, Lesly brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table as she reflects on her journey and the groundbreaking developments in ClearEdge Recruiting‘s first year anniversary.
Discovering Purpose in the Staffing IndustryLesly Cardec’s journey in the staffing industry began with a serendipitous job application, much like many others in the field. What started as a simple application turned into a lifelong passion for purposeful work. Her role within the industry has recently changed from a marketing focus to a recruiting one, providing a front row seat to the impact the work can make.
A Visionary Partnership: Building ClearEdge RecruitingLeslie Vickery and Lesly Cardec’s partnership exemplifies visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. From their initial interactions to the inception of ClearEdge Recruiting, their collaboration has been marked by innovation, dedication, and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, they embarked on a journey to create ClearEdge Recruiting, setting the stage for a year of remarkable achievements and transformative growth.
Celebrating One Year of SuccessAs ClearEdge Recruiting marks its one-year anniversary, Lesly Cardec reflects on the milestone with gratitude and excitement. Amidst the challenges and triumphs of the past year, ClearEdge Recruiting has emerged as a beacon of excellence. With a relentless focus on client success and a passion for driving impactful change, Lesly looks forward to the promising future ahead.
A Journey of Growth and InspirationIn her role as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Recruiting, Lesly Cardec has embraced the challenges and opportunities of leadership with grace and determination. From where she began to her current position as a trailblazing leader, Lesly’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and purposeful work. As ClearEdge Recruiting embarks on its next chapter of growth and innovation, Lesly remains steadfast in her commitment to driving positive change and empowering organizations to thrive.
Connect with Lesly CardecTo connect with Lesly Cardec and learn more about ClearEdge Recruiting’s innovative solutions, visit her LinkedIn profile and join the conversation today.
On the latest episode of TheEdge, our host, Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder, is joined by Angela Alberty, Co-Founder, MyBasePay. Angela and Leslie explore many commonalities as they move through the conversation, including their upbringing by strong single mothers. As entrepreneurs and moms, many of the values instilled in them at young ages shine through in this conversation and their work. The pair discuss balancing work life and family, the support they have received from Allys and male mentors including Angela’s co-founder Cesar Jiminez, and they wrap it up with Angela doing a quick (yet deep) dive into Future of Work trends.
Growing up in a single mother household, Angela knew the importance of being able to provide for herself. After a short stint chasing her dream of broadcast journalism, she turned to the staffing industry where she saw a brighter future. All along, she knew that family was very important to her, so much so that she left a role she was rapidly advancing in when she had her first child. Angela returned to the workforce soon after, when approached by Cesar Jiminez to start MyBasePay, an Employer of Record. The pair have built not only a fast growing and successful company, but also a culture where Angela is able to prioritize her family and her teams are as well.
If you have listened to TheEdge before, you know that allyship is a common theme. It comes as no surprise that Angela and Leslie share more with each other about the importance of Allies in the workplace and some that they have found along the way. Cesar, who co-founded MyBasePay with Angela has not only been an ally to Angela in her work, but together they have also created a majority women executive board. Angela also shares about how her husband has stepped up to support her and been one of her greatest supporters. She shares a story about when her supportive mother was encouraging her to take the safe road, go back to a job that she knew and loved, while her husband was beside her encouraging her to take on the new experience of co-founding a company, because he knew she could do it! While these were both coming from a place of love, she took the road less traveled and is very glad she did.
To wrap up the episode, Angela reminds us that the future of work is now, it is the current state of work. She talks about the way that technology, and specifically AI, is transforming the way that we communicate and providing opportunities for automation like we haven’t seen before. She also reminds us to think about the changes we are continuing to see in the world such as a more globalized workforce and employers being able to be more responsive to their employees needs around the world. With the addition of a new generation coming into the workforce and what Angela shares is a generation that values reskilling and upskilling and is looking for more agility and varied opportunities. These are just a few of the points she makes as she takes on where our industry stands today.
Angela and Leslie have so many shared passions, from their families to, to lifting women up, and ensuring the future of our industry, it is evident in this electric conversation.
On the latest episode of TheEdge, our host, Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder, is joined by Kendra Cato, Director of Enterprise Strategy at Bullhorn.
Kendra came to her role at Bullhorn 5 years ago. Kendra opens with telling Leslie about the experience of sharing the news about this position and new career direction with her family and not being met with the enthusiasm she expected. In that moment, she chose to bet on herself and trust her gut. This wasn’t the first time in her life she had trusted her gut, with the wise words of her father whispering in the back of her mind, and it’s served her well.
Kendra’s passion of design and art is evident throughout the conversation, as she exclaims, “Life is art!” when Leslie asks her about how she incorporates her passions in to her professional life. She shares ways that she has created space both professionally and personally for creativity and design and lead with a heart wanting others to experience the same.
As co-authors of the book, Together We Rise, Leslie had a front row seat to Kendra’s creative process and the pair discuss the vulnerability that it took to write a book during the pandemic with 13 other female staffing industry leaders. The book hopes to break down stereotypes, instill confidence and encourage the next generation of leaders to rise up. Kendra opens up with the audience and Leslie about experiences she has had over the years that led her to discover and really define what her purpose and ‘why’ is in life, now a cornerstone to the decisions she makes in her day to day life.
Before wrapping up the episode, Kendra and Leslie discuss where the staffing industry is today in it’s DEI journey. Kendra shares about her own experiences in varying workplaces as a Black woman and the importance of inclusion and belonging. She underlines the importance of creating spaces where employees can show up as their full selves and are respected and celebrated. The episode closes out with a challenge for the audiences to find and join a gathering or event outside of their demographic to expand their networks, experiences, and/or cultural competencies.
On the latest episode of TheEdge, our host, Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder, is joined by Janet Elkin, President, IMN Enterprises. Janet shares many insights about her career with Leslie, underscoring the fact that ‘life isn’t always a straight line’. After a few twists and turns through her career, Janet purchased Icon Medical Network which has now grown to become IMN Enterprises with additional acquisitions. In this episode, the pair discuss imposter syndrome, the positive changes they want to impress on our industry through their entrepreneurship journey, and the importance of caring for your employees, yourself, and your clients.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/98_TheEdge_Janet-Elkin-2.mp3"][/audio]
On the latest episode of TheEdge, our host, Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder, is joined by Janelle Bieler, President, Adecco Canada. Leslie and Janelle start off the episode by discussing what it means to be the CEO of your own career. The pair then discuss the Dress for Success ‘Your Hour, Her Power’ campaign which is raising funds for programs supporting women entering and re-entering the workforce. The campaign highlights groundbreaking women in leadership positions across various industries, this year including both Leslie and Janelle. The episode wraps up with an exploration of what it means to be a power mom, and Janelle’s participation in a book of the same title.
Janelle has now worked at Adecco for eight years, and this episode opens with a story from when she was interviewing for the position. She was in her final interview with Joyce Russel, Adecco US President at the time, and in that conversation she made it clear she was looking for a position that did not necessarily have longevity, but had opportunity for growth and promotion within the company. Stating this clearly was Janelle’s way of taking control of her career and it has served her well, with a clear understanding of her goals, she has moved from Regional Vice President to President of Adecco Canada.
This March, Women’s History Month, Leslie and Janelle were both honored as a part of the #YourHourHerPower, a campaign organized by Dress for Success International. Your Hour Her Power was created to inspire hope and resilience among women by honoring groundbreaking women in leadership positions across various industries. Leslie and Janelle reflect on the different reasons this campaign means so much to them and their companies. They discuss how their companies are working to rise up women, how the staffing industry stacks up when looking at equity for women in the workplace, and discuss the important work that Dress for Success is doing for women entering or re-entering the workforce.
Leslie then asks Janelle about what it means to be a mom to her two daughters. Janelle reflects on the importance of teaching your daughters from a young age to advocate for themselves, and to stand up for what they believe in, understanding they don’t always have to fit in. Janelle then shares about her experience being featured in the book “Power Moms”, by Joanne Lublin. In the book she talks about something that is not often talked about when discussing women in leadership and motherhood, miscarriage.This wasn’t a topic she had planned on sharing about, but one that organically came about through conversations with Joanne. She shares about the support she received and the importance of being able to talk about it.
If you are interested in learning more about Dress for Success and the work they are doing with women around the globe, please visit their website here. To donate to the Your Hour, Her Power campaign and learn more about why ClearEdge Marketing is excited to be a part of it, you can visit our campaign page here.
In this third installment of the Allyship in Action series, Mark Nussbaum, Chief Administrative Officer for DISYS and Signature Consultants joins host Leslie Vickrey, CEO and Founder of ClearEdge Marketing. The pair embark on a conversation about allyship and the importance of switching from a power stance to a learning stance, they share stories of putting that belief into practice, discuss the DEI efforts Mark has put in place at his own companies, and to wrap it up they dive into where our industry stands today and how we can move it forward with an eye toward diversity.
After a powerful introduction to the episode from one of Mark’s mentees, Mark shares about his journey to the staffing industry, starting as a lawyer in the healthcare industry. The pair then dive into the conversation of allyship. Leslie often mentions the importance of a learning stance if you want to be an ally, and Mark shares that the way he often positions that is to think about connecting with people in a way that is mutually beneficial instead of putting yourself in a position of power. Being aware of your power and your privilege allows you to move from that power stance to a learning stance and bring curiosity and allyship to the conversation. Mark illuminates this idea with a story about a male colleague that joined a conversation with him and a female colleague, but was dismissive to their female colleague. While he didn’t say anything in the moment, Mark engaged in conversation with them separately and he goes on to share the outcomes of those conversations with Leslie.
Building in opportunities for teams to learn together about diversity, equity, and inclusion is important to Mark and he shares some of the ways they have been doing that at DISYS and Signature Consultants. First, Mark shares about an unconscious bias training that the team at Signature took part in. The training fostered conversations within the team and built awareness of how unaware you are of yourself and your beliefs. Mark also remarked on the importance of revisiting this training and making sure that it is an ongoing conversation within your team. He also shared about monthly roundtable discussions called “Women and Allies” where they gather to discuss varied topics, from the tactical to the strategic. Along with these conversations, they also have a leadership development program, open to all, but with a focus on providing mentoring and coaching to a diverse set of leaders. This program will support these leaders in advancing in their careers. Lastly, the pair remark on an organization, Grand Circus, which the companies are partnering with. Grand Circus gives technical training through bootcamps to underserved groups in areas to provide skill training to groups that may not otherwise have access.
Leslie then shares some stats with Mark about women in leadership, and how the percentages of women drop from 50% in entry level roles and closer to 20% representation in the C-suite. The pair then discuss different ways that we can work together to change those stats in our industry. Mark shares the importance of opening up the conversation, realizing that just talking about it won’t make the change, but without the conversation happening action won’t begin. He also encourages other males to get into mentoring and coaching, to pick people in their organizations and give them time monthly to provide insights to their career. The level of gratitude you receive and the accomplishment you feel from those conversations is disproportionate to the effort it takes, he says.
This episode is full of so many take-aways, insights on how to have those courageous conversations we often shy away from, and ways to bring this home to your company to begin making small changes.
On the latest episode of TheEdge, our host, Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder, is joined by Leonie Tyler, President of S.i. Systems. The episode opens with a story about how Leonie started her career at just 16 and goes on to discuss how the intersection of allyship and friendship, Leonie’s personal meditation practice and how that has expanded to her professional realm, and the process of working with private equity firms along with advice for other women working with them now or in the future.
Leonie, unlike many in the Staffing Industry, started her career outside of the industry. She moved to Canada from the UK at the age of 16, due to differing school systems, she decided to look for a job until she could register for university. Along with her mother, she stepped into the tallest building in downtown and applied for a job at the Bank of Montreal (BMO). She was offered a position the next day, and so began her career. Through on the job training programs, she continued to move through the ranks and stayed at BMO for 25 years.
After a sabbatical, which really allowed her to focus on her values, she took a courageous leap and left BMO to take a position at Canadian Pacific Rail. During her time there, she was introduced to S.i. Systems as one of their vendors. She grew to know the team, including Derek Bullen, the CEO. Leonie and Derek started a friendship between not only them, but their families, and Derek began to encourage Leonie to join his team. Leonie recounts times how that friendship really solidified the allyship that Derek provided for her when she did eventually join S.i. Systems. Derek stands beside her and allows her to do what she is passionate about, developing people, and their friendship has been a catalyst for that.
Leonie is also very passionate about wellness- she has her own daily meditation practice, that as you will hear in the episode, has really been transformative for her. It is through that practice that she become grounded in her values and decided to start taking steps towards a life and career that gave to her what she needed. She has brought this practice into her professional life and to her team with great success. Creating grounded spaces in the office, during meetings, and beyond has opened up new opportunities of growth for her team. Leonie and Leslie talk about the importance of this and share a few different ways that you can bring these practices to your team.
S.i Systems recently received a private equity investment that wil provide additional opportunity for expansion. Leonie’s background in finance uniquely suited her for her part in this conversation, although traditionally there are not many women involved in these processes. Leonie suggests that it was not necessarily the background in finance that uniquely suited her for this, but the ability to present her successes and how she was able to present and bring that to the table with her. She provides a great framework to think about how to build up these talking points for yourself and package them to present.
This conversation is not one that you want to miss. It is full of insights, actionable takeaways, and Leonie’s passion for developing people in a grounded and thoughtful way truly shines through. Be sure to take a listen, share with your colleagues who could benefit, and leave a review on the podcast platform of your choice.
On the latest episode of TheEdge, our host, Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder, is joined by Eric Gregg CEO & Founder of ClearlyRated. Eric shares about his allyship journey and the belief that you never really arrive at allyship, the pair recount stories of shared experiences they have had during industry events and the important roles allies played, and discuss ClearlyRated’s DEI initiatives and the impact they have had on the industry.
While Eric jokes that he started to view himself as an ally when Leslie asked him to be on podcast, he and ClearlyRated are known to shine a light on various areas and opportunities where the industry can improve for employees of all different backgrounds. He shares that in regards to his allyship journey, it’s just that, a journey. He believes you should constantly be trying to improve how you support people who haven’t been afforded the same opportunities as you. His path toward allyship has really been about self awareness and taking action, which is showcased throughout this episode.
Talking about Allyship in Action, Eric shares a lightbulb moment he recalls from a conference he was attending with Leslie. She simply asked Eric to watch her drink as she stepped away from the table, in that moment he realized that was something he never needed to think about in that setting. They discuss the differences of how men and women may approach event attendance and preparing for them, and how we can narrow the gap. They also discuss the importance and share stories of having allies in the room with you during those times.
Eric started ClearlyRated to build off of his passion for data and telling it’s story, he wanted to translate data in a way that leadership teams could easily take action on, even if they were not a highly analytical team. Eric shares the way that ClearlyRated lives it’s DEI values with its team members and talks about pivot points on the company’s journey. George Floyd’s murder was one of those, as it was for many. One of their employees wrote a letter to leadership challenging them to do more, the letter highlighted the unique place in the industry that the company held, and that was another lightbulb moment for Eric. He realized that while they were living what they believed inside their walls, they could build greater impact by shifting that externally. Since then they have worked to do exactly that, and have more coming on those efforts in this year.
On the latest episode of TheEdge, our host, Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder, is joined by Kara Rogan CEO of Co-Worx Staffing. The pair discuss Kara’s path from VP to CEO, what exactly bone deep self confidence means, and the importance of balancing being a high performer while not being a perfectionist, especially as your children are watching and learning from you.
Kara began her career at Adecco, but has spent the past 17 years at CoWorx Staffing Services. After college, she stumbled on the staffing industry through a friend and began her career. After finding success and a passion for the industry at Adecco, she was approached by CoWorx to join their team. She took the leap and joined them at a pivotal time when the company was going through a re-brand and many internal changes. She began as a Director of Sales and Operations in a small market, but has slowly moved her way up to her role today as newly appointed CEO. As for advice for young women wanting to rise up to the C-suite, Kara says, “always raise your hand” which will open you up to new experiences and opportunities.
As Kara continued to climb the corporate ladder, she began to engage with an executive coach to support her growth. Through their work together, Kara learned a term ‘bone deep self confidence’ which she shared with Leslie. It is not a term that is about self worth, but rather about being confident in your work because you know you are doing the right thing. This concept along with the idea that you do not have to be an expert in everything, has really helped her build self confidence through the years.
While both Kara and Leslie are CEOs, they have another important job they discuss in today’s episode, being a mom to their kids. Leslie asks Kara about how you balance the importance of being a high performer, without falling into the perfection trap, especially when it comes to your kids. Kara’s shares that while she has made many mistakes figuring out what works for her family, she has found success in not pushing them in the areas that they are already hard on themselves. Instead, building the kids up in those areas. They share stories and examples of ways they have seen this play out, lessons they have learned, and how they will continue to implement these concepts at home.
These are just a few of the topics that the pair talk about during their conversation. They talk more about how an executive coach can support you in your role and growth, the importance of health and wellness for your team, what excites them most about the future of the staffing industry, and more.
On the latest episode of TheEdge, our host, Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder, is joined by Nicole McMackin, CEO of Irvine Technology Corporation. The pair discuss what it was like for Nicole to step into leading a company at 29, the importance of facing your fears in both your personal and professional lives and more. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACTUAL-NEW_-WP-Nicole-M.mp3"][/audio]
On this special episode of TheEdge, Insight Global's CEO, Bert Bean, joins ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder Leslie Vickrey for our new allyship series that features male executives. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/91_TheEdge_Bert-Bean_Edit-2.mp3"][/audio]
On this episode of TheEdge, Salo's CEO, Lisa Brezonik joins ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder Leslie Vickrey to discuss the power of demonstrating true work-life harmony as leaders, carving out what you need to be successful and more. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/WP_LisaB_TheEdge.-.mp3"][/audio]
On this episode of TheEdge, TheKey’s Head of Caregiver Experience Kerry Sirrka joins ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder Leslie Vickrey to discuss the power of being uncomfortable, grounding ourselves in our accomplishments, and more. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/WP_KerryS_TheEdge.mp3"][/audio]
On this episode of TheEdge, Orion Talent CEO Sarah Peiker joins ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder Leslie Vickrey for an engaging conversation centered on authentic leadership. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/WP_Jess-C_TheEdge.mp3"][/audio]
On this episode of TheEdge, Orion Talent CEO Sarah Peiker joins ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder Leslie Vickrey for a wide-ranging conversation centered on leadership. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WP2_Sarah-P_TheEdge.mp3"][/audio]
On this episode of TheEdge, Michelle Sims, CEO at YUPRO, joins ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder Leslie Vickrey for an uplifting discussion centered on persistence and confidence. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/WP_TheEdge_Michelle_ClearEdge-Podcast-22322-4.09-PM.mp3"][/audio]
On this episode of TheEdge, Jennifer Waldrip, VP of Client & Talent Services at ProFocus Technology, joins ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder Leslie Vickrey for a motivating discussion of Jennifer's impressive career journey and their shared passion for rising up women in the staffing and recruiting industry. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/WP_Jennifer-Waldrip.mp3"][/audio]
On this episode of TheEdge, our producers Lyric Copeland and Sarah Fluegel join ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder Leslie Vickrey to reflect on the amazing women we’ve had on the show this year, the stories that impacted us, and the lessons we learned along the way. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/WP-Recap-Podcast.mp3"][/audio]
On this episode of TheEdge, Kforce COO Kye Mitchell joins ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder Leslie Vickrey to talk about why her organization has shifted their employee performance focus from activity to results, the role you’re irreplaceable in, and why it’s important to know the difference between what you can do versus what you can do well. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/WP_Kye_TheEdge.mp3"][/audio]
On this episode of TheEdge, Onward Search Group President Eliana Hassen joins ClearEdge Marketing CEO and Founder Leslie Vickrey to talk about “dropping the guilt” as a working parent, creating equitable workplaces, and how career sponsorship starts with accessibility. Eliana and Leslie then discuss how these topics have intertwined throughout her career journey. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/WP2_Eliana_TheEdge.mp3"][/audio]
On this episode of TheEdge podcast, ClearEdge CEO and founder Leslie Vickrey interviews Henna Pryor, CEO and Founder of Executive Coach & Leadership Training company Pryority Group. Leslie and Henna discuss how humor can be a tool for confidence, the importance of claiming your achievements, and how fear is a mask for desire. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/WP_HennaP_TheEdge.mp3"][/audio]
On this episode of TheEdge podcast, ClearEdge CEO and founder Leslie Vickrey interviews Sunny Ackerman, President of the Americas at SThree. Leslie and Sunny discuss the organization's ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, why she’s learned to embrace the plot twists, and how there isn’t an age restriction for learning from others. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/WP_SunnyAckerman.mp3"][/audio]
On this episode of TheEdge podcast, ClearEdge CEO and founder Leslie Vickrey interviews Lynne Marie Finn, President and CEO at Broadleaf Results. Leslie and Lynne discuss how mentoring can strengthen an open mind, why you should never let your circumstances limit you, and the importance of supporting women-owned businesses with capital. We hope you enjoy this episode.
[audio mp3="https://www.clearedgemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/WP_LynneFinn_TheEdge.mp3"][/audio]
Tammy Browning, current SVP and President at KellyOCG, has held almost every role in the staffing industry, from recruiting to branch management. In total, it adds up to16 different titles and roles. All of that experience, combined with her original start in the restaurant industry, has given Tammy the competitive edge that she attributes to her success today.
But long before Tammy was leading global MSP and RPO solutions and overseeing a whopping $9 billion spend budget for KellyOCG’s MSP portfolio, Tammy was practicing what she calls “good old fashioned grit” in the restaurant business. She recalls a time when she could be found doing anything from serving tables and hosting, to washing dishes as a general manager. But what gave Tammy her edge to succeed in staffing was the mentality that no job is beneath you or your paygrade. In addition, she notes that the job also requires a deep level of knowledge of what you’re selling—and the people you’re selling it to.
Tammy’s decision to leave the restaurant business started with a personal conversation between she and her husband about work-life balance and the role they wanted her to play in the family dynamic. Tammy later reflects on how she traveled every week during pre-pandemic times and was often gone Monday through Friday. She suggests that if at any point you’re sitting in a hotel room or away from your family or in a meeting, and you’re asking yourself, “is it all worth it?” the answer is probably no. It’s not.
As the conversation continues, Tammy and Leslie also discuss why your revenue line, bottom line and gross profit line are all equally important, how job instability is reshaping what’s essential in our careers, and the value in understanding what work-life balance works for you. We hope you enjoy this episode.
Kristy Willis began her staffing journey earlier than most. She kick-started her career in college while balancing work as a recruiter for Adia with an evening catering assistant role. But from the moment she sat at her desk she knew she was in the right place, recalling a moment of falling in love with the industry due to it’s overwhelming value of getting people to work and changing lives every day. She was hooked!
After graduation, Kristy continued to develop her career in staffing when she discovered an itch for sales. She set her sights on a newly created SVP role, but was devastated when the CEO and President agreed that she wasn’t ready, instead giving her a list of areas for growth. While sitting in the discomfort of rejection on a flight home, Kristy stumbled upon a motivational speaker that encouraged her to go after what she wanted and to not take no for an answer. So naturally, being her own career champion, Kristy respectfully challenged their decisions, ultimately selling herself so well that the executive team had no choice but to reconsider. The job was hers!
Fast forward to now and she’s Chief Sales Officer of workforce solutions company TrueBlue’s PeopleReady Division. In her role, she spearheads the sales department of the on-demand and project side of the business. She shares that PeopleReady’s work combined with the other two divisions of the company PeopleScout and Staff Management allowed TrueBlue to put nearly half a million people to work in 2020, reminding Kristy why she started in the industry to begin with.
As the conversation continues, Kristy and Leslie also discuss how attempting to be everything to everyone can make you a less effective leader, her advice for up and comers in the industry, and her philosophy of “applying it and trying it.” They also discuss how taking risks help us find our voice and confidence! We hope you enjoy this episode.
Despite having been in the industry for almost 25 years, Melissa Byington finds it hard to believe that her younger self could have imagined her where she is now, Chief Sales Officer at Supplemental Health Care. At age 20, Melissa was a single mother with a passion for law, which quickly shifted when she was recruited into a leadership development program in retail. There, she experienced all-too-common unbalanced work-life conditions, which required Melissa to take on more work to support her mighty family of two. In searching for better balance, she moved to banking, only to find that it wasn’t a good skill or personality fit. Still looking, Melissa leaned into connections, inevitably finding CHG staffing, where she began her career in the industry as a recruiter. The best part? Her napping toddler was a welcomed team member from day one!
That sense of support, coupled with the natural growth of the company and its “success leads to opportunity” mindset, helped Melissa grow into an executive leader of the largest physician staffing company in the U.S. Fast forward a bit and her career took an unexpected turn, pushing her into consulting, but ultimately led Byington to her current and beloved role with Supplemental Health Care.
When asked what excites Melissa most about the healthcare space, she reflects on how healthcare staffing is a growing industry. Growth can be the fuel to help make meaningful progress in several areas that Melissa believes are important, such as eliminating the gender pay gap, creating diversity in leadership, and giving back to our communities. She notes that these opportunities for progress don’t stop with healthcare and that other growing companies can have the same impact.
As the conversation continues, Melissa and Leslie also discuss how to better position women for a succession seat, Supplemental Health Care’s strong culture of purpose and connection, and how practicing vulnerability can help you manage self doubt. We hope you enjoy this episode.