15 Minutes With

The internet knows her as Thee Millennial Manager. We got into what it costs to hold a standard, why being liked and being respected are two different jobs, parenthood, culture and life! Brandi: @brandi_theemillennialmanager #TheeMillennialManager #15MinutesWith #Management

Nisha posted one video poking fun at how the military renames basic exercises, went to sleep, and woke up viral. Not everyone in the comments came kindly. Twenty years of service, four kids, and a husband who keeps asking her who she is outside the uniform. We talk about the first day of internet fame, the health wake-up call at 28 that turned her into a personal trainer, a first marriage she calls a good meal prepared wrong, the red flags she now teaches her daughters, and a few rounds of Things That Are Not My Business, But I Have to Know. Follow Nisha: @Fit_Goddess87. 15 Minutes With is part of the WRKdefined Podcast Network, recorded at Studio 11 in Nashville, TN.

Kayla is bringing unhinged honesty, zero filter, and all the questions you're too scared to ask...a data scientist by day, influencer by night! Lee sits down with the internet bestie — known online as @baddiewithabelly — to talk about building a viral following by minding everybody's business, the manager who brought social media screenshots to a 1:1, her first Black church experience, why plot is an art form, hot mic confessions, unacceptable ways to die, death row meals, and whether either of them would play hero on a hijacked plane. It's fun, unhinged, hilarious, and 100% authentic — Kayla Edwards style. "15 Minutes With Unplugged" is the summer series of 15 Minutes With — real conversations with the unique, the gigster and the delightfully atypical people who get a little joy out of doing the extra thing.

One season. A lineup of unforgettable voices. And a finale built to celebrate every single one of them. Here's what we're getting into: The moments we loved. The bloopers and pure craziness that made us laugh. And the real behind-the-scenes of what it actually took to pull this whole thing off. Nakisha Hicks, Nick MatthewsNicole Ortiz FleischmannDaniel KadebaDesiree Goldey, Ceci Blomberg, Angela ShawJulia Arpag, Jasmine Anderson, Samantha Bell, Anthony P. Howard, General Smith, Zeeshan Khan, Kumari Williams, Tim Stein, Tim Stein, Amiee Sadler, Rose BrowneSonya Thompson, Andrea Mata, Ph.D., Jordan Jones, Byrd Bagget We're closing this season out the only way we know how: together, and at full volume.

Byrd Baggett hopes his whole life can be summed up in one sentence: "He lived a life that inspired hope in others." After this conversation, you'll believe he's done exactly that. It's easy to be impressed by the résumé, an All-American athlete, author of 15 books, a speaker who's influenced thousands of leaders. But none of that was the most memorable part of this conversation. This one pulls back the curtain on the human underneath the accomplishments, because the people who change us rarely do it from a stage. They do it across a table, in a hallway, in the moments they aren't trying to be impressive, just honest. Who he is: Byrd is an All-American athlete, the author of 15 books, and a speaker who has influenced thousands of leaders. But the titles aren't the point, what he hopes to be remembered for is the hope he's left in other people. What he does: He writes, speaks, and leads, but more than that, he shows up for the conversations that actually matter, the ones about being human. What he believes:…

The bravest thing most of us will ever do is refuse to abandon ourselves in order to be accepted. Jordan Jones is living that out loud. It's easy to see someone in their role and assume they always had it figured out. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey: leaving public health, looking honestly at the next ten years, and choosing not to let the work turn him into someone he doesn't recognize. Jordan names something a lot of us feel and rarely say out loud, that people can sense when you're performing, and they can feel it when you're real. Who he is: Jordan is a Project and Engagement Manager at Workday who left public health to get here. He didn't follow a straight line, he made a deliberate choice about who he wanted to be over the next ten years. What he does: He leads projects and engagements at Workday, and on the side runs a food page, Meals by Jordan, on Instagram. What he believes: That you have to belong to yourself first, and that the bravest thing you can do is refuse to…

Even the people who help others heal are still doing the work themselves. This is the most vulnerable conversation we've ever had on camera. It's easy to see a clinical psychologist and author and assume she has it all figured out. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real story, how tragedy turned to triumph in Andrea's life and in Lee's, and what it actually takes to keep showing up for your kids and yourself in the middle of it. Who she is: Andrea Mata, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, the founder of BrightSpot Families, and the author of The No. 2 Parenting Book. She's spent her career in the trenches of family life, and like everyone, she's still doing her own work too. What she does: She helps parents build stronger bonds with their children, protect their own mental health, and find clarity in the daily chaos no parenting class ever fully prepares you for. What she believes: That even the people who help others heal are still healing themselves, and that there's strength, not shame, in…

Leadership is easy when the stakes are low. Sonya Thompson built her career proving what it looks like when they're not. It's easy to see a president of an organization and assume the title tells the story. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to lead when the margin for error is thin and the meaning of the work is everything. As President of Compass Connections, Sonya leads an organization devoted to caring for some of the most vulnerable populations in the country, demanding operational excellence and deep humanity in equal measure. Who she is: Sonya is the President of Compass Connections, leading an organization that cares for some of the most vulnerable people in the country. She leads where the stakes are highest and the room for error is smallest. What she does: She runs a mission-driven organization at scale, delivering operational excellence and deep humanity at the same time, every single day. What she believes: That service has to be more than a slogan stitched onto a…

She's a licensed therapist and an Army veteran who knows firsthand what it means to serve, to struggle, and to heal. It's easy to see a therapist and assume their understanding comes only from training. This conversation pulls back the curtain on a perspective most clinicians simply can't replicate, one that sits at the intersection of clinical expertise and lived experience. Rose talks about what veterans actually need from mental health care, how trauma shows up long after the uniform comes off, and why healing is never linear. Who she is: Rose is a licensed therapist and a U.S. Army veteran. Her path gives her something rare, an understanding of service and struggle from the inside, not just the textbook. What she does: She provides mental health care grounded in both clinical training and lived military experience, with a particular focus on veterans. What she believes: That the work of healing is never linear, and that veterans need care from people who actually understand what they carry. How she…

She wears a lot of hats, and wears them all with purpose. Amiee Sadler leads with heart and rigor, and refuses to compromise on either. It's easy to see a long résumé and assume the doors all opened easily. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey behind an Executive Director, licensed clinical therapist, Rule 31 Mediator, and 40 Under 40 honoree who has stewarded millions in grant funding, trained rooms of 1,500, and shaped the strategic future of more than 50 nonprofits across Middle Tennessee. Who she is: Amiee Sadler, LMSW, CNP, is Executive Director of Miriam's Promise, a licensed clinical therapist, a Rule 31 Mediator, a Nashville Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, and a two-time Lipscomb University alum. What she does: She leads mission-driven nonprofit work, stewarding major grant funding and shaping the strategic future of dozens of organizations across Middle Tennessee. What she believes: In trauma-informed care, and that leadership doesn't have to choose between people and…

The full episode dropped this week, but this moment was too good to leave on the cutting room floor. In this bonus cut, Tim Stein goes deeper on what it really means to lead with a people-first mindset when the stakes are high and the work is personal. It's the kind of insight you don't get from a job description or a leadership book. It comes from the field, the boardroom, and the lived experience of someone who has been knocked down and gotten back up more than once. Short clip. Big takeaway. Watch the full conversation in episode #43, then come back for more new episodes of 15 Minutes With every week. Subscribe so you never miss a moment.

Walk-on to scholarship athlete. Through injuries and addiction that would have ended most careers. Tim Stein turned that grit into the C-suite. It's easy to see a CHRO and assume the climb was clean. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, from walk-on to scholarship athlete at the University of Pittsburgh, fighting through injuries and addiction that would have shattered most people's faith. That same grit carried Tim from sales floors into HR leadership at DICK'S Sporting Goods and now American Addiction Centers, where he serves as Chief Human Resources Officer. Who he is: Tim is the Chief Human Resources Officer at American Addiction Centers. He didn't take a smooth path, he fought through injury and addiction, going from college walk-on to the C-suite on grit alone. What he does: He leads people through complex transformations and builds people-first culture in a multi-site healthcare environment. What he believes: In teamwork, accountability, and an unrelenting pursuit of…

Her passion didn't start in HR. It wasn't born from a job description or shaped by a title. It was forged in community. The belief came first. The career followed. It's easy to see a talent strategist and assume the title came first. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, more than two decades of helping organizations build spaces where people feel truly seen, valued, and free to be who they are. For Kumari, that passion was forged in community and in the intentional work of raising two sons, deciding every day to be purposeful about the world she's helping build for them. Who she is: Kumari is a talent strategist, thought leader, and by every account a genuinely good human. Her path didn't start with a title, it started with belief, forged in community and in motherhood. What she does: For over two decades she's helped organizations build spaces where people feel truly seen, genuinely valued, and free to be who they are. What she believes: That belonging isn't a perk, it's the point,…

He spent 16 years building systems for global organizations. But the real configuration that matters is the one you do on yourself. It's easy to see an HR technologist and assume the path was always clear. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, what it actually feels like to step outside your comfort zone when the stakes are enterprise-wide and global, and why the best systems aren't just built for today but for a future you haven't imagined yet. Who he is: Zeeshan is an HR technologist turned skills revolution architect. He didn't arrive here overnight, he spent 16 years building systems for global organizations before betting on himself. What he does: He architects the skills revolution, building systems that help global organizations prepare for a future that doesn't look like today. What he believes: That the most important configuration is the one you do on yourself, and that building people and building systems are equally meaningful work. How he works: By designing for what's…

A call to serve never expires. It just changes uniforms. Major General Matt Smith spent 32 years proving it. It's easy to see two stars and assume you know the whole story. This conversation pulls back the curtain and goes beyond the rank, into the journey of a leader who served more than 32 years in the military, spent time in investment banking, and decided his greatest deployment might still be ahead of him. We explore what drove him to serve and why he's now building something entirely new for the people who served alongside him. Who he is: Major General Matt Smith (Ret.) is a two-star general turned graduate program architect. He didn't arrive here on a straight path, he served more than 32 years in uniform and moved through investment banking before his next call to serve. What he does: He's building a first-of-its-kind business program that gives veterans a bridge between the life they served and the life they've earned. What he believes: That purpose doesn't retire when you do, and that a call to…

Real talk, real strategy, real results. Anthony P. Howard, aka #datHRguy, is on a mission to make HR professionals more confident and more marketable, one certification at a time. It's easy to see a founder and CEO and assume he just arrived there. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, 20+ years of progressive HR leadership across global organizations that led Anthony to build HR Certified and become one of the most passionate voices in the space. Who he is: Anthony is the Founder and CEO of HR Certified, a Forbes Coaches Council contributor, and a leader known to many as #datHRguy. He earned that voice across 20+ years of progressive HR leadership in global organizations. What he does: He helps HR professionals increase their confidence and marketability through access, certification, and career development. What he believes: That access and certification change careers, and that every HR professional deserves the confidence and credentials to compete. How he works: With real talk,…

A girl from rural South Georgia decided that limited resources don't mean limited results. Then she proved it. It's easy to see an enterprise strategist and assume the doors were always open. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, from rural South Georgia to reshaping operations at one of the nation's largest financial institutions. Samantha shares why her colleagues stopped calling her Samantha and started calling her Coach Sam, and what it really costs to build a legacy while building everyone else up around you. Who she is: Samantha is an accountant turned enterprise strategist and community coach. She didn't start with every advantage, she came up from rural South Georgia and refused to let where she started cap where she'd go. What she does: She reshapes operations at one of the nation's largest financial institutions while coaching and building up the people around her, the work that earned her the name Coach Sam. What she believes: That limited resources don't mean limited…

The most effective HR leaders don't just manage metrics. They develop people. Jasmine Anderson-Wright is proof. It's easy to see a Global VP of HR and assume she took the obvious route. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real, unconventional journey, from accounting to human resources, from a published author at 16 to a leader recognized as a Woman to Know in HR. Jasmine shares the lessons that fueled 500% sales growth at T-Mobile and how she scaled a company's headcount by 200% while improving engagement and cutting attrition. Who she is: Jasmine is a Global Vice President of Human Resources, recognized as a Woman to Know in HR, and a published author since age 16. She didn't take a straight line here, she came up through accounting and built something unconventional. What she does: She leads global HR and people operations, scaling organizations while keeping engagement, belonging, and talent development at the center. What she believes: That the most effective HR leaders focus on developing…

She doesn't just match candidates with companies. She matches purpose with potential. It's easy to see a CEO and founder and assume she just arrived there. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, from admissions recruiter in Rochester to leading a tech recruitment firm in Atlanta. Julia talks about what it takes to be the number one performer in your company and why she believes hiring is about creating culture, not checking boxes. Who she is: Julia is the CEO and founder of Aligned Recruitment Co., a recruiter of A-players, and a self-proclaimed "living the dream" mom of two. She didn't land at the top by accident, she built it from admissions recruiter to firm leader. What she does: She builds teams that don't just fill seats but drive performance, matching the right people with the right companies in tech recruitment. What she believes: That hiring is about creating culture, not checking boxes. The real work is matching purpose with potential, not just filling a role. How she works:…

She doesn't just want to make leaders better. She wants to help us be better humans. It's easy to see a lifelong HR leader and assume the path was always clear. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey of a native Austinite who built her career from the inside out. We explore her path to leadership, her love for her community, and why she believes HR must be the example setters. Who she is: Angela L. Shaw, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is an SVP of Talent, a native Austinite, and a lifelong HR leader. She didn't arrive here by chance, she built it over a full career rooted in her community. What she does: She leads talent at the senior level, building leaders and better workplaces while helping people navigate their own paths in HR. What she believes: That HR must set the example, and that leadership can be both brave and kind. The goal isn't just better leaders, it's better humans. How she works: From the inside out. Angela leads with roots and community at the center, modeling the kind of brave, kind…

What happens when you stop "renting" consultant brainpower and start building real in-house capability? Ceci Blomberg has the playbook. It's easy to see a co-founder and assume she just arrived there. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, from a hashtag (#WellBuiltWorkday) to a fast-growing content engine, a scaling team, and a Workday playbook designed to last instead of collapsing at the first change request. People often wonder what drives leaders to evolve and become, and that's exactly what we explore with Ceci. Who she is: Ceci is the co-founder of Well Built Solutions and one of the Workday ecosystem's most trusted educators and architects. She didn't land that reputation overnight, she built it, turning a hashtag into a movement. What she does: She helps organizations stop renting consultant brainpower and start building real in-house Workday capability, with a playbook designed to outlast any single go-live. What she believes: That you should build something that lasts, not…

She'll tell you the truth about what's broken in hiring, and what actually works. Most people in the industry won't. It's easy to see a founder and podcast host and assume she just landed there. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey behind one of the industry's most trusted advocates for human-centered hiring. Desiree brings clarity, conviction, and candor, and goes well beyond frameworks and titles to talk about leadership, accountability, and what it really means to be a good human at work. Who she is: Desiree is the founder of Do Better Consulting, co-host of Talentless: A Recruiters' Podcast, and one of the industry's most trusted voices in modern talent strategy. She earned that trust by telling the truth, not by playing it safe. What she does: She builds scalable, high-trust talent systems and helps organizations fix what's broken in hiring, focusing on what actually works instead of what just sounds good. What she believes: That good hiring is human-centered, and that being a…

Everyone loves vision, strategy, and growth. But here's the part nobody wants to talk about. It's easy to see a finance transformation leader and assume the confidence was always there. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, including imposter syndrome at higher altitudes and the evolving stages of personal leadership. This isn't a conversation about spreadsheets. It's a conversation about ownership. Who he is: Daniel Kadeba is a CPA, finance transformation leader, and consultant, the kind of executive organizations call when guesswork is no longer an option. He didn't reach that level overnight, he grew through the evolving stages of personal leadership to get there. What he does: He leads finance transformation, helping organizations replace guesswork with clarity and make decisions that actually hold up when the stakes are high. What he believes: That growth is more than a numbers game, and that leaders too often avoid the truth hiding in their data. He's clear-eyed about the…

Perfection is not the price of transformation. This one's for everyone doing 17 tabs of life at once. It's easy to look at someone leading at Nicole's level and assume she just arrived there. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what nobody says out loud, why perfectionism is a leadership trap, why failing faster is modern instead of messy, and what it costs to use your voice in rooms you once shrank inside. Nicole's back on the show, and this time it gets personal. Who she is: Nicole is BDO's Workday Practice Leader and a returning guest. She didn't arrive at this level, she built it, with will, grace, community, and yes, some exhaustion and a laugh in the middle of it. What she does: She leads Workday change and enterprise transformation while living the full reality of the modern working parent, leader, and creator, refusing to keep her career life and creator life in separate boxes. What she believes: That perfectionism is a leadership trap, especially for "oldest daughter energy" folks, and that…

Authenticity is the engine that scales and sells. Nick Matthews didn't get powerful by getting louder. He got there by becoming more himself. It's easy to assume the effective people just performed their way to the top. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, one that proves transformation doesn't happen when you perform, it happens when you align. Nick didn't become more "sales-like" to win. He became fully himself, and that's exactly what made him extraordinary. Who he is: Nick is a leader in enterprise transformation who built his effectiveness by leaning into who he actually is, not by becoming louder, more aggressive, or more "sales-like." What he does: He transforms organizations by translating complexity into clarity, replacing outdated systems with human-centered progress, and making enterprise change feel safe, achievable, and real, especially for healthcare organizations serving people at their most vulnerable. What he believes: That you don't need to become someone else to…

Most organizations don't fail because of bad strategy. They fall apart because nobody is telling the truth in the room. It's easy to see a founder and executive coach and assume she's always had this clarity. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, from VP of HR to executive coach, leadership strategist, and founder of The ElevateHer. Nakisha earned her perspective the hard way, and as she puts it, "the oil cost me." This is a masterclass in regulated leadership, mentorship, faith, and impact. Who she is: Nakisha is a former VP of HR, an executive coach, a leadership strategist, and the founder of The ElevateHer. She didn't arrive at this wisdom overnight, she paid for it in experience and earned perspective. What she does: She coaches leaders and builds leadership frameworks that actually scale, while mentoring young girls and helping people lead without ego or noise. What she believes: That walking heavy matters more than chasing numbers, and that you have to secure your own oxygen…

Success isn't just about titles. It's about alignment, courage, and taking time to sit quietly with yourself. Gloria Temba lives that truth out loud. It's easy to see a project manager, doctoral student, entrepreneur, and mother of two and assume she just holds it all together effortlessly. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, a Tanzanian-born leader whose story embodies resilience, discipline, and faith-driven transformation. Gloria opens up about what it actually takes to balance motherhood, leadership, and ambition while staying grounded in purpose. Who she is: Gloria is a Tanzanian-born healthcare IT project and program manager, a doctoral student, an entrepreneur, and a mother of two. She didn't arrive here on an easy path, she built it through resilience, discipline, and faith. What she does: She leads healthcare IT projects and programs, runs her consulting firm Bama Technology, and homeschools her son, all at once. What she believes: That success isn't about titles, it's…

Before the credentials and the career, Wayne Martindale is a father. Everything else, the service, the strategy, the grit, is built on that. It's easy to see top-tier credentials and assume the path was smooth. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, ten-plus years serving America, elite training, Vanderbilt, Emory, and a hard transition from service to strategy that Wayne navigated with discipline and resilience. But underneath all of it is the thing that grounds him most: being a father. Who he is: First and foremost, Wayne is a father, and that's the lens he leads through. He's also a healthcare technologist and a leader of teams who served America for more than ten years, bringing elite training and top-tier credentials from Vanderbilt and Emory into the civilian world. What he does: He leads teams in healthcare and technology, carrying military discipline and execution into high-pressure environments, including COVID parking-lot triage. What he believes: That you win by controlling…

Everyone comes through the same door. You don't walk on the grass, and you don't get handouts. You earn it. Wayne Martindale is back to break down the playbook. Wayne returns for an encore, and this time we go inside Emory's MBV program, elite, top-tier academics with zero shortcuts. This conversation pulls back the curtain on why he chose Emory and what it actually takes to translate military excellence into corporate wins. Real camaraderie, serious rigor, and leadership that delivers. Who he is: Wayne is a veteran, a healthcare technologist, a leader of teams, and an Emory MBV graduate. He carries the 101st Airborne bond and a hard-earned belief that nothing worth having comes without the work. What he does: He leads in project management and corporate strategy, turning military excellence into measurable business results. What he believes: That there are no shortcuts, everyone earns their place through the same door, and that recruiters too often miss the massive leadership veterans actually bring. How he…

Some people lead teams. Others lead generations. Daniel Clarke went from bank teller to Global Head of Emerging Talent by chasing potential instead of numbers. It's easy to see someone at the top and assume they started there. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, 17 years inside one of the world's largest financial institutions, from his early days as a teller to shaping global talent strategies as an Executive Director. Daniel lived the full arc of leadership, and he chose people every step of the way. Who he is: Daniel is the Global Head of Emerging Talent at one of the world's largest financial institutions. He didn't land there overnight, he earned it across 17 years, starting as a teller and rising into a leader who shapes global talent strategy. What he does: He builds the programs that don't just recruit talent but nurture it into tomorrow's leaders, standing at the crossroads of business and humanity. What he believes: That if you don't understand people, you'll never…

She turned her own struggle with debt into a mission. Now Lexx McKinley helps people flip financial setbacks into major comebacks. It's easy to see someone running their own business and assume they just made it. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, from Racine to Dallas, from her own battle with debt to building a mission out of it. Lexx is real about the hustle, honest about the scams in the game, and bold about what it actually takes to win. Who she is: Lexx is a credit repair specialist who took her own financial struggles and flipped them into a calling. She didn't arrive here with it all figured out, she earned it the hard way, from Racine to Dallas, debt to redemption. What she does: She helps people fix their credit, build their businesses, and unlock the futures they deserve, turning financial setbacks into comebacks. What she believes: That credit isn't just a number, it's freedom, opportunity, and power. And that the first step to building wealth is often saving yourself…

“You’re not broken. You’re still becoming.” Victorious Ndidi Eche has been on a mission—lifting others, shaping systems, and declaring with every step that resilience is louder than doubt. In this episode of 15 Minutes With, we dive into her journey: navigating childhood challenges, breaking barriers in finance and project management, and stepping boldly into her vision of becoming a global world leader. Along the way, we laugh about Afrobeats, Burna Boy concerts, and the surprising truth about being an introvert who lights up every room. Victorious doesn’t just manage projects—she inspires movements. And her message will leave you remembering her words long after the episode ends: 👉 “You’re not broken. You’re still becoming.”

He's Not Configuring Technology, He's Architecting It. From multimillion-dollar client partnerships to pioneering AI-driven deployment models, Ravi has been on the frontlines of Workday transformation and enterprise disruption, showing organizations that AI is here to empower, not replace. Who he is: Ravi is an innovator, executive, and technologist on the frontlines of Workday transformation. He didn't get here by title, he got here by building multimillion-dollar partnerships and pioneering new deployment models. What he does: He architects enterprise technology, leading AI-driven Workday transformation and helping organizations navigate disruption. What he believes: That AI isn't here to replace people, it's here to empower them, and that bold experimentation and resilience matter more than titles. How he works: By translating complexity into clarity so leaders can actually act. Ravi meets disruption with vision and execution, helping organizations think bigger than ever. In this episode: The real future…

Most people try to survive disruption. Cameron Larkin built a career turning it into measurable growth. It's easy to assume people just land in roles like Cameron's. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, a 13-year climb through the Workday ecosystem that runs from Wall Street to Six Sigma transformations to global integrations. Cameron takes us inside how he learned to lead teams through complexity and come out the other side with results. Who he is: Cameron is a leader who has spent his career where finance, operations, and technology collide. He didn't arrive at the top by accident, he earned it across 13 years in the Workday ecosystem, from Wall Street to global transformation work, now leading customer engagement at ERPA. What he does: He leads customer engagement at ERPA, guiding teams and organizations through complex change and turning operational complexity into measurable growth. What he believes: That mastering change is less about surviving disruption and more about turning…

Are you the spare tire? Invisible until the crisis hits, but the lifeline everyone counts on when it does? In this bonus episode, Lee Cage Jr. takes the DisruptHR Nashville stage to ask the uncomfortable questions that make us rethink who we are, how we show up, and how we assess value. This one's for the disruptors, the audacious architects of change who know that "business as usual" is officially over. You know the type. Invisible on a normal day, but when the pressure hits, their grit, hustle, and ability to thrive under pressure become the lifeline the whole organization leans on. Too often, all that hope, innovation, and true leadership stays locked in the trunk, waiting to be unleashed when the road gets rough. So ask yourself: when the rubber meets the road, are you coasting, or are you the one who shows up when it matters most? In this talk: Why "business as usual" is officially over How organizations overlook their most valuable people until crisis hits Rethinking who you are and how you show up at…

Everyone's talking about the future of work. AI. Automation. Disruption. But none of it matters without the people who architect it and the culture that sustains it. It's easy to look at a leader like Tia Smith and assume she just arrived here. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey it takes to become a Culture Carrier, a thought leader, and a Forbes HR Council member. Tia understands what most people miss: culture isn't a buzzword, it's the backbone. Who she is: Tia is a Culture Carrier, thought leader, and Forbes HR Council member. She didn't land that voice by accident, she earned it by leading through real disruption and learning, over time, how to carry culture in rooms where strategy and technology tend to dominate. What she does: She helps build organizations that innovate without losing their humanity, carrying culture into the highest-stakes rooms and keeping people at the center of how the future of work gets shaped. What she believes: That culture isn't a buzzword, it's the…

Broken processes. Misaligned teams. Bad data. Most organizations keep circling the same symptoms forever. Damien Benson is done with that. It's easy to assume people just arrive at this kind of clarity. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, years in the trenches of systems improvement and human-centered leadership that taught Damien why surface fixes never stick. From corporate dysfunction to community impact, he breaks down what it actually takes to get to the root. Who he is: Damien is a bold voice in transformation and operational leadership. He didn't land that perspective overnight, he earned it through years in the trenches of systems improvement, learning the hard way why organizations keep circling the same problems. What he does: He leads transformation and operational improvement, helping organizations move past broken processes, misaligned teams, and poor data to address what's actually driving the dysfunction. What he believes: That real change doesn't come from surface…

Technology didn't just find Kimberly Consevage. It shaped her. And her path there started somewhere almost nobody expects: a classroom. It's easy to assume people just land in roles like Kimberly's. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey, from Teach For America to leading enterprise-wide digital transformations, a story of reinvention, resilience, and purpose. Live from Charlotle's Queen City, Kimberly opens up about how she went from educator to one of the most trusted voices in the Workday ecosystem. Who she is: Kimberly is a Senior Manager at BDO and a former educator who started in Teach For America before technology reshaped her path. She didn't arrive here in a straight line, she earned it through reinvention and years of guiding organizations through hard change. What she does: She leads enterprise-wide digital transformations in the Workday ecosystem, helping organizations navigate the messy, meaningful work of change. What she believes: That trust isn't a title, it's a process…

When most people hear "transformation," they picture chaos, disruption, and endless slide decks. Traci Cuthbertson flips that script. It's easy to look at someone leading at Traci's level and assume they just arrived there. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey: the reps, the messy projects, and the lessons that turned her into one of Workday's sharpest minds in HR transformation and change management. Live from the Queen City, Traci breaks down how she learned to take organizations through high-stakes change without the drama, just results. Who she is: Traci is a Workday HR transformation and change management leader based in Charlotte. She didn't land here by accident, she earned it through years of steering organizations through high-stakes change and learning, project by project, how to keep people steady when everything around them is shifting. What she does: She guides companies through complex transformation from executive buy-in all the way to frontline adoption, turning…

Everyone says they put people first. Nicole Fleischmann is one of the few who can prove it's the smarter strategy. She went from auditing risk at KPMG to building a Workday transformation practice from nothing to leading a powerhouse team at BDO. Nicole Fleischmann's path was anything but linear, and that's exactly why her take on leading change is worth hearing. Who she is: Nicole is BDO's Workday Practice Leader, with a career that runs from Audit and Risk Advisory at KPMG, to building CrossVue's Workday Transformation practice from the ground up, to leading a powerhouse team at BDO today. What she does: She leads Workday change management and enterprise transformation, reshaping how organizations approach change across leadership, strategy, and operations. What she believes: That people-first isn't soft, it's smart strategy. Change only sticks when the people living through it are at the center of how it gets designed. How she works: With precision and purpose. Nicole leads bold career pivots and scales…

Most companies say they care about culture. Almost none of them build it on purpose. Ciera Parks does. What does it actually take to create a workplace people don't want to leave? Ciera Parks has made a career out of answering that question, and in this fast-paced conversation she breaks down how culture really gets built and why most leaders get it wrong. Who she is: Ciera is a culture architect and HR strategist known for transforming workplaces from the inside out and championing people-first leadership. What she does: She reshapes the employee experience, building cultures where authenticity thrives, innovation takes root, and top talent actually stays. What she believes: That culture isn't a perk or a poster on the wall. It's built on purpose, and real change means breaking the hidden barriers leaders too often leave untouched. How she works: With heart, courage, and clarity. Ciera leads from a place of authenticity, helping organizations attract and retain the people who drive them forward. In this…

Why does digital transformation fail so often—and what do the people who get it right do differently? In this episode of 15 Minutes With, Lee Cage Jr. sits down with Kasra Mojtahedi for a fast-paced conversation on what it actually takes to drive enterprise transformation that sticks. Who he is: Kasra is a Partner at BDO USA and a CPA with 15+ years working at the intersection of innovation, leadership, and operational excellence. What he does: He leads Enterprise Transformation and Technology Enablement at BDO, advising organizations on digital strategy and post-merger integration across project-centric business cycles—opportunity to cash, procure to pay, record to report, and beyond. What he believes: That transformation isn't a technology problem—it's a leadership and alignment problem. Most digital initiatives fail not because the tools are wrong, but because purpose, people, and process were never aligned to begin with. How he works: Kasra turns strategy into measurable action, leading change across…

Send us a text Darius Brown is a results-driven Account Sales Executive, recognized for his ability to build strong client relationships and drive revenue growth. With a deep understanding of customer needs, Darius excels in consultative selling, strategic account management, and business development. Passionate about delivering value, Darius thrives on helping organizations navigate complex challenges by aligning tailored solutions to their goals. His expertise spans enterprise sales, customer success, and market expansion, making him a trusted advisor to his clients. With a commitment to excellence and a people-first approach, Darius fosters meaningful partnerships that extend beyond transactions—focusing on long-term success and mutual growth. His ability to connect with stakeholders at all levels, combined with his strategic mindset, makes him an invaluable asset in any sales-driven environment. Beyond his professional achievements, Darius is known for his dedication, integrity, and passion for…

Kenton Yaklin is an accomplished Attorney turned Workday Program & Project Manager, with a specialization in deployment strategy. Drawing on his background in law, Kenton brings a unique perspective to complex project management, offering a blend of analytical thinking, strategic vision, and meticulous attention to detail. Kenton’s career transitioned from practicing law to becoming a leading expert in Workday implementations and enterprise-level deployments, where he has successfully guided organizations through the intricacies of HR and financial transformation. His expertise spans project management, change management, and system optimization, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal system adoption for clients. As a deployment strategist, Kenton leverages his problem-solving skills and legal acumen to address both the technical and human elements of large-scale initiatives. He excels in managing diverse teams and aligning project goals with organizational priorities, ensuring that every implementation…

Shelly Smith is the Global Alliance Director for OneSource Virtual, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships and driving collaborative success. With a keen ability to align business objectives with innovative solutions, Shelly cultivates relationships that enhance value for both partners and customers. With an extensive background in alliance management, business development, and enterprise solutions, Shelly has a track record of building and nurturing high-impact partnerships that drive growth and transformation. She specializes in Workday ecosystem alliances, ensuring seamless integration and optimization for organizations looking to maximize their investment in Workday solutions. Passionate about collaboration and innovation, Shelly thrives in dynamic environments where she can connect people, ideas, and technology to create meaningful business outcomes. Her strategic vision and deep industry expertise make her an invaluable asset to OneSource Virtual’s global partnership…

In this episode of 15 Minutes With, we meet Christopher Ford — a strategist, veteran, and human-first leader redefining what it means to show up in complex systems with clarity and compassion. From his roots in service to his current work in public sector consulting, Christopher brings a powerful blend of tactical expertise and emotional intelligence to every conversation. Christopher doesn’t believe in quick fixes or surface-level transformation. He believes in deep listening, real partnerships, and solving for the why before rushing to the how. This episode dives into the tensions between policy and practice, the moments that made him question everything, and the quiet leadership traits that leave the biggest impact. If you've ever wondered how to navigate mission-driven work without burning out — or how to influence systems without losing your soul — this conversation will meet you right where you are. A masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, vulnerability, and truth-telling, this is 15 minutes that…

Darcy Reagan is a seasoned Workday Change & Transformation Expert and Deployment Strategist with a passion for driving organizational change through seamless technology adoption. With a deep expertise in change management, process transformation, and Workday deployments, Darcy excels in guiding organizations through the complexities of large-scale HR and financial system implementations. Darcy's career has been defined by her ability to strategically align technology with business objectives, ensuring that each transformation initiative is both impactful and sustainable. She specializes in transition management, helping organizations navigate the people side of change while optimizing Workday’s capabilities to maximize efficiency and performance. As a deployment strategist, Darcy brings a meticulous, data-driven approach to project execution, focusing on achieving smooth transitions, minimizing disruption, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Her ability to engage stakeholders, communicate…

Sara Radford is a dedicated Timekeeping Implementation Specialist at CBIZ, where she expertly guides small to medium-sized enterprises through seamless transitions to Kronos/UKG Ready Time and Labor Management systems. With a strong focus on end-to-end support during HCM implementations, she ensures clients navigate every stage of the process with confidence and clarity. Before rejoining CBIZ, Sara expanded her expertise in Workday Human Capital Management (HCM), gaining hands-on experience in large-scale implementations across healthcare, manufacturing, and not-for-profit sectors. Holding active Workday HCM and Launch certifications, she combines technical acumen with a deep understanding of workforce solutions, making her a strategic partner for organizations optimizing their HR and timekeeping systems. Beyond her technical proficiency, Sara’s bubbly personality and driven mindset set her apart. She thrives in fast-paced, collaborative environments, bringing meticulous attention to detail, adaptability,…

Damiem Benson is a purpose-driven HR transformation leader with deep expertise in system configuration, leadership, and project and change management. As a Workday Pro Certified professional in Core HCM, Payroll for the US, Time Tracking, and Security, he brings a strategic and innovative approach to optimizing HR systems and processes. With a strong track record of driving HR digital transformation, Damiem specializes in developing and executing solutions that enhance organizational agility and innovation. His work is centered on improving HR capabilities, streamlining processes, and ensuring seamless employee, manager, and executive experiences. By leveraging data-driven insights, he empowers organizations to make informed decisions that yield both immediate and long-term impact. A champion of continuous improvement, Damiem is committed to fostering a culture of growth and scalability. Through strategic initiatives and systematic interventions, he expands organizational capacity and drives meaningful…