Leaders often face pivotal moments that call for courage, resilience and reinvention. In this episode, we speak with Kip Knight, Founder of CMO Coaches. He shares hard-won leadership lessons from his career across iconic companies and how he knows taking leaps of faith can be transformative. Kip reflects on what it means to lead with integrity, how to navigate change, and the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and risk-taking — especially during uncertain times.

Key Takeaways:

(02:07) Kip shares how switching industries helped him become an innovative leader.

(06:09) Leaders should ask what’s blocking engagement and keep the dialogue open.

(10:03) Authentic leaders welcome disagreement and speak up with candor and respect.

(12:09) Standing up to workplace bullies takes courage and sets a powerful example.

(16:34) The best jobs come through networking, so build real connections and stay resilient.

(19:12) Taking smart risks at 70% certainty led to successful global market launches.

(22:46) With today’s tools and speed, there’s never been a better time to be a marketer.

(27:41) Find role models, and when the odds are decent, take the leap.

Resources Mentioned:

Kip Knight

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kipknight/

CMO Coaches | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cmo-coaches/

CMO Coaches | Website

https://www.cmocoaches.com

“Learn to Leap: How Leaders Turn Risk Into Opportunity” by Kip Knight

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Leap-Leaders-Turn-Opportunity/dp/1737796406

"Crafting Persuasion" by Kip Knight, Ed Tazzia and Bob Pearson

https://www.amazon.com/Crafting-Persuasion-Handbook-Influence-Behavior-ebook/dp/B07S52F7YQ

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Making a bold leap from corporate success to personal fulfillment takes more than ambition — it takes courage. In this episode, Joan Clark of JM Clark & Company joins us to explore what it means to listen to your inner voice, take calculated risks and reshape your professional life on your own terms. Joan shares her journey from leading HR teams at a Fortune 500 company to launching her business. We also hear how her leadership philosophy led her to write “Common Sense Leadership,” a practical guide for emerging leaders.

Key Takeaways:

(02:04) Leadership courage means moving forward despite fear.

(03:17) Leaving corporate life to start a business was Joan’s most courageous choice.

(05:46) External success clashed with an inner calling for greater impact.

(10:29) Joan started JM Clark & Company to help others live true to themselves.

(14:52) Leading with listening ensures every solution meets the client’s needs.

(18:57) A simple question from her nephew sparked Joan's idea for her leadership book.

(23:30) Leadership is constant and silence often speaks louder than words.

(25:53) Know your who, why, what and how to lead with clarity and purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

Joan Clark

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmclark/

JM Clark & Company | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jmclark/

JM Clark & Company | Website

https://jmclark.com/

"Common Sense Leadership" by JM Clark

https://www.commonsenseleadership.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

As the workplace continues to evolve, so must our approach to leadership, culture and personal growth. In this episode, we sit down with Devin C. Hughes, Award Winning Keynote Speaker, Best-Selling Author and Leadership Coach, to explore the courageous choices that have defined his journey and the practical insights he shares with organizations around the world. We discuss the intersection of belonging and accountability, how culture is shaped by intention, not perks, and why showing up authentically can change lives.

Key Takeaways:

(01:27) Going from the corporate playbook to building a boutique business.

(04:47) Credentials aside, today’s leaders must stay open, agile and always learning.

(10:47) Leadership, like parenting, means guiding, not doing the work for others.

(14:53) Growth comes from leaning in and bringing hidden truths to light.

(19:06) Returning to the Boys & Girls Club reminded Devin of its pivotal role in his childhood.

(21:45) Well-being isn’t optional — it must be built into the strategy.

(24:21) Don’t ignore the data. Leaders must act on burnout, loneliness and disengagement.

(26:26) Celebrating progress boosts motivation and builds momentum.

Resources Mentioned:

Devin C. Hughes

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinchughes/

Devin C. Hughes Enterprises | Website

https://devinchughes.com

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

https://www.bgca.org/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth