Former CIA intelligence collector Bonnie Stith reveals how inaction isn’t just a missed chance—it can have consequences far greater than the cost of failure.

About Bonnie Stith Bonnie works with leaders and organizations to create success by developing strategic plans aligning leadership and culture with mission, vision, and values. As an executive coach, she helps leaders define, understand, and achieve desired professional and organizational successes. Bonnie is an ICF-credentialed Professional Coach and an experienced public speaker on topics ranging from cyber threats and assessments to leadership styles and values. She has taught and facilitated various leadership-focused courses at the Central Intelligence Agency, taught courses in US Government and Political Science as a University Adjunct Professor, and currently teaches for a coach training program. She is also a board member for several organizations in the cybersecurity and healthcare industries.

Timestamps

• Introduction to Bonnie [0:01]
• How Bonnie entered the CIA [4:49]
• Yeah but…... I’m too old/too young [5:54]
• Yeah, but… I'm not sure I can do it [8:18]
• What Bonnie does for the CIA [10:43]
• How coaching helped Bonnie [14:56]
• “But I’m a girl…” [20:42]
• Yeah but… I’m not ready [22:47]

• LinkedIn
• Website

• Marc A. Wolfe's Website
• Get a free chapter of ‘Yeah, But’
• Interested in being on The Yeah, But Podcast?

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

We Listen: Please leave us your review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Podcasts.

• Phone: 201-257-3545
• Email: webcontact@marcAwolfe.com

From flying at 30,000 feet to navigating challenges on the ground, pilots face their own ‘Yeah, Buts.’ Risk is constant, and the path forward isn’t always clear. How does one commercial airline captain turn turbulence into opportunities for growth and resilience?

About Jimmy Ward From a young age, flying was in Jimmy's blood. His Grandfather, a seasoned pilot in the United States Air Force, instilled a passion for aviation in his children by teaching them how to fly. His natural talent and unwavering dedication propelled him to new heights, quite literally. After completing his training and obtaining the necessary licenses, Jimmy embarked on an illustrious career as a commercial pilot. His expertise extended beyond a single aircraft, as he became proficient in flying three different commercial airliners, a remarkable feat in itself. Today, Jimmy stands as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, honoring his father's legacy with every successful journey.

Timestamps

• Jimmy’s backstory into becoming a pilot [1:08]
• Yeah, But… It’s not safe/It’s risky [2:54]
• Yeah, But…What’s the plan? [5:46]
• Advice for ‘planners’ who struggle with uncertainty [8:14]
• Choosing growth over comfort [12:54]
• Yeah, But…What will others say or think? [13: 30]
• The importance of others in guiding us toward our path [15:29]
• Embracing failure through humility and faith [18:26]

Jimmy's LinkedIn

• Marc A. Wolfe's Website
• Get a free chapter of ‘Yeah, But’
• Interested in being on The Yeah, But Podcast?

• LinkedIn
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We Listen: Please leave us your review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Podcasts.

• Phone: 201-257-3545
• Email: webcontact@marcAwolfe.com

From NBA players to Olympic medalists, even the best of the best encounter their own ‘Yeah, Buts.’ Dr. Ruth Gotian reveals how these high achievers face challenges strikingly similar to our own. What’s their secret to overcoming doubts, turning setbacks into stepping stones, and maintaining a balance between relentless ambition and staying true to themselves?

About Dr. Ruth Gotian

Dr. Ruth Gotian's extensive career has focused on optimizing success through mentorship and leadership development. She is the Chief Learning Officer, Associate Professor of Education in Anesthesiology, and former Assistant Dean of Mentoring and Executive Director of the Mentoring Academy at Weill Cornell Medicine. Hailed as an expert by Nature and Columbia University, she researches high achievers like Nobel laureates and CEOs to extract practices for peak performance. She is a contributor to Forbes, Psychology Today, and host of the "Optimizing Success" show and podcast, as well as the winner of the Thinkers 50 Distinguished Achievement "Radar" Award, ranking her the #1 emerging management thinker in the world. Her impact spans publications, keynotes, awards, and books encapsulating her insights. Her latest book, Financial Times Guide to Mentoring, enables senior and aspiring executives to both give the support they need as a mentor and how to seek mentoring for themselves.

Timestamps

• Dr. Ruth Gotian’s backstory [1:20]
• Yeah but… I need help [4:32]
• The importance of taking the time to pause [5:54]
• Success is a continuous journey [6:53]
• The Inspiration behind Dr. Ruth Gotian’s Book: A Complete Guide to Effective Mentoring [9:04]
• Yeah but… I don’t feel successful [10:04]
• How failure is a learning opportunity [14:52]
• Yeah but…I don’t know where to start[15:36]
• Dr. Ruth Gotian’s journey into becoming a thought leader [18:59]
• Age is not a barrier- we are a barrier to ourselves. [20:36]

Full Transcript

Dr. Ruth Gotian’s links

• Her latest book on mentoring
• LinkedIn
• Dr. Ruth Gotian's Website

Marc’s links

• Marc A. Wolfe's Website
• Get a free chapter of ‘Yeah, But’
• Interested in being on The Yeah, But Podcast?

Follow Marc A. Wolfe on social media for more:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us your review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Podcasts.

Marc’s contact details

• Phone: 201-257-3545
• Email: webcontact@marcAwolfe.com

How did a young professional transform her passion for social justice into a global movement, becoming a CEO and award-winning leader before turning 30?

Gabrielle Thompson's journey has been driven by empowering vulnerable populations and championing justice globally. She has worked as a development practitioner across continents, immersing herself in community challenges. Now the President and CEO of IDEAS, an organization removing barriers to dignity, Gabrielle previously led an anti-human trafficking organization and taught at Middle Tennessee State University. Recognized for her impact, she received honors like Nashville's Top Professionals 30 under 30, Top 40 under 40 Professionals, and MTSU's Alumni Achievement Award.

• Yeah, But… I’m too young [2:19]
• Age isn't a barrier to leadership [3:41]
• Marc helped Gabrielle overcome imposter syndrome [7:53]
• Yeah, But… I’m scared/afraid [13:14]
• Gabrielle's experiences leading an anti-human trafficking organization [14:54]
• Sometimes preparation is actually just doing it [17:26]
• Yeah, But…What if I fail? [25:29]
• Turning fear into action [21:27]
• There is a whole life outside of our comfort zone [32:42]
• Step into your Yeah, Buts [34:40]

Full Transcript

• LinkedIn
• Website

• Marc A. Wolfe's Website
• Get a free chapter of ‘Yeah, But’
• Interested in being on The Yeah, But Podcast?

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us your review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Podcasts.

• Phone: 201-257-3545
• Email: webcontact@marcAwolfe.com

What's holding you back from reaching your goals? Join The Yeah, But Podcast… with Marc A. Wolfe to address those 'Yeah, But's head-on. Marc provides practical advice while guests share their inspiring journeys and valuable insights. Together, we’ll explore how to take impactful steps toward meaningful personal and professional growth.

Marc’s links

• Website

• Get a free chapter of ‘Yeah, But’

• Interested in being on the podcast?

  
  

Follow Marc A. Wolfe on social media for more:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwolfe/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcawolfe/

• X: https://x.com/marcawolfe

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcAwolfe

Marc’s contact details:

Phone: 201-257-3545

Email: webcontact@marcAwolfe.com