Episodes

  • Trusting the Captain: Inside Jason Putnam’s Pirate Ship Approach to Leadership | EP64

    Trusting the Captain: Inside Jason Putnam’s Pirate Ship Approach to Leadership | EP64
    Feb 23 2026
    What does it really take to build a team that executes at a high level, adapts quickly, and genuinely cares about the work? In this episode, Jason Putnam—CEO of Vetty—joins Christy Honeycutt to break down his Pirate Ship Methodology, a leadership framework designed to balance discipline, accountability, and fun while creating a culture rooted in trust and hope. Jason shares how great leadership starts with being a good human first, why consistency and transparency matter more than charisma, and how leaders can empower their teams to take ownership—even when operating without formal authority. He also reflects on how parenting has shaped his leadership style, the importance of intentional communication, and why mistakes are essential to growth. If you’re a leader who wants to build loyal teams, communicate more effectively, and create a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and motivated—this conversation is for you. 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and the Pirate Ship Methodology02:45 Navigating Different Leadership Styles05:34 The Importance of Trust and Hope in Leadership08:18 Building a Loyal and Effective Team11:15 The Role of Consistency and Transparency14:21 Addressing Leadership Challenges and Fostering Growth19:45 Building Trust in Leadership21:17 Wellness and Work-Life Balance for Leaders24:18 Parenting and Leadership: Lessons Learned28:27 The Importance of Intentional Time29:43 Taking Responsibility as a Leader31:35 Navigating Responsibility Without Authority32:49 Continuous Improvement in Leadership Communication Takeaways Leadership is about being a good human while holding people accountable. Trust and hope are the foundation of team loyalty. Clear, consistent communication drives execution. Leaders must empower teams to make decisions. Mistakes are part of growth—embrace them. Consistency and transparency build credibility. Prioritizing your well-being makes you a better leader | Connect with Us | Follow Jason Putnam:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonputnam/Website: Hiring at Scale | Vetty Background Checks & Onboarding (Jason Putnam is a leadership practitioner and team builder known for his honest, responsibility-driven approach to developing people—helping leaders close the gap between motivation and capability through ownership, coaching, and collaboration.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • Leading With Trust: Human-Centered Leadership in a Time of Change | EP63

    Leading With Trust: Human-Centered Leadership in a Time of Change | EP63
    Feb 16 2026
    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, I sit down with Dr. Tana M. Session — psychologist, DEI strategist, leadership advisor, and now… law school graduate (yes, Dr. Tana added a law degree to the résumé — because why not?). We talk about what leadership actually requires right now. Not theory. Not buzzwords.Trust. As AI accelerates, generational expectations shift, and political and social climates spill into the workplace, leaders are being asked to hold more complexity than ever before. And most aren’t prepared for the emotional weight of that responsibility. Dr. Tana shares her journey from corporate HR to national thought leader — and why empathy, community, and continuous learning aren’t “soft skills.” They’re survival skills. We unpack: Why trust is the currency of modern leadership How generational shifts are reshaping culture What AI will change — and what it won’t How to lead people through uncertainty without minimizing their reality Why belonging and psychological safety aren’t optional anymore Technology will keep evolving. Systems will keep shifting. But the leaders who win?They’re the ones who build trust, regulate their energy, and choose humanity — even when it’s harder. This one is honest, timely, and necessary. 00:00 – Why Trust Is the Leadership Currency of Now01:32 – From Corporate HR to National DEI Voice: Dr. Tana’s Evolution06:15 – Generational Shifts Are Rewriting the Workplace Rules08:38 – Building Trust at Work10:59 – Reinvention at Any Stage: Law School & Lifelong Growth13:23 – The Personal Stories That Shape Powerful Leaders16:12 – Leading Through Political Tension & Collective Uncertainty18:24 – Advice for Youth & Future Leaders24:17 – AI is her Now What33:59 – Navigating Job Insecurity Without Losing Humanity40:48 – The Leadership Standard We Choose Moving Forward | Connect with Us | Follow Dr. Tana M. Session: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtanamsession/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tanamsession-com/Website: OD & People Strategy Consulting | Dr. Tana M. Session, Founder/CEO of TanaMSession.com (Dr. Tana M. Session is a nationally recognized psychologist, DEI strategist, and leadership advisor who helps organizations uncover unconscious bias, foster inclusive cultures, and lead with greater self-awareness and accountability. Her work centers on equity, belonging, and empowering leaders to make more intentional, human-centered decisions.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • The CEO Myth: Confidence, Control, and Learning as You Go | EP62

    The CEO Myth: Confidence, Control, and Learning as You Go | EP62
    Feb 9 2026
    What actually happens when you step into the CEO seat for the first time—before you feel “ready”? In this episode, Ritu Mohanka, first-time CEO of VONQ, breaks down the myth of the all-knowing, perfectly confident CEO. We talk real leadership: the messy first 90 days, learning in public, and why control is overrated but clarity isn’t. Ritu shares how AI can open doors in hiring instead of shutting them, why bias has to be designed out—not trained away—and what it really takes to build products around people, not process. We also go there—motherhood, imposter syndrome, boundaries, and why women can’t keep waiting for perfection to raise their hands. This is an honest conversation about leading with empathy, building healthy teams, and leaving a legacy rooted in trust, not ego. If you think leadership is about having all the answers—this episode will change your mind. The first 90 days as a CEO can be both intimidating and liberating. AI should open doors in hiring, not close them. Screen people in. The future of work isn’t defined yet—leaders must build for what’s coming. Women should not wait for perfection to raise their hands for opportunities. Balance is a myth; it's about finding harmony in different seasons of life. Boundaries aren’t optional—they’re a leadership requirement. Imposter syndrome is common among executives and can be managed. Great cultures are designed, not left to chance. Legacy isn’t power—it’s trust. The best teams and products stay obsessively close to the customer. 00:00 Becoming CEO: What No One Tells You02:43 Learning in Public: From Challenges to Triumphs11:20 Motherhood, Leadership, and Letting Go of “Balance”14:20 Imposter Syndrome at the Top17:05 Designing Healthy Workplaces on Purpose19:40 Boundaries, Burnout, and Self-Leadership22:18 Legacy: What Actually Lasts25:01 Mistakes, Growth, and Leading Without a Script27:52 The Future of Work: AI and Employee Development31:00 Unlearning the CEO Myth | Connect with Us | Follow Ritu Mohanka:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritumohanka/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vonq/posts/?feedView=allWebsite: Homepage (Ritu Mohanka is a forward-thinking HR and people analytics expert focused on AI-driven coaching, personalized development, and the future of work. She champions solutions that help individuals grow in real time and organizations unlock meaningful performance gains.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • Hiring with Hope: Designing Systems That Actually Work for Frontline Workers | EP61

    Hiring with Hope: Designing Systems That Actually Work for Frontline Workers | EP61
    Feb 2 2026
    Frontline workers keep the global economy moving—yet the systems built to hire them are often anything but humane. In this episode, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Sean Behr, CEO of Fountain, to unpack what’s broken in frontline hiring and what it really takes to fix it. Sean shares how Fountain is reimagining high-volume hiring by balancing speed with quality, expanding access, and designing experiences that treat hourly workers like humans—not transactions. Together, they explore how AI is changing recruitment in real time, why old hiring assumptions are collapsing under pressure, and what leaders are getting wrong about “efficiency.” Sean offers a powerful reframe for leadership in moments of disruption: trust gets people in the door, but hope is what keeps them moving forward. This conversation goes beyond technology. It’s about designing systems that work with people, not against them—and why the future of hiring depends on leaders willing to challenge outdated beliefs, listen to frontline realities, and build for resilience, dignity, and scale. Key Takeaways Why frontline hiring systems are the backbone of the global economy—and where they fail most How speed without quality breaks trust (and businesses) Why AI works best when it removes friction, not humanity What today’s job-seeking behavior reveals about broken assumptions in hiring Why hope—not just trust—is a leadership necessity in times of change How expanding access creates better outcomes for workers and employers Chapters00:00 Why Frontline Hiring Systems Matter02:12 Leadership in High-Velocity Hiring Environments04:05 AI, Scale, and the Reality of Modern Job Seeking21:33 Trust vs. Hope: What Actually Sustains Workers25:03 Expanding Access Without Sacrificing Quality26:25 Workforce Resilience in a Shifting Economy27:45 Challenging Outdated Hiring Beliefs30:34 Final Thoughts: The Future of Frontline Hiring | Connect with Us | Follow Sean Behr:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbehr/Website: Fountain - Your Frontline Workforce Management Platform (Sean Behr is the CEO of Fountain, a hiring technology platform focused on opening opportunities for the global frontline workforce. He is passionate about building systems that balance speed with quality, expand access to meaningful work, and help organizations hire and retain talent at scale.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • Leading What You Build: Kate Parker on Growth, Grit, and Gratitude | EP60

    Leading What You Build: Kate Parker on Growth, Grit, and Gratitude | EP60
    Jan 26 2026
    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy sits down with Kate Parker, President of Transcend, for a grounded and insightful conversation on leadership, growth, and what it really takes to build meaningful impact at the highest levels. Kate shares her career journey from Google and Uber to leading a fast-growing data privacy platform—unpacking the mindset shifts required to move from executor to builder. Together, Christy and Kate explore the power of cross-functional collaboration, servant leadership, mentorship, and why embracing failure is often the fastest path to growth. This episode challenges common myths about the C-suite and offers a refreshing reminder: leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about ownership, integrity, and learning in public. Key Takeaways Being a builder is a leadership advantage—especially in times of change. Entrepreneurial spirit exists at every level, not just at the top. Strong companies win through cross-functional alignment, not silos. Gratitude and reflection are practical leadership tools, not soft skills. Mentorship accelerates growth—for both mentors and mentees. Comfort with failure fuels innovation and resilience. Small, consistent learning moments compound over time. Clear, intentional communication is essential in hybrid and remote teams. Data privacy leadership requires integrity, transparency, and trust. The C-suite is more accessible—and more human—than many believe. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Impact01:23 Career Journey: From Google to Uber to Transcend03:43 The Builder Mentality in Leadership06:10 Identifying Entrepreneurial Spirit in Teams09:44 Uniting Cross-Functional Teams11:54 Navigating Organizational Challenges14:13 Leading with Heart and Servant Leadership16:08 The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth18:28 Learning from Failures and Micro-Learnings21:38 Communication Across Generations25:26 Intentional Communication in Remote Work27:44 Transcend's Approach to Data Privacy31:17 Myths About the C-Suite #InsideTheCSuite #BuilderMindset #LeadershipInAction #KateParker #ExecutiveLeadership #DataPrivacy #ModernLeadership #CLevelConversations #LeadWithIntegrity #CareerOwnership #LeadershipThatBuilds | Connect with Us | Follow Kate Parker:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-parker/Website: https://transcend.io | www.transcendprivacy.com (Kate Parker is the President of Transcend, a leading data privacy platform. With a background spanning Google and Uber, Kate brings a builder’s mindset to executive leadership—championing integrity, transparency, and cross-functional collaboration while helping organizations navigate the evolving data privacy landscape.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Emotional Intelligence Meets AI: Redefining Leadership with Justin Weitzer | EP59

    Emotional Intelligence Meets AI: Redefining Leadership with Justin Weitzer | EP59
    Jan 19 2026
    In this episode of Inside the C-suite, host Kristy Honeycutt interviews Justin Weitzer, CEO of Neuro, a company focused on enhancing the frontline management experience through AI. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in management, the challenges faced by young CEOs, and the evolving role of AI in business. Justin shares his journey from the music industry to mental health advocacy, emphasizing the need for support and training for frontline managers. The conversation highlights the significance of human connection in the workplace and the future of AI in addressing loneliness and enhancing employee experience. Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective management. Frontline managers significantly influence employee engagement. AI adoption in business faces hesitancy but is necessary for future growth. Young CEOs often deal with imposter syndrome and confidence issues. Opportunities should be embraced as they arise. Mental health awareness is essential in the workplace. Frontline managers need more support and training. AI can help reduce administrative burdens on managers. Design and user experience are critical for AI solutions. Building a supportive network is vital for leadership success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Justin Weitzer and Neuro02:34 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Management04:54 Empowering Frontline Managers with AI06:50 Navigating AI Hesitancy in Business13:09 Challenges of Being a Young CEO17:03 Justin's Journey and Passion for Mental Health22:07 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health23:34 Empowering Voices in Education26:24 The Role of AI in Supporting Managers29:32 Loneliness in Leadership32:47 AI's Impact on Human Connection33:26 Aha Moments in Client Success36:20 Designing for the Frontline Workforce | Connect with Us | Follow Justin Weitzer:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-weitzer/Website: nurau.com (Company) neuropresse.com/fondateur (Blog) claritytechlab.com (Company) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Be a Guest or Recommend Someone:Know a leader who should be featured? Submit a recommendation or apply to be a guest. Contact Form: Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • Leadership, Mentorship & Compliance in a Remote-First World with Chapelle Ryon | EP58

    Leadership, Mentorship & Compliance in a Remote-First World with Chapelle Ryon | EP58
    Jan 12 2026
    In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, host Christy Honeycutt sits down with Chapelle Ryon, CEO of Workbright, for a candid and insightful conversation on what leadership really looks like behind the scenes. Chapelle shares the realities of being a CEO—from the loneliness that can come with the role to the importance of mentorship during moments of growth and transition. Together, they explore the evolving complexities of employment compliance, especially in a remote and distributed workforce, and why trust, clarity, and strong systems matter more than ever. The discussion dives into how leaders can build and sustain a high-performance culture, the role of rituals and self-regulation in leadership effectiveness, and why vulnerability isn’t a weakness—but a powerful tool for developing people and teams. Chapelle also offers perspective on running a company with intention, operating on EOS, and what the future holds for Workbright in the HR technology space. Key Takeaways Leadership is often more complex—and lonelier—than it appears Mentorship is essential for CEOs, especially during key transitions Employment compliance is increasingly challenging in remote environments Workbright’s expertise centers on Form I-9 and compliance accuracy Strong company culture requires trust, clarity, and consistency Rituals help leaders maintain balance and self-regulation Remote teams thrive when expectations and development paths are clear Vulnerability in leadership strengthens connection and performance Being a CEO is both demanding and deeply rewarding Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges02:03 The Importance of Peer Mentorship03:58 Understanding Workbright's Compliance Solutions06:09 Addressing Remote Work Challenges10:03 Building a Strong Company Culture14:01 Navigating Compliance in a Remote Environment19:54 Trust in Remote Work21:15 Building Trust and Collaboration in Remote Teams22:37 Mentorship and Coaching in a Remote Environment24:37 Generational Perspectives on Work Ethic26:13 Contextualizing Remote Work Policies28:44 High Performance and Employee Development30:10 The Importance of Rituals in Leadership32:09 Personal Rituals and Work-Life Balance36:15 Vulnerability in Leadership38:07 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Compliance | Connect with Us | Follow Chapelle Ryon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapelle-ryon-109baa35/Website: workbright.com (Chapelle Ryon is the CEO of Workbright, an HR technology company specializing in employment compliance and digital I-9 solutions for distributed and remote workforces. As a people-first leader, Chapelle is passionate about building high-performing teams, fostering trust in remote environments, and leading with clarity, intention, and vulnerability.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Amputate to Elevate: How Leaders Cut What No Longer Serves to Rise Higher | EP57

    Amputate to Elevate: How Leaders Cut What No Longer Serves to Rise Higher | EP57
    Jan 5 2026
    In this episode of Inside the C‑Suite, Christy L. Honeycutt sits down with John Register, two‑time Paralympian, Persian Gulf War U.S. Army veteran, TEDx speaker, National Speakers Association Hall of Fame keynote speaker, and one of Real Leaders Magazine’s Top 50 Global Leadership Speakers. John has shared his message on CBS, Fox, PBS, and national media outlets and has been featured for his leadership work and advocacy in both broadcast and print. In this powerful conversation, John explains how he literally and figuratively amputated fear after losing his leg during his Olympic training—choosing a prosthetic and a new path instead of limitation—and went on to win a Paralympic silver medal. Together, Christy and John explore the mindset shifts that distinguish leaders in times of uncertainty, how adversity can become advantage, and why resilience and purpose are critical to high‑stakes decision‑making. John also shares how his experience founding the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Paralympic Military Sports Program helped launch initiatives like the Warrior Games and inspired global movements like the Invictus Games. This episode is a compelling call to action for executives and teams alike: when you amputate fear, you make room to innovate, elevate, and lead with greater clarity and impact. Key Takeaways John Register is a two-time Paralympian and U.S. Army veteran. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership. John's journey includes overcoming the challenges of amputation. He founded the Paralympic Military Sport Program for wounded veterans. John believes in the power of sports for rehabilitation. He encourages individuals to find their unique purpose. The concept of 'amputate to elevate' is central to John's philosophy. Support systems play a crucial role in personal recovery. Generational differences affect communication styles. Diversity in thought is essential for effective decision-making. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to John Register02:09 John's Journey: From Athlete to Amputee05:30 Creating Opportunities for Wounded Veterans08:30 Finding Your Path and Purpose10:23 Amputate to Elevate: John’s Methodology18:48 The Impact of Support Systems22:16 The Importance of Relationships Over Achievements24:32 Navigating Automation and AI in Communication26:17 Generational Differences in Communication29:27 Leveraging AI for Business Growth34:25 Overcoming Uncertainty and Decision Paralysis39:13 Lessons from Athletic Experience and Decision Making | Connect with Us | Follow John Register:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnregister/Website: John Register | Inspired Communications International (John Register is a transformational keynote speaker with 28 + years of experience, 1,000 + speeches, and over 500,000 audience connections worldwide. A Paralympic Silver Medalist, U.S. Army veteran, and Hall of Fame speaker, John empowers leaders to amputate fear and elevate performance across organizations and industries.) Follow Inside the C-Suite:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/Subscribe on Spotify – Inside the C-SuiteSubscribe on Apple – Inside the C-Suite Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?Contact Form – Inside the C-Suite Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins