The messy middle of leadership is real.

In this episode of the AND Podcast, April and Ivy sit down with Erin Cooper to talk about one of the hardest and least discussed stages of leadership: middle management.

When you’re leading people, driving results, and operating inside systems you didn’t design, clarity isn’t always guaranteed. Erin shares what it really looks like to thrive in that space while holding the tension between people and profit, navigating doubt, and continuing to move forward even when things feel shaky.

From stepping into leadership unexpectedly to taking one uncomfortable step at a time, this conversation is for anyone leading from the middle and figuring it out… anyways.

What does real leadership leave behind?

In this episode, Priscilla shares the journey that led her and her husband to build Sauceda Industries and the lessons that shaped the culture at its core. From learning what not to do, to intentionally designing a people-first business, Priscilla walks us through how investing in humans creates impact far beyond the walls of a company.

Her leadership didn’t just build a successful business, it built relationships, community, and a legacy that still shows up today in the lives of former team members, years later.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that building something meaningful doesn’t require complexity or grand gestures. Sometimes, the most lasting impact comes from getting the basics right and leading with heart.

If you’re building a business and wondering whether people and profit can truly coexist, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The AND Podcast, we are joined by Steve Harden. A leader whose career spans some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Adidas and Oakley.

We talk about what it really means to lead with intention: showing up for people, making decisions rooted in values, and understanding that true impact goes far beyond titles or results.

Steve shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, trust, and why the most meaningful success comes from putting people first.

A thoughtful, honest conversation about People AND Profit and the kind of leadership the world needs more of.