In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, host Jackie Mattox (Founder & CEO, WE United) sits down with Maria Gillespie (Channel Sales Leader, TE Connectivity) and Amy Rooney (Director of Global Accounts, RFMW) for a candid conversation about leading through crisis, global tension, and uncertainty.

Together, they explore how leaders can stay informed without tunnel vision, manage bias with self-awareness, and create psychological safety for teams when headlines feel emotionally charged. Drawing on lessons from COVID and other disruptions, they share what it takes to lead with steadiness, humanity, and trust.

You’ll hear insights on:

• How to consume news responsibly and avoid tunnel vision
• Why self-awareness matters more than perfect neutrality
• What defines a crisis and why it is often deeply personal
• The difference between reacting to issues and responding to people
• Why validation and transparency build trust in high-impact moments

Whether you are navigating geopolitical tension, business disruption, or the everyday pressures of modern leadership, this episode offers grounded perspective on how to lead with steadiness, empathy, and accountability in complex times.

If you are a senior executive, team leader, or emerging professional, this conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about how you define crisis, how you show up for others, and how you build trust when it matters most.

Support the show

In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, host Jackie Mattox (Founder & CEO, WE United) sits down with Genein Letford, educator, speaker, and founder of Cafe Strategies and the Lyrics and Leadership Institute for Brain Health, to explore the intersection of creativity, brain health, and leadership.

Together, they examine why curiosity, imagination, and the arts are no longer “soft skills,” but essential capabilities for leaders navigating constant change across classrooms, organizations, and boardrooms.

You’ll hear insights on:

• Why brain health and creativity are critical leadership issues
• How the arts build resilience, empathy, and adaptability
• The neuroscience behind curiosity and innovation
• Why leadership development must be ongoing rather than one and done
• How great leaders create psychological safety and unlock hidden potential

Whether you’re a senior executive, people leader, or emerging professional, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, learning, and what it truly means to help people and organizations thrive.

Support the show

In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, host Jackie Mattox (Founder & CEO, WE United) sits down with Michael Levin, President & CEO of Custom Solutions, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur who has built four multimillion-dollar companies across sectors.

They explore what it takes to build an entrepreneurial, ownership-driven culture from the front lines to the boardroom.

You’ll hear insights on:
- Bottom-up vs. top-down leadership
- Leading through change and uncertainty
- Why vulnerability builds stronger teams
- How to navigate generational differences and the rise of AI
- Creating politically neutral, inclusive workplace cultures

Whether you're a CEO or an emerging leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about control, culture, and connection.

Support the show