The Truth About Narcissistic Leaders | Brandon Smith

If Your Emotional Intelligence Is Weak, Your Leadership Will Be Too | Chris Salem

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with business acceleration strategist, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence expert Chris Salem to explore why communication is the foundation of sustainable leadership and long-term business success. Chris shares his deeply personal journey from burnout, anxiety, and seeking external validation to becoming a leading voice on emotional intelligence, effective communication, and sustainable success. Together, Angela and Chris challenge the idea that emotional intelligence is simply a "soft skill," arguing instead that it's one of the most important business skills leaders can develop. They discuss why great organizations remain adaptable while others become stagnant, how leaders unintentionally create cultures where employees don't feel seen or heard, and why so many workplace challenges can be traced back to communication breakdowns rather than strategy failures. Along the way, they dive into practical leadership lessons on building resilient teams, preventing burnout, creating psychologically safe workplaces, improving customer experience, and leading with greater self-awareness. Learn more about Chris Salem: * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.salem.773 [https://www.facebook.com/chris.salem.773] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisrsalem/ [https://www.instagram.com/chrisrsalem/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersalem/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersalem/] * Website: http://www.christophersalem.com/ [http://www.christophersalem.com/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/christopherrsalem [https://www.youtube.com/c/christopherrsalem] * Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/chrisrsalem [https://twitter.com/chrisrsalem] * Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/353WlixQoLa3JNifg5NXyv [https://open.spotify.com/show/353WlixQoLa3JNifg5NXyv] * Book:https://www.amazon.com/Master-Your-Inner-Critic-Prosperity/dp/1938015525 [https://www.amazon.com/Master-Your-Inner-Critic-Prosperity/dp/1938015525] * Other:https://sustainablesuccess.net/services/ [https://sustainablesuccess.net/services/] Mentioned in this episode:  * Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman * Atomic Habits by James Clear * Good to Great by Jim Collins * Getting to Aha! by Andy Cunningham * No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer Timestamps: 00:00 Understanding Workplace Conflict and Communication 02:01 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 11:13 Defining Emotional Intelligence and Its Impact 24:35 Discipline and Personal Well-being in Leadership 29:12 Recognizing and Combating Burnout 31:34 The Holy Shift Moment: Personal Transformation 42:00 Building a Sustainable Foundation for Success 44:59 The Process of Sustainable Success 47:43 The Importance of Effective Communication 01:03:07 Breaking Barriers in Leadership Communication 01:11:23 The Four Pillars of Success 01:24:35 The Power of Giving and Receiving The discussion also tackles questions… * What is emotional intelligence, and why is it essential for effective leadership? * How do you prevent burnout while maintaining high performance? * What does sustainable success actually look like? * Why do employees leave organizations even when the pay is good? * How can leaders improve communication across different personality types and generations? * What causes workplace disengagement and poor team culture? * How do you build a psychologically safe workplace? * Why do businesses often "break in the middle" instead of at the top? * What are the warning signs of poor communication inside an organization? * How do you adapt your communication style to different people? * Why is customer experience directly connected to emotional intelligence? * How do you create a more resilient and adaptable organization? * What are the foundations of a robust leadership culture? * How can leaders become better listeners? * What daily habits help leaders avoid burnout and make better decisions? * Why do personal experiences shape leadership more than most people realize? * How do you break unhealthy leadership patterns inherited from childhood? * What does it really mean to lead with empathy without becoming a people pleaser? * How do you create healthy boundaries as a leader? Key takeaways: 1. Emotional intelligence is not a soft skill. It's a business strategy.  2. Most organizational problems are communication problems before they become operational problems. 3. Sustainable success requires adaptability, not perfection.  4. Great leaders focus on what they can control. 5. Burnout begins long before people recognize it.  6. Communication should adapt to the listener, not the speaker. Effective leaders understand that different personalities, generations, and communication styles process information differently.  7. Company culture is built through daily leadership behaviors, not mission statements. 8. Personal growth and leadership growth cannot be separated.  9. Customer experience is a direct reflection of leadership culture.  10. Leadership is measured by the people you develop, not the  Similar episodes:  AI Won’t Replace You… But This Will (Lessons from Microsoft) | Allister Frost: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhe_CKZiR28 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhe_CKZiR28]  Why High Performers Stay Stuck (And How to Break Through) | Hilary Porta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTeEcOqZ7lE&t=26s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTeEcOqZ7lE&t=26s]  The Leadership Secrets Behind The 4 Disciplines of Execution | Jim Huling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_oYkReLpQU [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_oYkReLpQU]  Production Produced by: The AGN Group Host: Angela Gill Nelms Producer: Katie Hart Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass. Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2 Want to be a Podcast Guest? If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/ [https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/]

The Truth About Narcissistic Leaders | Brandon Smith

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Brandon Smith, leadership coach, TEDx speaker, professor at Emory University, and author known as "The Workplace Therapist." Together, they explore the human side of leadership and why so many workplace challenges are rooted in psychology rather than process. Brandon shares the deeply personal story of growing up with a debilitating stutter, how that experience shaped his understanding of communication and resilience, and why he believes purpose is often born from pain. The conversation dives into narcissistic leadership, toxic workplace cultures, trust, vulnerability, curiosity, and the hidden costs of urgency-driven organizations. You'll also learn Brandon's powerful frameworks for building trust, navigating difficult leaders, setting healthy boundaries, creating psychological safety, and moving from being the hero of the team to becoming the leader who develops others Learn More About Brandon Smith: * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandonsmithwpt [https://www.facebook.com/brandonsmithwpt] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsmithtwpt/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsmithtwpt/] * Website: www.theworksmiths.com [http://www.theworksmiths.com] /  www.theworkplacetherapist.com [http://www.theworkplacetherapist.com]  Timestamps: 00:00 The Chaos of Urgency in Leadership 02:12 Brandon Smith: The Workplace Therapist's Journey 06:18 The Impact of a Horrible Boss on Leadership Philosophy 11:51 Balancing Compassion and Accountability in Leadership 16:32 Overcoming Stuttering: A Journey to Empathy 20:25 The Role of Pain in Finding Purpose 25:59 Understanding Narcissism in Leadership 30:00 Identifying Narcissistic Traits in Interviews 34:02 Understanding Narcissism and Insecurity 35:16 Healthy Confidence vs. Narcissism 39:32 The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership 44:14 The Dilemma of Toxic Leaders 48:54 Recognizing Adaptation to Toxic Environments 57:02 Building Trust Through Vulnerability and Curiosity 01:05:00 The Impact of Curiosity and Questioning 01:08:52 Understanding Assumptions and Clarifying Questions 01:12:55 The Importance of Personal Branding in Leadership 01:20:01 Managing Urgency and Prioritization in Leadership 01:26:59 Rapid Fire Insights and Final Thoughts The discussion also tackles questions… * What is the difference between confidence and narcissism in leadership? * How do narcissistic leaders impact team culture and performance? * Why do organizations tolerate toxic high performers? * What are the warning signs of a dysfunctional workplace? * How can employees protect themselves when working for a toxic leader? * Why is curiosity one of the most important leadership skills? * How do assumptions damage communication and trust? * What does healthy vulnerability look like in leadership? * How is psychological safety created on a team? * Why do leaders struggle to build trust with employees? * What is the relationship between authenticity, vulnerability, and credibility? * Why are so many leaders addicted to urgency? * What is the Hot Sauce Principle? * How can leaders distinguish healthy pressure from toxic pressure? * Why do organizations unintentionally create burnout? * What is the difference between being an "Author" and an "Editor" as a leader? * Why do high performers struggle to delegate? * How can leaders stop being the hero and start developing others? * How do communication skills impact leadership effectiveness? * Can resilience and confidence be developed over time? 10 Key Takeaways from Brandon Smith on Leadership, Trust, and Workplace Culture 1. The Best Leaders Build Trust Through Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Credibility 2. Purpose Often Emerges from Life's Hardest Experiences 3. Curiosity Is One of the Most Underrated Leadership Skills 4. Narcissistic Leadership Creates Long-Term Damage to Teams 5. Psychological Safety Starts with the Leades 6. Most Workplace Conflicts Are Rooted in Poor Communication 7. Healthy Urgency Creates Focus; Excessive Urgency Creates Chaos 8. Leadership Is About Developing People, Not Becoming the Hero 9. Strong Boundaries Protect Both Performance and Well-Being 10. Resilience and Agency Can Be Developed Over Time Similar Episodes * Patrick Lyons: https://youtu.be/Crf6TXEB-Rk?si=rifGZy1I2LH-oFF3 [https://youtu.be/Crf6TXEB-Rk?si=rifGZy1I2LH-oFF3]  * Jim Huiling: https://youtu.be/P_oYkReLpQU?si=UjLWWJAIkBfgyn8r [https://youtu.be/P_oYkReLpQU?si=UjLWWJAIkBfgyn8r]  Production Produced by: The AGN Group Host: Angela Gill Nelms Producer: Katie Hart Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass. Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2 Want to be a Podcast Guest? If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/ [https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/]

The Leadership Secrets Behind The 4 Disciplines of Execution | Jim Huling

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela sits down with leadership expert, executive coach, and bestselling author Jim Huling, co-author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution, to explore what it really takes to build high-performing teams, execute what matters most, and create a legacy that outlasts your title. Together, they challenge outdated leadership models built on compliance and control, and make the case for a more powerful approach rooted in curiosity, commitment, empowerment, and accountability. Jim shares lessons from coaching more than 20,000 leaders around the world, while Angela brings practical insights from scaling organizations, leading startups, and developing the next generation of leaders. The conversation explores why top talent leaves organizations, how leaders accidentally create cultures of disengagement, and why sustainable performance requires more than motivational speeches and short-term wins. They also unpack the difference between playing to win and playing not to lose, and how that mindset shapes everything from decision-making to innovation. Learn more about Jim Huling: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhuling/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhuling/]  * Book: https://www.amazon.com/Disciplines-Execution-Achieving-Wildly-Important/dp/145162705X [https://www.amazon.com/Disciplines-Execution-Achieving-Wildly-Important/dp/145162705X] Timestamps: 00:00 The Evolving Landscape of Leadership 07:36 From Success to Significance 11:47 Stages of Leadership Development 19:48 Curiosity as a Leadership Tool 25:37 Empowerment Over Compliance 30:59 The Cost of Talent Loss 37:15 Playing to Win vs. Playing Not to Lose 45:12 The Importance of Humility and Collaboration 48:00 The Impact of Toxic Culture on Organizations 51:25 Starting Anew: The Power of Leadership Example 56:01 The Role of Coaches in Leadership 01:00:00 Execution: From Strategy to Action 01:07:00 The Four Disciplines of Execution 01:27:20 Building Relationships for Success 01:28:44 Understanding Lagging and Leading Indicators 01:32:15 The Importance of Leading Measures 01:38:03 Engagement and Meaning in Leadership 01:48:01 The Power of Accountability The discussion also tackles questions… * Why do leaders struggle to execute their most important goals? * What are the biggest mistakes leaders make when managing high performers? * How do you create commitment instead of compliance? * Why is curiosity one of the most important leadership skills today? * How can leaders retain top talent in a competitive market? * What's the difference between empowering people and simply delegating work? * How do you build a culture where people feel safe speaking up? * Why are younger generations challenging traditional leadership models? * How can leaders balance accountability with collaboration? * What does it mean to move from achievement to scalability to legacy? * How do you identify and focus on your wildly important goals? * Why do so many teams achieve short-term wins but fail to sustain performance? * What does "playing to win" look like in leadership and business? * How can organizations create cultures that drive innovation, engagement, and long-term results? Key takeaways: 1. Great leaders move from achievement to legacy. 2. Sustainable success requires more than short-term wins. 3. Commitment always outperforms compliance. 4. Curiosity is one of the most powerful leadership skills. 5. Top talent leaves when their voice does not matter. 6. Empowerment creates stronger teams than delegation. 7. The fastest way to improve execution is to focus on what matters most. 8. Leaders should play to win, not play not to lose. 9. Culture determines whether people speak up or stay silent. 10. Every new level of leadership requires a new version of you. Similar episodes:  * Scott Wozniak: https://youtu.be/YJ05Ewazics?si=kLjRjiyH-yWiYKFR [https://youtu.be/YJ05Ewazics?si=kLjRjiyH-yWiYKFR]  * Allister Frost: https://youtu.be/mhe_CKZiR28?si=HHOsvLVP4gQJR2GG [https://youtu.be/mhe_CKZiR28?si=HHOsvLVP4gQJR2GG]  * Mark Williams: https://youtu.be/RVhQK9FT0hI?si=LamgObAHOcu_UqwB [https://youtu.be/RVhQK9FT0hI?si=LamgObAHOcu_UqwB]  Production Produced by: The AGN Group Host: Angela Gill Nelms Producer: Katie Hart Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass. Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2 Want to be a Podcast Guest? If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/ [https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/]

How Alternative Healing Changed My Life and Leadership | Jessica Tracy

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela sits down with Jessica Tracy, Certified Jungian Coach, consultant, speaker, and former corporate executive, to explore the hidden cost of high performance and why so many successful leaders find themselves battling anxiety, burnout, and a lingering sense that something is missing. Jessica shares her personal journey from thriving in high-pressure corporate leadership roles to confronting the trauma, perfectionism, and need for external validation that were quietly driving her life. Together, Angela and Jessica discuss the warning signs leaders often ignore, the limitations of traditional approaches to mental health, and why self-awareness, creativity, rest, and inner work are becoming essential leadership skills. The conversation dives into topics like shadow work, emotional regulation, workplace mental health, leadership blind spots, and how unresolved stress can impact not only individual performance but entire team cultures. Jessica also explains how Jungian psychology, archetypes, dream work, and alternative healing modalities can help leaders gain deeper insight into themselves and lead more consciously. Learn More About Jessica Tracy: * Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jessica.tracy.547 [https://www.facebook.com/jessica.tracy.547]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jessicatracy_ [https://www.instagram.com/_jessicatracy_]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-tracy-gbds-clcs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-tracy-gbds-clcs/] * Website: https://www.jessicathejungian.coach/ [https://www.jessicathejungian.coach/] * Substack https://jessicathejungiancoach.substack.com/ [https://jessicathejungiancoach.substack.com/] The discussion also tackles questions… * Why do high performers often struggle with anxiety and burnout? * What are the early warning signs that you're heading toward burnout? * Why doesn't traditional success always lead to fulfillment? * What do most executives misunderstand about stress? * How can leaders become more self-aware? * What is shadow work, and why does it matter for leadership? * How does unresolved trauma show up in decision-making and team culture? * What does emotionally regulated leadership actually look like? * Why are creativity, rest, and play critical for high performance? * What are some practical ways leaders can improve their mental health? * How can organizations better support employee well-being? * What role do alternative healing modalities play in personal growth and transformation? * How can leaders identify and overcome their unconscious blind spots? Themes: * Leadership and self-awareness * High performance and burnout * Executive mental health * Emotional regulation * Shadow work and personal growth * Jungian psychology * Leadership blind spots * Trauma and resilience * Workplace mental health * Conscious leadership * Creativity and innovation * Rest, play, and sustainable performance * Team culture and psychological safety * Alternative healing modalities * Personal transformation Produced by: The AGN Group Host: Angela Gill Nelms Producer: Katie Hart Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass. Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2 Want to be a Podcast Guest? If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email brave@angelagillnelms.com.

How to Build Success Without Burning Out | Angela Gill Nelms & Gia Ganesh

In this special re-release of one of the most personal episodes in Badass Leaders Podcast history, Gia Ganesh takes over the host chair and turns the tables on Angela Gill Nelms. Angela opens up about the experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy, from surviving an abusive childhood and becoming a single mother, to earning an engineering degree while raising a daughter with special needs, leading high-growth companies, and building a career centered on helping others reach their full potential. Together, Angela and Gia explore the meaning behind "Be Brave. Be Badass.," the power of resilience, how to overcome perfectionism and imposter syndrome, what great leaders understand about conflict resolution, and why emotional intelligence matters more than raw talent. As an added bonus, this episode features People Multiple host Gia Ganesh before the launch of her own podcast. Be sure to check out People Multiple, with the first three episodes available now. Learn More About Gia: * https://www.linkedin.com/in/giaganesh/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/giaganesh/]  * https://www.peoplemultiple.com/ [https://www.peoplemultiple.com/]  The Discussion Also Tackles Questions Like... * What does "Be Brave. Be Badass." actually mean? * How do you overcome imposter syndrome as a leader? * How can leaders stop perfectionism from holding them back? * What are the warning signs of burnout? * How do you know when it's time to take a step back from work? * What makes someone coachable? * Why is emotional intelligence more important than technical expertise? * How do great leaders handle conflict? * What does healthy conflict look like on a team? * How can leaders give and receive feedback more effectively? * How do you build a strong personal brand? Themes * Resilience and adversity * Leadership development * Personal growth and self-awareness * Burnout and recovery * Emotional intelligence * Coachability and feedback * Personal branding * Conflict resolution * Women in leadership * High-performance leadership * Perfectionism and imposter syndrome * Building great teams * Lifelong learning * Career pivots and reinvention Production Produced by: The AGN Group Host: Angela Gill Nelms Producer: Katie Hart Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass. Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2 Want to be a Podcast Guest? If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/ [https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/]