Mission-Driven: Meredith Seacrest Leach, CEO of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation

Mission-Driven: Meredith Seacrest Leach, CEO of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation

In the fast-paced world of corporate communications, Meredith Seacrest Leach found it difficult to stop, slow down, and reconnect with her 'why.' Now, as the CEO and Executive Director of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, her mission is front and center: connect children's hospitals with resources for media production, to keep kids entertained during their stay. The journey wasn't always easy, but together with her brother, legendary broadcaster Ryan Seacrest, Meredith has helped bring media studios into 14 different hospitals across the United States. Meredith shares her insights on non-profit leadership, avoiding team burnout, and how to successfully work alongside your family.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Leading with Humanity: Jessica Jensen, Chief Marketing Officer, LinkedIn

The future of work isn't about competing with AI — it's about doubling down on the skills technology can't replace. As CMO of LinkedIn, Jessica Jensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensenjessica/] sits at the forefront of workplace research that explains what's really going on with the decline of entry level jobs, the rise of Gen Z entrepreneurs, and why a strong professional network matters now more than ever. In this conversation with CEO of iHeartMedia's Digital Audio Group Conal Byrne, Jessica shares her takeaways from LinkedIn's latest reports, and offers her insights on how to authentically connect with your team and lead with humanity.  Read LinkedIn's Research Reports: LinkedIn Labor Market Report: Building a Future of Work That Works: https://economicgraph.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/economicgraph/en-us/PDF/linkedIn-labor-market-report-building-a-future-of-work-that-works-jan-2026.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com [https://economicgraph.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/economicgraph/en-us/PDF/linkedIn-labor-market-report-building-a-future-of-work-that-works-jan-2026.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Gen Z isn't waiting to be hired — they're building their own businesses across the country [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gen-z-isnt-waiting-hired-theyre-building-own-businesses-oijve/?trackingId=xiD3pVhFIxrj829PiJHiIg%3D%3D]: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gen-z-isnt-waiting-hired-theyre-building-own-businesses-oijve/?trackingId=xiD3pVhFIxrj829PiJHiIg%3D%3D More Founders, Higher Stakes: Inside San Francisco Bay Area’s Startup Surge [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/more-founders-higher-stakes-inside-san-francisco-ozoze/]: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/more-founders-higher-stakes-inside-san-francisco-ozoze/ See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Science of Leadership: Raj Seshadri, Chief Commercial Payments Officer, Mastercard

When Raj Seshadri moved from science to the C-suite, she realized the two weren’t really that different. Leadership requires problem solving — and the scientific method she practiced as a physicist now shapes how she drives innovation as Chief Commercial Payments Officer at Mastercard. Raj shares practical leadership strategies for building high-performing teams, making confident decisions in times of uncertainty, and fostering a culture of inclusion and decency in the workplace. If you’re looking to lead with clarity by thinking like a scientist, this is your blueprint. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Unapologetically Ambitious: Shellye Archambeau, Former CEO, MetricStream

Since she was a teenager, Shellye Archambeau knew she wanted to be a CEO. And with unapologetic ambition—she got there—becoming the leader of MetricStream, a software company focusing on government risk and compliance.  But her path to power wasn't easy — there was loss, uncertainty and even a global recession that tried to stop Shellye in her tracks, but she was always one step ahead. Shellye shares her advice for guiding your team through a major setback, reclaiming your power as a leader, and inspiring others along the way.  Book: Unapologetically Ambitious [https://a.co/d/0hs2PwCe]  Shellye's Nonprofit: Ignite Ambition [https://shellye.com/ignite-ambition/]  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Going With Your Gut: Vanessa Dew, Co-founder of Health-ade Kombucha

Health-Ade Kombucha went from a stall at the Farmer's Market to a multi-million dollar company over the course of just five years — which pushed co-founder Vanessa Dew to re-examine her leadership style in order to adapt. In this episode, Vanessa is revealing what she learned, and why vulnerability in leadership is key for scaling a business. You'll also hear her tips for overcoming imposter syndrome, trusting your instincts, and setting boundaries at work in order to become a more effective, well-rounded leader in business and life.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.