Secrets of the C-Suite: The Podcast

Best of S2 – Shireen McSpadden, Executive Director at San Francisco Department of Homelessness: the one where we explore the power of focused and calm leadership on a hot button issue

In this 'Best of S2' episode, Juliet & Susan welcome Shireen McSpadden, Executive Director of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing for the City & County of San Francisco, California.  In a city where homelessness has become a hot button issue, Shireen brings extensive experience and remarkable calm to her role in finding solutions to a complex issue. There's no question, her job in City government is a really hard one, and she's had big and difficult jobs her whole career. Her style is relaxed, focused and unflappable, which has no doubt repeatedly served her and the team she leads. Shireen shares with us the observations, insights and satisfactions of her career, one that has been devoted to service and to social justice.  At the time of the recording, Shireen was anticipating the uncertainties that come with inauguration of a new mayor in San Francisco. You can reach Shireen through her LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shireen-mcspadden-she-her-9986b310/]. ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-clothier-0887162/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliet_clothier_consulting/]Her website is www.JulietClothier.com [http://www.julietclothier.com/] Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sutherland-she-her-a03ba933/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susan_a_sutherland/]Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com [http://www.susanasutherland.com/] Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y4-F52PxVfZnSWahETy7QN61NOOPTdCi/view?usp=sharing].

Best of S1 – Charles DeSantis, Chief Benefits Officer at Georgetown University: the one where we learn that we don't have to ask for permission to lead

In this 'Best of S1' episode, we sat down with Charles DeSantis, a passionate advocate for community wellness and humanitarian efforts. Charles shares his inspiring journey and motivations, emphasizing his commitment to his family, community, and those in greatest need. As Georgetown University’s Chief Benefits Officer, he leads initiatives that enhance employee wellbeing and support the university's mission of service. Charles reflects on a transformative year when he and his husband adopted four siblings, expanding their family from two to six. He discusses his leadership roles at Georgetown and on various boards and advisory councils, using these platforms to drive positive change. Charles emphasizes the importance of meeting employees where they are and showing up for them, underscoring that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to successful leadership. He also shares insights on his recent accolades, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Service, highlighting the significance of giving back. Charles is the author of two books: * Smart, Beautiful and Important: Teaching Art to AIDS-Affected Orphans in Africa’s Largest Slum * Lucas and Lilly Go to Kindergarten We had a great time talking with Charles and learned so much, we know you'll enjoy listening! You can reach Charles directly at ced33@georgetown.edu [ced33@georgetown.edu], and follow him on his socials: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-desantis-7889772/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/charlesdesantis9899/] / Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/charles.desantis1] ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-clothier-0887162/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliet_clothier_consulting/]Her website is www.JulietClothier.com [http://www.julietclothier.com/] Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sutherland-she-her-a03ba933/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susan_a_sutherland/]Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com [http://www.susanasutherland.com/] Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y4-F52PxVfZnSWahETy7QN61NOOPTdCi/view?usp=sharing].

Best of S2 – Janéa Jackson, CEO of HomeRise: the one where we learn a lot about managing change in urgent conditions

In this 'Best of S2' episode, Juliet & Susan welcome Janéa Jackson, CEO of HomeRise, a San Francisco-based non-profit whose mission is to provide supportive housing to unhoused people. In less than 2 years since stepping into the role of CEO, Janéa has needed to assess and learn the people and business of the organization while overhauling it's finances and operating model. She's passionate about the mission, while being clear-eyed about the challenges for all mission-driven organizations to operate with solid systems and financial stability while being values-led.  Janéa shared a lot of herself and her journey with us: how she uses her commute to her advantage, how she engages her children at the end of long days, and how she navigated the early days in her role as CEO.  We loved our conversation with Janéa, and hope you will too!  ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-clothier-0887162/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliet_clothier_consulting/]Her website is www.JulietClothier.com [http://www.julietclothier.com/] Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sutherland-she-her-a03ba933/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susan_a_sutherland/]Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com [http://www.susanasutherland.com/] Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y4-F52PxVfZnSWahETy7QN61NOOPTdCi/view?usp=sharing].

S3 E12 – Season 3 Recap: Leadership, Lessons & The Power of Yes

In this special season 3 finale of Secrets of the C-Suite, we take a step back to reflect on the conversations, themes and lessons that shaped this chapter of the podcast. We revisit standout moments from our guests—from bold, fearless leadership and career pivots to navigating crisis, embracing creativity and redefining what success looks like. Along the way, we notice some common threads: saying yes to opportunity, trusting your instincts and building careers that align with who you are—not just what you do. We also share a few honest reflections of our own, including what we’ve learned about podcasting, where we could have been more intentional and how certain themes (like our “future selves”) showed up more than we expected. This episode is both a recap and a reset—a thoughtful look back at a season full of growth, honesty and meaningful conversations, and a look ahead to season 4 with fresh ideas, including an exciting change coming! Thank you for being part of this journey. Season 4 is coming soon... ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-clothier-0887162/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliet_clothier_consulting/]Her website is www.JulietClothier.com [http://www.julietclothier.com/] Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sutherland-she-her-a03ba933/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susan_a_sutherland/]Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com [http://www.susanasutherland.com/] Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y4-F52PxVfZnSWahETy7QN61NOOPTdCi/view?usp=sharing].

S3 E11 – Dena Grunt, Founder of Destination HR Consulting: the one where we learn why HR is more human than ever

In this episode of Secrets of the C-Suite, Susan and Juliet are joined by HR expert and founder of Destination HR Consulting, Dena Grunt, for a candid conversation on leadership, growth and the human side of HR. Dena shares her unexpected path into human resources, pivoting from speech pathology after discovering the work fit her strengths and desire to help people. Her career spans legal, hospitality and executive leadership, including running a hospitality business where she learned on the job in a way that felt like earning an MBA in real time. Now a business owner, she reflects on the realities of solopreneurship—from doing everything yourself to recognizing when it’s time to bring in support. Her experience finding the right hire highlights the courage and trust it takes to hand over parts of your business to someone else. The conversation also explores how AI is showing up in HR. Dena shares how she uses it as a thinking partner and emphasizes that meaningful outputs depend on the right inputs. While a powerful tool for handling tactical work, it can’t replace the human connection at the core of leadership. Dena also shares a memorable HR moment that shows just how unpredictable—and human—this work can be. At the heart of the episode is a key insight: people rarely leave because of salary or workload. They leave when they no longer feel seen, heard or valued—a leadership problem no algorithm can solve. This episode is packed with practical insights, personal stories and leadership lessons you can apply whether you’re leading a team, running your own business, or navigating the complexities of HR today. ** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener! ——— Connect with Your Hosts ——— Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-clothier-0887162/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliet_clothier_consulting/]Her website is www.JulietClothier.com [http://www.julietclothier.com/] Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com Follow her on socials: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sutherland-she-her-a03ba933/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susan_a_sutherland/]Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com [http://www.susanasutherland.com/] Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y4-F52PxVfZnSWahETy7QN61NOOPTdCi/view?usp=sharing].