Secrets of the C-Suite: The Podcast

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

42 min · 30 de mar de 2026
Portada del episodio S3 E11 – Dena Grunt, Founder of Destination HR Consulting: the one where we learn why HR is more human than ever

Descripción

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 [julietclothier@gmail.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-clothier-0887162/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliet_clothier_consulting/] / www.julietclothier.com [http://www.julietclothier.com/] Email Susan: susan@susanasutherland.com [susan@susanasutherland.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sutherland-she-her-a03ba933/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susan_a_sutherland/] / 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].

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42 episodios

Portada del episodio You Just Get Up and Keep Going with Sarita Parikh

You Just Get Up and Keep Going with Sarita Parikh

In this week's conversation on Secrets of the C-Suite, Susan and Juliet sit down with entrepreneur, healthcare professional, and advocate Sarita Parikh. After spending years helping others navigate healthcare, disability rights, and community support systems, Sarita found herself on the other side of the equation when a traumatic brain injury and breast cancer diagnosis turned her world upside down. She shares how those experiences reshaped her understanding of leadership, vulnerability, and healing, why traditional approaches to leadership don't work for everyone, and how she's reimagining her work to help people build the support systems they need to thrive. Plus, the surprising role that joy, belonging, and even a little vulnerability can play in helping people lead more authentically. Follow Glow + Gather on Instagram: @glowandgather [https://www.instagram.com/glowandgather/]. Visit Mind, Body & Play website to learn more: www.mbptherapies.com [https://www.mbptherapies.com/] ** 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 [julietclothier@gmail.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-clothier-0887162/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliet_clothier_consulting/] / www.julietclothier.com [http://www.julietclothier.com/] Email Susan: susan@susanasutherland.com [susan@susanasutherland.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sutherland-she-her-a03ba933/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susan_a_sutherland/] / 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].

29 de jun de 202647 min
Portada del episodio The Unexpected Lessons Behind Secrets of the C-Suite

The Unexpected Lessons Behind Secrets of the C-Suite

Season 4 is here, and to celebrate, Susan and Juliet are looking back on two years of conversations that have reshaped how they think about leadership. From unexpected lessons to unforgettable guests, they reflect on the quality that kept surfacing in some of their most impactful conversations, why so many leaders underestimate the value of their own stories, and how the podcast has evolved in ways they never anticipated. Plus, an exciting behind-the-scenes look at what's changing this season and where they hope the podcast goes next. ** 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 [julietclothier@gmail.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-clothier-0887162/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliet_clothier_consulting/] / www.julietclothier.com [http://www.julietclothier.com/] Email Susan: susan@susanasutherland.com [susan@susanasutherland.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sutherland-she-her-a03ba933/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susan_a_sutherland/] / 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].

15 de jun de 202629 min
Portada del episodio 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

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 [julietclothier@gmail.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-clothier-0887162/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliet_clothier_consulting/] / www.julietclothier.com [http://www.julietclothier.com/] Email Susan: susan@susanasutherland.com [susan@susanasutherland.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sutherland-she-her-a03ba933/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susan_a_sutherland/] / 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].

25 de may de 202649 min
Portada del episodio 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

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 [julietclothier@gmail.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-clothier-0887162/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliet_clothier_consulting/] / www.julietclothier.com [http://www.julietclothier.com/] Email Susan: susan@susanasutherland.com [susan@susanasutherland.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sutherland-she-her-a03ba933/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susan_a_sutherland/] / 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].

11 de may de 202642 min
Portada del episodio Best of S2 – Janéa Jackson, CEO of HomeRise: the one where we learn a lot about managing change in urgent conditions

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 [julietclothier@gmail.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-clothier-0887162/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliet_clothier_consulting/] / www.julietclothier.com [http://www.julietclothier.com/] Email Susan: susan@susanasutherland.com [susan@susanasutherland.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sutherland-she-her-a03ba933/] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susan_a_sutherland/] / 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].

27 de abr de 202638 min