Leadership Unscripted

Silence is a Leadership Decision (And It Has A Cost)

Accountability conversations are some of the most important—and most avoided—moments in leadership. In this episode of Leadership Unscripted, host Ashley Vest sits down with Justin Hale, Master Trainer with Crucial Learning and co-author of the latest edition of Crucial Accountability, to unpack why leaders so often stay silent when performance gaps appear—and what it really takes to address them effectively. Together, they explore why avoidance and silence are the most common responses to performance issues, and what's happening psychologically when leaders choose not to speak up. They also dig into how to balance empathy and accountability without lowering standards, why performance challenges are often misdiagnosed as motivation problems instead of gaps in ability or clarity, and how leading with curiosity—rather than judgment—creates better dialogue and stronger outcomes. This conversation challenges the idea that leaders must choose between being kind or being firm, offering practical insight into how honest, respectful accountability conversations can strengthen trust, improve performance, and shape healthier team cultures. If you've ever thought, "I know I should address this, but I don't want to make it worse," this episode is for you. And if you like the content in this episode, be sure to purchase the latest edition of Crucial Accountability, wherever books are sold.

Belonging at Work: What Leaders Get Right (and Wrong)

In this month's episode of Leadership Unscripted, host Ashley Vest sits down with Meagan Starks, Director of Local Programs at the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, for a powerful and practical conversation on inclusion, belonging, and the everyday choices that shape team culture. Meagan breaks down the true meaning of diversity, inclusion, and belonging, highlighting how belonging is the emotional outcome of inclusion done well. Together, they explore why inclusion isn't just a "nice to have," but a performance strategy that fuels creativity, collaboration, and engagement across workplaces and organizations.

Four Letters That Change Team Culture: C.A.R.E.

In this episode of Leadership Unscripted, host Ashley Vest talks with CEO of DX Learning and author of CARE to Win, Alex Draper, about his C.A.R.E. framework—Clarity, Autonomy, Relationships, and Equity—and how these elements work together to create psychological safety and high‑performing teams. Alex shares the personal inspiration behind the book, the dangers of ambiguity, and why leaders must overcome the "illusion of agreement" to build trust. He offers practical habits leaders can use immediately, from improving meeting clarity to giving people more ownership. The conversation closes with two powerful themes: be curious, not judgmental, and use vulnerability as a multiplier for stronger cultures. For more insights, check out Alex's book CARE to Win, available on Amazon.

Leading Through Change and Uncertainty

In this episode, Ashley sits down with Michelle Baker, Chief People Officer at FORUM Credit Union, for a powerful conversation on leading through change and uncertainty. Michelle shares real-world insights on staying grounded, building trust with your team, and moving forward with confidence—even when the road ahead isn't fully clear. Be sure to check out Michelle Baker's podcast, Career Dreams, a great resource for insights, tools, and conversations focused on advancing your career.

The Power of Words in Leadership

In this episode of Leadership Unscripted, host Ashley Vest sits down with Doug Hensch, CEO of DRH Group and an experienced executive coach, to explore the transformative power of language in leadership. Together, they unpack practical strategies for creating psychological safety, fostering innovation, and empowering teams through intent-based leadership—a concept inspired by David Marquet's Leadership is Language. Doug shares actionable insights on shifting from a command-and-control style to a culture of curiosity and collaboration. You'll learn about the "ladder of leadership" approach, how modeling vulnerability builds trust, and why simple language shifts can make a big impact. The conversation also dives into encouraging dissent, avoiding groupthink, and balancing execution with reflection for better decision-making. Real-world examples—from Navy submarines to corporate case studies—bring these ideas to life. If you're ready to lead with humility, curiosity, and confidence—even when you don't have all the answers—this episode is for you. And don't forget to grab Doug Hensch's latest book, Re-Thinking Curiosity: How to Lead When You Don't Have All the Answers, available now wherever books are sold