Rethink Change

Leading Change  at the Intersection of Science, Strategy, and Transformation with Julia Chapman, Vice President of Program and Portfolio Management at Latigo Biotherapeutics

Some leaders grow through intention. Others grow through fire. And then there are leaders like Julia Chapman, who evolve through a rare combination of curiosity, serendipity, and the willingness to tackle problems most people would run from. Our guest this week doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. She uses her engineering mindset to run full force into challenges and leads her team to do the same.  In this episode of Rethink Change, Julia Chapman, Vice President of Program and Portfolio Management at Latigo Biotherapeutics, takes us inside a career shaped by unexpected pivots, from filing records in a Novartis plant to designing pandemic response frameworks that later influenced global vaccine development.  Throughout their conversation, Julia talks openly about what it takes to lead in an industry filled with uncertainty. She explains how she breaks down complex scientific challenges, how she communicates value to investors who expect clear direction, and how she’s learned to step back as a leader so her team can step forward. She also shares why understanding the problems above your role is one of the most important skills you can develop, no matter where you are in your career. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro to Guest: Julia Chapman: Using Science and Strategy to Lead Change  01:19 From Duke & Med School Dreams to Novartis Records Room 04:48 Serendipity & Sponsorship: How Chance and Mentors Shape a Career 06:50 Pandemic Planning, mRNA, and Biotech Innovations at Novartis 12:02 Inside Latigo Biotherapeutics: Non-Opioid Pain and Nav1.8 15:13 Why Pain Is So Hard to Treat—and Where Current Drugs Fall Short 17:09 Making the Case: Communicating Value to Investors and Pharma Partners 23:48 Why This Team Will Win: Expertise, Vision, and Smarter Clinical Design 32:03 Scaling Yourself: Letting Go of the Details and Building Strong Teams 37:04 Career Advice for Emerging Leaders: Don’t Fear Hard Problems 42:04 Final Thoughts on Key Leadership Lessons Topics Discussed:  * The difference between thinking like a C-Suite leader and a VP * Leveraging serendipity, curiosity, and relationships to accelerate your career * Breaking down complex scientific challenges into clear, actionable strategies * De-risking innovation and making smarter, faster decisions in uncertain environments * Communicating value with clarity to investors, partners, and internal teams * Learning to scale yourself as a leader and let go of the details * Creating a sustainable culture that reduces pressure and strengthens trust Connect with Julia Chapman:  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-chapman-9319b824/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-chapman-9319b824/] About Rethink Change: When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity. Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter. Get Connected with Rethink Change: * Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast [https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand [https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/ [https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/]

Heart-Led Leadership: Why Mission and Values Come Before Systems with Pierce Bush, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star

Navigating financial strain, organizational change, and the isolation of leadership demands courage and clarity. The strongest leaders pivot quickly, stay grounded in their values, and act rather than wait for circumstances to shift.  Growth often emerges in seasons of pressure, when optimism, resilience, and strong relationships become essential tools for navigating the unknown. Our guest this week shares how these exact principles shaped his leadership journey. In this episode of Rethink Change, Hosts Matt and Ward chat with Pierce Bush, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star.  Pierce Bush is an Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history in non-profit organization management, with skills in Organizational Leadership, Open Book Management Systems, Fundraising, Business Development, and Team Building. Pierce is also a strong results-oriented professional with a BA focused in American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin.  Throughout their conversation, Pierce explains that leadership starts with heart, values, and mission, long before systems or processes come into play. He reflects on how his early experiences as a volunteer shaped the way he leads today, emphasizing that clarity of purpose is the anchor for every decision.  From unifying fragmented teams across Texas to stabilizing an organization facing serious financial strain, Pierce shows how values-first leadership creates alignment even in moments of uncertainty. He also discusses the importance of empowering staff with information, embracing transparency, and simplifying complex missions into language anyone can understand. His approach highlights how a clear, consistent message not only strengthens internal culture but also helps donors and volunteers see themselves as central to the mission. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro to Guest: Pierce Bush on Becoming a Big Brother 04:06 Transitioning from Volunteer to CEO 09:31 Implementing the Great Game of Business 15:17 Navigating Major Changes and Building Consensus 17:20 Reflections on Leadership and Mentorship 20:04 Conviction, Challenges, and Values in Nonprofit Leadership 21:06 The Great Game of Business 24:42 Communicating Value to Donors and Simplicity in Messaging 28:05 Empowering Donors and Volunteers and Lessons Learned in the Nonprofit World 35:38 Final Thoughts on Looking Forward to New Challenges and Gratitude Topics Discussed:  * Incorporating a clear set of values before creating systems * Building a culture between various entities around excellence * Why having a strong network is vital to leadership * How to pivot and seize the challenges in business * Breaking down a “complex” mission into simple language  * How to differentiate yourself during tough times  * Learning to pivot and take quick action vs. “thumbsucking”  Connect with Pierce Bush:  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piercebush/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/piercebush/]  About Rethink Change: When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity. Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter. Get Connected with Rethink Change: * Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast [https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand [https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/ [https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/]

Finding Opportunity in Every Corner with Lily Isham, General Manager, Financial Solutions at Conduent

What does it really take to simplify complex systems in a world where financial services, customer expectations, and technology evolve faster than most teams can keep up? And as AI unlocks real-time insights and new opportunities, how do leaders balance speed, strategy, and the courage to rethink what’s always been done?  In this episode of Rethink Change, Lily Isham, General Manager, Financial Solutions at Conduent, explains how understanding the full process gives leaders the power to simplify it, move faster, and create better outcomes for both clients and employees. She takes us inside the evolving world of financial services, where customer expectations shift overnight, and AI offers unprecedented clarity through real-time data.  Lily also reveals how generalists uncover hidden opportunities, why hiring people who think differently expands your blind spots, and how due diligence builds the credibility needed to drive meaningful change. Her story is ultimately about embracing constant evolution and learning to see change not as a disruption, but as your most reliable competitive advantage. Lily Isham is an adaptable and results-driven general manager who leads two software businesses managing technology, data, and client outcomes. Currently overseeing an $80M portfolio at Conduent—including Legal eDiscovery, Cyber Data Triage, and Loan Servicing—Lily oversees all financial management, product, go-to-market strategy, and operational scale across industries, including banking, automotive, law firms, and start-ups.  Her leadership also includes large-scale transformation, project and portfolio management, global operational teams, and complex cross-functional initiatives. Lily has a proven track record of developing and executing strategic initiatives that unlock savings, new revenue streams, expand partnerships, and accelerate product innovation in CX, Financial Services, and Government. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro to Guest: Lily Isham 01:17 Understanding Conduet and Lily’s Role in Supporting This Industry 02:37 Challenges in Financial Services and Customer Expectations 05:03 Simplifying Complex Processes 07:29 Different Types of Competitors and Secret Sauce of Conduet 10:14 The Value in Being a Generalist and Finding Opportunities 17:43 Navigating Change and AI Implementation 21:43 Leadership and Team Dynamics 28:29 The Major Differences Between Mentorship and Sponsors 31:25 Final Thoughts on Value Proposition and Relevant Branding Topics Discussed:  * Earned media and UVP (Unique Value Proposition): Telling your brand story * Why Lily defines success as continual education through new opportunities  * Moving quickly and embracing change as a competitive advantage * How AI can support customer experience using real-time data  * The challenges between large & small organizations in driving change * How due diligence builds your credibility * Why hiring someone different from you helps you overcome blind spots Connect with Lily Isham:  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-isham/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-isham/]  About Rethink Change: When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity. Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter. Get Connected with Rethink Change: * Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast [https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand [https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/ [https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/]

Scaling Purpose Beyond Profit with Jason Jennaro, CEO of FrontierGen

There’s something powerful about watching someone lead with both courage and calm, especially when everything around them feels uncertain. The kind of leader who doesn’t chase recognition or perfection, but instead stays anchored to purpose, faith, and the people they serve. Because when you’re building something that’s never been done before, doubt is inevitable, but so is growth. True leadership isn’t about having all the answers or never taking risks; it’s about having the vision to keep going when no one else can see the path forward. In this episode of Rethink Change, Jason Jennaro shares what it truly takes to scale a vision bigger than yourself. He opens up about the challenges of leading through crisis when the future is uncertain, how to keep moving when everyone else doubts your vision, and finding the right partners who can take your mission even further. From weathering a 95% revenue drop during COVID-19 to navigating cultural integration post-acquisition, Jason’s journey shows us what true leadership looks like under pressure. But beyond the strategy and success stories, Jason reflects on faith as his compass, the responsibility leaders have to the people who trust them, and the conviction that business should always serve something larger than profit.  Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or builder of any kind, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, risk, and purpose in a rapidly changing world. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro to Guest: Jason Jennaro 02:05 - The Art of Selling a Company 04:13 - Protecting Culture During Acquisition 07:33 - Passion Over Profit and Leadership Philosophy 11:30 - Learning Through Crisis: COVID-19’s Impact 1 6:44 - FrontierGen: Building the Future of Infrastructure 27:38 - Why Texas Is Ground Zero for AI Development 37:12 - Faith, Purpose, and the Bigger Picture Topics Discussed:  * How passion and purpose drive sustainable success far beyond financial gain * The critical role of surrounding yourself with complementary talent * Why mistakes and failures are necessary lessons of innovation * How Jason Jennaro navigated uncertainty during COVID-19 * Recognizing the importance of taking risks as an entrepreneur * The role of faith in Jason’s entrepreneurial journey * Turning rejection into momentum when you’re building something new * Connect with Jason Jennaro:  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-jennaro-8b23b8/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-jennaro-8b23b8/] About Rethink Change: When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity. Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter. Get Connected with Rethink Change: * Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast [https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand [https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/ [https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/]

Leading Different: Building Business on Bold Decisions with Charles Tate, Chairman of Arva Intelligence

Some leaders build companies. Others build legacies. Charles Tate did both. From investment banking to outdoor hospitality, his story isn’t about following a formula. It’s about trusting your instincts, taking bold risks, and choosing to lead differently when the easy option would be to stay the same. Throughout his career, Charles has shown that doing things differently isn’t just about innovation. It’s about connection. Whether navigating Wall Street or creating new kinds of businesses from the ground up, his success comes from asking better questions: What emotion is my business solving for? How does this decision actually serve people, not just numbers? For Charles, business is deeply human. The most successful companies, he says, don’t just sell a product; they solve an emotional need. Think of FedEx restoring trust, Starbucks creating community, or Buc-ee’s redefining comfort in the most unexpected way. When you understand the emotions that drive people, you start building something that lasts. In this episode of Rethink Change, Charles chats with Ward about what it really means to lead differently. You’ll hear how clarity, courage, and emotional connection come together to build not just great businesses but meaningful ones, as well as how to surround yourself with the right people who can take your business to the next level. When it comes to entrepreneurship, it takes a lot of grit to keep pushing through challenges. But it also takes a lot of heart to create something impactful for your ideal audience. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Passion, Persistence, and the Entrepreneurial Mindset 02:15 – Doing Things Differently: The Power of Bold Decisions 05:10 – Reinvention: Pivoting Toward New Opportunities 08:00 – Innovating Capital: Rethinking Private Equity Strategy 11:00 – Building Beyond Yourself: Transition and Legacy 14:00 – Strategy Through Emotion: Rethinking What Business Solves For 17:00 – FedEx, Starbucks, and Buc-ee’s: Lessons in Emotional Strategy 20:00 – Newton Nurseries: Turning Insight Into Competitive Advantage 24:00 – Time as Currency: Building Around Customer Efficiency 27:00 – Outdoor Hospitality: Designing Emotion Into Experience 31:00 – Leadership Clarity: Focus, Management, and Purpose Topics Discussed:  * Making a difference in entrepreneurship * Constructing your company as solving an emotional problem  * Balancing persistence and passion in leading a business * Navigating the plateaus of business by trying something new  * Why having good management is the difference maker About Rethink Change: When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity. Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter. Get Connected with Rethink Change: * Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast [https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand [https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/ [https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/]