The Unexpected Lessons Behind Secrets of the C-Suite

From Dirt Under Her Nails to Blossoming in Vogue with Katie Specht

In this episode, Susan and Juliet sit down with flower farmer and entrepreneur Katie Specht, founder of Moonlight Blooms Farm. Katie shares how she turned a love of growing flowers into a thriving business, why building community has been just as important as building revenue, and the lessons she's learned about trusting her instincts along the way. From navigating setbacks and outgrowing mentors to creating beauty with purpose, this is a conversation about resilience, self-belief, and having the courage to grow on your own terms. Plus, the unexpected story behind Katie's flowers appearing in Vogue—and why she still believes the best things happen when people come together. Follow Moonlight Blooms Farm on Instagram: @moonlightbloomsfarm [https://www.instagram.com/moonlightbloomsfarm], or visit the website: www.moonlightbloomsfarm.com [https://www.moonlightbloomsfarm.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].

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].

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].

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].

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].