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Succession planning may look orderly on paper, but leadership transitions rarely are. In this episode of No Jerks Allowed: Real Talk on Leadership, Stephanie Licata talks with executive coach TD Smyers about what organizations often underestimate when leadership changes, from culture and trust to internal succession, executive readiness, and the realities of stepping into a role that may be far more complicated than it appears. Drawing on TD’s experience as a seasoned chief executive specializing in succession and transition, his experience in the U.S. Navy and nonprofit leadership, the conversation explores what it takes to move beyond the plan and lead through the transition itself.

Host: Stephanie Licata, M.A. A.C.C. | Learning & Leadership Consultant

Contact: stephanie@stephanielicata.com

For Coaches, Consultants & External Trainers: Join Stephanie Thursday October 15th from 12-1:30pm EDT for a Live-Virtual Masterclass: The Strategic Partner Playbook Masterclass and learn how to scale your business through strategic partnerships. You'll also receive the 28-page guide, the Accidental Partner to help build your strategic partnership strategy (Can't attend live? No problem! Register & get the recording & materials!)

LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE: https://luma.com/StrategicPartnerOct

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Guest: TD Smyers | Executive Coach | Founder, A Bold Leader | Co-Founder, JanusETP

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Hiring quickly may solve an immediate problem, but the wrong hire can shape your culture long after the role is filled. In this episode of No Jerks Allowed: Real Talk on Leadership, Stephanie Licata talks with Sharifa Atkins, JD, founder of Everest Advising, about why leaders need to slow down, look beyond chemistry and credentials, and get clear about the behaviors they are actually hiring for.

For founders, CEOs, talent leaders, external talent consultants, executive coaches, and anyone responsible for helping organizations build strong teams, this conversation challenges the idea that a great interview is enough to make a great hire.

Host: Stephanie Licata, M.A. A.C.C. | Learning & Leadership Consultant

Contact: stephanie@stephanielicata.com

Schedule a Call with Stephanie

For Coaches, Consultants & External People Practitioners, Get Stephanie's High Impact Proposal & Alignment Framework to Land Five & Six-Figure Deals HERE

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Guest: Sharifa Atkins, JD | Founder & CEO of Everest Advising, LLC

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Email Sharifa: sharifa@everestadvising.com

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What happens when a high performer is promoted into leadership before they are truly ready?

In this episode of No Jerks Allowed: Real Talk on Leadership, Stephanie Licata talks with Ashley Johnson, founder of Brightwell Leadership, about how insecurity can show up as micromanagement, avoidance, defensiveness, and other behaviors that affect a team.

They explore why strong performance does not always equal leadership readiness, what organizations can do before and after promotion, and how coaching, mentoring, and development can help.

Whether you are navigating the transition yourself, developing leaders internally, or supporting them as an external coach or consultant, this conversation offers a practical lens for understanding what may be happening beneath the surface.

Host: Stephanie Licata, M.A. A.C.C. | Learning & Leadership Consultant

Contact: stephanie@stephanielicata.com

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Guest: Ashley Johnson | Founder & Principal Advisor of Brightwell Leadership

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