Episodi

  • Culture Is What Happens When No One’s Looking (VIDEO)

    Culture Is What Happens When No One’s Looking (VIDEO)
    Apr 29 2026
    Episode Description: In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with transformational executive Tia Newcomer to explore what truly drives organizational culture and leadership performance.

    Tia has led teams across multiple industries including consumer packaged goods, technology, healthcare, private equity, and nonprofit organizations. Her leadership journey includes roles at companies like PepsiCo, Clorox, and HP, along with CEO positions and board leadership in healthcare and nonprofit spaces. During the conversation, Tia shares how her early experience in sales shaped her leadership philosophy and why leaders must stay connected to the front lines of their organizations. She also discusses how leaders can build cultures grounded in transparency, accountability, and psychological safety.

    From navigating career inflection points to transforming company culture, Tia offers practical insights on how leaders can create environments where people feel empowered to challenge ideas, grow, and perform at their best. Guest Introduction: Tia Newcomer is a transformational executive leader, board member, and go-to-market operator who has led teams across multiple industries including consumer packaged goods, technology, healthcare, private equity, and nonprofit organizations. She began her career in sales at Frito-Lay before holding leadership roles at PepsiCo, Clorox, and HP. Over time, she transitioned into healthcare leadership, serving as CEO and board member for several organizations focused on improving patient outcomes and advancing women's health initiatives. Most recently, Tia served as CEO of CaringBridge, where she led a major transformation across people, culture, and strategy. Today she serves on multiple boards while exploring the next chapter of her leadership journey. Key Takeaways:
    • Culture is not defined by corporate slogans but by the behaviors people demonstrate when leadership isn’t present.
    • Diverse industry experience can strengthen leadership by bringing new perspectives to familiar challenges.
    • Sales experience provides leaders with a powerful frontline understanding of customers and markets.
    • Leaders must create psychological safety so teams feel comfortable challenging decisions.
    • Career inflection points often come from personal reflection and recognizing when growth has stalled.
    • Diagnosing an organization starts with listening—leaders must seek honest feedback from employees at every level.

    Chapter Markers: 0:00 Welcome to The Unscripted Leader 1:30 Introducing Tia Newcomer 4:00 Leading across multiple industries 7:30 Why frontline sales experience shapes great leaders 10:30 The “Wall of Reality” leadership exercise 14:30 Why Tia originally resisted a career in sales 18:00 The career moment that changed her leadership direction 23:00 Recognizing personal and professional inflection points 28:00 What culture really means inside organizations 32:00 Creating psychological safety on leadership teams 37:00 Avoiding the “meeting after the meeting” problem 41:00 Diagnosing organizational culture as a new CEO 45:00 Leadership lessons and closing thoughts Keywords: The Unscripted Leader podcast, Tia Newcomer, Steve Margerin, leadership culture, executive leadership lessons, organizational culture transformation, leadership transparency, psychological safety at work, leadership development, women in leadership Pull Quotes: “Culture isn’t what’s written on the wall — it’s what people do when no one’s looking.” “If you want to understand your business, go to the frontline. That’s where the truth lives.”
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    51 min
  • Culture Is What Happens When No One’s Looking (AUDIO)

    Culture Is What Happens When No One’s Looking (AUDIO)
    Apr 29 2026
    Episode Description: In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with transformational executive Tia Newcomer to explore what truly drives organizational culture and leadership performance.

    Tia has led teams across multiple industries including consumer packaged goods, technology, healthcare, private equity, and nonprofit organizations. Her leadership journey includes roles at companies like PepsiCo, Clorox, and HP, along with CEO positions and board leadership in healthcare and nonprofit spaces. During the conversation, Tia shares how her early experience in sales shaped her leadership philosophy and why leaders must stay connected to the front lines of their organizations. She also discusses how leaders can build cultures grounded in transparency, accountability, and psychological safety.

    From navigating career inflection points to transforming company culture, Tia offers practical insights on how leaders can create environments where people feel empowered to challenge ideas, grow, and perform at their best. Guest Introduction: Tia Newcomer is a transformational executive leader, board member, and go-to-market operator who has led teams across multiple industries including consumer packaged goods, technology, healthcare, private equity, and nonprofit organizations. She began her career in sales at Frito-Lay before holding leadership roles at PepsiCo, Clorox, and HP. Over time, she transitioned into healthcare leadership, serving as CEO and board member for several organizations focused on improving patient outcomes and advancing women's health initiatives. Most recently, Tia served as CEO of CaringBridge, where she led a major transformation across people, culture, and strategy. Today she serves on multiple boards while exploring the next chapter of her leadership journey. Key Takeaways:
    • Culture is not defined by corporate slogans but by the behaviors people demonstrate when leadership isn’t present.
    • Diverse industry experience can strengthen leadership by bringing new perspectives to familiar challenges.
    • Sales experience provides leaders with a powerful frontline understanding of customers and markets.
    • Leaders must create psychological safety so teams feel comfortable challenging decisions.
    • Career inflection points often come from personal reflection and recognizing when growth has stalled.
    • Diagnosing an organization starts with listening—leaders must seek honest feedback from employees at every level.

    Chapter Markers: 0:00 Welcome to The Unscripted Leader 1:30 Introducing Tia Newcomer 4:00 Leading across multiple industries 7:30 Why frontline sales experience shapes great leaders 10:30 The “Wall of Reality” leadership exercise 14:30 Why Tia originally resisted a career in sales 18:00 The career moment that changed her leadership direction 23:00 Recognizing personal and professional inflection points 28:00 What culture really means inside organizations 32:00 Creating psychological safety on leadership teams 37:00 Avoiding the “meeting after the meeting” problem 41:00 Diagnosing organizational culture as a new CEO 45:00 Leadership lessons and closing thoughts Keywords: The Unscripted Leader podcast, Tia Newcomer, Steve Margerin, leadership culture, executive leadership lessons, organizational culture transformation, leadership transparency, psychological safety at work, leadership development, women in leadership Pull Quotes: “Culture isn’t what’s written on the wall — it’s what people do when no one’s looking.” “If you want to understand your business, go to the frontline. That’s where the truth lives.”
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    51 min
  • Leadership in a Polarized World (VIDEO)

    Leadership in a Polarized World (VIDEO)
    Mar 25 2026
    In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with civic leader and nonprofit founder Libby Stegger for a powerful conversation about leadership, community, and navigating complexity in today’s divided world.

    Libby shares her journey from earning an MBA at Yale to dedicating her career to nonprofit and civic leadership. Together, Steve and Libby explore how leaders can build trust across differences, develop sustainable organizations, and stay energized while managing growing demands.

    From youth civic engagement to building earned-revenue models and hiring at the “edge,” this episode delivers practical insight for founders, executives, and emerging leaders alike. If you’re looking to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience, this conversation is for you. Guest Introduction: Libby Stegger is the founder and Executive Director of Civic Bridges and the CEO of Peer Partners. A Yale School of Management MBA graduate, Libby has spent her career in the nonprofit and civic sectors, leading statewide programs and building cross-sector partnerships. She is passionate about developing young leaders, strengthening democratic culture, and helping organizations thrive through collaboration and trust. Key Takeaways:
    • Leadership requires energy, creativity, and intentional self-awareness.
    • Sustainable organizations start with a clear mission and strong financial structure.
    • Hiring “at the edge” helps leaders stay ahead of growth challenges.
    • Founders must recognize their skill gaps and empower strong team members.
    • Civic engagement extends beyond politics into everyday leadership.
    • Building trust and curiosity across differences strengthens communities.
    Chapter Markers: 0:00 Welcome to The Unscripted Leader 0:50 Introducing Libby Stegger 1:55 America’s Future Summit overview 3:15 Youth civic engagement and leadership 5:20 Private vs. nonprofit leadership paths 6:50 Libby’s MBA and career journey 8:20 Organizational structure and mission 9:55 Revenue models in the social sector 11:20 Hiring at the edge of growth 12:45 Founder capacity and complexity 14:10 Building strong leadership teams 15:30 Finding your leadership “sweet spot” 17:00 Little “d” democracy explained 19:10 Community-level engagement 21:00 Navigating conflict productively 23:15 Leadership and emotional intelligence 25:00 Final reflections and advice End: Closing remarks Keywords: The Unscripted Leader podcast, Steve Margerin, Libby Stegger, civic leadership, nonprofit leadership, democracy building, leadership development, founder mindset, organizational growth, community engagement, sustainable leadership, executive coaching, nonprofit management, leadership podcast Pull Quotes: “Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself — it’s about knowing when to let great people lead.”

    “A healthy democracy starts with everyday leaders choosing curiosity over division.”
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    37 min
  • Leadership in a Polarized World (AUDIO)

    Leadership in a Polarized World (AUDIO)
    Mar 24 2026
    In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with civic leader and nonprofit founder Libby Stegger for a powerful conversation about leadership, community, and navigating complexity in today’s divided world.

    Libby shares her journey from earning an MBA at Yale to dedicating her career to nonprofit and civic leadership. Together, Steve and Libby explore how leaders can build trust across differences, develop sustainable organizations, and stay energized while managing growing demands.

    From youth civic engagement to building earned-revenue models and hiring at the “edge,” this episode delivers practical insight for founders, executives, and emerging leaders alike. If you’re looking to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience, this conversation is for you. Guest Introduction: Libby Stegger is the founder and Executive Director of Civic Bridges and the CEO of Peer Partners. A Yale School of Management MBA graduate, Libby has spent her career in the nonprofit and civic sectors, leading statewide programs and building cross-sector partnerships. She is passionate about developing young leaders, strengthening democratic culture, and helping organizations thrive through collaboration and trust. Key Takeaways:
    • Leadership requires energy, creativity, and intentional self-awareness.
    • Sustainable organizations start with a clear mission and strong financial structure.
    • Hiring “at the edge” helps leaders stay ahead of growth challenges.
    • Founders must recognize their skill gaps and empower strong team members.
    • Civic engagement extends beyond politics into everyday leadership.
    • Building trust and curiosity across differences strengthens communities.

    Chapter Markers: 0:00 Welcome to The Unscripted Leader 0:50 Introducing Libby Stegger 1:55 America’s Future Summit overview 3:15 Youth civic engagement and leadership 5:20 Private vs. nonprofit leadership paths 6:50 Libby’s MBA and career journey 8:20 Organizational structure and mission 9:55 Revenue models in the social sector 11:20 Hiring at the edge of growth 12:45 Founder capacity and complexity 14:10 Building strong leadership teams 15:30 Finding your leadership “sweet spot” 17:00 Little “d” democracy explained 19:10 Community-level engagement 21:00 Navigating conflict productively 23:15 Leadership and emotional intelligence 25:00 Final reflections and advice End: Closing remarks Keywords: The Unscripted Leader podcast, Steve Margerin, Libby Stegger, civic leadership, nonprofit leadership, democracy building, leadership development, founder mindset, organizational growth, community engagement, sustainable leadership, executive coaching, nonprofit management, leadership podcast Pull Quotes: “Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself — it’s about knowing when to let great people lead.”

    “A healthy democracy starts with everyday leaders choosing curiosity over division.”
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    37 min
  • Revenue Over Random (VIDEO)

    Revenue Over Random (VIDEO)
    Mar 11 2026
    Episode Description: What happens when marketing lives in an ivory tower and sales is left to improvise in the field? In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, I sit down with Jennifer Zick, Founder and CEO of Authentic, to unpack the real work behind building a unified revenue organization. We dive into the evolution of the fractional CMO model, the difference between “little m” and “big M” marketing, and why sales and marketing alignment is the connective tissue every growth company needs.

    Jennifer shares how values-driven leadership, humility, and strategic marketing orchestration can eliminate “random acts of marketing” and build sustainable, profitable growth.

    If you’re a CEO, sales leader, or marketing executive looking to create true revenue alignment, this episode is for you.

    Guest Introduction: Jennifer Zick is the Founder and CEO of Authentic, a fractional CMO firm helping growth companies move beyond random acts of marketing and build strategic revenue engines. She serves on multiple boards, has been recognized by the Minneapolis–St. Paul Business Journal and Enterprising Women, and leads one of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Jennifer brings both sales and marketing perspective to the revenue conversation.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Sales and marketing alignment isn’t optional — it’s the connective tissue of a healthy revenue organization.
    • “Little m” marketing supports sales; “Big M” marketing drives the entire customer experience and revenue flywheel.
    • Fractional leadership isn’t a temporary fix — it can be a long-term strategic advantage.
    • Marketing must move beyond random acts and become an orchestrated operating system.
    • True alignment requires empowered leadership seats that can handle healthy friction and real-time feedback.
    • Humility and confidence must coexist in modern marketing leadership.

    Chapter Markers: 0:00 Intro 1:05 Welcome & Jennifer Zick Introduction 3:05 The Origin of Authentic & Values-Driven Leadership 7:30 Hiring, Clients, and Values Alignment 10:00 From Random Acts of Marketing to Fractional CMO 14:10 The Evolution of Fractional Leadership 19:40 Big M vs. Little m Marketing 24:20 Sales & Marketing Alignment and Revenue Teams 28:00 The “Connective Tissue” Breakdown 31:20 Speaking Truth as a Fractional Leader 34:15 Leadership Growth, EQ, and Self-Awareness 39:00 Women in Business & What’s Next for Authentic 43:10 Closing Thoughts

    Keywords: Steve Margerin, Jennifer Zick, The Unscripted Leader, Authentic Brand, fractional CMO, sales and marketing alignment, revenue organization, Big M marketing, little m marketing, random acts of marketing, revenue growth strategy, fractional leadership, business leadership podcast, marketing strategy, customer experience
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    44 min
  • Revenue Over Random (AUDIO)

    Revenue Over Random (AUDIO)
    Mar 11 2026
    Episode Description: What happens when marketing lives in an ivory tower and sales is left to improvise in the field? In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, I sit down with Jennifer Zick, Founder and CEO of Authentic, to unpack the real work behind building a unified revenue organization. We dive into the evolution of the fractional CMO model, the difference between “little m” and “big M” marketing, and why sales and marketing alignment is the connective tissue every growth company needs.

    Jennifer shares how values-driven leadership, humility, and strategic marketing orchestration can eliminate “random acts of marketing” and build sustainable, profitable growth.

    If you’re a CEO, sales leader, or marketing executive looking to create true revenue alignment, this episode is for you.

    Guest Introduction: Jennifer Zick is the Founder and CEO of Authentic, a fractional CMO firm helping growth companies move beyond random acts of marketing and build strategic revenue engines. She serves on multiple boards, has been recognized by the Minneapolis–St. Paul Business Journal and Enterprising Women, and leads one of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Jennifer brings both sales and marketing perspective to the revenue conversation.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Sales and marketing alignment isn’t optional — it’s the connective tissue of a healthy revenue organization.
    • “Little m” marketing supports sales; “Big M” marketing drives the entire customer experience and revenue flywheel.
    • Fractional leadership isn’t a temporary fix — it can be a long-term strategic advantage.
    • Marketing must move beyond random acts and become an orchestrated operating system.
    • True alignment requires empowered leadership seats that can handle healthy friction and real-time feedback.
    • Humility and confidence must coexist in modern marketing leadership.

    Chapter Markers: 0:00 Intro 1:05 Welcome & Jennifer Zick Introduction 3:05 The Origin of Authentic & Values-Driven Leadership 7:30 Hiring, Clients, and Values Alignment 10:00 From Random Acts of Marketing to Fractional CMO 14:10 The Evolution of Fractional Leadership 19:40 Big M vs. Little m Marketing 24:20 Sales & Marketing Alignment and Revenue Teams 28:00 The “Connective Tissue” Breakdown 31:20 Speaking Truth as a Fractional Leader 34:15 Leadership Growth, EQ, and Self-Awareness 39:00 Women in Business & What’s Next for Authentic 43:10 Closing Thoughts

    Keywords: Steve Margerin, Jennifer Zick, The Unscripted Leader, Authentic Brand, fractional CMO, sales and marketing alignment, revenue organization, Big M marketing, little m marketing, random acts of marketing, revenue growth strategy, fractional leadership, business leadership podcast, marketing strategy, customer experience
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    44 min
  • Productive Conflict & Positive Intent (VIDEO)

    Productive Conflict & Positive Intent (VIDEO)
    Jan 30 2026
    In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with Clint Hooppaw—Mayor of Apple Valley, Minnesota and leadership coach behind High Point Advisors—for a refreshingly honest conversation about leading with intention in challenging environments. Clint brings 30+ years of executive experience and over a decade in public service to explore how leaders can embrace productive conflict, recognize the loudest voices aren’t always the majority, and create space for meaningful dialogue—even when emotions run high. Guest Introduction: Clint Hooppaw is the Mayor of Apple Valley, MN and a seasoned executive with more than 30 years in banking and credit unions. Alongside his public service career, Clint leads High Point Advisors, helping financial institutions strengthen leadership, communication, and decision-making. Known for his thoughtful approach to conflict and consensus-building, Clint bridges public and private leadership in a uniquely relatable way. Key Takeaways:
    • Productive conflict is essential—if everyone agrees all the time, someone isn’t needed.
    • The loudest voices aren’t the majority; leaders must seek out quieter perspectives.
    • Assuming positive intent changes the tone of disagreements and fosters trust.
    • Public service and corporate leadership share surprising similarities in conflict, culture, and communication.
    • Titles often create hesitation—leaders must intentionally draw out unheard voices.

    Keywords: The Unscripted Leader, Steve Margerin, Clint Hooppaw, Apple Valley Mayor, High Point Advisors, productive conflict, leadership communication, positive intent, public service leadership, conflict resolution, verbal judo, executive coaching, civic leadership, organizational culture, consensus building
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    46 min
  • Productive Conflict & Positive Intent (AUDIO)

    Productive Conflict & Positive Intent (AUDIO)
    Jan 30 2026
    In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with Clint Hooppaw—Mayor of Apple Valley, Minnesota and leadership coach behind High Point Advisors—for a refreshingly honest conversation about leading with intention in challenging environments. Clint brings 30+ years of executive experience and over a decade in public service to explore how leaders can embrace productive conflict, recognize the loudest voices aren’t always the majority, and create space for meaningful dialogue—even when emotions run high. Guest Introduction: Clint Hooppaw is the Mayor of Apple Valley, MN and a seasoned executive with more than 30 years in banking and credit unions. Alongside his public service career, Clint leads High Point Advisors, helping financial institutions strengthen leadership, communication, and decision-making. Known for his thoughtful approach to conflict and consensus-building, Clint bridges public and private leadership in a uniquely relatable way. Key Takeaways:
    • Productive conflict is essential—if everyone agrees all the time, someone isn’t needed.
    • The loudest voices aren’t the majority; leaders must seek out quieter perspectives.
    • Assuming positive intent changes the tone of disagreements and fosters trust.
    • Public service and corporate leadership share surprising similarities in conflict, culture, and communication.
    • Titles often create hesitation—leaders must intentionally draw out unheard voices.

    Keywords: The Unscripted Leader, Steve Margerin, Clint Hooppaw, Apple Valley Mayor, High Point Advisors, productive conflict, leadership communication, positive intent, public service leadership, conflict resolution, verbal judo, executive coaching, civic leadership, organizational culture, consensus building
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    46 min