Confessions of a Terrible Leader

Welcome to Confessions of a Terrible Leader, where real leaders share the raw truth about the lessons they learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.Join our host, Layci Nelson, founder of Transcend Leadership Collective and former terrible leader. Every leader can become worthy of being followed if they are willing to put in “the work.” On this podcast, we share the messy stories and behind the scenes reality of what the work actually entails.

Confessions of a Terrible Leader is a business podcast hosted by Layci Nelson, with 109 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Layci Nelson hosts Confessions of a Terrible Leader, a business show with 109 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Confessions of a Terrible Leader

  HHART-First Leadership for Manufacturing: Fixing Silent Failures, Turnover & Growth Ceilings

  Aug 18, 202633 min

  Layci recently had the privilege of being a guest of Kirk Davis, Executive Director of CAMPS, to explore a challenge manufacturers know all too well: why does growth stall when the "people side" of the business can't keep pace with technology? Layci traces her path from workforce development to founding Transcend — built on a simple but powerful premise: leadership training should deliver measurable, practical ROI, not just feel-good moments. At the heart of her approach is the HHART-First Leadership framework — a system grounded in honest communication, healthy conflict, and cultures built on acceptance, respect, and trust, backed by 48 concrete, teachable skills. The conversation gets into the real results clients experience: problems surfacing earlier, sharper quality standards, cleaner shift handoffs, and a dramatic reduction in "silent failures." Layci also tackles the turnover crisis head-on — calling out the supervisory behaviors and dehumanizing workplace dynamics that quietly drive good people out the door. She rounds out the discussion with a compelling example of how making promotion criteria transparent through a weighted skills matrix can eliminate perceived favoritism and rebuild trust on the shop floor. Keywords: Leadership, Manufacturing, HHART First, Communication, Organizational Culture, Performance Systems, Employee Engagement, Strategic Planning, Workforce Development Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:08 Layci's Journey into Workforce Development 04:28 Founding Transcend Leadership Collective 06:44 Heart First Leadership Philosophy 09:56 The Science and Skills of Heart First Leadership 11:41 Real-World Impact of Heart First Systems 14:45 Diagnosing Organizational Challenges 21:00 Performance Accelerator Framework 24:40 Client Success Stories and Outcomes 28:24 How to Connect with Layci Nelson Learn more about CAMPS: https://www.camps-us.com/ ️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup ️️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions . Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Month s.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #1

  Principles of Soul-Centered Leadership, feat. James Oyola, Founder of The Helpful Leader

  Jul 13, 202632 minS8

  We’re thrilled to feature leadership expert and author James Oyola on the show today. James opens up about his unique path to becoming an author and introduces his powerful, transformative approach to soul-centered leadership. Whether you're looking to strengthen your team or find your own path, you'll discover practical strategies for building trust, managing difficult conversations, and leading with integrity—essential tools for any leader looking to make a lasting impact. Keywords: Leadership, Soul-Centered Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Management, Personal Development, Workplace Culture, Conflict Resolution, Leadership Books, Leadership Lessons Podcast, Leadership Podcast Interviews, Leadership Podcasts Key topics: Journey to writing a book Principles of soul-centered leadership Managing trauma and relationships Building trust and relational capital Handling difficult conversations and terminations Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Writing Journey 02:52 The Concept of the Helpful Leader 05:34 Understanding Trauma in Leadership 08:23 Building Trust and Relationships in Leadership 11:14 Balancing Accountability and Empathy 15:47 Effective Communication and Support in Leadership 16:54 Graceful Exits: Navigating Difficult Conversations 19:46 The Importance of Dignity in Termination 22:53 Curiosity and Compassion in Leadership 26:28 Understanding Employee Significance 29:20 Lessons from Leadership Mistakes 34:16 Balancing Authority and Approachability Resources: James Oyola on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-oyola-29471114/ The Helpful Leader Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehelpful_leader/ Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #10

  Q&A: Surviving a Toxic Boss: Essential Strategies

  May 12, 202620 minS7

  In this engaging episode, Mary and Layci explore how employees can navigate difficult bosses, offering practical advice, personal stories, and mental models to maintain agency and well-being in challenging work environments. Keywords: leadership, workplace, difficult bosses, employee strategies, mental health, career growth Key topics: Control what you can control in the workplace Recognizing different types of difficult bosses Self-awareness and articulating your needs Strategies for protecting your mental health Creative exit planning and long-term health Takeaways: Only control yourself, focus on self-awareness. Identify specific issues with your boss to address effectively. Protect your mental health and avoid burnout. Have a clear vision and pathway for your career growth. Sometimes leaving is the best option for well-being. Soundbites: "Everyone has a terrible boss at some point" "Clear vision and pathway create hope" "Healthy bosses empower and engage employees" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges 02:56 Navigating Difficult Bosses 05:20 Identifying Common Leadership Issues 08:02 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned 10:37 When to Leave a Toxic Work Environment 13:09 Maintaining Agency in Adverse Situations 15:41 The Importance of Hope and Clarity 17:46 Closing Thoughts on Leadership and Growth 18:50 Confessions Outro RESOURCES: Transcend Leadership Collective - https://transcendleadershipcollective.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/layci-nelson/ Book a free call with Layci: https://calendly.com/layci_nelson 🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions . Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Month s.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #9

  Beyond the Buzzwords: Unpacking Toxic vs. Underskilled Leadership with Dr. Benjamin Ritter

  Apr 28, 202625 minS7

  In this must-listen interview, career coach and leadership expert Dr. Benjamin Ritter dives deep into the complexities of modern leadership. Tune in to explore: The Crucial Distinction: Learn how to differentiate between genuinely toxic behavior and simple underskilled leadership—and why understanding the difference is vital for organizational health. Empowering Your Team: Discover Dr. Ritter's practical strategies for boosting employee engagement and fostering a culture of empowerment. The Leadership Transformation Toolkit: Hear how curiosity, clear communication, and deep self-awareness can fundamentally transform your leadership style and career trajectory. Keywords: leadership development, toxic leadership, underskilled leadership, employee empowerment, career journey, business leadership, self-awareness in leadership, clear communication. Key Topics: Career winding path and lifelong learning Distinguishing toxic leadership from underskilled leadership The importance of explicit communication and managing up Creating a safe environment for employees to express emotions The role of self-awareness and vulnerability in leadership Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Confessions 02:40 The Journey of Lifelong Learning 05:54 Understanding Toxic vs. Underskilled Leadership 08:30 The Importance of Communication in Leadership 11:41 Navigating Career Challenges and Opportunities 14:29 The Role of Fear in Career Growth 17:27 Lessons from Leadership Experience 20:21 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways Watch on YouTube! Resources: Live for Yourself Consulting - https://www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com Dr. Benjamin Ritter on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbenjaminritter Book: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Fearless-Strategies-Self-Doubt-Self-Mastery/dp/B0D9MVV64Y 🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions . Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Month s.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #8

  Q&A: 2026 Leadership Trends, Part 2

  Apr 13, 202617 minS7

  In the second installment of this essential Q&A, Producer Mary and Layci delve deeper into the dynamic world of 2026 leadership. This session moves beyond surface-level trends, focusing instead on the critical inner work required for effective leadership. They explore the nuanced art of managing human energy in the workplace, the necessity of understanding systemic complexity, and why radical authenticity and robust self-regulation are no longer optional—but vital anchors for navigating today's uncertain and rapidly changing environment. Key Topics: Leadership shift from managing performance to managing human energy Impact of AI on leadership identity and decision-making Importance of self-awareness and self-regulation for leaders The role of authenticity and transparency in leadership Understanding complexity and culture in leadership Takeaways: Leadership is shifting from performance management to managing human energy. AI collaboration is disrupting traditional leadership identities. Self-awareness and self-regulation are crucial for navigating uncertainty. Authenticity and transparency build trust and improve team dynamics. Leaders need to develop a deeper understanding of complexity and culture. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Confessions 01:16 Recap of Previous Leadership Trends 01:53 Current Market Observations and Divergence from Trends 02:50 Leadership Shifts in 2026: From Performance to Human Energy 04:02 Impact of AI on Leadership Identity and Decision-Making 05:17 Developing Leadership in a Complex, Disconnected World 07:05 Advice for Leaders Under Pressure 08:09 Internal Strategies: Self-Regulation and Nervous System Awareness 11:27 External Strategies: Authenticity and Transparency 12:41 Practical Steps for Leaders: Small Changes for Big Impact 13:58 Future of Leadership Development: Blending Mainstream and Cutting Edge 14:54 Starting Points for Leadership Growth 15:47 Conclusion and Resources for Leaders WATCH ON YOUTUBE! EPISODE LINKS: Transcend Leadership Collective - https://transcendleadershipcollective.com/ Harvard Business Review - https://hbr.org/ Deloitte Insights - https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights.html 🗞️Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.transcendleadershipcollective.com/newsletter-signup 🎙️🎵🎛️Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions . Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Month s.

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Confessions of a Terrible Leader. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.