In this deeply personal episode, Carla Coates shares her own story of being at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. For Carla, 9/11 was not just history. It was lived experience. She recounts the moments of fear, survival, and reflection that shaped both her life and her leadership.

From resilience in the face of chaos to the importance of humility, healing, and seeking support, Carla reveals the lessons she carried forward from that day. Her story is both sobering and inspiring, reminding us that leadership is not just about titles. It’s about presence, humanity, and the courage to keep going.

Whether you’ve faced crisis in leadership or simply want to reflect and remember, this episode is an invitation to honor shared trauma, find strength in vulnerability, and never forget.

In this captivating episode, Carla Coates sits down with Michael Chaleff, executive coach, storyteller, magician, and former U.S. Naval officer whose career has spanned decades in the military, the Department of Justice, and now as founder of Practical Influence.

Michael reveals how the art of storytelling shapes leadership, builds trust, and inspires action. From lessons in presence learned through magic, to persuasion principles rooted in psychology and law, he shares practical ways leaders can connect more deeply and communicate with impact.

Whether you’ve struggled to engage your team, wanted to sharpen your storytelling, or simply wondered how to influence with authenticity, this conversation will give you powerful tools to transform your leadership presence and lead like you mean it.

In this inspiring episode, Carla Coates sits down with transformative leader Gary Hibbs, CEO and Founder of Unleashed to Lead, Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, and former senior executive with over 30 years in leadership development and organizational growth.

Gary shares his raw and powerful journey of rising through the ranks in executive leadership, facing personal collapse, and rebuilding his life and career on a foundation of intentional living. His story is one of resilience, honesty, and the kind of leadership that begins with leading yourself well so you can lead others.

From creating cultures where people can take risks and innovate, to understanding the link between personal healing and professional effectiveness, Gary offers leadership lessons you won’t forget.

Whether you’ve ever felt the pressure of keeping up appearances or feared being “found out” as a leader, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to embrace vulnerability, integrity, and hope so you can truly lead like you mean it.

From making split-second decisions that meant the difference between life and death to leading teams through intense challenges, Rhoda shares the leadership principles, courage, and resilience that shaped her career. Her story isn’t just about breaking barriers — it’s about redefining what’s possible when you lead with authenticity, vision, and a people-first mindset.

Whether you’re navigating high-stakes leadership or seeking inspiration to push past limitations, this conversation will leave you ready to lead like you mean it.

From nearly losing her ability to walk to leading a post-earthquake recovery movement in Haiti, MarieYolaine opens up about how she went from surviving to serving—and how she continues to lead with purpose, humility, and courage. This episode is packed with honest insights on what it takes to grow through adversity and lead others with integrity.

If you’ve ever questioned your calling or felt stuck between who you are and who you're becoming, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to heed the call.

Listen now and start leading like you mean it.