15 Minutes With

Julia Arpag, CEO and Founder of Aligned Recruitment Co., recruiter of A-players, and self-proclaimed "living the dream" mom of two, joins me to talk about what it really means to build teams that don't just fill seats but drive performance. From admissions recruiter in Rochester to leading a tech recruitment firm in Atlanta, what it takes to be the #1 performer in your company, and why she believes hiring is about creating culture, not checking boxes. If you're scaling a team and wondering how to find people who actually move the needle, if you've ever felt the tension between speed and quality in hiring... this 15 Minutes With is for you. She doesn't just match candidates with companies. She matches purpose with potential. A-Players, Alignment, and Building What Matters Big shoutout to the Talentless Podcast for sharing their guest recommendation!

Angela L. Shaw SHRM-SCP SPHR, SVP of Talent, native Austinite, and lifelong HR leader, joins me to talk about what it means to build roots, build leaders, and build better workplaces. In this conversation, we will explore what it really looks like to lead from the inside out: we’ll explore her career, her love for her community, the pathway to leadership, and why HR must be the example setters.. If you care about leadership that is both brave and kind, if you’re navigating your own path in HR,... this 15 minutes is for you. She doesn’t just want to make leaders better. She wants to help us be better humans. Also big shoutout to the Talent(less) Podcast!

A master builder and architect in her own right. Ceci Blomberg, Co-Founder of Well Built Solutions and one of the Workday ecosystem’s most trusted educators and architects, joins me to talk about what happens when you stop “renting” consultant brainpower and start building real in-house capability. She’s taking us from a hashtag (#WellBuiltWorkday) to a fast-growing content engine, a scaling team, and a playbook for Workday that’s designed to last—not collapse at the first change request. Often times people wonder what drives leaders to #evolve and #become. We are going to explore that journey with Ceci during this anticipated conversation. If you’re leading transformation, breaking barriers in tech, or determined to build something that outlives a go-live date... this conversation is your blueprint for a future that’s... well.. #WellBuilt. Start Women’s History Month with a woman who’s not just making history, she’s building it. Ceci Blomberg Well Built Solutions #WomensHistoryMonth #WellBuiltWorkday #Workday #HRTech #WomenInTech #Consulting #Leadership #15MinutesWith #HRIS #Transformation #WellBuiltSolutions #Technology #HRIT

A leading voice in modern talent strategy is stepping into the 15 Minutes With, The Series studio. Desiree Goldey—Founder of Do Better Consulting, Co-Host of the Talentless: A Recruiters' Podcast, and one of the industry’s most trusted advocates for human-centered hiring—is lending her voice to 15 Minutes With. Known for building scalable, high-trust talent systems and telling the truth about what’s broken—and what actually works—Desiree brings clarity, conviction, and candor to a conversation with high volt of energy and focus! This episode will go beyond frameworks and titles, focusing on leadership, accountability, and what it really means to be a good human at work. Perspective. And it’s required listening.

Everyone loves vision. Everyone loves strategy. Everyone loves growth. But here’s the part nobody wants to talk about. I am sitting down with Daniel Kadeba CPA, finance transformation leader, consultant, and the kind of executive organizations call when guesswork is no longer an option. This won’t be a conversation about spreadsheets. But… a conversation about ownership. We’re talking about: • Why leaders avoid the truth hiding in data • Evolving stages of personal leadership • Imposter syndrome at higher altitudes • The dangerous myth that speed equals momentum… and more If you’re leading people, managing growth, or sitting in rooms (or aspire to be) where decisions matter—this episode is for you. Watch it. Sit with it. Share it with someone who needs to hear it. It’s more than a numbers game! #15MinutesWith #LeadershipTruth #FinanceLeadership #ExecutiveAccountability #ImposterSyndrome #ServantLeadership #GrowthWithDiscipline

PERFECTION IS NOT THE PRICE OF TRANSFORMATION. In this episode of 15 Minutes With, I’m sitting down with my friend, my colleague, and returning guest to the show… Nicole F. — and whew… this one is for the women (and leaders) doing 17 tabs of life at once. We are unpacking concepts people hint at on LinkedIn… but rarely say out loud: ✅ Why perfectionism is a leadership trap (especially for “oldest daughter energy” folks) ✅ Why failing faster isn’t messy... it’s modern ✅ What it takes to use your voice in rooms you once shrank inside ✅ Why you don’t “arrive”… you earn it... and sometimes it’s costly This episode will be a roadmap for the modern working parent + leader + creator: “My career life and my creator life used to be separate… and then I realized: how can they be different?” Because the truth is… Your leadership doesn’t clock out. Your life doesn’t compartmentalize. And transformation doesn’t (always) wait for you to feel ready. 🎙️ If you’ve ever: • felt pressure to be perfect • hesitated to speak up • wondered if AI is replacing you • tried to balance career + family + ambition • been questions because you “just arrived” …this episode is your reminder: You didn’t arrive. You BUILT this. With will. With grace. With community. And yes… sometimes with exhaustion and a laugh in the middle of it. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts & motivation. And tag a leader who needs to hear this. #15MinutesWith #Workday #WomenInLeadership #FutureOfWork #AI #Transformation #Leadership #WorkingMoms #CreatorEconomy #ConsultingLife

Authenticity is the engine that scales & sales.. Nick’s story is a masterclass in this idea. He didn’t become effective by becoming louder, more aggressive, or more “sales-like.” He became powerful by becoming more himself. His journey shows that transformation doesn’t happen when you perform — it happens when you align. Nick transforms organizations not by pushing products, but by: • translating complexity into clarity • replacing outdated systems with human-centered progress • making enterprise change feel safe, achievable, and real Nick isn’t selling software. He’s restoring time, dignity, and focus to healthcare organizations that serve people at their most vulnerable. Which leads to his deeper philosophy: You don’t need to become someone else to become extraordinary. You just need to become fully yourself.

Most organizations don’t fail because of bad strategy. They fall apart because nobody is telling the truth in the room. In this powerful season-opening episode of 15 Minutes With, Lee Cage Jr. sits down with Nakisha Hicks — former VP of HR, executive coach, leadership strategist, and founder of The ElevateHer. This is a masterclass in regulated leadership, mentorship, faith, authorship, and impact. Nakisha unpacks: Why “walking heavy” matters more than chasing numbers How regulated leaders reframe chaos instead of reacting to it Why you must secure your own oxygen mask first The cost of wisdom, experience, and earned perspective — “the oil cost me” How to lead without ego, noise, or corporate theater Why asking for what you need is a leadership superpower, especially for women How faith, people, rest, and reflection anchor real leaders From mentorship for young girls, to building leadership frameworks that actually scale, this episode is honest, funny, deep, and unforgettable. This conversation will challenge how you define: success, leadership, ambition, impact, and influence. Listen. Reflect. Walk heavy.

In this powerful and deeply human episode of 15 Minutes With, Lee Cage Jr. sits down with Gloria Temba—a Tanzanian-born healthcare IT project and program manager, doctoral student, entrepreneur, and mother of two—whose story embodies resilience, discipline, and faith-driven transformation. Gloria opens up about what it truly takes to balance motherhood, leadership, and ambition while staying grounded in purpose. From launching her consulting firm, Bama Technology, to homeschooling her son, Gloria reveals the strategies behind her time management, mental health advocacy, and the power of rest. The conversation dives into cultural expectations, confidence, therapy, and the beauty of unlearning and relearning as both a parent and professional. Lee and Gloria share laughs, hard truths, and moments of reflection on identity, friendship, and legacy—proving that leadership starts with knowing who you are and honoring your growth. This episode is an inspiring reminder that success isn’t just about titles—it’s about alignment, courage, and taking time to sit quietly with yourself.

This encore with Wayne Martindale is absolutely fantastic... We dive into Emory’s MBV program, which, by the way, is elite—top-tier academics, zero handouts. Wayne breaks down why he chose Emory: real camaraderie, serious rigor, and leadership that actually delivers. We talk project management, translating military excellence into corporate wins, and the truth nobody admits: recruiters often miss the massive leadership veterans bring. Big accountability, 24/7 ownership—no excuses. You’ll hear about the 101st Airborne bond, the Emory network, and a simple rule everyone should follow: everyone comes through the door...you earn it. Tremendous insights, real talk, and huge respect to Major General Matt Smith, Lorenzo Suarez, and the whole MBV crew (Shenita—total backbone). If you want results, this is the playbook.

This is Wayne Martindale. A leader of teams. A healthcare technologist. A keeper of hope. An American Hero. This is a phenomenal conversation...truly one of the best. Wayne Martindale is a winner, folks. Ten-plus years serving America, elite training, Vanderbilt, Emory—top-tier credentials. He takes the discipline and grit from the Army and brings it straight into healthcare and technology. Massive transition. Not easy. But he makes it look easy...because that’s what leaders do. We talk about building unstoppable teams, staying calm under pressure (COVID parking-lot triage—unbelievable), and the simple rule that wins every time: control what you can control. Wayne shows how veterans create value on day one—execution, loyalty, results. We even have fun—rapid fire, music takes, and the great debate: bone-in wings (the correct answer). If you want a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and real leadership, this episode is absolutely tremendous. Believe me...you’re going to love it. This is Wayne Martindale. A leader of teams. A healthcare technologist. A keeper of hope. An American Hero.

This is Daniel Clarke. A leader of people. A builder of futures. A keeper of legacy. Some people lead teams. Others… they lead generations.Daniel Clarke is one of those rare leaders whose journey reminds us that people are the heartbeat of every organization. From his early days as a teller to becoming an Executive Director shaping global talent strategies, Daniel has lived the full arc of leadership. Seventeen years in one of the world’s largest financial institutions, and instead of just chasing numbers, he chose to chase potential. He has guided programs that didn’t just recruit talent, but nurtured it into tomorrow’s leaders. And today, as the Global Head of Emerging Talent, Daniel stands at the crossroads of business and humanity...reminding us all that if we don’t understand people, we’ll never understand results. His story is one of resilience, growth, and a relentless belief in the human spirit. This is Daniel Clarke. A leader of people. A builder of futures. A keeper of legacy.

Meet Lexx McKinley—the credit repair specialist turning financial setbacks into major comebacks. From Racine to Dallas, Lexx took her own struggles with debt and flipped them into a mission: helping people fix their credit, build their businesses, and unlock the future they deserve. She’s real about the hustle, honest about the scams in the game, and bold about what it takes to win—authenticity, knowledge, and the courage to bet on yourself. From collard greens to Porsche dreams, Lexx reminds us that credit isn’t just a number—it’s freedom, opportunity, and power. 🎙️ Tap in for a story of resilience, redemption, and why sometimes the first step to building wealth is saving yourself.

“You’re not broken. You’re still becoming.” Victorious Ndidi Eche has been on a mission—lifting others, shaping systems, and declaring with every step that resilience is louder than doubt. In this episode of 15 Minutes With, we dive into her journey: navigating childhood challenges, breaking barriers in finance and project management, and stepping boldly into her vision of becoming a global world leader. Along the way, we laugh about Afrobeats, Burna Boy concerts, and the surprising truth about being an introvert who lights up every room. Victorious doesn’t just manage projects—she inspires movements. And her message will leave you remembering her words long after the episode ends: 👉 “You’re not broken. You’re still becoming.”

When Workday Rising hit the shore, so did the conversations that matter. Live from the Three Link Solutions , BDO, DISA Yacht Experience, we sat down with emerging leaders and seasoned configurators for unfiltered interviews that cut through the waves. In these sessions, you’ll hear how innovators are navigating the seas of HR, finance, and technology...sharing what they’ve learned, the pitfalls they’ve avoided, and the bold moves shaping the future of work. These leaders open up about real lessons, untold stories, and the strategies they’re anchoring to drive change. This isn’t a panel… it’s a yacht-side dialogue where candor meets connection. 🚀 Transformation. ⚓ Lessons. 🌊 Leadership. (Sponsored by 3Link Solutions, BDO, DISA)

This is Ravi Joshi. And this is a conversation for every leader who knows the future isn’t just coming... it’s being built. He’s not just configuring technology... he’s architecting it. An innovator.An executive.A technologist who’s proving every day that when data and AI are done right, they aren’t about machines... they’re about people.From building multimillion-dollar client partnerships to pioneering AI-driven deployment models, Ravi has been on the frontlines of Workday transformation and enterprise disruption. His work is showing organizations that AI isn’t here to replace... it’s here to empower.And that’s why we wanted him on 15 Minutes With, The Series .In this episode, Ravi breaks down: → The real future of AI in enterprise systems → Why bold experimentation and resilience matter more than titles → How to translate complexity into clarity so leaders can actually act But more than that... this conversation is about leadership at the edge of disruption. It’s about vision meeting execution. And it’s about why now is the moment for leaders to think bigger than ever. This is Ravi Joshi. And this is a conversation for every leader who knows the future isn’t just coming... it’s being built. Watch more episodes: https://lnkd.in/euXdasbH

This is Cameron Larkin. And this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Cameron Larkin has built a career on navigating the places where finance, operations, and technology collide. From Wall Street to Workday, from Six Sigma transformations to global integrations, Cameron has led teams through complexity and turned it into measurable growth. In this episode of 15 Minutes With, The Series, Cameron takes us inside his 13 year journey in the Workday ecosystem to his current role leading customer engagement at ERPA. He shares how mastering change is less about surviving disruption and more about turning it into opportunity. And how leadership, at its core, is about developing people who can rise to every challenge, even in #Canada! Cameron’s perspective is sharp, global, and deeply human. This isn’t just about Workday, it’s about what it takes to lead when the stakes are high, the road is uncertain, and the future demands courage.This is Cameron Larkin. And this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Lee Cage Jr., hits the stage with DisruptHR is asking the uncomfortable questions that causes us to reTHINK who we are, how we show up in the organization and reIMAGINE how we assess VALUE. This episode is rolling out for the disruptors, the audacious architects of change who know that ‘business as usual’ is officially over. ARE YOU THE SPARE TIRE? You know the type: invisible until the crisis hits, but when it does? Their grit, hustle, and uncanny ability to thrive under pressure become the lifeline everyone’s counting on baring the weight and success of the organization. Let’s flip the script because sometimes all the hope, innovation, and true leadership are locked in the trunk, waiting to be unleashed when the road gets rough. So ask yourself: when the rubber meets the road, are you coasting… or are you the one who shows up when it matters most?

From a desire to hunt serial killers to hunting toxic workplace cultures—Tia Smith's career pivot sounds impossible until you hear her story. This 25-year HR veteran doesn't just talk about company culture; she architects human experiences that drive transformations. With Times Square billboard moments and bestselling books under her belt, Tia exposes the brutal truth about why most culture initiatives fail spectacularly. Her framework for turning values into operational systems will make you question everything you thought you knew about employee engagement. Warning: This conversation might make you completely rethink your current workplace. #WorkplaceCulture #HRTransformation #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #EmployeeEngagement #CultureArchitect #WorkplaceStrategy #TimesSquare #HRLeadership #BusinessTransformation #ToxicWorkplace

Lee, Mason, and Alejandro weren’t ready to hit stop—so we kept rolling. Call it an encore, call it bonus time, or just three minds refusing to leave the stage. What happens when you give leaders a few extra minutes? Big laughs, bold ideas, and a little more of that “let’s go conquer the world” energy.