Leadership Unscripted

In this episode of Leadership Unscripted, host Ashley Vest talks with CEO of DX Learning and author of CARE to Win, Alex Draper, about his C.A.R.E. framework—Clarity, Autonomy, Relationships, and Equity—and how these elements work together to create psychological safety and high‑performing teams. Alex shares the personal inspiration behind the book, the dangers of ambiguity, and why leaders must overcome the "illusion of agreement" to build trust. He offers practical habits leaders can use immediately, from improving meeting clarity to giving people more ownership. The conversation closes with two powerful themes: be curious, not judgmental, and use vulnerability as a multiplier for stronger cultures.   For more insights, check out Alex's book CARE to Win, available on Amazon.

In this episode, Ashley sits down with Michelle Baker, Chief People Officer at FORUM Credit Union, for a powerful conversation on leading through change and uncertainty. Michelle shares real-world insights on staying grounded, building trust with your team, and moving forward with confidence—even when the road ahead isn't fully clear. Be sure to check out Michelle Baker's podcast, Career Dreams, a great resource for insights, tools, and conversations focused on advancing your career.

In this episode of Leadership Unscripted, host Ashley Vest sits down with Doug Hensch, CEO of DRH Group and an experienced executive coach, to explore the transformative power of language in leadership. Together, they unpack practical strategies for creating psychological safety, fostering innovation, and empowering teams through intent-based leadership—a concept inspired by David Marquet's Leadership is Language.   Doug shares actionable insights on shifting from a command-and-control style to a culture of curiosity and collaboration. You'll learn about the "ladder of leadership" approach, how modeling vulnerability builds trust, and why simple language shifts can make a big impact. The conversation also dives into encouraging dissent, avoiding groupthink, and balancing execution with reflection for better decision-making. Real-world examples—from Navy submarines to corporate case studies—bring these ideas to life.   If you're ready to lead with humility, curiosity, and confidence—even when you don't have all the answers—this episode is for you. And don't forget to grab Doug Hensch's latest book, Re-Thinking Curiosity: How to Lead When You Don't Have All the Answers, available now wherever books are sold