Professional Quotient

Authenticity isn’t about perfection — it’s about having the courage to show up as your true self, even when self-doubt creeps in. Many of us wrestle with imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, and the fear of being seen, but real growth happens when we embrace vulnerability and learn to trust our own voice. By letting go of the masks we wear and reconnecting with our humanity, we create the space for confidence, compassion, and genuine connection to thrive.In this episode of Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham spends time with Scott Kratchmer, founder of Scott Kratchmer Coaching, for an honest conversation about authenticity, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to show up as our true selves.Together, they explore what it means to overcome imposter syndrome, embrace imperfection, and build confidence by reconnecting with our humanity. From learning how to silence the inner critic to understanding that growth comes through vulnerability, this episode reminds us that leadership starts with honesty — with ourselves and others.Whether you’re navigating a career change, rediscovering your purpose, or simply trying to feel more seen in your daily life, this conversation offers encouragement, insight, and heart.Key themes:The lifelong journey of self-acceptanceFinding strength in vulnerabilityReframing imposter syndromeThe power of authentic connectionGiving ourselves permission to be humanScott Kratchmer is a CTA Certified Empowerment Coach and founder of Scott Kratchmer Coaching, specializing in helping queer men build confidence and lead authentically in life and career. With over a decade of experience in support work, workforce development, and training facilitation, he has guided individuals facing barriers in employment, mental health, and self-belief toward sustainable growth and empowerment. Drawing on his background in curriculum design, coaching, and advocacy, Scott now focuses on creating inclusive spaces for queer men—particularly in blue-collar industries—while empowering all clients to show up unapologetically as their true selves.Tune in, take a deep breath, and remember — it takes courage to be seen.

Growth isn’t just about climbing the career ladder — it’s about becoming the kind of person who can lead with empathy, curiosity, and authenticity. In a world that often celebrates titles and achievements, the real work lies in learning to communicate clearly, connect genuinely, and turn moments of uncertainty into opportunities for growth.In this episode of Professional Quotient, engineering leader James Hanley shares how his journey from early career layoffs to leading global teams shaped his view of authentic leadership. Through stories of overcoming imposter syndrome, finding confidence through communication, and building genuine connections, Hanley reminds us that success isn’t about polish or perfection — it’s about being real, listening well, and learning as you go.In this insightful episode, we explore what it really means to grow… not just in your career, but as a human being. From navigating imposter syndrome to building real relationships, this conversation is full of real-world wisdom on how to rise by being real. Our guest shares powerful reflections on early career setbacks, the importance of communication, and how lifelong learning and honest connection shape true leadership.Whether you’re just starting out, managing a team, or reinventing your path, this episode reminds us that success isn’t about having all the answers… It’s about being willing to listen, learn, and grow along the way.Takeaways include:Why imposter syndrome signals growth, not weaknessThe power of listening before leadingHow to build a network without feeling “salesy”Why authenticity matters more than polishJames Hanley, PE, is a Senior Director at CBRE and the Global Director of Engineering Design for a Fortune 100 financial services company, where he leads initiatives in digital transformation, change management, and supply chain optimization. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in aviation, life sciences, and commercial real estate, he has built high-performing engineering teams and helped establish CBRE’s New York City engineering office. Known for his expertise in design automation and people development, Hanley is also a dedicated mentor, former alumni board member, and MBA graduate from Baylor University.🎧 Tune in and discover how to build as you grow… one honest step at a time.

At the heart of every career journey is the question of how we grow—not just in skills, but in purpose, relationships, and impact. That kind of growth takes shape through everyday choices, the mentors who guide us, and the communities that stretch us to become more. Each step forward becomes part of a larger story of leadership, professional development, and ultimately, servant leadership.In this episode of Professional Quotient, Jason Winningham sits down with Tim Winningham, department leader at Edward Jones, for a powerful conversation about how to intentionally grow your career, build meaningful connections, and lead with purpose.From answering phones to leading a department of over 100 associates, Tim shares how his journey was built on intentional development, courageous community-building, and a deep belief in servant leadership.Together, they explore:- How professional equity compounds through skill-building, networking, and service.- Why culture isn’t top-down—it’s all around.- How informal mentorship and community can accelerate your career.- The role of sports, coaching, and family in shaping leadership.-  What it really means to own your development.Tim Winningham is a department leader at Edward Jones with over 12 years of experience driving operational excellence, leadership development, and large-scale team growth. He has led major transformations, including doubling the size of his department, onboarding over 80 associates and multiple team leaders, and creating structured learning journeys to advance talent development. With a background spanning service operations, training, and client-focused solutions, Tim is recognized for innovative problem-solving, mentorship, and building resilient, high-performing teams.Whether you’re just starting your career or leading a large team, this episode will challenge you to take ownership of your growth, build authentic connections, and embrace servant leadership as the foundation for lasting impact.

Across the United States, roughly 390,000 children are living in foster care, each facing the challenges of navigating the child welfare and court systems. Nonprofits working in this space carry the dual responsibility of supporting children’s emotional needs while also sustaining the funding and partnerships that make child advocacy possible.This raises a pressing question: how can organizations like CASA provide consistent, child-centered advocacy while building the resilience and resources to keep that work going?In this episode of the Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham sits down with Abi Muehlbrad, Development Director at Golden Crescent CASA, to explore the impact of community-rooted advocacy. Abi shares her professional journey through the nonprofit sector, discussing the power of volunteerism, mental health support, and standing in the gap for children navigating the child welfare system.Abi further explains how CASA volunteers serve as Court-Appointed Special Advocates, revealing the emotional depth and practical resilience required to do this kind of child advocacy work. work. Her role behind the scenes—securing funding, championing community partnerships, and nurturing the vision—is a masterclass in building and activating professional equity.This conversation shines a light on:- What “neutral advocacy” means in child welfare.- The emotional toll (and rewards) of nonprofit service.- How community and funding intersect to make advocacy possible.Abi Muehlbrad is an accomplished nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience specializing in grant writing, fundraising, program coordination, and case management. She has a proven record of advancing mission-driven initiatives, from founding a campus composting program to rebuilding nonprofit programs from the ground up. Currently serving as Development Director at Golden Crescent CASA, Abi is recognized for her strategic mindset, detail-oriented approach, and ability to drive organizational growth and impact.Whether you're in nonprofit leadership or simply searching for a meaningful way to serve your community, this episode will inspire you to reflect on how you show up and build trust with others—especially those who need it most.

Service is often measured in numbers, but numbers rarely tell the whole story. True service leadership demands outcomes that reflect transformation, not just tallies. As nonprofits face mounting pressure to prove lasting nonprofit impact, leaders are rethinking how to balance data with lived experience. Funders want results beyond attendance counts, and communities demand change that goes deeper than surface metrics. According to the National Foster Youth Institute, just 3–4% of former foster youth earn a four-year college degree, and only 2–6% receive a two-year degree. Those outcomes show why measurement must move beyond surface counts, because how we define impact ultimately shapes opportunities for the next generation.What does it look like to build a career and a life around service?In this episode of Professional Quotient, Jason Winningham sits down with Dr. Lucretia Taylor, commonly known as "Dr. Cre." She is a nonprofit management strategist, keynote speaker, and lifelong advocate for youth as well as the founder and lead consultant of Strategic Choices Consulting. She shares how resilience and service leadership can transform not only lives, but entire communities.Key topics:The art and science of grant writing (and why impact is more than “the count.”)How to navigate big visions in spaces resistant to change.The mentors and relationships that helped her find her voice.Why authenticity and accountability are at the core of professional equity.Her passion project: collecting stories from Black women through Unburdened on Instagram Live.Dr. Lucretia “Cre” Taylor is a nonprofit management strategist and keynote speaker who specializes in youth development, program evaluation, and organizational sustainability. Her expertise spans grant writing, data and evaluation, leadership coaching, and strategic planning for mission-driven organizations. A graduate of Spelman College and the University of Delaware, she earned her Ph.D. in public policy and has become a nationally recognized advocate for youth, underserved communities, and nonprofit leaders.If you've ever wrestled with how to bring your full self into your work—or wondered how service can become a strategy—this episode will move you.Tune in for a slice of service and a glimpse of the soul.

Simplifying the complex has become a defining advantage in today’s professional world—whether you’re navigating Medicare, building a business, or pursuing professional growth. According to a 2024 PwC study, more than half of employees feel there is too much change happening at work all at once, and 44% don’t understand the reasons for the changes. The study suggests that factors like increased workloads, job insecurity, and financial stress can diminish morale and erode performance. Simplifying the hard stuff into actionable strategies has become a professional advantage, separating those who stall from those who scale. What if your superpower wasn’t just what you know but your ability to make the hard stuff feel doable?In this episode of Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham sits down with Katie Owen, an award-winning insurance agent, systems thinker, coach, and author of Losing 50 After 50: Reclaim Your Health and Get Your Body Back! Over her 22-year career, Owen has turned complicated topics like Medicare and business operations into practical steps that drive clarity and confidence. The conversation delves into:How Owen trains agents with real tools—not vague promises.The behind-the-scenes of self-publishing her book (and recording her own audiobook!).Why being herself (even showing up to sales meetings in costume) changed everything.What it means to lead with systems, authenticity, and service.Katie Owen is an agency owner, Medicare specialist, author, and speaker with more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. She built her career at Aflac, where she earned President’s Club honors, top national sales rankings, and recognition for training and leading successful teams. Today, she runs her own agency with a mission to serve 100,000 clients by 2032 while empowering agents through scalable systems and professional development.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring author, or someone navigating complex spaces—this episode is a roadmap to clarity and confidence.Listen now and learn how simplifying the complex can be your boldest business strategy.

What happens when we stop asking surface-level questions and start having conversations that actually matter? Everyday greetings like “How are you?” often miss the chance to spark a genuine and meaningful connection. Research suggests that authentic connection boosts employee engagement and retention, with studies showing that employees who feel recognized and genuinely valued are up to seven times more likely to be engaged and far less likely to leave their organizations.How can professionals move beyond routine pleasantries to build trust, strengthen relationships, and expand their professional equity?On this episode of Professional Quotient, Jason Winningham speaks with Alexandria Skeete. She is a culture strategist and the author of Beyond ‘How Are You’? Mastering the Art of Meaningful Greetings, recognized for championing authentic communication. Alexandria opens up about how a career transition and a moment of personal pause led her to write a book that’s helping people rethink everyday interactions. Her approach invites professionals to move past small talk and focus on creating a meaningful connection in every interaction.She shares:How to move from autopilot small talk to intentional conversation.What it’s really like to self-promote as an author.The physical and mental habits that help her reset after the 9-to-5.Why community and curiosity are her greatest forms of professional equity.Alexandria Skeete is a senior manager of organizational development and culture strategy and the author of Beyond How Are You? Mastering the Art of Meaningful Greetings. She blends her expertise in culture strategy with her passion for writing, helping professionals and aspiring authors foster authentic connections and share their stories.This episode is full of encouragement for anyone navigating career pivots, creative callings, or simply looking to show up with more purpose.Listen now and get inspired to lead with presence and go beyond “How are you?”

AI is reshaping workplaces at an unprecedented rate, making communication skills a key differentiator for leaders and teams. The ability to craft and share a compelling story directly influences trust and opportunity in meetings, client pitches, and internal updates. Many professionals still avoid the spotlight, and Chapman University’s 2024 Survey of American Fears found that nearly one in three Americans (29%) fear public speaking. A clear personal narrative is now essential for professionals who want to stand out and connect in ways machines cannot.How can professionals turn nervous energy into a clear story and a durable personal brand that leads to opportunity?On Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham chats with Neha Negandhi, public speaking coach, storyteller, and former global marketer. From a childhood move that made her an instant “other” to a career in global brand storytelling, Neha has spent a lifetime turning connection into a craft. This conversation examines how personal narrative can become a professional advantage and why the human voice remains a competitive edge in an era of automation.The conversation covers:Building a personal brand before others write your story for you.Reading the room in real-time and rescuing a talk when attention wanes.Joy as a filter for time, clients, and commitments.Reclaiming identity after disruption, therapy included.Three practical upgrades for any talk: mindset shift, simple language, anchor with a story.Why your human voice is the competitive edge in an era of agents and automation.Neha Negandhi is a TEDx speaker, public speaking coach, and the CEO of Storytellers Table, where she trains executives and entrepreneurs to speak with clarity and confidence. She brings over two decades of experience across journalism, radio hosting, and corporate marketing roles at Starbucks, T-Mobile, and Turner Broadcasting, blending storytelling with proven delivery techniques. Her work as a writer and interviewer of more than 100 leaders further informs her coaching, helping clients transform personal narratives into a memorable professional advantage.If you’re leading teams, pitching ideas, or simply ready to be known for who you are, this episode will help you step forward—clearly and confidently.Listen now and start shaping the story others remember.

Career paths aren’t always linear. Many professionals find themselves navigating shifts between industries and roles, discovering that success often comes down to setting boundaries, balancing responsibilities, and leaning on core strengths. So, what does it look like to build professional equity not by chasing titles, but by leaning into what you do best? How do you balance boundaries, career pivots, and self-advocacy without losing your professional edge?Welcome to Professional Quotient. In the latest episode, host Jason Winningham sits down with Karen Zucker, an Office Coordinator at a private day school. From high-end retail to commercial real estate to education administration, Karen has worn many hats—and kept every receipt. With a career spanning decades and industries, she brings a rare blend of operational precision, lived wisdom, and unapologetic honesty to her current role.In this episode, Karen shares how she built her professional equity over time by doing what she does best: organizing chaos, remembering everything, and advocating for herself with strength and grace. Whether she’s coordinating curriculum, mentoring kids, or setting clear boundaries around her religious observance, Karen models what it means to lead from behind the scenes with confidence and care.The main topics of conversation…The art of pivoting careers: How Karen transitioned seamlessly from retail to real estate to education administration by staying anchored in her operational strengths.Leading with boundaries: Why setting clear limits—especially around religious observance—became both a challenge and a model for sustainable professional leadership.Raising your PQ every day: Karen’s methods for continually leveling up—whether through mastering new tools like Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud or by creating systems that outlast her presence.Karen Zucker is an operations and administrative leader with over 25 years of experience spanning commercial real estate, education administration, and business management. She spent nearly two decades at CBRE, where she supported and led a team of 18 professionals with client services, marketing, and operations for national and international accounts. Currently serving as an Office Coordinator at a private day school, Karen leverages her organizational expertise, process optimization skills, and client-focused leadership to drive efficiency and support educational leadership teams.This conversation is a masterclass in operational leadership, pivoting between careers, and honoring your strengths—especially when they don’t come with a spotlight.

From ransomware attacks to AI-driven phishing schemes, today’s cyber threats are evolving faster than most organizations can defend against—making cybersecurity expertise one of the most urgent skills of the decade. Global cybercrime costs are expected to climb to $1.2 trillion annually by the end of this year, underscoring the stakes for organizations that must protect sensitive data in an increasingly complex digital world. Against this backdrop, stories of nontraditional paths into the industry reveal not just opportunity, but a blueprint for resilience and reinvention.In the latest episode of Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham sits down with Awnya Creque, a Global Black Belt in Data Security at Microsoft. During an engaging conversation, Awnya shares how her background in criminology, investigative mindset, and passion for justice led her into the world of digital forensics and compliance. Today, Awnya helps global organizations secure sensitive data and navigate AI governance with confidence.Through stories of resilience, reinvention, and client-centered leadership, Awnya reveals how professional equity is built not just through credentials—but through curiosity, connection, and continuous learning. Listeners will hear how she stays on the cutting edge of security, collaborates with product teams to shape the tools of tomorrow, and mentors others through the power of community and shared experience.Key insights from the conversation…Pivoting into Cybersecurity: Awnya’s criminology background and investigative work with digital forensics provided the foundation for her move into cybersecurity and eDiscovery.Client-Centered Leadership: From collaborating with CISOs to advising product teams at Microsoft, Awnya highlights the importance of communication, governance, and building excitement around data security.Resilience & Reinvention: Through setbacks like missed promotions and unexpected career detours, Awnya demonstrates how networking, continuous learning, and community service create long-term career impact.Awnya Creque is a cybersecurity and eDiscovery leader with expertise in digital forensics, compliance management, and AI governance, currently serving as a Global Black Belt in Data Security at Microsoft. She has extensive experience guiding organizations through privacy and compliance standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO, while also advising product teams on enhancing Microsoft’s governance solutions. With a background spanning law enforcement, risk consulting, and program management, she is recognized for building cross-functional teams, implementing eDiscovery systems, and mentoring future tech leaders.If you’ve ever felt like your career path doesn’t “fit the mold,” this episode is your blueprint for turning lived experience into professional impact.

Leadership has never been more complex—or more critical—than it is today. As businesses face global shifts in workforce expectations, cultural awareness, and communication styles, leaders must find ways to operate with authenticity and integrity across borders. In Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends report, 94 % of surveyed business and HR leaders say that leadership capabilities and effectiveness are important or very important to their organization’s success—the highest importance score across all trends. Yet only 23 % believe their organization’s leaders currently have the capabilities to navigate a disrupted, boundaryless world. The question becomes: how can leaders truly connect across differences to foster equity and belonging?In this episode of Professional Quotient: Conversations that Build Equity, host Jason Winningham sits down with Jody Ono, Specially Appointed Professor and Chief of Staff at Hitotsubashi ICS in Tokyo, Japan. During an engaging conversation, she explores how worldview shapes not only how we see the world, but what we wish for it—and why that matters for anyone aspiring to lead with authenticity and integrity. She discusses how leaders must intentionally cultivate relatedness, remain emotionally and intellectually flexible, and avoid being trapped by image-driven narratives in favor of deep, value-driven substance.Tune in to reconnect with what’s real in leadership—and find your frequency. Jody is a leadership educator and global thinker whose perspective has been shaped by her work and life across Sweden, France, Texas, and Japan. Now based in Tokyo, she teaches leadership development in MBA and executive programs, with a focus on the deep, often overlooked frequency of connection.You’ll hear powerful reflections on:Why integrity means being unbrokenHow “frequency matching” opens the door to authentic leadershipThe hidden impact of cross-cultural experience in developing worldviewWhy everyday moments of unassuming connection build professional equityAnd how nonlinear paths often yield the richest growthJody reminds us that the truest measure of leadership isn’t in our title or résumé—it’s in our willingness to see others clearly, listen deeply, and act with aligned conviction.

With global systems shifting and the need for adaptable leadership rising, more professionals are reevaluating their career paths nowadays. According to the World Economic Forum, 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025—a pressing reality in fields like international development and finance, where change is constant. For leaders navigating complex global issues, the ability to pivot with clarity and purpose isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.So, how do you navigate a dynamic world with clarity and courage, and what does it mean to raise your professional quotient along the way?On this episode of Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham welcomes Oren Whyche-Shaw, Head of Investment & Partnerships at YAATRA Ventures and a former U.S. diplomat, for a deeply insightful conversation. From practicing law to influencing global policy, Oren’s journey reflects decades of service, strategy, and impact. She shares how mentorship, intentional reinvention, and learning to advocate for herself shaped a career defined by courage and connection.Key discussion points include:How to navigate systems with intention and courage, from Wall Street to West Africa.Lessons in mentorship, self-advocacy, and community-building across global careers.Reinventing leadership through risk-taking, curiosity, and professional equity.Oren Whyche-Shaw is a seasoned global leader in international finance, development, and private sector investment, with deep expertise in African markets, policy, and multilateral institutions. Her career spans senior roles at USAID, the U.S. Treasury Department, and the African Development Bank, where she led strategic partnerships and investment initiatives to drive sustainable growth across emerging economies. She currently heads Investment & Partnerships at YAATRA Ventures, guiding impactful projects at the intersection of diplomacy, finance, and development.Whether advising ambassadors or mentoring future leaders, Oren continues to raise her PQ through presence, integrity, and community-building.

As environmental awareness grows and sustainability becomes a top priority for both companies and consumers, a growing number of professionals, especially among younger generations, are rethinking what meaningful work looks like. With ecological urgency mounting, many are exploring ways to align their careers with causes they care about.But what does it really take to leave corporate comfort behind for a mission-driven path in conservation? And how do you build professional equity in a field where passion often outweighs profit?Welcome to Professional Quotient. In the latest episode, host Jason Winningham welcomes Corina Solis, Land and Conservation Coordinator at the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. In a candid, inspiring conversation, they explore Corina’s unexpected transition from corporate burnout to conservation leadership, and how aligning your career with your values can be the ultimate form of professional growth.In this insightful episode…Corina shares how a toxic workplace pushed her to leave corporate America and rediscover her love for nature.She discusses the power of hands-on learning, mentorship, and community in developing expertise and confidence in a new field.Corina explains how internships, volunteering, and independent learning were key to her own career pivot—and how they can empower anyone, at any age, to step into mission-driven work.Corina Solis serves as the Land & Conservation Coordinator at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center in San Antonio, Texas. With roughly a decade of experience in conservation, education, and project coordination, she leads habitat restoration efforts, develops community workshops, and manages native plant demonstration gardens. Her expertise in native plant ecology and grassroots engagement drives both ecological impact and public stewardship.From garden trails to mentorship moments, Corina now raises her PQ through hands-on advocacy and connection.

For many professionals—especially those early in their careers—landing the right opportunity often comes down to more than just qualifications. Research shows that nearly 80% of available positions aren’t advertised publicly, meaning personal connections play a major role in how positions get filled. Still, figuring out how to build those connections in an intentional and authentic way isn’t always straightforward. As career paths become less traditional, networking with purpose has never been more important.So, how do you network when you’re just starting out—and how can being intentional and authentic about it actually shape your career?In this episode of Professional Quotient (PQ), host Jason Winningham sits down with Alex Ferraro, Business Development Officer at Social Venture Partners Dallas. Together, they unpack how networking—done with curiosity and honesty—became the cornerstone of Alex’s early career journey into nonprofit impact work. From coffee shop conversations to catalytic introductions, Alex reveals how proximity and presence can lead to opportunity.Key takeaways from the conversation…Authenticity is an asset: Alex explains how being honest about not knowing his exact path helped him build real connections that led to opportunities.Presence creates possibility: Simply showing up—whether at events or in coffee shops—can position you for unexpected career turns and introductions.Your network is your professional equity: For Alex, every major opportunity was born from a conversation, and he emphasizes how nurturing relationships is more valuable than any single credential.Alex Ferraro is a nonprofit development professional specializing in fundraising, donor engagement, and impact strategy. Currently the Business Development Officer at Social Venture Partners Dallas, he also founded The Ferraro Foundation, a grantmaking initiative focused on healthy home environments. With a background in project management and client relations across healthcare and social impact sectors, Alex brings a versatile skill set in networking, innovation, and community building.

AI-generated content is becoming the norm as budgets tighten and deadlines shrink, leaving less room for slow, intentional craftsmanship and true human creativity. In today’s economy, the challenge isn’t just keeping up—it’s standing out. For filmmakers and visual artists, the pressure to prioritize speed over soul is growing.But what does it take to build a creative career that endures, in a world where anyone with a smartphone and editing app can be called a filmmaker?In this episode of Professional Quotient: Conversations that Build Equity, host Jason Winningham sits down with filmmaker and visual storyteller Bradley Lanphear to unpack the winding path from casual photography to professional cinematography—and what it really takes to turn artistic passion into a sustainable career. With candid insights and hard-earned lessons, Bradley reflects on his evolution from wedding photographer to commercial creative to how human creativity continues to drive his work, navigating both the freedom of freelancing and the structure of in-house production.Bradley shares his path from stills to motion, what it’s like to straddle freelance life and in-house production, and how he balances craftsmanship with commercial demands. The conversation dives into:-  The tension between efficiency and artistry in modern media-  Why “good enough” isn’t good enough for creatives-  How AI is reshaping expectations—and what it still can’t do-  The business of creativity (and why it’s rarely the fun part)-  A surprising parallel between fine furniture and fine filmmakingBradley Lanphear is a cinematographer and video production specialist with over 15 years of experience in photography and filmmaking. Originally self-taught, Lanphear transitioned from stills to motion during the 2010s and has worked across editorial, commercial, and in-house production teams. He is currently with MarketScale and also runs his own creative studio.If you’ve ever tried to make a living off your art—or just wanted to—this conversation will resonate deeply. It’s equal parts honest, inspiring, and a reminder that humanity still holds the edge.

What if leadership isn’t about power—but presence? That’s the question increasingly confronting leaders at a time when emotional intelligence, heart-centered management, and self-awareness are proving essential to long-term impact. As Gen Z and Gen Alpha bring new expectations around authenticity, empathy, and reflection into the workplace, the need to rethink how we define “wise leadership” is more timely than ever. Research shows that emotionally intelligent leaders drive up to 20% better team performance.So, how do we move from reaction to reflection—and what does it really mean to lead with wisdom in a world wired for immediacy?In this episode of Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham sits down with Dr. Gregory Stebbins, a seasoned leadership coach, author, and long-time meditator, for a deep conversation on presence, resonance, and the inner journey of becoming a wise leader. Together, they unpack how experience, inquiry, and emotional calibration shape the very core of how we show up for others—and ourselves.The main topics of conversation…Self-Inquiry Over Self-Inquisition: Dr. Stebbins explains the common leadership trap of mistaking self-judgment for reflection—and how shifting to self-empathy unlocks deeper wisdom.The Neurocardiology of Leadership: From heart-brain coherence to the measurable electromagnetic field of the heart, Greg explores how leaders can tap into intuitive intelligence.Loving as a Leadership Practice: Reframing “love” not as romantic, but as a verb of presence—one that creates a field of resonance leaders can authentically operate within.Dr. Gregory Stebbins is a globally respected leadership coach and educator with over 50 years of experience helping executives develop emotional intelligence, inner wisdom, and transformational leadership skills. As founder of PeopleSavvy®, he has coached organizations worldwide in cultivating self-awareness and high-performance culture, and has contributed to Forbes, The Leadership Circle, and the Conscious Leadership Guild. Holding an Ed.D. from Pepperdine and an MBA in Finance, his unique approach blends rigorous business insight with deep inner development—rooted in a lifelong meditation practice and captured in his book Remove term: Wise Leadership: Embracing Our Heart’s Wisdom Wise Leadership: Embracing Our Heart’s Wisdom, a guide to moving from reactive management to reflective, heart-centered leadership.From decoding the unconscious to the power of meditation, Greg shares stories, science, and soul. This one’s a conversation worth sitting with.

In a world that increasingly values emotional intelligence, the link between self-awareness and professional success has never been more crucial. As conversations around inclusion broaden to recognize different cognitive styles and lived experiences, professionals who understand their own strengths, motivations, and ways of processing the world are better equipped to adapt, lead, and grow. Research shows that leaders with greater self-awareness — particularly those whose self-perceptions align with how others see them — are more likely to be rated as effective by their supervisors and achieve stronger performance outcomes.So, how exactly does understanding yourself unlock more than just inner peace and become a lever for climbing higher, managing change, or redefining your professional path?In this episode of Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham sits down with Lynn Cirillo, a veteran of the commercial real estate industry with more than 37 years of experience. They explore how Lynn’s career, shaped by reinvention, neurodiversity, and a love for both data and people, reveals why self-awareness isn’t soft—it’s strategic. From DiSC profiles and team-building to embracing chaos and leading with empathy, this conversation is a masterclass in how to build professional equity from the inside out.In this episode, you’ll learn:How neurodivergence — including ADHD and dyslexia — shaped Lynn’s leadership style, fueling her need for “productive chaos” and real-world adaptabilityWhy tools like the DiSC profile can unlock deeper self-awareness, improve team dynamics, and create space for authentic leadershipHow playing the “long game” — thinking like a strategist rather than a short-term operator — leads to more meaningful, purpose-driven career decisionsLynn Cirillo is a seasoned corporate operations executive with over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, leading strategic initiatives across data, research, HR, and technology. She has a proven track record in managing large-scale teams, driving business transformation, and implementing data-informed decision-making practices across national platforms. Known for combining operational excellence with people-centered leadership, Lynn has held senior roles at firms like Kidder Mathews, CBRE, and Xceligent, where she championed innovation, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration.Whether you’re climbing the ladder, building a team, or charting your next chapter, Lynn’s journey offers both inspiration and actionable wisdom.

As AI and digital tools expand the boundaries of production, one thing remains unwavering: human creativity is indispensable. And today, that creativity is under pressure—last year, as many as 70% of professionals working in the media, marketing, and creative industries reported experiencing burnout. In this moment, supporting the people behind the work isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic investment in long-term creative momentum.So, how can companies actively protect and nurture their creative teams—and why does it matter for the bottom line?In this episode of Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham sits down with Jonathan Heath, a longtime creative and studio lead at MarketScale, to explore the real-world challenges and triumphs of a life in production. From guerrilla filmmaking and VHS tapes to high-tech LED studios, Jonathan opens up about his journey, the cost of turning passion into profession, and why community is the most underrated asset in creative growth.In this episode, you’ll learn:How turning passion into profession creates new pressures—and why burnout isn’t a personal failure, but a systemic issueWhy investing in creative teams pays off through innovation, collaboration, and retentionThe power of creative community as a safeguard against burnout and a catalyst for growthJonathan Heath is a veteran creative and studio lead at MarketScale, with a background spanning music, film, and production leadership. Starting his career in the music industry before transitioning to film school at the University of North Texas, Heath has built a diverse portfolio grounded in hands-on experience and human-centered storytelling. Known for his guerrilla filmmaking roots and talent for mentoring, he continues to champion the value of community-driven creativity in modern media.Whether you’re building a personal brand, leading a creative team, or trying to rekindle your own spark, this conversation is a reminder that protecting the people behind the work isn’t just kind—it’s smart business.

In a world where workplace disengagement is rising — with global employee engagement falling to just 21% in 2024 — leaders and teams are increasingly searching for meaning, connection, and growth in their work. Amid this shift, professionals are asking deeper questions about purpose and fulfillment, both individually and collectively. That’s exactly where Paul Plamondon’s work lives: at the intersection of belief, courage, and behavior change.So, how do we reframe self-doubt, rediscover our calling, and build meaningful professional lives, even when the road ahead is unclear?In this episode of Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham sits down with Paul Plamondon — a coach, instructional designer, and learning and development leader — whose career journey is anything but linear. From dropping calculus in college to training bank tellers, and from doubting his ability to give advice to ultimately finding his calling as a coach, Paul shares the beliefs that shaped him, the behaviors he had to unlearn, and the courage it took to become who he is today.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why “I’m just a…” might be the most dangerous phrase in your professional vocabulary — and how to break free from itHow to measure real impact in learning, beyond surveys and superficial metricsThe power of saying “yes” before you feel confident — and how belief and courage often precede growthPaul Plamondon is a seasoned learning and development leader with over 25 years of experience designing and facilitating impactful programs in leadership development, coaching, mentorship, and instructional design. He has built and led more than 20 global mentorship programs, trained thousands of mentors and mentees, and received the 2023 Mentoring Luminary Award from MentorcliQ for his contributions to fostering a culture of learning. As a certified coach (PCC, CPCC), Paul has guided professionals in building self-awareness, overcoming self-doubt, and developing leadership capabilities that align with organizational goals.If you’ve ever questioned your path, doubted your skillset, or wondered how to design a life of meaning — this one’s for you.

Not every path into analytics starts with code and spreadsheets. For some, it begins with curiosity, adaptability, mentorship, and a willingness to learn something entirely new. That’s the case for Mayank Malviya, whose journey from a humanities education in India to a career in U.S.-based market research reveals how initiative and mentorship can accelerate professional advancement while shaping his data-driven approach through analyticsSo, what happens when someone with a background in humanities pivots into the world of data and business analytics?In this episode of Professional Quotient, Mayank Malviya shares that journey—from digitizing legal documents in India to working in U.S.-based market research after completing an MBA in business analytics.This conversation covers the practical challenges of building professional equity early in a career, the importance of taking initiative, and the learning curve of stepping into leadership without formal titles. Mayank also discusses the mindset shifts that supported his professional advancement and how mentorship played a key role in his development.The main topics of discussion:- Making non-linear career transitions- Building confidence through accountability- Working with data to inform business strategy- The role of self-awareness in professional growthMayank Malviya is a strategy and insights professional with a background in business analytics and experience across both public and private sectors, including internships at CBRE. He specializes in transforming complex data into actionable business decisions by combining analytical skills with human-centered research methods, such as stakeholder interviews and behavioral analysis. Currently at Material+, Mayank is focused on bridging the gap between business goals and real-world behavior through a blend of technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and deep listening.Whether you're early in your career or mentoring someone who is, there's something here to reflect on.