In this episode, Desiree B. Sharpe sits down with marketer, agency founder, and podcaster Leslie Youngblood for a powerful conversation about building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. Leslie shares how her eclectic career in New York advertising, fashion, chambers of commerce, and entrepreneurship shaped her leadership style and eventually pushed her to walk away from 80+ hour workweeks and chronic burnout. Together, they unpack the realities of the gender pay gap, why entrepreneurship can be a powerful path to wealth and autonomy for women, and what it really looks like to learn the "game" of money, taxes, and business instead of letting it happen to you. Leslie also talks candidly about motherhood, identity shifts, and giving yourself permission to evolve while still honoring your ambition. This episode is perfect for women entrepreneurs, people leaders, and high-achieving mothers who are craving more freedom, better boundaries, and a business or career that actually matches the life they want.

Connect with Leslie:

Youngblood MMC Website: www.youngbloodmmc.com/

Podcast Website: www.seriousladybusiness.com/

Her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslieyoungblood/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/youngblood-mmc/

Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serious-lady-business-the-podcast/about/

In this special year-end episode of Bright Ideas, Desiree B. Sharpe highlights five standout insights from guests who shaped the conversation on leadership this season. She revisits lessons on staying curious, understanding your numbers, choosing aligned opportunities, and leading with a forward-looking mindset. Desiree also explores how daily habits and intentional self-reflection can shift both culture and career direction. Each moment offers a practical takeaway for leaders preparing for the year ahead. This episode is perfect for people leaders, founders, and anyone wanting to grow with more clarity and confidence in the new year.

In this episode of Bright Ideas, Desiree B. Sharpe sits down with Michael Vajda, Managing Director at Elevate Global US, for an honest conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, and building resilient teams in today's shifting economy. Michael shares how running his own boutique agency shaped his leadership style, why "getting things done" is the most underrated career strategy, and what it really took to transition back into a corporate role after a decade as an entrepreneur. They dive into intergenerational dynamics at work, the realities of hiring in a turbulent market, and practical ways leaders can build trust through communication, consistency, and genuine human connection. Michael also opens up about parenthood, empathy, and the importance of directing your energy toward what actually matters.

This episode is a great fit for people leaders, founders, and anyone navigating career transitions or looking to strengthen their leadership approach.

Connect with Michael:

Website: https://weareelevate.global/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvajda/