On this episode of the Leadership with Heart podcast, I’m joined by someone very special to me, Andy Boian, founder of Dovetail Solutions and a longtime friend and collaborator. Andy first joined me on the show back in 2020 and was also featured in my book The Art of Caring Leadership. Since then, a great deal has changed, both for him and his company, and I was thrilled to bring him back to discuss where he stands now as a leader and how his journey has unfolded.

We discussed what it means to grow an organization with intention, to lead by listening, and to cultivate a culture where people feel safe enough to share their truth. Andy shared how he continues to live by the philosophy of speaking last, something he mentioned in our first interview that has stuck with me ever since. It’s not just a tactic; it’s a way of honoring the voices around him and building trust from the inside out.

Andy also opened up about how his company has evolved over the past five years, how they’ve weathered disruption and grown their reach, and how he’s now thinking about legacy. He shared that he’s entering a season of succession planning, gradually preparing to pass the torch while continuing to serve as a mentor and advisor. His desire to give back, to teach, and to write about what he’s learned was inspiring to hear.

We also discussed the role of AI in communication and storytelling as well as the importance of maintaining the human element in our work. As a speechwriter, Andy knows that words matter, but so do context, presence, tone, and lived experience. AI can assist, but it cannot replace the empathy or emotional insight that comes from years of connection.

What stood out most in our conversation was Andy’s consistency. He still believes in telling the truth, even when it’s hard. He still creates space for people to think, feel, and lead themselves toward their solutions. And he still leads with care, humility, and a deep understanding that trust is earned every single day.

If you’ve ever struggled with how to hold space as a leader, how to grow through grief, or how to lead a team without controlling every detail, this conversation will offer real encouragement. Andy reminds us that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about knowing when to step back, when to listen, and when to let others rise.

In this episode of Leadership with Heart, I sit down with Tracy Nolan, Senior Vice President of MarketPoint at Humana, for a candid and powerful conversation about what it truly means to lead with both strength and compassion.

Tracy has spent her career guiding large teams through complex transformations, including overseeing 14,000 employees during the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile at the height of the pandemic. Her ability to remain focused on people, even in the most high-pressure environments, is what sets her apart. This is a conversation about rejecting the myth that caring is soft or ineffective. Tracy shows that empathy and accountability can not only coexist but also fuel one another.

She shares stories of leading through layoffs with humanity, building trust through weekly listening sessions, and constantly preparing her teams for the future by investing in their growth and readiness. Tracy discusses openly what it means to create a culture where performance expectations are clear and where people feel supported, heard, and valued. Her approach to leadership is rooted in genuine connection, honest communication, and the belief that strong leadership starts with caring about your people.

If you've ever questioned whether it's possible to lead with heart while driving real results, Tracy proves that you don't have to choose. You can do both. And in today’s workplace, doing both may be the only way to lead well.

In this episode of Leadership with Heart, I sit down with someone I genuinely admire, both professionally and personally. Kevin Eikenberry joins me to discuss his newest book, Flexible Leadership, and together, we explore what it truly means to lead with flexibility during times of constant change.

As someone who believes deeply in the power of self-leadership, this conversation is significant. Kevin and I share the belief that, while much about leadership remains the same, the context in which we lead has shifted significantly. The pace of change, the uncertainty around us, and the complexity of the workplace have all made flexibility not just helpful but necessary.

Throughout our discussion, Kevin talks about how leaders often operate on autopilot. We fall back on habits, old models, and assumptions. But authentic leadership today requires a willingness to pause, reflect, and adjust. I shared my own experiences in this regard, mainly how being open to change has enabled me to evolve through various seasons of my life and career.

We also discussed identity and how easy it is to define ourselves in rigid ways that limit our growth. Kevin offered a powerful metaphor about trees that helped me rethink what consistency means. It's not about doing things the same way every time. It's about being rooted in your values while adapting to the moment at hand.

If you've ever wondered how to stay grounded while evolving or how to remain open without losing your sense of direction, you'll find this conversation valuable. We didn't just talk about the theory. We discussed what flexibility looks like in real-life moments, both at home and at work, as well as within ourselves.

This episode is filled with truth, curiosity, and reflection that every leader can benefit from. I hope it challenges and inspires you in the best ways

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