This week, we sit down with crisis management expert and author Regina Phelps for a lively, wide-ranging conversation about what it actually takes to lead through chaos. Regina shares her unconventional path from oncology nursing to founding a global crisis consulting firm, including the moment she was fired (yes, fired!) and how that unexpected shock opened the door to the work she was truly meant to do.

We talk about why most crisis plans fall apart the moment they’re needed, how practice builds real confidence, and what history reveals about the long, messy arcs of pandemics and disruption. Regina brings humor, honesty, and decades of wisdom as she describes helping executives stay calm when everything is sideways, navigating the emotional labor of leadership, and reinventing her own career more than once — including a recent chapter that surprised even her.

Along the way, we explore the tender, human side of leading in uncertain times: the doubt, the grit, the clarity that comes from letting go of outdated labels, and the hope that shows up when we imagine our future selves with curiosity instead of fear.

If you’re looking for a practical, inspiring, and unexpectedly joyful take on crisis leadership and reinvention, this conversation with Regina is one you won’t want to miss.

You can reach Regina through her website www.ems-solutionsinc.com and find her on LinkedIn.

Regina's four books, the latest on Crisis Management, are available on Amazon.

** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener!

——— Connect with Your Hosts ———

Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com
Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram
Her website is www.JulietClothier.com

Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com
Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram
Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com

Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings.

In this special “Unplugged” episode, we step away from our usual format and dive into a spontaneous, unscripted conversation about something that’s been showing up in our lives and leadership lately: the idea of your future self—who you’ve been, who you are today, and who you’re intentionally becoming.

Inspired by a story about a six-year-old navigating swim lessons, we talk about how even the smallest daily choices can shape the person and leader we’re growing into. From grounding rituals like making the bed to the harder moments when we have to make decisions we can’t fully explain, we explore how intention, self-awareness, and emotional regulation help us stay aligned with the leaders we want to be.

We also share how we each navigate guilt, stress, and the emotional labor of leadership—especially in a world that can feel increasingly unpredictable. Along the way, we lean into honesty, humor, and yes, a well-placed f-bomb or two.

If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on self-care, leadership, and making choices for the “you” of tomorrow, this episode is for you.

And if you loved this Unplugged format, let us know!

** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener!

——— Connect with Your Hosts ———

Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com
Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram
Her website is www.JulietClothier.com

Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com
Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram
Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com

Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings.

Juliet and Susan had such fun on this episode as we interviewed our podcast producer (and Juliet's brother), Brian Clothier!

Brian is a multi-skilled, mostly self-employed partner and CXO for small businesses – he can slot into any C-suite role in the businesses he works with – as well as a producer and an inspired musician. He got his start coveting his sister's "cool" red guitar, and his management career kicked off when he managed his band, while also being in the band with friends. ("Managing friends"... an episode in itself!!)

Since those early years, Brian has worked in a winery doing anything that needed attention and order, and is now a mostly self-employed partner and leader in a range of small businesses. He relishes setting his own schedule, managing his time and effort. Brian is keen producer of events and broadcasts ('Secrets' is not his only podcast) and he keeps us all focused on deepening our skills and improving our listeners enjoyment.

We hope you'll enjoy this discussion with Brian as much we enjoyed chatting with him. Thank you so much for listening!

You can reach Brian at bcloth@gmail.com.

** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener!

——— Connect with Your Hosts ———

Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com
Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram
Her website is www.JulietClothier.com

Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com
Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram
Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com

Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings.