The future of HR requires bold choices and the willingness to step into uncertainty. In this episode, JP Elliot, Founder of Future of HR Consulting, explores how courage shapes leadership, careers and the evolving workplace. JP shares his journey from corporate HR leadership roles to building a global podcast and launching the NextGen HR Accelerator. Together, we examine how HR leaders can make courageous choices in the face of technological disruption, shifting expectations and the rise of AI.

The role of HR continues to evolve, yet ambiguity still surrounds its true impact at the executive level. In this episode, we sit down with John Boudreau, Author, Speaker, Coach, Consultant and Advisor at Dr. John W Boudreau, to explore how courage and clarity can reshape the CHRO’s position in modern organizations. John reflects on four decades of research and advisory work, offering a framework for how HR leaders can define their role, influence strategy and step into spaces where they’re often overlooked. From bet-the-badge moments to building credibility with boards and senior teams, he highlights why courage is essential to turning ambiguity into opportunity.

Courage doesn’t always show up with noise. Sometimes it’s quiet, intentional and rooted in knowing where we stand. In this episode, Susan Kelliher, Founder/Principal of Sentima Advisors LLC and Board Member of the National Safety Council, Airvet and EJ, explores how courage shows up in the workplace — whether in the boardroom, during sensitive conversations or in moments of personal growth. With a career shaped by high-stakes decisions, Susan shares the powerful impact of standing firm in one’s values, fostering inclusive leadership and creating space for others to find their voice.

Leadership today requires more than just strategy — it demands grace, courage and a willingness to let go of outdated norms. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Blake, Chief Executive Officer of Building Forward Now, and author of "Leading With Grace," to explore how leaders can liberate others, lead authentically and make bold, meaningful transitions in their careers. David reflects on lessons from the military, the service industry and his own second act, offering a timely perspective on human-centered leadership in today’s landscape.

Courage isn't always loud — it often shows up in quiet moments of truth-telling, tough decisions and choosing impact over approval. In this episode, we speak with Ian Ziskin, President of EXec EXcel Group LLC, to reflect on decades of HR leadership, executive coaching, and organizational transformation. Ian shares insights on leadership, building trust and how courageous choices define a legacy. We also explore the fine balance between doing your job and keeping your job, and what it really takes to lead with courage. From navigating tough conversations to empowering others to speak up, this episode is packed with stories and strategies that challenge the status quo.

Leaders often face pivotal moments that call for courage, resilience and reinvention. In this episode, we speak with Kip Knight, Founder of CMO Coaches. He shares hard-won leadership lessons from his career across iconic companies and how he knows taking leaps of faith can be transformative. Kip reflects on what it means to lead with integrity, how to navigate change, and the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and risk-taking — especially during uncertain times.

Making a bold leap from corporate success to personal fulfillment takes more than ambition — it takes courage. In this episode, Joan Clark of JM Clark & Company joins us to explore what it means to listen to your inner voice, take calculated risks and reshape your professional life on your own terms. Joan shares her journey from leading HR teams at a Fortune 500 company to launching her business. We also hear how her leadership philosophy led her to write “Common Sense Leadership,” a practical guide for emerging leaders.

As the workplace continues to evolve, so must our approach to leadership, culture and personal growth. In this episode, we sit down with Devin C. Hughes, Award Winning Keynote Speaker, Best-Selling Author and Leadership Coach, to explore the courageous choices that have defined his journey and the practical insights he shares with organizations around the world. We discuss the intersection of belonging and accountability, how culture is shaped by intention, not perks, and why showing up authentically can change lives.

Starting your own business takes courage, but sustaining it requires vision, resilience and a deep commitment to your values. In this episode, we sit down with Ilona Brunner and Takaya Brunner, Partners at Brunner Accounting Group, to discuss the journey from big accounting firms to building their own successful practice. They share their experiences of entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing family and business and the importance of identifying ideal clients and sticking to core values.

Stepping away from corporate success to build something of your own takes more than strategy, it takes courage. We sit down with Jennifer Smith, Career + HR Consultant of Flourish Careers LLC and Gig Talent, to unpack what it takes to leave a successful corporate career and build a fulfilling independent practice. With a background in HR across Fortune 50 companies, Jennifer shares how she traded predictability for purpose and leaned into her intuition to build a values-driven business. From graveyard shifts to consulting, she reflects on what it means to take courageous steps, trust your gut and redefine success on your own terms.

We’re kicking off our new podcast, “The Courageous Choice,” talking to Lynn Herrick, Chief Operating Officer at Blucrest. Lynn shares how she navigated one of the most defining leadership moments of her career — taking over a high-turnover call center in the middle of a private equity transition. She walks us through her courageous decision to reimagine operations through the lens of empathy, stability and purpose. Lynn’s story offers practical inspiration for leaders transforming culture, scaling teams and placing people at the center of business strategy.

The Courageous Choice