S6 E19: The Persuasive Leader: Why Empathy Beats Authority with Dr. Jay Conger

In this episode Dr. Tracie Edwards interviews Ben Lamorte about his book Start With You and the free Identity Blueprint that helps people get clarity before committing to a career or project. Ben shares his journey from spreadsheets to OKR coaching, the mentors who guided him, and why prototyping alone won’t deliver lasting clarity. They discuss practical steps for young adults and mid-career professionals: use the Identity Blueprint, propose work that aligns with your strengths, and create congruence between who you are and the work you do—especially as careers are disrupted by AI and changing expectations.

Dr. Jay Conger and host Dr. Tracie Edwards explore persuasion as the core of leadership — not manipulation — and explain why relying on authority or compliance often causes change to fail. They cover the ‘‘curse of knowledge,’’ the limits of PowerPoint pitches, and why persuasion is a campaign of listening, framing, and evidence rather than a one-time ask. Through real examples — corporate missteps, hospital safety initiatives, Shark Tank lessons, and civic leadership — the episode offers practical tactics: do the legwork, build coalitions, frame messages to your audience, use visceral evidence, run small pilots, and prioritize dialogue over monologue.

Bestselling author Heather Mylan-Mains joins Dr. Tracie Edwards to share her journey through divorce, addiction, and loss, and how she unlocked forgiveness as a daily leadership practice. They explore the intersection of faith, emotional intelligence, and professional communication in healing personal and team relationships. Heather introduces her FORGIVE framework—feel the hurt, repent, give thanks, view others as Christ sees them, invest in gratitude, and enrich through learning—and offers practical tips on empathy, the power of pause, and creating kinder, more effective workplaces.

Today, we broke down the real impact of remote work with two top economists. The data is clear: while remote work boosts productivity for simple tasks, it can erode innovation, feedback, and mentorship—especially for younger workers. In-person collaboration fires up our brains, sparks creative breakthroughs, and helps fight loneliness. If you’re leading a business, rethink the way you use flexible work—find the balance between remote convenience and those key moments of face-to-face connection that drive growth and retention. Your team, your culture, and your bottom line depend on it.

Alan Weiss joins Dr. Tracie Edwards to unpack the real meaning of self-esteem in business and life. They discuss why self-esteem is internal, while ego is all about external validation—and how your true power comes from having the courage to use your talents, even when it feels risky. Alan shared practical strategies for reframing failure, cultivating resilience by bouncing forward, and setting your own metrics for success. Take control of your narrative, trust your judgment, and remember: no one else gets to define your worth. Resources Mentioned "The Courage of Your Talents" by Alan Weiss "Your Legacy Is Now" by Alan Weiss "Million Dollar Maverick" by Alan Weiss AlanWeiss.com, free resources The Wizard of Oz (film) Michael Jordan, Steve Jobs, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison (examples of resilience)  

Renowned data and AI strategy expert Sebastian Wernicke, a partner at Auxera, bestselling author, and three-time TED speaker with over 20 years bridging bioinformatics, management consulting, and the world of data science explores why most data and AI failures aren’t really about technology, but about people and culture. Sebastian challenges the “data-driven” obsession in today’s organizations, arguing instead for a mindset shift toward being “data-inspired” and fostering cultures of inquiry. From the pitfalls of relying solely on dashboards, to the hidden influence of shadow AI, to the lessons Netflix and the NBA can teach us about data’s limits and possibilities, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and strategies for leaders seeking true transformation. If you’ve ever wondered why your organization’s data initiative feels stagnant—or what it takes to spark actual change—this episode holds the answers.

Are you ready to redefine what your career and life look like after 50? Longevity pioneer Michael Clinton talks with Dr. Tracie Edwards about the new era of aging and why "retirement" is out and "rewiring" is in. They explored how today's 50-plus professionals are launching second and third careers, staying healthier longer, and building multiple identities through curiosity, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven living. Want to thrive in the second half of life? It starts with mindset, movement, and a willingness to reinvent. This is your blueprint for lifelong success and fulfillment.

Eddie Irvin is founder of Nashville AI Advisory. He talks about how to cut through the noise around AI in business. We explored why simply plugging in AI won’t solve your problems, the critical need for specificity and strategy, and how to turn automation into a real partner for measurable results. Eddie shared actionable insights on slowing down to speed up, focusing on the highest-impact tasks, and leveraging your team’s expertise. If you want to future-proof your business and actually get results from AI, don’t miss this conversation!

Corey Blumenfeld is a five-time founder who built successful businesses with zero industry experience. We talked about overcoming imposter syndrome, taking small steps toward big visions, and why delegation is the secret to scaling. Corey shared how building systems and empowering your team frees you up to focus on growth while avoiding burnout. If you want to unlock the next level in your business, treat delegation as an investment and start letting go—success will follow.

Jack O'Connor is a leader with more than 25 years bridging the worlds of clinical medicine and executive strategy. We explored the tough shift from hands-on patient care to high-level decision-making, why alignment—not intelligence—makes or breaks healthcare organizations, and how authentic leadership and emotional intelligence drive real impact. If you want to learn how to rise above office politics, build trust, and lead with resilience in high-pressure environments, you won’t want to miss this one.