Leadership Laboratory – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome back to Leadership Lab! In this episode, we turn the spotlight on our host, Jamie McKinney. Interviewed by Lane Taylor, Jamie shares her personal journey from being one of the only women in the automotive refinish and energy industries to becoming an award-winning empowerment coach and author. You’ll hear how workplace challenges, unexpected pivots, and powerful moments of learning shaped Jamie’s mission to help women step confidently into leadership roles. Get ready to learn about the story behind her book, "Speak Up Sister," her transition from corporate life to coaching, and the driving passion that fuels her work today. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand exactly why Jamie does what she does - and why she’s so committed to helping others rise.

Welcome to the very first episode of the Leadership Lab, where leadership is not a destination - it's an experiment. In this launch episode, Lane Taylor sits down with the host, Jamie McKinney, to unpack what listeners can expect from this brand-new show designed for both seasoned and aspiring leaders. Jamie shares her vision for the Leadership Laboratory: a supportive space to try out new leadership styles, gain actionable tools, and build the confidence every leader needs to thrive in today’s ever-changing workplace.

Together, Lane and Jamie discuss why now is the perfect time for this podcast, touching on the growing need for genuine human connection and confidence-building in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Jamie opens up about the leadership lessons that changed her own journey, and highlights the myths that the next generation of leaders need to unlearn to claim the driver’s seat in their careers.

Whether you’re listening during your morning commute or a walk on the treadmill, Jamie promises that every episode will deliver bite-sized, practical insights you can apply right away. Expect stories, neuroscience-backed strategies, and plenty of encouragement to help you experiment with your leadership style and amplify your voice. If you’re ready to move from being your company’s best-kept secret to an empowered, confident leader, you’re in exactly the right place.

Coming Thursday, August 28th!

Leadership Laboratory is hosted by Jamie McKinney and designed for ambitious working women and forward-thinking organizations ready to transform the way they lead.

In this trailer episode hear the vision for the podcast—sharing lessons from inspiring leaders who have experimented with their own leadership styles, tested bold strategies, and embraced both their successes and stumbles.

You’ll hear how this show will help you silence self-doubt, kick imposter syndrome to the curb, and unlock the next level of your career.

Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen—so you’ll be the first to step into the Leadership Laboratory.

Welcome back to the Leadership Lab podcast! In today’s episode, host Jamie McKinney sits down with Missie Hills, an accomplished engineer and strategy leader with more than 16 years in the energy industry. Missie shares her journey of finding clarity in her career path a struggle so many of us face, and how a series of “leadership experiments” helped her cut through the mental noise to identify her unique strengths. We dive into the tools and techniques that supported Missie as she navigated professional challenges, tackled self-limiting beliefs, and learned to lead confidently through complex, “gray space” situations. From the power of coaching and the importance of celebrating your wins, to the transformative effect of investing in personal development, this conversation is full of immediately applicable insights for anyone looking to experiment with and grow their leadership style. If you’re craving more clarity, calm in the storm, and actionable steps toward your next career milestone, this episode was made for you. Let’s get started!

Welcome back to the Leadership Lab, the podcast where leadership is approached as an experiment, and growth is the ultimate goal! In this episode, host Jamie McKinney welcomes Ryan Castle, co-founder of Level 10 Leaders - a global leadership development system praised for helping leaders focus on what truly matters. With stories from the front lines of leadership transformation, Ryan shares inspiring case studies of real-life mindset shifts, from turning around a “grumpy” team member to preparing organizations for explosive growth in unpredictable times.

Jamie and Ryan dive deep into the crucial distinction between management and leadership mindsets, exploring how leaders can foster self-awareness, create space for others, and master both the strategic “big picture” and the nitty-gritty of execution. Ryan also opens up about his personal routines for managing stress and bringing positive energy to his team, while offering actionable advice for aspiring and experienced leaders alike.

Whether you’re moving into a leadership role, wanting to build a stronger team, or just looking for inspiration to lead, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and encouraging stories. So get ready to pause, observe, choose, and take your leadership skills to the next level!

https://www.level10leaders.com/
https://www.level10leaders.com/the-active-manager-book

Welcome to the Leadership Lab! In today’s empowering episode, host Jamie McKinney tackles a familiar foe for so many high-achievers - imposter syndrome. If you’ve ever felt that lurking doubt or questioned whether you truly belong in your position, this episode is your go-to pep talk. Jamie shares relatable stories from the Leadership Lab community and introduces a major reframe: what if it’s not imposter syndrome that’s holding you back, but simply an “imposter moment”?

With gentle guidance and practical advice, Jamie walks you through a four-step framework to manage self-doubt when it strikes, so you can recognize it, ground yourself, challenge unhelpful narratives, and move forward with action. You’ll hear about the “missing tile theory” and learn why it’s normal for your brain to fixate on what’s missing, rather than celebrating your strengths.

Get ready to walk away with plug-and-play solutions you can use today to silence that inner critic and reclaim your confidence. If you’re ready to experiment, grow, and own your brilliance, tune in and discover why you’re absolutely not alone, and exactly where you’re meant to be.

Welcome back to the Leadership Lab podcast! In today’s episode, hosts Jamie McKinney and Vanessa Bower dive deep into the journey of stepping into your power as a leader—especially when it means getting outside your comfort zone. Jamie introduces Vanessa, ADP’s Talent Practice Lead, who candidly shares her transformation from feeling plagued by imposter syndrome to confidently leading presentations on a national stage.

Vanessa opens up about the challenges and growth she experienced after taking on a brand new, high-visibility leadership role while navigating a significant time in her personal life. Together, Jamie and Vanessa unpack the importance of finding your authentic voice, seeking mentorship, and building a trusted peer group for support and honest feedback. They discuss why authenticity matters, how to quiet your inner critic, and how being surrounded by people who want to see you succeed can make all the difference.

Listeners will walk away with actionable tips—from embracing vulnerability and seeking out mentors, to creating space for experimentation and practicing communication skills in a safe "sandbox." Whether you’re facing a new challenge or looking to strengthen your leadership style, this episode is packed with honest stories and strategies to help you focus on progress over perfection.

Tune in for a motivating conversation about courage, authenticity, and the real experiments that shape strong leaders.

Welcome back to the Leadership Lab podcast! In today’s episode, host Jamie McKinney is joined by Bonnie Hudson, a trade compliance expert with a diverse background in aerospace, government regulations, and languages, who brings a passion for putting people first and influencing change through emotional intelligence. Together, they dive into the concept of “career ownership” and why it’s so crucial for modern leaders to take charge of their professional journeys.

Bonnie shares her personal story of moving from self-doubt and imposter syndrome to stepping confidently into leadership by changing her mindset, challenging self-limiting beliefs, and experimenting with new ways to communicate and solve problems. She opens up about the fears and barriers she faced, the small but powerful shifts that led to lasting transformation, and the tools she uses - like the power of reframing thoughts and embracing curiosity, to bring her authentic self to work.

Whether you’re battling self-doubt, looking to create a safer environment for your team, or eager to experiment with your leadership approach, this episode is filled with relatable stories, practical tips, and real inspiration that will help you focus on progress over perfection and own your career path. Let’s get into today’s conversation!

Welcome back to the Leadership Laboratory podcast! In today’s episode, hosts Jamie McKinney and Katerina Yared dive deep into the art of career mapping and how to truly take ownership of your professional journey. Katerina Yared, a dynamic energy scientist with more than 20 years of experience across the traditional and new energy sectors, shares her powerful story of resilience, curiosity, and personal growth. From her early days as one of the few women on offshore rigs to leading international societies and pivoting into new fields like geothermal energy and carbon capture, Katerina Yared unpacks how optimism, skill-building, and a trusted support system have helped her thrive through industry shifts and career pivots. If you’ve ever wondered how to reinvent yourself, lead with confidence, or use feedback and curiosity as your secret weapons, this episode will inspire you to experiment, and take action - on your own leadership path.

Welcome to another episode of the Leadership Lab podcast, where holistic leadership takes center stage – exploring how self-care outside of work is just as important as leading effectively within the workplace. In today’s episode, host Jamie McKinney sits down with Dr. Maggie Teliska, a trailblazing chemist and senior battery energy storage technical manager at Transgrid Energy. Not only is Maggie recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in CleanTech, but she’s also a chronic illness survivor who transformed her medical challenges into powerful leadership lessons.

Jamie and Maggie dive deep into Maggie’s harrowing experience of surviving a sudden cardiac event, the hurdles women often face in healthcare advocacy, and how leadership principles can help navigate daunting doctor’s offices and exam rooms. You’ll discover how crafting concise “sound bites” and practicing self-advocacy can be life-changing, both at work and in medical settings. Maggie’s journey offers actionable advice and inspiring wisdom, reminding us all of the power of preparation, clarity, and confidence, even when the stakes are high.

Grab your notebook - today’s episode is full of practical strategies you’ll want to remember, whether you’re leading a meeting or discussing your health. Let’s jump in!