Hi, I’m Claudia Williams, and this episode of Leadership Backstage is one you don’t want to miss. I had the privilege of sitting down with Mark Bonsall, former president of Conrad Siegel, to talk about his incredible journey from introverted number cruncher to respected leader.

Mark opens up about the challenges of leadership, the power of mentorship, and how sports shaped his approach to personal growth. We also dive into Conrad Siegel’s unique client-first culture, navigating generational shifts, and leading through crises like COVID-19. If you’ve ever wondered whether introverts can thrive in leadership, this conversation will inspire you.

If this episode resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe for more real leadership stories. I’d love to hear your thoughts—what’s the most valuable leadership lesson you’ve learned? Share it in the comments!

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How high school sports shaped Mark’s leadership style

His journey from introverted professional to CEO

Navigating generational shifts and leading through COVID-19

Why listening matters more than speaking

Practical advice for aspiring leaders and introverts

Building a client-first culture and mentoring future leaders

#LeadershipBackstage #MarkBonsall #IntrovertedLeader #LeadershipPodcast #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessLeadership #COVIDLeadership #SportsAndLeadership #CareerGrowth #LeadershipSkills

I had the privilege of sitting down with Mary Quinn, CEO of YWCA Harrisburg, for one of the most inspiring conversations I’ve ever had on Leadership Backstage.

Mary’s story moved me deeply—from growing up in a poor, working-class family in Detroit to leading a major nonprofit that impacts thousands of lives. She opened up about balancing full-time work with night school, overcoming the devastating loss of her husband, and navigating the complexities of nonprofit leadership.

What struck me most was Mary’s unwavering commitment to discipline, education, and integrity. She also shared eye-opening insights into the essential services YWCA provides, the challenges of funding, and how we can all play a role in supporting their mission.

If you’ve ever wondered what resilience looks like in action, this episode is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 – Loneliness and Struggles

00:49 – Introduction to Leadership Backstage

01:20 – Meet Mary Quinn

02:31 – Mary’s Journey to CEO

09:07 – Balancing Personal and Professional Life

12:16 – The Challenges of Leadership

26:09 – Ethical Dilemmas in Leadership

29:03 – The Work of YWCA Harrisburg

36:34 – The Importance of Nonprofits in Community Safety

37:00 – Challenges of Funding and Budget Management

37:24 – The Role of Leadership in Nonprofit Success

38:22 – The Importance of Accountability and Transparency

39:03 – Community Support and Fundraising

39:49 – The Impact of Budget Impasses on Nonprofits

40:27 – The Value of Donating to Well-Run Nonprofits

40:48 – Taking Over Dress for Success

41:34 – Vetting Nonprofits for Financial Health

42:46 – Personal Life and Hobbies

44:47 – The Importance of Community and Support Systems

49:27 – Empathy and Leadership

53:08 – Balancing Empathy with Accountability

56:00 – Post-Pandemic Shifts in Employee Expectations

01:00:45 – The Importance of Integrity and Notice in Employment

01:08:20 – Supporting the YWCA

01:10:23 – Conclusion and Call to Action

👉 Watch now and be inspired by Mary’s incredible story of perseverance and leadership.

✅ Don’t forget to LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and hit the 🔔 bell so you never miss an episode!

💬 Comment below: What’s your biggest takeaway from Mary’s journey?

#LeadershipBackstage #MaryQuinn #NonprofitLeadership #YWCAHarrisburg #LeadershipJourney #CommunityImpact #Resilience #LeadershipPodcast #WomenInLeadership #SocialImpact

What does leadership really look like when the cameras are off?

In this episode of Leadership Backstage, I sit down with Amy Murray, Partner at Pavone Group, for a conversation that goes beyond titles and success stories. We talk honestly about what it means to be a partner — the responsibility, the sleepless nights, the weight of decisions, and the moments that test you in ways no job description ever could.

Amy shares her 30+ year journey growing alongside one company as it evolved from a small startup into a multi-agency organization. Along the way, we unpack how early life lessons shape the way we lead, why institutional memory can quietly become a risk, and how leadership has changed in a faster, more data-driven world.

What stood out to me most was how deeply personal leadership is for Amy — from her love of handwritten thank-you notes to the influence of her mother, her faith, and the people who helped her along the way. This conversation is a reminder that leadership isn’t just about strategy or growth — it’s about intention, resilience, and the small choices that leave a lasting impact.

If you’ve ever wondered whether leadership is supposed to feel this heavy… you’re not alone.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• What becoming a partner really requires
• The loneliness that often comes with leadership
• How perseverance and problem-solving are learned early
• The hidden risks of relying on institutional memory
• Why asking better questions builds stronger teams
• How small, thoughtful actions can matter more than big moments

About My Guest

Amy Murray is a Partner at Pavone Group, a multi-agency marketing and communications organization. With more than three decades of experience, Amy has helped guide the company through growth, diversification, and change — always with a people-first approach.

🌐 pavonegroup.com

📧 abeamer@pavone.net

Join the Conversation

If this episode resonated with you:

👍 Please like the video

💬 Comment and tell me what part of leadership you find most challenging

🔁 Share this with someone who could use this conversation

🔔 And subscribe for more honest, behind-the-scenes leadership stories

Thanks so much for being here! I’m grateful you’re part of this community.

— Claudia

#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #WomenInLeadership #BusinessGrowth #CareerJourney #Resilience #LeadershipPodcast #MarketingLeadership #AgencyLife #LeadershipBackstage #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipMatters #LeadershipTips