In this episode of Leadership Matters, host Kaylee Thompson sits down with Mike Frommelt, Co-Founder of Strategic Talent Partners, to explore what authentic leadership looks like in real life. Drawing from decades of experience in executive search, Mike shares why core values, humility, and consistent communication matter more than titles or executive presence. The conversation covers culture fit from both the employer and candidate perspective, the role of ego in leadership success, and why the strongest leaders find their own path instead of following a script. This episode offers practical insight for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking meaningful, values-aligned work.

Values cards mentioned: https://a.co/d/eH1KHop

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with David Dardano, Human Resources Director at Episcopal Homes of Minnesota, to explore the leadership mindset behind trust, clarity, and lasting culture. David shares how leading “with people” (not just managing them) shapes stronger teams, and reflects on a formative lesson from early in his career: you are the “dinner table conversation” your people take home each day. He discusses why “clear is kind,” how tough feedback can be delivered with transparency, and what he learned from early missteps - including the importance of history, context, and repairing conversations when impact doesn’t match intention. The conversation also highlights imposter syndrome, balancing leadership with family life, and why follow-through and honest communication are foundational to building a culture people believe in.

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Dean Dovolis, Owner of DJR Architecture, Inc., to explore leadership at the intersection of systems, community, and long-term impact. Dean shares what motivates him today, from community-led development and modular housing to projects that shape how people live and thrive. He reflects on the shift from early “survival mode” entrepreneurship to being invited to the table for his expertise, and introduces the idea of the genius of community, shaped by founding his firm in Minneapolis’ Phillips neighborhood. The conversation also explores building teams through self-awareness, valuing loyalty and integrity, and why true legacy comes from sharing knowledge openly so it lives on beyond you.

DJR Architecture: https://www.djrarch.com/

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Mike Paton, EOS Implementer and co-author of Process!, to explore what truly drives healthy, high-performing organizations. Mike shares why alignment matters more than agreement, how accountability breaks down when authority is unclear, and why process is often misunderstood by entrepreneurial leaders. Drawing from years of experience working with leadership teams, he explains how honest conversations, focus, and the ability to say no create clarity and momentum. This conversation offers practical insight for leaders who want to scale without chaos and build teams that operate with ownership and trust.

Email: leadershipmatters@thebaileygroup.com

Subject Line: "Paton's Process!"

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thompson sits down with Princess Paula for a wide-ranging, real conversation on leadership, resilience, and the power of community. Paula shares how performance and teaching shaped her voice, how hard seasons built “muscle” for what came next, and why human connection matters even more in an AI-driven world. They also unpack what rest actually looks like, why it’s different for everyone, and how to lead with intention through life’s transitions. If you’re craving clarity, encouragement, and a few laughs, this episode is for you.

Connect with Princess Paula:

Website: https://princesspaulaconsulting.com/

Podcast: https://royallyunhinged.com/

In this episode of Leadership Matters from The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thompson sits down with David Magy, co-founder and principal at Abeln, Magy, Underberg & Associates, to explore the formative experiences that shaped his leadership journey. David reflects on the impact of mentors, learning by doing, and asking questions without hesitation. He shares lessons from corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and career transitions, emphasizing thoughtful decision-making, planning ahead, and listening to what your mind and body are telling you. From work ethic to culture fit, this conversation offers grounded insight into building a meaningful career over time. If you’re navigating a career transition, questioning your next step, or redefining success, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Founder Leigh Bailey to unpack one of the most challenging transitions in leadership: moving from being a trusted technical expert to becoming a strategic people leader. They explore why this shift can feel so uncomfortable - loss of control, a new definition of success, and the identity work required when you’re no longer “the doer” but the developer of others. Kaylee and Leigh break down the limiting beliefs that hold leaders back, share practical ways to rethink how you spend your time, and discuss why self-awareness, relationship-building, and emotional intelligence matter more than ever in an AI-driven world. They also reference a reel from @kelsewhatelse that perfectly illustrates this mindset shift.

Email leadershipmatters@thebaileygroup.com with the subject line “Strategic People Leader” to receive a free reflection worksheet. The first three listeners will also receive a complimentary Hogan Personality Inventory and a one-hour debrief with Kaylee.

Reel Mentioned in This Episode:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPCTlkZgUZ0/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nywIeE-0-Cc

In this episode of Leadership Matters by The Bailey Group, host Kaylee Thomsen sits down with Kris Fortman, CEO of Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, to explore what it truly means to lead with heart, clarity, and courage over the long haul. Kris shares her journey from growing up with a professor father at the University of Minnesota, to conducting healthcare research at HealthPartners, to global work at Medtronic, and ultimately stepping into a mission-driven CEO role in cardiovascular health. She reflects on the early mentors and strong female leaders who shaped her leadership style, why kindness and accountability must work together, and what it was like to inherit a broken culture and quietly turn it around by focusing on people, listening deeply, and building an executive team that can think big while staying grounded in the mission. Kris also talks candidly about hiring lessons, the hard but deeply kind work of helping people find the right role, her passion for women’s heart health and education, and how coaching from The Bailey Group has strengthened both her leadership and her team. If you are a purpose-driven leader looking for honest, practical insight on culture, confidence, and sustainable impact, this conversation delivers grounded wisdom you can use right away.