How do you lead with humanity in the face of uncertainty? You ask for what you need.

From door-to-door sales in Texas to leading national teams in the luxury skincare space, Alessia Todde’s leadership journey is one of grit, transformation, and heart. But behind her impressive résumé lies a deeper story—one of learning from management mistakes (like all of us!), navigating the chaos of working motherhood, and most recently, facing a breast cancer diagnosis with courage and clarity.

In this episode, Alessia opens up about the evolution of her leadership style—from micromanaging to compassionate guidance—and shares how the concept of “situational leadership” helps her meet each team member exactly where they are. She reflects on how illness reframed her priorities, what it means to truly advocate for yourself, and why asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.

Tune in to hear Alessia’s candid insights on self-compassion, work-life balance, and what it really takes to lead with humanity in the face of uncertainty.

linkedin.com/in/alessia-todde-a7305718

99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story:

www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans

From playing collegiate soccer on a scholarship to leading global teams at Google, Juan Vallejo’s journey is defined by grit, heart, and an unshakeable commitment to his values. But behind the polished résumé lies a story of resilience—from rebuilding his life after losing a job and visa sponsorship, to facing major knee surgery and recovery with optimism and discipline.

In this episode, Juan shares how his guiding values—passion, growth, and legacy—shape not just his leadership style but his entire life. He opens up about navigating setbacks, the importance of taking action to honor your purpose, and why cleansing the relationships around you can be just as vital as any business strategy.

Tune in to hear how Juan lives the philosophy of “no losses, only lessons,” the surprising decision that brought him to Google over glitzier roles, and why he’s more focused on becoming a better father, teammate, and leader than chasing titles.

linkedin.com/in/juan-c-vallejo-27a6b8137/

99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story:

www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans

Life can change in an instant. One moment you're planning a future, and the next, you're navigating a whirlwind of life-altering events.

Raman Khanna, VP at IPG media brands, shares his powerful and deeply personal story of facing a cancer diagnosis while his wife was pregnant with their second child and his mother was passing away. From the shock of a life-threatening illness to the joy of new life and the pain of loss, Raman reveals how these experiences reshaped his perspective on leadership, career, and what truly matters.

Tune in to hear how Raman found strength in the face of adversity, the importance of a supportive work culture, and why prioritizing family and community is essential for leading a more meaningful life.

linkedin.com/in/raman-khanna-a4539214

99 Humans is a multimedia platform centered on humanizing leadership. Hosts Jeff Lakusta and Nadia Carta interview a group of cross-industry leaders, seeking stories about the human side of leadership. Join us and share your story:

www.99Humans.com | linkedin.com/company/99-humans