What does it mean to lead with integrity, stand in your power, and stay true to yourself in every room you enter? In this inspirational episode of Courageous Conversations, we speak with Hope Gladney—a pioneering leader in a male-dominated industry, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and a woman whose faith, humility, and clarity have shaped a remarkable life and career.

Hope shares how growing up in a small Texas town laid the foundation for her resilience, how she navigated the culture shock of college and the realities of racism, and how her path pivoted when she became a single mother. From boardrooms to mentorship circles, she has learned to lead without compromise and to define success on her own terms.

This episode is a powerful exploration of owning your story, building community, and showing up authentically—even when the world asks you to shrink.

This episode is brought to you by AceUp and Produced and Edited by Buttered Toast.

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Chief Venezio shares what it means to lead with integrity, clarity, and mission-first thinking in one of the most high-pressure professions. From navigating public scrutiny to building trust inside the force, he opens up about the power of honest feedback, the importance of mental wellness, and why leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.

Whether you’re leading a team or navigating your own growth, this conversation is a powerful reminder: the mission must come first — and leadership without compassion isn’t leadership at all.

This episode is brought to you by AceUp and Produced and Edited by Buttered Toast.

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Gia Duke shares her extraordinary journey from Mumbai to leading billions in global supply management at John Deere. From breaking through biases to building support networks and leading with purpose, Gia’s story is a masterclass in resilience and growth. Tune in as she reveals why growth and comfort rarely coexist — and why choosing growth makes all the difference.

This episode is brought to you by AceUp and Produced and Edited by Buttered Toast.