Welcome to Kristi & Tanqueray On The Rocks™. In this engaging episode, hosts Kristi Straw and Tanqueray Edwards welcome John Tuders to explore the evolving landscape of work and the indispensable role of human skills in effective leadership. Gain valuable insights on emotional intelligence, building trust, navigating work-life integration, and the significance of personal growth for professional success.
Key Takeaways Include:

• The increasing importance of human skills like emotional intelligence in the future workforce.
• Practical strategies for fostering trust and effective communication as a leader.
• The critical need for work-life integration, not just balance, for sustainable success.

Discover actionable takeaways for leading with authenticity and impact in today's dynamic environment.

In this episode:

Kristi & Tanqueray delve into leadership lessons drawn from books, podcasts, movies, and personal experiences. The importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and sharing one’s voice while exploring how personal growth fuels better leadership.

Key Takeaways:

"Leadership isn’t about hitting numbers; it’s about aligning people, values, and actions." - Kristi Straw

"The world needs more of each of us—our unique perspectives make teams and communities stronger." - Tanqueray Edwards

"Anticipating needs and delivering personalized experiences builds lasting connections." - Tanqueray Edwards

"Leadership lessons are everywhere—books, podcasts, even in your own life." - Kristi Straw
 
Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

In this 3 part series:

Kristi & Tanqueray explore the pervasive issue of microaggressions in the workplace, featuring candid discussions with leaders from diverse backgrounds. Guests shared personal experiences, such as subtle slights, mispronounced names, and inappropriate comments, highlighting the cumulative harm these behaviors inflict on marginalized individuals and organizational culture. The conversation emphasized the importance of awareness, allyship, and accountability in addressing microaggressions while empowering listeners to document their experiences, advocate for change, and foster inclusive environments.

Key Takeaways:

"Microaggressions can feel like whiplash—sometimes you don’t even process what just happened until much later." -Dr. Zaibis Muñoz-Isme

"No matter the situation. Your safety and mental well-being come first." -Tanqueray Edwards

"When women are interrupted 19 times more than men, how can we expect them to ‘speak up’ and be heard?" - Kristi Straw

Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Microaggressions Series Guests:

Brae Richardson - Brand & Creative Lead, Brae Richardson, LLC
Sunny Myers - Senior Global Leader/DEIB
Dr. Zaibis Muñoz-Isme - Architect of Inclusive Leadership

In this 3 part series:

Kristi & Tanqueray explore the pervasive issue of microaggressions in the workplace, featuring candid discussions with leaders from diverse backgrounds. Guests shared personal experiences, such as subtle slights, mispronounced names, and inappropriate comments, highlighting the cumulative harm these behaviors inflict on marginalized individuals and organizational culture. The conversation emphasized the importance of awareness, allyship, and accountability in addressing microaggressions while empowering listeners to document their experiences, advocate for change, and foster inclusive environments.

Key Takeaways:

"Move into spaces knowing it’s an uphill battle. Every step will make you stronger." -Sunny Myers

"Advocate for yourself and document everything—your safety and mental well-being come first." -Tanqueray Edwards

"Calling workplaces a ‘family’ sets unrealistic expectations and leads to burnout—workplaces need to be professional, not familial." - Kristi Straw

Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Microaggressions Series Guests:

Brae Richardson - Brand & Creative Lead, Brae Richardson, LLC
Sunny Myers - Senior Global Leader/DEIB
Dr. Zaibis Muñoz-Isme - Architect of Inclusive Leadership

In this 3 part series:

Kristi & Tanqueray explore the pervasive issue of microaggressions in the workplace, featuring candid discussions with leaders from diverse backgrounds. Guests shared personal experiences, such as subtle slights, mispronounced names, and inappropriate comments, highlighting the cumulative harm these behaviors inflict on marginalized individuals and organizational culture. The conversation emphasized the importance of awareness, allyship, and accountability in addressing microaggressions while empowering listeners to document their experiences, advocate for change, and foster inclusive environments. 

Key Takeaways:

"Microaggressions are like paper cuts—they build up and exhaust you, even if they seem small at the moment." -Brae Richardson

"Microaggressions may seem subtle, but they assault your identity and undermine your sense of belonging." -Tanqueray Edwards

" Empathy and execution can coexist—this shouldn’t still be something we have to explain in 2025." - Kristi Straw

Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Microaggressions Series Guests:

Brae Richardson - Brand & Creative Lead, Brae Richardson, LLC
Sunny Myers - Senior Global Leader/DEIB
Dr. Zaibis Muñoz-Isme - Architect of Inclusive Leadership

In this episode:

Kristi & Tanqueray welcome Sara Goscha, founder of Carroll Management Consulting. Sara shares her transformative journey from corporate executive to purpose-driven entrepreneur, reflecting on how personal loss catalyzed her decision to create a legacy-focused business. Through candid discussions about overcoming a scarcity mindset, building genuine relationships, and the therapeutic process of memoir writing, Sara provides actionable insights into navigating challenges with resilience and authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

"I wanted more than this. I had to put in the work." - Sara Goscha

"Scarcity mentality focuses on something that you don't have enough of."  -Tanqueray Edwards

"Changing your space can change your mindset." - Kristi Straw

Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Contact today's guest Sara Goscha: https://www.carrollmanagementconsulting.com

In this episode:

Kristi & Tanqueray dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, emphasizing that successful ventures come in many forms and timelines. The hosts discuss their contrasting entrepreneurial journeys, with one starting strong with a major client and the other investing time into foundational work, highlighting that there is no singular path to success. 

Key Takeaways:

"Lay the foundation that you can iterate and evolve along the way." - Tanqueray Edwards

"Be scared and do it anyway." - Kristi Straw

You get one shot at this life. Bet on yourself." - Tanqueray Edwards

"Entrepreneurship is iterating and building in broad daylight." - Kristi Straw

Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

In this episode:

Kristi & Tanqueray season two of Kristi and Tanqueray on the Rocks: The Trailblazers Toolkit kicks off with an engaging discussion on "Trailblazer Burnout," featuring guest Nakira Carter, a corporate real estate executive with over 25 years of experience. Nakira shared insights on navigating burnout as a woman of color in corporate America, highlighting the challenges of being a "first, only, and different" in leadership roles, and the emotional and psychological toll of tokenism and isolation.

Key Takeaways:

"When you lead with love, you challenge norms and invite others to rethink their leadership styles." - Nakira Carter

"If people don’t feel psychologically safe, you’re only getting a fraction of their potential."  - Tanqueray Edwards

"We shine a light on what others are not, and that discomfort often leads to resistance rather than reflection." - Kristi Straw

Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

Contact today's guest Nakira Carter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nakira-carter-pmp-leed-ap-b2ba381a/

In this episode:

Kristi & Tanqueray discuss shedding corporate habits, redefining success beyond the “ladder” mentality, and embracing more fulfilling, multifaceted career paths. With plans for an exciting Season 2, including guest appearances and a series on microaggressions from women of color’s perspectives, they encourage listeners to stay curious, unlearn outdated mindsets, and—above all—put down the cape and prioritize well-being.

Key Takeaways:

"Success isn’t a ladder; it’s more dynamic and fluid, about alignment, impact, and fulfillment rather than constant upward climbing." - Kristi Straw

"This season for me really has been all about unlearning—not just corporate habits, but mindsets and expectations that don’t serve me anymore." - Tanqueray Edwards

"I’ve learned to lead with kindness and good intentions, not the sharp, rushed energy that sometimes defined corporate life." - Tanqueray Edwards

"You don't have to stay in one lane. You are multifaceted, multi-talented, multi-passionate—and you don’t have to stay in just one lane." - Kristi Straw
 
Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

In this episode:

Kristi & Tanqueray explore the importance of authenticity, intentional community building, and self-directed growth, especially for leaders transitioning from corporate roles to entrepreneurship. The hosts emphasize that showing up as your true self attracts supportive relationships and strengthens professional networks. They share insights on transforming corporate setbacks into business-building wins, highlighting that personal growth starts as soon as one commits to a new path. Overall, the episode underscores the power of community and resilience in navigating both corporate and entrepreneurial journeys.
Key Takeaways:

"Show up as your authentic self—it attracts the right people and repels the rest." - Kristi Straw

 "Self-directed leaders thrive by using setbacks as a springboard for growth." - Tanqueray Edwards

 "Find a network of people that are going to support you." - Tanqueray Edwards

 "Transformation starts the moment you make a commitment—growth begins long before the event starts." - Kristi Straw
 
Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

In this episode:

Kristi & Tanqueray share leadership insights and tips on personal productivity. They discuss the importance of time management through techniques like time blocking, aided by AI tools like ChatGPT, and the value of building in “thinking time” for mental clarity. 

Key Takeaways:

"Be true to you. It ultimately comes back to your intuition, your gut feeling." - Kristi Straw

"Become a process engineer. Learn what things to say to AI to get out the type of data that you want." - Tanqueray Edwards

"One of my modes of thinking time is to push back from the computer, go outside, especially if it's a nice day, and take a walk or find someplace to sit." - Tanqueray Edwards

"Start a book club. It’s my number one quickest way to create immediate buy-in." - Kristi Straw
 
Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

In this episode:

Kristi & Tanqueray explore the theme of resilience, particularly in the context of job loss and role elimination. Tanqueray shares her experience of handling the emotional impact after her role was eliminated in a major hospitality brand, emphasizing the importance of composure and self-reflection during such challenging moments. Kristi adds her perspective, discussing her own reactions to leaving a toxic work environment and how she found excitement in new beginnings despite the difficulties faced. This episode reminds us that resilience is not merely about enduring hardship, but also recognizing one's agency to pivot and move forward positively. 

Key Takeaways:

"My resiliency has been exactly what you see sitting here today. Grateful. Grateful to have been cast out, grateful for much of the silence that followed, and grateful for those who have followed me and have reached out and said, "Don't change." - Kristi Straw

"I found myself questioning my worth which surprised people around me. I heard people say things like, 'You have so much self-esteem.' However, what you see externally isn't always the reality." - Tanqueray Edwards

"I took a deep breath, and decided to move through this difficult and unexpected moment by putting my integrity to the forefront of the situation." - Tanqueray Edwards

"It came to a point of, OK, y'all don't want us here. Fine. We're going to go start our own thing. We're going to build our own stampede. We're going to build our own following. We are going to do it a different way. We might struggle. We might fail. We might have to try six times. But the mental health struggles or the challenges and the pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps that we may experience on our own, on any of our darkest days are worth it compared to the narcissism and the gaslighting and the toxicity and the egotistical nature that runs rampant from women and men in corporate America." - Kristi Straw
 
Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

In this episode:

Kristi & Tanqueray focused this episode's conversation on Tall Poppy Syndrome, a phenomenon where successful women, particularly in leadership, are criticized or undermined for standing out. You'll hear Kristi & Tanqueray's personal experiences and frustrations with the gender gap in leadership and what strategies are useful for overcoming workplace bias, including building allies, fostering open communication, and creating mentorship programs. Get ready to drill down on the importance of advocating for oneself, emotional intelligence, and cultivating inclusive, psychologically safe leadership environments for future generations.

Key Takeaways:

"You have to have a psychologically safe environment to have conversations that challenge the status quo." - Kristi Straw

"I'm going to take a moment to challenge myself. There were moments in which I thought to myself, 'I'm not feeling safe.' I need to have open dialog about this. For these particular issues that I'm experiencing here at work... I need advocacy, I need mentorship. I need you to help me build the table and the chair so that I can feel like I am a part of this. But in those moments... I have not asked for those things." - Tanqueray Edwards

"If we are serious about leadership, creativity, innovation, and growth, we have to root out these biases, and we have to do it together." - Kristi Straw
 
Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

In this episode:

Kristi & Tanqueray discuss the critical challenges organizations face as they adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and automation strategies. They delve into how the rapid technological changes, like AI, are transforming the workforce, highlighting the human element often left behind in this transition. Emotional intelligence (EQ) emerges as a central theme, with both hosts stressing how crucial it is for leaders to develop empathy and soft skills to navigate these shifts successfully.

Key Takeaways:

"I often say this right, you know, we know that if we have emotionally intelligent leaders, better engagement scores happen. People will stay five years longer at an employer. Yet time and time again, companies will blow cash on tech splurges or golf outings, but they'll skip the EQ training despite knowing it drives performance and retention." - Kristi Straw

"When implementing AI, organizations must consider what happens if it doesn't go well. Who gets left behind? I'm thinking about that in light of being in Charleston, South Carolina right now, a block from where I am sitting, some longshoremen are, on the picket lines and are demanding that their jobs not all be automated and their roles don't all go away." - Tanqueray Edwards

"Emotional intelligence isn't just a soft skill, it's a survival tool." - Kristi Straw
 
Contact your hosts:

Kristi Straw - https://lighthouseleadershipconsultants.com

Tanqueray Edwards - https://www.tredwardsconsultancy.com/contact

In this episode:

Kristi & Tanqueray dive into the world of corporate rebels. They discuss how embracing one's "unfit and feral" side can be a catalyst for success. With personal anecdotes and expert insights, Kristi and Tanqueray explore the challenges and rewards of breaking free from traditional corporate norms. They encourage listeners to embrace their unique qualities, challenge the status quo, and create their own paths to leadership.

The episode highlights the importance of authenticity, resilience, and innovation in today's business landscape.

Join Kristi Straw and Tanqueray Edwards as they shake up the world of work—one cocktail and candid conversation at a time. On this podcast, we dive into the messy realities of corporate life that nobody talks about over office coffee. From the high stakes of boardroom battles to the day-to-day grind that tests our spirits, we're here to share it all!

Kristi, with her vibrant Unicorn Leader approach, and Tanqueray, the leader in creating value and realizing return on investment who knows her way around AI and value creation, are not your typical corporate fits. Each week, they’ll break down complex issues with simplicity and a splash of humor, ensuring even Grandma can follow along.

Whether you’ve felt like a misfit, been branded too bold, or just need a break from the corporate playbook, pull up a chair and pour yourself a drink. We’re here to toast to the thrills AND spills of being visionary mavens in a world that often prefers we’d just quietly conform.

Grab your cocktail and join us as we get real about work, life, and everything in between.