“Most leaders wait until the exit interview to ask the real questions — and by then, it’s too late.”

In this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline, best-selling author and workplace culture expert Ryan Englin challenges the myths around pay, perks, and bonuses. He explains why real retention isn’t about dangling more incentives — it’s about understanding what your employees truly need to thrive.

💡 What We Cover:

3 unconventional questions for effective stay interviews

Why awkward conversations lead to better retention insights

How to flip the script from “What do I need from my employees?” to “What do they need from me?”

Why higher pay, bonuses, or perks aren’t the magic answer

Practical ways to build a culture where people actually want to stay

Top Takeaways:

✔️ Retention starts with listening, not incentives

✔️ Stay interviews uncover motivations before it’s too late

✔️ Leaders who meet their team’s needs keep their best people engaged long-term

Common Misunderstandings We Address:

❌ Thinking more money solves engagement problems

❌ Believing culture is only about perks and policies

❌ Waiting until employees resign to ask the real questions

Why This Matters:

A revolving door of talent costs more than higher paychecks. True leadership means creating space where employees feel supported, valued, and heard. When you meet their needs, they’ll take care of yours.

🎙️ Co-Host Discussion:

What makes stay interviews so powerful?

How can leaders get past the discomfort of tough questions?

Why do so many leaders focus on pay when it’s rarely the core issue?

What’s one change leaders can make today to strengthen retention?

Closing Thoughts:

Retention is not about perks or paychecks — it’s about understanding your people. The sooner leaders realize this, the stronger and more loyal their teams become.

📌 CTA:

What’s one question you’d add to your own stay interview? Drop it in the comments below!

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Your time is valuable. Virtual Assist USA offers experienced, US-based Virtual Assistant services to help CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster—with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

📚 Hear more from Ryan Englin: corematters.com/freebook

#NYAELPodcast #EmployeeRetention #StayInterviews #LeadershipMatters #CultureFirst #NotYourAverageCEO #RyanEnglin #EngagedTeams #LeadSmarter

In this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline Podcast, Danielle Cuomo, MBA sits down with Scott De Long, PhD, founder of Lead2Goals, to explore what success and leadership really mean beyond titles and money. Scott shares why true leadership is measured by the impact you have on others and how people feel when they choose to be around you.

💡 What We Cover:

Redefining success: shifting focus from external achievements to authentic connection and influence

Why leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all—and how command & control leadership can help or hurt

Scott’s practical approach to building leaders through communication, trust, and mutual respect

Tools and resources from Lead2Goals: quizzes, e-books, videos, and testimonials that support leadership growth

Top Takeaways for Leaders:

✔️ Success is about people, not things—how they feel around you matters most

✔️ Adjust leadership style to fit the situation, not the other way around

✔️ Influence and connection are stronger than authority alone

✔️ Growth happens when leaders learn to listen as much as they direct

Why This Matters:

Scott’s story and teachings prove that leadership is about impact, not ego. Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization, rethinking how you define success and how you lead can transform your culture, performance, and legacy.

Closing Thoughts:

Leadership is personal. It’s about building trust, creating connection, and inspiring others to grow with you. As Scott says, “Success isn’t about titles, money, or things—it’s about the people who choose to be around you and how they feel when they do.”

📌 CTA:

Reflect on your leadership style this week: Are you leading with control, or with connection? Take one action today to shift toward impact-driven leadership.

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Helping CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

🔗 Connect with Scott & Lead2Goals:

🌐 Website: lead2goals.com

#NYAELPodcast #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #NotYourAverageCEO #ImpactDrivenLeadership #Lead2Goals

In this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline Podcast, Danielle Cuomo, MBA, and Nicole Gallicchio-Elz sit down with Logan Cuvo, the founder and CEO of Best Dam Tape, the hockey tape trusted by athletes from beginners to NHL players. Logan shares his journey from spotting a gap in the market to building a brand that athletes love and the strategies that helped him get there.

💡 What We Cover:

How Logan scaled Best Dam Tape while still studying Entrepreneurship & Innovation at West Virginia University

Ways to stay ahead of the game as a CEO: leverage resources, be prepared for the next steps, and focus on long-term goals

The importance of fostering relationships: Logan balances networking and working on his business 50/50 to keep growth steady

Practical tips for building a brand that resonates in a niche market

Top Takeaways for Leaders:

✔️ Leverage your network and existing resources to accelerate growth

✔️ Always be prepared for the next opportunity or challenge

✔️ Build for the long-term: create a brand story and hire smart

✔️ Relationships are as important as strategy, balance networking with business execution

Why This Matters:

Logan’s story shows that building a successful business isn’t just about hard work, it’s about smart strategy, long-term vision, and the people you bring along for the journey. Whether you’re running a startup or scaling an established business, these lessons are universally applicable.

Closing Thoughts:

Passion + preparation + relationships = growth. Logan proves that with the right mindset and approach, you can take your business from concept to market dominance.

📌 CTA:

Check your own strategies: Are you balancing networking with building your business? Are you thinking long-term? Take one step today to level up.

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Helping CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

🔗 Connect with Logan & Best Dam Tape:

🌐 Website: https://bestdamtape.com

📧 Email: logan@bestdamtape.com

#NYAELPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #StartupJourney #NotYourAverageCEO #Leadership #SportsBusiness #Innovation #BestDamTape #HockeyLife

“Scaling doesn’t have to mean stress. The right systems and mindset make growth smoother — not harder.”

In this episode, co-hosts Danielle Cuomo, MBA, and Nicole Gallicchio-Elz sit down with Laurie Barkman, who helps business owners escape the day-to-day grind and scale with more freedom, greater value, and less chaos. Laurie shares practical strategies and mindset shifts for leaders who want growth without losing control — and explains how to help even the most analytical CEOs embrace delegation and leadership development.

💡 What We Cover:

• How to recognize when it’s time to step back from daily operations
• The systems and leadership strategies that prevent chaos while scaling
• Mindset shifts every business owner needs to move from operator to visionary
• How to guide technical or analytical leaders into effective delegation

Top Takeaways for Leaders:

• Scaling is about clarity, not control
• Freedom comes from trust, systems, and team alignment
• Leadership growth often requires stepping back, not doubling down

Common Misunderstandings We See:

• Believing growth = more complexity and stress
• Thinking technical skills alone can carry a business to the next level
• Assuming delegation means losing control

Why This Matters:

If you want your business to grow without running you into the ground, you need more than hustle — you need the right systems, leadership habits, and mindset shifts. Laurie shows us how to scale smarter, not harder.

Closing Thoughts:

Chaos is optional. With the right systems and mindset, scaling can actually simplify your business and give you back control where it matters most.

📌 CTA:

Take a look at your current systems and leadership habits — are they designed for scale, or are they holding you back? Start small: identify one area you can delegate, automate, or systemize this week.

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Your time is valuable. Virtual Assist USA offers experienced, US-based Virtual Assistant services to help CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster—with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

📚 Grab your copy of Not Your Average CEO:

https://a.co/d/aPgacvt

🔗 Connect with Laurie: BTSherpa.com Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

#NYAELPodcast #ScaleSmart #DelegateToGrow #NotYourAverageCEO #LeadershipShift #CEOChecklist #WomenInBusiness #LeadSmarter

🎙️ Season 4 Episode 4 – The ‘I’ve Got It’ Syndrome — Are You Sabotaging Your Own Growth?

“‘I’ve got it’ might just be the phrase holding your business back.”
In this episode, co-hosts Danielle Cuomo, MBA, and Nicole Gallicchio-Elz unpack a quiet leadership trap that’s burning out CEOs and stalling company growth — The “I’ve Got It” Syndrome. It sounds like confidence, but it’s often a mask for control, fear, or lack of clarity. If you’ve ever refused help, avoided outside expertise, or convinced yourself “we’re good” without real metrics to back it up, this one’s for you.

💡 What We Cover:
What “I’ve Got It” Syndrome looks like in leadership
The hidden costs of holding on too tight
How missed opportunities and burnout creep in — for you and your team
Why bottlenecks erode trust and slow momentum
The mindset and system shifts that turn “I’ve got it” into “We’ve got this”

Leadership Self-Check:
Are you the only one with access to a critical process or knowledge?
Would your business function without you for two weeks?
When was the last time you asked for outside support?
Do you delegate fully — or just distribute tasks?

Common misunderstandings we’ve seen:
Believing holding on equals being a strong leader
Thinking burnout is just part of the job
Assuming you’re delegating when you’re actually micromanaging

Why this matters:
“I’ve got it” can quietly sabotage growth and morale
Letting go strategically creates space for innovation and scale
Your team’s proactivity depends on your trust and systems

🎙️ Co-Host Discussion:
What does “I’ve Got It” Syndrome sound like in real conversations?
How can leaders tell if they’re actually the bottleneck?
What’s the difference between delegating and distributing tasks?
How can metrics replace the false sense of control?
What’s one step leaders can take today to break this habit?

Closing Thoughts:
Letting go isn’t failure — it’s leadership evolution. The fastest way to scale is to stop being the catch-all for everything in your business.

📌 CTA:
Download the Leadership Self-Checklist linked in the show notes to find where you’re holding on too tight — and learn what to delegate or systemize to reclaim your genius zone.

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA
Your time is valuable. Virtual Assist USA offers experienced, US-based Virtual Assistant services to help CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster—with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:
👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio
👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

📚 Grab your copy of Not Your Average CEO:
https://a.co/d/aPgacvt

#NYAELPodcast #LeadershipCheckIn #CEOChecklist #DelegateToGrow #IveGotItSyndrome #NotYourAverageCEO #BurnoutAwareness #WomenInBusiness #LeadSmarter

🎙️ Season 4 Episode 2 – Beyond Burnout with Melissa Schmidiger

“You don’t need to be average to be excellent.” In this episode, co-hosts Nicole and Danielle sit down with Melissa Schmidiger—a powerhouse leader who’s spent 30+ years at the helm of global teams at McKinsey, Credit Suisse, and Singtel—before choosing to chart her own path as an executive coach.

Melissa’s story isn’t just about career shifts; it’s about refusing to wait for the “perfect timing” to align your success with your life.

What We Cover: Letting go of the myth of “perfect timing” How high-performing leaders can scale without burning out The first steps C-suite leaders should take when at a crossroads Mindset shifts for clarity, energy, and sustainable growth Reinventing yourself at any stage of your career Common misunderstandings we’ve seen: Believing burnout is a badge of honor for high achievers

Thinking reinvention requires starting over completely Assuming timing will “feel right” before making a big change Why this matters: Burnout erodes clarity, leadership, and long-term results Reinvention is possible—without losing the career you’ve built Clarity fuels both success and well-being

🎙️ Co-Host Discussion: What made Melissa walk away from senior global leadership roles?

Why do so many leaders delay change until they’ve hit a breaking point?

How can you tell if you’re headed toward burnout?

What’s the most powerful leadership advice Melissa has ever received?

What does being “Not Your Average CEO” mean to Melissa?

Closing Thoughts: Success on paper doesn’t always mean success in life. The real win is aligning your professional achievements with personal fulfillment.

📌 CTA: “If you’re waiting for the ‘right time’ to make a change, this conversation will challenge you to move forward now—before burnout forces your hand.”

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Your time is valuable. Virtual Assist USA offers experienced, US-based Virtual Assistant services to help CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster—with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

📚 Grab your copy of Not Your Average CEO: https://a.co/d/aPgacvt

Find out more about Michelle: https://calendly.com/melissa-schmidiger/clarity-call

#leadership #burnout #executivecoaching #businesspodcast #ceomindset #careerreinvention #entrepreneur #sustainablegrowth #notyouraverageceo

🎙️ Episode 2 – Mistakes People Are Making Listening to Influencers for Business Advice

“Just because they have a mic and a following doesn’t mean they know what they’re talking about.”

In this episode, co-hosts Nicole and Danielle break down how blindly following influencers could actually be hurting your business instead of helping it. From viral “hacks” to recycled branding blueprints, we’re calling out the red flags and giving you a smarter way to grow.

💡 What We Cover:

• The current influencer culture:Why everyone’s an “expert” these days
• How generic advice can be misleading—or even damaging

Big mistakes entrepreneurs are making:

• Swapping foundational strategy for trendy shortcuts
• Copy-pasting someone else’s content or offer model
• Investing based on hype rather than actual need

Red flags to avoid:

• “I made $100k in a week!” posts
• Buzzword-heavy advice with no real data
• No proof of client success or sustainable growth

What to do instead:

• Vet your sources—who are they really helping?
• Match advice to your actual stage of business
• Learn from people who’ve built solid businesses with real receipts

🎙️ Co-Host Discussion:

• What’s the worst business advice you’ve seen go viral?
• How can you tell if an influencer’s advice is relevant to you?
• Have we ever regretted following popular online advice? (Yes!)
• What filters do we use when deciding what advice to follow?
• Why is hype so much more tempting than strategy?

Closing Thoughts:

Influence doesn’t equal expertise.

It’s easy to get sucked into flashy success stories—but sustainable business growth comes from strategy, not shortcuts.

📌 CTA:Before you implement someone’s “proven strategy,” ask yourself—do they even know what stage you’re in?

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USACEOs know that time is your most valuable asset.

That’s why Virtual Assist USA offers flexible Virtual Assistant services to help streamline operations, increase efficiency, and free you up to focus on growth.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287📚

Grab your copy of Not Your Average CEO:https://a.co/d/aPgacvt

#businessgrowth #businesstips #businesspodcast #ceomindset #entrepreneur #sales #salestips #virtualassistant #delegation #onlinebusiness #foundationalstrategy

🎙️ Episode 1 – Stop Looking for a Virtual Assistant to Do These Things

“Not every task belongs on a virtual assistant’s plate—even if it's tempting to hand it off.”
In this debut episode, co-hosts Nicole and Danielle unpack the most common mistakes business owners make when delegating to a virtual assistant. Spoiler: if you’ve ever said “I just need someone to fix my business,” this one’s for you.

Setting the record straight:

• What a Virtual Assistant is—and what they’re not

• The difference between support and leadership roles

• Why your VA can’t be your fixer, executive, or business coach

Top tasks you should not delegate:

• Strategic planning and business model decisions

• Unsupervised hiring or firing

• Revenue-generating responsibilities without context or authority

• Team management or conflict resolution

• Developing your core offer, messaging, or sales funnel

Common misunderstandings we’ve seen:

• “I just need a VA to turn everything around.”

• The myth of the ‘super VA’ who can wear every hat

• Expecting results without providing leadership, systems, or training

Why this matters:

• Misalignment = wasted money, time, and high VA turnover

• VAs can be game-changers—when used properly

• Hiring the wrong role slows you down more than hiring no one at all

• What’s the most unrealistic task you’ve seen delegated to a VA?

• Why do business owners blur the lines between support and strategy?

• Have you ever delegated something that completely flopped?

• What should you do instead when you need strategic or executive help?

• What’s one key question to ask before hiring your next VA?

It’s all about alignment.
If you’ve been burned by VA support in the past, don’t write off delegation—just get clear on what should be on someone else’s plate.

📌 CTA:
“If you’ve been disappointed by a VA before, it might not have been their fault—get clear on your needs first.”

Your time is valuable. Virtual Assist USA offers experienced, US-based Virtual Assistant services to help CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster—with the right support in the right roles.

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio
👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

📚 Grab your copy of Not Your Average CEO:
https://a.co/d/aPgacvt

#virtualassistant #delegation #businessoperations #ceomindset #businesspodcast #businesstips #entrepreneur #teamgrowth #virtualassistantservices #smartdelegation

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA🔗