On this episode of the Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren welcomes Shelby Sledge, co-founder of Strategic Mixtape, to discuss the power of authentic communication inside organizations and with customers. Shelby breaks down how her team helps companies tailor their messaging, like making a custom mixtape, so that it fits their unique needs and values. She explains why it's vital for organizations to align their internal messaging with how they communicate with customers, and shares why being genuine, transparent, and consistent builds trust.

Shelby also dives into customer journey mapping, the importance of ongoing conversations with both employees and customers and the need for leaders to keep learning, especially as technology and social media keep changing how we share information. The conversation explores handling feedback, crafting brief and effective messages, and why storytelling remains one of the most effective ways to connect with people. Shelby wraps up with advice for future leaders: stay curious, work hard, and focus on serving others.

3 Episode Key Takeaways


1. The Power of Authentic Internal and External Communication

Shelby emphasizes that organizations thrive when their internal health supports their external messaging. Being true to core company values and ensuring consistency between what happens "inside the house" and what's shared with the outside world builds genuine trust with both employees and customers.

2. Customer Journey Mapping Starts with Listening

A critical step in effective communication and marketing is truly understanding your audiences—not just through assumptions, but by engaging in ongoing conversations, seeking feedback, and identifying real pain points. This kind of curiosity and dialogue helps companies align messaging with what their audiences actually need.

3. Balancing Technology and Humanity in Communication

As digital tools and AI rapidly evolve, Shelby points out the importance of maintaining the human aspect in storytelling and communication. While AI can enhance efficiency, organizations should use these tools to support, not replace, authentic human connection and empathy in their messaging.

These takeaways offer actionable insights for leaders who want to cultivate stronger, more aligned communication strategies that resonate both inside and outside their organizations.

Show Overview


00:00 Shelby Sledge - Marketing Expert with A Stellar Track Record

03:46 Integrated Internal & External Communications

08:25 Understanding Audience Needs

10:12 Continuous Customer Engagement Essential

15:40 Defining Values Through Intentional Planning

16:57 Integrity: Living Core Company Values

22:01 AI's Pervasive Influence & Human Communication

25:09 Effective Six-Second Storytelling Ads

29:28 Strategic Content Targeting

32:56 Audience-Centric Service Focus

37:07 Empathy's Role in AI Communication

38:06 AI's Uncanny Valley vs. Human Touch

41:18 Lessons from Intro to Journalism

In this special 50th episode of the Nuts and Bolts of Leadership podcast, hosts Billy Duren talk with Alex Moss, co-founding principal at Praxis, to explore real-world leadership and governance for employee-owned companies. Alex shares his expertise on what truly makes a workplace thrive: creating ownership opportunities, building a healthy workplace culture, and helping both leaders and employees "lean in" and engage fully. Together, they bust old myths about leadership - it's not just about telling people what to do, but about coaching, listening, and building trust. Alex also explains the role of board governance: instead of getting in the weeds, boards need to guide, oversee, and help leaders stay focused on the company's long-term vision. They discuss the growing influence of AI in business, emphasizing the need for thoughtful and trustworthy leadership as technology continues to evolve. Finally, Alex's advice for young leaders: "Get really good at what you love, keep getting better, but always look up and help shape where your company is heading." This episode is packed with practical insights, inspiring stories, and encouragement for leaders at every stage.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. Modern Leadership Is About Empowering, Not Bossing


Alex Moss emphasizes that effective leadership has shifted from a top-down, command-and-control model to one focused on coaching, supporting, and empowering employees. Leaders today should set a clear direction and vision but then get out of the way to let people do their best work, rather than micromanaging or simply telling people what to do.

2. Governance Means Oversight, Not Micromanagement

The discussion highlights the role of governance—especially for boards—as providing oversight, strategic direction, and support, without crossing the line into operational interference. The "nose in, fingers out" concept is repeated: boards should ask hard questions, monitor progress, and make sure the right leaders are in place, but not dictate specific actions to management.

3. Alignment and Clarity of Purpose Are Essential

Both leadership and governance are most effective when there is alignment around the organization's core purpose. Diversity of thought and experience is critical for creativity and problem-solving, but everyone must be united around the organization's mission and long-term goals. Having "diversity of purpose," in contrast, creates confusion and pulls the organization apart.

Show Overview

00:00 Alex Moss: Employee Ownership Expert
05:29 New ESOP's Wealth-Building Focus
09:09 Redefining Employee Ownership Benefits
10:33 Leadership Through Coaching and Vision
14:58 Economic Decline and Workplace Loyalty
19:35 Balanced Governance Approach
22:45 Board Oversight Amid Market Challenges
23:44 Leadership and Strategic Alignment
30:08 Board Support and CEO Competence
31:16 Board Responsibilities: Balance and Engagement
36:34 Complementary Board Dynamics
38:15 Effective Board Composition Balancing Act
43:15 AI: Future Insights from Language Patterns
45:54 AI and Trust in News Bias
48:15 Unified Leadership Vision and Diversity
51:38 Sustainable Leadership and Ownership Strategy
54:02 Mastery and Leadership Balance
57:49 Impactful Podcast Session Appreciation

In this special milestone episode of Nuts & Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren turns the spotlight on longtime co-host and producer Hali Gibson as she steps into a new leadership role beyond Threaded Fasteners. Hali reflects on her journey from intern to marketing leader, sharing the key lessons and "nuggets" she's gathered from nearly 50 episodes - like the importance of curiosity, embracing imperfection, and the value in surrounding yourself with subject matter experts. Hali opens up about her move to Milwaukee and her excitement (and nerves) about leading a new marketing team at RF Technologies. The conversation explores leadership language, navigating transitions, and empowering emerging leaders to take the initiative and "raise their hand" for new opportunities. This heartfelt farewell is packed with wisdom for anyone navigating change or growing as a leader. Don't miss Hali's insights and the team's commitment to carrying the podcast - and its legacy - forward!

3 Key Listener Takeaways

The Value of Curiosity and Teamwork in Building Something New

Both Billy and Hali reflect on how their podcast's growth hinged on staying curious, asking lots of questions, and bringing knowledgeable people into the fold—like their podcast engineer, Johnny. They emphasize that embracing imperfections and learning together as a team led to a more successful and enjoyable podcasting journey.

Language and Culture Matter in Leadership

Hali discusses how certain language and cultural habits they developed at Threaded Fasteners—like "constructively discontent," "practicing the pause," "bootstrapping," and using "we" language—became integral to their work. She anticipates carrying these language nuggets with her to her new role, illustrating how shared language shapes team culture and personal leadership style.

Growth Through Stretch Opportunities and Safe Environments

A major theme is Hali's career journey: she moved from intern to leadership, largely by raising her hand for new challenges (like creating a marketing department and launching the podcast). Billy and Hali both stress the importance for emerging leaders to seek out new opportunities—even if unprepared—and for established leaders to create safe environments where it's okay to fail, learn, and grow. This supportive culture was portrayed as essential for both individual and organizational development.

Show Overview

00:00 Podcasting: Learning, Growth, and Fun
03:34 Podcast's Impactful Guest Stories
08:31 Milwaukee Move Sparks New Opportunity
11:30 Explaining Bootstrapping in Marketing
13:35 Leadership Journey and Language Insights
18:21 Marketing Role Development Journey
21:11 Empowering Emerging Leaders
25:25 Encouraging Growth Through Leadership Challenges
27:35 Farewell Tribute to Hali