Trust Your Voice

Latest Episodes:

The Power Pivot: Leading When the Script Changes Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, host Sylvie Legere sits down with Ashley Davis, author of The Power Pivot: With Grit, Grace, and Growth, political strategist, and Partner at S-3 Group, for a conversation about how to lead when life, business, or circumstances stop following the plan.

Drawing from a career that has taken her from serving as Employee #1 at the White House Office of Homeland Security after 9/11 to advising major organizations in Washington, Ashley shares why a meaningful pivot isn't about reacting to change—it's about preparing for it with intention. Together, Sylvie and Ashley unpack her framework of Intentional Planning, Intentional Purpose, and Intentional Change, the "Pivot Penalty" that comes from waiting too long to act, and the power of making small, deliberate adjustments before a crisis forces your hand.

They also explore decision-making under pressure, why progress rarely follows a perfectly imagined script, and how Ashley applies the same principles to an unpredictable political and business landscape. The conversation even goes behind the scenes of lobbying and advocacy, using sports and technology as examples to demystify how organizations navigate policy, influence, and change.

Act after listening:

Identify the pivot you've been putting off. Ask yourself what waiting may be costing you and whether an inflection point is already signaling that it's time to move.
Use the three Intentionals. Look at your next decision through the lens of Intentional Planning, Intentional Purpose, and Intentional Change instead of reacting in the moment.
Start with a tiny pivot. You don't always need one dramatic move. Choose one small, intentional adjustment that can create momentum in the direction you want to go.
Share this episode. Send this conversation to someone navigating a career change, leadership challenge, business decision, or unexpected turn of events.

Guest Bio

Ashley Davis is a Partner at S-3 Group, political strategist, Fortune 500 lobbyist, and author of The Power Pivot: With Grit, Grace, and Growth. She co-founded West Front Strategies, which became part of S-3 Group in 2025, and previously served as Employee #1 at the White House Office of Homeland Security following 9/11, helping establish the new office during a period of national crisis.

Ashley holds an MBA from Georgetown University and has contributed political and policy commentary to Bloomberg, NBC, CNN, and FOX. Her leadership experience also includes board involvement with organizations including the Kennedy Center's National Symphony Orchestra and the USA Gymnastics Foundation.

Resources & Links

The Power Pivot: With Grit, Grace, and Growth by Ashley Davis
Learn more about Ashley Davis
Follow Ashley's insights on leadership, business, policy, and navigating change

Timeless Lessons in Leadership with Anita McBride Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, host Sylvie Legere sits down with Anita McBride, former Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush and one of the nation's leading experts on America's First Ladies, for a special live conversation from historic Wrigley Field in Chicago. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Anita reflects on the extraordinary women who helped shape the nation—not through elected office, but through courage, influence, and service.

Together, they explore the timeless leadership lessons found in Anita's book, Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women. From Martha Washington and Abigail Adams to Eleanor Roosevelt, Lady Bird Johnson, and Laura Bush, Anita reveals how these remarkable women navigated undefined roles, championed causes they believed in, and quietly transformed American history. The conversation also highlights the importance of civic engagement, preserving history, and using your voice to make a meaningful impact—regardless of your title or position.

Act after listening:

Discover the stories behind America's First Ladies. Learn how these women influenced history, public policy, diplomacy, education, and civic life in ways that continue to shape the nation today.
Lead where you are. Anita reminds us that leadership isn't defined by a title—it begins with authenticity, purpose, and a willingness to serve your community.
Explore "In Pursuit." Follow the America250 civic education initiative featuring leadership essays from presidents, first ladies, historians, and civic leaders designed to inspire the next generation.
Share this episode. If you know someone passionate about history, leadership, or civic engagement, send them this conversation and continue the discussion.

Guest Bio

Anita McBride is an internationally recognized expert on the legacies of America's First Ladies, presidential history, and White House operations. She served for more than two decades in senior White House roles under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, including as Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush. Anita is Executive-in-Residence at American University, where she leads the First Ladies Initiative, and serves on the Government Affairs Committee of the America250 Commission. She is the co-author of Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women, U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies, and the children's book First Ladies Make History.

Resources & Links

Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women
Anita McBride's biography at American University
In Pursuit — A national civic education initiative created in celebration of America's 250th anniversary
Learn more about the First Ladies Initiative at American University

Healthy, Athletic, Never Smoked — And Still Got Lung Cancer May 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, host Sylvie Legere sits down with Shira Kupperman Boehler and Dr. Kim Sandler to discuss the vital topic of early lung cancer detection. Having been diagnosed after a precautionary scan, non-smoker Shira shares her harrowing journey and advocates for change in diagnostic guidelines. Broadcasting from Wrigley Field emphasizes the importance of transforming how lung cancer is diagnosed, and how it is perceived by the medical community and public.

Their conversation dives into the shortcomings of current screening guidelines and the urgent need for change to save more lives, especially for those who don’t fall within the traditional risk categories. Through personal narratives and professional expertise, Dr. Sandler and Shira Kupperman Boehler share a holistic approach to detect lung cancer early by employing cutting-edge technologies and personalized medicine.

Act after listening:

1. Find out if you qualify for a free scan. If you're between 50–80 with a significant smoking history, you may be eligible for an annual low-dose CT scan — covered by Medicare and most private insurance. (Link in Resources below)

2. Ask your doctor even if you don't qualify. The current guidelines don't cover never-smokers — but that doesn't mean your risk is zero. At your next appointment, ask: "What is my personal lung cancer risk, and should I be screened?" Don't wait for symptoms.

3. Add your voice to change the guidelines. The screening criteria need to be expanded. Visit the Cancer Doesn't Care Foundation to learn how to advocate for policy change — and to share your own story if you have one.

4. Share this episode. The person who needs to hear this probably thinks they're fine. Send it to someone you love.

Guest Bios

Shira Kupperman Boehler is a finance professional and health advocate with degrees in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. A lifelong athlete and mother of four, she now channels her experience into raising awareness about early lung cancer detection and advancing conversations around prevention and policy. Shira and her family live in Tennessee, where she juggles life from her minivan with a coffee in one hand and a carpool schedule in the other.

Dr. Kim Lori Sandler - Kim is a Nashville native who completed her undergraduate education at Emory University and both medical school and residency at Vanderbilt University. She trained as a cardiothoracic radiologist and is currently a Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Kim is a clinician-scientist and serves as the Director of the Vanderbilt Lung Screening Program. She is a women’s health advocate who is working to leverage the success of screening for breast cancer to improve enrollment of women in lung screening. Her research also focuses on improving lung cancer risk prediction and early detection with the incorporation of machine learning and both imaging and blood-based biomarkers.

Resources & Links

Visit Shira Kupperman Boehler’s Website

Order Shira’s book ‘Cancer Doesn’t Care’ and learn more about Shira Boehler’s campaign to change the national lung screening guidelines

Take The American Lung Association's "Saved By The Scan" quiz

Take the Lung Cancer Basics & Screening Eligibility Quiz from LUNGevity

Recovery, Identity, and the Power of Community Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In Part Two of our series on addiction, host Sylvie Légère speaks with Scott Strode, founder of The Phoenix, a national sober active community that uses movement, activity, and peer connection to help people build strong, sustainable lives in recovery.

Scott shares his own powerful journey through addiction, the moment he first felt genuine belonging in a boxing gym, and how physical activity and community became the foundation for not just sobriety, but a bigger, more meaningful life.

This episode builds on Part One with leaders at the Haymarket Center by shifting the focus from understanding addiction to understanding recovery — the daily discipline, the healing power of belonging, and the belief that life without substances is richer, fuller, and more authentic.
💼 Scott Strode

Scott is the Founder and Executive Director of The Phoenix and Cofounder of NewForm, two groundbreaking initiatives fueling a movement that is fundamentally reshaping how society views addiction, recovery, and community well-being. With more than 28 years in recovery, Scott knows firsthand the power of connection to ignite change. He launched The Phoenix in 2006 to create free, sober active communities where people rise together through shared experiences — from climbing and CrossFit to music and meditation. In the 20 years since its founding, The Phoenix has empowered more than 1 million people and is on track to reach 10 million by 2030. Building on that momentum, in 2025, Scott and other key leaders from The Phoenix team co-founded NewForm, a revolutionary digital platform that connects hundreds of thousands of people to free recovery and mental health resources. Scott’s memoir, “RISE. RECOVER. THRIVE.,” chronicles his own journey and the spark behind this growing movement of hope.

Connect with Scott on

🔗 Links & Resources

NewForm App

Book: “Rise, Recover and Thrive” by Scott Strode

Documentary: “Sober”

Addiction, the Brain, and the People We Love Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

In this holiday-season conversation, Sylvie Légère sits down with Dr. Dan Lustig, President & CEO of Haymarket Center, and Heather Way Kitzes, Haymarket’s Vice President of Development & Strategic Expansion, to explore the realities of addiction: what it is, how it works, why it’s exploding in the U.S., and what families and communities can do. They discuss how addiction is intertwined with trauma, exploitation, mental health, and systemic barriers to care — and what evidence-based treatment looks like. The episode also addresses the stigma around rehab centers and offers grounded guidance for families who feel powerless watching loved ones struggle.

This is Part One of a two-part series on addiction. Part Two will spotlight recovery with The Phenix founder Scott Strode.

Key Topics Covered● What addiction actually is: clarification of terms● Why some people become addicted and others don’t● Substance use disorder as a mental health condition● The role of trauma, trafficking & exploitation in addiction● Why addiction has surged: potency, access, stress & isolation● How to evaluate quality rehab centers (and red flags to avoid)● What rehab centers bring to communities● What families can realistically do to support a loved one● The importance of open, honest conversations to reduce stigma● A preview of Part Two on recoveryKey Statistics (SAMHSA)● Nearly 50 million Americans have a past-year substance use disorder● Fewer than 1 in 5 receive treatment(Source: SAMHSA – the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, whichconducts the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health)

Resources Mentioned

About Our Guests

Dr. Dan Lustig, Psy.D., CAADC, CODPIIPresident & CEO, Haymarket Center

A clinician, researcher, and behavioral health executive with over 20 years at Haymarket. Leads trauma-informed, evidence-based care and major federal initiatives (SAMHSA, CDC, ACF). Member of Illinois SUPR Advisory Council. Expert in co-occurring mental health & substance use disorders.

Heather Way KitzesVice President of Development & Strategic Expansion, Haymarket Center

A civic and nonprofit leader with nearly two decades building strong Chicago communities. Formerly with the Chicago Cubs and Lakeview Chamber of Commerce. Deep expertise in public-private partnerships, economic development, and community advocacy.

Healing with Intelligence - Exploring AI and Pain Relief with Dr. John Prunskis Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

Sylvie Legere sits down with Dr. John Prunskis to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and pain management. This episode unpacks the role of AI in identifying and treating chronic pain, particularly through innovative therapies like spinal cord stimulation.

Dr. Prunskis shares his expertise on how AI is not only enhancing patient care but also transforming how healthcare is delivered, with a specific focus on reducing dependency on opioids.

Dr. Prunskis discusses the mechanism of spinal cord stimulation, a procedure leveraging AI to dynamically interact with a patient's activity, offering personalized, non-invasive pain relief. By implementing AI, patients experience improved quality of life without the irreversible changes caused by traditional surgeries.

The conversation also touches on potential hurdles, regulatory frameworks, and the exciting future of AI in healthcare, setting the stage for broader discussions at The Policy Circle Summit on AI's role across sectors.

Dr. John Prunskis

Dr. John V. Prunskis, MD, FIPP, is a double-board-certified interventional pain physician internationally recognized for his leadership in pain management, regenerative medicine, and healthcare innovation. He is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Illinois Pain & Spine Institute, established in 1992, and currently serves as Director and Chair of the Medical Executive Committee at DxTx Pain and Spine, which he co-founded in 2020. Under his leadership, DxTx has expanded to more than 60 clinics across 10 states and delivered over one million patient visits. A 25-year Castle Connolly “Top Doctor” honoree as voted by his peers, Dr. Prunskis has dedicated his career to advancing evidence-based, minimally invasive treatments for chronic pain. Beyond clinical practice, he has played a pivotal role in shaping national policy, serving as a Presidential White House appointee to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pain Management Best Practices Task Force and co-authoring its landmark 2019 Final Report. He also served three consecutive four-year terms in the Lithuanian Parliament/World Lithuanian Community Commission representing 900,000 Lithuanian Americans. For his philanthropic and professional contributions, he was bestowed the Knight of the Order of Merit by the President of Lithuania. He is Vice Chair of the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division, serves on the Advisory Board of Hippocratic AI, and is the founder of The Regenerative Stem Cell Institute. With over four decades of expertise, Dr. Prunskis bridges clinical excellence, innovation, and thoughtful public policy to expand access to ethical, effective, and technology-driven healthcare.

Check out the Illinois Pain and Spine Institute's website.

Healing Conversations with Bea – AI & Eating Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of "Trust Your Voice," hosts Sylvie Legere and Melinda Oakes take a deep look at the connections between food, body image, and mental health, and how technology might help create positive change. They’re joined by Dr. Sera Lavalle, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Bea, an AI chatbot that offers timely support for people struggling with food-related challenges.

Throughout the conversation, it becomes clear that while social media and cultural pressures often make body image issues worse, technology can also be used to build stronger support systems. The discussion touches on how disordered eating affects more than 60% of people and explores how innovations like AI chatbots can fill important gaps in traditional mental health care.

Dr. Lavalle explains how Bia fits into a wider digital ecosystem, guided by strong ethical principles and a focus on prevention. As mindful eating gains more attention, this episode gives listeners practical ways to use technology responsibly to build healthier habits and greater self-awareness—key elements in the broader conversation around mental health and wellness.

💡 About Dr. Sera Lavalle

Dr. Sera Lavelle stumbled into hypnosis in 2007 “for fun” after a meditative detour in Southeast Asia post-volunteering in Cambodia. Hooked on the mind’s mysteries, she snagged a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University, blending science with a touch of zen.

Founder of NY Health Hypnosis and Soho Integrative EMDR, trained Bea, an AI-powered app designed to help you foster a healthier relationship with food. Using proven psychological techniques, Bea offers step-by-step guidance to shift your mindset around eating. Unlike other apps that promote restrictive diets, Bea delivers supportive, science-backed advice to encourage mindful, positive eating habits that lead to lasting change.

🔍 Resources and Links

Bea Better Eating: Learn more about the AI tool discussed in the episode

Blockchain, Votes, and Trust: A Conversation with Stacy Scott Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of "Trust Your Voice," host Sylvie Legere engages with Stacy Scott, a key figure in pioneering blockchain solutions for election integrity and dives into how blockchain technology, specifically via the bitcoin infrastructure, can revitalize trust in America's election systems. Stacy shares her journey from education to becoming a crucial member of the election board in Scriven County, Georgia, and her innovative approach to integrating bitcoin blockchain to authenticate and secure election data. Her collaboration with Simple Proof exemplifies the transformative potential of blockchain to ensure election transparency and accountability.

As blockchain continues to be a buzzword, this episode dives deep into its application in securing electoral processes. Key topics include the challenges of traditional election systems, vulnerabilities in vote certification, and how the bitcoin blockchain provides a verifiable and tamper-proof record of election outcomes. Stacy reveals how her local bitcoin meetup led to a partnership with Simple Proof, demonstrating that technology adoption

GUEST BIO

Stacy is a former educator who became Election Supervisor and Chief Registrar in a rural Georgia county in December 2023. In November 2024, with the help of Simple Proof, she led her county to become the first county in the United States to use the Bitcoin Block Chain to secure her county’s election results.

Beyond elections, Stacy is an avid history enthusiast who participates in Revolutionary War Education. She is also a Bitcoiner who is on the leadership team of her local Bitcoin Meetup group. She is passionate about Election integrity and works to educate voters in her area about elections and their rights.

RESOURCES

Simple Proof: A startup specializing in the application of the bitcoin blockchain for election certification and document verification.

Rethinking Work with AI Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of "Trust Your Voice", host Sylvie Legere explores the transformative power of AI and smart technology with guests Patrick Bryant and Charlotte Creech. They unpack how emerging technologies are shaping the future of work and redefining growth for businesses and communities.

Charlotte opens the conversation by sharing her personal journey and underscoring why cultivating an innovative mindset is essential for leaders today. Patrick then dives into his work with Workforce Wave, where digital voice agents are transforming customer engagement.

Tune in and discover practical insights and innovative strategies at the juncture of human potential and artificial intelligence.

Patrick Bryant

Patrick Bryant is a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator with a robust history in technology and business development. As a partner at Code and Trust, a software development firm, and the CEO of Workforce Wave, Patrick is at the forefront of integrating AI into business operations, with a focus on deploying digital voice agents. His journey, which started with Macintosh desktop publishing, spans numerous successful startups, making him a thought leader in digital transformation.

Charlotte Creech

With a strategic mind for fostering innovation, Charlotte Creech has carved a niche in helping organizations harness technological advancements. Currently serving at Hire Heroes USA, Charlotte has previously worked across various sectors, focusing on driving meaningful change through technology. Her experience with startups and large corporations equips her with a unique perspective on nurturing innovation as a mindset critical for leadership.

Resources and Links

Handling a Crisis May 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Trust Your Voice, host Sylvie Légère engages in a conversation with crisis communication expert Lissa Druss. As the CEO of Strategia Consulting and a highly decorated television journalist, Lissa shares her expertise in steering through crises, a valuable skill for leaders in politics, business, and community organizations. They explore the art of crisis management and provide essential insights into identifying, addressing, and mitigating challenges that could impact one's reputation.

Lissa Druss offers an in-depth exploration of the dynamics of crisis management, beginning with the fundamental question of what constitutes a crisis and how to recognize one. She emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between rumors and genuine issues by relying on gut feelings and informed decision-making. Furthermore, Lissa provides a roadmap for preparing for a crisis, stressing the need to maintain a positive public image through consistent communication and building a network of support. Her advice extends to strategies for responding effectively to media inquiries and managing the narrative to prevent others from defining one's story.

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about practical wisdom on handling crises with confidence and poise.

Links and Resources:

Strategia Consulting - Lissa Druss's firm specializing in crisis communication.

The Policy Circle - Organization co-founded by Sylvie Légère focused on engaging women in public policy dialogues.

About Lissa Druss:

For more than 35 years, Lissa has established a powerful reputation– across the country – as a highly seasoned public affairs strategist, crisis management leader, nine-time Emmy award-winning television journalist, media consultant, guest lecturer, and tireless client advisor. In addition to leading the Strategia team, she counsels clients on issues at the intersection of government affairs and lobbying, crisis communications, municipal relations, media relations/training, corporate communications, internal/external communications strategy, and social media. Lissa is also the national government relations director for Riot Hospitality Group, a national hospitality management company based in Scottsdale, AZ.

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