The Climb: Leadership Development and Confident Leader Podcast

The Titanium Rule: Conflict Resolution and Communication Strategy | Julie Holunga

Ranked in the Global Top 1.5%, The CLIMB: Leadership Development and Confident Leader Podcast is the definitive strategy for mastering Executive Presence and driving growth in the Staffing Industry. Hosted by Rahul Karan Sharma, this leadership blueprint empowers aspiring leaders in Washington, D.C., Reston, and the DC Metro area, while serving a global community of high achievers.Why is conflict avoidance the silent killer of organizational growth? 🛑 In this episode of The CLIMB, Rahul Karan Sharma hosts leadership expert Julie Holunga to discuss the evolution of the "Career Lattice" and the power of the Titanium Rule.We explore why Attention to Detail is a non-negotiable trust-builder and how Staffing and Tech executives in Northern Virginia can navigate high-stakes conflict constructively. If you are an accidental manager or an executive looking to build a high-performance culture through Strategic Communication, this episode provides the blueprint for your next level of influence.🚀 STRATEGIC CHAPTERS FOR THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LEADER:00:00 – Beyond the Ladder: Navigating the Career Lattice05:48 – Startup Leadership: Lessons from the Frontlines08:52 – The Titanium Rule: Communicating for Maximum Impact12:11 – Conflict Resolution: Why Avoidance is the Real Problem17:20 – Trust Building: The Power of Attention to Detail21:16 – Frameworks for Scaling: Managing Different Leadership Stages25:36 – Cultural IQ: How Global Experiences Shape Local LeadershipTHE CLIMB FRAMEWORK™ INSIGHT: This conversation highlights the "L" (Leverage Strengths) and "M" (Magnify Impact) pillars. Rahul and Julie discuss how shifting your communication style to meet others' needs (The Titanium Rule) is the ultimate leverage for Executive Presence.🔍 ABOUT THE GUEST: JULIE HOLUNGAJulie Holunga is a renowned leadership trainer and executive coach who specializes in helping high-potential professionals navigate career transitions and lead with impact. With a background spanning startups and academia, Julie focuses on the "human side" of business—mastering communication, conflict, and trust to drive organizational results. Connect with Julie Holunga 🌐 Official Website: https://www.julieholunga.com/ABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA 🏆 GLOBAL TOP 1.5% PODCAST | FORBES COACHES COUNCIL MEMBER | KEYNOTE SPEAKER THE AUTHORITY IN HIGH-VELOCITY LEADERSHIP Rahul Karan Sharma is a Global Leadership Development Expert and the premier Staffing Industry Specialist for the Washington D.C. Metro area. He solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis by transforming technical experts into Executive-ready leaders. COMMUNITY & INDUSTRY AUTHORITY A proud member of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, Rahul is deeply embedded in the Northern Virginia business ecosystem. As a Forbes Coaches Council member, he bridges the gap between local business needs and global leadership standards. THE CLIMB FRAMEWORK™ & LEADERSHIP AUDIT Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, Rahul helps firms in Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Ashburn build resilient Leadership Pipelines. He specializes in solving high turnover and performance gaps through Organizational Strategy and Executive Presence coaching. WORK WITH RAHUL: Whether you are looking for a Leadership Keynote Speaker for your next summit or a Fractional Leadership Consultant for a 6-month retainer, Rahul delivers "Strategic Acceleration." 🚀 FREE RESOURCE: Take the CLIMB Leadership Audit to identify your organization's growth gaps: https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/ 🏢 STAFFING INDUSTRY EXPERT: Solving turnover and talent gaps with Fractional Leadership strategies. 📖 FREE DOWNLOAD: Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented" – The definitive guide to overcoming stagnation and leading with high-velocity results: https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart 🔗 BOOK RAHUL: www.rahulkaransharma.com#TheClimbPodcast

How to Build Executive Presence and Influence Without a Title | Leadership Strategy

Ranked in the Global Top 1.5%, The CLIMB: Leadership Development and Confident Leader Podcast is the definitive strategy for mastering Executive Presence and driving growth in the Staffing Industry.Hosted by Rahul Karan Sharma, this leadership blueprint empowers aspiring leaders in Washington, D.C., Reston, and the DC Metro area, while serving a global community of high achievers.How do you develop Executive Presence when you don’t have the job title yet? For aspiring leaders in the DC Metro area and staffing industry professionals, the "invisible" ceiling is real.In this episode of The CLIMB: Confident Leader Podcast, Rahul Karan Sharma (Forbes Coaches Council) and Desiree Galicher (COO of Mentaa) reveal the exact Leadership Mindset shifts needed to command a room, master Self-Regulation, and lead through career transitions or layoffs. Whether you are an accidental manager or a high-potential exec, this is your blueprint for Human-Centered Leadership.🚀 KEY MOMENTS FOR LEADERS:00:00 – The Secret to Leadership Transformation06:08 – Turning a Layoff into a Career Breakthrough09:39 – Pro-Techniques for Projecting Executive Presence12:13 – Influence Without Authority: Leading without a Title17:59 – How Leadership Coaching Scales Tech Startups THE CLIMB FRAMEWORK™ INSIGHT: This episode dives deep into the "C" (Cultivate Mindset) and "I" (Integrate Purpose) pillars of Rahul Karan Sharma’s CLIMB Framework™. To move from an invisible contributor to an influential leader, you must first master internal self-regulation before you can manage external team dynamics.ABOUT GUEST - DESIREE GALICHER🎙️ Meet Désirée Galicher – COO of Mentaa, Career Strategist, Startup Advisor & Mentor. With over 20 years of experience guiding careers and building high-impact teams, Désirée Galicher is a powerhouse when it comes to leadership, growth, and purposeful work. As COO of Mentaa, a coaching platform redefining human connection in the digital age, she blends operational excellence with deep empathy to create spaces where both people and businesses thrive. In this episode, she shares her unfiltered take on leadership in modern work, how to build influence without burnout, and why coaching is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Connect with Desiree: http://www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-galicherABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA 🏆 GLOBAL TOP 1.5% PODCAST | FORBES COACHES COUNCIL MEMBER | KEYNOTE SPEAKER THE AUTHORITY IN HIGH-VELOCITY LEADERSHIP Rahul Karan Sharma is a Global Leadership Development Expert and the premier StaffingIndustry Specialist for the Washington D.C. Metro area. He solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis by transforming technical experts into Executive-ready leaders. COMMUNITY & INDUSTRY AUTHORITY A proud member of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce,Rahul is deeply embedded in the Northern Virginia business ecosystem. As a Forbes Coaches Council member, he bridges the gap between local business needs and global leadership standards. THE CLIMB FRAMEWORK™ & LEADERSHIP AUDIT Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, Rahul helps firms in Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Ashburn build resilient Leadership Pipelines. He specializes in solving high turnover and performance gaps through Organizational Strategy and Executive Presence coaching. WORK WITH RAHUL: Whether you are looking for a Leadership Keynote Speaker for your next summit or a Fractional LeadershipConsultant for a 6-month retainer, Rahul delivers "Strategic Acceleration." 🚀 FREE RESOURCE: Take the CLIMB Leadership Audit to identify your organization's growth gaps: https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/📖 FREE DOWNLOAD: Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented" – The definitive guide to overcoming stagnation and leading with high-velocity results:https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart 🔗 BOOK RAHUL: www.rahulkaransharma.com

Gen Z Leadership & Supply Chain Strategy: Becoming Unstoppable | Lavanya Khanna

Ranked in the Global Top 1.5%, The CLIMB: Leadership Development and Confident Leader Podcast is the definitive strategy for mastering Executive Presence and driving growth in the Staffing Industry.Hosted by Rahul Karan Sharma, this leadership blueprint empowers aspiring leaders in Washington, D.C., Reston, and the DC Metro area, while serving a global community of high achievers.How is the next generation of Supply Chain leaders redefining Executive Presence? 🚀 In this New Year Special of The CLIMB: Confident Leader Podcast, Rahul Karan Sharma (Forbes Coaches Council) goes deep with Lavanya Khanna, a high-performance strategist at Rutgers Business School and President of RUSCA.Whether you are a hiring manager in the DC Metro area looking for top talent or an aspiring leader navigating the competitive internship market at firms like Unilever, this episode is your blueprint. We break down the shift from perfectionism to consistency, the power of internal validation, and how to lead with influence without authority in the digital age.🔑 KEY MOMENTS FOR NEXT-GEN LEADERS:00:00 – The New Year Blueprint: Becoming Unstoppable10:32 – How Early Experiences Shape Future Changemakers14:28 – Leadership Mindset: Shifting from Fear to Focus17:55 – Taking Initiative: How to Land Fortune 500 Internships22:04 – Supply Chain Insights: Lessons from Unilever & Logistics28:41 – The Networking Strategy for 2026 Career Growth32:39 – Future Goals: Building a Leadership Pipeline in Tech & Data36:43 – Rapid Fire: Habits of High-Achieving Student LeadersTHE CLIMB FRAMEWORK™ INSIGHT: This episode highlights the "L" (Leverage Strengths) and "M" (Magnify Impact) pillars of Rahul’s framework. Lavanya’s journey proves that leadership is a responsibility, not a title—a core principle for any Accidental Manager looking to transition into a Confident Leader.About Guest: Lavanya KhannaLavanya Khanna is a high-impact leader at Rutgers Business School, specializing in Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics (BAIT). With a proven track record at global giants like Unilever, she is a specialist in data-driven process improvement and digital procurement. As President of the Rutgers Undergraduate Supply Chain Association, Lavanya is a leading voice for Next-Gen Talent and female leadership in the STEM and Supply Chain sectors. Connect with Lavanya: -https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavanya-khanna/ABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA🏆 GLOBAL TOP 1.5% PODCAST | FORBES COACHES COUNCIL MEMBER | KEYNOTE SPEAKERTHE AUTHORITY IN HIGH-VELOCITY LEADERSHIP Rahul Karan Sharma is a Global Leadership Development Expert and the premier Staffing Industry Specialist for the Washington D.C. Metro area. He solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis by transforming technical experts into Executive-ready leaders.THE CLIMB FRAMEWORK™ & LEADERSHIP AUDIT Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, Rahul helps firms in Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Ashburn build resilient Leadership Pipelines. He specializes in solving high turnover and performance gaps through Organizational Strategy and Executive Presence coaching.WORK WITH RAHUL: Whether you are looking for a Leadership Keynote Speaker for your next summit or a Fractional Leadership Consultant for a 6-month retainer, Rahul delivers "Strategic Acceleration."🚀 FREE RESOURCE: Take the CLIMB Leadership Audit to identify your organization's growth gaps: https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/🏢 STAFFING INDUSTRY EXPERT: Solving turnover and talent gaps with Fractional Leadership strategies.📖 FREE DOWNLOAD: Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented" – The definitive guide to overcoming stagnation and leading with high-velocity results:https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart🏛️ DC METRO’S PREMIER KEYNOTE EXPERT: Trusted advisor for Fortune 500s across Northern Virginia and D.C.🔗 BOOK RAHUL: www.rahulkaransharma.com

Mastering Executive Mental Clarity: The Order to Life Roadmap | Richard Waldman

Ranked in the Global Top 1.5%, The CLIMB: Leadership Development and Confident Leader Podcast is the definitive strategy for mastering Executive Presence and driving growth in the Staffing Industry.Hosted by Rahul Karan Sharma, this leadership blueprint empowers aspiring leaders in Washington, D.C., Reston, and the DC Metro area, while serving a global community of high achievers.How do top-tier leaders maintain Mental Clarity in a world of high-stress and constant distraction? 🧠 In this special episode of The CLIMB: Confident Leader Podcast, Rahul Karan Sharma (Forbes Coaches Council) hosts Clinical Pastor and Author Richard Waldman to dissect the Order to Life framework—a clinical system for mastering Emotional Intelligence and managing negative thought patterns.For aspiring leaders in the Staffing Industry and executives across Northern Virginia and DC, the greatest battle is often internal. We explore how Self-Awareness and conscious decision-making can eliminate the "judgment barrier," allowing you to lead with unshakeable Executive Presence.🚀 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR RESILIENT LEADERS:00:00 – The Blueprint for Executive Mental Clarity02:04 – From Science to Clinical Pastoring: Richard’s Leadership Journey07:07 – The Order to Life Framework: Managing Your Internal State13:02 – Cognitive Reframing: Overcoming Negative Thoughts & Burnout18:48 – Building Support Systems for High-Performance Change22:53 – Strategy Session: How to Lead Yourself Before You Lead OthersTHE CLIMB FRAMEWORK™ INSIGHT: This episode is a masterclass in the "C" (Cultivate Mindset) pillar of the CLIMB Framework™. Rahul and Richard discuss why internal self-regulation is the foundation of Organizational Development. Without a clear mind, you cannot Magnify Impact (M).🔍 ABOUT THE GUEST: RICHARD WALDMANRichard D. Waldman is a Clinical Pastor, Author, and Veteran Speaker specializing in Mental Health Strategies for high-performers. He is the creator of The Order to Life, a self-healing system designed to help individuals reclaim control of their minds from negative thought cycles. With decades of experience in clinical transformation, Richard is a sought-after expert for those seeking peace, purpose, and professional focus. 🌐 Visit Richard: www.brainyites.com 👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachmerich/ABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA 🏆 GLOBAL TOP 1.5% PODCAST | FORBES COACHES COUNCIL MEMBER | KEYNOTE SPEAKER THE AUTHORITY IN HIGH-VELOCITY LEADERSHIP Rahul Karan Sharma is a Global Leadership Development Expert and the premier StaffingIndustry Specialist for the Washington D.C. Metro area. He solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis by transforming technical experts into Executive-ready leaders. THE CLIMB FRAMEWORK™ & LEADERSHIP AUDIT Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, Rahul helps firms in Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Ashburn build resilient Leadership Pipelines. He specializes in solving high turnover and performance gaps through Organizational Strategy and Executive Presence coaching. WORK WITH RAHUL: Whether you are looking for a Leadership Keynote Speaker for your next summit or a Fractional Leadership Consultant for a 6-month retainer, Rahul delivers "Strategic Acceleration." 🚀 FREE RESOURCE: Take the CLIMB Leadership Audit to identify your organization's growth gaps: https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/🏢 STAFFING INDUSTRY EXPERT: Solving turnover and talent gaps with Fractional Leadership strategies. 📖 FREE DOWNLOAD: Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented" – The definitive guide to overcoming stagnation and leading with high-velocity results: https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart 🏛️ DC METRO’S PREMIER KEYNOTE EXPERT: Trusted advisor for Fortune 500s across Northern Virginiaand D.C. 🔗 BOOK RAHUL: www.rahulkaransharma.com#confidentleader #confidentleadershipexpert #leadershipexpert #rahulkaransharma #theclimbpodcast #staffingindustryspecialist

The Promotion Readiness Roadmap: From Corporate Stagnation to Stand-Out Influence | Rosie Zilinskas

Why do high-performing women often get passed over for the C-Suite? 🛑 In this episode of The CLIMB: Confident Leader Podcast, Rahul Karan Sharma (Forbes Coaches Council) interviews Fortune 500 executive turned High-Performance Career Coach, Rosie Zilinskas.We tackle the "Silence Saboteur" and break down the exact Promotion Readiness Roadmap needed to bridge the gap between hard work and high-level recognition. Whether you are an accidental manager or an executive in the Staffing and Tech sectors across Northern Virginia and DC, this episode reveals why Self-Advocacy is the highest-ROI skill in your career toolkit.🚀 STRATEGIC CHAPTERS FOR CAREER GROWTH:00:00 – Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Rosie’s Executive Journey05:34 – The Leadership Mindset Shift: From Victim to Visionary08:26 – Why Corporate Women Stagnate (And How to Stop It)11:27 – The Promotion Readiness Roadmap: Step-by-Step Strategy14:43 – The Financial Cost of Staying Quiet: Self-Advocacy 10117:36 – Building Executive Presence Without "Faking It"23:55 – Mission: No Woman Left Behind – Closing the Gender Gap26:54 – Rapid Fire: Daily Habits of High-Performance LeadersTHE CLIMB FRAMEWORK™ INSIGHT: This episode centers on Leveraging Strengths (L) and Magnifying Impact (M). Rosie and Rahul discuss why intentional career management is the only way to move from an invisible contributor to an Executive-ready leader.🔍 ABOUT THE GUEST: ROSIE ZILINSKASRosie Zilinskas is a Certified High-Performance Career Coach and a former Fortune 500 Corporate Executive with 30+ years of experience. She is the founder of No Woman Left Behind, a mission-driven organization dedicated to closing the corporate gender gap. Rosie specializes in helping women master the art of the promotion and develop the Executive Presence required for board-level influence. 🌐 Learn More: https://nowomanleftbehind.com/ABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA 🏆 GLOBAL TOP 1.5% PODCAST | FORBES COACHES COUNCIL MEMBER | KEYNOTE SPEAKER THE AUTHORITY IN HIGH-VELOCITY LEADERSHIP Rahul Karan Sharma is a Global Leadership Development Expert and the premier Staffing Industry Specialist for the Washington D.C. Metro area. He solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis by transforming technical experts into Executive-ready leaders. COMMUNITY & INDUSTRY AUTHORITY A proud member of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, Rahul is deeply embedded in the Northern Virginia business ecosystem. As a Forbes Coaches Council member, he bridges the gap between local business needs and global leadership standards. THE CLIMB FRAMEWORK™ & LEADERSHIP AUDIT Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, Rahul helps firms in Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Ashburn build resilient Leadership Pipelines. He specializes in solving high turnover and performance gaps through Organizational Strategy and Executive Presence coaching. WORK WITH RAHUL: Whether you are looking for a Leadership Keynote Speaker for your next summit or a Fractional Leadership Consultant for a 6-month retainer, Rahul delivers "Strategic Acceleration." 🚀 FREE RESOURCE: Take the CLIMB Leadership Audit to identify your organization's growth gaps: https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/ 🏢 STAFFING INDUSTRY EXPERT: Solving turnover and talent gaps with Fractional Leadership strategies. 📖 FREE DOWNLOAD: Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented" – The definitive guide to overcoming stagnation and leading with high-velocity results:https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart 🏛️ DC METRO’S PREMIER KEYNOTE EXPERT: Trusted advisor for Fortune 500s across Northern Virginia and D.C. 🔗 BOOK RAHUL: www.rahulkaransharma.com#leadershipdevelopment #organizationaldevelopment #leadershippodcast #careerclarity #changeleadership #leadershipshipTransformation #aspiringleaders #theclimbframework #rahulkaransharma #nextgenleadership #confidentleader #workplaceculture #KeynoteSpeaker #aiforleaders #futureofwork #ai