Relentless & Real

Focus 3

Leadership isn’t theory. It’s lived.

Hosted by Heather Verity, CEO/Owner of Focus 3, and Jennifer Lawson, Senior Education Consultant and recovering school administrator, Relentless & Real is the podcast for women who lead on purpose and without apology.

Here, we don’t just talk about leadership. We build it. Protect it. Scale it. Each episode cuts through the noise of buzzwords and burnout to get to what actually moves the needle: clear standards, real accountability, powerful mindset work, and the language that shapes influence.

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20 episodes
Updated July 30

Episodes20

Newest first

July 30 · 40 min
Ep. 30 – Scaling Without Losing What Matters with Angie Tanner-Miller
Success rarely happens overnight, and it almost never happens alone. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson sit down with Angie Tanner-Miller, founder and team lead of The Agency Real Estate Group, to talk about the unexpected journey from stay-at-home mom to building one of Central Ohio's fastest-growing real estate teams. Angie shares how she navigated personal adversity, trusted her instincts when hiring, learned to delegate, and discovered that sustainable growth isn't about adding more people. It's about finding the right people and protecting the culture that makes your team successful. Together, they explore the challenges of scaling a business, balancing systems with intuition, building trust with clients, and why leadership often means letting others succeed in ways you never imagined. Whether you're leading a business, growing a team, or simply wondering if it's too late to start something new, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your greatest opportunities may still be ahead of you.
July 23 · 21 min
Ep. 29 – The Decisions That Define You
In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson explore the importance of protecting your professional reputation before it's ever put to the test. From social media and workplace events to conferences, networking, and everyday decisions, they discuss how small moments can have lasting consequences for your career, your leadership, and the people who trust you. Drawing from decades of leadership experience, Heather and Jenny share real stories, practical advice, and simple habits that help professionals think beyond the moment and make decisions they'll be proud of years from now. Whether you're entering the workforce, leading a team, or mentoring the next generation, this conversation is a timely reminder that your reputation is built one decision at a time.
July 16 · 43 min
Ep. 28 – Choosing Courage Over Comfort with Kelsey Lensman
What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your ability, but your willingness to step into discomfort? In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson sit down with entrepreneur, speaker, and Expand Your Limits founder Kelsey Lensman for an honest conversation about choosing courage when comfort feels easier. Kelsey shares the experiences that shaped her journey, from navigating uncertainty after college athletics to building a business, completing Mission 48, and learning that confidence isn't something you wait for. It's something you earn through action. Together, they explore why so many people stay stuck in what's familiar, how disciplined choices build lasting confidence, and why the life you want often begins just outside your comfort zone. Whether you're facing a career change, chasing a big goal, or simply wondering if you're capable of more, this episode is a reminder that growth rarely starts with certainty. It starts with the decision to take the next step.
July 9 · 39 min
Ep. 27 – Ask Heather & Jenny: Your Biggest Leadership Questions Answered
What separates good leaders from great ones? In this special Q&A episode of Relentless & Real, Heather and Jenny answer some of the most common leadership questions they've received from workshop participants, podcast listeners, and leaders across every industry. They discuss why people leave managers instead of companies, how to lead when leadership above you is inconsistent, when transparency helps or hurts a team, and how to earn the trust of employees who are older or more experienced than you. They also tackle burnout versus feeling unfulfilled, what it means to become "unoffendable" as a leader, and why authentic leadership will always outperform intimidation. Whether you're leading a team of two or two thousand, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately to build trust, strengthen culture, and lead with greater confidence.
July 2 · 35 min
Ep. 26 – Could You Sit in Any Chair?
Could you sit in any chair at the table? In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather and Jenny explore what that question reveals about trust, culture, and psychological safety inside an organization. They discuss why healthy cultures don't happen by accident, how cliques quietly undermine teamwork, and why leaders must protect culture long before problems become crises. You'll also hear why transparency builds trust, what it really means to create psychological safety, and why the hardest leadership decisions are often the ones that preserve the future of the team. Culture isn't built by mission statements or posters on the wall. It's built by the conversations you have, the behaviors you allow, and the standards you're willing to protect. If you want to build a team where people genuinely enjoy working together and everyone can contribute at their best, this episode is for you.
June 25 · 30 min
Ep. 25 – The High Capacity Trap
She’s reliable. Capable. Organized. The one everyone counts on. And that’s exactly why she ends up carrying more than everyone else. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather and Jenny tackle a challenge many high-performing women know all too well: the more capable you become, the more responsibility gets handed your way. From extra projects at work to the invisible load at home, strong women often find themselves rewarded with more demands, more expectations, and less margin. The conversation explores why high capacity is often mistaken for infinite capacity, how confidence can quietly become a trap, and why setting boundaries is not selfish. It's necessary. Heather shares lessons from leadership, entrepreneurship, and burnout, while Jenny reflects on the cost that overcommitment can have on the people who matter most. If you've ever felt exhausted by being the person everyone depends on, this episode is for you. Because being capable doesn't mean you have to carry everything.
June 18 · 39 min
Ep. 24 – Leading Without Armor with Nicole Willis
For years, Nicole Willis believed great leaders had to be tough, emotionally detached, and always in control. Working inside the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, that mindset was part of the culture. Armor up. Get the job done. Leave your emotions at the door. Then life changed. In the first guest interview on Relentless & Real, Nicole shares how a personal crisis transformed her leadership style and why learning to lead with empathy, vulnerability, and connection made her more effective than ever before. Heather, Jenny, and Nicole explore the realities of working in high-stress environments, the importance of emotional intelligence, creating cultures where people feel seen and supported, and why some of the strongest leaders are the ones willing to listen first. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about being the toughest person in the room. It's about creating trust, building connection, and helping people perform at their best. Sometimes the strongest thing a leader can do is put down the armor.
June 11 · 39 min
Ep. 23 – Do Pretty People Rule the World?
We like to believe people are judged solely on their talent, character, and performance. The research says otherwise. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather and Jenny tackle a topic that can feel uncomfortable to discuss but has very real implications in leadership, business, and everyday life: appearance, confidence, and the impact of first impressions. They explore the concept of "pretty privilege," the surprising research behind appearance and professional success, and why details like grooming, presentation, and personal care influence how others perceive credibility, competence, and trust. This conversation is not about perfection, plastic surgery, or fitting someone else's standard. It's about understanding the signals we send, the confidence we build when we feel our best, and why investing in ourselves is often an investment in our opportunities. From leadership presence and personal branding to mentorship and self-respect, Heather and Jenny challenge listeners to think differently about how they show up in the world. Because whether we like it or not, people are making judgments. The question is: what are you communicating before you ever say a word?
June 4 · 29 min
Ep. 22 – Our Secrets Keep Us Sick
We all have things we carry. A mistake we regret. A conversation we avoid. A struggle we hide. A story we tell ourselves that no one else could possibly understand. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather and Jenny explore a powerful truth: the things we refuse to acknowledge often have the greatest impact on our health, relationships, leadership, and performance. From limiting beliefs and financial stress to grief, shame, and the pressure to appear like we have it all together, they discuss how hidden burdens can quietly shape our lives. Heather shares personal stories from writing The R Factor and reflects on how vulnerability helped her release experiences she carried for years. They also tackle a challenge many leaders face: the belief that strength means having all the answers. What if authenticity creates more trust than perfection ever could? If you've been carrying something that feels too heavy, too personal, or too difficult to discuss, this conversation offers a different perspective on what it means to let go, move forward, and lead with honesty. Because sometimes the first step toward getting better is simply telling the truth.
May 28 · 31 min
Ep. 21 – If I Cut You Off, You Probably Handed Me the Scissors
Season 3 is here, and we’re starting with a conversation that hits close to home. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather and Jenny unpack the relationships we hold onto, the ones we outgrow, and the difficult truth that sometimes distance is a disciplined response. From friendships and professional connections to seasons of life that naturally shift, they explore what happens when relationships stop giving energy and start taking it. They discuss the emotional weight of loyalty, the challenge of maintaining meaningful connections while building ambitious lives, and how self-awareness helps us recognize when it’s time to create space. This episode is about boundaries, intentional relationships, and understanding that not every connection is meant to last forever — but every relationship can teach us something valuable. They also share exciting updates on the launch of The R Factor book and The R Factor Around the Dinner Table, two major projects designed to bring Focus 3’s performance mindset into both leadership and family life.
April 30 · 30 min
Ep. 20 – Stop Setting Goals You Don’t Care About
Why do so many goals fall apart? Not because people are incapable of discipline, but because they were never truly connected to the goal in the first place. In this episode of Relentless & Real, we talk about the difference between empty goal setting and meaningful intention. Because saying you “should” change is not enough. External pressure will not sustain real behavior change. We discuss how to connect your goals to a clear why, how to shift from overwhelm to action, and why growth has to be slow, small, and daily to actually last. This episode is not about setting bigger goals. It is about setting better ones and building the behaviors to support them. Because when the why is clear, the work gets easier.
April 23 · 23 min
Ep. 19 – When She Makes More
What happens when a woman becomes the breadwinner, but the expectations at home stay exactly the same? In this episode of Relentless & Real, we take on a conversation that still feels surprisingly hard to have out loud. What changes when she makes more? What does that do to identity, partnership, responsibility, and the unspoken dynamics inside a household? We talk about why this is still such a loaded topic, how resentment can quietly build when roles are unclear, and why money should never become a stand-in for power. More importantly, we talk about the conversations couples actually need to have if they want to stay aligned. Because this is not just about income. It is about expectations, communication, and building a life together that works for both people. If you are leading at work and carrying a lot at home, this episode will hit close to home.
April 16 · 24 min
Ep. 18 – What Are You Holding On To?
What are you holding on to that you do not actually need anymore? The extra stuff. The old habits. The past versions of yourself you have not let go of. In this episode of Relentless & Real, we unpack the idea of holding on, both physically and mentally, and how it quietly keeps you stuck. Because it is not just about clutter in your home. It is the thoughts you replay.The expectations you carry.The identities you have not released. We talk about why we default to holding on, how scarcity thinking shows up in everyday habits, and what it takes to create space for growth, change, and what is next. Because you cannot move forward if you are still carrying everything from the past. Sometimes growth starts with letting go.
April 9 · 24 min
Ep. 17 – Stop Saying Sorry When You Mean Thanks
In this episode of Relentless & Real, we unpack one small habit that quietly impacts your confidence, credibility, and how others perceive you over-apologizing. We talk about why so many people (especially women) default to saying sorry, what it actually signals in a professional setting, and how it often stems from overcommitment, lack of boundaries, and operating on obligation instead of intention. More importantly, we show how to shift your language in a simple but powerful way: From “sorry” → to “thank you.” Because when you change your language, you change your presence. This episode will challenge you to audit your habits, eliminate unnecessary apologies, and show up with more clarity, discipline, and confidence in your 20 Square Feet.
April 2 · 28 min
Ep. 16 – Feedback is a Gift
In this episode of Relentless & Real, we talk about one of the hardest skills to build in leadership and in life: feedback. Why do so many people say they want it, but struggle to receive it well? And why do so many people give it at the wrong time, in the wrong way, and then wonder why it does not land? We unpack the difference between feedback and criticism, how to know when you are actually open to hearing it, and why timing, trust, and delivery matter just as much as the message itself. We also talk about what happens when feedback is not handled well and how quickly it can turn into defensiveness, emotional reactivity, or even gossip. This conversation is about more than communication. It is about discipline, self-awareness, and knowing what is in your 20 square feet when feedback comes your way. Because if you can learn to receive feedback without going default, you give yourself a real edge in leadership, growth, and relationships.
March 26 · 24 min
Ep. 15 – The Inside Voice
In this episode of Relentless & Real, we talk about the “inside voice” women often slip into at work and why it matters more than most people realize. It is not just what you say. It is how you say it. The volume, the hesitation, the nervous laughter, the trailing off, the apology before the idea even lands. All of it communicates confidence, or the lack of it. We unpack what causes women to shrink in professional settings, how insecurity and self-talk show up in the way we speak, and why the goal is not to be louder, but to be clearer, steadier, and more grounded in who you are. We also talk about the difference between conversation and confrontation, how to recognize when your voice changes under pressure, and one simple phrase to remove from your language immediately if you want to sound more confident in the room. If you have ever softened your voice, downplayed your idea, or made yourself smaller in a moment that mattered, this episode is for you.
March 19 · 27 min
Ep. 14 – Write the Book (What it Really Takes to Finish a Big Goal)
In this episode of Relentless & Real, we talk about what it actually takes to finish a big goal. Not the idea.Not the intention.The execution. What started as a reluctant assignment to finish a book turned into a deeper conversation about discipline, ownership, and the difference between talking about a goal and actually completing it. We break down what gets in the way of big goals, from overwhelm to procrastination to waiting until you “feel ready,” and how leaders can shift from default behavior to disciplined action. We also walk through the practical side of execution: how to break a big goal into manageable steps, how to time block effectively, and why success is not a secret. It is a system. Because big goals are not accomplished in one moment. They are built through slow, small, daily actions repeated over time. And when your why is clear, the work becomes possible. If you have something you keep putting off, something you say you want but haven’t finished, this episode will challenge you to move.
March 12 · 27 min
Ep. 13 – Self-Talk, Self-Sabotage, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves
In this episode of Relentless & Real, we talk about something every leader experiences but few people openly address: self-talk. The voice in your head that questions your decisions, criticizes your mistakes, and quietly shapes the outcomes you experience every day. We explore why negative self-talk is so common, why women tend to be especially hard on themselves, and how those internal narratives can quietly become self-sabotage in both life and leadership. This conversation breaks down how self-talk influences the mindset cycle, the connection between the stories we tell ourselves and the results we see in our lives, and why awareness is the first step to changing the pattern. We also talk about how leaders can interrupt negative thinking, give themselves the grace to grow, and model healthier thinking for the people around them, especially the next generation watching and learning. Because the way you speak to yourself matters. It shapes your confidence, your decisions, and ultimately the life you build. And sometimes the most important leadership work happens in the conversations no one else hears.
March 5 · 25 min
Ep. 12 – Triggered at Work
In this episode of Relentless & Real, we talk about one of the hardest leadership moments to navigate: the unexpected trigger. The criticism you didn’t see coming.The awkward moment in a meeting.The conversation that suddenly turns emotional. These moments are predictable in leadership, even when the exact situation is not. We break down how to prepare for the unpredictable by focusing on the one thing you always control: your 20 square feet. Instead of rehearsing arguments in your head or walking into conversations ready to fight, the real work is deciding in advance how you want to show up. We talk about how to slow down your reaction, ask better questions, and keep the outcome in mind when emotions start to rise. From performance reviews to difficult conversations to everyday misunderstandings, leadership is tested in the moments when you are caught off guard. The goal is not perfection. The goal is discipline. Because when leaders manage their response instead of reacting on default, they create trust, protect relationships, and move conversations forward even in uncomfortable moments.
February 26 · 22 min
Ep. 11 – Mean Girls
Mean girls are not just in middle school. They show up in meetings. In executive teams. In gossip circles. In passive aggressive emails. And sometimes, they are leading the room. In this episode of Relentless & Real, we unpack what “mean girls” look like in the professional world and why insecurity, scarcity thinking, and default reactions create toxic workplace dynamics. We talk about the adult version of cliques, the subtle ways gossip and gatekeeping show up, and how intimidation culture quietly damages performance. More importantly, we walk through how to respond. Using the R Factor mindset, we break down how to eliminate blame, complain, defend, and gossip. We discuss how to prepare pre-planned responses, how to stay disciplined instead of going default, and how to challenge groupthink without becoming part of the problem. This conversation is not about tearing women down. It is about raising the standard. If we truly want to lift each other up, we have to eliminate the behaviors that sabotage trust and results. You do not have to join the cool kid club to win. You just have to show up elite.

Relentless &amp; Real

Relentless & Real