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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32 episodes
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Avg 30 min
English

Episodes 32

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Yesterday · 30 min
Ep. 42 – Your Reputation is Always on the Line
Your reputation isn't just built by what you do at work. It's shaped by how you show up everywhere. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson discuss the personal standards, everyday decisions, and professional behaviors that influence how others perceive us. From social media posts and company events to expense reports, work emails, and personal appearance, they explore the seemingly small choices that can have a lasting impact on your reputation and career. Heather shares experiences from her career that illustrate how quickly perceptions can change, while Jenny offers practical reminders about understanding workplace expectations and being intentional about how we represent ourselves and our organizations. Together, they challenge listeners to consider the standards they set for themselves, the example they establish for others, and whether their everyday actions align with the reputation they want to build. Because whether you're in the office, traveling for work, or simply going about your day, how you show up matters.
October 29 · 27 min
Ep. 41 – It's Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself
What if the career you've built isn't the career you want for the rest of your life? In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson explore career pivots, reinvention, and why it's never too late to pursue something new. Heather reflects on her own professional journey, from cosmetics and recruiting to financial services and ultimately purchasing Focus 3 at age 56. She shares why she's never viewed age as a limitation and how curiosity, confidence, and a willingness to learn have helped her embrace new opportunities throughout her career. Jenny also shares her experience leaving public education after 26 years, including the financial uncertainty and fear that came with stepping away from a familiar career path. Together, they challenge the idea that we have to spend decades working toward a retirement that will finally allow us to enjoy life. Instead, they encourage listeners to consider what inspires them, recognize the choices they have, and build a career and life they don't constantly feel the need to escape. Whether you're considering a major career change or simply questioning what's next, this conversation is a reminder that your next chapter can begin at any age.
October 22 · 22 min
Ep. 40 – Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Sometimes, getting unstuck starts with changing your surroundings. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson explore how the environments we choose, the people we surround ourselves with, and the routines we fall into can influence our growth. Heather shares why she intentionally puts herself in unfamiliar places to find inspiration, spark creativity, and open herself up to new opportunities. From working in a different environment to striking up conversations with strangers, she explains how small changes can lead to new perspectives and unexpected connections. They also discuss the importance of evaluating the relationships in our lives, recognizing when comfort is holding us back, and understanding that not everyone will grow alongside us. Whether you're feeling stuck personally or professionally, this conversation is a reminder that growth rarely happens when we stay exactly where we are. Sometimes, the next step is simply choosing to do something different.
October 15 · 35 min
Ep. 39 – Start With Who You Know
The next opportunity might be closer than you think. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson explore the power of your natural market, the people you already know, and how intentional relationships can open doors you never expected. Heather shares a practical approach to reconnecting with people in your network, asking for help, and turning everyday conversations into meaningful opportunities. From reaching out to old friends to asking for referrals without feeling pushy, she explains why building relationships doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require intention. They also discuss why face-to-face conversations still matter, how to get comfortable making the ask, and why the strongest relationships are built on mutual support rather than transactions. Whether you're growing a business, expanding your professional network, or simply looking to reconnect with people in your life, this episode is a reminder that you don't always need to look further. Sometimes, you just need to start with who you know.
October 8 · 42 min
Ep. 38 – It’s Never Too Late to Build Wealth with Lisa Bush
Financial independence doesn't happen by accident. It starts with understanding where you are, where you want to go, and taking the next step. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson are joined by Lisa Bush of Alluvial Private Wealth for a candid conversation about women, money, and building wealth with confidence. Lisa shares what she's learned from more than 15 years in the financial industry, including why more women are taking an active role in managing wealth and why trust, education, and understanding the "why" behind financial decisions matter. They discuss the fear of starting too late, building an emergency fund, retirement savings, investing, working with a financial advisor, and how major life changes can reshape even the best financial plan. Heather also shares her own experiences with money, risk, and purchasing Focus 3, including why financial security can create the freedom to make bigger decisions when opportunities arise. Whether you're just beginning to save or thinking more seriously about your financial future, Lisa's message is simple: start somewhere, stay intentional, and don't assume it's too late.
October 1 · 37 min
Ep.37 – Your Calendar is Your Boss
We all have the same amount of time. The difference is how intentionally we use it. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson talk about one of the systems Heather credits most for her productivity and success: time blocking. Heather shares how she uses a simple weekly calendar to protect her priorities, manage competing demands, and make sure the things that matter most actually get her time. From limiting the daily checklist to six priorities to scheduling time for projects before they become urgent, she explains why your calendar shouldn't simply record where you need to be. It should tell you what deserves your attention. Heather and Jenny also discuss how planning ahead can reduce stress, why Friday afternoon can set the tone for Monday morning, and the importance of looking back at your calendar to see whether the way you spent your time actually reflects the goals you say are important. Because if something matters, it needs more than good intentions. It needs time on the calendar.
September 24 · 28 min
Ep. 36 – Are You Asking Questions or Questioning?
There’s a difference between asking questions and questioning everything. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson take on a common workplace habit: pushing back for the sake of pushing back. They discuss why phrases like “I want to push back” and “let me play devil’s advocate” can immediately put people on the defensive, and how chronic resistance can undermine trust, alignment, and culture. Heather shares what she has learned about introducing change, recognizing the difference between genuine curiosity and performative questioning, and addressing the person who seems determined to challenge every decision. They also explore what leaders can do when pushback becomes a pattern, why ignoring it rarely works, and how to create space for real questions without allowing one voice to derail the team. You don't need a team of people who always agree with you. You need people who know how to disagree, ask questions, and still move forward together.
September 17 · 25 min
Ep. 35 – If You Permit It, You Promote It
Culture is not casual Fridays, company swag, or words printed on a wall. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson break down what culture actually is and why the strongest organizations are intentional about defining it, documenting it, and protecting it. At Focus 3, culture is defined by the beliefs, behaviors, and outcomes an organization consistently produces. Heather and Jenny explain why values alone are not enough, how clear behavioral standards create alignment, and why culture is built in the everyday moments most leaders are tempted to overlook. They also share a real example from the Focus 3 team that shows what accountability can look like when a standard has not yet been clearly established, and why correcting the behavior does not have to mean embarrassing the person. Because culture is not what you say matters. It is what you consistently model, reinforce, and refuse to permit.
September 10 · 33 min
Ep. 34 – Building Your Leadership Bench
The best time to prepare your next leader isn't when a position suddenly opens. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson explore what it takes to build a strong leadership bench and why organizations need to intentionally develop emerging leaders before they're needed. They discuss the danger of promoting people based on credentials or necessity without preparing them to lead, how to identify people with real influence and leadership potential, and why aspiring leaders need to "be where their feet are" while building the behaviors and reputation that will prepare them for what's next. Heather and Jenny also unpack some of the default language that can hold leaders back, from "my team isn't buying in" to feeling overlooked or watching someone else take credit, and how disciplined responses can turn those moments into opportunities for growth. Because leadership readiness isn't just about knowing how to do the next job. It's about building the character, credibility, consistency, and behaviors that make people trust you with it.
September 3 · 21 min
Ep. 33 – Run Money, Not Fun Money
Financial freedom isn't just about what you can afford. It's about having the freedom to choose. In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson continue a powerful conversation that began at a recent women's retreat about what Heather calls "run money, not fun money." Heather shares a deeply personal experience that changed the way she thought about financial independence and why she believes everyone should put themselves in a position where money doesn't force them to stay in a job, relationship, or situation that is no longer right for them. Together, Heather and Jenny talk about the discipline required to create financial freedom, the danger of "golden handcuffs," and the difference between having to stay and choosing to stay. They also challenge listeners to consider one important question: If something in your life changed tomorrow, would money determine whether you had a choice? Because real financial freedom isn't simply having money. It's having options.
S4 · E1
August 27 · 23 min
Ep. 32 – Resetting Expectations
Accountability only works when expectations are clear. In the first episode of Season 4, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson unpack what it looks like for a leader to recognize when the gap is not simply performance, but clarity. Heather shares a recent experience with the Focus 3 team where she realized her own expectations had outpaced the systems, training, and skills needed to meet them. Instead of putting the responsibility on individual team members, she reset the expectations, clarified what success looked like, and created a process the entire team could follow. They discuss why leaders need to own the gaps they create, the importance of turning expectations into clear systems, and why training cannot stop after the initial conversation. Great leaders clarify, demonstrate, reinforce, and make sure their people have what they need to succeed. Before you hold someone accountable for missing the mark, make sure you’ve actually drawn the line.
S3 · E11
August 6 · 26 min
Ep. 31 – Escaping the Mountain of Average
Most leaders spend their time focused on two groups: their highest performers and their lowest performers. But what if the biggest opportunity is sitting somewhere in the middle? In this episode of Relentless & Real, Heather Verity and Jennifer Lawson unpack the Mountain of Average, a leadership framework that challenges how we think about performance, culture, and influence. They explore the four types of employees every organization has, why cynicism spreads faster than excellence, and how leaders can create more compelled team members instead of simply managing compliance. Whether you lead a team of five or five thousand, this conversation will help you recognize where your people are, where you are, and what it takes to build a culture where commitment becomes conviction. Because great organizations aren't built by eliminating the bottom. They're built by moving the middle.
S3 · E10
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.
S3 · E9
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.
S3 · E8
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.
S3 · E7
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.
S3 · E6
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.
S3 · E5
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.
S3 · E4
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.
S3 · E3
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?

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Relentless &amp; Real

Episodes 32

Relentless & Real