<p>This episode is personal.</p><p>I finally convinced my mom to join me for an interview. </p><p><strong>Chris Namanny</strong>, <strong>Co-Founder &amp; Managing Partner of Elite Executive Partners</strong>. </p><p>She’s a leader I’ve learned more from than anyone on Earth… and if you’ve ever met her, you know she has a rare gift: she solves problems fast, calmly, and with a level of empathy that makes people feel safe even when the situation isn’t.</p><p>Chris runs a national <strong>headhunting firm</strong> that finds and places talent across the country, and she also provides <strong>human resources consulting</strong>, representing the employer. She’s been in the trenches for decades. </p><p>Advising leaders through tough decisions, building teams, and navigating the moments most people avoid (conflict, accountability, and hard conversations).</p><p>We talk about:</p><ul><li><p>Why “fit” matters more than most people realize — in jobs and in life</p></li><li><p>How great leaders hold people accountable <em>without</em> losing their humanity</p></li><li><p>The <strong>art of firing with empathy</strong> (yes, it’s a skill. and yes, it matters)</p></li><li><p>Why conflict, handled correctly, can actually make teams stronger</p></li><li><p>What it takes to build a business that lasts — without getting complacent</p></li><li><p>Family, resilience, and the traditions that keep us grounded</p></li><li><p>What success really means when you strip away the noise</p></li></ul><p>If you’re building a team, leading people, navigating a hard season, or simply trying to become a steadier version of yourself… this conversation will hit.</p><p>I’m honored to share my mom with you.</p><p>Follow <em>Permission to Shine</em> on Spotify and Apple, subscribe on YouTube, and if this episode helped you, send it to someone who’s leading through something hard right now.</p><p>— Andrew Namanny</p>