The Climb: Leadership Development and Confident Leader Podcast
The Climb: Leadership Development and Confident Leader Podcast

The Climb: Leadership Development and Confident Leader Podcast

Rahul Karan Sharma | Leadership Development for Next Generation Leaders

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Episodes

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Leadership development for next generation leaders. Hosted by Rahul Karan Sharma, this Global Top 1.5% Podcast provides a practical roadmap to confident leadership. While many struggle to find their voice, The CLIMB offers the mindset shifts and career-advancement insights aspiring leaders need in the AI era. We help “accidental managers” build the human side of leadership—focusing on decision-making, self-awareness, and the executive presence that dashboards miss. Subscribe now to claim your seat at the table. Gain a new perspective on confident leadership and take charge of yourself.

Recent Episodes

NextGen Leaders: How to Lead Without Authority and Break Organizational Silos
JAN 22, 2026
NextGen Leaders: How to Lead Without Authority and Break Organizational Silos
Ranked in the Global Top 1.5% of podcasts, The Climb Leadership Development and Confident Leader is the premier resource for leadership development and executive growth. In this episode, Rahul Karan Sharma (Forbes Coaches Council) joins Jennifer Hawkins (Founder of Launched Performance) to discuss the transition from technical expert to enterprise strategist.For NextGen leaders, career advancement requires more than skill—it requires the mindset shifts necessary to lead without authority. We explore how Jennifer managed high-stakes operations across seven states while facing profound personal challenges, proving that confident leadership is a design of resilience. During our conversation, we reveal how to break organizational silos and lead "up, across, and out" to build a legacy that transcends the boardroom.STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FOR THE ENTERPRISE STRATEGIST:02:29 – The Legacy Blueprint: Why Purpose is the Foundation of Confident Leadership05:53 – Mindset Shifts: Maintaining Performance Standards During High-Stakes Personal Challenges07:36 – Organizational Architecture: Breaking Down Silos to Ensure NextGen Leaders Succeed13:26 – Leading Up, Across, and Out: The Essential Skills for Career Advancement28:02 – The CLIMB Connection: Navigating Leadership Stages from Invisible to InfluentialTHE CLIMB™ FRAMEWORK INSIGHT:This episode is a masterclass in C – Cultivate Your Mindset and B – Build Your Legacy. Jennifer Hawkins proves that confident leadership is forged in the fire of personal adversity. By implementing critical mindset shifts (C), she turned underperforming centers into top-tier successes. Her "SHIFT Method" perfectly complements the CLIMB™ Framework, showing NextGen leaders how to break silos and Magnify Your Impact (M) to ensure a lasting professional Legacy (B).ABOUT GUEST: JENNIFER HAWKINSJennifer Hawkins is the founder of Launched Performance, a premier leadership advisory firm specializing in succession planning and enterprise-level strategy. With a career spanning five industries, Jennifer is known for turning the worst-performing operations into top 20% performers, even during economic recessions. She famously led blood banking operations across seven states while managing a family health crisis from a hospital room. Today, she equips NextGen leaders with the strategy, confidence, and resilience needed for rapid career advancement.🌐 Connect with Jennifer: launchedperformance.comABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA Rahul Karan Sharma | Forbes Coaches Council Global Leadership Expert and Staffing Industry SpecialistRahul solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis. Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, he transforms technical experts into executive-ready leaders. Ranked in the Global Top 1.5% of Podcasters, Rahul bridges the gap between Northern Virginia’s business ecosystem and international leadership standards. As a prominent member of the Loudoun Chambers and Greater Reston Chambers of Commerce, Rahul is the definitive advisor for firms from Ashburn to Arlington seeking Strategic Acceleration.🚀Audit Your Leadership: [⁠https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/⁠] 📖 Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented": [⁠https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart⁠]🌐Official Website: ⁠www.rahulkaransharma.com⁠📈Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulkaransharma/🎙️ Search 'The CLIMB Rahul Karan Sharma' on Spotify and Apple#JenniferHawkins #theclimbpodcast #executivepresence #staffingindustry #dcleaders #rahulkaransharma #confidentleader #leadershipdevelopment #nextgenleaders #mindsetshifts #CareerAdvancement
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36 MIN
Conscious Leadership: How Human Connection Drives Executive Results
JAN 20, 2026
Conscious Leadership: How Human Connection Drives Executive Results
Ranked in the Global Top 1.5% of podcasts, The Climb: Confident Leader podcast bridges the gap between technical expertise and executive legacy. In this episode, Rahul Karan Sharma (Forbes Coaches Council) joins Roxanne Chaput (Modern-Day Oracle & Leadership Strategist) to explore the frontier of "Conscious Leadership."Leadership is not a title; it is an energetic impact. We dismantle the "Profit-Only" paradox and reveal how human-centered leadership is the ultimate multiplier for productivity. STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FOR THE CONSCIOUS LEADER:02:05 – The Catalyst: Turning Near-Death Experiences into a Global Mission of Service04:44 – The Human-Centered Shift: Why Valuing People is the Secret to Scalable Morale09:42 – The Multiplier Mindset: Moving from "Management" to Empowering Authentic Growth14:04 – Radical Self-Awareness: The Leader’s Journey to Inner Mastery and Accountability19:54 – The Path to Healing: Overcoming Perfectionism to Reclaim Your Leadership WorthTHE CLIMB™ FRAMEWORK INSIGHT:This session is a masterclass in C – Cultivate Your Mindset and I – Integrate Purpose & Vision. Roxanne highlights that perfectionism is often a "Worth Gap" that hinders a leader's ability to Leverage Strengths (L). By doing the inner work to heal and cultivate a conscious mindset, leaders can Integrate Purpose (I) that goes beyond quarterly earnings to create a lasting Legacy (B) of sovereign liberty and human reunification.About Guest: Roxanne ChaputRoxanne Chaput is a globally renowned leader in conscious leadership and an embodied oracle for change agents and disruptive heart leaders. She specializes in guiding intentional path-cutters to birth universal liberty and human reunification through her work. Roxanne is dedicated to returning humanity to a state of sovereign fulfillment through land-based and elemental creational kingdoms.🌐 Learn more about her work: theilluminationretreat.comABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA Rahul Karan Sharma | Forbes Coaches Council Global Leadership Expert and Staffing Industry SpecialistRahul solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis. Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, he transforms technical experts into executive-ready leaders. Ranked in the Global Top 1.5% of Podcasters,Rahul bridges the gap between Northern Virginia’s business ecosystem and international leadership standards. As a prominent member of the Loudoun County and Greater Reston Chambers of Commerce, Rahul is the definitive advisor for firms from Ashburn to Arlington seeking Strategic Acceleration.🚀Audit Your Leadership: [⁠https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/⁠] 📖 Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented": [⁠https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart⁠]🌐Official Website: ⁠www.rahulkaransharma.com⁠📈Connect: [⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulkaransharma/]⁠🎙️ Search 'The CLIMB Rahul Karan Sharma' on Spotify and Apple#theclimbpodcast #executivepresence #staffingindustry #dcleaders #rahulkaransharma #confidentleader #leadershipdevelopment #nextgenleaders #ConsciousLeadership #HumanCentered
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27 MIN
Why Your Leadership is Invisible: Racquel Maye David on Breaking Through the Executive Glass Ceiling
JAN 15, 2026
Why Your Leadership is Invisible: Racquel Maye David on Breaking Through the Executive Glass Ceiling
Ranked in the Global Top 1.5%, The CLIMB: Confident Leader Podcast is the definitive global strategy for mastering Executive Presence and cross-border leadership. In this episode, Rahul Karan Sharma (Forbes Coaches Council) joins Racquel Maye David to dissect Media Visibility and the mindset shifts required for high-stakes leadership in the DC Metro area and for global executives scaling their influence.How do you transition from being "invisible" in corporate finance to a "Media Queen" commanding international visibility?🧠 In this episode, we explore the Breaking Barriers Framework. For leaders in Washington D.C. and global markets, the challenge of 2026 is moving beyond traditional management into Empowered Visibility.KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR GLOBAL LEADERS:00:00 – The Global Blueprint for Visibility: Introducing Racquel Maye David01:42 – Solving the "Invisible Executive" Crisis: Racquel’s Leadership Journey04:25 – Beyond Passive Learning: Why Implementation is the Only Metric for Success09:03 – The Reciprocity Hack: Leveraging Volunteering for Rapid Skill Acquisition12:36 – Breaking Barriers: Shifting Perspectives to Scale Influence Across Borders19:13 – Financial Freedom for Leaders: Diversifying Income and Betting on Yourself27:06 – Strategy Session: How to Measure Success in the Global 0.1%THE CLIMB FRAMEWORK™ INSIGHT:This episode provides a masterclass in Leveraging Strengths (L) to Magnify Impact (M). Rahul and Racquel discuss why Global Executive Presence requires a strategic inventory of your unique "Warrior" traits. You cannot Magnify your Impact (M) if your leadership brand remains hidden or underutilized. True authority is born when you stop trying to fix weaknesses and instead Leverage your Strengths (L) to step onto the global stage and command visibility.ABOUT OUR GUEST: RACQUEL MAYE DAVIDVisionary TV Producer, Founder of Evolving Eve & Media QueenRacquel Maye David is a transformative force in the media industry, specializing in the intersection of Leadership, Visibility, and Empowerment. As the founder of Evolving Eve and producer of the hit show Breaking Barriers, Racquel has mastered the art of transitioning from a structured corporate career in finance to a high-impact media empire. She is a dedicated mentor who teaches entrepreneurs how to bet on themselves, diversify their income, and implement knowledge for sustainable success.🌐 Connect with Racquel: https://www.evolvedlifenow.com/ABOUT YOUR HOST: RAHUL KARAN SHARMA Rahul Karan Sharma | Forbes Coaches Council Global Leadership Expert and Staffing Industry SpecialistRahul solves the "Accidental Manager" crisis. Using his proprietary CLIMB Framework™, he transforms technical experts into executive-ready leaders. Ranked in the Global Top 1.5% of Podcasters,Rahul bridges the gap between Northern Virginia’s business ecosystem and international leadership standards. As a prominent member of the Loudoun County and Greater Reston Chambers of Commerce, Rahul is the definitive advisor for firms from Ashburn to Arlington seeking Strategic Acceleration.🚀Audit Your Leadership: [https://climb-leadership-audit.scoreapp.com/] 📖 Get your copy of "Be Action Oriented": [https://www.habits4miracles.com/jumpstart]🌐Official Website: www.rahulkaransharma.com📈Connect: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulkaransharma/]🎙️ Search 'The CLIMB Rahul Karan Sharma' on Spotify & Apple#TheClimbPodcast #ExecutivePresence #StaffingIndustry #DCLeaders #RahulKaranSharma #confidentleader #leadershipdevelopment #nextgenleader
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29 MIN
From Fear to the Stage: The Firewalker’s Guide to Public Speaking Mastery
JAN 13, 2026
From Fear to the Stage: The Firewalker’s Guide to Public Speaking Mastery
How do you move from a place of fear to commanding a global stage with unshakeable confidence?In this powerful episode of The CLIMB: Leadership Development and Confident Leader Podcast, Rahul Karan Sharma sits down with international speaker and trainer Harriet Bratt to deconstruct the mechanics of impactful communication and the psychological shifts required for world-class influence.Ranked in the Global Top 1.5%, The CLIMB: LeadershipDevelopment and Confident Leader Podcast is the definitive strategy for mastering Executive Presence and driving growth in the Staffing Industry. Hosted by Rahul Karan Sharma (Forbes Coaches Council), this leadership blueprint empowers aspiring leaders in Washington, D.C., Reston, and the DC Metro area, while serving a global community of high achievers.For aspiring leaders in the Staffing Industry and executives across Northern Virginia and DC, communication isn't just about words—it’s about Executive Presence. We explore how storytelling, leading with love, and the "firewalking" mindset can eliminate the fear of judgment, allowing you to project authority and connect with your audience on a profound level.KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR IMPACTFUL LEADERS:00:00 – The Journey: From Care Management to International Stages06:16 – Mindset Shifts: Engineering Your Entrepreneurial Breakthrough11:57 – Overcoming Fear: Strategies to Beat the Fear of Judgment17:52 – The Power of Storytelling: Building Emotional ROI with Your Audience22:41 – Firewalking Leadership: Acting in Spite of Fear27:59 – Strategy Session: Leading with Love and Self-MasteryTHE CLIMB FRAMEWORK™ INSIGHT:This episode is a deep dive into the "C" (Cultivate Mindset) and "L" (Lead with Influence) pillars of the CLIMB Framework™. Rahul and Harriet discuss why internal self-regulation is the prerequisite for public influence. You cannot Lead with Influence (L) until you have Cultivated a Mindset (C) that views fear as a catalyst rather than a barrier.ABOUT OUR GUEST: HARRIET BRATT International Speaker, High-Performance Trainer, and Master Firewalk GuideHarriet Bratt is an international powerhouse in the fields of Executive Communication and Personal Transformation. Known as a "Warrior Mentor," Harriet is on a global mission to empower ambitious entrepreneurs and corporate leaders to command the stage, scale their influence, and drive significant bottom-line impact.While many can speak, Harriet specializes in the Science of Impact. Her methodology bridges the gap between technical communication and the deep psychological shifts required for world-class Executive Presence. As a Master Firewalk Guide, she uses powerful metaphors of resilience to help leaders sustain their "internal fire" and inspire high-performance cultures.When she isn't transforming audiences from the stage, Harriet is a dedicated traveler and outdoorswoman, embodying the same spirit of adventure and mental toughness she instills in her clients.🌐 Visit Harriet’s Official Site: www.harrietbratt.com🏛️ ABOUT YOUR HOST: Rahul Karan Sharma🏆 GLOBAL TOP 1.5% PODCAST | FORBES COACHES COUNCIL MEMBER | KEYNOTE SPEAKER 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. WORK WITH RAHUL: Whether you are looking for aLeadership 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/🔗 BOOK RAHUL: www.rahulkaransharma.com#TheClimbPodcast #ExecutivePresence #StaffingIndustry#DCLeaders #RahulKaranSharma #confidentleader
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33 MIN
The Titanium Rule: Conflict Resolution and Communication Strategy | Julie Holunga
JAN 8, 2026
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
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31 MIN