Making Maverick Moves

In this Power Moves and Leadership Lessons episode, we're talking about a lesson that separates the Mavericks from the Masses:  It doesn't matter if your ship comes in if your port isn't built to dock it.  You've heard the saying, "You're ship will come in."  That sounds great, right?  But here's the real question:  When that ship arrives, will you be ready?  Opportunities don't wait for you to get ready.  It shows up, and if you don't have the foundation, the skills, and the mindset in place beforehand, that ship will sail right past you.  So today, we're breaking down why preparation is everything, how your port protects you in the storms of life, and I'll give you three powerful ways to build your port NOW so you're ready when your moment arrives.

Courage isn't just about jumping out of planes or standing before a roaring crowd.  It's the quiet, relentless force behind every bold decision, every career pivot, and every moment you refuse to settle for less.  It also keeps so many people stuck, afraid to take the next step.  Today, we're breaking down courage - what it really is, how to strengthen it, and why it's the key to making your Maverick Move.

What is a Maverick Move?  We talk a lot about Maverick Moves on this show, but Gina wanted to spend some time unpacking what that looks like and why it's essential for building the life and career we genuinely desire.  It's not about making impulsive, rash decisions.  It's about being intentional, making choices that are aligned with our authentic selves, and carving our own paths, even when the world is pushing us in another direction.  In this Power Moves and Leadership Lessons episode, Gina says a Maverick Move doesn't always look like one giant leap.  It's often a series of small, powerful steps.

Welcome to Making Maverick Moves, the podcast where we dive into bold, unconventional actions that break the mold and redefine success. Today, we are tackling a game-changing question: Who are you... When you are big. My guess today is the incredible Kimberly Roush of All-Star Executive Coaching.  She's an executive coach, speaker, and author of Who Are You... When You Were Big. Kymberlee has coached top executives, entrepreneurs, and high achievers to break through limitations, step into their potential, and lead with confidence. But, here's the twist... her big philosophy isn't just about success; it's about becoming the boldest, most fearless version of yourself. So, if you've ever felt like you're playing small, holding back, or waiting for permission to take that big, maverick leap, this episode is for you. Kymberlee is here to help you break through that barrier, make bold intentions, and grow into the person who makes waves, takes risks, and owns their maverick move. Are you ready? Let's dive in!

In this Power Moves and Leadership Lessons episode of Making Maverick Moves, we tackle a harsh reality - "Mean Girls" don't make leaders.  In the boardroom, the breakroom, or behind closed doors, toxic behavior undermines trust, stifles innovation, and holds everyone back.  Real leadership isn't about tearing others down; it's about lifting them up. Join Gina as she breaks down the difference between power and influence, explores why true leaders reject the mean-girl mentality, and shares strategies for fostering a culture of collaboration, courage, and respect.  If you've ever dealt with a mean girl in the workplace, this episode is for you.

Welcome to Making Maverick Moves, where we dive into the bold decisions and fearless actions of those who refuse to accept the status quo.  Today's guest, Vikki Shepp, is the embodiment of a true maverick leader.  As the CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County, Vikki has spent over a decade shaping the future of youth leadership and championing opportunities for girls to thrive. But what sets Vikki apart is her willingness to take bold risks for the greater good.  In the middle of a global pandemic, when many were focused solely on survival, she went to her board of directors with a radical idea - creating Girl Scout troops for underserved populations, including new troops at homeless shelters. She saw a need, took action, and turned what seemed impossible into a reality. In this episode, Vikki walks us through her process for preparing and executing Maverick Moves, sharing the mindset and strategies that have fueled her success. This is a rare opportunity to hear from someone who doesn't just talk about change; she makes it happen.

In this powerful episode of Making Maverick Moves, host Gina L. Osborn steps into the spotlight to share one of the boldest decisions of her career - taking a stand at LA Metro, a move that ultimately led to her unceremonious termination.  With unflinching honesty, Gina walks us through the moment she chose to fight for what was right, knowing full well the risks involved.  She dives deep into the importance of choosing your battles wisely, understanding the consequences, and standing firm when it matters most.  Her story is alarming and inspirational, a testament to the courage it takes to be a true Maverick leader.  Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about integrity, resilience, and the price of making fearless moves.

Welcome to Making Maverick Moves, the podcast where we explore the bold decisions and unorthodox paths taken by extraordinary individuals. This episode is both timely and sobering. Before the devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles in January 2025, Gina L. Osborn sat down with Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley in November 2024. At the time, Chief Crowley shared a Maverick Move she was making, one rooted in the reality of operating a fire department with limited resources. She spoke candidly about the challenges of fulfilling her mission without the funding or tools her team desperately needed. Little did we know, within weeks, that her words would take on an even more profound significance. As fires ravaged communities like the Pacific Palisades, reservoirs ran dry, fire hydrants failed, and lives were forever changed. Chief Crowley faced intense criticism in the aftermath, particularly for publicly addressing her department's three years of budget cuts. Some accused her of deflecting blame; others saw her as a leader speaking hard truths in an impossible situation. Today, we revisit that December conversation, recorded before the fires, where Chief Crowley revealed her Maverick Move in the making. It's a testament to the complexities of leadership under pressure.

Let's talk about INVINCIBILITY. Chief Cathy Lanier refused to be defeated or overcome by past decisions.  She went from being a teenage mom with a ninth grade education to becoming the first female Chief of Police of the DC Metropolitan Police. Now the Senior Vice President of Security for the NFL, another male dominated field, Chief Lanier teaches us that hard work and the right attitude will lead us to success.

Abigail Olson began her culinary career at age 15 when she was accepted into a vocational school food program. She graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America by age 19. By the ripe old age of 24, she became the first female Senior Sous Chef at the Michelin Three-Star restaurant Alinea in Chicago. In this episode, Abigail talks about leading in a volatile workplace, keeping her eye on the prize and turning fear into confidence.

Brooke Smith is the President of MHX, a trucking and logistics company where 90% of her customers are men. On this episode, we talk about perceptions, building strong teams and being intentional when choosing the people with whom we surround ourselves.

Megan Ragsdale is the Chief Operating Officer for the Soapy Joes Car Wash Franchise. In this episode, we discuss the importance of establishing core values that drive the mission of an organization, authentic leadership and escaping the fear of failure.

Vlada Bortnik is the Co-Founder and CEO of Marco Polo, a popular video communications app that is changing the way we stay in touch. In this episode, Vlada speaks about being a woman in tech, teaching girls at an early age to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering an Math and conquering the negative voices inside so we can reach our greatest potential. 

Nell Scovell, Writer/Director/Producer and Co-Author of Lean In with Sheryl Sanberg joins us to discuss lessons from the book and her experiences working in the male dominated world of comedy.

Liz McKinley is the Founder and President of Pinnacle Petroleum, a $200 million company. She learned what it was like to be the only woman in the room when she was the first woman to be hired by Koch Industries at the commercial level back in the early 80's. Liz started her own company in 1995 and rose to the top of the male dominated oil industry. In this episode, Liz shares her journey navigating a road filled with obstacles and emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box, maintaining your sense of humor and the value of women supporting women.     

FBI Special Agent in Charge Voviette Morgan is the highest ranking African American female Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She investigated everything from white collar crime to international terrorism. In this episode, SAC Morgan shares her journey to the top of the male dominated field of law enforcement navigating privacy, perceptions and maintaining your personal power.

Kim Shepherd is a CEO, Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker and Consultant. Two decades before Covid 19 hit, Kim took her multi-million dollar company, Decision Toolbox, remote. In this episode, Kim highlights key leadership principles of leading a remote workplace and gives great advice to entrepreneurs who are trying to find their niche.   

Patty Farmer is an Award Winning Marketing and Media Strategist, International Speaker, Radio Host, Magazine Publisher, Event Producer and Author. In this episode, Patty shares how to market yourself for success, monetize your talents, determine your worth and eliminate imposter syndrome.

Molly Jolly is the highest-ranking woman in the Angels Baseball Franchise as the Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration. She's also the Board Chair for the Girl Scouts of Orange County. In this episode, Molly shares her journey to working in the wide world of sports. Having been involved in numerous high-stakes negotiations, Molly shares the importance of listening and being prepared. She also discusses her devotion to the Girl Scouts of Orange County.

Jerri Williams is a retired FBI Special Agent, Author, Podcast Host and Hollywood Consultant. Her podcast, FBI Retired Case File Review has nearly five million downloads. Jerri's motto is "Don't Retire, Rewire. She is living proof that you can accomplish your dreams in your Second Act. In this episode, Jerri shares her story of reinvention and provides tips on how we can do the same.