This episode is personal.

I finally convinced my mom to join me for an interview.

Chris Namanny, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Elite Executive Partners.

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.

Chris runs a national headhunting firm that finds and places talent across the country, and she also provides human resources consulting, representing the employer. She’s been in the trenches for decades.

Advising leaders through tough decisions, building teams, and navigating the moments most people avoid (conflict, accountability, and hard conversations).

We talk about:

Why “fit” matters more than most people realize — in jobs and in life
How great leaders hold people accountable without losing their humanity
The art of firing with empathy (yes, it’s a skill. and yes, it matters)
Why conflict, handled correctly, can actually make teams stronger
What it takes to build a business that lasts — without getting complacent
Family, resilience, and the traditions that keep us grounded
What success really means when you strip away the noise

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.

I’m honored to share my mom with you.

Follow Permission to Shine 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.

— Andrew Namanny

How does a comic last 35 years? – In Orbit Every Wednesday