Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast 218. What Real Leadership Looks Like with Veronica Perondi
Jun 10, 2025
40:23
Ever feel like you’re stuck in your own professional bubble, wondering how to actually make connections that matter? Michelle dives in with Veronica Perondi of LEAD San Diego into what it really takes to break out, build a brag-worthy network, and get your seat at the table. From Michelle's personal experience with the program to redefining networking and why you need to join a local leadership program, this convo is all about mixing curiosity, community, and leadership together.
Veronica Perondi is the Executive Director of LEAD San Diego, the leadership development arm of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives to connect and empower leaders across sectors, fostering collaboration and innovation to address regional challenges and create meaningful community impact. With over a decade of experience in creating outcome-driven programs, Veronica is dedicated to fostering learning and personal development at every opportunity. Before joining LEAD San Diego, she held leadership roles at San Diego State University where she oversaw programs that reinforced the connection between learning, leadership and community impact. Veronica holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from San Francisco State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from San Diego State University. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following:
- What LEAD San Diego is and their impact
- Interdisciplinary learning
- What makes someone a leader
- Reframing the definition of networking and connecting on LinkedIn
- Inside of the LAP Program
- Social learning and group dynamics
- Personal growth with community
- Contextual learning: geographic and topic-based sessions
- Showing up as yourself in leadership
- Michelle's journey going through LEAD
- How to find your local leadership program
- Episode 087: Client Case Study - So Diego