
The Executive Appeal with Alex D. Tremble
Leadership isn’t just a title—it’s an impact.
The Executive Appeal is the podcast for executive leaders and HR professionals who are serious about growth: their own, their teams’, and their organizations’. Hosted by Alex D. Tremble, bestselling author and leadership expert, this podcast delivers no-fluff strategies, real-world insights, and conversations that matter.
Each episode features top HR executives and senior leaders sharing their experiences, strategies, and lessons learned from the trenches of leadership. On solo episodes, Alex breaks down practical tools and actionable advice to help you:
-Navigate complex challenges with confidence.
-Develop yourself and those around you.
-Build influence, improve team performance, and drive measurable results.
And here’s the best part: we tackle these senior-level conversations with energy, authenticity, and a few laughs along the way. Because learning to lead better doesn’t have to feel like homework—it should inspire, energize, and maybe even make you smile.
If you’re ready to go beyond the buzzwords and lead with clarity, intention, and impact—this is your edge.
Found on all major podcast platforms.
Latest episodes

Aug 25, 2021 • 45min
S1/E33: The Secret to Reaching Your Goals is... - Paris Dennard
Topic:The Republican National Committee (RNC) National Spokesperson, Paris Dennard, shares his advice for standing out when you are around talented and gaining the right mindset to reach your goals. Free Coaching Session worth $250If you would like to be entered to our monthly raffle for a free 1hr coaching call worth $250 all you have to do is:Step 1: Post a leadership or career advancement question on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment on one of my YouTube videos (youtube.com/alextremble)Step 2: Tag meLinkedIn: @AlexTrembleInstagram: @AlexDTrembleTwitter: @AlexDTrembleFacebook: @AlexDTrembleGPS/Step 3: Add the following hashtag, "TheATshow" to your postToday's guest:Paris Dennard is a longtime GOP political commentator, writer, and strategic communications consultant with over a decade of private and public sector experience on all levels of politics and public relations. In addition to his political work, for the past 20 years he has provided business development, brand and image consulting. Paris has offered his unique perspective on networks such as Newsmax, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, OAN, BET, BBC, BNC, CBN, TVONE, and a host of local television, radio, and online programs. His opinion editorial writings can be found in publications such as The Carolinian, The Daily Caller, Real Clear Politics, The Hill, and the Washington Examiner. He has been featured in articles in USA Today, AZ Republic, Diverse Issues, and the LA Times. Paris worked in The White House at the pleasure of President George W. Bush from 2005-2009, serving in the offices of Political Affairs, Legislative Affairs and Public Liaison. Most notably he was The White House Director of Black Outreach. Additionally, he had the privilege of being appointed primary liaison to the families of former Presidents and Vice Presidents for the State Funeral of President Gerald R. Ford. Paris served as the Associate Director for Coalitions at the Republican National Committee from 2009-2011 where he traveled across the country working with grassroots leaders and state parties, training, branding mobilizing leaders for various campaigns. He founded The PD Consulting Group, LLC in 2012, providing political, strategic communication branding and public relations consultation to political, non-profit, and small business clients nationwide. He is the National Spokesperson for the Republican National Committee as well as the Director of Black Media Affairs where he successfully increased GOP engagement with media outlets and Black journalists nationwide, conducting over 1,000 interviews in 2020. Paris has attended every Republican National Convention since 2000 in different capacities ranging from Delegate at Large to speaker. At his first convention, he had the distinct honor of being the youngest featured RNC platform speaker to address the delegates. He is a member of the American Enterprise Institute Leadership Network, provided strategic consultation as a member of the Black Voices for Trump Advisory Board, and was appointed by President Trump to serve as a Commissioner on the non-partisan President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. Paris was raised in Phoenix, AZ and graduated from Pepperdine University earning two degrees in Public Relations and Political Science.

Aug 19, 2021 • 54min
S1/E32: What's Happening in Afghanistan and Why You Should Care - Mick Mulroy
ABC News National Security Analyst and former U.S. Department of Defense Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Shares the story the main stream media won't share about 1) What's happening in Afghanistan, 2) Why it's happening, and 3) What's likely going to happen next. Want to Help Please visit https://nooneleft.org/default.aspx?https://www.rescue.org/https://dcist.com/story/21/08/16/we-have-a-moral-obligation-virginia-maryland-say-theyll-be-a-safe-harbor-for-afghan-refugees/

Aug 18, 2021 • 53min
S1/E31: How to Foster Innovation Within Your Organization - Cecilia Loving
If you would like to be entered to our monthly raffle for a free 1hr coaching call worth $250 all you have to do is:Step 1: Post a leadership or career advancement question on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment on one of my YouTube videos (youtube.com/alextremble)Step 2: Tag meLinkedIn: @AlexTrembleInstagram: @AlexDTrembleTwitter: @AlexDTrembleFacebook: @AlexDTrembleGPS/Step 3: Add the following hashtag, "TheATshow" to your postToday's guest:Cecilia B. Loving is Deputy Commissioner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Fire Department of New York City, where she provides leadership for developing and maintaining a positive, holistic, inclusive work environment for over 17,000 members. A winner of the City Bar 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Award, she oversees a number of diversity and inclusion initiatives, including but not limited the Fire Commissioner’s Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity, and the Fire Commissioner’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, FDNY Courageous Conversations on Racial Inclusion, Bravest Women Talks, Women’s Summits, Diversity and Inclusion Innovation Labs, Inclusion Strategy Videos, Inclusive Leadership Training, and similar initiatives. She previously worked for the New York City Commission on Human Rights, as well as served as Litigation Counsel at Patterson Belknap, as a litigation associate at Kramer Levin, and as Appellate Counsel at the Legal Aid Society. She is founder of the Mindfulness Group at FDNY and is Chair of the NYC Bar Association’s first Mindfulness and Well-Being in the Law Committee. In addition to obtaining her Juris Doctor from NYU School of Law, Cecilia obtained her BFA from Howard University, her MFA from UCLA and her MDiv from New York Theological Seminary. She has written nine books, including God is a Brown Girl Too and Unbroken Circles: Holding Space, Healing Harm and Transcending Edges, as well as numerous articles and blogs, including “Some Ways to Help Racial Healing”; “Setting the Tone Right Through Inclusive Leadership”; “The Power of Inclusion: Treating Others Well is Essential to Our Well-Being”; “More Support for Mindfulness: Reduction of Implicit Bias”; and “Restorative Circles: Finding Solutions from Ancient Traditions.”

Aug 4, 2021 • 48min
S1/E30: How to Know When It's Time For Your Next Career Opportunity - Pam Piligain
To reach out to Alex D. Tremble you can contact him below and use #TheATshow.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextremble/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/alextrembleInstagram: https://instagram.com/alexdtrembleTwitter: https://twitter.com/AlexDTremblePam PiligianPam Piligian is Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Navy Federal Credit Union, the world’s largest credit union and four-time recipient of Forrester’s CX Index Best in Class Ranking. She serves on Navy Federal’s Management Council as well as on The Mission Data and Transformation Team. Pam directs all marketing and advertising strategy, research, public and industry relations, brand and product campaigns as well as overseeing metrics for Navy Federal brand, products and services. She excels at analyzing market data, extrapolating the implications and turning insights into opportunities and has a passion for member-centricity.Before joining Navy Federal, Pam was SVP of Fitzgerald & Co., an IPG Company. There, she helped win the Navy Federal account in 2009 and led the branding effort when the credit union extended its membership to include all branches of military service. She has more than 25 years of account management experience, including positions with DDB, Ingalls, Quinn & Johnson, and BBDO. She has executed campaigns for brands such as Wachovia, Energizer, Safeway, Nabisco, Ocean Spray, Quikrete, Black+Decker, and Southern Company.Pam holds a B.A. degree in marketing from Georgia State University, UC Berkley Executive Education, and MVP Guest on America’s Favorite Carrier, USS Carl Vinson.An avid runner, Pam has completed more than 41 marathons in 32 states, with a goal of running marathons in all 50 states. LinkedIn: Pam PiligianTwitter: @PGPiligianFacebook: Pam PiligianInstagram: pgpiligian

Jul 21, 2021 • 56min
S1/E29: How Federal Supervisors Can Protect Themselves in Today's Political Environment - Feds Protection
To reach out to Alex D. Tremble you can contact him below and use #TheATshow.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextremble/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/alextrembleInstagram: https://instagram.com/alexdtrembleTwitter: https://twitter.com/AlexDTrembleFeds ProtectionAnthony F. Vergnetti is the President and Founder of Federal Employee Defense Services, Inc. (FEDS), located near Washington, D.C. Since 2007, FEDS has provided professional liability insurance coverage to the government employee and contractor community. Prior to founding FEDS, Mr. Vergnetti was a partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm Shaw Bransford Veilleux & Roth P.C. where he specialized in federal personnel and employment law, representing employees in disciplinary action cases, employment discrimination complaints, whistleblower and prohibited personnel practice cases, Inspector General (IG) and Internal Affairs investigations, security clearance issues (including federal contractors), and other employment matters in various forums, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), Department of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA), as well as the federal district and appellate courts. Mr. Vergnetti has also provided legal representation to small federal agencies on a multitude of personnel law matters. Mr. Vergnetti is a current co-host of FEDtalk, a weekly radio show on Fridays, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon (Eastern Time), on WTOP’s all-federal employee radio station, on line at Federal News Network and locally in the Washington DC area on 1500AM. On FEDtalk, Mr. Vergnetti presents experts who discuss matters of importance to federal employees and retirees. Mr. Vergnetti also previously frequently appeared on Federal News Network’s signature morning drive show—the Federal Drive with Mike Causey. Mr. Vergnetti is the author of the numerous articles and publications such as the 2002 INSPECTOR GENERAL AND OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL INVESTIGATIONS HANDBOOK (www.federalhandbooks.com) and has presented seminars to government executives and employees on a variety of federal personnel lawmatters at training programs sponsored by FDR Conferences, Inc. Prior to joining SBVR, Mr. Vergnetti was an attorney with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Office of Chief Counsel (1997-2001) where he represented the Bureau in personnel matters (disciplinary and other adverse actions), and other employment/labor law matters before the various administrative tribunals (MSPB, EEOC, FLRA) and the Federal district or appellate courts. Mr. Vergnetti also worked as an Appellate Attorney for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (1996) and served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Hart. T. Mankin, U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (1995). Mr. Vergnetti is also the current Executive Director of the OmniGov Training Institute, which is a non-profit corporation that provides training and guidance for government employees and agencies on a wide variety of human resource and personnel law issues. Mr. Vergnetti is also the President of TMS, a consulting firm specializing in association management for federal employee associations and organizations. Mr. Vergnetti has B.A degree from Arizona State University (1992) and law degrees from Widener University School of Law (1995) and the Georgetown University Law Center (1999 -- Masters of Law in Labor/Employment Law) Prior to attending undergraduate and law schools, Mr. Vergnetti served on active duty in the United States Air Force (1985-1989). Mr. Vergnetti is a member of the Bar in Maryland and the District of Columbia and holds several surplus lines property and casualty insurance licenses.Brenda Wilson is the Director of Strategy and Business Development of Federal Employee and Contractor Programs at FEDS Protection, the leading provider of federal employee professional liability insurance. Brenda was born and raised in Chicago, educated at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and started her insurance career over 25 years ago in her beloved hometown providing risk management services for high-risk professions and operations. Her niche industry expertise in the Excess and Surplus industry as a commercial wholesale broker was highly sought after in the west coast multi-family residential, specialized carrier and rigging, and owners, landlords and tenants arenas. Over the last decade, Brenda has workedexclusively with federal agencies and the leading federal government employee associations on behalf of federal employees and contractors, to educate federal employees about their professional exposures; and to ensure coverage, claims management, and customer service preserve FEDS Protection’s reputation of doing right by federal employees. True to her Midwestern roots, Brenda’s outgoing nature is a natural fit for her association endeavors and achievements with the Professional Managers Association (PMA), the Federal Managers Association (FMA), the Senior Executives Association (SEA), the FAA Managers Association (FAAMA), the National Council of Social Security Managers Association (NCSSMA), and other leading federal government associations including the ATF Association (ATFA), Association of Technical and Supervisory Professionals (ATSP), Diplomatic Security Special Agents Association (DSSAA), EWG (Executive Women in Government), FBI Intelligence Analysts Association (FBI IAA), Federal Court Clerks Association (FCCA), Federal Criminal Investigators Association (FCIA), Federally Employed Women (FEW), Federal Flight Deck Officers Association (FFDOA), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Federal Physicians Association (FPA), Federal Wildland Fire Service Association (FWFSA), Interior Department Recreation Association (IDRA), National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys (NAAUSA), National Association of Black Narcotics Agents (NABNA), National Association of Credit Specialists (NACS-FSA), National Association of Federal Veterinarians (NAFV), National Wildlife Refuge Officer Association (NWROA), Personal Services Contractors (PSC) Association, and Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE).

Jul 7, 2021 • 44min
S1/E28: How to Accomplish Large Goals When You Don't Have Help - Dr. Willie Jolley
To reach out to Alex D. Tremble you can contact him below and use #TheATshow.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextremble/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/alextrembleInstagram: https://instagram.com/alexdtrembleTwitter: https://twitter.com/AlexDTrembleDr. Willie JolleyThere are many motivational speakers, and then there is the one, the only, the incomparable Dr. Willie Jolley. He truly is a renaissance man! He is a serial entrepreneur and global consultant/thought leader. He is also a Hall of Fame speaker, an award-winning singer, an international best-selling author, a popular national radio show host, and a dynamic television personality.Dr. Willie Jolley has achieved remarkable heights in the speaking industry, having come from humble beginnings of being a fired singer who was replaced by a karaoke machine! He has gone on to be named “One of the Outstanding Five Speakers in the World” and “Motivational & Inspirational Speaker of The Year” by the 175,000 members of Toastmasters International. In 2005, he was inducted into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame and received the C.P.A.E. Award (Council of Peers Award of Excellence), as well as achieving the distinction of Certified Speaker Professional (CSP) by the National Speakers Association. In 2012, was a recipient of the Ron Brown Distinguished Leadership Award. In 2013, he was named “One of the Top 5 Leadership Speakers” by speaking.com. In 2018, he was named a “Legend of The Speaking Industry” by the Veterans Speakers Association.Many know him as the expert Ford Motors called on in 2006–when they were on the brink of bankruptcy. He worked with them in 2006, 2007, 2008 and in 2009, they were able to reject a government bailout and go on to make billion-dollar profits.Dr. Jolley started his speaking career as a drug prevention coordinator for the DC Public School System and went on to speak to millions of youth around the world and produce the first PBS Special for teens. As a result of his popularity with youth audiences, he started receiving speaking request calls from other industry sectors and went on to great success speaking to colleges, associations and corporations. In 2014, he replaced the legendary Zig Ziglar on the National Get Motivated Tour.Dr. Jolley was the first African American President of the Washington, DC Chapter of The National Speakers Association (NSA) and was able to double memberships and revenues in one year. As a result, he went on to become the first African American elected to the National Board of NSA. He is presently the Chairman of The Speaker Hall of Fame Leadership Committee and is also the first African American to hold that position.Dr. Willie Jolley uses his public platform to pursue his mission of empowering and encouraging people to rise above their circumstances and maximize their God-given potential! No matter the venue, from his exciting television appearances to his Sirius XM radio show–to corporate audiences like Walmart, General Motors, Comcast, Verizon, Marriott, Johnson, and Johnson Dubai, Coca-Cola US, Coca-Cola South Africa, Prudential Australia, and Prudential Malaysia or The Million Dollar Round Table–Dr. Willie Jolley keeps it moving with high energy and enthusiasm. He delivers nuggets on how every person can live a better life and win more, every day!Dr. Willie Jolley is the author of several international best-selling books including, It Only Takes A Minute To Change Your Life, A Setback Is A Setup For A Comeback, Turn Setbacks Into Greenbacks and An Attitude of Excellence–which was endorsed by former Ford Motors CEO, Alan Mulally and Dr. Stephen Covey, author of the landmark book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.Dr. Jolley is also co-author–with his wife of 36 years, Dee Taylor-Jolley–of the popular new marriage book, Make Love, Make Money, Make It Last!Dr. Jolley can be heard daily on the "Get Up Mornings With Erica Campbell" show on the Radio One Network and weekly on his #1-rated Willie Jolley Wealthy Ways Show on Sirius XM Channel 141.His popular podcast, The Willie Jolley Wealthy Ways Podcast, can be heard on iHeart Radio, C-Suite Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and Apple Podcasts.Additionally, his “Live Better with Willie Jolley” daily television show has been a popular staple on many stations across America and will soon be available globally on the new Jolley Media online network. Dr. Jolley and his wife host a weekly marriage advice show called “Make Love, Make Money, Make It Last! with Dr. Willie and Dee Jolley,” which airs live Monday nights at 9 pm ET on Facebook Live. All episodes can be found on HappilyMarriedMondays.com.In addition to his corporate activities, Dr. Jolley started a non-profit organization, Jolley Good News, which focuses on helping people reduce prison recidivism and encourage youth–particularly urban youth–to pursue leadership and academic excellence. He also hosts a weekly faith-based achievement show Saturday mornings called “The Jolley Good News Report” on Facebook Live. All episodes can be found on Jolley Good News.com.Dr. Jolley holds an earned Doctor of Ministry Degree in Faith-Driven Achievement from the California Graduate School of Theology, a Master’s Degree in Theology from Wesley Theological Seminary, and a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from American University. He resides in Washington, DC and shares his life with his wife, Dee, his two adult children and two grandchildren.

Jun 16, 2021 • 57min
S1/E27: Why Being a Leader is Not For the Weak - Bill Valdez
Bill Valdez is a recognized thought leader in the Federal government who has successfully led science and technology programs, significantly influenced government policies in science, technology and government administration, and has led efforts to modernize government programs to deliver improved mission value to American taxpayers and to create a 21st Century Federal workforce.Bill in 2020 co-founded the Alliance of Latinx Leadership & Policy (ALLP), which is dedicated to developing a pipeline of highly qualified Latinx policy leaders in the Federal government (www.LatinxPolicy.org). ALLP is a non-profit and bipartisan group and will serve as a think tank and leadership pipeline program for Latinx professionals who wish to pursue a career in public service.Bill retired from Federal service in 2014. His career with the Department of Energy spanned over 20 years and he held the positions of Director, DOE Office of Economic Impact; DOE’s Chief Diversity Officer; Director of Business Services, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; and Director of Planning and Analysis, and Director for Workforce Development within DOE’s Office of Science. During this time, Bill became expert in both programmatic and policy development, along with the operational side of the house including budget development/execution, HR, procurement and IT.Bill was the President of the Senior Executives Association (SEA) from 2016-2020 and focused on strengthening the Senior Executive Service (SES) through legislative and policy initiatives, building a leadership pipeline for the Executive Branch, working with a broad range of good government groups to modernize the civil service, restoring a public service ethic to the Federal government, and developing policies/programs that will promote the Future of Work, the Workplace and Workforce in the Federal government through innovative tools such as AI/RPA and shared services.Bill is currently President of Global Innovation Associates LLC, which provides advisory services to government agencies and private sector companies, and is a senior advisor with the Advanced Technology Group LLC, which develops rural and remote community broadband and economic development solutions. He also is a member of the National Science Foundation’s Budget & Operations Advisory Committee. Prior to serving at DOE, Bill worked as a Senior Project Manager in private industry where he provided strategic planning services to Asian and European multinational corporations. He also was a reporter in Austin, Texas. Bill received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas and his Master of Arts in International Economics and Energy Policy from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

Jun 2, 2021 • 50min
S1/E26: Key Strategies for Overcoming Adversity and Reaching Your Goals - Admiral Sandy Stosz
Admiral Sandy Stosz started out in the US Coast Guard as an ensign serving aboard polar icebreakers, conducting national security missions from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Her forty-year career was filled with leadership lessons gleaned while breaking ice and breaking glass as the first woman to command an icebreaker on the Great Lakes and to lead a US armed forces service academy. Along the way, Sandy served for 12 years at sea, commanding two ships, and led large Coast Guard organizations during times of crisis and complexity. She finished her career as the first woman assigned as Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, directing one of the Coast Guard’s largest enterprises. She has lectured widely on leadership, and has been featured on CSPAN and other media outlets. In 2012, Newsweek’s “The Daily Beast” named Sandy to their list of 150 Women who Shake the World. She volunteers in leadership roles for several organizations and runs Sandra Stosz, LLC. Sandy enjoys hiking, swimming, birdwatching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family.

May 19, 2021 • 57min
S1/E25: How to Create an Inclusive Workplace - Ivan Lee
Ivan H. Lee is an experienced leader, program manager, and training facilitator who helps people and organizations find and fulfill their purpose so they can thrive. He has led change initiatives in learning, diversity, equity & inclusion, and corporate social responsibility at organizations such as Apple, AmeriCorps, and most recently at T-Mobile, where he manages their ethical leadership training program.

May 12, 2021 • 44min
S1/E24: How to Balance Work and Family - Dave Uejio
Dave Uejio was announced as the Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., on January 20, 2021. As the Bureau’s Acting Director, Mr. Uejio oversees a $600 million budget and a 1,600-member workforce dedicated to protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices, in the financial marketplace, through the enforcement of federal consumer financial law. Currently, the Bureau supervises over 150 depository institutions with assets totaling more than $10 billion. The Bureau also supervises mortgage originators and servicers and payday lenders, as well as companies from the consumer reporting, consumer debt collection, student loan servicing, international money transfer, and automobile financing financial marketplaces.Having been with the Bureau since 2012, Acting Director Uejio is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for President Biden’s nominated director, Commissioner Rohit Chopra. Acting Director Uejio will focus on taking all available measures to protect consumers, particularly vulnerable ones, negatively affected by the pandemic; he also will work to utilize the tools of the Bureau to tackle racial disparities and inequalities laid bare by the pandemic.Prior to becoming Acting Director, Mr. Uejio served the Bureau as Acting Chief of Staff, as Lead for Talent Acquisition, and, most recently, as the Bureau’s Chief Strategy Officer. As Chief Strategy Officer, Acting Director Uejio led the development of an integrative approach to strategic planning, policy prioritization, enterprise risk management, organizational performance, and program evaluation. Acting Director Uejio utilized this integrative approach to improve the strategic advice provided to the Director and to better translate the Director’s priorities into tangible, reportable, and auditable programs and initiatives.In addition, to his experience at the Bureau, Acting Director Uejio has served in Human Resources capacities at the National Institutes of Health, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Acting Director Uejio began his career in government service in 2006, when he joined the NIH as a Presidential Management Fellow.Acting Director Uejio is devoted to public service both as a profession and a calling. He co-chairs the Federal Innovation Council, which is a leading federal government interagency body to drive public sector innovation. He also co-founded the largest event to connect, develop, and inspire emerging public service leaders, the Next Generation of Government Summit.Acting Director Uejio received a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.