

The Executive Appeal with Alex D. Tremble
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 15, 2025 • 49min
EP 156: Purpose-Driven Leadership: Coaching for Impact with Chris Hughes
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & #KeynoteSpeaker) and Chris Hughes, President & CEO of The Way Forward, delves into the essence of purpose-driven leadership. He explores the importance of aligning purpose with impact, coaching and developing teams toward shared goals, and preparing for future opportunities and challenges. Learn how to maximize your leadership potential, foster team growth, and create meaningful change in this insightful conversation.GUEST BIOMajor General (RET.) Christopher P Hughes is a result-driven Consultant and Executive Coach with expertise in strategic planning, innovation, leadership, and operational and organizational design. Chris has spent the last five years helping C-Suit executives improve and train their junior leaders in the business and federal domains. Christopher Hughes brings 35 years of leadership experience in the U.S Army, from platoon leader to Commanding General. Over the course of his career, Chris served as the Executive Officer for the Secretary of the Army, the Army Senior Liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives, and he commanded an Infantry Battalion from the 101st Airborne Division during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Chris is the author of the book “War on Two Fronts” that recounts his experiences in Iraq and the Pentagon. He assisted in the creation of five major organizations within the Department of Defense and served as an investigator on the USS Cole Commission in 2000.After retiring from military service, Chris became the President and CEO of Northwest Consulting, LLC. He's also the author of 'War on Two Fronts: an Infantry Commander's War in Iraq and the Pentagon'. Of which he was awarded the Army Historical Foundation's Distinguished Writing Award for Excellence in U.S. Army History Writing in 2008.

Jan 8, 2025 • 42min
EP 155: Fostering Proactivity and Embracing Diverse Perspectives with Tony L. Butler-Sims
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & #KeynoteSpeaker) and Tony L. Butler-Sims (Chief Operating Officer at the Center for International Private Enterprise) as they explore strategies for fostering proactivity in teams and the value of learning from diverse perspectives. Gain actionable insights on leadership and team dynamics from an accomplished executive and thought leader.Guest BIOTony currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the Center for international Private Enterprise With over 30 years of experience as a dedicated HR practitioner, Tony has worked in the private, for-profit, and non-profit sectors. Before joining CNFA, he served as the Director of Human Resources and Administration for Cardno Emerging Markets, overseeing operations in Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. His career also includes senior director roles at a federal government contractor in Northern Virginia and at the largest international public-sector labor union. A U.S. Army veteran, Tony served at military installations in Heidelberg, Germany; Yongsan, South Korea; and across the United States.Tony holds a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He is certified as a Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and as a Senior Professional in Human Resources by the HR Certification Institute. Tony is a founding member of the SHRM Executive Network, currently serves as President-Elect on the board of the District of Columbia Chapter of SHRM, and is an official member of the Forbes Human Resource Council and the HR Leadership Forum.In his spare time, Tony is an active member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and enjoys volunteering, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Dec 18, 2024 • 38min
EP 154: Balancing Information and Intentionality with Timothy Horn
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & #KeynoteSpeaker) and Timothy Horn, Director, Integrated Talent Management as they discuss expertise on balancing information and intentionality in leadership and decision-making. Tune in to learn how to navigate complexity with purpose and clarity from a seasoned talent management professional.Guest BioTim currently serves as the Director, Integrated Talent Management at QinetiQ US. Tim began his career in the Air Force as a communications systems operator but soon was selected as an Airman Leadership School instructor, teaching first-line supervisors how to lead and develop their subordinates. He would ultimately be promoted to serve as the Chief of Enlisted Developmental Education, managing professional military education for 250,000+ members of the Air Force and finally, Command Chief Master Sergeant for Air University, providing strategic advice to the Commander on human capital management and mission execution. After leaving the Air Force in 2019 he started his current leadership journey at what is now QinetiQ US. His passion for leadership and professional development led him to move to the corporate office where he’s been leading those efforts for the company. That includes everything from running our flagship mentorship program to executive development... and anything that fits into the leadership and learning and development portfolio.

Dec 11, 2024 • 40min
EP 153: Find Fulfillment in Your Work and Focus on Your Passion with Scott Sell
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & #KeynoteSpeaker) and Scott Sell, Chief Talent Acquisition Officer at Mercy as they discuss how focusing on your passion can lead to greater fulfillment in your work. Gain valuable insights on aligning your career with your purpose from an expert in talent acquisition and leadership.Guest BIO:Scott Sell is a strategic and innovative talent acquisition leader that has led teams within the technology, executive search, hospitality, and health care sectors. He currently serves as the Chief Talent Acquisition Officer for Mercy, where he’s recognized for his proven ability to build and manage high performing, diverse teams across a multi-state area. As a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of recruitment experience, Scott is known for driving employment brand growth, maximizing operational excellence and providing a premiere candidate experience. Scott also serves as a Board Member on TALK (Talent Acquisition Leadership Keynotes) which is the world’s largest society of Talent Acquisition professionals. And prior to his current Chief role he served as the Director of Talent Acquisition and Administration at Ameristar Casino.

Nov 27, 2024 • 37min
EP 152: Progress at Your Pace: Kimberly Covington on Leadership & Patience
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Kimberly Covington (Human Resources Director at Pathways to Housing DC) as they discuss navigating today’s fast-paced “microwave” world, finding balance in leadership, and embracing personal progress. Learn how to boost productivity with flexible strategies, patience, and a big-picture perspective on growth and success.Guest BIO: Proven Human Resource professional, who works to translate business strategies into HR actions that drives business results, and who also focuses on developing efficient processes using knowledge of HR Information Systems, employee relations, benefits and industry best practices to accomplish organizational goals. Core competencies include:Project Management~Benefits Administration~ HRIS~Employee Relations~Performance Management~Strategic Planning~ Client Relations

Nov 20, 2024 • 39min
EP 151: Building Cohesive Cultures: HR Insights from Sarah Ghessie
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Sarah Ghessie (Senior HR Director at Fundrise) as they discuss how to create strong workplace cultures, build HR departments from scratch, and use data to predict trends. Dive into her journey of understanding diverse perspectives and the human side behind every data point in today’s evolving society.Guest BIO:With over ten years of experience in human resources and operations, I am a passionate and strategic leader who drives organizational excellence and employee engagement. As the Senior Director of Human Resources at Fundrise, I oversee the People function for a high-growth, direct-to-investor alternative asset management platform, overseeing talent acquisition, performance management, compensation and benefits, learning and development, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. I hold a SHRM-CP certification and am graduate of the People Leader Accelerator, a program that equips HR professionals with the skills and tools to create high-performing and inclusive teams, and the Redefining HR Accelerator - Charlie Cohort. Previously, I held various HR and operations roles at Asurity Technologies, NJI Media, Social Tables, and Hukkster, where I supported the growth and success of different organizations in the technology, media, and retail sectors. I have a strong background in retail management and organizational leadership and learning, with master's degrees from the University of South Carolina and the George Washington University. I also hold a diversity and inclusion certificate from Cornell University, and I am committed to fostering a culture of belonging and respect at Fundrise and beyond.

Nov 13, 2024 • 37min
EP 150: Lead with Purpose: Juan Ramirez on Choosing Your Why & Inspiring Change
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Juan Ramirez (Regional Growth Director at Oak Street Health) as they discuss insights on defining your purpose, doing what's right, and taking actionable notes to drive change. Discover his approach to leading teams, understanding people, and creating a positive impact in HR.

Nov 6, 2024 • 42min
EP 149: Inside Executive HR: Jason Risoli on Growth, Discipline & Success
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Jason Risoli (Founder of Grassroots Talent Solutions and Global Head/VP of Human Resources P&O) as they discuss powerful lessons on the realities of executive growth, balancing sacrifice with success, mastering self-discipline, and minimizing distractions. Learn how every decision shapes your journey in this inspiring episode for ambitious professionals.Guest BIO:Jason Risoli is an accomplished Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience in various industries. He has a proven track record of driving business improvements through employee engagement, enhancing company culture and strategies initiatives. Jason's career began with a dual Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management as well as Management and Organizational Behavior from Rider University. He then went on to complete a Master's degree in Labor and Employment Relations from Rutgers University. Since then, he has worked with a variety of top organizations, including large corporations and small businesses, to develop and implement effective HR strategies. In his most recent role as the Sr. Director People Operations Head of HR at Transformco Sears Home Services, a leading Home Services company, Jason oversaw all aspects of HR operations, including employee relations, while strategically partnering with Talent Acquisition and Total Rewards subject matter experts. He has also played the lead role in developing and implementing employee engagement and retention strategies at the company. Throughout his career, Jason has demonstrated a passion for employee development and engagement. He is an advocate for ongoing learning and development, and has led numerous training sessions on topics such as leadership development and conflict resolution and has mentored countless people throughout his career and personal life. Outside of work, Jason is nature lover and enjoys spending time with his family. He is also actively involved in his community, volunteering with local non-profit organizations including being Merit Badge Counselor with the Boy Scouts of America for 6 Eagle Merit badges as well being a mentor for HR students attending Rutgers University.

Oct 30, 2024 • 41min
EP 148: Build Strong Virtual Teams with Expert Tips from Peter Bonner
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Peter Bonner (President and Founder of Bonner Enterprises) as they discuss essential strategies for building strong work relationships in virtual spaces, integrating new team members, and fostering a collaborative culture. Learn how to enhance communication skills and bring teams together remotely!Guest BIO:Peter Bonner is a public, non-profit, and private sector innovator, working at the crossroads between these sectors in the areas of human capital, workforce development, leadership effectiveness, and operational excellence. He recently led the federal agencies tasked with hiring the technical, management, and staff talent to implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act. from his role as the Associate Director, HR Solutions at Office of Personnel Management. This resulted in hiring, in less than two years, more than 6,000 engineers, program managers, contracting and grants management specialists, to help build the roads, bridges, cell towers, water treatment facilities, and semiconductor plants that will improve the quality of life for Americans for generations to come. As OPM’s HR Solutions team executive, Peter led customer experience and innovation for USAJOBS, USA Staffing, USA Performance, USA Hire and other shared services that help federal agencies recruit, hire, train, and manage the performance of the federal workforce. Peter’s particular expertise is in interagency and inter-sector initiatives that meld the sometimes disparate missions and outcomes of federal agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. He has demonstrated this through work on OPM’s interagency hiring surge innovations, federal Energy Star programs, Veterans employment initiatives, evidence-based decision making, the OMB/USDS DITAP Program, and OPM shared services. Peter has led consulting organization functions in senior executive roles at ICF and ASI Government that focus on strategic planning, leadership development, learning, and organizational development. Peter supports federal agencies s they chart new courses and direction in times of great volatility and change. His familiarity with federal consulting, contracting, HR, and workforce management helps agencies efficiently and effectively create and align objectives and goals in response to diverse stakeholder needs and requirements. Mr. Bonner’s experience demonstrates his ability to get results and make agencies even more effective.Peter can be reached at peter@bonnerenterprises.com

Oct 23, 2024 • 45min
EP 147: Secrets to Thriving in Executive Roles with Donna Miller
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Donna Miller (Chief Growth Officer - Xyant Services and Co-Founder/CEO and Webcast Host - Purse Power) as they discuss powerful insights on advancing into executive roles. Learn how to empower others, communicate your unique skill set, and build a strong network by connecting people and positioning yourself as a leader.Guest BIO:Donna Miller, Co-founder and CEO of Purse Power and Chief Growth Officer - Human Capital Management of Xyant Services, has had more than 30 years of hands-on experience as an entrepreneur and executive in Fortune 500 companies. She is an award-winning talent management consultant and a formally trained executive coach. The theme of Donna's career has been around initiating, driving and managing organizational transformations.Her expertise lies in Human Capital Management consulting, organizational development, executive coaching, talent management, leadership development, and team building. With a background as a former HR executive, extensive experience is brought to optimizing technology recruitment, fostering diversity and inclusion, and facilitating large scale change. Close collaboration with clients ensures alignment of workforce strategies with business objectives, providing strategic guidance and customized solutions. Additionally, a collaborative approach extends to advisory and consulting services, assisting clients in areas such as digital transformation, cloud migration, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Passion for delivering impactful results drives the ability to help organizations thrive by unlocking the full potential of their human capital.