The Through the Leadership Lens Podcast Explores Leadership

What does leadership mean to you? It’s a question that’s as complex as it is personal. Leadership comes in many forms, and its meaning shifts depending on who you ask. On the Through the Leadership Lens podcast (TTLL), we talk to a wide variety of leaders, ranging from C-level executives to propane company employees. I have learned that finding the answer to the question “What is leadership?” truly comes in many flavors. That’s exactly why Jess Balderston and I ask every guest on TTLL to define leadership in their own words.

The podcast is presented by the National Propane Gas Association’s (NPGA) Women in Propane (WIP) council and was born from a conversation at the NPGA Southeastern & International Propane Expo in Nashville, Tennessee. I was sitting next to Jessica Johnson (NPGA’s manager, Political Action Committee) at the WIP Leadership Forum, chatting about books. I shared that I host a podcast at Rural Computer Consultants (RCC) called “Fuel the Conversation.”

A few weeks later, Jessica called to brainstorm a podcast for WIP and invited me to cohost it. I was honored and immediately said yes.

I initially thought WIP’s podcast would be similar to what I was already doing, which was grabbing a guest and talking about them. But it was deeper than that. Not only do we get to know the guests, but we also dive into their lives and discuss what leadership experiences have impacted them. When I started researching leadership and how to cohost a podcast on the topic, I was a little nervous. This was a big step out of my comfort zone. We ask our guests to tell us why they are leaders, why they’re successful and how they’ve become mentors. That’s not easy, because most people don’t like to talk about themselves in that way. But the information they share is valuable and needs to be heard.

In 2022, my former cohost, Bridget Kidd (chief operating officer of the Propane Education & Research Council) and I launched “Through the Leadership Lens.” From the very first episode, featuring Nancy Coop, founding chair of WIP, we knew we were on to something special. That episode aired on Oct. 14, 2022, and since then, we’ve recorded over 45 episodes, each one spotlighting the voices and stories of leaders in the propane industry. Also, since its launch, TTLL has garnered over 3,000 full-stream views — not quick clicks, but full-length listens from viewers. That kind of connection speaks volumes about the relevance and impact of the stories we’re sharing.

Our initial focus was on a specific group of leaders, but we soon recognized that leadership transcends any single identity. Broadening the conversation brought new perspectives and encouraged broader engagement. What began as a spotlight on one facet of leadership has since grown into a celebration of leadership in all its forms.

Personally, I’m grateful Jessica asked me to be part of this podcast. It speaks volumes about the inclusive spirit of the Women in Propane council. WIP is about more than just women; it’s about building a stronger, more connected industry. From mentorship programs and DiSC training to podcasts, webinars and beyond, WIP offers a wide range of resources that benefit everyone. Including all voices in these stories helps broaden the conversation and reflect the full spectrum of leadership across our industry.

Bridget and I had the privilege of hosting two live podcast events at the NPGA Southeastern Expo in 2023 and 2024. The energy of speaking in front of a live audience added a whole new dimension to the experience: the adrenaline, the connection, the shared excitement. It helped propel the podcast forward and deepen our storytelling. Before each live podcast, Bridget and I would have conversations with our guests, trying to map out the flow and anticipate the direction of the discussion. But the moment we stepped on stage and said, “Welcome to a very special live podcast of ‘Through the Leadership Lens,’” everything changed in the best way possible. The energy from the guests and attendees took over, guiding the conversation with authenticity and passion. The guests made it easy to be the cohost. Their storytelling was amazing.

2025 marked a new chapter for the podcast as Bridget passed the cohosting torch to Jess Balderston (co-owner of RCC). Her enthusiasm and fresh ideas have already expanded the podcast’s reach and impact. One of our recent episodes, “Small Voices, Big Questions,” featured children of industry professionals, offering a heartwarming and insightful look at the next generation.

Jessica’s arrival has brought a renewed sense of innovation and change, reminding us that leadership is not static. It evolves, just like our podcast has. And as we continue to explore what leadership means through the voices of our guests, we remain committed to amplifying stories that inspire, challenge and connect.

Every conversation begins with a story and often leads to an impactful moment that stays with us. These stories aren’t just entertaining; they’re educational, shareable and usually transformative. They’re something you can bring back to your team or use to deepen your understanding of how propane is the most reliable energy source out there.

As we continue to share the stories of our guests, we’re grateful to be part of WIP. Women in Propane gave us the mic, and the industry has given us the stories.

If you or someone you know has a story to tell, we’d love to hear from you. We’re always looking for new guests to join us on “Through the Leadership Lens.”