Cast Bold. Lead Bright with Mickey Fitch-Collins | Ship's Log #23

Episode Summary In this episode of Project Candor, host Jeanne welcomes Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD — leadership facilitator, speaker, and host of The Learnit Lounge — for a candid conversation about what it takes to lead with both joy and depth. Mickey's story is anything but linear: she was a professional bass fisherman at 14, a college student leader when 9/11 happened, and someone who turned getting fired into a professional turning point. Mickey and Jeanne dive into the hidden exhaustion of middle managers, the trap of "productivity theater" and the Busy Olympics, and what it really means to build a career on relationships — one at a time. The episode closes with a lively round of Two Truths and a Lie that will surprise you. Guest Bio Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD (she/her) is not your average leadership skills facilitator. With a PhD in Leadership in Higher Education and a career that spans academia, educational technology, and corporate training, Mickey brings a collection of L&D "goods, bads, and uglies" to the table. At Learnit, she specializes in transforming human skills — like communication, empathy, and resilience — into actionable strategies that drive organizational success from the individual outward. From teaching people how to fish (literally), to helping her peers navigate 9/11, to managing diverse teams across various sectors, Mickey's career is a testament to adaptability and authentic leadership. Her speaking and workshops blend scholarly insight and relatable storytelling with humor and real-world applications. She's the kind of guest who doesn't just share ideas — she sparks conversations that linger long after the episode ends. Mickey is also the host of The Learnit Lounge podcast. Website: https://www.learnit.com/mickey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyfitchcollins/ Podcast: The Learnit Lounge: https://www.learnit.com/podcast Free 45-Day TeamPass: https://www.learnit.com/mickey — use code LOUNGE at checkout Who do you know who'd make a great guest for the show? Please let us know. Email: info@projectcandor.com Website: https://www.projectcandor.com Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectCandor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectcandor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project.candor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectCandorPodcast