What happens when you go from saying "Ew, I don’t want to manage people…” to leading a high-growth tech company as Chief Operating Officer?

In this raw, insightful, and relatable episode of It’s Not You, But Sometimes It Is, Serena Schultz (COO at Mogli, Colorado-based Salesforce ISV) shares her unexpected journey from social work dreams to tech exec reality. Serena opens up about leadership missteps, managing burnout, what it really takes to build high-performing teams, and learning to let go of being the hero.

We talk about:

Navigating fast-paced growth and leadership identity crises

Owning failure and asking for help (even when it’s hard)

Why alignment beats expertise—and culture eats strategy for breakfast

How to shift from "fixer" to "partner" in team dynamics

Releasing ego and leading with humility

If you’ve ever felt like leadership is more about survival than strategy—this one’s for you. 🎙️

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more honest conversations with real leaders doing hard things.

#LeadershipPodcast #WomenInTech #COOJourney #StartupLife #RealTalkLeadership #ItsNotYouButSometimesItIs

Connect with Serena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenaschultz/

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss an episode!
- Meg

Connect with Meg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megpoag/
Or via email: [email protected]

Visit the Mission Squared website here: https://missionsquared.com/

Listen to It’s Not You… But Sometimes It Is!, on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sXianujhOPcs1C4mKiFjv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-you-but-sometimes-it-is/id1785669837
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f9f9031d-74d9-4a65-9dc3-3aa34ef9fde8/it's-not-you-but-sometimes-it-is

#leadershippodcast #teammanagement #resilientleadership #workplacecommunication #managertraining #emotionalintelligence #conflictresolution #leadershipdevelopment #teambuilding #authenticleadership #professionalgrowth #organizationalculture #leadershipchallenges #managerlife #leadwithpurpose
It’s Not You (But Sometimes It Is!), hosted by Meg Poag, is the go-to podcast for managers, team leads, and emerging leaders navigating real-world workplace dynamics. Each episode features honest conversations with experienced professionals on leadership challenges—from building resilient teams and fostering authentic connections to managing change, enhancing communication, and balancing ambition with well-being. Whether you’re steering through conflict, scaling a team, or seeking clarity in your leadership style, Meg brings actionable strategies, personal stories, and expert advice to help you lead with confidence and compassion.