All Episodes

June 10, 2025 40 mins
Ever feel like you’re stuck in your own professional bubble, wondering how to actually make connections that matter? Michelle dives in with Veronica Perondi of LEAD San Diego into what it really takes to break out, build a brag-worthy network, and get your seat at the table. From Michelle's personal experience with the program to redefining networking and why you need to join a local leadership program, this convo is all about mixing curiosity, community, and leadership together.

 

Veronica Perondi is the Executive Director of LEAD San Diego, the leadership development arm of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives to connect and empower leaders across sectors, fostering collaboration and innovation to address regional challenges and create meaningful community impact. With over a decade of experience in creating outcome-driven programs, Veronica is dedicated to fostering learning and personal development at every opportunity. Before joining LEAD San Diego, she held leadership roles at San Diego State University where she oversaw programs that reinforced the connection between learning, leadership and community impact. Veronica holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from San Francisco State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from San Diego State University.
------------------------
In today's episode, we cover the following:
  • What LEAD San Diego is and their impact
  • Interdisciplinary learning
  • What makes someone a leader
  • Reframing the definition of networking and connecting on LinkedIn
  • Inside of the LAP Program
  • Social learning and group dynamics
  • Personal growth with community
  • Contextual learning: geographic and topic-based sessions
  • Showing up as yourself in leadership
  • Michelle's journey going through LEAD
  • How to find your local leadership program

-----------------------
RESOURCES:

-----------------------
GUEST INFO:
To learn more about LEAD San Diego, follow them on Facebook and Instagram @LEADSanDiego or their website SDChamber.org/Lead/
-----------------------
Your designs deserve the front page—literally. Searchlight Digital is the women-led SEO and Google Ads agency that helps creative businesses get seen, not just admired. Use code KMA100 at searchlightdigital.ca for $100 off a 60-minute Pick My Brain call and finally get found.
-----------------------
 
Connect on social with Michelle at:

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.