Lead Through It with Kim and Jada
If you're leading a team or an organization through something hard right now, you're in the right place.
Jada Willis and Kim Andrews are the co-hosts of Lead Through It. They’re here because leadership gets lonely, and they want to make it less so. Every week, they bring you stories about how other leaders are doing it, practical tips and tools you can use right away, and their signature wit and charm.
In an alternate universe, Jada and Kim are competitors. But they decided collaborating would be much more fun. Kim spent 15 years inside schools and nonprofits and now helps leaders build strong teams, make tough decisions, and get stuff done without burning out. Jada built a seven-figure HR firm from nothing, sold it, and now helps leaders turn chaos into clarity, fueled by a lot of faith and grit. They’ve had different paths but share the values that matter most.
If *it* is hitting the fan, we’ve got you. Let's lead through it together.
Interested in being a guest on the Lead Through It podcast? We'd love to hear your story and learn more about your leadership journey. Click here to apply!
Lead Through It with Kim and Jada
Ep. 7 - Leading Locally: Purpose, Grit, and Change with Aaron Polkey
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In this powerful episode of Lead Through It, Kim Andrews and Jada Willis sit down with Aaron Polkey, President and CEO of the Palmetto Project and candidate for Charleston City Council District 4.
Aaron shares his journey from Charleston native to civil rights attorney to nonprofit leader, and why he felt called to return home to create lasting change. He opens up about what it means to lead through unexpected challenges, from navigating leadership transitions at Palmetto Project to rebuilding trust in community systems.
Listeners will hear Aaron’s inspiring philosophy on “looking local”, focusing on practical, people-centered solutions that make government work better for everyone. He also shares a vulnerable “lead through it” moment about inheriting a struggling program and transforming crisis into resilience through hands-on leadership and humility.
From civic engagement and housing equity to early bedtimes and morning discipline, Aaron’s authenticity, humor, and dedication to South Carolina shine through every word.
Resources Mentioned:
- Palmetto Project
- AaronPolkey.com
- FedFam (Substack + Facebook Community)
If today’s conversation resonated, connect with us and be part of the community of leaders who refuse to lead alone.
JadaWillis.com | KimAndrewsCoaching.com | Hard Conversations AI Toolkit
Jada@jwillisconsulting.com | Kim@kimandrewscoaching.com