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No Sugarcoatin’ is a straight-talk leadership podcast for business owners, operators, and executives who are tired of the highlight-reel version of entrepreneurship. Hosted by Beth McClary-Wolford, the show strips away the fluff, the “we’re fine” energy, and the LinkedIn fairytales to get into what it really takes to build, lead, and grow a business that lasts. Each episode features real conversations with real leaders about hard lessons, leadership mistakes, growth decisions, people problems, cash flow, culture, and the realities nobody posts about. If you’re done with rainbows and ready for results, you’re in the right place.
Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
In this episode of No Sugarcoat’n, Beth McClary-Wolford sits down with Elaine Zambos, Executive Director of BNI Southeast Tennessee, for a raw conversation about gut decisions, near misses, and the moments where there is no Plan B. Elaine shares the story of firing her biggest client without meaning to, losing her home the same day, and choosing faith over fear when everything felt uncertain. From moving to a new state knowing no one, to building one of the most respected BNI regions in the country, Elaine breaks down what leadership really requires — grace, courage, curiosity, and the willingness to stand on your values when it’s uncomfortable.
Guest Introduction:
Elaine Zambos is the Executive Director of BNI Southeast Tennessee, leading 28 chapters and more than 650 members across the region. Known for her calm confidence and people-first leadership, Elaine has built a business community rooted in trust, accountability, and real growth. With a background in radio, media, and entrepreneurship, she brings decades of experience — and a whole lot of wisdom — to the art of building strong, sustainable networks.
Key Takeaways:
- Sometimes the boldest decisions aren’t planned — they happen when you finally stop compromising your values.
- Leadership isn’t about ease; it’s about managing people, expectations, and yourself simultaneously.
- Entrepreneurs struggle with structure — but process is what allows growth to scale.
- Listening first builds trust faster than authority ever could.
- Curiosity is a leadership advantage — being interested beats being interesting.
- Grace and kindness aren’t soft skills; they’re survival skills in long-term leadership.
Chapter Markers:
0:00 Welcome to No Sugarcoat’n
0:40 Introducing Elaine Zambos, BNI Southeast Tennessee
1:30 “Hold my sweet tea” — the decision that changed everything
3:45 Firing her biggest client without a plan
6:30 Losing her home the same day
9:00 Choosing faith over fear
11:00 Moving to Chattanooga knowing no one
13:30 From radio to entrepreneurship
16:00 Regrets, wisdom, and hindsight
18:30 Childhood dreams and becoming “Barbara Walters”
21:00 Leadership misconceptions about running BNI
24:00 Entrepreneurs, structure, and resistance to process
26:30 Listening as a leadership superpower
29:00 Grace first, kindness always
32:00 Calling audibles when plans fail
35:00 Goal setting, milestones, and the famous boots
38:00 Final reflections and closing thoughts
Keywords:
No Sugarcoat’n podcast, Beth McClary-Wolford, Elaine Zambos, BNI Southeast Tennessee, leadership decisions, faith and business, women in leadership, entrepreneurship lessons, bold pivots, business regrets, networking leadership, people-first leadership, calling audibles, core values, growth mindset