Leading With Relentless Conviction: Authentic Leadership Lessons from Jay Suggs

In this episode of the Growing Up B2B Podcast, host Ed Delia sits down with Jay Suggs, Founder and Principal of Suggcess Consulting, for a powerful conversation on leadership rooted in authenticity, accountability, and purpose. Jay shares how his journey from corporate leadership to executive coaching reshaped his understanding of what it truly means to lead people, not positions. This episode delivers meaningful insight for B2B leaders who want to grow their influence while staying aligned with their values and legacy.

Authenticity, Accountability, and the Inner Work of Leadership

Jay explains that leadership begins with self-awareness. Rather than focusing on titles or authority, he encourages leaders to treat leadership as an ongoing self-audit—examining how their values, fears, and behaviors show up every day. Authenticity, he notes, is not a branding exercise; it’s the foundation of trust. When leaders are honest about uncertainty and growth, they create environments where teams feel safe, seen, and engaged.

Accountability emerges as a central theme throughout the conversation. Jay reframes accountability as a personal discipline, not a management tactic. Leaders who take ownership of mistakes and model growth-oriented behavior set a powerful cultural tone. This mindset encourages feedback, reduces fear, and strengthens trust across teams—especially in complex B2B environments.

The discussion also highlights the importance of presence over power. Jay emphasizes that real leadership is about listening, empathy, and consistency. Growth often happens in moments of discomfort, and leaders who stay present—rather than projecting fear into the future—are better equipped to guide their teams through uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

About Jay Suggs

Jay Suggs is the Founder and Principal of Suggcess Consulting and a respected leadership advisor known for helping executives lead with clarity, authenticity, and accountability. Drawing from his experience as a corporate executive, board member, and leadership coach, Jay works with leaders to strengthen self-awareness, improve communication, and build cultures rooted in trust and purpose. His leadership philosophy is deeply influenced by service, personal responsibility, and lifelong growth.

About Suggcess Consulting

Suggcess Consulting is a leadership development firm focused on helping executives and organizations grow through authenticity, accountability, and intentional leadership practices. The firm partners with leaders to navigate change, strengthen culture, and create meaningful impact by aligning personal values with professional responsibility. Suggcess Consulting emphasizes leadership as a human-centered discipline that drives both performance and purpose.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Suggcess Consulting Website

• Jay Suggs on LinkedIn

Key Episode Highlights

• Why leadership starts with self-awareness and honest self-reflection

• How accountability builds trust and drives personal growth

• The role of discomfort in leadership development

• Why presence and empathy matter more than authority

• A practical framework for turning awareness into consistent action

Conclusion

This episode of Growing Up B2B reinforces that leadership is less about control and more about conviction. Jay Suggs offers a grounded perspective on leading from the inside out, reminding B2B leaders that awareness, accountability, and presence are what create lasting impact. His insights serve as a practical guide for leaders committed to building trust, resilience, and a meaningful legacy.

Explore Ed Delia’s website to learn more about leadership strategies for family businesses and B2B growth. If you’re a B2B leader with insights to share, apply to be a guest on the Growing Up B2B Podcast here.