Welcome to MENTOR dna

Welcome to MENTOR dna, a leadership podcast hosted by Meesh Pierce. I welcome you to drop in as I talk to my c-suite friends about what makes them tick, lessons they’ve learned through their career successes and failures, and memories we share through the decades spent growing up in our careers. MENTOR dna is your backstage pass to learning how to reach your next career goal - whether as a manager or serving on a board.

Recent podcast guests

Coco Brown Athena Alliance

Coco Brown, CEO & Founder, Athena Alliance

Coco Brown is an inspirational entrepreneur who’s served on boards and has led teams through tough economic downturns. She now is living her life’s passion to help women in the latter stages of their careers; whether they’re seeking board seats or wanting to start their own businesses. The Athena Alliance is a powerful network serving women across the US to network, learn, and support each other in their professional endeavors.

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Braxton Woodham, Founder & President Unfinished Labs

Braxton Woodham, Founder & President, Unfinished Labs

Of all the tech people with whom I’ve had the great fortune to work, Braxton is a standout. A boy from the deep south with aspirations to attend a college within driving distance of home, this former aerospace engineer is unrivaled in global geo-political and business acumen, tech prowess and leadership skills. Braxton defies any generalization of tech executive and I’m so proud of the work he’s doing at Unfinished Labs.

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Sumter Pendergrast, Founder Sidecar Doughnuts

Sumter Pendergrast, Founder Sidecar Doughnuts

I’d like to fancy myself as a doughnut connoisseur. But even I was stumped when Sumter Pendergrast approached my husband and me about his desire to open a gourmet doughnut shop in Orange County. The lesson learned here is that passion drives creativity and innovation. Sumter shares his story in his laid back and unassuming way.

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MENTOR dna's host

Meesh Pierce is a former executive who’s worked with fantastic leaders throughout her career in tech, entertainment, and corporate and non-profit boards. MENTOR dna brings these leaders into the spotlight to share their stories. Consider MENTOR dna your VIP coaching session with  hard-to-reach executives across a variety of industries.  

Leadership books

Following is an extensive list of recommended leadership books from my podcast guests. 

  • Getting to Yes

    Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In.

  • The Goal

    The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement

  • Stocks for the Long Run

    Stocks for the Long Run: The Definitive Guide to Financial Market Returns & Long-Term Investment Strategies

  • Team of Rivals

    Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

  • The One Minute Manager

    The New One Minute Manager offers a way for you to succeed sooner with less stress in changing times—both at work and at home.

  • Good to Great

    Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't