In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Ledger, I sit down with Christie Linebarger, a 25-year talent acquisition and HR leader whose career has been shaped by grit, humility, and her faith-driven approach to leadership.
Christie opens up about her journey from being a manager who managed work to a leader who elevates people — and the mindset shift that changed everything. She also shares the story behind her new book, and how a layoff became the catalyst for rediscovering her voice, her purpose, and her mission to help others rise.
If you’re wondering how to grow as a leader, build trust with your team, or break out of “manager mode,” this conversation breaks it all down with honesty, vulnerability, and decades of real-world experience.
🎧 Whether you’re an HR leader, talent acquisition professional, people manager, or aspiring leader, you’ll walk away with practical wisdom you can apply immediately.
👉 Topics include:
• Manager vs. Leader: Why most people get it wrong
• How to elevate people instead of managing tasks
• The power of humility in leadership
• How to build trust that makes teams soar
• Sticking your beak in the ground — and why grit still wins
• The story behind Christie’s new book
• Knowing when to shift, pivot, or “dig in different dirt”
🎯 Key Quote:
“Leadership isn’t about making yourself look good. It’s about elevating others — and giving them the space to grow.”
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Why Leadership Is Really About Elevating Others
02:05 – Growing Up as an Air Force Brat
04:10 – From Manager to Leader
06:45 – Humility, Trust & Servant Leadership
09:20 – How to Develop Future Leaders
12:00 – Creating a Team That Soars
14:30 – The Story Behind Her Book
17:10 – Sticking Your Beak in the Ground
19:00 – Christie’s Advice for Emerging Leaders
Subscribe for more leadership conversations that go far beyond the numbers.
You can also watch the full episode here:
MarketScale
https://marketscale.com/industries/beyond-the-ledger/christie-linebarger-leadership-journey-grit-growth/
or
🎧 Listen:
Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christie-linebargers-journey-to-leadership-grit-growth/id1843448325?i=1000737403510
Spotify
Don’t forget to get your copy of Stick Your Break In The Ground by Christie Linebarger
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beakintheground/
Thank you to our sponsor, MarketScale:
https://marketscale.com/shows/beyond-the-ledger/
Connect with us:
Troy Ashby on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyashby/
Christie Linebarger on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christielinebarger/
Sammons on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sammons-industrial/
Troy Knows Talent Instagram Page:
https://www.instagram.com/troyknowstalent/
Troy Knows Talent Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/troyknowstalent/
