In this episode of Burn the Blueprint, Tony Tidbit and Dr. Bridget Cooper dismantle the biggest myth in corporate America: that DEI failed. It didn’t. Leadership did.

They expose how performative DEI, fear-based decision-making, and a lack of accountability hollow out efforts meant to drive real inclusion. This conversation reframes DEI as what it always should have been, repairing broken systems, owning historical harm, and building cultures rooted in trust, clarity, and fairness.

This episode challenges leaders to stop hiding behind buzzwords, take responsibility, and replace outdated blueprints with intentional systems that support people. Expect hard truths, practical insights, and a clear path forward for organizations ready to lead rather than posture.

00:00: Introduction to DEI Misconceptions

00:57: Welcome to Burn The Blueprint Podcast

01:57: Imagining an Ideal DEI Workplace

06:13: The Reality of DEI Challenges

08:41: Addressing DEI Misunderstandings

12:46: The Impact of DEI on Corporate Culture

14:33: The Consequences of Removing DEI

15:25: The Importance of DEI for Company Success

17:36: The Role of Leadership in DEI

19:15: The Future of DEI Programs

25:04: The Importance of Presentation and Implementation

25:46: Trust Issues in Companies

26:54: The Role of Leadership in DEI

29:01: Brain Science and DEI Misconceptions

33:08: Creating a New Blueprint for DEI

36:41: The Importance of Communication and Fairness

39:42: Building Trust and Systems

42:32: Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Burn the Blueprint, Tony Franklin and Dr. Bridget Cooper pull back the curtain on one of corporate America’s biggest failures, the broken system of middle management. They dig into the impossible expectations placed on middle managers, the lack of real leadership training, and the cultural disconnect that leaves teams disengaged and organizations bleeding talent.

Using insights from Simon Sinek and eye-opening industry stats, Tony and Dr. B break down how poor training fuels burnout, turnover, and collapsing productivity. More importantly, they lay out a smarter path forward, calling for a shift from traditional “management” to true leadership built on emotional intelligence, accountability, and conflict-ready skills.

If you’re ready to rethink how companies build and support the people who carry the weight of the organization, join the conversation and discover how to make smarter, people-centered systems that drive performance.

00:00: Introduction to Burn the Blueprint Podcast

00:49; The Challenges of Middle Management

02:44: Statistics Highlighting Management Issues

04:58: The Disconnect Between Leadership and Values

13:51: Solutions for Effective Leadership

16:59: Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Burn the Blueprint Podcast, Tony Tidbit welcomes Colleen Ferrary, CEO of

Peak Fractional Leadership and Advisory Group, to officially kick off the Future of Work Leadership Series. Colleen joins the show to break down the series' purpose, why it matters now, and how today’s workplace realities demand a new level of leadership thinking.

Together, Tony and Colleen explore the forces reshaping the workplace, including the rise of AI, shifting employee expectations, and growing job insecurity. Colleen offers clarity on what leaders should anticipate as the landscape continues to evolve, setting the stage for future episodes.

From here, Tony and Dr. Bridget Cooper will take the reins, diving deeper into the outdated corporate norms, behaviors, and beliefs that need to be challenged, reworked, or retired. This kickoff lays the foundation for a bold, honest conversation about what leadership must become.

00:00: Introduction to Burn the Blueprint Podcast

00:17: Meet the Hosts: Tony and Colleen

00:36: The Future of Work in Leadership Series

00:50: Why Burn the Blueprint?

01:30: Challenges in Modern Leadership

01:51: The Role of AI and Job Insecurity

02:24: Changing the Leadership Narrative

03:14: What to Expect from the Series

03:59: Empowering Leaders to Make a Difference

04:53: Conclusion: Let's Get Started