From ‘You’ll Never Make It’ to the C-Suite: Dr. DeRetta Rhodes, EVP & Chief People & Culture Officer, The Atlanta Braves

Episode notes

On Executiveland , Elizabeth Freedman sits down with Dr. DeRetta Rhodes, EVP and Chief People and Culture Officer for the Atlanta Braves, to talk about resilience, self-worth, and intentional leadership. DeRetta shares how she pushed past doubt, defined her value, and stayed committed to her vision through career pivots, personal adversity, and earning her doctorate. Key themes you'll hear: How to tune out "ugly noise" and stay committed to your goals, even when others doubt you Why thinking like a "free agent" can transform how you define and communicate your value The importance of asking the right questions before stepping into new roles, and the cost of not asking How to take inventory of your life and career to make aligned decisions in different seasons The role of vision journals, mentorship, and belief in building a long-term, purpose-driven career DeRetta also shares insights from her book Courage of Voice , along with stories of the mentors and life experiences that shaped her leadership style, her commitment to empowering women, and her belief that success is available to anyone willing to stay the course.