Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Lead Well! with Christine Schickinger

She let her spirit take over — and everything changed. In this powerful conversation, Christine interviews Lori Pappas — a tech entrepreneur turned global humanitarian — about transformation, resilience, and reconnecting with the “wise woman within.”

I thought I was just tired.
Until I couldn’t focus, couldn’t feel — and couldn’t smile. In this deeply personal episode, I share my own story of burnout:
What led up to it, what it felt like from the inside, and what finally helped me find my way back. If you’ve ever wondered whether you might be heading toward burnout — or how to support someone who is — this episode is for you.

What if your stress speaks louder than your words? In this short and powerful episode, Christine explores how your inner state influences everyone around you—whether it’s your team, your partner, or your dog.
She shares real-life stories from her work with animals and leaders, explains the “Go First” principle, and gives you a practical 10-second reset to help you regulate your energy before any interaction. Whether you're leading a team or trying to calm your horse, this episode will help you show up with more presence, clarity, and calm.

Feeling constantly rushed — and still not getting where you want to go?
In this episode, Christine shares why slowing down isn’t just good for your well-being — it’s essential for clear thinking, better decisions, and deeper connection.
You’ll learn how your nervous system affects your focus and reactions, and how simple shifts in your daily rhythm can make a huge difference — for you and those around you. Whether you’re leading a team, living with animals, or recovering from burnout — this episode will help you reclaim your calm and your clarity. Featuring insights on the nervous system, presence, NeuroGraphica, the Trust Technique, and Hanna Somatics.

You’ll learn: * What’s going on in your nervous system when you feel triggered * Why fight-or-flight hijacks your ability to think clearly * How to build the habit of pausing before reacting * Practical tools (like PQ reps!) to reset your mind in seconds * The difference this shift makes—for your team, your family, your animals, and most importantly, yourself

What if you replaced expectation with curiosity?
In this episode, I explore how expectations create tension — in coaching, leadership, and even with animals — and how curiosity can open the door to real connection and insight. You’ll hear personal stories, practical examples, and a simple mindset shift that can change how you lead, relate, and live. Want less pressure and more presence? This one’s for you.

In this solo episode, I share my week-long journey with Alison Mayer, the science behind motor-cortex signaling, and the unexpected breakthroughs I experienced: from perfecting my posture to finally feeling “full” at dinner after years of bulimia. Plus, learn how you can translate these gentle somatic movements into everyday life—whether you’re at your desk, leading a team, or working with your animal partner.

In this deeply moving episode, I talk to trauma healing expert and bestselling author Sharon King about how your birth experience still shapes your life today—and what you can do to heal it.

Autumn shares her expertise on transforming wellness from a concept into daily habits, offering actionable insights on embracing wellness, building healthy habits, and thriving through life's changes. Discover the eight dimensions of wellness, the importance of self-check-ins, and how small daily actions can lead to a balanced and fulfilling life.

Whether you're an equestrian, a body-awareness nerd, or someone tired of chronic tension, this conversation will change how you think about movement, stress, and healing. We cover how your nervous system holds on to stress, why stretching isn’t always helpful, and how slow, mindful movement can actually rewire your brain–body connection.

What happens when success isn’t enough anymore, why working harder stops working, and how true growth starts from within. This is for you if you feel stuck, exhausted, or ready for a different kind of leadership — one rooted in clarity, presence, and connection.

Randolph Speigner, a transformation facilitator, enterprise agile coach, and passionate advocate for regenerative leadership shares his insights on how to empower organizations to thrive amid change and disruption through mental fitness, mindful leadership, and regenerative practices

Marina shares her journey from struggling with weight management to discovering the transformative power of the ketogenic lifestyle combined with hypnotherapy and mindfulness. Learn about the science behind keto, how to leverage your body's natural fuels, and the importance of mental health in achieving sustainable weight loss.

Are you tired of being told that pain is just a part of aging? Spoiler alert: It’s NOT! In this episode, I sit down with physical therapist Eileen Kopsaftis, who shares practical strategies to help you live pain-free—no drugs or surgery required. Eileen has over 30 years of experience in manual therapy, applied functional science, and pain management. She’s on a mission to change how we think about pain and aging. If you’re ready to challenge common myths and learn how to move without pain, this episode is for you!

Ever wondered where your donation really goes? 🤔 In this episode, I talk with Sunny Harrison, founder of Create Lasting Change, about how many charities lose funds to admin fees—and how her nonprofit is doing things differently. 💡 100% of donations go directly to projects. No deductions. No hidden costs. Just real impact. From helping abused women and children to saving animals and supporting education, Sunny shares powerful stories that will change the way you see charitable giving.

What if I told you that what you think isn’t as important as what you believe? 🤯 In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Owen Fitzpatrick—global business psychologist, executive coach, keynote speaker, and host of the Changing Minds podcast.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into purpose—what it really means, why so many people struggle with it, and how you can actively create it instead of waiting to “find” it. Spoiler alert: Purpose isn’t some grand revelation waiting to appear. It’s something you shape every single day through your actions, choices, and the things that give you energy.

Discover the importance of incremental growth, the role of resilience, and how micro-actions lead to significant results. Gain insights on overcoming analysis paralysis through experimentation and small wins. Dive into practical tips inspired by James Clear's 'Atomic Habits,' and understand the value of aligning actions with personal goals.

Your perspective shapes your reality—so what happens when you shift it? In this episode, we dive into the neuroscience of perspective, how cognitive biases influence your decisions, and why reframing challenges can unlock growth.

Most of us are stuck in our heads, replaying the past or planning the future. But the moments we actually feel alive? They’re the ones where we’re fully here.

Let's explore examples from Amazon’s leadership principles, coaching methodologies like NeuroGraphica, and the four foundational principles of the NeuroPositive approach: Presence, Perspective, Progress, and Purpose. Plus, I’ll share actionable insights to help you define your principles and align your life with what matters most.

Discover how a simple drawing exercise can transform communication and rebuild relationships.

From her roots in Sum Faht meditation to leading international spiritual tours, Amy shares invaluable insights into integrating spirituality and modern neuroscience for a balanced life.

Ever wondered why you're drawn to certain habits or how our environment impacts dopamine levels? 🚀 In Episode 52, I uncover the surprising connections between your brain chemistry and everyday behaviors. With insights from Dr. Anna Lembke's "Dopamine Nation," we'll explore strategies to balance life’s pleasures with its challenges. Tune in to learn more about living in tune with our brain's natural state.

Struggling to stick with your New Year's resolutions? You're not alone. In Episode 51 of our podcast, we explore proven strategies to make your resolutions stick—from the importance of discipline to leveraging every small win and understanding the psychology behind habit change.

Celebrate the 50th episode of Lead Well! with us on New Year's Eve as we reflect on the past year, 2024, and look forward to 2025.

A guided visualization designed to bring you into a state of presence and inner peace. Reflect on the true gifts of the season—acts of kindness, empathy, and self-compassion—and emerge feeling centered and rejuvenated. This holiday, discover the most meaningful gift you can give yourself and others: the gift of being truly present. Happy Holidays!

Are you really listening? Discover the art of active listening and transform your communication skills for stronger relationships. Tune into this episode, where we explore how the simple act of truly listening can enhance empathy, trust, and understanding.

Welcome the multi-talented Verena Mayer-Kolbiger—an artist, coach, and visionary. Verena shares her transformation from a corporate professional to a thriving artist and creativity coach. Delve into her rich background, from being rooted in a gardener's family to co-founding CeeGeeO. Learn how she marries the world of business and art, and her unique approach to rediscovering creativity.

As we navigate these turbulent times, finding a positive path forward is key. I invite you to explore NeuroPositive—a methodology blending science and optimism to enhance mental fitness and harness life's challenges as opportunities for growth. Ready to step into a more positive you? Join me on this journey!

Let’s challenge the old narrative of dominance in leadership. 🐺 In our new podcast episode, we debunk myths with insights from the animal kingdom and apply them to our human interactions. Are you leading with empathy and trust?

Are you leveraging the full potential of your learning? 📈 Join me in Episode 44 as we delve into the dynamic cycle of learning, applying, and teaching. Discover how I use Neurographica to connect the dots between knowledge and real-world application.

Are your days filled with stress or moments of calm? Discover micro resilience exercises that empower you to switch off tension and enhance your well-being. Tune into my latest podcast episode and learn how integrating short, mindful breaks into your routine can rejuvenate both your mind and body.

My guest, Britta Ullrich, dives deep into her SOULSHINE concept, combining visualization techniques with business psychology to foster self-efficacy and connection in the workplace. Learn how drawing and visual thinking can transform meetings and projects, making communication more effective and enjoyable.

discover the art of navigating difficult conversations with expert techniques and personal insights. Learn how to mentally and emotionally prepare for challenging interactions and understand the profound impact of misunderstandings on relationships. Explore key communication methods like active listening and 'I' statements, especially when addressing mental health issues such as burnout or depression. Gain practical advice on maintaining composure, avoiding emotional triggers, and achieving positive outcomes.

In the 40th episode of the Lead Well podcast, Christine tackles the widespread issue of feeling overwhelmed in modern work environments by offering practical time management strategies. She debunks the myth that trying harder allows one to accomplish everything, instead emphasizing the necessity of prioritization. Using the jar-and-stones analogy, she illustrates the importance of focusing on major tasks first. Christine introduces techniques like the Pomodoro Technique and highlights the critical role of delegation—downward, to colleagues, or upwards to managers, including leveraging AI and service providers. She further underscores the significance of learning to say no to safeguard productivity and personal well-being, advising leaders to align tasks with their values and business needs while maintaining personal care.

Discover the distinctions between emotional, cognitive, and compassionate empathy, and their impact on how we interact with others. We explore the emotional empathy felt instinctively, the cognitive empathy centered in the mind, and the compassionate empathy that drives action.

Instead of a planned recording, I share insights on how to cope with unexpected challenges and offer a reflective look at a previously less-viewed episode, 'Master your Mind: Turn Challenges into Growth.'

Maxi Fetch, an inspiring individual shares her powerful journey through mental health challenges, including depression and suicide ideation. Maxi opens up about her struggles, her path towards acceptance, and how she found inner peace and courage to speak publicly about her experiences. This emotional and profound conversation delves into the importance of mental health awareness, acceptance, and finding joy in life despite hardships. Tune in to hear Maxi’s story and be inspired by her resilience and wisdom.

Join us in today's episode of the Lead Well! Podcast where Christine chats with Michael Menchau, an expert in coaching and agility. Discover the fundamentals of agility and how it can be effectively implemented in organizations as well as in personal life. Michael shares his extensive background in agile methodologies, the transformation it can bring about, and offers practical tips using frameworks like Scrum and Kanban. Learn about the importance of continuous improvement, dealing with complex environments, and get insights into Michael's morning routine that keeps him mentally and physically healthy. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

Dounia Gassa, an inspiring leader with over 20 years of experience in sales at Fortune 500 companies and startups. Dounia shares her passion for empowering women in sales, her struggles and triumphs as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry, and her evolution into an 'exporter of talent'. She discusses the concepts of leading with self-awareness, the importance of helping clients succeed, and how sales can be a force for good.

Loris shares his expertise on personal branding, the importance of authenticity, and how to overcome imposter syndrome. Learn practical steps to build your personal brand, the role of emotional intelligence in developing trust, and how to leverage feedback for continuous improvement.

Sarah shares her journey from starting out to becoming a YouTube star recognized for her work in inclusion, diversity, and sustainability. They discuss the importance of personal style in boosting confidence and creating a trustworthy professional image. Sarah also divulges her strategies for helping clients at various life transitions, the concept of 'enclothed cognition', and why slowing down on shopping can lead to better style choices.

Leysa shares her unique leadership philosophy, derived from her experiences as a teacher and her work with animals. Discover the key to building trust and respect, creating sustainable relationships, and fostering a positive, motivational environment. Leysa's profound insights on feedback, consistency, and authentic care offer valuable lessons for educators, managers, and leaders in any field. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation that can transform your approach to leadership!

In this special episode of Lead Well!, host Christine welcomes the inspiring Tatjana Genys. Join them as they talk about Tatjana's journey from a corporate leader to an author, philanthropist, coach, and self-proclaimed 'medicine woman.' They discuss the essence of conscious and sustainable leadership, the distinction between leadership and followership, and the importance of leading from the heart.

In this episode, we explore the transformative concept of viewing life's events as opportunities for growth rather than misfortunes. Dive into the principles of Positive Intelligence with Christine, who elucidates the importance of silencing inner saboteurs and embracing the Sage perspective. Learn how to cultivate the five Sage powers: Explore, Empathize, Navigate, Innovate, and Activate, to lead a more fulfilling and resilient life. Discover exercises and practical steps to strengthen these powers and turn every challenge into a stepping stone for personal development. Tune in and start viewing experiences as happening for you, not to you!

In this episode, explore the concept of Saboteurs from Positive Intelligence. Learn how negative thoughts like self-doubt, constant criticism, and endless striving for validation are manifestations of these inner Saboteurs, particularly the 'Master Saboteur' – the Judge. Discover practical techniques for identifying these Saboteurs and interrupting their negative influence with 'PQ reps,' to refocus on your wiser inner self. Dive into the characteristics of different Saboteurs such as the Controller, Hyper Achiever, and Pleaser, and understand how they affect your mental well-being. Gain insights into how to reclaim control and cultivate a healthier self-awareness.

In this episode of the Lead Well! podcast, the focus is on the concept of Positive Intelligence and its impact on mental fitness. With 25 years of experience in mental and physical health, the host emphasizes how Positive Intelligence, through simple methods, helps improve responses to life’s challenges. The episode introduces PQ Reps, exercises that enhance focus and mental clarity, and offers practical steps to train your 'mental muscle.' Listeners are encouraged to start small and gradually build their mental resilience for better decision-making, improved wellness, and stronger relationships.

In this episode, we discuss the crucial role the parasympathetic nervous system plays in effective leadership. Through a detailed explanation of the autonomic nervous system, we explore how stress impacts decision-making and overall health. Learn practical exercises to activate your parasympathetic nervous system, ensuring you and your team can operate in a state of calm and productivity. Join us to discover how maintaining a relaxed state can lead to better leadership and sustainable work environments.

In this episode, we look into the timeless principles from Stephen R. Covey's influential book, 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.' Explore the seven habits that can transform your personal growth and leadership skills: from being proactive and beginning with the end in mind, to putting first things first and thinking win/win, we outline each habit in detail. Learn how to listen attentively, synergize through teamwork, and ensure your long-term productivity by 'sharpening the saw.' Join us for inspiring insights and practical advice to lead well in all areas of your life.