Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Intentional Leaders Podcast: Helping ambitious leaders gain clarity, communicate with confidence, and lead with intention.

Three siblings. Three very different industries. One shared blueprint for career success that holds up over decades.

In this podcast, Cyndi Wentland sits down with her siblings  to unpack what actually creates a successful, long-lasting career in the real world: the kind where you earn trust, solve hard problems, and keep growing even when the path is messy. 

Will Wentland brings 38 years in aerospace as a metallurgical engineer and senior fellow, including patents and global credibility built the slow way: making sound calls with limited data and standing behind them. 

Julie Wentland shares how a foundation in engineering can evolve into program and project leadership, where the “technical” work becomes aligning requirements, coordinating teams, and influencing people who don’t report to you.

Liz Wentland takes us into international business and manufacturing, especially the cultural nuance and negotiation reality of working in China. We talk about relationship-driven decision making, the social side of business, and what it means to push hard without disrespecting the culture. 

We also get honest about credibility and confidence as women in leadership, the double standards that show up as “too direct,” and how supportive allies and strong conviction can change outcomes over time.

The big takeaway is simple but challenging: expertise may open the door, but courage, trust, and adaptability determine your impact. 

If you’re deciding between a technical path and a people leadership path, or you’re trying to build real credibility early in your career, this conversation gives you practical language and lived examples. 

Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s building their career, and leave a review with the value you’re choosing to lead with next.

Book a coaching call with Cyndi: https://www.intentionaleaders.com/coaching

#CareerSuccess #CareerDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInLeadership #LeadershipLessons #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #BuildingCredibility #LeadershipSkills #CareerAdvice #EngineeringLeadership #PeopleLeadership #AdaptiveLeadership #TrustAndCredibility #WorkplaceLeadership #IntentionalLeadership #Podcast #LeadershipPodcast

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

The fastest way to lose trust isn’t a bad strategy, it’s an emotional reaction that lands on your team at the worst possible moment. We pull together conflict, stress, and emotional agility to help you lead with steadiness when things go sideways, especially when you feel irritated, rushed, or cornered.

We talk about emotional agility (popularized by Susan David) as the ability to experience emotions without letting them automatically drive behavior, and we connect it to the leadership choice point Viktor Frankl described: the space between stimulus and response. When pressure rises, that space can feel tiny, but it’s still where your power is. We share a real leadership story from a high-stress training setting and unpack how easy it is to aim frustration at the wrong target, even when your deeper intention is empathy, clarity, and support.

You’ll walk away with a practical four-step process for conflict management and emotional self-regulation: notice and name the emotion, separate facts from the story your brain is telling, get curious about what’s underneath (including fear that can hide inside stress and anxiety), and choose the behavior that matches your intention. Along the way, we connect the dots to psychological safety, credibility, and the kind of emotional adulthood that makes teams feel secure and respected.

If you want to communicate better under pressure and model a healthier culture in real time, listen now, then subscribe, share with a leader who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalAgility #EmotionalIntelligence #ConflictManagement #LeadershipSkills #LeadingUnderPressure #CalmLeadership #SelfAwareness #WorkplaceCommunication #PsychologicalSafety #HealthyWorkplace #TeamLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #IntentionalLeadership

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

AI can generate answers instantly, but it cannot replace the part of leadership that actually moves work forward: human judgment, clear priorities, and the ability to stay grounded when certainty disappears. We sit down with Anna Barnhill, founder of Leader Wired and the Leader Wired Institute, to unpack why expertise is becoming a commodity and why many leaders feel a quiet identity threat as the rules that made them successful stop working.

We dig into Anna’s “internal operating system” idea: the beliefs, assumptions, and stress patterns that run in the background and shape what we do when pressure spikes. That’s where the know-do gap shows up. You may know how to communicate well, create psychological safety, and invite innovation, yet default to control, urgency, or being right when the board is watching and the clock is ticking. Anna explains how strategic discomfort is part of adult development, why burnout often forces a reset, and how neuroplasticity makes real rewiring possible.

You’ll also get a simple, practical upgrade you can start today: pick one small behavior and practice it for 30 days. If your team brings ideas and your instinct is to shut them down, take a breath and ask one curious question instead. We close with a powerful anchor for uncertain times: values-aligned leadership, so you can make decisions with a North Star even when the path is unclear.

Subscribe to Intentional Leaders Podcast, share this conversation with a leader navigating AI change, and leave a review with the belief you’re updating next.

Get in touch with Anna:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabarnhillmcc
https://www.annabarnhill.com/

Book a session with Cyndi:

www.intentionaleaders.com

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

#Leadership #AIandLeadership #FutureOfLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #AdaptiveLeadership #LeadershipMindset #SelfAwareness #LeadingThroughChange #PsychologicalSafety #IntentionalLeadership

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

What if the leadership habit you’re most proud of being helpful is the exact thing that’s making your team weaker? We dig into the blurry line between supportive leadership and accidental control, and why “rescuing” can feel compassionate while quietly creating dependence. If you’ve ever stepped in fast to prevent struggle, solved a problem because you knew the answer, or felt oddly needed when people can’t move without you, this conversation is for you.

We walk through practical warning signs that show up in everyday management: stepping in before someone has time to learn, giving answers instead of asking strong coaching questions, and taking ownership of problems that belong to your people. We also unpack how leaders amplify issues through venting, rescue teams with “I’ll handle it,” or create drama through triangulation by talking to someone else instead of coaching the employee to have the conversation.

Then we get real about control disguised as “best practice,” including delegation that hands off the task but not the decision-making. Empowerment means autonomy, and autonomy fuels intrinsic motivation, engagement, and growth. You’ll leave with a simple gut-check question to use in the moment: is my support increasing capability, or increasing dependence?

If this helped you rethink your management style, subscribe for more intentional leadership tools, share the episode with a leader who needs it, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

NASA is packed with brilliant people, high standards, and deep purpose and yet the Columbia disaster revealed something every leader needs to face: a culture can feel positive and still produce dangerous decisions. We sit down with Philip Mead, a 31-year NASA veteran who led cultural transformation work after Columbia, to unpack how high employee engagement can coexist with normalized risk, missed signals, and the quiet pressure to stay silent when you cannot “prove it with data.”

We get practical about what’s happening under the surface: cognitive biases triggered by identity threats, credibility fears, and the human need for belonging and competence. Philip explains why psychological safety is not just about avoiding yelling or conflict, but about whether people believe it is safe and worth it to raise concerns, challenge assumptions, or share difficult truths. You’ll hear concrete culture change strategies NASA used, including normalizing dissent, building independent communication paths for safety issues, and teaching leaders to spot bias language and call timeouts before decisions drift.

We also connect culture to strategy execution through a simple model: start with the few critical behaviors your strategy requires, clarify the beliefs behind those behaviors, then design shared experiences that reinforce them. We close with a direct leadership challenge that applies whether you lead five people or five thousand: what behaviors are you unintentionally rewarding or discouraging right now?

Subscribe for more intentional leadership conversations, share this with a leader on your team, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

Connect with Phillip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philliptmeade/

Book a coaching call with Cyndi: https://www.intentionaleaders.com/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Burnout isn’t just feeling tired after a hard week, it’s the slow, chronic drain that changes how you think, how you react, and how your body recovers. We talk candidly about how many leaders confuse overwork with dedication, and how “wearing commitment like a badge” can quietly push us into an unsustainable rhythm.

We break down the difference between short-term stress and true burnout, then map the three major ways burnout shows up: cognitively (lower capacity, foggier thinking, decision fatigue), emotionally (less regulation, more irritability, that constant “jangly” feeling), and physically (sleep disruption, digestion and immunity issues, and reduced recovery). If you’ve felt detached from work or the people you care about, or you can’t prioritize because everything feels overwhelming, we explain why those signals matter and why other people may notice them before you do.

From there, we dig into what actually drives leadership burnout: unsustainable workload at work and at home, a lack of control when demands exceed resources, boundaries that get crossed over and over, and the isolation that can come with senior roles. We close with practical next steps to prevent and recover, including recovery mode that fits your situation, stronger delegation, building a real support system, healthier boundaries, and getting help when you need it. Subscribe, share this with a leader who’s carrying too much, and leave a review so more people can find the conversation.

#LeadershipBurnout
#BurnoutRecovery
#LeadershipDevelopment
#IntentionalLeadership
#SustainableLeadership
#EmotionalIntelligence

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Leadership can look confident on the outside while quietly collapsing under pressure on the inside. We sit down with Rajesh Naji, a CEO mentor and “business physicist,” to get brutally practical about why high-performing founders start to flounder in stressful moments and what actually restores clear thinking. Rajesh uses a model that stuck with me: performance equals potential minus interference. When fear, doubt, anxiety, and sleepless nights pile up, the interference grows and the quality of decisions drops, even for the smartest leaders in the room.

From there, we go deeper into what Rajesh means by applying physics to business: the strength of the chain equals the strength of its weakest link. Instead of chasing every tactic, we talk bottlenecks, throughput, and why simplicity often beats complexity. Rajesh also shares the surprising metrics he uses when deciding whether he will work with a CEO, including family meals, time with parents, and showing up for your kids. It’s a leadership mindset that ties business performance to real life fulfillment.

We also explore resonance as a coaching principle, how listening and reflecting can unlock movement without “fixing” people, and how community and belonging shape culture across countries. Rajesh shares concrete assignments, including a powerful practice to rebuild faith during uncertainty and a simple business exercise that flips your focus from what you want to what your customers want, with a nod to Peter Drucker’s view of what business is for.

Subscribe for more leadership conversations like this, share this episode with a founder who needs a reset, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Being right feels amazing for a reason: your brain rewards it. That quick dopamine hit can turn a capable leader into a stubborn one without them even noticing. I unpack how the “need to be right” sneaks into everyday leadership, especially when we’re under pressure to be decisive, credible, and fast. If you care about leadership development, critical thinking, and better decision making, this conversation is a practical mirror.

We walk through five specific pitfalls that show up when certainty takes the wheel: confirmation bias (and selective listening), reduced intellectual humility, escalation of commitment once you’ve said something out loud, defensive communication that ruins collaboration, and premature closure that confuses speed with quality. I also share a simple way to compare dopamine-driven habits with healthier thinking habits, like curiosity over certainty, adaptability over defensiveness, learning orientation over ego protection, and truth seeking over winning.

To land the lesson, I tell the tragic story of Ignay Semmelweiss, a physician who urged doctors to wash their hands and was shunned for it, with devastating consequences. It’s a reminder that righteousness, groupthink, and ego can be as dangerous as any technical mistake. If you want to lead teams that speak up, think deeper, and solve better problems together, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a leader you respect, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

Join our free masterclass The Dopamine of Being Right on June 2nd at 1pm CST. Register here: https://www.intentionaleaders.com/dopamine-being-right-masterclass

#Leadership
#LeadershipDevelopment
#WorkplaceCommunication
#PsychologicalSafety
#TeamCulture
#LeadershipSkills
#CommunicationSkills
#HonestLeadership
#SpeakUpCulture
#TrustAtWork
#ExecutiveLeadership
#LeadershipMindset
#TeamPerformance
#OrganizationalCulture
#FeedbackCulture
#ManagementSkills
#HighPerformanceTeams

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

If the people around you aren’t telling you the truth, you’re not getting the full picture and you’re paying for it in ways you can’t always see. In this episode, we unpack why honest communication so often breaks down at work, even among smart, well-meaning adults who care about results and relationships.

We start with the real reasons people stay silent: fear of consequences, low psychological safety, the desire to be liked, and the very human struggle of not knowing how to deliver feedback with respect. I also talk about the leadership factor that changes everything, power dynamics. When you have influence, a title, or even informal authority, people may edit themselves more than you realize, which means you’re leading with missing data.

Then we go to the “dark side” costs of unclear communication: emotional strain, reduced credibility, weaker performance, rising cognitive load, lost productivity from side conversations, and decision paralysis when priorities aren’t clear. The good news is this is fixable. I share what it looks like to build trust through intentional leadership communication, where truth is safe, expected, and practiced through simple phrases that invite clarity without turning every conversation into a confrontation.

If you care about psychological safety, team trust, workplace communication, and getting better outcomes with less stress, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with a leader who wants more honesty on their team, and leave a review with the biggest communication shift you’re working on right now.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Pressure doesn’t just test leaders—it reveals the habits you’ve been running on for years.

When deadlines tighten and emotions spike, do you get sharper and more connected… or do you slip into control, avoidance, or resistance?

In this episode, Cindy Wentland sits down with Eric Thompson, founder of Lift Leadership, to unpack what really happens to leaders and teams under pressure—and how to stay grounded, clear, and effective when it matters most.

Eric draws on his background in baseball and coaching to challenge the idea that high performance is about hype. Instead, it’s about regulation. We explore why “executive presence” often falls apart under stress, how blind spots grow when we play small, and why workplace conflict is often a signal of missing self-awareness and missing voice.

You’ll also get practical language to build psychological safety—so your team feels seen, heard, and valued, especially those who don’t naturally self-advocate.

Plus, we break down Eric’s Lift framework:
✔️ Self-awareness
✔️ Self-compassion
✔️ Gratitude
✔️ Self-care
✔️ Connect with your power base

If you want real tools for emotional intelligence, leadership development, and leading under pressure—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and share with a leader who needs this.

🔗 Connect with Eric Thompson: https://www.liftleadership.com
🔗 Learn more about Intentional Leaders: https://www.intentionalleaders.com

#Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #ExecutivePresence #LeadershipDevelopment #PsychologicalSafety #HighPerformance #Mindset #SelfAwareness #WorkplaceCulture #BurnoutPrevention #TeamLeadership #PersonalGrowth #IntentionalLeaders

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Think your IQ is what limits your influence? The real bottleneck might be your reactions. We pull back the curtain on emotional intelligence and show how it quietly governs decision quality, trust, performance, and the culture your team lives in every day. Instead of treating EQ as a soft add-on, we frame it as the leadership multiplier that turns strategy into steady execution.

We break down the four core domains—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management—and connect them to moments you face at work: the meeting where tension spikes, the email that triggers you, the one-on-ones where people read your mood more than your words. You’ll hear candid reflections on blind spots, how values drive triggers, and why stress widens the gap between who we think we are and how others experience us. We explore the hard ROI: regulated leaders access clearer judgment, build predictable trust, reduce drama, and unlock smarter problem solving across the team.

Along the way, we share practical moves you can use right away. Map your top triggers to the values beneath them. Pause before key decisions to name what you feel and choose instead of react. De-escalate heat with simple scripts that separate facts from stories. Treat culture as a daily product of repeated reactions—because mindset drives behavior, behavior shapes culture, and culture becomes legacy. If you want your team to think better and move faster, start by leading your inner world on purpose.

Listen now, then tell us: what emotion is steering your leadership today? If you found value here, subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more leaders lead on purpose.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Feeling stuck between your best intentions and your most stressful reactions? We unpack a simple, repeatable way to move from autopilot to intentional leadership using the LEAD framework: Look within, Exercise choice, Act with intention, and Deepen connection. If you’ve ever prepared carefully for a feedback conversation only to get derailed by defensiveness, this conversation gives you the tools and language to stay steady and effective.

We start by demystifying emotional intelligence and emotional agility in plain terms: emotions are signals, not commands. You’ll learn how to read your body’s cues, name what you’re feeling with precision, and use that information to guide behavior. We break down why your brain’s fast stories skew negative and how a deliberate pause creates the space to choose your response. From there, we translate values into behaviors you can use under pressure—slowing your cadence, asking better questions, and steering the moment toward clarity instead of conflict.

Throughout the episode, we share real-world examples leaders face every week, from giving tough feedback to protecting psychological safety when tensions spike. You’ll hear practical prompts like “How is this landing for you?” and “What else could be true?” along with the science-backed habit of “name it to tame it” to regulate your nervous system. The result is a roadmap to build self-trust, become more predictable to your team, and widen your capacity for stress so you can lead with calm, curiosity, and purpose.

Ready to practice, not just plan? Grab the worksheet, try the micro-habits, and start building a leadership legacy you can be proud of. If this resonated, subscribe, share the episode with a leader who needs it, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Download the Worksheet: https://www.intentionaleaders.com/the-lead-framework-worksheet

Connect with Cyndi: https://www.intentionaleaders.com/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Feeling like your leadership playbook was written for a world that no longer exists? We dive into Sawubona leadership, a human-first approach rooted in the Zulu greeting “I see you,” and show how it reframes engagement, accountability, and performance without slipping into clichés or corporate speak. Our guest, Susan Inouye —author of Leadership’s Perfect Storm—traces the model’s origins from a Los Angeles mentoring program to adoption across 30+ countries, revealing why a gift-centered culture is a powerful antidote to disengagement and generational friction.

Across the conversation, we unpack the difference between leading through labels and leading through gifts, and how that shift makes coaching specific and humane. You’ll hear how every strength has an “other side,” why overused gifts become blind spots, and how to restore balance with targeted practices. We explore practical, somatic ways to make change stick—training your nervous system to stay grounded under pressure—through micro-reps like mindful pauses, releasing the urge to fix, and even a bold trapeze lesson that turned fear of letting go into freedom. The result? Leaders who can be the eye of the hurricane when uncertainty hits.

We also connect the dots to today’s workplace realities: AI elevates the value of empathy and relationships; managers who coach outperform those who command; and continuous learning builds cultural agility. You’ll get actionable ideas to strengthen accountability through gift language, design development that fits your context, and normalize uncertainty by making learning a yearly requirement. Ready to help people feel seen, spark better performance, and build a culture that holds together when the waves rise?

If this conversation sparked insight, subscribe, share it with a leader who needs it, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Your feedback shapes future episodes and keeps this community growing.

Get in Touch with Susan:

 
Website: https://susaninouye.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susaninouye2 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7G6sjAyzq3UDnumH7L8Zcw 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-inouye-083384b/ 

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/susan_inouye/

X: https://x.com/InouyeSusan

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Holiday cheer gets all the headlines, but the real story often includes tension, old patterns, and big expectations. We get honest about the pressure to make everything magical and offer a simple, usable plan to stay grounded when emotions spike. Our five-step PEACE framework—Pause, Examine, Adjust, Choose, Exit or Engage—turns reactive moments into chances for clarity and connection.

We start with the body: how a brief pause settles the nervous system and opens space for choice. Then we name what’s real. Beyond happy, sad, and mad, the holidays can stir guilt, resentment, grief, envy, and fatigue. By labeling emotions accurately, we stop fighting ghosts and address the true issue. From there, we examine the stories we carry about tradition, timing, and roles. If your family’s script was written decades ago, it might be time for an edit that honors meaning without clinging to methods that no longer fit.

Next, we practice choosing centered responses that align words, tone, and body language. That might look like a gentle boundary, a topic shift, a curious question, or purposeful silence. Finally, we decide when to exit to protect calm or engage to build trust—both valid when chosen with intention. Along the way, we share prompts to identify triggers, plan responses, and give yourself grace when you slip. You can’t control every dynamic, but you can control how you show up, and that choice often shifts the entire room.

If you’re ready to trade perfection for presence and turn conflict into clarity, this conversation is your guide. Listen, pick one tool to try at your next gathering, and notice what changes. If it helps, share the episode with someone who needs a little more peace this season, and subscribe or leave a review so we can bring more calm, practical tools to your feed.

#HolidayStress #FamilyDynamics #HolidayGatherings #EmotionalIntelligence #EmotionalAgility #EmotionalRegulation #NervousSystemRegulation #RespondNotReact #PauseAndChoose #StayGrounded #InnerCalm #ChoosePeace #BoundariesWithCompassion #HealthyRelationships #PresenceOverPerfection #ConnectionOverConflict #StressManagementTools #CalmUnderPressure #SelfAwareness #ConsciousChoices #LeadYourself #GraceUnderPressure #ClarityAndConnection #PEACEFramework

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Ever worked for someone who made you feel small on purpose? We unpack the rise of fear-based leadership—why it’s suddenly everywhere, how it disguises itself as “tough love” or mission-driven care, and what it costs teams in creativity, trust, and retention. With coach and author Kate Lori, we translate the playbook of control into plain language and offer a counterplay that preserves your energy, agency, and integrity.

We start by defining fear-based leadership through real-world patterns: shaming, rigidity, moving goalposts, and the velvet-glove approach that cloaks dominance in benevolence. Then we connect the cultural dots—media narratives and high-profile executives that have normalized a harsher style—and explore why stressed leaders default to fight, freeze, or fawn. You’ll learn how chronic threat hijacks the brain, why innovation collapses under fear, and how to spot subtext when words don’t match motives.

From there, we get practical. Kate shares resilience moves that actually work: using humor as strategic resistance, protecting information that could be weaponized, and treating attention and availability as levers. We dig into the ethical difference between manipulation and influence, showing how to nudge outcomes without losing your values. For leaders who see fearful patterns in themselves, we offer hopeful steps—expanding the window of tolerance, rebuilding self-trust with daily reps, and embracing the “kindergarten lessons” of apologies, friendship, and trust-building.

We close by charting a better path: strengths-based leadership. Unblock your team, amplify their talents, and share power so performance follows. If you’ve felt stuck in a fear-driven culture, you’ll leave with a clearer map, sturdier boundaries, and a renewed belief that you can be powerful without becoming hard. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—what’s one lever you’ll pull first?

Preorder Kate's book:

• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR1G981Y/ref=sr_1_2?
• https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Thrive-Under-Fear-Based-Leaders-ebook/dp/B0FQ71FW72/ref=sr_1_1

Connect with Kate:

• https://www.instagram.com/kateunbreakablelowry/
• https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579366067469
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejlowry/

Connect with Cyndi:

www.intentionaleaders.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejlowry/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Trust rarely fails with a crash; it thins out through tiny cuts. We unpack how unclear or ignored boundaries chip away at relationships and show practical ways to rebuild trust with clarity, courage, and compassion. Using Brene Brown’s BRAVING as a guide, we broaden trust beyond reliability to include accountability, the vault, integrity, nonjudgment, and generosity—starting with boundaries as the first move.

We walk through ten common boundary violations leaders often miss: intrusions on privacy, work-life overreach, role oversteps, dismissed emotions, wasted time, autonomy squeezes, tech misuse, neglected health needs, broken confidentiality, and cultural disrespect. You’ll hear why most of these slips are unintentional—and why intent doesn’t erase impact. Then we translate awareness into action with simple scripts to name a violation, explain the effect, and ask for a new agreement without blaming motives.

For teams, we offer clear norms that lower friction: quiet hours, meeting purpose and limits, response-time windows, decision rights, and explicit rules for confidential topics. We share how to model integrity by owning mistakes quickly, how to practice nonjudgment and generosity during feedback, and how to protect autonomy by focusing on outcomes over micromanagement. The result is a culture where people feel safe to speak up, bring energy to the work that matters, and protect the values that keep them well.

If this conversation helps you rethink boundaries and trust, subscribe, share it with a colleague who needs it today, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. Tell us: which boundary will you clarify this week?

#TrustBuilding #WorkplaceBoundaries #LeadershipSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #BRAVING #BreneBrownInspired #PsychologicalSafety #HealthyTeams #TeamCulture #AccountabilityAtWork #IntegrityInLeadership #Nonjudgment #GenerousAssumptions #WorkplaceRespect #CommunicationSkills #LeadershipDevelopment #BoundarySetting #RepairingTrust #WorkplaceWellbeing

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Strategy doesn’t fail for lack of ideas—it fails at the handoff to execution. We bring in OKR expert and Wave Nine founder Philipp Schett to show how to close that gap with clear goals, shared rituals, and a culture that trades micromanagement for ownership. Philipp’s journey from Germany to Silicon Valley reframed his thinking: great companies don’t win because they dream better; they win because they execute better. That mindset shift powers the conversation as we dig into OKRs done right—less about perfect wording, more about changing team behavior, building trust through transparency, and making alignment a weekly practice.

We unpack the patterns behind “set and forget” goals, and why town halls and slide decks rarely produce real alignment. Philipp introduces three simple rituals that compound: Monday calibrate to focus on outcomes for the week, Friday celebrate to make progress visible and energizing, and quarterly resets to protect priorities without hiding behind annual vagueness. We explore accountability with a human tone—say what you’ll do, do what you said—using one-on-ones for tough conversations and public forums for recognition. You’ll hear how co-creating OKRs prevents dehumanizing top-down mandates, why OKR champions are key to scaling across functions, and how nonprofits can turn passion into measurable impact with the same playbook.

If you’ve ever watched goals vanish by week three, wrestled with cross-functional friction, or confused motion with progress, this episode offers a practical operating system: verify understanding instead of assuming it, make work visible to accelerate trust, and anchor execution in rhythms your team can keep. Subscribe, share this with a leader who needs clearer focus, and leave a review telling us which ritual you’ll start this week.

Get in Touch with Phillipp Schett:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipp-schett/

#OKRs #LeadershipExecution #BuildTrust #TeamAlignment #MondayCalibrate #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutionCulture

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Ryan Gottfredson explains the transformational journey from being focused solely on doing better to becoming better as a human being, drawing on his research and latest book. He introduces the distinction between our "doing side" (talents, knowledge, skills) versus our "being side" (quality of our internal operating system), showing how genuine transformation requires upgrading who we are, not just what we do.

• Most developmental efforts focus on the doing side, but transformational growth requires improving our being side
• Vertical development upgrades our internal operating system to respond more effectively to challenges
• The becoming better journey starts with awakening to our current wiring and how it affects our responses
• Most organizations promote high-doing leaders without considering their being side quality
• Microsoft's transformation under Satya Nadella demonstrates the power of high-being leadership
• 70% of adults have experienced trauma that has wired their nervous system for self-protection
• Surface-level strategies like meditation and deeper approaches like mindset work can help refine our internal operating system
• The goal is becoming a "brighter light" in our spheres of influence through personal transformation

Reach out to Ryan if you take his mindset assessment or read his book "Becoming Better" – he's offered to connect with listeners and discuss your results.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

A day that changes lives forever – that’s how veterans describe their experience on the Badger Honor Flight. This mission honors those who served by taking them to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor.

Flight Operations Director Jody McClain takes us behind the scenes of this remarkable program that has transformed the lives of over 5,000 veterans. With precision and compassion, she coordinates every detail—from transportation logistics to ensuring veterans receive the recognition many never got when returning home. 

The stories Jody shares are deeply moving: a Vietnam veteran finally finding the strength to face the memorial wall with his service dog’s support, and another realizing the depth of his healing by saying, “I didn’t know how broken I was. You helped fix me.” These moments of closure capture the heart of the Badger Honor Flight mission—healing, honor, and connection. Perhaps most emotional of all is the welcome home ceremony. Thousands gather at airports with music, flags, and thunderous applause. 

For many, especially Vietnam veterans, it’s the first time they’ve ever been publicly thanked. The tradition of “mail call” on the return flight, where veterans receive heartfelt letters of gratitude, often moves them to tears. With 126 hubs across 44 states, the Badger Honor Flight continues this vital mission free of charge to veterans, relying on donations, volunteers, and community support.

Whether by writing a letter, volunteering, or attending a welcome home ceremony, we all have a role in honoring those who served. 

Volunteer & Donate: badgerhonorflight.org

#BadgerHonorFlight #Veterans #VeteranStories #MilitaryHeroes #WelcomeHome #Gratitude #NeverForget #HonorAndRemember #ServiceAndSacrifice #VeteranSupport

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Forget everything you thought you knew about collaboration. It's not about getting everyone to agree—it’s about creating something entirely new together. In this eye-opening episode, we explore the misconceptions that hold teams back from practicing collaborative leadership and uncover what it really takes to lead effectively in today’s environment.

Most people score surprisingly low on collaboration skills when assessed with tools like the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Inventory. Why? Because true collaborative leadership is a learned behavior that many of us were never taught. Instead, we default to giving in, taking charge, or seeking compromise—none of which create innovative solutions. Real collaboration requires understanding what people truly need, value, and worry about, then building a shared vision that honors diverse perspectives.

One of the biggest myths we dispel is the need for 100% consensus. That painful process where everyone sits in a room until complete agreement is reached? It’s unnecessary and often counterproductive. Collaborative leadership thrives on healthy conflict—where reserved team members speak up authentically and outspoken individuals practice deep listening. Especially in distributed teams, intentional practices are needed to foster this kind of productive exchange.

As leaders, our challenge is to create the safety and structure that allows true collaborative leadership to flourish. Can you set clear expectations that welcome diverse viewpoints? Can you respond to disagreement with curiosity rather than defensiveness? These are the skills that separate teams that simply coordinate tasks from those that deliver breakthrough solutions.

Share this episode with colleagues and let us know how these ideas have shifted your view of collaborative leadership in action.

Download the Collaborative Conflict Guide

Share our article on collaborative conflict

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Ever feel like something's missing despite all your achievements? You're not alone. This conversation with Dr. Sharon Spano uncovers the fascinating connection between leadership effectiveness and human development that explains why even successful leaders can feel unfulfilled.

Dr. Spano, a strategist and thought leader who specializes in integrating leadership with human development, reveals how our relationship with time and money profoundly shapes our leadership capacity. She explains the twelve stages of adult development and why understanding your current stage is crucial for breaking through limitations. Most compelling is her observation that many high-achievers are unconsciously motivated by past trauma, creating patterns that limit their potential until addressed.

The discussion weaves through powerful distinctions between scarcity and abundance mindsets, showing how fear-based decision making differs from confidence-based leadership. Dr. Spano shares illuminating examples from her client work, including how seemingly small childhood experiences can dramatically impact leadership style decades later. Her approach doesn't dwell on past trauma but instead helps leaders make meaning from experiences to create transformative growth.

What sets this episode apart is Dr. Spano's framework for understanding leadership challenges through developmental stages rather than just skills or competencies. She offers practical insights on moving beyond "the emptiness of success" toward genuine fulfillment and purpose. Whether you're feeling stuck in your leadership journey or simply curious about how to reach your highest potential, this conversation provides a roadmap for growth that extends far beyond traditional leadership development.

Discover why witnessing yourself in the moment is the key to transformation—and how becoming your best self creates ripple effects that can change your organization, family, and ultimately the world. Ready to grow through leadership instead of just in it? This episode is your starting point.

Connect with Sharon: https://sharonspano.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Ever found yourself stuck in a comfortable rut? Turns out, that's not laziness—it's complacency, and it might be the biggest barrier between you and your true potential.

Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership, joins us to completely reframe how we understand complacency. Forget what you thought you knew—complacency isn't about being lazy or apathetic. It's what Robinson calls "secret places of satisfactory success" where we've become content with being good but not great.

"Complacency looks like busyness, feels like comfort, and sounds like excuses," Robinson explains, detailing how this subtle enemy has been the downfall of empires, companies like Kodak, and even racing legends. The most dangerous part? We often don't recognize it in ourselves because we're still productive, just not intentionally growing toward our potential.

Drawing from his upcoming book "From Fifth to Drive," Robinson shares his powerful seven-step framework for breaking free from complacency: clarity, gathering information, filtering, guidance, relationships, action, and evaluation. Each step builds upon the last to create momentum toward true excellence. The simplest version? "Learn a little bit, do a little bit"—an iterative process that, when combined with specific mentorship, creates breakthrough growth.

Whether you lead a multinational company, a small team, or just yourself, this conversation challenges you to identify your own "rumble strips"—those warning signals that you're drifting off course. Are you allowing routine to replace reflection? Saying "later" more than "now"? Losing energy for what once inspired you? These might be signs that you're settling for good enough when greatness awaits.

Ready to move from drift to drive in your career and life? Take Robinson's complacency quiz at drifttodrivequiz.com and pre-order his book, releasing September 2nd. Your potential is waiting—don't let complacency keep you from reaching it.

Contact Chris: 

ChrisRobinsonSpeaker.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakerchrisrobinson/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

What if the most powerful tool for business success isn't a new technology or strategy, but simply creating environments where people can bring their whole selves to work? In this compelling conversation, Olivia Stewart reveals how inclusive leadership directly impacts employee engagement, innovation, and organizational performance.

Stewart brings a unique psychological perspective to workplace dynamics, having witnessed the evolution of employee engagement metrics since the early 1990s. She challenges leaders to see diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging not as separate initiatives but as fundamental leadership responsibilities. "This is not something you're doing in addition to your job," she explains. "This is your job."

Using a brilliant orchestra conductor metaphor, Stewart illustrates how leaders harmonize diverse talents without playing any instruments themselves. The conductor merely "waves a stick around," yet transforms individual excellence into collective brilliance through direction and clear communication. Similarly, inclusive leaders create environments where innovation naturally emerges from diverse perspectives.

Most provocatively, Stewart identifies the hidden cost of non-inclusive workplaces: cognitive drain. When employees spend approximately 10% of their mental capacity hiding aspects of their identity or feeling unsafe to speak up, that's brain power not devoted to solving problems or driving results. "If I'm using my brain space that way, I'm not giving it to the cause," she notes.

Through concrete examples and practical advice, Stewart outlines key inclusive behaviors: active listening that suspends judgment, clear communication that considers diverse learning styles, and consistent accountability that reinforces expectations. These behaviors require intention, practice, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations, but they directly enhance decision-making quality and team performance.

Ready to transform your leadership impact? Subscribe now and discover how small shifts in leadership behavior can dramatically improve your team's engagement, innovation, and results.

Contact Olivia Stewart here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-williams-stewart-000225/

Cyndi Wentland: www.intentionaleaders.com

Try the Intentional Problem Solving Course for FREE: https://www.intentionaleaders.com/intentional-problem-solving-leaders-course

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Heather Plett, co-director of the Center for Holding Space, shares her powerful insights on the transformative practice of "holding space" and introduces the concept of being a "grounded guide" in today's leadership landscape.

• The practice of holding space involves walking alongside others in their experiences without trying to control, direct, or judge them
• Holding space begins with self-awareness and presence before extending to others
• Nature connection and stillness practices help ground leaders in presence
• Seeing and honoring people's innate potential requires overcoming cultural biases about productivity
• The "grounded guide" approach helps leaders navigate liminal spaces of transformation
• Facing your shadows and biases is essential for evolving as a leader
• Leadership development must include emotional, psychological and spiritual growth
• Community and accountability partnerships prevent ego-driven leadership
• Slowing down often reveals wisdom that productivity-focused mindsets miss
• Adult development continues throughout life and impacts organizational and societal well-being

Get in touch with Heather:
Website: https://centreforholdingspace.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherplett/
Book: The Art of Holding Space
Substack: atenderspace.substack.com

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Speed without direction is just wasted energy. That's the powerful truth at the heart of my conversation with Simon Severino, founder of Strategy Sprints and a master at helping leaders master resilience in times of uncertainty by navigating complexity with confidence and intention.

From his home base in Vienna, Simon brings a refreshingly practical approach to leadership that blends endurance athlete discipline with entrepreneurial agility. He cuts through the noise about strategy with striking clarity: "You can be the fastest person in a marathon, but if you're running in the wrong direction, that's not helpful." What leaders truly need is velocity—speed with the right direction.

The Strategy Sprints method he's developed tackles this challenge head-on. Every Monday, team members identify their most crucial task. By Friday, they report what they've accomplished and—perhaps most importantly—what they've learned from their mistakes. This creates what Simon calls "positive loops" that generate energy rather than depleting it, a concept he's successfully implemented across twenty different industries.

What makes Simon's approach particularly valuable in today's environment is his emphasis on decision-making under uncertainty. He challenges the traditional leadership model of exhaustive planning and analysis, arguing instead for experiential learning and quick adaptation. Leaders today face a radically compressed timeline, often making twenty decisions per hour with incomplete information. To navigate this reality, Simon recommends tracking decisions with probability assessments and developing an emotional reset capacity that allows you to move forward without carrying baggage from previous decisions.

The framework is elegantly simple: maintain only a rough three-year vision and laser focus on weekly execution. Everything in between is deliberately eliminated. This creates the space for both strategic direction and tactical agility—exactly what today's unpredictable business environment demands.

Ready to transform how you lead through uncertainty? Explore Simon's approach through his book "Strategy Sprints" or visit his website where you can experience his methodology firsthand with a seven-day free trial. Your team's resilience, clarity, and impact may depend on it.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Problem solving might be the most underrated leadership skill – one we use daily but rarely examine critically. How much time do you spend tackling problems each week? And more importantly, how many of those "problems" are actually legitimate issues versus complaints, venting, or whining?

This episode challenges leaders to distinguish between genuine problems (those with measurable gaps and consequences) and vague complaints that lack substance. A real problem sounds like "Our turnover is 20% above industry standard" rather than "Our morale sucks." Without this crucial distinction, we waste valuable time and energy on issues that can't be meaningfully addressed.

The 1-3-1 model offers a streamlined approach to problem solving: identify the specific problem, generate creative solutions that break from conventional thinking, and implement effectively. But the most surprising insight might be how our brains form problem-solving patterns early in our careers that become automatic – meaning we solve problems the same way for decades without evaluating whether our approach still works. Even worse, by positioning yourself as the ultimate problem-solver, you might unwittingly create "learned helplessness" in your team, undermining their growth while overwhelming yourself.

Critical thinking emerges as the foundation of effective problem solving – focusing on logic rather than emotion, eliminating biases, and recognizing that decision-making is its own discipline with various approaches suited to different situations. Are you using the right decision-making style for each challenge? Ready to transform your approach? 

Take our new course in Intentional Problem Solving available now: https://www.intentionaleaders.com/intentional-problem-solving-leaders-course

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Jill, a 14-year entrepreneurship faculty member at Madison College, reveals how traits like resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving create exceptional leaders regardless of their role.

With employee disengagement at record highs and workplace stress permeating organizations, Jill's approach offers a refreshing alternative. Through her newly-launched consulting company Sync, she's addressing the critical gap between what organizations say they value and what they actually practice through systems and processes. The conversation delves into why emotional intelligence ranks as the projected #1 skill employers will seek by 2025, and why most leaders believe they're more self-aware than they actually are.

"Words matter, but words are only words. We have to take action," Jill explains, highlighting the disconnect in organizations that claim to prioritize well-being but lack meaningful systems to support it. She shares wisdom gained from years teaching students to develop entrepreneurial thinking, and how these same principles create cultures where people genuinely thrive rather than merely survive.

The discussion explores vulnerability as a leadership strength, the importance of aligning words with actions, and practical approaches to measuring cultural transformation. For leaders feeling stuck in bureaucracy or teams struggling with connection, this conversation offers both inspiration and tactical insights for creating purpose-driven environments where emotional intelligence drives success.

Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or simply looking to develop greater agency in your career, you'll gain valuable perspectives on cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset as your competitive advantage in today's complex workplace.

Get in touch with Jill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-huizenga-385b941b/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

DOWNLOAD FREE GUIDE: https://www.intentionaleaders.com/manage-time-maximize-life

The quest for perfect time management has led many of us down endless paths searching for the ideal system or tool that will magically organize our chaotic lives. But what if we've been approaching the problem entirely wrong? What if time management isn't about managing time at all, but rather about managing our brains?

Time itself is merely a social construct—a way to organize our existence on this planet. The real challenge lies in how we think about time and the choices we make regarding its use. Oliver Burkeman's perspective in "4,000 Weeks" (the approximate lifespan of someone who lives to 80) offers a sobering reminder that our time is finite, forcing us to consider whether we're spending our limited weeks on what truly matters.

The Eisenhower Time Matrix provides a practical framework for evaluating our activities through two crucial lenses: urgency and importance. While many of us excel at handling urgent and important matters (Quadrant 1), we often neglect important but not urgent activities (Quadrant 2) like strategic planning, relationship building, and health maintenance—until they become crises. Meanwhile, we waste countless hours on activities that are neither important nor urgent (Quadrant 4), or become addicted to other people's urgencies (Quadrant 3), mistaking busyness for productivity and importance.

Perhaps most destructive is our tendency to multitask. Despite what many believe about their abilities, research consistently shows that multitasking damages our cognitive capital both short and long term. Instead, single-tasking with full presence—whether in work or with loved ones—proves far more effective. Techniques like the Pomodoro method can help train our brains to focus intently for short periods before taking earned breaks, dramatically improving both productivity and presence.

The path forward involves small, consistent habit changes that gradually transform our relationship with time. By becoming more intentional about our attention, establishing healthy boundaries around urgency, and aligning our daily actions with our core values, we can reclaim control over our 4,000 weeks and live with greater purpose and less stress. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message, and remember: you have complete control over your most valuable resource—your attention.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

In this episode of the Intentional Leaders Podcast, host Cyndi Wentland engages in a compelling conversation with Cheryl Fields Tyler, founder and CEO of Blue Beyond Consulting. They delve into the intricacies of building a thriving workplace culture, emphasizing the balance between high expectations and deep trust. Cheryl shares insights on supporting mid-level managers, redefining employee well-being, and viewing leadership as a sacred responsibility. This discussion offers valuable perspectives for leaders aiming to foster environments where both individuals and organizations can flourish.

Cheryl Fields Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylfieldsty...

Intentionaleaders:
https://www.intentionaleaders.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndi-wentland...

#Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeWellBeing #TrustInLeadership #MidLevelManagement #BlueBeyondConsulting #IntentionalLeadersPodcast #CyndiWentland #CherylFieldsTyler

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Imagine a world where fear no longer dictates your career choices and leadership potential. Dr. Benjamin Ritter, author of "Becoming Fearless," joins us to unravel the intricate barriers leaders face when aligning their careers with their true values. With his insightful exploration of the three C's of self-leadership—clarity, confidence, and control—Dr. Ritter provides a roadmap to overcome the stifling fears of job loss, looking foolish, or failing. In our conversation, we unlock the secret to transforming fear from a paralyzing force into an enlightening guide, empowering leaders to achieve their highest potential.

Delving into personal narratives, he shares his journey through career setbacks and toxic work environments, underscoring the importance of resilience and a growth mindset. This episode serves as a testament to the power of adaptability and highlights actionable strategies for personal growth, including how verbalizing thoughts can break mental loops and challenge unhelpful beliefs.

We wrap up with a powerful discussion on reframing fear and embracing fearlessness in both personal and professional realms. Dr. Ritter's transformative strategies inspire us to craft work environments that nurture individual success and satisfaction. 

Intentionaleaders:
https://www.intentionaleaders.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndi-wentland-9822012/

Dr. Benjamin Ritter:
https://www.instagram.com/drbenjaminritter/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbenjaminritter-leadershipdevelopment
https://www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com/
https://www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com/becomingfearless


#FearlessLeader #LeadershipSkills #LeadershipDevelopment #FearlessLeadership #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipCoaching #ExecutiveCoaching #StrategicLeadership #VisionaryLeadership #LeadingWithConfidence #Empowerment #InspirationForLeaders #ConfidenceBuilding #SelfEmpowerment #BusinessLeaders #Entrepreneurship #CareerGrowth #CorporateLeadership #LeadershipMindset #BenjaminRitter #LeadershipInterview #FearlessMindset #LeadingTeams

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Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Dr. Britt Andreatta, a luminary in leadership and neuroscience, graces our latest episode with her wealth of knowledge. She recounts her transition from academia to the  world of corporate learning and development, offering a unique blend of scientific insight and practical application. Britt's journey illustrates her fearless pursuit of leadership development. Her story is a testament to how understanding the brain can unlock potential, both in personal development and in shaping effective leadership practices.

Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on how neuroscience can empower us to navigate challenges and lead with purpose, especially in a world still adjusting to remote work and shifting priorities. Britt's extensive research and four thoughtful books provide a roadmap for leaders aiming to thrive amid these changes. Her insights encourage us to adopt an experimental mindset, understand when to persevere, and recognize when it’s time to pivot.

For those eager to expand their leadership skills, Britt's website and publications are rich resources waiting to be explored. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of leadership with one of the field's most insightful voices.

Social Media Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittandreatta
https://twitter.com/BrittAndreatta
https://www.instagram.com/brittandreatta/
https://www.brittandreatta.com/presskit/www.youtube.com/@BrittAndreatta
https://www.facebook.com/brittandreatta

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

What if your leadership legacy isn't something you leave behind, but something you give away every day? Join me, as we explore how you can start crafting your legacy from day one by focusing on core values, trust-building, and empowering your team. Research highlights that employees are more engaged and loyal when they feel a strong connection to their leader's vision; hence, your legacy can be an essential catalyst for driving a thriving work culture. 

Reflect on the qualities and values that you want to define your leadership and ensure your daily actions align with this vision. Whether you're at the start of your career or a seasoned leader, this episode offers actionable insights on empowering your team to uphold shared values, extending your influence, and fostering an environment where creativity and accountability can flourish. Spare just 15 minutes this week to pinpoint or revisit your core values, and see how this intentional practice can enhance your leadership effectiveness. Share these insights with fellow leaders, and together, create a positive and lasting impact that endures through your collective actions and values.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Discover the untapped potential of introverted leaders and transform your perception of leadership with our latest episode. Introverts often face misconceptions of being too quiet or uninspiring, but we promise to change that narrative by highlighting their remarkable strengths. You'll learn how introverts excel through their exceptional listening skills, authenticity, and strategic thinking. We challenge traditional leadership stereotypes and share personal anecdotes and strategies that help introverted leaders not just survive but thrive in leadership roles. 

Join us as we celebrate introverted leadership and encourage leaders to embrace their nature as a formidable strength. We delve into practical strategies for introverts, such as preparing for interactions, setting boundaries for recharging, and collaborating effectively with extroverts. Our goal is to inspire leaders to see introversion not as a limitation but as a tool that can enhance leadership effectiveness and leave a lasting impact on teams and organizations. Tune in and be part of this empowering conversation, and don't miss the chance to share these insights with others to broaden the appreciation of introverted leadership strengths.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

In this episode, we explore the powerful role of humor in enhancing leadership effectiveness, emphasizing how laughter can connect people, relieve stress, and inspire creativity. We discuss actionable strategies for incorporating humor into leadership without losing professionalism or respect. 
• The importance of humor as a leadership tool 
• How laughter creates connection and reduces stress 
• Self-deprecating humor as a means of vulnerability 
• The role of emotional intelligence in utilizing humor 
• Using humor as an icebreaker in team environments 
• Strategies for tailoring humor to diverse audiences 
• Avoiding negative humor to maintain credibility 
• Encouraging leaders to embrace humor in their interactions 
• The potential of humor to improve workplace morale and productivity 
• Humor as a way to create shared experiences within teams

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

What if our relentless pursuit of productivity is actually holding us back from a truly fulfilling life? Discover how Oliver Berkman's "4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" challenges the traditional notions of time management by advocating for a more intentional and meaningful approach to how we spend our finite time on Earth. We dive into transformative ideas that encourage us to let go of the unrealistic quest for perfect productivity and to embrace the power of prioritizing what truly matters. By acknowledging our limitations and accepting the discomfort of incompleteness, we can break free from the stress of never-ending to-do lists and enjoy a more grounded, intentional existence.

Join us as we explore the art of living fully in the present, whether at work or home, and learn how to savor life's simple pleasures. We'll discuss five key concepts from Berkman's book, including the liberation that comes with focusing on the richness of each moment rather than on relentless achievements. Our conversation highlights how endless multitasking can rob us of meaningful experiences and how rethinking time management with intention can lead to a more focused and less stressful life. Tune in to discover how you can prioritize what truly counts in your limited time and foster a more deliberate, satisfying journey.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Can trust really be given rather than earned? Join us in challenging conventional wisdom as we unpack the transformative power of trust within leadership. Explore the compelling reasons why starting with a mindset of trust can serve as the cornerstone for building respect, enhancing performance, and fostering a collaborative environment. By flipping the script on trust, leaders can empower team members to take initiative, feel valued, and engage in open, transparent communication. This episode reveals how this shift can lead to stronger relationships, accelerated rapport, and heightened loyalty—key ingredients for effective leadership.

We'll dive into the crucial link between trust, risk-taking, and innovation. When leaders extend trust freely, they create an atmosphere where individuals feel liberated to step out of their comfort zones and embrace creativity without fear of negative consequences. Discover how embracing trust as a foundational element of leadership can inspire authenticity and a shared commitment to success. Tune in and transform your leadership approach to cultivate a more empowered and engaged team, equipped to tackle challenges and drive innovation.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Grief in the workplace is often a difficult subject to address, but imagine the profound transformation that empathetic leadership can bring. Maureen Desmond, a coach and consultant, joins us to share her remarkable journey from a successful media career to a calling that helps leaders manage change, loss, and grief with compassion. Her personal story, marked by the tragic loss of her sister early in her life, has been a guiding light in shaping her empathetic approach to leadership. We uncover how Maureen’s life experiences have uniquely positioned her to support C-suite leaders and HR professionals, making emotional intelligence a pivotal skill in their arsenal.

Leaders often shy away from addressing grief due to discomfort, leaving those who grieve feeling even more isolated. Maureen and I discuss why it’s critical to embrace the discomfort, normalize emotional expressions, and foster open, empathetic conversations in the workplace. Through Maureen's insights, we examine the transformative power of empathy and the importance of building a culture that values emotional well-being. We highlight practical steps leaders can take to educate themselves and their teams, promoting a supportive environment that not only acknowledges grief but also facilitates healing and connection.

The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown us the importance of resilience and intentionality in leadership. In this episode, we explore stories of strength and growth. Maureen exemplifies intentional leadership by putting empathy and active listening at the forefront, teaching us the value of presence in leadership roles. Finally, we encourage leaders to plan for emotional contingencies as meticulously as they would for operational ones, fostering a compassionate culture that supports both personal and professional growth. Don't miss our conversation about how intention and empathy can transform organizational dynamics.

Find Maureeen here: https://www.navigatingchangeandloss.com/about-us/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureendesmond/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Have you ever stopped to consider the true cost of venting at work? Join me on the Intentional Leaders Podcast as we unravel the surprising ways venting can sabotage not just your career, but also the morale and trust within your team. This episode isn't just about identifying the problem—it's a guide to transforming that urge to rant into opportunities for constructive change and leadership. By understanding the root causes of why we vent, we can break free from the cycle of negativity and learn to address issues head-on, fostering healthier communication and a more positive workplace environment.

Discover practical strategies to shift from being a passive complainer to an active problem-solver, and learn how to cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect and open dialogue. Venting might offer momentary relief, but I'll show you how it traps us in a loop of unresolved issues and cognitive distortions. Together, let's move towards enhancing productivity and morale by addressing conflicts directly and constructively. This episode is your toolkit for leading with intention, influence, and integrity—no matter your position. Don't miss out on these insights that can transform not just your work life, but your leadership journey as well.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Unlock the secrets to a more grounded and productive workplace with our enlightening discussion with Lori Seitz of Zen Rabbit. How can the simple act of expressing gratitude transform leadership and team dynamics for the better? Lori reveals her insights and shares some compelling statistics on how gratitude can drastically boost employee morale, productivity, and retention.

Struggling with stress and looking for effective ways to manage it? Lori and Cyndi delve into the benefits of meditation and how integrating it into your daily routine can rewire your brain, enhance decision-making, and improve relationships. Hear about Lori's journey through the ups and downs of her Zen Rabbit cookie business and how gratitude and meditation practices help her navigate stressful times. Cyndi also shares her own success story with a 12-minute daily meditation habit, demonstrating tangible improvements in her sleep and overall well-being.

Discover practical, actionable advice on simple wellness habits that can lead to significant changes in your professional and personal life. Visit ZenRabbit.com for additional insights and tips on cultivating work-life balance, and join us in celebrating Lori's impactful contributions to personal and professional growth.

Find Lori here: https://zenrabbit.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Can regret actually be a powerful tool for growth and clarity? Join us as we unravel the surprising benefits of regret with insights from Daniel Pink's latest book, "The Power of Regret." Inspired by Pink's compelling presentation at the Association for Talent Development conference, we explore how regret can help us refine our values and improve decision-making. Pink's extensive research, including the enlightening World Regret Survey, reveals four core categories of regret: foundational, boldness, moral, and connection. Learn how to process these regrets to turn them into actionable insights for both personal and professional development.

Reflecting on past regrets can be a powerful catalyst for future success. In this episode, we emphasize the importance of staying connected with loved ones and how self-reflection can lead to better life choices. Drawing from Pink's findings, we encourage listeners to participate in the World Regret Survey and write down their own regrets to gain valuable perspectives. This practice not only minimizes future regrets but also fosters a stronger sense of personal empowerment. Don't miss out on this transformative discussion that promises to reshape your understanding of regret and its potential to enhance your life.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Ever wondered what it takes to stay committed to one organization for over three decades? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Corey Chambas, CEO of First Business Bank, as he uncovers the secrets behind his impressive 30-year tenure. Corey shares his thoughts on the dynamic environment and the unique camaraderie at the bank that have kept him engaged and loyal. Get to know the personal side of Corey as he discusses his hobbies, particularly collecting aged beers, and how these passions fuel his leadership.

Unlock the secrets of fostering a culture of innovation and growth as we dive into the importance of embracing change within an organization. Corey emphasizes the power of psychological safety and honest communication in encouraging risk-taking and learning from failures. Discover how First Business Bank creates opportunities for employee growth and attracts top talent by maintaining a balance between successful initiatives and lessons learned from those that don’t work. This chapter is filled with actionable insights for anyone looking to drive innovation and improve overall performance in their organization.

Corey also reveals the core values that define First Business Bank's culture and how they align with the principles from "The Ideal Team Player." Explore the traits of humble, hungry and smart that are crucial for recruitment, coaching, and performance management. Hear Corey’s heartfelt reflections on the importance of servant leadership and the distinction between wanting to "be" a manager versus wanting to "do" the job. With over 30 years of dedication, Corey’s insights offer a profound look at the collective effort needed to maintain a positive workplace culture where actions truly speak louder than words. Tune in for a deep dive into leadership, organizational values, and the keys to sustained success.

Find Corey here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreychambas/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Have you ever wondered why we feel the emotions we do and how we can harness them for personal and professional growth? This week, we sit down with Charles M. Jones, a leading emotion scientist and the visionary behind the Jones Theory of Emotion and Emotional Decoding. Charles shares a compelling story about a near-miss accident in the Alps that sparked his lifelong quest to understand and decode human emotions. His insights into the naturalness of flow states, the impact of developmental trauma, and the ways emotions arise in response to external events are nothing short of groundbreaking.

We delve into the concept of emotional victimhood and the critical importance of taking ownership of our emotions and needs. Charles outlines strategies for identifying and fulfilling subconscious needs, which are crucial for emotional self-sufficiency and personal growth. This discussion provides practical tools for developing an evolving emotional "operating system" that can transform how we navigate life's challenges, fostering growth and resilience.

Leaders, take note: emotional responsibility isn't just a personal development tool; it's a game-changer for workplace culture and leadership effectiveness. Charles emphasizes how empathetic leadership can revolutionize team dynamics by fostering environments where tough conversations lead to increased accountability and innovation. By understanding and addressing the underlying needs behind emotions, leaders can enhance their competencies and drive better organizational outcomes. Tune in for an episode rich with scientific insights and practical strategies for mastering emotional intelligence.

Find Charles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesmj/
And his website here: https://www.charlesmjones.com/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Ever wonder how maintaining a beginner's mindset can transform your leadership journey? In this episode, we promise you'll learn how embracing openness, curiosity, and a lack of preconceptions can not only enrich your professional growth but also strengthen your leadership abilities.  Sharing my personal experiences from the Association for Talent Development conference, we highlight the incredible value of humility, creativity, and innovation that comes from starting fresh.

Taking deliberate steps to practice a beginner's mindset, especially when you're accustomed to showcasing your expertise, can be challenging but immensely rewarding. Encouraging this mindset within your teams, particularly among newer members, can foster a dynamic and innovative environment. This episode delves into how a beginner's mindset promotes resilience and adaptability, allowing us to see failures as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. Don't miss this episode on cultivating a mindset that can lead to significant transformation in your career and leadership approach.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Can understanding your strengths and values unlock your true potential? Join us as we welcome Sarah Viana, founder of Deliberately You, who transitioned from a successful HR career to a fulfilling journey in coaching. Sarah shares how her early experiences in a supportive organization sparked her passion for people development, ultimately leading her to immerse herself in a coaching community.

Discover the intriguing dynamics between strengths and values through the Values in Action (VIA) Inventory. Sarah provides personal insights and practical examples, revealing how strengths like kindness can reflect deeply held values.  Learn about habit stacking as a method to develop lesser strengths by leveraging more dominant ones, and how balancing honesty with social intelligence can enhance effective and empathetic communication.

Maximizing leadership potential often hinges on meaningful connections and effective management of time and energy.  The role of trust in leadership, aligning individual growth with organizational needs, and the necessity of difficult conversations are explored in depth. Sarah also highlights the importance of authenticity, presence, and intentionality in fostering impactful relationships, advocating for a life lived deliberately and with purpose.

Find Sarah here:  Sarah (Walsh) Viana, ACC | LinkedIn

Home - Deliberately You

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

When the weight of a career in anesthesiology pushed Dr. Hibba Khaled to her breaking point, she didn't just bounce back; she reinvented herself as a beacon of hope for those suffocating under the burden of burnout. Join us for a discussion with Dr. Khaled, co-founder of Embers and a burnout recovery specialist, as she shares her transformative journey and the lessons she learned along the way. From her hands-on experience in Uganda to her scholarly pursuits at Harvard, Dr. Khaled's path is a lesson in turning personal struggle into a lifeline for others.

Dr. Khaled's story is more than just a narrative; it's a roadmap for navigating career transitions with purpose and integrity. Her candid reflection on the tough choices that have shaped her life, including the decision to walk away from a coveted position, offers a rare glimpse into the heart of someone who has courageously defied convention, and the expectations of others.

This episode provides a glimpse at the mechanics of burnout and the possibility of crafting a fulfilling life. Dr. Khaled breaks down the factors contributing to our burnout epidemic—misaligned values, toxic work environments, and the perpetual push for perfection. But more than that, she discusses the tools to reclaim our sense of self, emphasizing the role of mindfulness, grounding techniques, and finding our joy.

Find Hiba here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hiba-khaled/
And her business here: https://www.emberscc.com/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Ever wondered how some leaders seem to effortlessly inspire and guide with clarity? Unlock the secrets to maintaining your cool under pressure with our dive into psychiatrist Daniel Siegel's window of tolerance concept.  Our discussion zeroes in on the sweet spot of composure—the zone where we're neither overwhelmed nor disengaged—and why it's crucial for leaders and individuals alike to operate within this range.

This episode will reveal how the brain's incredible plasticity can be harnessed to expand your window of tolerance and build emotional resilience.  As we dissect the role of the prefrontal cortex in managing stress and maintaining cognitive function, you'll come to understand how your own stress responses can either serve or hinder you in high-stakes situations, particularly in the aftermath of shared traumas like the pandemic.

If you're looking to enhance your ability to face pressures with grace and inspire those around you, tune in for insights that could reshape your response to stress forever.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Anita Cobb's story is one of remarkable transformation, and in our latest episode, this pioneering leader from Mead & Hunt brings you a narrative that's as empowering as it is enlightening. From her evolution in finance to becoming a champion of diversity and inclusion in the aviation sector, Anita exemplifies what it means to turn adversity into opportunity. Her candid conversation with us illuminates the importance of a people-first approach in the realms of architecture, engineering, and construction, and how it leads to more inclusive design and technology advancements.

Anita's resilience is also a beacon for anyone navigating personal tribulations. Her openness in discussing her struggles with substance abuse and domestic violence adds a layer of depth to her advocacy for transparency and collaboration in the workplace. This episode is not just about overcoming challenges but also about the power of supportive networks and the courage to be vulnerable, which Anita believes can transform workplace culture and foster personal growth.

As our conversation with Anita draws to a close, she reflects on the inner pillars that keep her steadfast—the 'verticals'.  Anita's journey inspires a call to authenticity, gratitude, and intentional leadership, proving that every one of us has the potential to be an unstoppable force for change. If Anita's story resonates with you, join us in this episode for a deep connection with one of aviation equity's most inspiring figures.

Find Anita here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-cobb-mba/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Krystal Westfahl, the President of the Minocqua Visitors Bureau, takes us through the scenic routes of her career journey. Her story, as diverse as the Northwoods she champions, reveals how a degree in natural resources and a formative interaction with WWII veterans charted her course towards nonprofit leadership.  Krystal's narrative is a refreshing reminder that embracing every turn with joy and authenticity can lead to a fulfilling life's work, deeply rooted in community service.

She divulges the intricate balance of being an authentic leader, the psychology behind effective communication, and the courage it takes to show up as one's true self, blue hair, cowboy boots and all. Our conversation with Krystal is a masterclass in community-focused leadership, highlighting the dance between authenticity and the strategic cultivation of trust.

As you explore this episode, expect to be transported to the heart of Wisconsin, where the charm of supper clubs and the allure of outdoor adventure come together into a  tapestry of tourism and community. Krystal illustrates that serving one's community is a hands-on affair, rooted in a genuine love for the place you call home. Through her eyes, we learn the grace of servant leadership, and the undeniable joy that springs from creating positive experiences for ourselves and others. Join us for an episode that's as much about discovering the essence of Wisconsin as it is about uncovering the heart of true leadership.

Find Krystal here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystalwestfahl/

And discover the Minocqua Area: https://www.minocqua.org/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Discover the surprising truth about self-awareness and its profound impact on leadership effectiveness as we unravel the disconnect between perception and reality. In this episode, we shed light on the critical role introspection and conscious change play in enhancing our leadership qualities. We've all heard that self-awareness is key, but how many of us truly understand the depth of our own consciousness? This episode promises to expose the surprising statistics from Harvard Research Group that reveal just how few people are as self-aware as they think they are. As we navigate through the intricate maze of our subconscious minds, we learn how this hidden pilot shapes our decisions, relationships, and everyday actions, often without our conscious recognition.

Self-awareness is more than about recognizing our strengths and weaknesses; it's about committing to the challenging task of aligning our innermost identities and purposes with our daily lives. Learn how mindfulness, soliciting feedback, and journaling can open doors to a heightened sense of self, and why carving out time for these practices is essential for anyone, especially leaders, seeking personal and professional growth. Join us as we explore the intricacies of empathy, communication, and the myriad ways in which self-awareness influences our capacity to lead and connect with others. And don't forget to peruse my blog for more in-depth discussions and resources on this transformative topic.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

When Justine Beauregard, a powerhouse in sales coaching, shares her entrepreneurial journey from youth, it's not just a conversation—it's a lesson in creating a legacy. Justine's narrative, steeped in the entrepreneurial spirit passed down from her family, echoes the resilience required to leap into business ownership and the crucial role of self-evaluation, accountability, and goal-setting in steering a venture to victory.
 
 This episode is your invitation to redefine what growth means to you, to consider how every choice and action contributes to the legacy you're actively constructing. Your personal and professional brand.
 
 The art of personal branding and the evolution of leadership aren't just buzzwords—they're chapters in the playbook of professionals aiming for their peak and purpose. In our conversation, we explore how to carve out a compelling presence without forgoing authenticity, and we tackle the challenge of crafting sales messages that strike a chord with various stakeholders. Embrace the wisdom shared in this episode, and chart your own course toward creating a legacy that's as memorable as it is meaningful.

Find Justine here:
Sell in Ways You Actually Enjoy | Justine Beauregard
Justine's Podcast
justinejbeauregard@gmail.com
LinkedIn

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.