Becoming Unshakable – Details, episodes & analysis

What happens when two podcasters decide to slow down, join forces, and have the kind of conversation many leaders are quietly craving right now?

This week, I am doing something I have never done before. I am collaborating with my friend and colleague, Dr. Robyne Hanley Dafoe, on a shared episode that will be available on both our podcasts. This is not an interview swap or a highlight reel. It is a real, unscripted conversation between two women who care deeply about leadership, resilience, and what it actually takes to stay grounded in a world that feels loud, divided, and emotionally exhausted.

We talk openly about why self-leadership feels harder right now, why so many capable people feel stuck waiting for permission, and why caring leadership cannot stop at the edges of our organizations. Together, Dr. Robyne and I explore the connection between values, self-worth, perfectionism, and hope. We explain why hope is often dismissed as unrealistic, even though science suggests it may be one of the most practical tools we have. We also reflect on what it means to lead when you are tired, under-resourced, and still figuring things out yourself.

You will hear us wrestle with real questions leaders face every day. How do you stay steady without pretending you are fine? How do you care for others without abandoning yourself? How do you build resilience without turning it into another performance metric? And how do hope, compassion, and self-leadership actually show up in daily choices rather than big statements?

This conversation is personal, reflective, and deeply human. It is for leaders, caregivers, parents, and professionals who are trying to do good work without burning out. If you have ever felt pulled between responsibility and self-preservation, or wondered how to stay unshakable without becoming hardened, this episode is for you.

 I look forward to your listening, reflection, and sharing what resonates most with you. 

 

What does it actually take to spot the leadership gaps that matter, especially when life and work keep speeding up?

In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, I sit down with Erik Dodier, an entrepreneur who describes his career as a "30-year overnight success." Erik takes us from his early love of business and entrepreneurship to building a company through decades of pivots, pressure, growth, and change. What stood out to me right away was his willingness to discuss the pause that comes after the grind, that moment when you stop running and finally have enough space to reflect on who you became while you were building.

Erik's definition of becoming unshakable is refreshingly grounded. It is the quiet confidence that comes from surviving hundreds of hard moments and realizing you are still standing. He shares a simple line that stuck with me, "Of all my bad days, I'm undefeated." And from there, we discuss pattern recognition as wisdom, how experience helps you respond with greater calm, and how looking back can help you face what is next with a little more air in your lungs.

We also get into the real weight of leadership as teams grow. Erik opens up about a pivotal season in 2014, when his company had to narrow its focus and make a painful shift that changed people's careers. He describes doing it as humanely as possible, giving people time to retrain, find their path, or lean into the new direction. That conversation led us into something many leaders wrestle with: how to show care and compassion for others while you are privately carrying your own stress, doubt, and exhaustion.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Erik's honesty about what kept him steady. He talks about books, biographies, and even motivational YouTube videos as tools to reset his mindset on hard days. He also shares how his leadership evolved from feeling he had to have every answer to recognizing that his real job was building the right team, removing obstacles, and focusing everyone on the problems that truly moved the business forward.

We close with a powerful reminder for anyone who feels stuck right now. Erik's advice is to take the smallest step back in the right direction, because the shift you need might be closer than you think. As we step into 2026, he shares how he is using more time, greater intention, and AI tools as a sounding board to keep growing, personally and professionally.

As you listen, I would love you to reflect on what is one leadership belief you have outgrown, and what is the smallest step you can take this week to steady yourself again? Share your thoughts with me.  I really want to hear what this brings up for you.

 

In this solo episode of Becoming Unshakable, I invite you to join me for a quiet reflection on how our past experiences can shape and strengthen who we are becoming. I talk about my love for fall, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, and how those simple moments remind me of the beauty of change. Each fallen leaf tells a story of what was, and each season reminds us that growth often begins with letting go.

I share why I no longer believe in leaving the past behind. Our pasts are full of lessons, proof of our resilience, and reminders of how much we have already overcome. When I look back on my own life, I see the obstacles that once felt impossible but now serve as evidence of what I'm capable of. Those memories keep me grounded and confident when new challenges arise.

This episode is all about using what came before to propel us toward what's next. It's about finding power in reflection, gratitude in growth, and peace in knowing that everything we've lived through has prepared us for what lies ahead. I hope this short conversation helps you see your own past in a new light and gives you the courage to keep moving forward with strength and purpose.

 

In this episode of the "Leadership with Heart" podcast, Heather R Younger shares a poignant story about a concealed Golden Buddha in Thailand, drawing parallels to the hidden potential within individuals and organizations during times of change. Reflecting on a recent retreat experience, Heather emphasizes the importance of recognizing and unlocking the intrinsic value within ourselves and our teams.   The episode delves into five key considerations for navigating the people's side of organizational change. Heather encourages leaders to peel away the metaphorical clay, revealing the brilliance within individuals and fostering a positive, motivated atmosphere for organizational growth and success.

In this episode of the "Leadership with Heart Podcast," Heather R. Younger engages in a compelling conversation with Tracey Barnes, Chief Information Officer at the State of Indiana. Together, they explore the critical importance of human-centric approaches in both government and the tech industry. Tracey shares his insights on leading with empathy and fostering collaboration, particularly in the public sector.   The discussion delves into the intersection of technology and humanity, offering practical strategies for leaders to prioritize people, communication, and employee well-being. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on creating a culture that values its workforce, ultimately driving more effective and sustainable solutions in government and technology. Whether you're in public service or tech, this episode provides actionable advice for infusing leadership with a human touch.

In this episode, Heather has an insightful conversation with two of the six founding facilitators of the Certified Active Listening Program: Jen Fox and Chris McAuley. Chris McAuley has over 35 years of business experience as a successful manager, leader, and business owner, Chris experienced firsthand the value of creating conscious connections with employees, colleagues, and customers. Chris is a speaking coach, trainer, professional speaker, actor, and the owner of MCAVOY Inc. 
Jen is a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of leadership experience and seamlessly integrates an entrepreneurial spirit with real-time learning expertise. Recognized for her pragmatic solutions and her ability to foster inclusive, high-performing teams, she holds the endorsement as "One of the most no-nonsense L&D professionals on the planet." Take a listen. 

In this episode, Heather has an insightful conversation with four of the six founding facilitators of the Certified Active Listening Program: Sherry Martin, Mike Chanat, Laurent Pierre JR, and Kaydie Paschall. Each of these accomplished individuals offers a distinctive perspective on their motivations for obtaining the certification and how they integrate active listening into their professional roles (and home life too).   They are all from various sectors, including global corporate leadership and human resources; this diverse group of facilitators provides insight into how the certification has transformed their thinking and communication styles in all aspects of their lives.

What Is a Culture Team? In this episode, Heather explores the pivotal role of employees in shaping and preserving a positive organizational culture. She introduces Culture Teams, emphasizing the intentional effort and employee buy-in required for great cultures. Heather highlights the responsibilities of employee-led culture teams, spanning cultural advocacy, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, feedback communication, and more. These teams play a vital role in aligning organizational values, managing change, and celebrating employee contributions.

In this episode, join us for a captivating conversation with Christinne Johnson, a seasoned strategic leader with over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, formerly the CHRO of FirstBank.   Having a wide range of knowledge in Human Resources, Christinne shares insights into her dynamic career, emphasizing her role in navigating FirstBank through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, she unveils her unique journey, transitioning from a banking background to a transformative HR leader, shedding light on her ability to analyze business areas, identify growth opportunities, and drive impactful change initiatives.    As a proven board director and community leader, Christinne's passion for strategy, leadership development, and organizational culture shines through as she discusses her aspirations to contribute her wealth of experience to future board opportunities. Don't miss this beginner's guide to culture change, offering a wealth of wisdom and practical advice from Christinne Johnson, the visionary leader behind First Bank's transformative HR journey.

What's the key to a great culture team? In this podcast episode, Heather Younger, author of The Art of Active Listening and The Art of Caring Leadership, guides Caring Leaders through the daunting task of creating a Culture Team.   Heather outlines the five crucial steps to establish an effective organizational culture team, covering aspects such as defining goals, selecting passionate and diverse team members, creating a team charter, setting a regular meeting schedule, and providing necessary resources and support.   She emphasizes the importance of aligning the team's goals with the organization's mission and values. Throughout the episode, Heather encourages leaders to share their experiences with Culture Teams and invites listeners to comment on the most helpful or challenging aspects.