Comfy Chairs – Details, episodes & analysis

Experiment with me: A conversation about human-centric teams.

What does it mean to lead in a truly human-centric way—and what gets in our way when we try?

In this episode, Kate is joined by Rachel Anderson, owner of Pivot Studies, a fractional CMO, and leadership coach who invites us to experiment with a different kind of leadership—one rooted in curiosity, courage, and care. Together, they unpack the tension leaders often feel between meeting organizational goals and tending to the well-being of their people.

Rachel shares her definition of human-centric leadership: prioritizing the growth and development of individuals while still delivering results. She offers pragmatic examples, from crafting meaningful team values to rethinking the way we structure time off. Kate and Rachel explore why self-awareness is the bedrock of leadership, why metrics need human interpretation, and why small, people-first decisions ripple outward in powerful ways.

If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s room for kindness in strategic planning—or how to create a team culture that says “I’ve got you”—this episode is for you.

Listen in and explore:

• How to define team values that support a human-centric culture
• Why retaining talent is more profitable (and more human) than replacing it
• What it means to experiment with leadership practices, even when you’re unsure of the outcome

• Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn.
• Join the waitlist for Rachel's book, The Human-Centric Leadership Manual
• Learn more about Pivot Studios

Additional resources mentioned during our conversation:

• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
• Together Is Better by Simon Sinek
• Gottman Institute
• Listen again: season 2, episode 5, That person you can go to.

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

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In this comfyHQ episode, we’re looking at three everyday leadership challenges: when your team over-relies on you, when you don’t have the answers, and how to make it safe for people to ask questions. These moments are common—and fixable. We explore practical ways to shift patterns, build trust, and lead with clarity, even in uncertainty.

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

The right amount: A conversation about leadership styles.

In this episode, Kate Johnson and guest Paul Thornton explore leadership styles: the practical application of different leadership behaviors and how they impact people and organizations.

The discussion covers the three primary leadership styles – directing, discussing, and delegating – and how effective leaders adapt their approach based on the needs of their team members and the circumstances at hand.

Kate and Paul also tackle the challenges facing leaders today, such as finding the courage to speak up and dealing with constant change.

• Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-thornton-5061216/
• Check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V4T43zLi_U&t=1090s
• Browse Paul’s books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Paul-B-Thornton/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3APaul%2BB%2BThornton

Additional resources:

• Situational Leadership https://situational.com/
• Crucial Conversations https://cruciallearning.com/courses/crucial-conversations-for-dialogue/
• Everything DiSC© https://www.everythingdisc.com/what-is-disc/
• CliftonStrengths https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

What, why, how: A comfyHQ Q&A

In this bite-sized episode of the comfy chairs, we’re diving into two essential leadership questions:

1. How can you delegate effectively without micromanaging?
2. What’s the best approach to giving constructive feedback?

Join me as we break down common misconceptions about micromanagement, explore how clarity is the key to delegation, and discover the “what, why, how” of delivering impactful feedback.

These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Pull them close: A conversation about grief and loss

In this episode of The Comfy Chairs, host Kate Johnson welcomes Justin Clifford, CEO of bereave, for a heartfelt conversation about the critical role of workplace bereavement practices. Together, they delve into how employers can compassionately support employees navigating grief and the profound ripple effects this has on retention, productivity, and workplace culture.

Justin shares actionable insights for managers, from fostering empathy through training to crafting inclusive policies that honor modern family dynamics. He challenges leaders to rethink how they approach grief—not only as a moral imperative but as a smart business strategy. With unaddressed loss often leading to burnout and turnover, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The episode also explores the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership. Justin underscores the importance of modeling self-care and cultivating a workplace where employees feel seen and supported during life’s toughest moments. He highlights practical tools and resources to help organizations build a culture of care, reminding us that addressing grief at work isn’t just about resilience—it’s about creating a workplace that values humanity.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to shape compassionate, resilient workplaces that prioritize both people and performance.

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinclifford2/

Learn more about Bereave: https://www.bereave.io/

Additional resources mentioned during our conversation:

• Liesel Mertes, empathy coaching: https://www.lieselmertes.com/
• A single platform for practical support resources and tools: https://www.supportnow.org/
• Family support for estate and other matters after the death of a loved one: https://www.full-circlecare.com/
• Supporting employees after the loss of a child: https://www.hopeworkshere.com/
• Employee leave management platform: https://www.cocoon.com/

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Welcome to comfyHQ! New from the comfy chairs.

In this first comfyHQ installment of the comfy chairs, we’re answering some of your burning questions and introducing a new format: shorter, focused episodes packed with practical advice.

This episode explores what it means to lead with intention, offering actionable insights for leaders who want to make an impact—without overcomplicating things. If you’re looking for quick, meaningful takeaways to apply at work (or in life), this episode is for you.

Get comfy, because today we’re answering these hard questions:

1. I don’t like one of my direct reports. How can I manage them?
2. How can you lead people who are more experienced or knowledgeable than you?

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Tell me more: A conversation about curiosity and joy

What if the secret to joyful, innovative, and resilient leadership lies in a single quality—curiosity? In this episode, Kate sits down with Tatyana Sanikovich, HR consultant and executive coach, to explore how curiosity transforms leadership and team dynamics. Together, they unpack the true meaning of curiosity and offer actionable insights on how leaders can build trust, foster experimentation, and create psychological safety.

From curiosity check-ins at meetings to celebrating both successes and failures, Kate and Tatyana highlight practical strategies to integrate curiosity into everyday leadership. They also delve into the connection between curiosity and joy, explaining how embracing the unknown can spark creativity and strengthen teams.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode will help you embrace curiosity’s power to unlock potential in your team, your organization, and yourself.

• Connect with Tatyana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatyanasanikovich/
• Visit her website: https://www.tatyanasanikovich.com/

Additional resources:

• Six Surprising Benefits of Curiosity by Emily Campbell on www.greatergood.berkeley.edu
• Why Are Humans Curious? by Grant Currin on www.livescience.com

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Envision a leader: A conversation about humanity in leadership.

What if leadership wasn't about perfection but about embracing humanity? In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson sits down with Mandee Bowsmith to explore a new vision for what it means to lead. Together, they take aim at outdated leadership models and champion an approach rooted in psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and authenticity.

The conversation goes to the heart of what challenges leaders: how to foster trust, admit mistakes, and create safe environments for growth.

The episode calls on organizations to rethink their leadership development strategies and asks: How can we equip leaders to be lifelong learners and empathetic builders of culture? If you've ever questioned the systems that shape leadership today or sought a more human-centered approach, this episode will help you imagine a new kind of leadership.

• Connect with Mandee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandee-bowsmith-ms-cec-75570148/
• Visit her website: https://www.bluenoteresources.com/

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Natural to the human mind: A conversation about fear.

In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate sits down with Utkarsh, a coach and consultant, to explore fear as both a challenge and a catalyst for growth. Together, they unpack how fear shapes leadership and personal growth, from navigating rejection and failure to embracing vulnerability with resilience.

Utkarsh shares his journey of transforming fear into action and highlights the power of anchoring ourselves in personal values like growth and love. Kate reflects on the role of joy as a counterbalance to fear, offering practical insights on how leaders can cultivate courage, seek feedback with grace, and find joy in everyday moments.

This conversation delves into the cultural and societal pressures that magnify fear, the value of empathy, and how leaders can foster a growth mindset to ignite positive change. Tune in for a reflective dialogue about embracing change, staying grounded in your values, and living a life aligned with purpose and joy.

• Connect with Utkarsh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang/
• Visit his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPFWPXiS6agGDuSDcluPXg
• View his TEDx talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aj0btxnBLo

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

Additional resources about fear and/or mentioned during our conversation:

• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Intended for fun: A conversation about team-building.

What does it really mean to build a high-performing team?

Spoiler: it’s not about icebreakers or quick-fix trust exercises.

In this episode of the comfy chairs, we tackle the art and architecture of team building with Jeremy LaDuke, owner of Epic Nine Marketing Outfitters. We dive into the essential mindsets and practices that help leaders create thriving teams, focusing on what truly matters: fostering one-on-one connections, celebrating successes, addressing unspoken tensions, and embracing vulnerability as leaders.

Whether you’re inheriting a team with a complex history or building one from scratch, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about team building. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on what it takes to lead teams to success!

Connect with Jeremy and learn more about this business:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyladuke/
• https://epicnine.com/
• https://theclimbclub.com/

Additional resources mentioned during our conversation:

Books!

• Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't, by Jim Collins
• Climb: The Risks and Rewards of Elevating Your Brand, by Jeremy LaDuke
• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, by Patrick M Lencioni
• The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team, by Patrick M. Lencioni

Sorry, but you have to die (How the 16 personalities would communicate your execution)

A basic overview of Malcolm Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay