The way we've been approaching workplace fairness might be fundamentally broken. After years of performative diversity initiatives and corporate virtue signaling, many organizations are abandoning DEI altogether—but that doesn't mean the work isn't still needed. The real challenge isn't whether fairness matters, it's how we actually create it.

Lily Zheng joins the Made Leader podcast to discuss their new book, Fixing Fairness: Four Tenets to Transform Diversity Backlash into Progress for All. complaining with people like you, and what early leaders can do to create change even without organizational power.

Lily breaks down the biggest misconceptions about equity work, reveals why post-2020 DEI initiatives were destined to fail, and provides practical strategies for removing barriers and creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Connect with Lily: https://www.lilyzheng.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilyzheng308/

Connect with Jen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/

In this conversation, Harper breaks down why some people thrive in collaborative environments while others resist—and it's not what you think. He explains the collaborative operating system he teaches, why ownership and alignment matter more than motivation, and how your emotional state as a leader impacts everyone around you. You'll learn practical techniques from the HeartMath Institute for regulating your emotions in real time, why resistance often shows up as disengagement, and how to create psychological safety through simple processes like council questions.

This episode goes beyond surface-level collaboration tips. Harper shares the science behind why depleting emotions like anger and frustration literally vibrate outward and create incoherence in your team—and what to do about it. Whether you're struggling to get buy-in from your team, feeling burnt out from carrying everyone's stress, or wondering why collaboration initiatives keep failing, this conversation will shift how you think about leadership entirely.

If you're ready to move beyond traditional leadership advice and tap into the energetic and emotional foundations that make teams work, this episode is for you. Harper reminds us that leadership starts with self-awareness—and that you're already doing your best, even when it doesn't feel like enough.

Think collaboration is just about communication? Harper Ray Wagner explains why individual coherence—the sync between your heart and brain—is the missing piece in building teams that actually work together. Learn the ownership-alignment framework that drives buy-in, HeartMath techniques to regulate emotions in real time, and why your emotional state as a leader is literally contagious.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Connect with Harper:

The Coherence Initiative: https://thecoherenceinitiative.com

Starting a new leadership role in a different company? Here's what nobody tells you: even when you're excited about the change, the grief will surprise you.

In this episode, Andrea Herron, Chief Human Resources Officer at AAA of Oregon and Idaho, gets real about her recent career transition. Six months ago, she jumped industries after eight years with her previous team, and what followed was a crash course in starting over as a leader.

You'll discover why the first 30 days are the hardest, how to build trust when you're the new person in the room, practical strategies for establishing team norms, and why following a beloved previous leader is actually a gift.

Whether you're about to make a career move or still figuring out your current role, this honest conversation will help you navigate transitions with less overwhelm and more confidence.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

During the pandemic nearly 2.5 million women left the workforce and 1 in 3 mothers were considering leaving or downshifting their career. Being a working mom comes with penalties and biases, many subtle and easy to present as "concern" for the woman.

With working moms making up 32% of all employed women in 2018, we need to take a closer look at the bias they experience in the workforce.

Podcast guest, Erica Ballard, Life Coach for Women Who Work, walks us through the horrific stats of the uphill battle working moms face, including motherhood penalties and biases.

Not only are working moms 100% less likely to be promoted but they earn $11,000 less than their childless peers and fathers.

Erica offers a strategy to tease out bias and provides ways to be your own advocate at work. She also reveals the mental shift she made and how she decided she's playing a different game where she writes the rules.

Key Highlights:

• 1 in 3 women are considering leaving or downshifting their career and 2 in 5 new moms will leave the workforce 
• Losing a mom within the first year of motherhood will cost a company $92,000.
• 75% of expectant mothers are excited to return to work but 43% of them end up leaving.
• Examples of "motherhood penalties" – 79% less likely to be hired, 100% less likely to be promoted, and make on average $11,000 less than their childless peers or fathers.
• Maternal wall bias: people believe you are less committed and as a result, less competent at work.
• Bias can be subtle such as assuming new mothers will check out when they come back to work or not offering them new projects (none of which is discussed directly with the woman).
• Maybe you don't want the promotion. What do you want your life to look like? 
• Ask for some reviews (even if it's off-cycle) to understand what your employer needs and/or expects from you. This can also help you understand where there is some bias.
• How women can be their own champions – determine what you want your like to look like, who do you have to be to be and show up as that person. You may have to switch jobs or careers (but do the internal work first).
• Do it your way and go have fun as you do it. Everything is made up. 

For show notes and links mentioned, visit: https://bit.ly/GTIPodcastNotes

To sign up for 2 Tip Tuesday, visit: https://bit.ly/2TipTuesday

2 Tip Tuesday is a weekly email that break down podcast episodes into practical resilience tips you can put into action straight away.

These Friday episodes are dedicated to casual conversations about real life. Your host, Jen Arnold, aims to share what she does to get through hard times but also wants to put podcast guests' advice into practice.

In this real talk episode, Jen pulls out a helpful strategy from this week's podcast interview and shares a way she reframes challenging situations.

When we think of abusive relationships, our minds often jump to physical violence. But a more subtle form of abuse that's harder to recognize is emotional abuse.

Emotional abuse occurs in toxic relationships and includes non-physical behaviors that are meant to control, isolate, or frighten you. This type of abuse may not get recognized at the start of a relationship and can leave you feeling confused, frustrated, or even like you're in the wrong.

Toxic relationships, whether it's with a partner, parent, friend, or co-worker, can be tricky to identify. How do you know if you are in a toxic relationship?

Podcast guest, Stephanie Sarkis is a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, gaslighting, narcissistic abuse, and ADHD, who helps us sort out this question and much more. 

In this episode, Stephanie walks us through the different stages of toxic behavior, where it originates, and who's most vulnerable. She offers red flags of toxic workplaces, actions toxic people take to manipulate others, and how to deal with them.

Finally, Stephanie gives advice on how to handle the holidays with toxic family members.

To sign up for 2 Tip Tuesday, visit: https://bit.ly/2TipTuesday

Exhaustion is one of the leading causes of performance decline and eventual burnout among people today. Most people don't realize how many facets of rest they're missing out on and it's keeping them depleted.

Podcast guest, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, says that rest is not about the cessation of activity, but about doing restorative activities – things that help fill you up and make you able to do your best work.

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a physician, speaker, and author of her book Sacred Rest. She is an international resource on wellness expertise and has been featured in media outlets such as MSNBC, Prevention, and the Dr. Oz Show to name a few.

In this episode, Saundra shares her personal experience with burnout and what made her start researching the 7 stages of rest. She explores each type in depth, and shares ideas of how to restore them. 

Lastly, Saundra discusses how important boundaries are in staying rested and the necessity of getting comfortable saying no.

These Friday episodes are dedicated to casual conversations about real life. Your host, Jen Arnold, aims to share what she does to get through hard times but also wants to put podcast guests' advice into practice.

In this real talk episode, Jen talks about her own relationship with alcohol and the steps she's taken to get more mindful when she does partake.

When things get stressful, painful, or just hard, it's easy to lean on alcohol to get us through. Recent statistics revealed that 25% of US adults increased their drinking during COVID.

So, how do you know what's an acceptable level of drinking versus a problem? That's what guest, Dr. George Koob, Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is here to discuss. 

In our conversation, George walks us through what happens in the brain when we numb emotional pain with alcohol, both the immediate benefits and the many downsides. He defines what's acceptable vs. problematic drinking and how you can evaluate your relationship with alcohol.

George offers steps on how to cut back on drinking and ways to still fit in socially without a drink in your hand. Finally, he shares the story of his mother's alcohol use disorder and offers ways to help those you love who may struggle with alcohol. 

For show notes and links mentioned, visit: https://bit.ly/GTIPodcastNotes

To sign up for 2 Tip Tuesday, visit: https://bit.ly/2TipTuesday

2 Tip Tuesday is a weekly email that break down podcast episodes into practical resilience tips you can put into action straight away.

These Friday episodes are dedicated to casual conversations about real life. Your host, Jen Arnold, aims to share what she does to get through hard times but also wants to put podcast guests' advice into practice.

In this real talk episode, Jen walks through five things to consider when you are dealing with a boss that doesn't quite live up to your expectations.

Work can be stressful enough but what happens when your boss is not just a poor leader but toxic? A toxic boss is not only a bad boss but also a bad human being who thrives on humiliating their employees.

It's easy to get trapped working for a toxic boss but chances are, they're there for the long term. How do you know you're working for a toxic boss, and more importantly, how do you leave one? 

Mary Abbajay, president of Careerstone Group, LLC, a full service organizational and leadership development consultancy, is here to explain what happens when you work for a toxic boss. Mary explains the difference between a bad boss and a toxic one, how these bosses survive in organizations, and what happens when you work for one.

She walks through how you can get stuck working for a toxic boss, the toll on your health, and how to quit one. Mary also tells us her story of working for a toxic boss and what happened when she quit. 

For show notes and links mentioned, visit: https://bit.ly/GTIPodcastNotes

To sign up for 2 Tip Tuesday, visit: https://bit.ly/2TipTuesday

2 Tip Tuesday is a weekly email that break down podcast episodes into practical resilience tips you can put into action straight away.

These Friday episodes are dedicated to casual conversations about real life. Your host, Jen Arnold, aims to share what she does to get through hard times but also wants to put podcast guests' advice into practice.

In this real talk episode, Jen walks through four questions to help you reframe your failure.

Nobody likes to fail. But since messing up is part of the human condition, failure is a part of life. How can we turn the pain of failure into helpful life lessons?

That's what podcast guest, Deya Smith-Taylor (aka Deya Direct), is here to guide us through. Deya is an Author, Producer, Media Personality and Certified Life Coach who has been through her fair share of setbacks and is here to share them with us. 

In this conversation, Deya walks us through a particularly difficult time in her life and the pivotal moment when she reclaimed her power. She educates us on how to make our pain pay us back and how we can shift fear into something more powerful and productive.

Deya offers tools and strategies for us acknowledge our truth, get back up from failure, and drop the pain, shame, and disappointment we may be carrying around.

For show notes and links mentioned, visit: https://bit.ly/GTIPodcastNotes

To sign up for 2 Tip Tuesday, visit: https://bit.ly/2TipTuesday

2 Tip Tuesday is a weekly email that break down podcast episodes into practical resilience tips you can put into action straight away.

The transition from sales rep to sales manager is one of the toughest career moves you can make. What got you promoted suddenly doesn't matter as much as your ability to develop others.

Keith Willis, founder of Core Management Training, shares what he's learned from working with hundreds of managers in pharmaceutical and life sciences companies. In this episode, Keith explains why your management title won't automatically earn you respect and how to avoid the "super rep" trap that hurts team performance.

Whether you're considering the move to management or already leading a sales team, Keith's insights will help you develop others while driving results.

Sign up for "The 3 Shifts that Make-or-Break New Leaders" on October 2: https://bit.ly/4nirz5W

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Core Management Training: https://coremanagementtraining.com/

Connect with Keith Willis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithawillis/

Connect with Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

These Friday episodes are dedicated to casual conversations about real life. Your host, Jen Arnold, aims to share what she does to get through hard times but also wants to put podcast guests' advice into practice.

In this real talk episode, Jen walks through her own parenting struggles, where she's had to do some of her own work, and her advice to other struggling parents.

These Friday episodes are dedicated to casual conversations about real life. Your host, Jen Arnold, aims to share what she does to get through hard times but also wants to put podcast guests' advice into practice.

In this real talk episode, Jen walks through what she learned from podcast guest, Jill Griffin, where she struggles with setting boundaries, and the steps she's taking to align her actions with what she wants out of life.

Are you overwhelmed at work? Do you have a never-ending pile of work you can't seem to accomplish? You're not alone. With the constant chatter of quiet and quick quitting, people are rallying against overwork and jobs where they don't feel valued. But many are grinding through the day to day feeling exhausted, draining our wellbeing along with it.

But what if work doesn't have to be that way? Career Strategist, Jill Griffin, shares her steps to boundary setting for the career success you want (however you define it for yourself).

She walks us through what boundary setting is and what it's not, what it can look like, and how she recommends understanding what you need before you start. Jill also shares her story of traumatic brain injury (TBI), how she recovered, and became the hero of her own journey.

For show notes and links mentioned, visit: https://bit.ly/GTIPodcastNotes

To sign up for 2 Tip Tuesday, visit: https://bit.ly/2TipTuesday

2 Tip Tuesday is a weekly email that break down podcast episodes into practical resilience tips you can put into action straight away.

These Friday episodes are dedicated to casual conversations about real life. Your host, Jen Arnold aims to share what she does to get through hard times but also wants to put podcast guests' advice into practice. In this real talk episode, Jen walks through the fear inoculation experiment suggested by podcast guest, Corey Wilks, Psy.D.

We all have value to give to the world but most of us spend our entire lives unable to give that value. A large reason for that is fear standing in our way. It's human to have fear pop up, especially when we are trying something new or putting ourselves or our work out into the universe. But what happens when we experience fear in the absence of real danger? It can lead us to live small lives where we don't experience our fullest potential. 

So, how do we tackle our fears? Podcast guest, Corey Wilks, Psy.D, is here to help us. Corey walks us through the four horsemen of fear - failure, ridicule, uncertainty, and success. He explains how these fears may show up in us, and how to protect ourselves from them.

Corey also shares a time when he faced a big career setback - losing his job abruptly with 30 days notice and three paychecks left. He describes how he reacted, the process he went through, and how he got to where he is today.

For show notes and links mentioned, visit: https://bit.ly/GTIPodcastNotes

To sign up for 2 Tip Tuesday, visit: https://bit.ly/2TipTuesday

2 Tip Tuesday is a weekly email that break down podcast episodes into practical resilience tips you can put into action straight away.  

Think your greatest strengths can't become your biggest problems? Think again. Clinical psychologist turned executive advisor Dr. Martin Dubin reveals why the very traits that got you promoted might be sabotaging your leadership - and what to do about it.

Martin Dubin is the author of, "BLINDSPOTTING: How to See What's Holding You Back as a Leader" is here to help leaders understand that self-awareness isn't just nice-to-have - it's essential for leadership growth.

Discover why adding "too" to your strengths reveals hidden blind spots, how identity shifts create leadership challenges, and why small behavioral tweaks beat transformation every time. Whether you're a new manager struggling with the expert-to-leader transition or a senior executive looking to level up, this conversation offers honest insights into what it really takes to grow as a leader.

Sign up for "The 3 Shifts that Make-or-Break New Leaders" on October 2: https://bit.ly/4nirz5W

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Connect with Guest:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-dubin/

• https://www.blindspotting.com/ - website with book, assessment, and additional resources

• MartinDubin.com - author website

Connect with Jen:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/

• Website: https://growthsignals.co/

What if the biggest barrier to your leadership growth isn't your team, your boss, or your company but your own self-awareness? Harvard professor Margaret Andrews reveals why understanding yourself is the foundation of all effective leadership.

In this episode, you'll discover the six essential questions that build self-awareness, why 85% of what we admire in great bosses are interpersonal skills, and how to bridge the knowing-doing gap that keeps smart people stuck. Margaret also shares practical strategies for getting feedback, creating team charters that actually work, and developing leadership skills when fewer people are watching.

Whether you're a new manager or trying to advance, this conversation will transform how you think about leadership development from the inside out.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Connect with Margaret:

• Margaret's website: https://www.margaretandrews.com/

• Margaret's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretcandrews/

Connect with Jen:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/

• Website: https://growthsignals.co/

For links mentioned, visit: https://growthsignals.co/

What if the biggest barrier to great leadership isn't lack of training, but trying to fit into someone else's mold? Executive coach Rita Ramakrishnan reveals why the "one right way" to lead is actually holding back your team's potential.

Rita shares her journey from struggling in rigid consulting environments to thriving as a C-suite leader by embracing her neurodivergence. You'll discover practical strategies for creating psychological safety, turning "performance problems" into communication solutions, and helping every team member - neurotypical or neurodivergent - bring their best work.

Whether you're trying to figure out your own leadership style or unlock hidden potential in your team, this conversation will change how you think about what makes leadership truly effective.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Connect with Rita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaram/ or her website: www.iksana.com

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Your stress isn't as hidden as you think. In this episode, Deb Smolensky, author of "Brain On," reveals why most leaders operate in survival mode and how their brain-off energy spreads through teams like wildfire.

In this conversation, Deb breaks down the difference between "brain on" and "brain off" leadership, revealing why the inside-out approach to leadership development is critical. She shares practical strategies for recognizing your triggers, creating purposeful pauses, and building the kind of team culture where people actually want to bring their best selves to work.

Whether you're struggling with boundaries or trying to stop the cycle of reactive leadership, this conversation provides actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Connect with Deb: 

• Website: https://debsmolensky.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiesmolensky/

Connect with Jen: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

• Website: https://growthsignals.co/

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Most managers think they're giving feedback constantly, while employees say they don't get enough – if any. In this episode, researcher and positive interventionist Lisa Sansom reveals why most feedback fails and shares practical strategies for making it effective.

You'll discover why trust matters more than technique, how to avoid the biggest feedback mistakes (like addressing individual issues in team meetings), and why "good job" isn't enough for high performers. Lisa also explains when to give positive versus constructive feedback and how new leaders can start building a feedback culture.

Whether you're avoiding these conversations or wondering why your team doesn't seem to hear you, this episode transforms feedback from a dreaded task into a powerful growth tool.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Connect with Lisa:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasansom/

• Website: https://www.lvsconsulting.com/

Connect with Jen:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/

• Website: https://growthsignals.co/

For links mentioned, visit https://growthsignals.co/

Want to become a better manager but don't know where to start? Darnell Billups has led teams across military, government, and Fortune 500 manufacturing – and he's sharing the practical strategies that can help you become a better manager.

In this episode, you'll discover why leadership skills don't just come with experience, the feedback moment that transformed Darnell's management style, and his simple system for stopping micromanagement. Plus, a framework for diagnosing why some managers advance while others stay stuck.

Whether you're leading former peers, developing your own management skills, or trying to advance your career, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies you can implement immediately. No theory – just real-world management advice that gets results.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Connect with Darnell: linkedin.com/in/darnellbillups

Connect with Jen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/

Your boss isn't going to change those annoying habits. So, here's what you can do about it.

In this coaching episode, host Jen Arnold and leadership coach Julie Binter reveals why managing up isn't office politics—it's a critical skill for career success. You'll discover how to decode your boss's communication style, ask questions that reveal what really matters to them, and turn workplace frustrations into strategic advantages.

Learn why every leader has traits that will drive you crazy (and how to work with them anyway), plus practical strategies for managing up more effectively—even when your boss seems to be completely different from you.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies. For full show notes, visit https://growthsignals.co/.

Connect with Julie: 

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

Website: https://www.clearthewaycoach.com/

Connect with Jen: 

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

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

What if the biggest performance management mistake isn't failing to document but failing to ask the right questions? When layoffs are disguised as performance reviews and employees are blindsided by "underperformance" labels, effective performance management practices have clearly gotten off-track.

In this episode, Kamaria Scott and Jen Arnold tackle one of leadership's toughest challenges: managing underperformance fairly and effectively. 

In this honest conversation, we dig into the real friction points that prevent managers from addressing performance issues head-on. From budget constraints that make firing impossible to the energy drain of managing inconsistent performers, we share practical frameworks for diagnosing what's really happening when someone isn't meeting expectations.

Whether you're dealing with a misfit situation or someone who just needs better support, this conversation gives you practical tools for handling performance challenges with both clarity and compassion.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For full show notes, visit www.growthsignals.co

Connect with Kamaria Scott: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamariascott/

Connect with Jen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

What if everything you've been told about success is wrong? Alli Murphy breaks down the dangerous myth that you must sacrifice yourself to lead well—and shares exactly how to reclaim your time without sacrificing performance.

As the founder of Work & Thrive HQ and a former Managing Director who took 5+ weeks of work-free PTO while scaling 7-figure programs, Alli knows that ambition and balance can work together. 

You'll discover what happens when you stop checking email first thing in the morning, how internal pressure fuels overworking, and practical strategies for building high-performing teams that don't need you plugged in 24/7. Perfect for leaders caught between proving themselves and burning out.

Connect with Alli Murphy on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonmurphy541

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Think your boss is just having a bad day? There's a big difference between a difficult manager and a truly toxic one—and knowing which you're dealing with could save your career and your health.

In this episode from the archives, leadership expert Mary Abbajay breaks down the real difference between bad bosses and toxic ones, plus the surprising traps that keep people stuck in harmful work situations longer than they should be.

Mary reveals why people actually stay longer with toxic bosses (hint: it's not what you think), the serious health impacts of working in toxic environments, and most importantly, how to get out without torching your professional reputation.

You'll discover the five major traps that keep smart people stuck, why trying to "fix" a toxic boss almost never works, and the exact steps to take when you're ready to make your escape—including what to say (and not say) in interviews and exit conversations.

If you've ever wondered whether your work situation is just challenging or actually damaging, this conversation will give you the clarity and courage to make the right call for your career and well-being.

Have suggestions for future guests?

Let us know at https://growthsignals.co/contact/ or contact Jen through LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/

Here's the leadership truth nobody talks about: you don't have to like everyone on your team. But you do have to lead them.

Karen Suchsland joins Jen to tackle the taboo topic of managing team members you don't click with. From unconscious avoidance behaviors to the crucial difference between liking and respecting, this conversation gives you practical strategies for leading effectively even when personal chemistry is lacking.

You'll discover why personality differences often mask performance issues, how to set boundaries without damaging relationships, and the simple inventory exercise that reveals if you're unconsciously playing favorites.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Connect with Jen:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/

• Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Connect with Karen:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-suchsland/

What happens when the leadership style that made you successful in your last role just doesn't click with your new organization? In this monthly coaching episode, host, Jen Arnold and leadership coach Julie Binter tackle what to do when your leadership style clashes with your organization's culture.

You'll discover how to ask the right interview questions to avoid mismatches, why your first six months might not tell the whole story, and practical strategies for deciding whether to adapt or move on. Plus, they share why hiring people just like you might backfire when you're already struggling with culture fit.

Whether you're dealing with this challenge now or want to be prepared for your next role, this conversation gives you the tools to navigate organizational fit with confidence.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For full show notes, visit www.growthsignals.co

Connect with Julie – 

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

Website: https://www.clearthewaycoach.com/

Connect with Jen- 

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

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Think trauma-capable leadership is only for first responders? Think again. Layoffs, organizational changes, and workplace crises require the same leadership skills that help teams thrive in high-stress environments.

Podcast guest, Dr. Gretchen Schmelzer, is a licensed psychologist, executive coach and consultant who has worked for 25 years with the complex issues of trauma, integration, and behavior change across every level of system from individuals. 

In this episode, Gretchen breaks down her ARTS framework and shares why good leadership is the best predictor of team resilience. You'll learn how to have difficult conversations without taking on your team's emotions, why empathizing "up" the system matters just as much as supporting your people, and concrete steps to build your trauma-capable leadership skills.

Whether you're managing through a crisis or just want to be better prepared for a future one, this episode gives you practical strategies you can use starting tomorrow.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Think being a manager today is just about getting work done? Think again. In this LinkedIn Live conversation, Kamaria and I break down how the manager role has exploded into counselor, coach, strategist, and enforcer – often without any training or support.

We get real about why managers are caught in the middle of competing demands, why most people want to become managers for the wrong reasons, and the loneliness that comes with the territory.

Plus, we tackle the uncomfortable truth about why organizations invest in senior leaders but leave front-line managers to figure it out alone.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the expectations placed on managers today, this conversation will validate your experience and give you perspective on what needs to change.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

What if the secret to a high-performance team isn't working harder as the leader, but getting your team to actually care? Laura Martin, co-founder and CEO of The Glinda Group, shares the foundational steps every leader should take when joining a new team, plus the crucial mistake that taught her when to stop seeking consensus and start making decisions.

You'll discover practical strategies for creating team accountability, establishing norms that stick, and addressing behavioral issues most leaders avoid. Laura explains how to delegate ownership (not just tasks) and why "clear is kind" when building team performance.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit growthsignals.co

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraemartin1/

Connect with Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/

You're already a leader but your career feels stalled. In this episode, Jen Arnold and Karen Suchsland unpack the real reasons you might not be getting promoted. From misaligned roles and unclear visibility to lack of strategic impact, they break down what holds leaders back after they've landed their first role - and how to move forward. 

If you're doing the work but not getting ahead, this conversation will help you assess your current state, take meaningful action, and regain control of your leadership growth.

Download the Promotion Troubleshooting Guide referenced in this podcast at: https://bit.ly/MadeLeaderGuide

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Think hospitality leadership is just about customer service? Think again. In this episode, HR leader Junid Sanchez reveals why hospitality is like boot camp for leadership skills - and what every middle manager can learn from an industry that forces you to think fast, connect authentically, and lead when everything keeps moving.

In this episode, you'll discover why "marinating" on decisions beats rushing to judgment, how one piece of direct feedback transformed Junid's leadership approach, and why sometimes missing out on a promotion is exactly what your career needs. 

Plus, hear the ice cream cart story that perfectly captures what happens when leaders have autonomy to show employee appreciation.

Whether you're in hospitality or any other industry, Junid's insights will help you build the kind of leadership presence that makes people actually want to work for you.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Join The Made Leader Community by May 30th at https://bit.ly/MadeLeaderCommunity

Are you and your team ready for AI, or are you still hoping it's just another business fad that will fade away? While executives debate high-level AI strategies, middle managers are caught in the trenches, needing practical approaches that balance real-world implementation with their team's day-to-day responsibilities.

In this episode, AI-HR strategist Theresa Fesinstine cuts through the noise with practical advice on leading teams through the AI revolution. You'll discover how to move beyond just polishing emails, have tough conversations about automation, and implement AI tools your team will actually use.

No technical jargon or unrealistic strategies—just straightforward guidance on balancing people and technology in your leadership approach. Whether you're AI-curious or AI-anxious, you'll walk away with action steps you can start tomorrow.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co 

Join The Made Leader Community by May 30th at https://bit.ly/MadeLeaderCommunity

Are your employees just collecting paychecks, or are they giving you their best work? In this episode, authors Tamara Myles and Wes Adams reveal the science behind meaningful work through their powerful "Three C's" framework: Community, Contribution, and Challenge. 

You'll discover why purpose alone isn't enough, how one simple thank-you per week can cut employee burnout in half, and practical strategies any middle manager can implement—even without organizational support. 

Whether you're leading a team of two or twenty, the strategies in this episode will help you create an environment where employees bring their best selves to work. By focusing on community, contribution, and challenge, you'll not only boost performance metrics but transform your leadership impact.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co 

What does executive presence actually mean, and how do you develop it when you're stuck in the middle? 

Today's guest, Jennifer Jensen, author of "Developing Authentic Leaders", breaks down the specific mindset shifts that separate directors from VPs—and why most middle managers stay focused on the wrong things. You'll discover why strategic thinking isn't a natural talent but a learnable skill, the mistakes that keep talented people invisible, and how to influence without formal authority. 

Jennifer also shares the truth about advancing when your organization won't invest in you, and practical steps you can take starting today. Whether you're wondering why some people rise effortlessly or feeling stuck despite doing great work, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for building executive presence and getting promoted. 

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies. 

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Connect with Jennifer: info@authenticleader.ca

Connect with Jen:

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

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Frustrated by endless status updates and feeling stuck in the details? Project management expert Paul Koetke reveals practical strategies for middle managers drowning in deliverables. 

With the right project management approach, you can transform chaos into clarity and make better decisions with less effort. Paul's down-to-earth strategies will help you master practical project management techniques to streamline your workload, boost team communication, and transform your leadership approach.

Learn how to create systems that actually reduce your workload, transform boring update meetings into action sessions, and communicate effectively up and down the organization. Stop wasting time collecting data nobody uses and start leading instead of just managing.

Links Mentioned:

Website: koetkeconsulting.com

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkoetke/

The Made Leader Community: https://growthsignals.co/leadership-training/

The conversation every manager dreads: "I want to move into leadership." How do you know if they truly understand what they're asking for? After all, the skills that make someone excel at their job are often completely different from what makes them effective at leading others.

In this coaching episode, host, Jen Arnold is joined by leadership coach Julie Binter, 

Founder of Clear The Way Coaching & Consulting, to break down why identifying leadership potential goes far deeper than performance metrics, and how to know whether someone is truly ready to lead.

Learn the subtle signs of leadership potential, the red flags to watch for, and why someone's motivation for wanting to lead reveals more than any performance review. Whether you're considering promoting someone or already have, this conversation delivers practical insights on identifying who's truly ready for the challenge. 

In your first 3 years of management? Join The Made Leader Community for continuous support for 3 months. Learn more here: https://growthsignals.co/leadership-training/

Connect with Julie – 

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

Website: https://www.clearthewaycoach.com/

Connect with Jen- 

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

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Is showing empathy a leadership weakness? Podcast guest, Chrystal Morris Harry shatters this myth by revealing how the most effective leaders balance compassion with accountability. Drawing from her 20+ years of HR expertise and current role as Organizational Development Manager at the City of Las Vegas, Chrystal shares practical wisdom that middle managers can implement immediately. 

You'll discover how authenticity creates psychological safety, why admitting mistakes strengthens your leadership, and strategies for encouraging reluctant team members to grow. Chrystal's refreshing candor about her own leadership journey—from hourly employee to award-winning manager—offers a roadmap for anyone looking to lead with both heart and effectiveness. 

If you're tired of leadership advice that feels disconnected from real-world challenges, Chrystal's down-to-earth wisdom and willingness to share her own missteps offer the perfect antidote. Her practical insights will help you unlock your team's potential while staying true to yourself.

Connect with Chrystal – 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrystal-morris-harry-mba-sphr-jctc-jcdc-63350a13/

Business LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbm-strategic-partners/

Connect with Jen- 

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

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

The Made Leader Community is kicking off in June to help transform early managers into confident leaders: https://growthsignals.co/leadership-training/

Ever feel like your leadership failures are holding you back? Think again.

In this episode, Anne Turchi reveals how the best leaders don't avoid mistakes—they transform them into growth opportunities. 

Anne Turchi, Director of Organizational Effectiveness and Transformation at Columbia Sportswear, shares her leadership journey from managing a tennis camp to leading a team of internal consultants in a large corporation.

With over 20 years of experience driving organizational change across for-profit, higher education, and non-profit institutions, Anne brings a wealth of insights about creating cultures where growth and learning thrive.

In this episode, Anne reveals how her biggest leadership lessons came from everyday challenges and failures. She explores the critical importance of having safe spaces to process mistakes and reflects on how her approach to leadership has evolved over time.

Discover practical strategies to create environments where both you and your team can fail forward, learn continuously, and develop stronger leadership skills through honest reflection. Stop dreading missteps and start leveraging them for your leadership journey.

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneturchi/

That feeling when someone calls your workplace a "family"? It doesn't feel right for a reason. Real workplace community is something entirely different—and much more valuable for your team's success.

In this episode, community expert DeMario Bell reveals what actually creates belonging at work (hint: it's not happy hours or pizza parties). Learn the trust equation that builds genuine connections, simple ways to foster psychological safety on your team, and why those little moments in one-on-ones matter more than grand team-building events.

Whether you're leading a small team or an entire department, this conversation offers practical steps to build workplace communities that support both personal growth and business results—no forced "family" dynamics required.

Connect with DeMario – 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demario-bell-7a510994/

Website: https://www.gatherfulconsulting.com/

Connect with Jen- 

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

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Ever find yourself frustrated that your team just isn't "getting it"? You're not alone. 

In this coaching episode, Jen and Julie tackle the invisible barrier that keeps teams underperforming - unclear expectations. Discover why stating something once isn't enough, how to define behaviors that actually get results, and when to stand firm on your non-negotiables.

Jen and Julie share real-world examples of leadership struggles, practical tips for communicating standards without being rigid, and strategies for building a team culture that extends beyond your meetings. 

Whether you're leading seasoned pros or new hires, this conversation delivers bite-sized actions to transform how your team shows up—starting tomorrow morning.

Connect with Julie – 

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

Website: https://www.clearthewaycoach.com/

Connect with Jen- 

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

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

The future of work demands both technical expertise and human-centered skills that appeal to the five generations in today's workforce. Podcast guest, Michelle Westfort, Chief Product Officer at InStride, reveals how the smartest organizations are weaving education into their cultural fabric rather than offering it as just another benefit. 

In this episode, Michelle busts the myth that older workers resist learning, sharing what skills they're actively pursuing and how middle managers can prioritize development regardless of age.

 She offers a way for middle managers to prioritize continuous learning among their team, regardless of generation, and shares how a reverse mentorship programs was a hit with one of their clients.

The business impact is clear: when managers prioritize development, people feel valued, teams perform better, and companies retain their institutional knowledge. Listen in for simple strategies any middle manager can implement tomorrow to start building a team that's continuously learning.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Connect with Michelle – 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-westfort/

Website: https://www.instride.com/

Connect with Jen- 

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

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Your boss returns from a conference with the "next big thing." A team member pitches an exciting idea when you're already swamped. Sound familiar? 

In this episode, Dr. Rob Lion reveals why so many leadership ideas crash and burn—and how to know which ones are worth your time.

Rob unpacks why context must come before content in any successful implementation, and offers practical strategies for middle managers caught in the leadership sandwich.

You'll learn the "Five I" framework that transforms how you introduce new initiatives to your team, and discover the two questions that instantly cut through the noise when your boss drops their latest bright idea on your desk. 

Stop wasting time on initiatives that won't stick and start creating the buy-in that drives real results.

Connect with Rob – 

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

Website: Black River Performance Management

Connect with Jen- 

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

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Ever wondered how bad leadership experiences transform someone into an exceptional leader? Listen in as tech industry powerhouse Lexi B shares her journey from being powerless to becoming the protective leader she never had. 

Discover why she believes leadership requires militant service and protection, how she builds genuine connections in remote environments, and why she values "home training" above technical skills. 

Lexi reveals the career advice that took her years to appreciate: "titles make short-term money, but knowledge makes long-term money."

Whether you're managing a team or aspiring to lead, this conversation offers practical wisdom on creating safe spaces where people can be honest about their needs, navigating tech workplaces with emotional intelligence, and why the best leaders don't need to be the smartest people in the room.

Connect with Lexi – 

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

Website: https://www.lexib.com/

Connect with Jen- 

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

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Want to lead better meetings? Take our 2-minute assessment & get your free toolkit at https://bit.ly/TeamMeetingCheck

"What do I do if I'm not doing the work anymore?" 

Join Jen and leadership coach Julie Binter as they tackle the identity crisis every new manager faces – moving from player to coach.

Discover how to shift from star player to coach while still finding meaning in your role. Learn practical strategies for taking the 30,000-foot view of your team's purpose, coaching rather than solving problems, and creating systems that work without you (so you can actually take vacation!).

Whether you're feeling lost in your new leadership position or struggling to let go of the hands-on work you excelled at, this conversation offers the roadmap you've been looking for to become the leader your team needs.

Connect with Julie – 

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

Website: https://www.clearthewaycoach.com/

Connect with Jen- 

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

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Building rapport with your team shouldn't feel like another task on your to-do list, but many new leaders treat it that way—or skip it entirely. 

In this episode, Andrew Stoute explains why relationship-building is the foundation of effective leadership and how to do it without burning yourself out. You'll discover how to start small (even a quick "good morning" counts), read the room to adjust your approach, and stay consistent without forcing interactions. 

Andrew shares practical strategies for introverts, tips for handling awkward moments, and advice on where to focus your limited energy. Whether rapport building comes naturally to you or drains your battery, this episode gives you actionable ways to build stronger connections with your team, stakeholders, and organization. 

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies. 

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Connect with Andrew:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-stoute/

Connect with Jen:

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

Website: https://growthsignals.co/