Explore every episode of the podcast You’re The Boss, Now What? with Desiree Petrich | Leadership Development for New Managers
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Manager’s Guide to Emotional Intelligence | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:32:24 | |
Discover how to grow your head, heart, and gut intelligence to strengthen emotional intelligence, build trust, hold employees accountable, and create a thriving team culture as a new manager. In this episode you’ll learn how to identify your dominant center (even without a personality assessment) and practical ways to grow all three so you can:
By the time you finish listening, you’ll know how to balance clear thinking, relational connection, and decisive action to improve team dynamics and shape the culture you want to be part of. Key Takeaways:
Additional Links: SEO Keywords: Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| The Five Levels of Leadership: Why Your Team Follows You... Or Doesn’t | Heather Italiano | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:29:29 | |
Guest - Heather Italiano, High-Energy Speaker and Facilitator Are your employees following you because they want to, or because they have to? In this episode, Heather Italiano unpacks the Five Levels of Leadership and how new managers can build trust, increase influence, and avoid falling into the trap of positional leadership. Have you ever felt like your team only listens because they have to, not because they want to? That’s the reality for many first-time managers. In this Leadership Podcast for New Managers, guest Heather Italiano joins me to explore how to build trust as a manager and move beyond positional leadership into real influence. We’re talking about team dynamics, managing up, and the moment your title stops being enough. Heather breaks down John Maxwell’s Five Levels of Leadership and explains how even experienced leaders can fall back to level one when trust erodes. Plus, she shares her practical CARES framework to help you connect with your team in a way that builds loyalty, commitment, and results. If you’re trying to fix a toxic culture, handle conflict at work as a manager, or simply become a better leader, this episode is your blueprint. By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:
If you loved this conversation with Heather, scroll down and leave a 5-star rating and review! Then share it with a colleague or friend who’s trying to grow their confidence as a new manager. Guest & Additional Links: Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Why Better Time Management Won't Fix Your Team's Problems | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:17:16 | |
If you’ve ever said, “I just need to manage my time better,” or “If they were more efficient, we’d be fine,” this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, we’re flipping the script on strengths and weaknesses at work. While most people focus on improving tactical skills like organization or productivity, the real game-changer is how we show up relationally. You’ll learn how relational weaknesses, like defensiveness, passive-aggressive behavior, and poor communication, are quietly killing trust and morale on your team, even when everything looks like it’s running smoothly. Whether you're leading a team or just trying to be a better teammate, this episode will help you see the true cause of disconnection, and what to do about it. 🧠 In this episode, you’ll learn:
📌 Resources Mentioned:
✅ Subscribe & Review: If this episode challenged your thinking or gave you something practical to try, I’d love for you to hit subscribe, leave a rating + review, and share it with a teammate who might be focusing on the wrong things. 🔜 Next Week: We’re taking this conversation one step further. With graduation season in full swing, I’m sharing the hard truths I wish I had learned sooner, about self-discipline, ownership, and what it really means to lead yourself well. Being the boss is both a privilege and a responsibility. Now what are you going to do with it?
Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Love + Work: Finding Joy in Your Job Isn’t a Luxury - It’s a Necessity! | 29 May 2025 | 00:32:44 | |
We read the book Love + Work By Marcus Buckingham so you don't have to! Can you really love your job - or is that just wishful thinking? In this episode, Desiree and guest Tessa Kampen unpack Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham and what it means for new leaders trying to build careers that actually light them up. Show Notes: This week, we’re asking a question many leaders are afraid to face: What if you’re succeeding... but in the wrong thing? In this conversation, Tessa Kampen joins Desiree to break down the lessons inside Marcus Buckingham’s Love + Work and what every leader needs to know about burnout, joy, and doing work that matters. If you're constantly putting out fires, questioning your path, or wondering why you feel so disconnected even in a “good” job - this episode will hit home. Spoiler: Joy at work isn’t optional. It’s strategic. By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:
When you finish listening, we'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Find us on LinkedIn, and share what hit home for you! Take 30 seconds to ask your team what part of their job they love most - and what they wish they could do more of. The answers might surprise you - and help you lead more effectively. Guest & Additional Links: Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Can You Be Authentic at Work Without Losing Respect? | 22 May 2025 | 00:17:14 | |
Are authenticity and professionalism at odds, or are we just defining them wrong? If you're a first-time manager trying to gain respect without losing yourself, you’re not alone. Most new leaders feel stuck between “being real” and “being taken seriously,” and it’s affecting your executive presence, your team’s trust, and how you show up in every meeting. The truth? You don’t have to choose. Authenticity and professionalism aren’t enemies. They’re tools. And when you know how to use both, you’ll finally feel like the leader you were meant to be. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. While you’re there, connect with me on LinkedIn to see how I help new and aspiring leaders grow their executive presence, delegate with confidence, and lead with clarity—without burning out. Keywords: leadership podcast, new manager tips, executive presence, leadership development, first-time manager, leadership mindset, how to delegate tasks, leading with confidence, how to gain respect as a manager, developing executive presence for career growth, transitioning from employee to manager, imposter syndrome in leadership, how to set expectations as a new manager, why your team doesn’t respect you, practical leadership tips, building trust with your team, how to be a leader people actually follow Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| How the Right Frameworks Turn Fear into Confidence | Craig Denison | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:39:01 | |
What if you're not a bad leader—just using the wrong blueprint? Craig Denison shares how practical tools and mindset shifts can turn anxious new managers into confident, empowered leaders.
Craig Denison is the creator of 90 Day Leader, a framework-based leadership development program designed to help new and accidental managers lead with confidence, without burning out. He's also a former team member of Patrick Lencioni’s Table Group, and a firm believer that leadership is more about clarity and humility than charisma.
Last week we talked about why great team meetings aren’t about structure, they’re about trust. This week, we’re digging into what happens when you don’t feel like you fit the “leader mold” and how to build confidence anyway. Have you ever felt like you just weren’t cut out to be a manager? Like you don’t have the charisma, confidence, or presence that a “real” leader is supposed to have? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not wrong for feeling that way. In this episode, Craig Denison shares how the internal archetypes we build of what leadership should look like often stop us from showing up as ourselves—and what to do instead. Whether you’re introverted, unsure, or unexpectedly promoted, this conversation will help you let go of the pressure to be “the boss” and start leading in a way that feels good and actually works. We cover:
Guest & Additional Links Learn more about Craig’s work at https://90dayleader.comFollow Craig on LinkedIn: Craig Denison Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Hiring Like a Pro: Building a Team That Actually Loves Their Work | Tessa Kampen | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:23:53 | |
Hiring the right people isn’t just about qualifications, it’s about building a culture that works. In this episode, Tessa Kampen joins me to break down how leaders can shift from hiring for titles to hiring for strengths. We explore why job descriptions should focus on tasks instead of just experience, how to ensure new hires truly love their work, and the dangers of misleading candidates in the hiring process. I also share a personal story of what happens when a job doesn’t align with expectations. If you’re ready to stop the cycle of disengagement and build a team that thrives, this episode is for you! Ever wonder why some hires seem disengaged just months into the job? It might have started with your job description. Many leaders focus too much on hiring for titles instead of hiring for tasks. The result? New hires who quickly realize the job isn't what they expected. Tessa Kampen joins me today to discuss how leaders can create strength-based hiring processes that lead to engaged, high-performing teams. We’re covering:
Plus, I share a personal story about a job where the reality didn’t match the promises, and how that shaped my approach to leadership today By the Time You Finish Listening, You’ll Learn:✔️ How to structure job descriptions to attract the right candidates✔️ Why transparency in hiring is key to retention and culture fit✔️ The questions every leader should ask before making a hiring decision
👉 Join the conversation: Share your hiring wins (or horror stories) with me on Linkedin. Let’s talk about what’s working,and what’s not!
Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow leader who’s hiring right now! Guest & Additional Links:Connect with Tessa Kampen: Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Strengths vs. Skills: Are You Leading from Your True Strengths? | Tessa Kampen | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:30:02 | |
Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean it’s the right thing for you. In this episode, We explore the difference between strengths, gifts, and competencies, and how they impact leadership. Learn how to lean into your true strengths, avoid burnout, and build a strengths-based culture that actually lasts. Have you ever felt drained at work, even though you're good at what you do? Or wondered why a job that once energized you now feels exhausting? You’re not alone. Many new managers and experienced leaders alike struggle with distinguishing between what they excel at and what truly fuels them. In this episode, we explore:
I also share a real-life example from a listener who is great at her job but finds it emotionally exhausting. We discuss whether finding fulfillment outside of work can be enough to offset frustration in a draining role. As a leader, it’s your job to help your team align their strengths with their responsibilities while balancing the demands of the business. But that’s easier said than done. How do you build a strengths-based culture that doesn’t fade when the day-to-day demands pile up? That’s what we’ll be tackling in the next episode with my guest, Tessa Kampen. Key Takeaways:
Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast, it helps new listeners find the show! Guest & Additional Links:📌 Connect with Tessa Kampen on Linkedin, or on her website
Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| How to Successfully Go From Doing the Work to Leading the Team | Joe Raasch | 27 Mar 2025 | 00:30:38 | |
Being great at your job doesn’t automatically make you a great leader. In this episode, leadership coach Joe Raasch joins me to break down the challenges new managers face when stepping into leadership for the first time. We discuss the mindset shift from individual contributor to people leader, how to stop micromanaging, and why leadership is more than just getting things done. You were a top performer, a go-to expert, the one everyone relied on. Then you got promoted. Now, instead of doing the work, you're leading the people who do. But no one really prepares you for the shift. Stepping into leadership is about more than just getting promoted. It’s a whole new skill set, one that many new managers struggle to develop. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at leadership, questioned whether you made the right choice, or found yourself slipping back into old habits, you’re not alone. In this episode, leadership coach Joe and I dive into:
If this episode helped you, leave a review and let me know what resonated most. Your feedback helps more new managers find the show.Connect with Joe on LinkedIn, or book a call with him on his website! Check out the episode 5 Truths No One Told You About Becoming a Manager
Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| I Read the Book "Creativity Inc", By Ed Catmull So You Don't Have To! | 20 Mar 2025 | 00:25:56 | |
The Leadership Lessons Pixar Can Teach You About Innovation & AccountabilitySHOW DESCRIPTION: What if great leadership wasn’t about having all the answers, but about creating an environment where your team can thrive? In this episode, we dive into Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull and uncover the leadership lessons that made Pixar a powerhouse of creativity and innovation. If you’re looking to build trust, encourage problem-solving, and stop micromanaging, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES:Are you unknowingly stifling your team’s potential? Many leaders feel stuck between wanting to empower their employees and fearing mistakes or loss of control. But as Creativity, Inc. reveals, the best leaders create a culture of accountability, trust, and open communication. In this episode, we break down:✅ Why you don’t need permission to take responsibility, and why waiting for approval can kill innovation✅ The power of open communication , and how Pixar avoided corporate hierarchy bottlenecks✅ How removing the fear of failure makes teams more creative and engaged✅ What Creativity, Inc. taught me about adaptive integrity, staying true to your values while evolving as a leader This episode will challenge the way you think about leadership, risk-taking, and what it really means to empower your team. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
When you finish listening, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway! Take a screenshot of this episode, share it on Instagram stories, and tag me @desireepetrich. CONNECT WITH DESIREE PETRICH:🔹 Website: Intentional Action🔹 LinkedIn🔹 Instagram: @desireepetrich OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| The Superpower You Have, But You're Not Using | 13 Mar 2025 | 00:19:34 | |
Not everyone loves networking. Maybe you’re not a fan of small talk, maybe you feel like you never get anything out of it, or maybe you just don’t see the point. But here’s the reality, whether you love it or hate it, in-person networking is one of the most powerful ways to grow your career, build influence, and open new opportunities. And the best part? You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room or work the entire crowd for it to work for you. In this episode, I break down three reasons you can’t afford to ignore in-person networking and how to make it work for you—without it feeling forced or transactional. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why my first management job was a disaster—until I got out of the office.✔️ How getting involved with the right groups can fast-track your opportunities.✔️ The mindset shift that will make networking feel natural instead of awkward.✔️ Why your presence matters more than just showing up.✔️ How executive presence plays a major role in your networking success. Mentioned in This Episode:📖 Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi – A must-read on building authentic relationships that create opportunities. 📢 Quote by John Burton Adams: “There is no such thing as a self-made man. We are made up of thousands of others; everyone who has ever done a good deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement, has entered into the makeup of our character, our thoughts as well as our success.” 🔹 My quote: “Your experiences can only rise to the level of energy that you bring to them.” 🎧 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and let’s connect! Tell me, what’s one way networking has helped you in your career? Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| How To Establish a Feedback Culture That Builds Trust Instead of Destroying It | Jen Recla | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:29:07 | |
Feedback can feel awkward, whether you’re giving it, receiving it, or wondering if it’s even worth it when nothing seems to change. But without a strong feedback culture, your team won’t grow, and you’ll keep running into the same issues. Today, Jen Recla is back to break down what psychological safety actually looks like at work, how to make feedback feel useful instead of personal, and the biggest mistakes leaders make when trying to create an open culture.
Ever asked for feedback, only to hear crickets? Or worse, your team gives input, but nothing changes? That’s a fast track to disengagement, and today we’re talking about why. In this episode, Jen Recla joins me to break down what it really means to build a psychologically safe workplace, one where people feel comfortable speaking up without fear of judgment or backlash.
We’re covering: ✅ Why candor is not the first step in building trust, it’s actually the result✅ How to get useful feedback from your team (instead of vague, unhelpful responses)✅ The biggest mistake leaders make after asking for feedback—and how to fix it✅ Why anonymous feedback can backfire if you haven’t built trust first✅ The simple framework for giving meaningful recognition that actually lands Plus, we discuss why some companies avoid using Radical Candor (and what to do instead), how to navigate negative feedback without spiraling, and why your team stops giving feedback if they don’t see action. Key Takeaways:
Social Media CTA: Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram and let me know, what’s the best (or worst) feedback you’ve ever received? Guest & Additional Links:
Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| How to Work With People You Can't Stand | 31 Jul 2025 | 00:26:45 | |
Find Desiree Petrich and Tessa Kampen on Linkedin! Watch Desiree's Disrupt HR Talk: You're The Problem, and It's affecting Your Team! Struggling with difficult employees or clashing coworkers? In this episode, Desiree Petrich and Tessa Kampen unpack practical ways to improve team dynamics and work with people you don’t like. You rarely to choose who you work with. Whether it’s a coworker who triggers your inner eye roll or a difficult employee who's throwing off your team dynamics, you still have a job to do. In this episode of You're the Boss, Now What?,the go-to Leadership Podcast for New Managers, Desiree Petrich and honorary co-host Tessa Kampen dive into the Coaching for Managers tools that help you work with people you don’t always like… without losing your cool. We share stories, tactical advice, and New Manager Tips on everything from how to handle conflict at work as a manager to recognizing your own blind spots. If you're struggling with how to hold employees accountable, battling imposter syndrome in leadership, or trying to build trust as a manager, this one’s for you. You’ll also learn how to delegate, give feedback effectively, and lead team meetings that don’t spiral off track (even with strong personalities at the table). You don’t have to like everyone. But if you’re going to lead them? You do have to understand them. By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:
Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Stop Saying "I'm Too Busy" - Here’s How to Navigate Your Workload | Jen Recla | 06 Mar 2025 | 00:33:02 | |
Feeling overwhelmed by your workload? You’re not alone. Leaders everywhere struggle with time management, prioritization, and setting boundaries. In this episode, leadership expert Jen Recla shares why your relationship with time is holding you back, and how to shift it so you can reclaim control over your schedule, focus on what truly matters, and avoid burnout.
Do you constantly feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? Are you overwhelmed with meetings, emails, and never-ending to-do lists? You’re not alone. Many new managers find themselves drowning in tasks, unable to focus on leadership responsibilities. But what if the real issue isn’t time—it’s how you think about it? In this episode, Jen Recla joins me to break down the mindset shift needed to navigate your workload effectively. We talk about shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset with time, setting boundaries without guilt, and prioritizing tasks that actually move the needle. Plus, we tackle the unique challenges of transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role, and how to avoid falling into the trap of doing instead of leading.
By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:✔️ Why “I don’t have time” is a lie, and what it really means✔️ How to transition from task execution to leadership without burnout✔️ Practical strategies to set boundaries and protect your time
Guest & Additional Links:🔹 Connect with Jen Recla on [LinkedIn]🔹 Jen’s workshop on navigating workload🔹 Books mentioned: Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| How to Finally Hold Yourself Accountable (Without Relying on Motivation) | 27 Feb 2025 | 00:23:44 | |
We all know holding others accountable is tough, but what about holding ourselves accountable? Life has a way of getting in the way, making it hard to stick to our goals. In this episode, we’re talking about why self-accountability is so challenging and the strategies you can use to finally follow through. Have you ever set a goal, felt motivated at first, and then watched it slip through your fingers as life got in the way? Maybe you’ve tried time blocking, accountability partners, or even sheer willpower—but none of it seems to stick. Here’s the truth: Self-accountability is one of the hardest things to master because no one is watching. You can make excuses, shift priorities, and let things slide without immediate consequences. But over time, it adds up, leaving you feeling frustrated and stuck. In this episode, we’re diving into:✔️ The real reason we struggle with self-accountability✔️ How to shift from motivation-based action to discipline-based action✔️ The "accountability mirror" method and how to use it effectively By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:
Struggling with self-accountability? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message on LinkedIn at Desiree Petrich and let me know what challenge you’re working through. Let’s tackle it together. Guest & Additional Links: 📖 Grab a copy of my book, Taking Intentional Action 📚 My must-read book list for leadership and self-improvement
Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| How to Hold Your Team Accountable Without Being the Bad Guy | Katie Armentrout | 20 Feb 2025 | 00:36:44 | |
Holding your team accountable without feeling like a micromanager is tough. No one wants to be the boss who’s constantly checking in, chasing deadlines, and fixing mistakes. But when accountability is missing, your team underperforms, and you end up carrying the weight of their unfinished work. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Katie Armentrout to break down the biggest mistakes leaders make when trying to hold their team accountable, and how to avoid them. We’ll talk about why setting clear expectations isn't enough, the role your own leadership habits play in team accountability, and how to correct problems before they turn into bigger issues. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by missed deadlines, unclear communication, or a lack of follow-through, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it. Episode Links
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
When you finish listening, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Take a screenshot, share it to your LinkedIn or Instagram stories, and tag me @desireepetrich so I can say thanks.
And if you love this show, leaving a quick review is the best way to support it—it helps more leaders like you find these episodes. Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| You're The Boss Now What? Trailer | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:01:37 | |
So, you’ve just stepped into a leadership role, you’re working toward a promotion, or you’ve been leading for years but know there’s always more to learn. But here’s the thing: no one actually taught you how to lead. Now, you’re juggling decisions, managing personalities, and wondering, Am I even doing this right? I’ve been there. I went from being a first-time manager at 24, learning everything the hard way, to running a leadership development company and helping leaders step into their roles with confidence. That’s exactly why I created You're the Boss, Now What? This is the podcast for managers at every stage—whether you’re new to the role or ready to sharpen your skills—who want to:✅ Lead with confidence✅ Communicate with impact✅ Build teams that actually work together But don’t expect another stuffy leadership podcast filled with corporate jargon and theories that don’t work in real life. Here, we get into the real stuff:💡 Tough conversations💡 Awkward moments💡 The unspoken struggles of leadership that no one warns you about And it’s not just me talking. You’ll hear from expert guests, leaders, coaches, and real managers who share their biggest wins, worst mistakes, and the lessons they wish they’d learned sooner. So, if you’re tired of winging it and want actionable strategies to actually enjoy being a leader, hit Follow and join me every week. Let’s ditch the stress, master the human side of leadership, and turn you into the kind of boss people want to work for. Because you’re the boss now. Let’s make sure you lead like it.
Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| I Read The Book Death By Meeting by Patrick Lencioni So You Don't Have To | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:32:48 | |
Have you ever left a meeting thinking that was a complete waste of time?Do your meetings lack structure direction or engagement?
Most meetings feel unproductive and take up valuable time, not to mention they lack real discussions conflict or engagement.Meetings are treated as necessary evils instead of opportunities for strategy and problem-solving. Bad meetings aren’t just annoying they impact team morale and productivity. People avoid meetings or tune out because they feel ineffective. Without the right structure meetings become pointless status updates instead of spaces for real problem-solving. In Death by Meeting Patrick Lencioni breaks down four types of meetings that every leader should implement. Understanding and using the right type of meeting at the right time can transform your team’s efficiency and engagement!I’ll walk you through the four meeting structures and how to use them effectively. Key TakeawaysBy the end of this episode you’ll learn The two biggest reasons meetings fail inefficiency and boredomWhy conflict in meetings is necessary and how to make it productive instead of awkwardThe four types of meetings and how to use them to structure your team’s discussions Additional Links Death by Meeting by Patrick LencioniNext Episode in This Series Creativity Inc by Ed Catmull Make sure to hit subscirbe, so you don't miss next week's episode with our guest Katie Armentrout, to talk about the topic of Accountability Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Avoid These Leadership Mistakes I Had to Learn the Hard Way | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:27:10 | |
Becoming a manager for the first time can feel overwhelming. You think you should have all the answers, but instead, you’re second-guessing everything. I know because I’ve been there. In this episode, I share the biggest mistakes I made when stepping into leadership at 24 and what I wish I had known to make the transition easier.
Have you ever felt like you have no idea what you’re doing as a leader? Most first-time managers struggle with imposter syndrome, micromanagement tendencies, and feeling like they need to prove themselves. When I became a manager at 24, I thought leadership meant fixing every problem myself and making sure my team liked me. Instead, I burned myself out, made my team frustrated, and didn’t gain the respect I was hoping for. This episode is all about the leadership mistakes I made so you don’t have to. By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:
Mentioned in this episode:
Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| The Leadership Checklist Every New Manager Needs With Craig Coyle | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:40:14 | |
Stepping into leadership can feel like stepping into the unknown—but what if you had a battle-tested framework to guide you? Today, I’m talking with former Apache pilot Craig Coyle about why most new leaders struggle in their first 18 months and how you can avoid the same fate. He’s breaking down the five-step preflight checklist every leader needs to stay on course and lead with confidence. If you’re ready to take control and make an impact, let’s get started.
Leading under pressure isn’t easy—especially as a new manager. Former Apache pilot Craig Coyle shares how military leadership principles can help you navigate leadership challenges, avoid common mistakes, and confidently guide your team. If you’re struggling with leadership uncertainty, this episode is for you.
What if leadership had a checklist—just like aviation? New managers often struggle because they don’t have a clear roadmap for success. They get promoted, handed a title, and then… are expected to figure it out. But great leaders don’t just "wing it"—they follow a structured approach. Craig Coyle, a former Apache pilot turned leadership coach, reveals how military leadership strategies can transform the way you lead, even in high-pressure corporate environments. From overcoming the critical informed pessimism phase to using his five-step Preflight Checklist for leadership success, Craig shares actionable insights that will help you avoid burnout, build team trust, and confidently lead through uncertainty.
By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: ✅ Why most new leaders struggle within the first 18 months—and how to avoid it✅ The 5-step leadership checklist inspired by aviation that ensures success✅ How to shift from reacting to proactively managing leadership challenges If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure of your next step as a leader, this episode is your guide.
Connect with Craig Coyle: Other Links Mentioned in This Episode: Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| 5 Truths No One Tells You About Becoming a Manager | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:17:54 | |
No one tells you how hard it is to transition from being a great employee to being a great leader—until you’re already in the thick of it. In this episode, I’m breaking down the five hard truths of leadership that no one warns you about, so you can avoid common pitfalls, gain respect, and lead with confidence from day one.
Did anyone ask if you actually wanted to be a manager? Or did you get promoted because you were great at your job, only to realize that leadership is a whole different game? Too many new managers struggle with the transition from doing the work to leading others in doing the work. And without a roadmap, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, overworked, and unsure of how to actually lead your team. In this episode, we’re tackling five leadership truths that no one tells you—until it’s too late. You’ll learn what’s keeping new managers stuck, the biggest mistakes to avoid, and how to step into leadership with authority (without losing your sanity).
If this episode resonated with you, don’t just sit on it—take action! Pick one of these truths and start implementing a change this week. Then, send me a message on LinkedIn and tell me which one hit home the most. Know someone who’s struggling with leadership? Send them this episode! Share it with a fellow manager who could use these insights, and let’s make leadership less of a guessing game. Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Answering the Number One Question I get Asked | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:21:10 | |
Ever wondered why I’m so passionate about leadership development? In this episode, I share my personal journey—from struggling as a first-time manager to founding my leadership development company. I dive into the lessons I learned, the hardships that shaped me, and why leadership and team engagement are at the heart of everything I do. Have you ever felt unprepared for leadership, even when you thought you had all the right experience and credentials? I did too. Stepping into my first management role, I was confident—until I realized I had no idea what I was doing. No training, no roadmap—just trial and error. Then, the unexpected happened. The pandemic hit, pushing me to grow faster than I ever anticipated. Through personal and professional development, I discovered what truly makes teams thrive. And then came the most personal turning point—losing my mother. Seeing her dedication to work and the toll it took solidified my mission: to help leaders build better workplaces where people don’t just survive but thrive.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
📖 Want to dive deeper? Grab my book Taking Intentional Action 💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message!
Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| I Read The Book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencini So You Don't Have To | 21 Nov 2024 | 00:27:48 | |
Welcome to another episode of Lead With Confidence!
If you don't have the time to read, but wish you did, this is a good place to start! In this episode I breakdown the Five Dysfunctions of a Team framework so you can find yourself in the framework, and start to help build a more cohesive team.
Read The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Arbinger Institue books
Read my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| The Truth About Employee Engagement - 3 Tools to Engage Your Team | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:17:13 | |
Links
In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the book The Truth About Employee Engagement by Patrick Lencioni and exploring the real reason behind low morale, quiet quitting, and disengagement. If you’ve tried surface-level perks, bonuses, or team outings to boost culture and it’s still not working, you’re not alone. This episode covers why so many leaders are unintentionally missing the mark, and how to start fixing it today. By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:
You don’t need another pizza party. You need a plan that helps your team feel known, needed, and successful. Key Takeaways
Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| So You Hate Your Job... Now What? | 14 Nov 2024 | 00:23:47 | |
Welcome to another episode of Lead With Confidence!
So you've decided you hate your job? Dive into this episode to hear your three options going forward. Number 3 might surprise you!
Read my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show!
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a rating and review to help me reach more individuals looking to grow in love, life and leadership! Leave me a voice message to show your support for the show and help me to make it even better! Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| 3 Reasons You're Not Delegating In Your Job, and How to Start | 07 Nov 2024 | 00:22:09 | |
Welcome to another episode of Lead With Confidence!
There are 3 main reasons why leaders do not delegate tasks to their teams.
This leads to frustration, overwhelm, burnout, resentment, and other feelings that don't lend themselves to a company with high morale.
Check out the episode to dive more into not only what's holding you back from delegating, but ways to shift your mindset, and become someone who is not only capable of delegating, but uses it as one of their main leadership skills!
Read my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show!
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a rating and review to help me reach more individuals looking to grow in love, life and leadership! Leave me a voice message to show your support for the show and help me to make it even better!
Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| I Read The Book "Hidden Potential" By Adam Grant, So You Don't Have To | 31 Oct 2024 | 00:24:51 | |
Welcome to another episode of Lead With Confidence!
If you don't have the time to read, but wish you did, this is a good place to start! In this episode I breakdown my biggest takeaways from Adam Grant's book "Hidden Potential".
Read Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Read my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show!
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a rating and review to help me reach more individuals looking to grow in love, life and leadership! Leave me a voice message to show your support for the show and help me to make it even better!
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show! Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Is Your Workplace Toxic? Learn to Recognize and Overcome Toxicity With Eric Pfeiffer | 24 Oct 2024 | 00:50:23 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Eric Pfeiffer In this episode we discuss:
Eric has empowered thousands of leaders worldwide to become the best leaders of themselves and others. He believes the best leaders are made, not born, and anyone can become a great leader. Eric founded MPWR Coaching to expand his efforts of unlocking leaders' potential so they can grow their organizations and teams in new, never-imagined ways. You can find Eric on his website Check out the books that Eric RecommendsTrust and Boundaries by Henry Cloud Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show!
Check out my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I wou Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Do You Need a Reset on Your Goals? Start With a Challenge! With Carolyn Litton | 17 Oct 2024 | 00:42:46 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Carolyn Litton In this episode we discuss:
Carolyn Litton is a dynamic leader and visionary with a rich background in both the corporate and philanthropic worlds. As a former award-winning top-producing loan officer, Carolyn mastered the art of success in the mortgage industry. However, driven by a deep desire to add more value to others, she transitioned into a new phase of her career, creating The Vision Project—a powerful method that empowers individuals to tap into their flow state and achieve extraordinary results. Carolyn's passion for helping others led her to found a 501c3 charity, Hearts for Hope, which has delivered over 8,000 care packs to the homeless. Her journey didn’t stop there; she reinvented herself as a speaker, author, and coach, guiding others to connect with their authentic selves and create lives filled with purpose and fulfillment. Now, as an international retreat host, Carolyn continues to inspire and uplift, sharing her proven strategies for living a life of meaning and impact. Carolyn is committed to empowering others to unlock their true potential and create a positive ripple effect in the world. You can find Carolyn on Linkedin Check out the books that Carolyn RecommendsThe Buddha and the BadassThe 12 Week Yearhttps://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.desXBN_Qe9kRWhqrsJgXDbUNCJYBOODLJKMwqNe-dR2SIG9dOjqSI_xPVy7e9GaV2m_xDClmIZOC-fkg7qy8U069CFUkjmZoqJFWDcQlToOrsUq3NzL_elpUqiFCB9bV-_BLmNemWeHtaCuAmeae1CVLocKv7BzMPhvvSz2xjyxc7VUc_86pINpTe-9QvbL9csyaLhM4hmDfXqzeLBsNCP0Q69xRcSdq_C7YQ5L7j5w.u1_c5UIghmFuK3AoL61B68YdMhpk0UqFak9twWP3Kfw&qid=1729133872&sr=8-1 Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Are you Burntout From Your Career in Healthcare? Here's How To Fix It with Dr. Jennie Byrne | 10 Oct 2024 | 00:59:36 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Dr. Jennie Byrne In this episode we discuss:
🤔 As an advisor for healthcare innovators, I leverage my extensive clinical, entrepreneurial, and leadership experience to help shape the future of healthcare. I am a Co-Founder of Belong Health, a made-for-purpose healthcare company that serves vulnerable populations through health plan partnerships and ACO-REACH. 🧠 My mission is to connect the dots between people and ideas in new and unexpected ways, and to translate complex concepts and challenges into actionable solutions. I have a dual background as an MD/PhD in neuroscience and a board-certified psychiatrist, which gives me a unique perspective on the biological and psychological aspects of human behavior and health. 🤝 I have a proven track record as an entrepreneur, having founded and grown a clinical organization from inception to exit, and as a national C-level leader, having led teams to create and innovate clinical programs in various settings. 📚 As a thought leader in the healthcare community, I speak on podcasts, webinars, and live events. I am a best-selling author of "Work Smart", a book on how to use brain and behavior science to work smarter. My second book, "Moral Injury : Healing the Healers" focuses on the clinician crisis facing the American healthcare system today. ⚕ I am a practicing psychiatrist with a focus on caring for other physicians with mental health needs, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, burnout, and moral injury. You can find Dr. Jennie on LinkedIn Check out the book Jennie RecommendsThe Artists Way by https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1?ie=UTF8&search-alias=audible&field-keywords=Julia+Cameron Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Is Alcohol Limiting Your Ability to Hit Your Career Goals? Learn What it Means to Live Alcohol Free With Brittany Young | 03 Oct 2024 | 00:49:51 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Brittany Young In this episode we discuss:
Brittany Young is a dynamic professional with an illustrious 15-year career in the pharmaceutical industry. Throughout her journey, she has collaborated with CEOs, top executives, and skillfully closed multi-million dollar sales deals. Today, Brittany's passion and purpose have taken her beyond the corporate realm. She is an esteemed Executive Sobriety Coach exclusively focused on female high achievers who want to quit drinking. Drawing from her extensive experience, Brittany guides and supports her clients in achieving greater prosperity through a groundbreaking and permission-based process called “Breakthrough BS Method.” You can find Brittany on LinkedIn Check out the book Brittany RecommendsA Return to Love by Marianne Williamson
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show!
Check out my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would lov Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Do You Struggle Focusing on Yourself While Work is Calling Your Name? Learn to Get Out of Your Head With Matt Gottesman | 19 Sep 2024 | 00:51:28 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Matt Gottesman In this episode we discuss:
Matt is a 2x founder, writer and podcaster. He’s also an agile digital marketer and strategist by trade with a background in helping some of the world’s most iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy and more.He runs The Niche is You™ (a weekly newsletter on Substack), which has also become his personal (and 2nd) podcast, The Niche Is You™ (Top 1%) as a way to help people break from the “system” to expand more on themselves through their collective work, art and passions with the goal of bringing more ownership and sovereignty back to the individual. You can find Matt at any of the following: Podcast: The Niche Is You Website: mattgottesman.com Instagram: @mattgottesman Apparel: The Niche Is You Linkedin: /in/mattgottesman Check out the book Katie Recommends The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and HappinessThe Artists Way
Check out my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message or "buy me a coffee" to show your s Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Are You Great at Your Job, But Not So Much With the People? Let's Fix That! With Katie Armentrout | 12 Sep 2024 | 00:51:15 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Katie Armentrout In this episode we discuss:
With 20+ years of experience, Katie will change how you think about Leadership, Team Building, and Customer Service. An accomplished leader, Katie is known for her ability to connect with people and build lasting relationships. Katie is the founder of Peoplefluence, an organizational health consulting firm that equips leaders with the tools to upgrade their teams from a group of smart individuals to a cohesive Dream Team. She served as a National Sales Director at P&G and Board Member of ChangingGears, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit. She earned an MBA from UNC Chapel Hill and a BSBA from Saint Louis University. Katie has trained thousands of people, including CEOs, sales professionals, restaurant servers, retail and nonprofit teams on how to elevate self-awareness, company culture, and customer service. You can find Katie on LinkedIn, or on her website www.peoplefluence.com Check out the book Katie Recommends 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
Check out my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message or "buy me a coffee" to show your support for the show and help me to make it even better! Please consider leaving a rating and review to help me reach more individuals looking to grow in love, life and leadership!
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence If yo Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Make The Work You Do Matter and Find Your Work's Purpose with Alex Street | 29 Aug 2024 | 00:54:36 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Alex Street In this episode we discuss:
Alex believes lasting impact always starts with your story. From the first time his mom put him on stage as a kid, he has been using his unique gifts to connect with any audience. As a former Actor and Pastor, now Public Speaker, Coach, and Author, he knows firsthand how important a clear story is for personal development, business strategy, and authentic connection in our world today. With the StoryArc Method, Alex coaches international speakers, bestselling authors, millionaire founders, and hundreds of business owners around the world to stand out with their signature story and speak with confidence. As a Speaker, Alex is known for his captivating storytelling, dynamic energy, and clear ideas that lead to lasting change. You can find Alex on his website, or connect with him on LinkedIn! You can find Alex's book StoryArc on Amazon! Check out the book Alex recommends: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Check out my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead
Are you Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| How to Set Boundaries, Unplug After Work, and Move Your Body Even When You’re Exhausted | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:23:22 | |
Struggling to unplug, set boundaries, or move your body after a long day? This Ask Me Anything episode tackles three of the biggest challenges new managers face with actionable mindset shifts and tools that make a real difference. Ever feel like your brain won’t shut off even when your body’s ready to? In today’s Ask Me Anything episode, we’re diving into three of the most common challenges high-achieving professionals face in leadership: setting boundaries without guilt, finding motivation for movement when you’re exhausted, and learning how to truly unplug your mind after work. If you’ve ever struggled with managing conflict between work and personal life, building trust as a leader through example, or figuring out how to stop feeling overwhelmed as a manager, this episode is for you. We’ll unpack the real reasons behind your exhaustion and guilt, explore mindset shifts for sustainable leadership, and teach you how to lead yourself better so you can show up stronger for your team and family. By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:
You’ll also hear my favorite mindset trick for reframing productivity, plus a simple shutdown routine that helps your brain and body disconnect after work. Want help figuring out your Working Genius or DISC style? Head to intentionalaction.net/self-awareness to take your assessment and book a free debrief with me. Knowing your genius zones is the first step to building a cohesive team and taking intentional action in your leadership role. Topics discussed in this episode: new manager tips, how to set boundaries as a leader, how to delegate, building trust as a leader, how to stop feeling overwhelmed as a manager, managing conflict, executive presence, high-performing team, team building for new managers, imposter syndrome in leadership, how to hold employees accountable, how to unplug from work, shutdown routine, Working Genius, DISC assessment, having hard conversations as a leader Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| 4 Rules to Help You Control Your Time When You Struggle With Time Management (Part 2 of 2) | 22 Aug 2024 | 00:21:24 | |
Welcome to another episode of Lead With Confidence! In this episode (part 2 of 2!) we discuss Rules 5-8:
Listen to Part 1 of the Timing Counts Series
Read my book!!! Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a rating and review to help me reach more individuals looking to grow in love, life and leadership! Leave me a voice message or "buy me a coffee" to show your support for the show and help me to make it even better!
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show! Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Manage Your Time and Reach Your Goals! (Part 1 of 2) | 15 Aug 2024 | 00:28:22 | |
Welcome to another episode of Lead With Confidence! In this episode (part 1 of 2!) we discuss Rules 1-4:
Read my book!!! Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead
Check out Mel Robbins Book The 5 Second Rule and her TedX talk Check out Gretchen Rubin's Podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a rating and review to help me reach more individuals looking to grow in love, life and leadership! Leave me a voice message or "buy me a coffee" to show your support for the show and help me to make it even better!
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show! Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| I Read The Book "The Ideal Team Player" By Patrick Lencioni So You Don't Have To | 01 Aug 2024 | 00:31:53 | |
Welcome to another episode of Lead With Confidence! In this episode we discuss:
Read my book!!! Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Check out The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni
Get your tickets for the Intentional Leader Summit in Marshall MN on August 7th, 2024!
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a rating and review to help me reach more individuals looking to grow in love, life and leadership! Leave me a voice message or "buy me a coffee" to show your support for the show and help me to make it even better!
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show! Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Do You Feel Stuck? At Work, In Parenthood, In Life? Get Out of Your Own Way With Nichole Green | 25 Jul 2024 | 01:03:09 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Nicole Greene In this episode we discuss:
Get your tickets for the Intentional Leader Summit in Marshall MN on August 7th, 2024! Check out my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Nicole Greene is a Workshop Designer & Optimization Coach for badass women founders and executives who are committed to high performance in multiple non-negotiable roles (+mom, +caretaker, +student...). She helps these women shift from fragmentation to integration and from survival mode to intentional living. Nicole’s passion for this work comes from her own experience making herself small (and eventually burning out) across a highly successful career, from defense intelligence to artisan chocolates, CPG and Health Tech, during which she founded three companies and built several others from Seed to Series B. Nicole describes herself as a recovering workaholic and forever high performer. She’s a classically-trained pastry chef, perpetual learner and aspiring author, as well as a mom of two boys (and an Australian Cattle Dog), living in Miami, FL. Nicole has a BA and MA from the University of Chicago and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University. Check out the books discussed in this episode!The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk https://www.amazon.com/Good-Inside/dp/0008505543/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tB4YSAHg3uX7iTT5d878ujt0MRDAzjByxGqXEUPHyvPnequRW6oMstWc8B62R6g_GXSm_2DL0aMukQnw0TnwlKJrCe-KsxILtpbOrY8DOI3kB50_0giGxTmkabxPVaj6X0xAdETxd8wqhOzpnmaW_A-Y0boDpd_kxbbPJtcNJKGFZlAHmcRlgWP08cm6qmHyY7Ir7ck1MYlFcn9rIA7RV8jd1kjUuC-2PDG5zUT_plk.C2Vvfnp6CoDFFsvGv76LfjNV83c3IeMslZwSqIZvXKg&qid=1720782679&sr=8-1 Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Build Influence and Thrive at Work With Mark Armstrong | 11 Jul 2024 | 00:58:24 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Mark Armstrong In this episode we discuss:
Get your tickets for the Intentional Leader Summit in Marshall MN on August 7th, 2024! Check out my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Mark led teams at Nike and AT&T, served on a business leadership team at Ramsey Solutions, and worked at eBay on their flagship app. Built a music app that was the #1 music app in the world in 31 countries. Mark is also a certified Working Genius facilitator and is now focused on helping leaders and their teams find joy in their jobs, handle stress better, and ultimately thrive at work. Check out the books discussed in this episode!Mind Hacking - Sir John Hargrave Working Genius - Patrick Lencioni https://www.amazon.com/Five-Dysfunctions-Team-Leadership-Fable/dp/0787960756/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jqj8x6UXpy6KUAE90cZaYK-d4WgV9ucZ1DLJoy0RCwYSRxMef1G9jxdu4GABTLFZnt4CEqK9uHv2X1Xqv2jsW72JUQdapywVonj7duADeiZNB54hjUeiPM0d2-HjY26L3zWn_91lY_tFmP8zwIBe2R-WMWvtU3KxDAldU_poGRVn_OQhAZNPjU9KjAq7WxyTtQPVjznLAutVIWB2ON6AWfRA75R6AsHjEvGLp6sOojs.L0QZX7eb7ciYyLo1fJevb6bO7fFpgrLaQWc8BQEgxyg&qid=1720106674&sr=1-1 Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Do You Lack The Energy to Get Through The Day? Shift Your Mindset Because Your Energy Determines Your Experiences! | 09 Jul 2024 | 00:13:30 | |
Welcome to another episode of Lead With Confidence! In this short episode we discuss
Read my book!!! Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Get your tickets for the Intentional Leader Summit in Marshall MN on August 7th, 2024!
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a rating and review to help me reach more individuals looking to grow in love, life and leadership! Leave me a voice message or "buy me a coffee" to show your support for the show and help me to make it even better!
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show! Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Does Love Have a Place In The Workplace? Learn What it Means to Use Love as a Business Strategy | 04 Jul 2024 | 00:22:36 | |
Welcome to another episode of Lead With Confidence! In this episode we discuss
Read my book!!! Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Get your tickets for the Intentional Leader Summit in Marshall MN on August 7th, 2024!
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a rating and review to help me reach more individuals looking to grow in love, life and leadership! Leave me a voice message or "buy me a coffee" to show your support for the show and help me to make it even better!
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show! Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Does Your Life Feel Unbalanced? Learn To Life a Life of Gratitude and Impact with Soji James | 02 Jul 2024 | 00:50:56 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Soji James In this episode we discuss:
Get your tickets for the Intentional Leader Summit in Marshall MN on August 7th, 2024! Check out my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Soji James is a Strength Coach, Meditation Teacher, & Keynote Speaker that helps burnt out dieters lose fat & feel confident AF by ditching quick fixes for a new relationship with food, fitness, & themselves. He uses wellness as a tool to help people regain their autonomy, live presently, & take back the pen to write a life story that they are proud of. He is the creator of "Elevate YOU", a 12 week coaching experience geared toward building sustainable health habits. Soji is also the creator of "The Metta Club", a mindfulness community geared toward making meditation fun, light, and accessible so that people can tap into the magic that they have both within and all around them.
You can find Soji on Instagram and his website!
Check out the freebies Soji is offering!
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message or "buy me a coffee" to show your support for the show and help me to make it even better! Please consider leaving a rating and review to help me reach more individuals looking to grow in love, life and leadership!
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also sen Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Do Conscious Leadership and Mindfulness Work Together? with Bree Johnson | 27 Jun 2024 | 00:51:36 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Bree Johnson Part 2 of a 4: Intentional Leader Summit Speaker Series! Bree was sponsored by UFP Minneota
In this episode we discuss:
Get your tickets for the Intentional Leader Summit in Marshall MN on August 7th, 2024! Check out my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Bree Johnson is a changemaker who helps women overcome professional setbacks and wounds to uncover their authentic leadership. As a former COO and attorney, she found the hard way that building her worth in her work wasn’t working. She alap recently exited the firm she co-founded to follow her calling. She is a facilitator of life changing, transformative work and wellness programs, and is a holistic business strategist, breathwork guide, writer, mentor and speaker on stages small and large. She is the founder of Executive Unschool - built on the premise that workplaces aren’t working for women - which delivers cutting-edge leadership programming for C-suite leaders, founders, and companies who are committed to building more conscious leaders.Bree’s passion is holding space for leaders in 1:1 and group programs to elevate their work-life balance and mindfulness practices to drive enhanced clarity and focus and build self-trust to show up in authentic ways in the boardroom or the courtroom.
You can find Bree on Instagram Check out the The Untamed Mind Podcast
Check out the books we discussed in today's episode! Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| How to Ask for Help, and Why You Haven't Done it Yet | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:40:46 | |
Welcome to another episode of Lead With Confidence! In this episode we cover:
Check out the details on 75 HARD
Read my book!!! Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Get your tickets for the Intentional Leader Summit in Marshall MN on August 7th, 2024!
Are you loving the Lead With Confidence Podcast??? I would love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a rating and review to help me reach more individuals looking to grow in love, life and leadership! Leave me a voice message or "buy me a coffee" to show your support for the show and help me to make it even better!
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show! Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| 3 Ways to Build Resilience... On Purpose | 11 Jul 2025 | 00:23:34 | |
Resilience isn’t just something you build after a crisis. In this episode, you’ll learn how to strengthen your mindset, build emotional stamina, and proactively prepare for life’s hard moments, so you can handle them with more calm, clarity, and confidence. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you only feel strong after everything falls apart? Resilience isn’t something we should only discover when we’re forced to. Whether you’re leading a team or simply trying to lead yourself through tough seasons, this episode will help you understand what it means to build resilience on purpose. From personal challenges to professional growth, we talk about what it means to face discomfort with intention, how to shift your mindset, and how to strengthen your habits now—before the pressure hits. You’ll also hear the study that blew my mind about dopamine, discipline, and why your brain actually feels better when you do hard things first. By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:
Want to figure out where you're getting in your own way? Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Learn What Resilience Means from a True Survivor wih Holly Hoffman | 06 Jun 2024 | 00:48:17 | |
Hey Friends!Part 1 of a 4: Intentional Leader Summit Speaker Series!
This week's guest is Holly Hoffman Holly Hoffman was the last remaining member of the Espada Tribe and the last woman standing on Season 21 of Survivor Nicaragua on CBS. Through that experience, and others throughout her life, Holly was inspired to share her message of positivity, determination and confidence. A professional speaker and the author of Three Step Stride, Your Winner Within and Write Yourself a Note, Holly acknowledges that life is made up of challenges, and we are often faced with situations that seem insurmountable. She inspires her audience to focus their thoughts, emotions, and energy towards success and shares the knowledge, tools, and discipline to achieve it.
In this episode we discuss:
You can find Holly on her website and LinkedIn
Check out Holly's Books : Three Step Stride, Write Yourself a Note and Your Winner Within
Check out my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show! Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Do You Struggle to Make and Keep Your Habits? Learn How to Make Habits Fun! With Alessia Citro | 30 May 2024 | 00:49:07 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Alessia Citro Alessia Citro is a corporate dropout who traded her lucrative career at tech giants Google and Salesforce for a life of meaningful entrepreneurship. A pivotal encounter on a flight from Maui ignited her transition from the corporate world to becoming a certified life coach and a passionate advocate for creating fulfillment through full expression and authenticity. Today, as a real estate investor and serial entrepreneur, Alessia draws from her own transformative experience of walking away from a seven-figure wine business—and alcohol itself. She developed the Higher Self Habits Method, a customizable framework that not only guided her to sobriety but also changed her life for the better. Alessia empowers high-achieving women through her coaching programs and top-ranking podcast, inhabit with Alessia Citro & Friends. Her work resonates deeply with those seeking to reconcile their inner and outer success. Residing in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband, daughter, and rescue pup, Alessia is a living testament to the power of following one's heart.
In this episode we discuss:
You can find Alessia on her website and instagram Listen to Alessia's podcast inhabit
Check out Alessia's book Higher Self Habits: The Scientific, Strategic, and Spiritual Framework to Get Out of Your Own Way—For Good, which invites readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery, emphasizing that our daily habits are the keystones of destiny. Combining behavioral science and psychological insights with flexible strategy and spiritual wisdom,
Check out Alessia's book recommendation: Conversations with God by Neil Donald Walsh Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford.
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| 4 Types of Excuses You Need to Evaluate So You Can Finally Start Making Progress! | 23 May 2024 | 00:31:00 | |
Hey Friends! Welcome to another episode of Lead With Confidence! This topic is from the first chapter of my book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead ... My book is officially available on Amazon!
In this episode, I cover:
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence!
If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||
| Leading with Energy: Setting the Tone for Team Success with Laura O'Rourke | 16 May 2024 | 00:52:26 | |
Hey Friends! This week's guest is Laura O'Rourke Laura is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Southwest Minnesota State University. Laura has her Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Human Resources Development with an emphasis in training & development. Laura is a certified leadership trainer through DDI (Development Dimensions International). Laura has a passion for change, kindness, & personal growth both in herself and others.
In this episode we discuss:
You can find Laura on LinkedIn
Check out Laura's book recommendation: The Bible! Strengths Finder 2.0 - Discover Your Strengths!
Thank you for joining me on another episode of Lead With Confidence
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If you love the episode, give it a share and reach out, I can't wait to hear from you! You can send me a message on LinkedIn or InstagramYou can also send me an email with any comments, requests or questions you'd like me to answer on the show! Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre | |||