Inspirational Leadership with Kristen Harcourt

Did you attend Workhuman Live 2025? The conference's theme this year put the spotlight on the fusion of AI and human intelligence. At its core, the event highlighted how artificial intelligence can be a partner in enhancing human decision-making, not a substitute for it. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership Podcast, I invite Jackye Clayton to discuss each of our individual experiences at this year's Workhuman conference. Jackye is a strategic voice at the intersection of HR technology, AI, and talent innovation. As founder of People Puzzles™, she helps companies bridge the trust gap in HR tech, translating complex innovations into human-first, credible solutions. Known for her dynamic presence as a LinkedIn influencer, sought-after speaker, and Associate Editor at HR Gazette, Jackye's approach blends bold insights with authentic connection, empowering leaders to drive strategic, sustainable change in the workplace. Listen in to learn how AI should support strategy, not suppress humanity, and that modern workplaces must balance tech advancement with emotional intelligence and collaboration. You will also learn about the themes of conscious leadership, psychological safety, and the critical need to move beyond the outdated zero-sum game mindset in organizations. Key Takeaways: The importance of intentional AI use and employee experimentation. The role of data ethics, aggregation, and accurate storytelling in HR. Why there's a reinforcement that AI should serve people, not replace purpose-driven work. Why authentic human interaction, like appreciation and check-ins, is the true face of leadership. Understanding the challenges of creating real change in DEI work. The complexity of microcultures within organizations and how shifting company culture requires addressing these layers. How the Workhuman conference experience fosters deep community and belonging. The importance of expanding recognition beyond the workplace to family and other support systems. Standout Quotes: “Feedback is what we've already done and advice is forward-looking.”- Jackye [19:42] “Don't wait for confidence, action is what creates confidence, not the other way around.”- Kristen [21:32] “Humanity is not going anywhere; the importance of human skills is not going anywhere; we just need to integrate them with the AI.”- Kristen [38:11] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/Workhuman2025 If this episode inspired you, share it with a fellow leader or tag me on LinkedIn with your biggest takeaway! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a dose of real, practical leadership wisdom. ➡️ Join the conversation on LinkedIn

Did you know that great leadership isn't about putting on a professional mask or striving for constant seriousness? Great leadership is about fostering a culture of psychological safety and belonging, not by being perfect, but by being human. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Michael Kerr about the urgent need for more humane, happy, and humor-driven workplace cultures. Michael is a Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame inductee, an international business speaker, a very funny motivational speaker, and workshop trainer, he's also the author of nine books. For more than 25 years, Michael has traveled the world researching, writing, and speaking about inspiring workplace cultures, inspiring leaders, and businesses that leverage their humor resources to drive outrageous results for their employees and their customers. He has delivered his captivating keynote presentations and training workshops to more than 3,000 audiences, from Austria to Australia, from Boston to Bermuda, from Cleveland to Calgary. Listen in to learn how positive workplace cultures and the strategic use of humor contribute to higher engagement, reduced burnout, and extraordinary business results. You will also learn about the transformative power of creating people-centered, high-accountability workplace cultures. Key Takeaways: How simple actions like regular check-ins can make a profound impact on engagement and culture. The value of building workplaces that energize rather than exhaust people. Concrete benefits of humor: improved productivity, engagement, innovation, and retention. How making meetings fun can lead to more honest and productive conversations. How celebrating mistakes as a leader builds psychological safety and normalizes failure as part of innovation. The importance of leading with humanity by balancing business outcomes with emotional well-being. Standout Quotes: “As a leader, you're highly contagious with your behaviors, attitudes, and emotions, so think about the mood you want to set.”- Michael Kerr [15:45] “When we practice a healthy sense of humor as leaders, we tend to trust those leaders more because they come across as more real.”- Michael Kerr [19:11] “Better to have no values than to trumpet your values and then do the opposite or not live up to them because all you're doing is creating mistrust and creating cynical employees.”- Michael Kerr [26:18] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/PodcastMichaelKerr If this episode inspired you, share it with a fellow leader or tag me on LinkedIn with your biggest takeaway! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a dose of real, practical leadership wisdom. ➡️ Join the conversation on LinkedIn

As a leader, how intentional are you about the people you surround yourself with? What would it look like if networking felt less transactional - and more transformational? In this solo episode of The Inspirational Leadership Podcast, we're unpacking what it truly means to network as a leader. Forget the business card swaps and elevator pitches - this is about building genuine, strategic, and lasting relationships that support your leadership journey. Whether you're a seasoned exec or stepping into your first leadership role, these 7 actionable tips will help you show up with purpose, lead through connection, and build a network that actually matters.

What if the most powerful leadership tool wasn't a strategy or skill—but the courage to show up as your true self, even when it scares you? Showing up as your true self in leadership is important while bravery and self-awareness enable leaders to inspire and engage with others. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Kimberly Davis about practical strategies for measuring impact, staying values-aligned under pressure, and why bravery is the key to influential leadership. Kimberly is a TEDx speaker and her book, Brave Leadership: Unleash Your Most Confident, Authentic, and Powerful Self to Get the Results You Need, is the 2019 winner of the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award for Business and Career; an Amazon Bestseller; and was named as the number one book to read in Inc. Magazine's “The 12 Most Impactful Books to Read in 2018”. An expert on authentic leadership, Kimberly Davis shares her inspirational message of personal power, responsibility, and impact with organizations across the country and teaches leadership programs worldwide; most notably, her program “OnStage Leadership”. Listen in to learn why traditional definitions of success leave leaders feeling empty and how aligning actions with personal impact creates fulfillment and results. You will also learn why leaders must connect personally to their organization's mission and create an environment where individuals see their role as part of a greater impact. Key Takeaways: Understanding the connection between acting techniques and authentic leadership. How leaders can build trust and influence by showing up as their true selves. Leadership as a transformative process that benefits both leaders and those they inspire. The role of leadership in shaping an organization's mission beyond shareholder value. Common mistakes leaders make when trying to enforce purpose rather than inspire it. The shift from traditional command-and-control leadership to a more purpose-driven approach. How emerging leaders can navigate the challenges of modern leadership. Standout Quotes: “When a leader stops being in alignment with their purpose they suffer and their organization suffers.”- Kimberly [25:59] “I believe that emerging leaders are our future and if we want to see more purposeful leadership, we've got to start with emerging leaders.”- Kimberly [34:41] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/PodcastKimberlyDavis

Do you know what triggers you and how your body responds when dysregulated? How do you master the self-regulation skill? While you can't control everything that happens to you, you can control how you respond—and that's where growth and freedom lie. In this solo episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, Kristen discusses the power of self-regulation and how taking responsibility for how you show up can change your life and relationships. She shares practical tools like deep breathing, self-compassion, and self-soothing techniques to help regain control when triggered. Listen in to learn how to create new neural pathways by intentionally choosing new responses, even if old patterns feel deeply ingrained.  You will also learn the importance of modeling vulnerability and repairing relationships when you don't show up as your best self. Key Takeaways: The importance of self-regulation, especially in high-stress situations where triggers can lead to dysregulation. Understanding fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses in high-stress situations. How self-regulation can help you choose a more compassionate and intentional approach to responding. How apologizing and taking responsibility can repair and strengthen relationships. Understanding that emotions only last 90 seconds in the body, and how to break free from emotional spirals. Standout Quotes: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." – Charles R. Swindoll “What triggers you is a mirror to show you where you're not free." – Peter Crone “Emotions are moved through very quickly—within 90 seconds. After that, any remaining emotional response is a choice to stay in that emotional cycle." – Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor “The most difficult people in your life are your biggest teachers." – Kristen Harcourt

What makes emotional intelligence in leaders so powerful? What would leadership look like if we all embraced emotional intelligence and authenticity as our guiding principles? Emotional intelligence is paramount in not only building authentic connections but also in navigating the complexities of leadership in high-stress environments. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Angela Payne about how leaders can harness their strengths while addressing their blind spots to become more effective. Angela is the co-founder of LeedHR, where she's responsible for both development and delivery of client programs, ultimately creating better organizational leaders. Everyone who knows her recognizes her ability to make authentic and long-lasting connections. This “superpower” has enabled Angela to not only build and grow successful teams but also become a strategic coach for many other leaders inside and outside of her organization. Her recent engagement as the National Board President for Lean In Canada, a not-for-profit organization and community of professional women, which empower each other to build purposeful and fulfilling careers, empowered her to set the vision, develop the strategy, and enable the growth for their nationwide chapters and circles initiatives. Listen in to learn about the nuances of emotional intelligence and the importance of being human and authentic in leadership. You will also learn the unique challenges female leaders face and how to be unapologetic when pursuing your ambitions and embracing your desires. Key Takeaways: The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and how leaders can recognize and regulate their emotions to show up more effectively. The power of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership rather than striving for perfection. How mentors and sponsors can help women find their voice and succeed in leadership roles. Why women should stop apologizing for their ambitions and embrace their desires unapologetically. The value of community and sisterhood in helping women recognize and overcome self-limiting behaviors. The role of vulnerability in building trust and inspiring others, and embracing imperfection as a leader. Standout Quotes: “If I think about the leaders that I appreciated the most in my career, they were leaders who were far from perfection, but were actually human and helped me appreciate the fact that I could also make mistakes and it would be okay.”- Angela Payne [19:55] “Everybody's just on a journey of working on themselves and being the best version of themselves; we're all just working towards that together”- Angela Payne [35:33]

What does it mean to truly see people—not just acknowledge them, but deeply understand and value their perspectives? How can leaders create environments where diverse voices are not only heard but embraced? In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Justin Jones-Fosu about how to build inclusive workplaces and meaningful connections with curiosity and intentionality. Justin is a husband and full-time daddy of 4 high-energy kids, and he also recently summited one of the 7 Summits (the tallest mountain on each continent). He is a highly sought-after business speaker, social entrepreneur, and meaningful work researcher. He is the founder and CEO of Work. Meaningful. where he speaks 50-60 times per year to companies, organizations, and associations in the US and Internationally on meaningful work and diversity/inclusion. He is the author of Your WHY Matters NOW, The Inclusive Mindset, and his latest book: I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.  Listen in to learn why curiosity is key to inclusion and transforming our perspectives and relationships in the workplace. You will also learn how to model, reward, and reinforce healthy disagreements in your organization to cultivate a culture of innovation and trust. Key Takeaways: The psychological biases that shape our views and how curiosity can help us challenge them. The role of curiosity in leadership, personal growth, and parenting—how we can all cultivate a more open mindset. How leaders can foster a culture of appreciation and purpose in overlooked roles to bring meaning to work. The importance of creating spaces for respectful disagreement by modeling, rewarding, and reinforcing open dialogue. How simple acknowledgments can make a significant impact on dialogue and workplace culture. Standout Quotes: “The only way to not take the exit is to be curious, to choose to hear people's stories, to get closer to people, and to put ourselves in positions of understanding and ways that we can challenge our perspective.”- Justin [11:39] “Growth-based mindset is that your only competition is yourself and failure is just another data point for learning and if you don't know something, you just don't know it yet.”- Justin [15:07]

What steps can you take to create an environment where your team feels empowered and valued every day? Although today's managers face a lot of frustrations in the workplace, there are actionable strategies you can take to strike the right balance and foster trust and growth within teams. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Corina Walsh as she shares a guide for leaders navigating the complexities of today's workplaces. Corina Walsh is an Executive Leadership Coach, speaker, podcaster, author, and owner of Shift People Development Inc. She's on a mission to revolutionize the way we feel about work. With her extraordinary coaching and advising skills, Corina works with companies and associations to build cultures of excellence and trust. Her innovative approaches to leadership development have garnered her accolades including being recognized as a Top 50 Leader Under 40 in Atlantic Canada and receiving a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in Business. Listen in to learn the value of proper delegation and delivering constructive feedback in a way that inspires growth in your team. You will also learn why organizations should provide diverse career pathways and understand that not every career path needs to lead to management. Key Takeaways: How to equip managers with tools to engage employees and prevent burnout. The micromanagement misunderstanding and its impact on workplace culture. How poor delegation practices can lead to managers taking back tasks rather than empowering their teams. The benefits of constructive feedback, why leaders avoid it, and how it can be delivered to inspire growth. The importance of understanding your role as a manager to maintain resilience and avoid undermanaging and overmanaging. The impact of preparing new managers with realistic expectations and proper training. Standout Quotes: “It's easy to feel powerless at work, but you have to remember you're responsible for your experience at work every single day.”- Corina [06:18] “Understanding your role as a manager is critical to success and critical to maintaining resilience so you don't undermanage or overmanage.”- Corina [22:43] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/CorinaWalsh

Happy New Year! What are your fresh beginnings? How are you setting the pace for the year ahead? If you desire to transform your 2025 to be a great year, you must start it with intentionality and the right mindset. In this solo episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, Kristen discusses the value of celebrating wins and setting the right pace for the year ahead. She explains the power of choosing a “Word of the Year” to start the year with purpose. Listen in to learn the importance of having ongoing reflection and building habits around daily, weekly, and monthly reviews. You will also learn about journal prompts to help you stay in alignment with your goals and identify beliefs that might be holding you back. Key Takeaways: The purpose and benefits of intentionally setting a "Word of the Year" to guide your focus and set the pace for the year ahead. The importance of reflection as a regular habit and its role in personal and professional growth. How to evaluate your current alignment with your ideal day and make adjustments to bridge the gap. How to overcome your fear of failure to embrace new challenges and opportunities. The importance of aligning your daily actions with your ideal vision for a balanced and purposeful life. Standout Quotes: “Unless you're clear about your desires and what you want more of, you cannot make any changes to have more of whatever that is.”- Kristen [12:56] “When you're using your gifts and talents, it is contagious, people love to be around that energy and you're giving others the permission to do the same.”- Kristen [17:03] “When you're standing in your truth, showing up authentically, and using your gifts and talents in a way that feels true to you, it's magnetizing.”- Kristen [17:22]

How often do you pause to embrace the simple joys of the present moment? Could you integrate mindfulness into activities you already enjoy? Mindfulness is simply paying attention to the present moment with kindness and curiosity. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Dorsey Standish about the power of incorporating mindfulness and meditation into our daily lives. Dorsey is a mechanical engineer, neuroscientist, and wellness expert who brings evidence-based mindfulness and emotional intelligence to clients worldwide through her company Mastermind. Her personal mission is to help Type A people like herself slow down, de-stress, and optimize their performance through research-backed brain health training. Listen in to learn how meditation strengthens the brain's executive networks, helping us stay present, less reactive, and more focused. You will also learn how to start with small and consistent mindfulness habits to build mental resilience. Key Takeaways: Understanding mindfulness as a simple way of paying attention and common mindfulness practices that people unknowingly engage in. Start mindfulness and meditation small to build consistency, strengthen focus, and regulate the nervous system. How emotional intelligence (EQ) supports stress management, enhances relationships, and improves workplace dynamics. The importance of giving yourself grace during mindfulness practices and finding coping mechanisms that suit your needs. The power of committing to small, consistent practices like a one-minute daily and the 30-day mindfulness challenge. How mindfulness can help you become an expert on yourself, leading to intentional living. Standout Quotes: “When we practice mindfulness, we're paying attention to the present moment with flexibility, kindness, and curiosity.”– Dorsey [08:52] “It's your birthright. You're here to create the time and space to get to know yourself better, what serves you, and what helps you through things.”– Kristen [35:20] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/DorseyStandish

Can leadership, grounded in authenticity and care, replace fear with collaboration? Are we ready to rethink what a healthy workplace truly looks like? While traditional leadership focuses on competition, we need love and compassion to create thriving workplaces. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Hamza Khan about his experience with toxic leadership and workplace abuse and how to create healthy workplace environments. Hamza is a best-selling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and world-renowned keynote speaker whose TEDx talk “Stop Managing, Start Leading” has been viewed over two million times. He challenges audiences and organizations to rehumanize their workplaces to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. He is a visiting scholar, top-ranked university educator, and respected thought leader with actionable insights featured by the likes of Inc., VICE, and Business Insider. Listen in to learn about the toxic triangle concept, where a leader's dark traits, collusion, and unstable work environment reinforce a negative culture. You will also learn how to create spaces of healing, growth, respect, and a humanized work environment with emotional intelligence and compassion. Key Takeaways: The traits of toxic leaders and how colluding colleagues and complacent bystanders sustain toxic environments. How the toxic culture affects work performance and personal life, making employees miserable in all areas. Understanding how leadership traits, conformity, and an unstable environment reinforce toxic cultures. The challenges of maintaining authenticity and emotional health in dysfunctional work environments. How organizations can create spaces of healing and growth with emotional intelligence and compassion. The importance of creating a respectful and humanized work environment where everyone can thrive. Standout Quotes: “Any good leader is able to create systems that last and voluntary replication of leadership and culture. If you're a dark core leader, you do the exact opposite because you made it all about yourself the minute you leave; it collapses overnight.”– Hamza Khan [19:34] “Leaders who occupy a higher social status in an organization and are much more comfortable, secure, and able to engender influence among their followers use a lot more group pronouns. Leaders who are more fearful and insecure use a lot more personal pronouns.”– Hamza Khan [40:50] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/PodcastHamzaKhan

What one thing can you do today to boost your energy? It doesn't matter how perfectly you plan your schedule; if your energy is drained, everything feels like a mountain to climb. Managing energy is about cultivating habits that recharge and sustain you. In this solo episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, Kristen discusses powerful habits you can cultivate to boost and maintain your energy. She explains the importance of unplugging from technology, creating sleep rituals, and moving your body in ways you enjoy. Listen in to learn how to redefine self-care for yourself and incorporate daily practices that nourish you instead of waiting for major events like vacations. You will also learn the importance of taking small breaks and creating white space during workdays to create a healthy balance and boost energy. Key Takeaways: How to self-regulate and make conscious choices that protect your energy. The importance of sleep, exercise, movement, nutrition, and natural sunlight in energy management. The power of daily practices to nourish yourself without waiting for a vacation to recharge. How to set clear and healthy boundaries with your phone and screen time to protect your mental and emotional energy. How to do quick energy audits to rate your energy level, make adjustments and create white space for productivity. Standout Quotes: “It is a component of emotional intelligence to be able to manage your stress, self-regulate, and be conscious of the choices you make.”- Kristen [01:20] “Your body is so good at getting your attention and letting you know if you listen, it will tell you what it needs.”- Kristen [25:04]

Are you ready to lead with empathetic leadership, collaborate, and build a workplace community? Modern workplace leadership requires more than just technical expertise; it calls for emotional intelligence, trust-building, and encouraging open feedback. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Jevon Wooden about his leadership journey and the evolving role of leadership in modern workplaces. Jevon helps leaders and organizations unlock their full potential through empathetic leadership and strategic insights. His background spans military service, business leadership, and experience with top global organizations; he blends data-driven strategies with empathy to transform leadership and team dynamics. His personal journey, from facing significant adversity as a teen to earning the Bronze Star for leadership under pressure, shapes the authentic guidance he offers. Listen in to learn the importance of diversity, collaboration, and stepping away from micromanagement to encourage team growth. You will also learn how to empower employees with flexible work environments to boost productivity and job satisfaction. Key Takeaways: The value of diversity, collaboration, vulnerability, community, and feedback for leadership success. How to create boundaries in the workplace by embracing the power of community rather than labeling teams as family. How to balance empathy, assertiveness, and accountability in leadership and create high-performing teams. The benefits of hybrid work arrangements and remote work to avoid employee burnout. The necessity of ongoing leadership development and training to prepare emerging leaders for leadership roles. Standout Quotes: “Collaboration allows you to expedite success and get this force multiplier on things you're not necessarily well versed in. But to do that, you have to be open, and that means you have to be vulnerable.”– Jevon [08:29] “If you allow people to naturally select their thing, you'll find that you'll still get what you want as a leader, but you cannot just force people.”– Jevon [24:41] “We can teach a lot of technical components of leadership roles, but we cannot teach culture and behaviors.”– Jevon [32:50] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/JevonWooden

How empowered is your team, and do they feel supported by you and each other as a collective? Leadership is evolving, so shifting from a heroic leadership mindset and fostering collective impact through peer-based support is important. To become a strong leader, you must create space for peer support, collaboration, and growth. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Glain Roberts-McCabe about leadership shifts in today's workplace and managing burnout for leaders. Glain is the Founder and President of The Roundtable, a company that helps leaders navigate change, disruption, and growth by building the mindsets and behaviors that matter most. A sought-after expert in group coaching, Glain works with executive teams and high-potential fast-trackers to move from heroic leadership to making a bigger collective impact. With over 30 years of leadership, business, and coaching experience, Glain combines an evidence-based approach with pragmatism. Listen in to learn how to avoid impostor syndrome and burnout as an ambitious leader by focusing on the motivation to be your best. You will also learn the difference between Gen X and Gen Z's workplace challenges and how the latter is shifting leadership dynamics. Key Takeaways: How to manage high-performing leaders and prevent burnout and impostor syndrome in ambitious leaders. How to navigate the post-COIVD complexities and uncertainty of hybrid work environments. Gen Z's approach to work and leadership, plus the psychological impact of social media on Gen Z's. The importance of taking time away from work to boost creativity and leadership quality. The importance of being open to recalibrating your methods as an experienced leader to suit changing environments. Standout Quotes: “Sometimes we don't make the right investments, and we don't put our money where our mouth is around the importance of investing in people.”– Glain [27:09] “If I cannot leave my team for three weeks on vacation, I do not have a great team, and I am not a great leader.”– Glain [34:49]

What sets exceptional leaders apart in today's fast-paced work environment? How do they inspire high-performing teams while balancing individual growth with collective success? Unicorn leaders are leaders who prioritize team success over individual achievements. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Fahd Alhattab about his early leadership and entrepreneurial experiences and the concept of unicorn leaders. Fahd Alhattab is a millennial workplace expert who teaches new managers how to lead multi-generational teams. He specializes in transformative leadership and team dynamics training for high-growth startups. He has spoken to +70K people across North America on leadership. Through his thirteen years of experience building successful teams, he's identified the tried and true ingredient that set high-performing teams apart from competitors — they had leaders who prioritized team performance over individual success. He calls them Unicorn Leaders. Listen in to learn how to create collaborative environments that prioritize psychological safety, empowerment, and effective communication within teams. Key Takeaways: The importance of prioritizing team success over individual achievements. The significance of building psychological safety, empowerment, and effective communication within teams. How to balance between short-term returns and long-term investments in business growth. The impact of psychological safety and healthy conflict on team dynamics. How leaders can support self-regulation and emotional intelligence in their teams. The importance of dedicating time and resources to innovation within teams. Standout Quotes: “If you're in a big company, often, leadership is about putting out fires; when you're an entrepreneur, and you've got this entrepreneurial leadership, it's about starting fires.”– Fahd [08:02] “High-performing teams, while they look smooth on the top, is that they've dealt with the core tensions on the bottom.”– Fahd [27:44] “If you want your leadership teams to innovate, then you've got to support them in the day-to-day management so that they can create enough space.”– Fahd [44:16] “If you want your leadership teams to get more out of their team, then it's not about squeezing out pressure and efficiency. It's about giving them the necessary tools to allow people to raise their standards and raise the performance of the team.”– Fahd [44:16]

What steps can you take to ensure every voice is heard and valued in your workplace? Imagine walking into a room and knowing that no matter who you are, your ideas matter, your experiences are recognized, and your contributions are celebrated. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Sara Dean about the importance of creating environments where every voice is heard and everyone feels valued. Sara is a Seattle-based keynote speaker, executive coach, business consultant, and trainer for leaders and teams. She supports women in leadership who want to become more courageous in their thoughts, actions, and conversations. From women's empowerment events to corporate training series to long-term resiliency and creating custom talent development curriculum, Sara teaches folks how to identify and own their greatest strengths in order to show up and shine in the areas they most want to grow and evolve. Listen in to learn how to create space as a leader for people to process, practice, and engage with new skills and not just deliver volumes of information. You will also learn about the common struggle with confidence across all genders and the importance of leaders recognizing and addressing this issue. Key Takeaways: The importance of helping women take up space and use their voices in powerful ways. How to effectively lead, cultivate, and empower other leaders by creating space for people to process, practice, and engage with new skills. The importance of providing resources and engaging in dialogues to foster learning and growth within organizations. The value of regular, open dialogues and personal sharing to build trust and connection in the workplace. Standout Quotes: “It's been really cool to see men step into allyship and advocacy for women and trying to unravel some of the ways that they've been socialized can be just as harmful as the way that women are socialized.”– Sara [05:04] “If we aren't creating space for people to process the information or to practice using new skills, we're missing a huge aspect of leadership that allows us to cultivate and empower other leaders.”– Sara [13:31] “If you give people the opportunity to share, demonstrate a little bit of vulnerability, and then connect around that, that experience makes them feel seen, heard, held, and valued in the moment, and then they also want more.”– Sara [17:02] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/SaraDeanPodcast

How can your personal transformation serve as a catalyst for the overall organizational change? Continually challenging yourself and preparing for inevitable changes will help you embrace discomfort, build resilience, and foster a growth mindset in your personal and professional life. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Ashley Sardjoe about the importance of personal transformation as a foundation for organizational change. Ashley is a global People & Organization leader with a passion for driving transformative change that enhances organizational performance and drives sustainable business growth. With over 15 years of experience in the field of HR, Ashley is renowned for his ability to develop and execute human capital strategies that enable organizations to achieve their strategic objectives. He is currently the VP, Country People & Organization Head for Novartis in Canada. He is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion and is committed to creating work environments that foster innovation, accountability, and engagement. Listen in to learn how creating a supportive environment and setting unnegotiable standards can help individuals thrive amid uncertainty. You will also learn the significance of having a well-prepared change management strategy while being adaptable and patient. Key Takeaways: Understanding the power of individual change as the foundation of organizational transformation. How to build resilience to cope with change through exposure to discomfort and personal challenges. The importance of enjoying the discomfort through your growth process in your personal and professional life. The importance of transparency and direct conversations in understanding individual struggles and fostering stronger team connections. The power of authenticity, humor, and vulnerability in leadership to connect with teams on a human level. Standout Quotes: “It is essential to recognize that organizational change involves multiple individuals basically coming together to collectively adapt and transform an entire system.”– Ashley [07:03] “Continuously exposing yourself to a certain level of discomfort and in a disciplined manner, it will ultimately impact the way you're capable of dealing with change.”– Ashley [14:28] “You need to have the flexibility and agility for the fact that transformation involves people and not everybody is on the same page of this infamous change journey.”– Ashley [28:25]

Do you often find yourself thinking, "I'll be happy when...?" What if you discovered that's a trap many of us fall into? Waiting for external achievements to bring happiness is a never-ending cycle leading to unhappiness. In this solo episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, Kristen discusses the “I'll be happy when” syndrome and how to find happiness within yourself. She explains why true happiness is always available from within, even with relentless societal and cultural pressures that make us feel inadequate. Listen in to learn practical tips to break free from the illusion that external changes are necessary to find happiness. You will also learn the importance of remembering to pursue your goals with the understanding that happiness is already within. Key Takeaways: How to avoid the Illusion of external happiness and instead embrace internal sources of joy and contentment. How to be aware of unhelpful thought patterns that lead to unhappiness and stay present and grounded. Mindful and gratitude practices to help you enhance contentment and joy within yourself. How to pursue your goals with the understanding that happiness is already within you for a more fulfilling and joyful journey. Standout Quotes: "The reason why you will never have happiness come from any of those things is because you are looking for something external to give you that sense of happiness, that sense of contentment, and that sense of bliss."- Kristen [01:57] “The good news is happiness, bliss, and contentment are available to you 24/7, but a lot of time we are looking in the wrong place.”- Kristen [02:17] “There is nothing that you have to attain; you're already whole, enough, worthy, and complete. When you start to recognize a voice telling you that you're not, this is when you can do some things to bring yourself back to your truth.”- Kristen [12:23]

Are you ready to achieve your ambitious goals and elevate your leadership skills? How do you pursue your big gorgeous goals confidently and clearly and approach life with intention and joy? Achieving personal and professional growth as a female leader involves setting ambitious goals, pushing beyond your comfort zone, embracing creativity, and planning rest. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Julie Ellis about her unexpected transition into finance and eventually into the world of entrepreneurship. Julie is a professional speaker, author, and executive coach for corporate leaders and scaling entrepreneurs. She provides unique experience and expertise to her clients, which she gained through working in the corporate world and then as a leading Canadian entrepreneur. Julie co-founded award-winning Mabel's Labels, one of Canada's greatest small business success stories. She has developed keynotes and workshops for private companies, corporations, and associations, is the author of Big Gorgeous Goals: How Bold Women Achieve Great Things, and hosts the Figure 8 Podcast. Listen in to learn how to improve your delegation processes with effective communication and setting clear expectations. You will also learn the importance of creating white space by intentionally clearing out the busywork to make room for dreaming and creativity. Key Takeaways: How to effectively delegate as a leader by getting clear on tasks, setting expectations, and communicating effectively. The importance of pushing boundaries and stepping into the unknown to achieve big goals. The power of creating white space in your schedule free from busywork and distractions to dream, reflect, and think creatively. How to build support systems at work and home to relieve your burdens and free up time and energy for career goals. Standout Quotes: “So often you get to a point in your career where you've achieved that level because of the things you have individually done, but to go beyond that, you have to do the next round through other people, and that is a very different way of working than achieving your own personal success.”– Julie [10:03] “If you're constantly in autopilot and constantly doing it in action, there isn't that space to allow you to tune in and to hear some of those bigger dreams and bigger insights.”– Kristen [23:49] “We don't have to grind it out all the time; if we can learn the right skills that will help us make it feel easier and with them, we can have more fun while we're on the journey, then that's what life is about.”– Julie [39:14]

Did you attend the 2024 Workhuman Live conference? The conference was brimming with meaningful conversations and impactful sessions. It was also a whirlwind of insights, laughter, and profound moments. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I invite Angela Champ on the show to discuss our individual experiences at the Workhuman conference. Workhuman is committed to the intentional curation of sessions for deep dives into key issues without overwhelming attendees, creating space for genuine connections. It also fosters a community of like-hearted individuals dedicated to reshaping work into a place of purpose and value. Listen in to learn the importance of understanding cultural differences in communication and leadership styles to encourage collaboration and prevent conflicts in diverse workplaces. You will also learn about AI governance, updating language to empower employees, the Queen Bee Syndrome, and more. Key Takeaways: The importance of understanding cultural differences in communication and leadership styles. The value of in-person interactions for building community amidst a technology-dominated era. The Queen Bee Syndrome, the scarcity mindset that causes it, and how women can thrive at work without competition. The importance of governing the impact of AI decisions to prevent irreversible harm in the workplace. How modern leadership emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and co-creation to support employee growth and well-being. Standout Quotes: “If you're feeling dysregulated and exhausted, how are you going to have the mental energy to address AI and where it's coming from? So, it's important to start to look for ways to be regulated.”– Kristen [13:23] “We, HR, are the ones to direct how people will use technology and not let technology dictate how it will use us.”– Angela [14:32] “With this whole AI environment, what we need right now are not the knowers in the room; we need the learners in the room, we need people who are going to listen and be open and ask different questions.”– Kristen [17:03] “The beauty of a conference like Workhuman or any conference or session you attend is that there's no point in going if you're not going to take something away and apply it to your work or life because otherwise, you've just gone for a good time.”– Angela [27:30]

How do you foster diversity and inclusion to drive positive organizational change? Imagine a workplace where every voice is celebrated, and everyone feels a sense of belonging. In an empowered workplace, everyone can take ownership of their journey toward equity and inclusion and feel supported. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Viva Asmelash (she/her) about creating psychological safety in the workplace, plus the systemic change needed in organizations. Viva is a passionate workplace consultant and certified inclusion strategist specializing in forward-thinking employee engagement, equity-centered strategic planning, values-driven branding, and critical team conversations. Viva's professional purpose is to create environments where people feel truly seen and are inspired to be their best and most authentic selves. As the co-founder of Liberation Labs, she proudly co-designed the first-of-its-kind Culturally-Aware Feedback Training™. She also co-authored the viral 2023 Harvard Business Review article, Creating Psychological Safety for Black Women at Your Company. Listen in to learn the importance of understanding how individuals' past experiences influence their behaviors and interactions at work. You will also learn the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion work on everyone in your organization. Key Takeaways: The need for organizations to invest in culture-building for equitable workplaces. The importance of shifting from individual actions to systemic changes to create psychological safety in the workplace. The importance of manager training and development for creating inclusive leadership. The role of HR departments in advocating for employees' best interests within organizations. The qualities of an inspiring leader include commitment to self-growth and developing others. Standout Quotes: “It's understanding historical context and having an awareness around it, and unless you're willing to do that, you shouldn't be calling yourself a leader unless you're willing to approach it with a sense of cultural humility.”– Viva [18:33] “When you're paying more attention to improving your policies with the most marginalized in mind, you inevitably make things better for everybody else at the same time.”– Viva [23:41] ⇢ Let's connect! I love hearing from my community. Learn more about my programs and services at www.kristenharcourt.com

What are your important goals, and are you willing to take the time to achieve them? Reaching your full potential requires an investment, but most of us are stuck in an instant gratification mindset. The truth is, it is through the process of working towards your goals that you feel meaning, purpose, and satisfaction. In this solo episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, Kristen discusses how to identify what's important to you and take the necessary action steps to achieve those goals. She explains the importance of understanding that big goals take time, persistence, commitment, and dedication, not solely focusing on instant gratification. Listen in to learn how to stop self-sabotaging by allowing self-limiting beliefs to take over when good things happen, plus how to overcome the upper limit problem. Key Takeaways: How the process of working towards your goals gives you meaning, purpose, and satisfaction. How to identify what's important to the lifestyle you want to create and stop limiting yourself in terms of what's possible. How to change old patterns of self-sabotage by lasting longer in the uncomfortable to develop new patterns. How to take small steps towards achieving your goals and becoming who you want to be. Standout Quotes: “Success comes from a lot of consistent hard work, focus, and commitment that a lot of times is happening in the background.”– Kristen [00:56] “If you can get really clear about what those dreams are and start to challenge yourself, you'll realize how often your mind and thoughts can hold you back from achieving amazing things you never thought possible.”– Kristen [03:44] ⇢ Let's connect! I love hearing from my community. Learn more about my programs and services at www.kristenharcourt.com

Are you aware that your leadership style is rooted in your past traumatic experiences? Many leaders are operating from a place of distracting themselves from experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions. But to become a more centered, rooted, grounded, and well-resourced leader, you must do the work needed to heal your trauma experiences. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Kelly L. Campbell (they/she) about healing traumatic experiences to become a better leader. Kelly speaks and writes about trauma, leadership, and consciousness— “The New TLC.” The author of Heal to Lead (Wiley, April 2024), Kelly, is a Trauma-Informed Leadership Coach to emerging and established leaders who know they are meant for more. Kelly's vision is to empower more than half of humanity to heal its childhood trauma so that we may reimagine and rebuild the world together. Listen in to learn the importance of curiosity and exploring different practices to help you find what works to heal and integrate your trauma. You will also learn how, as a leader or organization, you can support your team by doing things that positively impact their health. Key Takeaways: How addressing and healing your past traumatic experiences can lead to conscious leadership. The importance of experimenting with different practices to find what works for you to integrate your trauma. How to do the healing work to become a centered, rooted, grounded, and well-resourced leader. How to support your team in ways that will impact their emotional, physical, mental, and psychological health. Standout Quotes: “The more centered, more grounded, and the more resourced we are, we can show up in a way that might influence the people who haven't done healing work.”– Kelly [19:22] “When it comes to healing and integrating trauma, you don't know what's going to work for you until you try it.”– Kelly [25:23] ⇢ Let's connect! I love hearing from my community. Learn more about my programs and services at www.kristenharcourt.com

Are you ready to let go of the drama and restore sanity in the workplace? Drama in the workplace is a time and emotional waste, but with tools like self-reflection and accountability, it can be eliminated. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Cy Wakeman about how the ego works, embracing self-reflection, and diffusing drama in organizations. Cy is a drama researcher, New York Times best-selling author, and 2023 World's #1 Leadership Guru who is recognized for her Reality-Based approach to leadership. Backed by over 25 years of unparalleled experience partnering with top brands spanning all industries, Cy's philosophy offers a modern approach to leadership in which employees and managers alike can deliver better results with less drama, higher engagement without entitlement, and more happiness in even the most challenging workplace realities. Cy's avid fanbase online has surpassed 250,000 followers. Listen in to learn about drama in the workplace, the five sources of drama, and how to clear up drama in an organization. You will also learn the difference between self-reflection and venting and how to evolve and give opportunities for self-reflection. Key Takeaways: The importance of questioning your thoughts to stop your ego from controlling your life. How to clear up drama in an organization by getting out of verbal communication and self-reflecting. How to get into a place of neutrality by naming whatever comes your way as an unpreferred reality and changing the story. The importance of understanding and articulating your needs as a leader to avoid working on the wrong thing. The power of doing profound inner work to be able to lead with love and be a great leader and or team member. Standout Quotes: “Surrendering is as simple as naming whatever came your way as neutrally as possible as an unpreferred reality.”– Cy Wakeman [24:30] “I am convinced that very little needs to change in my world for my world to change; all of what needs to change is my thinking.”– Cy Wakeman [29:08] “It takes a lot of evolution to move through the world lovingly because you can't move through the world lovingly if you haven't done your inner work.”– Cy Wakeman [42:37] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/PodcastCyWakeman  

How do you lead with empathy and build a team of people that align with your core values? When you support and add value to your team without micromanaging them, you enhance their efficiency and productivity, and they become your best brand ambassadors. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Julie Cole about her entrepreneurship journey and the effectiveness of the results-only work environment (ROWE) culture. Julie is a recovered lawyer, a mom of six, and co-founder of Mabel's Labels. She is also a published author, keynote speaker, engaged community member, and winner of countless entrepreneur awards. In Julie's latest book, Like a Mother, she shares her inspirational stories and lessons learned through parenting her lively crew of kids and building a multi-million-dollar business with her co-founders. Listen in to learn how leading with empathy while still holding boundaries can help you hire right and retain employees. You will also learn how to integrate your work and life by knowing your needs, asking for help confidently, and owning your boundaries. Key Takeaways: How to build a results-only work environment that gives people the freedom to be effective managers. The power of having an empathetic leader who holds boundaries in retaining employees. How to understand and establish your boundaries and respect your time as a leader for work-life integration. The importance of knowing your needs, getting clear about your boundaries, being confident when asking for help, and being less of a people-pleaser. How to make giving back part of your core values, plus how powerful it can be for your brand. Standout Quotes: “You have to get uncomfortable being comfortable because as soon as you think you know what you're doing, you experience growth.”– Julie [08:36] “Everything about business is personal, particularly your team, and if you create support and build an incredible team of people who align with your core values and lead with empathy, then they will stick with you and be your best brand ambassadors.”– Julie [35:50] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/JulieCole  

Have you established a speak-up culture as a leader in your organization? For teams and organizations to thrive, it's crucial to create a speak-up culture where everyone feels psychologically safe to share their ideas, concerns, feedback, and vulnerabilities. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Stephen Shedletzky, or “Shed,” about the positive impact of speak-up culture on teams and organizations. Shed is a sought-after speaker, coach, and advisor and has led hundreds of keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development programs around the world. He helps leaders listen and nurture the voice of others and supports humble leaders who put their people and purpose first, all while knowing they are both a part of the problems they experience and part of the solutions they seek to create. As a thought-leader on psychological safety in the workplace, he works with leaders in all industries where human beings work. His latest book is called Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up. Listen in to learn about the hard work that goes into psychological safety and its importance for safety, performance, and innovation in organizations. You will also learn how to be a better leader by studying leadership behaviors, getting constant feedback, and committing to leadership practice. Key Takeaways: Understanding why leaders aren't born or made but chosen based on the way they behave. The importance of the speak-up culture and how leaders can create a speak-up culture through encouraging and rewarding. How to provide coaching and feedback on behavior and the impact of speak-up culture even as you reward the intent. How to stay committed to your leadership practice and search and find leaders you'd want to follow and work for. Standout Quotes: “Leadership cannot be claimed, it must be earned; culture cannot be declared, it must be lived.”- Shed [13:27] “Wherever you are in your leadership development journey, the fact that you're committing to a leadership development journey, that's good news.”- Shed [32:21] “Oftentimes, leaders display toxic deleterious behaviors because they don't know better and they're struggling really badly.”- Shed [35:07]  ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/StephenShedletzky

Is your never-ending busyness a way to avoid reflecting and hearing answers to your big questions? Slowing down forces you to get clarity on whether the choices you're making are aligned with what you say is important to you. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, Kristen discusses the power of intentionally slowing down and focusing on what truly matters. She explains bigger questions you need to ask yourself to understand what you're avoiding by not slowing down, plus how to use the holidays to reflect on your 2023 wins, struggles, and learnings. Listen in to learn how slowing down allows you to hear your intuition, identify what truly matters to you, and get your habits aligned. Key Takeaways: How to de-prioritize and give yourself permission to slow down and connect. How slowing down forces you to get clarity and answers on what's important in your life. How to use the holidays to reflect on your wins, struggles, and learnings and visualize your future goals. How to get intentional about growth opportunities that will result in more fulfillment, joy, purpose, and connection with yourself and others. How slowing down allows you to hear your intuition and identify what truly matters to you. Standout Quotes: “We all need rest; we need that time and rest where we're not doing anything.”- Kristen [07:07] “It's important as you start to think about your vision and goals for 2024 that you're very clear this is not something you're doing on your own but something you can do with others and have support in order to feel less alone working on them.”- Kristen [16:04] “As you slow down, it is much easier to hear your intuition; it is much easier to hear your most resourceful self.”- Kristen [16:48] ⇢ Let's connect! I love hearing from my community. Learn more about my programs and services at www.kristenharcourt.com

What are some of the things you can do as a leader to make your teams more effective? The major reasons why teams fail to be high-performing are alignment-related and dynamic-related issues. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Liane Davey about her experience working with teams and what leaders need to do to improve their team performance. For the past 25 years, Liane has researched and advised teams on how to achieve high performance. Known as the “teamwork doctor,” she's worked with teams from the frontlines to the boardroom, across a variety of industries, and around the globe from Boston to Bangkok. In working with hundreds of teams, including 26 Global Fortune 500 companies (and counting), she has developed a unique perspective on the challenges teams face – and how to solve them. Listen in to learn about the layers of trust and the critical role of trust in teams to make things easier. You will also learn the difference between tension and friction in conflict and the importance of being aware of healthy tension. Key Takeaways: How to eliminate inefficiency by getting better at time management and creating boundaries. How to be a vulnerable and accountable leader to earn confidence and connection from your team. How to be aware of healthy tension and properly recognize friction and shut it down. How productive conflict enhances psychological safety and strengthens team relationships. Standout Quotes: “We need to address meetings and email problems so that we can create space for focus and flow.”- Liane Davey [16:29] “The more productive conflict we have, the higher the psychological safety gets because people learn that they can come out the other side and the relationship will be stronger.”- Liane Davey [33:01] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/PodcastLianeDavey  

Are you in a fixed mindset or a growth mindset? A fixed mindset is when you have scarcity thinking, while a growth mindset is thinking from a place of possibilities. You can shift from a fixed mindset at any point; it's just a matter of choosing and allowing yourself to create new patterns. In this solo episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I discuss the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset and how to adopt a growth mindset. I explain why we need to show ourselves compassion, patience, understanding, and grace as we work through new things and create space for emotions when they arise. Listen in to learn the importance of having a growth mindset to be creative, innovative, and create new things. You will also learn how to challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone and reach your full potential. Key Takeaways: Why you must have a growth mindset to be creative, innovative, and create new things. How to allow yourself to be in the process of practice by showing yourself self-compassion and grace. How to show up from a place of curiosity in order to adopt a growth mindset. How you can challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone and reach your full potential. How getting feedback from others can help you shift from a fixed mindset and into a growth mindset. Standout Quotes: “Anyone who's thinking about doing innovation or creativity and trying to create new things cannot do that if they're staying in a fixed mindset; it has to come from a place of a growth mindset.”- Kristen [04:46] “If you're not consistently setting goals for yourself and having stretch goals, you're not going to feel much meaning and fulfillment in your life.”- Kristen [19:10] ⇢ Let's connect! I love hearing from my community. Learn more about my programs and services at www.kristenharcourt.com

Do you know who you truly are deep inside? Knowing who you are deep inside and your experiences will guide you to your why, and it will stop you from settling with what you think your why is or what other people tempt you to think it is. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Paru Radia about relationship-building with senior decision-makers and owning who you are. Paru is a rare commodity! Most people fall into one camp as either left-brained or right-brained. Paru, however, has always mixed her logical side with her creative side to thrive while navigating challenging environments, whether in the corporate world or as a founder and entrepreneur. Becoming a C-Suite Whisperer® and Execution Ninja was a natural path for Paru as she has a keen understanding of the corporate world, having been both an employee and a consultant. Listen in to learn how to build interpersonal relationships with senior leaders and develop the confidence to make it about them. You will also learn the importance of highlighting the challenges behind success when inspiring others. Key Takeaways: How to build relationships with senior leaders to get their buy-in before you're in the room. How to develop interpersonal relationships by taking time to analyze others and learning what's important to them. The power of knowing and owning who you are to have the confidence to make it about the other person. Standout Quotes: “The only way you can feel confident in yourself in order to make it about them is owning who you are, but you can't own who you are until you know who you are.”- Paru Radia [27:56] “You won't know your why until you know who you are deep down inside.”- Paru Radia [31:45] ⇢ Let's connect! I love hearing from my community. Learn more about my programs and services at www.kristenharcourt.com

How strong are your boundaries at work and in your personal life? Setting healthy boundaries is something most people struggle with due to self-limiting beliefs and patterns you can unlearn. To reap the fruits of setting healthy boundaries, you have to get clear about your needs and stay committed to them. In this solo episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, Kristen discusses the power of learning to set healthy boundaries by getting clear about your needs at work and in life. She explains how self-limiting beliefs such as people pleasing, hyper-achieving, peacemaking, controlling behaviors, avoidant personality, perfectionism, and victim mentality negatively impact setting healthy boundaries. Listen in to learn the importance of having compassion for yourself when setting boundaries because there are systems set up for you to stay within the unhealthy boundaries. Key Takeaways: How people pleasing negatively impacts setting healthy boundaries. How hyper-achieving can impact your relationship with others and your well-being. Why being a peacemaker in family and work dynamics can lead to being there for others and not yourself. Have compassion for yourself because there are systems set up for you to stay within the unhealthy boundaries. Learning how to set boundaries at work from an empowered place without it always being a yes. Standout Quote: “When it comes to boundaries, this is something that's constantly evolving, shifting, and it is a journey, not a destination.”- Kristen [01:11] “The clearer you are on what you'd like commitment to look like, the easier it is to recognize when you're in alignment and out of alignment because you're really clear on what that commitment is.”- Kristen [13:00] ⇢ Let's connect! I love hearing from my community. Learn more about my programs and services at www.kristenharcourt.com

When you feel awkward, do you allow it to keep you stuck or to grow? The difference between good and bad awkward is that good awkward allows you to grow when experiencing uncertainty. To start navigating the good awkward, it's important to understand how you experience it and reframe its role by naming it. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Henna Pryor, a highly sought-after Workplace Performance Expert and an award-winning 2x TEDx and global keynote speaker, virtual presenter, team facilitator, and professional executive coach. Her clients call her their “secret weapon for impossible change,” an honor she wears proudly. She's also a lifelong learner – she's been studying human behavior and performance for over 2 decades and loves to bring a fresh energy to business practices and conversations. Her highly anticipated book, Good Awkward, publishes in September and is available for pre-order now. Listen in to learn the importance of owning awkwardness as an individual and normalizing awkward feelings as a team to create deeper connections. You will also learn how to create intentional moments as a leader to rebuild social skills for the desired communication culture in your organization. Key Takeaways: How to navigate good awkward to grow when experiencing uncertainty. The benefits of reframing the role of awkwardness in your life and naming it in those moments. How expressing awkwardness implies confidence and authenticity in the workplace. The importance of owning awkwardness as an individual and normalizing awkward feelings as a team. Standout Quotes: “Confident people feel awkward just as much if not more than people who don't describe themselves as confident because to avoid awkwardness implies avoiding uncertainty, which is never happening”- Henna [16:19] “When a confident person expresses awkward discomfort, it actually comes across as more confident because their lack of perfection puts other people at ease.”- Henna [16:55] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/HennaPryor

Do you utilize your head, heart, and body as centers of intelligence when showing up as a leader? How do you allow people to show up? Do you create safe spaces where people can evolve despite their traumas? In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Carolyn Swora, a certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, as well as a Trauma-Informed Leadership Consultant. She works with small, medium and large organizations across Canada and the United States on becoming more compassionate, human and empathetic places for members of staff. Carolyn uses the Enneagram Personality System to help clients deepen self- awareness into their behavioral patterns. She has a Master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and has studied Resilience and Workplace Culture Transformation. She has also developed her own transformational leadership development methodologies, which she breaks down in her second book Evolve: The Path to Trauma-Informed Leadership. Listen in to learn about the three centers of intelligence and the importance of recognizing your dominant one as a leader. You will also learn about three types of traumas and how to be trauma-informed as a leader. Key Takeaways: The head, heart, and body centers of intelligence and how to recognize your dominant one. How to be a trauma-informed leader by recognizing how to create a safe space for people to evolve. How to invest in self-awareness, self-regulation, and co-regulation practices to become an intentional leader. How to embody your imperfections to allow authenticity to show up and be in a space of receiving. Standout Quotes: “When we talk about being trauma-informed, it's about being mindful of your own actions, how you're showing up, and creating a space for others to be able to show up so they feel seen, heard, and valued.”- Carolyn [17:36] “Our intention is always going to be different than our desired impact.”- Carolyn [26:08] “The more power and privilege you have (positional or not), the more accountability you have to close this gap and welcome people into the discussion, an understanding, or sharing so that both experiences can be valued.”- Carolyn [30:55] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/PodcastCarolynSwora      

It's been over two years now since I stopped drinking alcohol, and I'm loving it and don't miss it at all! Are you, like me, curious about your relationship with alcohol, or are you recognizing how your unconscious choices are stopping you from showing up as the best version of yourself? In this solo episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I share what inspired me to quit alcohol, how I navigated the journey, and the lessons I've learned so far. I also explain the never-ending benefits of quitting alcohol and how you can approach this journey. Listen in to learn why you need to ask yourself questions about the role of numbing habits in your life and how your life and purpose can change if you chose to quit. Key Takeaways: How not experiencing hangovers can shift your life and how you relate to others. How quitting a numbing habit can enable you to build healthier habits and stay committed. How you get curious and notice things about yourself when you quit numbing habits. How changing your relationship with alcohol will enable you to feel a deeper connection with yourself and others and show up for your purpose. How your unconscious choices stop you from being who you want to be and where you want to be in this world. Standout Quotes: “This is an invitation to be able to take a step back and ask yourself some questions and see if there are some new conscious choices you might want to make or an opportunity to perhaps shift your current relationship.”- Kristen [20:32] “It's about recognizing where you might be making some unconscious choices that are not serving you and not getting you to where you want to be and who you want to be in the world.”- Kristen [22:42] ⇢ Let's connect! I love hearing from my community. Learn more about my programs and services at www.kristenharcourt.com  

What steps are you taking to build your emotional intelligence and mindfulness as a leader? An inspirational and mindful leader is aware of their own feelings and their teams' feelings and how they impact their effectiveness. To become this leader, you must intentionally build your relationships by being accountable and leading with compassion. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Marc Lesser, a CEO, executive coach, and Zen teacher known for his engaging, experiential presentations that integrate mindfulness and emotional intelligence practices and training. Before his business and coaching career, Marc was a resident of the San Francisco Zen Center for ten years, and director of Tassajara, Zen Mountain Center, the first Zen monastery in the Western world. He helped develop the world-renowned Search Inside Yourself program within Google – a mindfulness-based emotional intelligence training for leaders which teaches the art of integrating mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and business savvy for creating great corporate cultures and a better world. Listen in to learn how to become a better leader by building trust and connection with your team to make it easier to have difficult conversations. You will also learn the importance of bringing awareness and curiosity to your feelings and other people's feelings to become better at solving conflict. Key Takeaways: How to start appreciating your sacredness to become a better human and leader. How to understand other people's perspectives and our shared humanity with the 3-minute listening exercise. How to build trust and connection with your team to make it easier to have difficult conversations. How to become more aware of your patterns with conflict to notice when you overreact or underreact. How to create psychological safety in the workplace by bringing your vulnerability. Standout Quotes: “It takes some looking inward and some stopping in order to become aware of those beliefs we have beneath the surface.”- Marc [12:08] “Beginning an advanced lesson in working with conflict is separating the impact that someone's words or actions have on us and being curious about their motivation or intention.”- Marc [25:51]

Did you attend this year's Workhuman conference? If yes, what was your experience, and what were your major takeaways? With many speakers and topics ranging from DEIB to pivoting to workplace relationships, Workhuman Live was inspiring, thought-provoking and empowering. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn. They're two diversity, equity, & inclusion peeps who love both what they have in common and what makes them different. During the day, they use their superpowers to block bias and end systemic racism within companies and create equitable places to work. They launched the Inclusive AF Podcast in 2020, which is a place where you get to hear real, authentic, and sometimes tough discussions on issues that are important to various communities. Listen in to learn the power of being a professional troublemaker who advocates for others by asking tough questions and speaking up. You will also learn how giving the right energy and interactions can improve innovation in the workplace. Key Takeaways: The importance of being constantly ready for change in the workforce and in your career. How to advocate by asking tough questions and speaking up to give others the space to do the same. The importance of relational intelligence and energy in creating an innovation-driven and better workplace. The need to develop human skills that allow you to gauge what people need and how to best help them. How to maintain individual authenticity in the workplace while still encouraging innovation. Standout Quotes: “Change management isn't something outside of your natural day job; change is just something that is always constant and happening.”- Katee Van Horn [04:10] “Being the professional troublemaker is about you being part of the change; it's about you being the change you want to see in the world.”- Kristen [20:06] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/Workhumanpodcast  

Who do you want to be as a leader, and how do you want to engage with your team? Conscious leadership is about recognizing your below-the-line thinking and habits and creating new habits that allow you to lead from above-the-line and teach your team members the same patterns. In this solo episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I discuss the critical role of conscious leadership in creating high-performing teams and organizations. Conscious leadership is about showing up in the world from a place of responding instead of from a place of reactivity. Listen in to learn the difference between the below-the-line victim mentality and the above-the line creator mentality and how to develop the latter. Key Takeaways: The seriousness of below-the-line versus the playfulness of above-the-line leadership. How leading above the line gives you the ability to notice patterns and create new habits. The learning and growth that occur when you engage in healthy communication with others. How to commit to creating new habits that lead to deeper relationships and creative problem-solving with conscious leadership. Standout Quotes: “Conscious leadership is the process by which a leader becomes radically responsible, self-aware, and focuses on building a culture of “we” rather than a culture of “me.”- Kristen [00:47] “The more you can neutrally non-judgmentally notice what you're feeling, the more you can give space for that.”- Kristen [12:23] ⇢ Let's connect! I love hearing from my community. Learn more about my programs and services at www.kristenharcourt.com

What can you do to look differently at what leadership means? In today's world, leadership is more than meeting the bottom line results or operations; it's about keeping the pipeline of engaged talented individuals who will continue to expand and evolve the organization. Effective leadership is also the ability to support and accept support from your team without feeling the need to be part of every task. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Sabine Gedeon, the Founder of Gedeon Enterprises, an advisory and professional development firm focused on supporting organizations and leaders in transforming how they lead and approach talent strategy & development. In 2021, Sabine launched SHELeads Network, a professional development and training community for women leaders, in response to the overwhelming changes in society, calling on more women to take the lead in their homes, communities, companies, and businesses. Listen in to learn how to effectively advocate for yourself as a leader by embracing coaching and guidance from your team. You will also learn how to build a network of supporters and your brand to strategically grow your career. Key Takeaways: How to shift your mindset and not let fear stop you from taking the risk to pivot your career. How to align with what's important for you as a leader to allow effective support from your team. Develop the confidence to advocate for yourself and ask for help so you can lead effectively. The importance of having a success circle to advocate and guide your career growth. Standout Quotes: “Start to think about how you're spending your time, what you're doing, and how you're developing your team and find the thing that's true for you to help you overcome the need to be part of it.”- Sabine [25:52] “You have to fill your cup with whatever it is you need to be and feel whole in order for you to be effective in pouring that out.”- Sabine [27:04] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/SabineGedeon

What does the voice in your head tell you throughout your day? Is it positive and empowering or negative and critical? That inner critic was created through years of conditioning and is self-sabotaging and disempowering. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I discuss how to practice self-compassion to get rid of the negative voice in your head. I explain how to get curious and aware of that voice, ask yourself the right questions, and shift the way you speak to yourself. Listen in to learn how practicing self-compassion allows you to prioritize self-care and achieve your goals and targets. Key Takeaways: How to become aware of the negative voice within and shift the way you talk to yourself. How practicing self-compassion allows you to prioritize taking better care of yourself. How to use journaling to get curious and introspective about your negative patterns and create new patterns. How self-compassion gives you a sense of fulfillment and acceptance as you are. Standout Quotes: “If you're going to have more self-compassion, that also has to manifest in you taking care of yourself in terms of your mind, body, and soul.”- Kristen [06:20] “You start to be able to build your self-compassion when you create more space and stillness to reconnect with yourself.”- Kristen [07:21] ⇢ Let's connect! I love hearing from my community. Learn more about my programs and services at www.kristenharcourt.com  

Have you heard of or attended the Workhuman conference? Workhuman Live is the game-changer of conferences, where the world's best minds gather to share transformative ideas and to inspire a community of thousands to create more human workplaces everywhere. It offers an exciting experience that tackles relevant DEIB topics, actionable ways to reinvent work and creates an empowering space for people to learn and be recognized. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn. They're two diversity, equity, & inclusion peeps who love both what they have in common and what makes them different. During the day, they use their superpowers to block bias and end systemic racism within companies and create equitable places to work. They launched the Inclusive AF Podcast in 2020, which is a place where you get to hear real, authentic, and sometimes tough discussions on issues that are important to various communities. Listen in to learn the value you can get from attending the Workhuman conference, not just as an HR leader but also as a people leader. You will also learn the importance of creating spaces where others are recognized in an authentic and genuine way. Key Takeaways: How the Workhuman conference is set up to humanize the individuals that attend. The importance of creating spaces where others are recognized in an authentic and genuine way. How the Workhuman conference allows you to create a network of peers to support you in your HR work. How to impact your people by being human and reinforcing them as the most important piece of the organization. Standout Quotes: “It's a life-changing conference to the experience not just in your knowledge but in your feeling for other people.”- Jackye Clayton [26:57] “It is those after the conversations conversations that are so helpful to know that you're not alone and there are folks in HR dealing with those same issues.”- Katee Van Horn [21:14] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/Workhumanexperience

What are you doing as a leader to make your organization better in the future? To continuously improve and innovate your organization, you have to explore futures thinking which is about challenging or augmenting your vision. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Nikolas Badminton, a world-renowned futurist speaker and foresight thought leader who mentors leaders to create more connected, curious, and creative teams that embrace futures design to drive more profit and explosive growth. He has spent 30+ years working with leadership at over 300 leading organizations at the frontline of foresight, strategy, and disruption – including NASA, United Nations, Google, Microsoft, Intel, WM, United Way, Bayer, Bank of Canada, Rolls Royce, Procter & Gamble, IDEO, UK Home Office and many more. Listen in to learn why you have to shift your mindset from what is to what if by practicing curiosity, courage, and creativity in your organization. You will also learn the importance of letting go of your biases to build trust and empower people to invest in their mental well-being. Key Takeaways: How to shift your mindset from what is to what if by practicing curiosity, courage, and creativity. The importance of thinking beyond your lifetime and how you can create a better world for generations to come. How to create a people-first organization by making sustainable and ethical decisions. How to let go of your biases to build trust and empower your people. Standout Quotes: “We have to think way beyond our lifetime, and beyond the lifetime of our children, how we can create a better world today that's going to still be here in hundreds of years.”- Nikolas [20:50] “Anxiety and pressure are not fuel for creativity and business.”- Nikolas [32:39] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/NikolasBadminton

What does life-work integration look like for you? When it comes to life-work integration, there is no one-size-fits-all. If you want to achieve your version of success and feel fulfillment and well-being, you must create space for introspection to get clear on your vision and make more aligned choices. In this solo episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I discuss what life-work integration means and where ambitious, high-performing leaders can get stuck. I also explain the importance of getting clear on your values, what matters most to you, and your boundaries to have an aligned life-work integration. Listen in to learn how to redefine what success looks like for you to make it easier to develop behaviors, habits and actions that will lead to greater meaning, purpose and self-actualization. Key Takeaways: How to create the space for introspection that allows you to make more aligned choices. How to recognize what is true for you and honor your “Yes” and “No”. How getting clear on your boundaries will help you to make better decisions around life-work integration. How to have daring conversations and ask for what you need as a way to have healthier boundaries. ⇢ Let's connect! I'd love to learn more about your personal and professional goals and see if there may be an opportunity for us to partner together. Learn more about my programs and services at https://kristenharcourt.com/  

How do you take action and lead with courage in the middle of fear? When you're scared of treading tough ground with your team, that's when you should prepare and take action to set yourself up for success. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Kim Campbell, a retired Air Force Colonel who served in the Air Force for over 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. She has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2003, Kim was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle-damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission in Baghdad. She has experience leading complex organizations and driving cultural change. Kim is passionate about leadership and feels strongly that leaders earn trust by leading with courage and connecting with their team. Listen in to learn the importance of taking a step back in a critical situation and realize that you do have what it takes. You will also learn how to create a high-trust environment where people feel safe to share feedback and connect with you as a leader. Key Takeaways: Get your “step up voice” louder by preparing for failure and practicing some visualization techniques. How to be vulnerable and ask for support when needed to be the best leader you can be. How to show your team the human side of you to connect and create trust between you. The importance of taking a step back in a critical situation and realizing that you do have what it takes. Standout Quotes: “When we're vulnerable, we create an environment of trust, and people are more willing to give feedback and point out a problem.”- Kim [20:35] “In moments when you're feeling stressed or anxious, it's best to take that step back, take a deep breath, and realize that you do have what it takes.”- Kim [30:48] “It is okay to be afraid, it is okay to be scared, but you have to put yourself in a position to now take action.”- Kim [40:37] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/KImCampbell

How do you define emotional intelligence? We talk a lot about emotional intelligence but are you really clear on what it encompasses? Emotional intelligence is a set of emotional and social skills that influence how we perceive and express ourselves, develop and maintain social relationships, cope with challenges, and use emotional information effectively and meaningfully. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I define the different components of Emotional Intelligence and why it matters for you as a leader. I expand on why it is valuable for success in leadership but also for who you are in your personal life connecting with those around you. Listen in to learn more about EQ competencies and how emotional intelligence impacts you and those you interact with. Key Takeaways: How to understand your emotions and have more meaning and purpose personally and professionally as a leader. How to build meaningful relationships with those around you by tapping into empathy and social consciousness. The tools to help you improve your impulse control and be a better problem-solver. How to avoid chronic stress by adopting habits that allow you to work through stress more effectively. Standout Quotes: “Assertiveness is being direct but also being compassionate with the way you're being direct.”– Kristen [4:55] “As you develop and grow in emotional intelligence, it impacts all of you.”– Kristen [11:41] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/EQpodcast

What does it mean to lead like a girl? To invest in wellness and humanize the workplace? Creating a workplace with more purpose and joy is about leading from a positive place and giving your people the space to achieve a high level of energy and productivity. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Dalia Feldheim, a marketing executive, the author of Dare to Lead Like a Girl, and an adjunct professor at the Singapore Management University, where she teaches The Science of Happiness. She has led some of the world's most iconic advertising campaigns for Procter & Gamble including: Always #LikeAGirl (2014 winner of 14 Cannes awards and Forbes 2020 10 Most Influential Campaigns of the Century). She is also an organizational psychologist running heart- centered leadership development programs for some of the world's largest tech companies. She is a co-founder, in partnership with Dr. Tal Ben Shahar, of Uppiness. Listen in to learn about Dalia's five Ps of building holistic elements of leadership; purpose, perseverance, power up, people/relationships, and positivity. You will also learn about the importance of taking time from work to reflect on your ideas and find a balance. Key Takeaways: The importance of constantly building people resources in holistic elements. How to find your purpose, bring it into your work, and link it to team and company purpose. How to properly invest in wellness at work to achieve a high level of energy and productivity. The importance of resting and taking time off to be more focused and reflect on ideas. How to turn your pain into purpose by growing from where you were to where you want to go. Standout Quotes: “A good leader needs to be rotating between positive feminine and positive masculine traits.”- Dalia [6:11] “It's magic when we manage to connect personal purpose to team purpose to company purpose.”- Dalia [16:15] “Courage is not the absence of fear; it's about connecting to our superpowers and going ahead anyway.”- Dalia [47:44] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/DaliaFeldheim

Do you want to positively impact your people as a manager? It's hard to be a good manager, and it takes work, but it also makes the job more meaningful and fun. To change how you show up and treat your people, you must be committed to setting your mindset correctly. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Jason Lauritsen, who is transforming management as a keynote speaker, trainer, and author. He liberates managers from outdated and inhumane practices, so they can cultivate human potential at work and improve people's lives. His experience ranges from startup CEO to Fortune 1000 executive. He also spent several years leading the Best Places to Work program for an HR technology company, where he gained deep insight into some of the best workplaces in the world. He has authored two books; Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity. Listen in to learn how to shift from the production mindset construct to the relationship, conversation, and cultivation mindset as a manager. You will also learn the power of embracing your privilege and choosing to use it for the benefit of the underprivileged. Key Takeaways: How to improve our leadership by enhancing our ability to have conversations that matter. How to shift from a production mindset to relationship, conversation, and cultivation mindsets as managers. The importance of utilizing your privilege and voice to benefit the less privileged and marginalized people. The power of owning your faults and being accountable for how you show up as a person and a leader. Standout Quotes: “At the heart of all of the issues that we have around leadership and management is the fundamental lack of relationship skills and specifically our inability to have the conversations that matter.”- Jason [9:22] “Privilege in of itself isn't a bad thing; it's what you do with it.”-Jason [32:44]

Have you ever thought about the brand principles of your favorite brand and how you can apply them in your own life? Brands focus on doing a lot of deep work to find a brand purpose and connect with people. Borrowing brand principles from brands you love and applying them to your life will help you tap into your emotions and connect with who you are and other people. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Keka DasGupta, a Professional Speaker, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Trainer, Marketer, and Founder of the Art of Life-ing. Keka believes in moving people from helpless to helpful through a powerful, free currency called: Gratitude. As a 20-year award-winning PR/marketing veteran, Keka has dedicated her entire working life to studying the emotional undercurrents that connect people to people, and people to brands. She runs Gratitude workshops across North America for both students (with an anti-bullying focus) and corporate audiences (with a focus on building happy corporate cultures). Listen in to learn the power of quiet leadership in transforming individual employees, workplaces, cultures, and brands holistically. You will also learn how to help your people believe in themselves unconditionally so they can bring out the best in themselves. Key Takeaways: How giving ourselves permission to be our own advocate changes everything in our lives. The importance of allowing yourself to feel all the emotions and show up authentically. The power of quiet leadership in transforming workplaces, cultures, and brands holistically. How as a leader you can help your people believe in themselves unconditionally. Standout Quotes: ‘If we start with ourselves and give ourselves permission to be our own advocate, it changes everything.”- Keka [7:40] “Quiet leadership is not just for introverts and not just for extroverts; it is a way of being.”- Keka [29:07] “The most successful CEOs are the ones who see potential in their people before those people even see it for themselves, and then they help them rise to that occasion.”- Keka [33:45] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/KekaDasGupta

What are you doing as a leader to create a safe space for your people? It is crucial in these times for leaders to create safe spaces where their people can bring forth their feedback and concerns without fear. This helps them unload and feel heard and understood, which is, in turn, rewarding to the organization. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Farnoosh Brock, a passionate keynote speaker, high-energy trainer, published author, and the founder of the Serving Mindset. Her mission is to bring the Serving Mindset to professionals and leaders, shifting from driving our interest agendas to serving powerfully in our ecosystem. She believes this shift is key to building our future workplaces and cultures and taking care of our highest asset – our people. Listen in to learn the importance of centering the human element in the workplace for organizations to do right by their people. You will also learn the importance of working through your impostor syndrome to step into your power and own your expertise. Key Takeaways: The importance of the human element in the workplace for organizations to do right by their people. How to bring empathy and compassion into difficult conversations to create safe spaces in the workplace. How to build a feedback culture where people air their concerns and feel heard and understood. How to work through your impostor syndrome to step into your power and own your expertise. Standout Quotes: “The more successful I became in my career, the less fulfilled I was becoming on the inside.”– Farnoosh [2:06] “You can give some difficult feedback and still be compassionate; you separate the feedback from attacking the person.”– Farnoosh [19:00] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/FarnooshBrock

What type of leader are you when faced with a crisis? Are you an optimist, or pessimist, or do you personalize the crisis? How you show up in a time of crisis is a strong predictor of the quality of the leadership that you have. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Dr. Daniel Monehin, a leadership keynote speaker and adjunct professor. He uniquely combines real-world global leadership experience and rigorous empirical research. Dr. Daniel has had a 30-year career where he has held various leadership roles in diverse businesses, from start-ups to global businesses across wide-ranging industries. Listen in to learn why you can never sidestep crisis response as a leader, plus how to develop the skill of pragmatic optimism. You will also learn the importance of taking a pause and asking questions to understand a crisis in your organization instead of being dismissive. Key Takeaways: The power of being compelling in your message as a leader to influence people. How to take a pause and make your emotional side conscious to be able to lead with it. Learn to ask questions and be informed before you dismiss a crisis as a leader. How to harness goodwill from your people during a crisis by learning to externalize your feelings about it in a believable way. Standout Quotes: “In leadership development, if people don't believe you, they're not going to take your message.”- Dr. Daniel “You cannot delegate crisis response as a leader, actually, crisis is nothing other than a test of leadership.”- Dr. Daniel [28:14]

How are you working towards connecting people in your organization as a leader? Do you have a working strategy in place on diversity, equity, and inclusion? For DEI to work in any organization, leaders must commit to a strategy aimed at connecting people and having them work together. In this episode of the Inspirational Leadership podcast, I speak with Tara Robertson, a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant and leadership coach. She analyzes qualitative and quantitative HR data to diagnose what companies' biggest diversity and inclusion issues are and works with internal stakeholders to co-design interventions based on research best practices and experience about what actually moves the needle. Listen in to learn the importance of having an organizational strategy on diversity, equity, and inclusion. You will also learn how to be mindful and fully present in the way you show up as a leader to yourself and others. Key Takeaways: The uncomfortable conversations we need to have to establish a diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. How to engage your body, heart, and spirit to help you notice when things are not working out. How to achieve mindfulness and be fully present for yourself and others around you. Learn and take action to disrupt discriminatory behavior in yourself and others. What You Will Learn in This Episode: [1:15] Tara's career background before she became a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant. [4:07] The importance of having a diversity, equity, and inclusion organizational strategy. [9:40] How Tara's struggles with belonging inspired her to get involved with DEI work. [16:22] The lessons we can learn from the disabled community about connecting and working together. [22:26] How to get clear on your values and purpose so you can better listen to your body and spirit. [29:07] The ways to let go of your conditioning and show up fully as a leader. [38:11] She describes inspirational leadership as the courage to show up as yourself and as a leader. [39:48] Tara's final thoughts and where to find her. Standout Quotes: “We need to collectively dream the future that we want.”- Tara [19:28] “We need to engage our hearts, spirits, and bodies; our bodies give us messages when things are not okay.”- Tara [23:22] ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/PodcastTaraRobertson

For this week's Inspirational Leadership Podcast I spoke with Lou Adler who's The Sherlock Holmes of Recruitment and CEO and Founder of The Adler Group. He has over 1.4 Million followers on Linkedin and is one of the top bloggers on LinkedIn's Influencer program writing about the latest trends in hiring, employment, and recruiting. Lou is the author of the Amazon top-10 best-seller, Hire With Your Head and The Essential Guide for Hiring & Getting Hired. He has been featured on Fox News and his articles and posts can be found on Inc. Magazine, BusinessInsider, Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal. Lou realized that the hiring process was broken so he invented what's now famously known as the ‘Performance-based Hiring' model. With over 40 years in the recruiting industry, Lou's company ‘The Adler Group' has trained over 40,000 hiring managers and placed over 1500 executives for many of the fastest-growing companies with clients including Disney, General Dynamics and Paycom. In this episode we discuss how to focus on performance objectives when hiring, clarifying expectations, improving interview skills, assessing emotional intelligence and the most important interview question of all time. ⇢ Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/PodcastLouAdler