Leading Through Crisis with Céline Williams

In today's episode of Leading Through Crisis, we explore the question, “What's at stake when leaders are unprincipled, unethical, incompetent, and selfish?”Philippe Johnson, a retired US Air Force officer, advocate for principled and ethical leadership, and author, shares his thoughts, particularly as they relate to public service and through the lens of Trump's presidency.Topics discussed:◾️Paying attention to the competencies and personality traits that are being normalized◾️Traits of problematic leaders to watch out for◾️Principled loyalty vs blind loyalty, and loyalty over competence or ethics◾️What's at risk, on an organizational level and a larger, more macro or national level“That's the thing I want to diminish, loyalty for loyalty's sake as a virtue. It's not. The definition of loyalty is an allegiance that's earned.”Join us for a fascinating and perhaps horrifying conversation on What Hangs In The Balance (conveniently, also the name of Philippe's book).—Philippe Johnson is a retired United States Air Force officer and advocate for principled and ethical leadership in public service. The son of a language teacher and career United States Army officer, he was raised in the United States, France, and Germany. During his 24 years on active duty, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson served as a fixed- and rotary-wing pilot, intelligence officer, and diplomat (military attaché), and was honored with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He also served on the staffs of two Air Force major commands as his final two assignments. Philippe received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Florida and earned his master's degree in public policy from the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy. He can be reached at www.philippejohnson.com.

“We want to foster a culture where we're open, honest, transparent, and people can grow.When you're given the chance to express what you want/think, as well as know how you contribute, it creates this magical little atmosphere (aka workplace culture).”Today's Leading Through Crisis episode is all about building an inclusive culture.Rosi Bremec, COO of Game Lounge, talks to us about:- Balancing core business functions with innovative ideas and experimentation- Data-based decision making- Human connection and talent retention- Building an incredible company culture, even with fully remote employees and team"The more we can create environments where people can thrive, the more we'll see thriving in the workplace–where people are feeling, doing, and being their best."Join us for an incredible story and some great strategies you can employ today!—Rosi Bremec is the COO of Game Lounge, an innovative iGaming affiliate company. Known for her inclusive and performance-driven leadership, Rosi fosters a collaborative work culture that supports both personal and professional growth. She prioritises employee wellbeing and flexibility, ensuring her teams are motivated and aligned with the company's goals. Rosi has successfully implemented data-driven strategies to connect data with purpose and improve focus. She champions gender equality, parental equality, and remote work equality, creating a balanced, inclusive environment. Her progressive approach is helping to redefine leadership in the tech industry, emphasising the importance of employee satisfaction and purpose-driven success.Learn more about Game Lounge at gamelounge.com and/or connect with Rosi on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/rosibremec) or Instagram (instagram.com/rosi.bremec).

It's been 5 years and 100 episodes of Leading Through Crisis! Join me for:- Some reflections on how and why the podcast started- Why I debate changing the name monthly (and why I haven't yet)- The guests and conversations that give me hope- Why it has reaffirmed over and over again that there's no such thing as “one-size-fits-all”- Going deep in self-leadership - What I would love to see more of and from my listenersTHANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for being here–whether you've listened to one episode or have caught most of them, I appreciate you and the work you're doing in the world. Here's to the next five years and/or 100 episodes!—Sign up for the newsletter (new episodes and all of my deep thoughts on life/leadership a couple of times per month) here: https://revisionary9248.activehosted.com/f/1

“Many people with autism gravitate toward leadership because of the traits and values of our culture… We're born leaders because we're born to see world-building vision.” Today, we are joined by autistic advocate and host of the Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr. Angela Kingdon. Angela drops a science/history lesson, a ton of pop culture references, and some much-needed thoughts on neurodiversity in the workplace and leadership.Listen in to find out:- What Angela's learned about herself and this awesome community since being diagnosed in 2012.- Why understanding the things neurodivergent folks have to know about themselves (to accommodate their environments) would benefit 100% of people, neurodivergent or not.- The horrifying story of why we don't use the term Asperger's anymore.- Why leaders must develop cultural literacy around differences (aside from the fact that it benefits them too).- Some great anecdotes about autistic people, inventions, and culture.“Autistics have been around forever – they created the first stone tools, but it wasn't a label or diagnosis until 1943.”“Taylor Swift and her great aunt, Emily Dickinson, are both perfect examples of autistic traits.”“When people are neurotypical, they're so used to assuming their way is the way. One-size-fits-all isn't real, and that does need to shift.”—Dr. Angela Kingdon is a dynamic autistic advocate, author, and speaker, renowned for her impactful work in promoting neurodiversity and supporting autistic individuals. As the host of the Autistic Culture Podcast, Angela shares her experiences and insights as a late-diagnosed autistic person, aiming to create a more inclusive and understanding society.Angela's journey began with a diagnosis at the age of 39, which she describes as a turning point that allowed her to embrace her unique neurodiverse perspective fully. Leveraging her lifelong special interest in non-fiction, she founded Difference Press™ and created The Author Incubator™, a program that has helped nearly 2,000 entrepreneurs write, publish, and promote their books. Angela's expertise and dedication have led her company to remarkable success, with her clients' books reaching millions of readers and generating significant revenue.Angela holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Journalism and Media Affairs from George Washington University and a Ph.D. in Communications from the European Graduate School as well as a graduate certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from the Unviersity of Colorado Boulder. She is also a bestselling author of eight books, including neurodiversity-affirming titles like The Equalizing Quill and Make ‘Em Beg To Work For You, which have earned her acclaim and recognition in the publishing industry.Angela is not just an advocate; she is a beacon of inspiration, empowering autistic individuals and educating the broader community about the value of neurodiversity. Her advocacy extends beyond her professional work. She actively engages with audiences through social media platforms and her podcast, sharing her story and encouraging others to understand and embrace neurodiversity. Her commitment to making the world a safer and more inclusive place for neurodivergent people is evident in her storytelling, public speaking, and educational efforts designed to foster neuroinclusive workplaces and provide valuable insights into the benefits of neurodiverse teams and strategies for creating supportive environments for autistic individuals.Regulating Stims: echolalic singing, nail-biting, fidget bubble poppersAlliterative SPINs: Hamlet, Hamilton, John HammWebsite: https://angelakingdon.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelakingdon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autisticculturepodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/drangelakingdonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AutisticCulturePodcast

“If people are acting like children in your environment, it's okay to be the teacher.”Setting and enforcing boundaries at work “is always about creating safety for yourself… it's not about them.”In this episode, Workplace Conflict Mediator, Communication Coach, and Civil Rights Attorney Meredith Holley shares her personal experience with landing her dream job–only to end up being sexually harassed by her boss.She shares how that experience became one of the most transformative experiences of her life, what she learned about setting and enforcing effective boundaries (even when there's an extreme power differential), and some solutions-based tips to help anyone who would like to develop more solid strategies for themselves.This conversation is so relevant to the work and personal situations many of us are navigating today. When you listen to this episode, you will walk away with a greater sense of personal power, knowing how to protect yourself and your peace. That's worth 40 minutes, no?—Meredith Holley is a workplace conflict mediator, communication coach, civil rights attorney, and co-host of the Empowered Communication Podcast. Meredith helps mission-driven workplaces resolve toxic workplace conflict.To learn more about Meredith and her work, visit https://erisresolution.com. To listen to the Empowered Communication Podcast, search for it on your platform of choice or head to https://www.erisresolution.com/podcast. You can also connect with her on social…LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-holley-1716b9a8Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meredith.holleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/erisresolution

In this episode, Award-Winning Author and Keynote Speaker, Amy Weinland Daughters shares her Facebook Letter Writing Project–where she spent 18 months writing 580 handwritten letters to friends online. We dive into how that came about, what it taught her, and why she can't stop talking about it!Tune in and learn how to use this simple but impactful tool to cultivate relationships in your life – at home, at work, and beyond. Because connection matters (now maybe more than ever)."I unleashed a power I didn't know I had, the power we all have for 10-15 minutes and 73 cents, to unleash so much good."Amy is a fun and interesting guest and our conversation was a breath of fresh air. If that sounds like something you're into, I hope you'll join us for more on the art and importance of letter writing in 2025.-----Amy Weinland Daughters, Award-Winning Author and Keynote Speaker, believes in a world where what makes us different is the very thing that connects us, instead of separates us.Learn more about Amy and her Facebook Letter Writing Project (in her book, Dear Dana) at amydaughters.com.You can also connect with her on social...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokinhotamysFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyweinlanddaughtersauthorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-w-daughters-16352a227X: https://twitter.com/DaughtersAmy

"Rooted leadership means leading with empathy and care. It's about finding ways to connect with people and create communities of trust and psychological safety, where people feel safe enough to show up and be themselves – including in times of crisis."Today, we're talking to expert in organizational trauma, founder, and award-winning author, Dimple Dhabalia about what it means to be a rooted leader and how practicing story healing can help us all.We get into:- The impact of the Industrial Revolution- Why the mind-body connection is important (even–and maybe especially–at work)- Workplace trauma and moral injury in the workplace- Creating "brave spaces"- Self-awareness and the 5 types of reactions most of us have when experiencing a dysregulated nervous system- Neuroplasticity and the function of story sharing and story healing "The antidote to dehumanization is helping people see the humanity in each other again."This is important work for people to be doing – especially at work, in leadership, and right now. I hope you'll listen and share your takeaways!-----You can find Dimple @dimpstory across all social media platforms, and at dear HUMANitarian on Substack. Her book, Tell Me My Story: Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self is available at all online booksellers.Dimple D. Dhabalia is the founder of Roots in the Clouds, a human-centered leadership coach, and bestselling author with over twenty years of government and public service experience. Dimple partners with leaders across mission-driven sectors to address root issues of organizational trauma, and design inclusive, human-centered workplace cultures where emerging and seasoned leaders can learn how to preserve their own humanity as they work to preserve it for others.After almost two decades working on the front lines of the government and humanitarian sectors, Dimple had experienced vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, moral injury, burnout, and anxiety. Like so many others, she worked in an organization that celebrated the resilience of the human spirit in the refugees and displaced persons they served, while often failing to extend the same ethos of care to those working within their own organizations.Determined to educate and support heart-centered leaders, she developed and launched the Daring Leaders Project (DLP), the first mindfulness-based leadership development program of its kind within her government agency. Her vision and leadership earned her Director's awards for Innovator of the Year and the Pillar of Leadership.In 2021, Dimple left a two-decade career in government and humanitarian service to launch Roots in the Clouds with a personal mission of putting the “human” back into humanitarian work and making service sustainable across mission-driven sectors. Today, Dimple's cutting-edge work uses the power of storytelling to help leaders and organizations heal and rebuild mission-driven cultures using a holistic, human-centered, and trauma-informed approach grounded in principles of mindful performance, positive psychology, and human-centered leadership.Her new book, Tell Me My Story–Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self [Ambika Media 2024], was the #1 new release in workplace culture on Amazon, and was recently excerpted in the Stanford Social Innovation Review. Dimple and her work have also been featured in a number of high-profile podcasts and media outlets including, Fast Company, CEO World Magazine, and the Federal News Network. Dimple recently debuted a limited-series companion podcast to Tell Me My Story called Service Without Sacrifice and is also creator and co-host of the popular podcast What Would Ted Lasso Do? You can find Dimple @dimpstory across all social media platforms, and at dear HUMANitarian on Substack. 

Today's guest is cultural anthropologist, entrepreneur, investor, and author, Ujwal Arkalgud, and the conversation about tension paradox was different than any we've had on the show before.In it, we talk a lot about binary opposites and operating within dichotomies."You've got to ask, what are the opposites I operate within and how can I exist in that environment?" Said another way, "How can I fit within the push and pull?"As a business owner or leader, this concept informs and impacts everything – the upfront work that needs to be done, purpose, resiliency, effective human-centered sales, scaling and growth..."Using tensions is not as complicated as sometimes people think it is" and Ujwal gives a great 3-step exercise at the end of the episode to help with that. Listen in! It may transform how you think about life and, for sure, business.—Ujwal Arkalgud is a leading voice in growth anthropology and sustainable business strategy. As the founder of Investment Ark, he works with early-stage B2B startups, offering both strategic investments and hands-on coaching to help founders navigate the complexities of building resilient, sustainable businesses. Ujwal believes that growth isn't about chasing hypergrowth—it's about embracing the tensions inherent in scaling to unlock long-term success.Previously, Ujwal co-founded and bootstrapped MotivBase, a predictiveanthropology platform that he scaled to a 10x revenue multiplier. His work with Fortune 500 companies—including Target, Kroger, and General Mills—helped them decode customer beliefs and behaviors to build multi-billion-dollar private label brands.Since MotivBase's acquisition, Ujwal has also worked with mid-market private equity portfolio companies, helping businesses with $15M–$35M in revenue overcome growth challenges using his growth anthropology framework. This experience complements his passion for supporting startups and growth-stage businesses, enabling him to bring diverse insights into scaling sustainably across industries and company sizes.As the publisher of Decision Lab, a newsletter dedicated to uncovering cultural forces shaping customer behavior, Ujwal provides decision frameworks and insights to founders and business leaders worldwide. His upcoming book, The Tension Paradox (2026), explores how leaders can turn the contradictions of scaling into opportunities for innovation and resilience.Passionate about supporting the 99% of founders often overlooked by the traditional VC model, Ujwal is on a mission to help businesses grow on their own terms while building lasting impact.He'd love to connect if you're a founder, investor, or tech leader interested in growth strategies, the future of anthropology in business, or the untapped power of cultural insights.Head to https://investmentark.net/ to learn more, connect with him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ujwalarkalgud), or sign up for his newsletter (https://decisionlab.beehiiv.com/subscribe).

In this episode, leading authority on improving productivity and engagement through workplace well-being, Lori Saitz shares the practice of zen leadership.You've likely heard some of the benefits of gratitude and a calming/grounding practice like meditation – but I'm guessing you've mostly thought about their effects on your personal life, not necessarily how they might impact leadership or work. Yet, Lori maintains there is no other investment that delivers as much.Help yourself and your team or employees quiet distractions to focus better, boost creativity, reduce anxiety, increase happiness, strengthen relationships, improve physical health – and the list goes on!Peace of mind is worth more than we give it credit for. This episode is a must-listen for the time we are in right now.—Lori Saitz is the leading authority on improving productivity and engagement through workplace well-being. She is the founder of the Zen Leadership Program for Results Focused Professionals. With a comprehensive background in wellness and communication strategies, Lori helps executives create focused, resilient, and collaborative teams that can move projects forward with less stress and drama. Listen to Lori on her own podcast too, called Fine is a 4-Letter Word, where she engages guests in conversations about how they've grown from a time in their lives when things were decidedly NOT fine. Lori is currently living a nomad life while cat-sitting in states across the southeast U.S. You can often find her in the weight room at the gym. She also loves cupcakes, Thai food, and classic rock music.Learn more about Lori and her work at zenrabbit.com. You can also connect with her on social:LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LoriSaitz/)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/zen_rabbit/)Twitter (https://twitter.com/zenrabbit)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/ZenRabbitVideo)

In this episode of Leading Through Crisis, we're talking to senior executive coach and mediator, Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau about SMARTpower.We also discuss:- The difference between managing crisis and complexity- Expectations vs agreements- Embodied leadership- Connection, engagement, and purpose-driven work"As an embodied leader, people will listen to you in a different way... When we are comfortable in our own body, we can connect with others - even though sometimes we may have something difficult to say."If you, like me, can intellectualize your way through just about anything, watch/listen to this episode to connect to your body more. Being present and embodied is your superpower!-----Sylvia is an accredited senior executive coach (EMCC) and accredited mediator (CEDR) with more than 20 years of experience as a coach, trainer and facilitator. Her mission is to adapt leadership to the challenges of today's complex and fast-moving world and to help leaders succeed in this environment. This mission has led her to create the SMART©power method and author the groundbreaking leadership book "Who's in Charge", a book helping leaders increase energy levels, expand and leverage their range of power, and combine success with fulfillment to build a legacy. Besides her corporate and coaching work, Sylvia is an artist and dancer – experiences that allow her to apply a unique and powerful approach to emotional and body intelligence in her leadership and coaching work.Learn more at smartpowermethod.com.Connect with Sylvia on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Gallup research shows we are experiencing an employee engagement crisis (rates are at an 11-year low).Today's guest, Julie Winkle Giulioni is the perfect person to help us address it!Julie is a speaker, best-selling author, and champion of workplace growth and development. In this conversation, she shares:How to think differently about development and engagementOne thing most leaders overlook (when it comes to growth and development)"Hidden-in-plain-sight" and budget-neutral ways to offer developmentSome great questions for receiving valuable feedbackEngagement and development as it relates to remote and hybrid workA custom-trained ChatGPT to help you prepare and practice for hard conversationsThis conversation has something applicable to everyone. But if you're a people leader in the workforce, the thoughts and ideas explored here are imperative (especially right now).Listen in and let us know what resonates or what questions you have!*For more information about Julie and to grab that pre-order bonus (until 9/24) for the latest edition of Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go, visit JulieWinkleGiulioni.com.—Julie Winkle Giulioni is a champion for workplace growth and development and helps executives and leaders optimize talent and potential within their organizations.One of Inc. Magazine's Top 100 speakers, she's the co-author of the international bestseller, Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go, translated into seven languages and coming out in its third edition in September. Her latest book, Promotions Are So Yesterday: Redefine Career Development. Help Employees Thrive, has been recognized with Nautilus and Axiom Business Book Awards.Julie is a regular columnist for Training Industry Magazine and SmartBrief and contributes articles on leadership, career development, and workplace trends to numerous publications including Fast Company and The Economist. Additionally, she partners with organizations worldwide offering her expertise in leadership and career development and designing award-winning bespoke development experiences.For more information about Julie and to grab the latest edition of Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go (which comes with access to that custom-trained bot), visit JulieWinkleGiulioni.com.You can also connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

This special episode shines the light on something we don't often talk about candidly... Experiencing grief and loss – and not just the negative aspects but how it can also be beautiful, freeing, and empowering.Today's guest, Sue Deagle is a veteran c-suite executive, mother, and widow, rewriting the story of loss and vibrant living. Losing her husband to a sudden heart attack when he was only 50 changed her worldview and she, in turn, wants to change people's relationship to loss (whether they are the ones experiencing it or they're consoling someone else).She shares about:- navigating loss with children - collaborative leadership - the “veil of the ordinary” being removed- preparing for loss and grief- what to say and do when someone you know is grieving- keeping loved ones' memories alive- moving on with strength and purpose"I want everyone who's experienced loss to live as vibrant a life as mine. It is possible and you are not alone."This episode applies to everyone. It will make us better leaders, and consolers, and will come in handy the next time we experience a loss of our own. —Veteran c-suite exec, mother, widow, rewriting the story of loss and vibrant living at The Luminist. She brings loss (in all its forms) out of the shadows, shining a light on the parts of the human experience we avoid at all costs, but are our greatest teachers for living a full, expansive, love-filled life.Learn more: suedeagle.com Sign up for The Luminist newsletter: theluminist.substack.com Connect with her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sue-deagle

Today's guest, David Lahey is the Founder, President and CEO of Predictive Success (a company that focuses on assessment and analytics to support leadership development, talent acquisition, change management, and productivity in a variety of industries).Join us for a discussion about:- Empathy in the workplace- Using data and AI to enhance your leadership skills- The #1 reason Gen Z is leaving - How to soften the blow of layoffs and terminations“Managers can be upskilled to use objective data to manage, lead, and coach better… When you reduce drama at work, everything gets better.”Listen in, and take your FREE predictive assessment here.—David's academic background includes an MBA graduate from the Smith School of Business at Queen's University, Graduate coursework at Harvard University and Graduate Adult Education coursework at the University of Toronto. David has been specializing in predictive leadership development, talent acquisition, change management and productivity with analytics for over 25 years across a variety of industries. Under David's leadership, Predictive Success was awarded to three-time Profit 500 company status. His company was also named to The Globe and Mail's Fastest Top 400 Growing Companies List in 2019. Before founding Predictive Success Corporation, David was a Global Leader of Financial Services at Microsoft and led record growth for international business units in The United States and Canada. David has trained over 3,000 leaders in The Predictive Index Software, is a guest lecturer at Queen's University, and is a best-selling author of “Predictive Success- Evidence Based Hiring” (Wiley 2009) and more recently “From Hire to Inspire” (ECW Press, Toronto 2020).Learn more about Predictive Success at predictivesuccess.com.

In this conversation, we talk to business mentor and consultant, Illana Burk about your life's work and leadership impact. We get into:- what makes true leadership unique- how crisis illuminates if you were "made for this"- why "scalability" is broken- how we weaponize coaching- the one thing we should ask leaders (but never do)“Leadership is a tool like a hammer, you can build beautiful things or bludgeon somebody to death with it.”Join us for a fun conversation about big-picture leadership impact and wrestle with your answers to the questions Illana said were “some of the best she'd ever been asked on a podcast.” We need you out there leading because “good leadership and good skills proliferate at any level.”—Illana Burk has been a business mentor and consultant for more than fifteen years. She specializes in guiding clients from doing good work to leading good work using profitable, proven, values-driven business strategies for making culture changes a reality. As host of The Good Business Podcast, Illana makes smart, experienced business learning available to as many people as possible. Illana has an MBA in Sustainable Enterprise and has worked with hundreds of business leaders across a wide range of industries all over the world proving that when good humans learn leadership, the whole world gets better.You can learn more about Illana and her work at yourlifesworkshop.com or connect with her on social (she's @illanaburk in all the places).

Crisis communication, and this conversation, are so important because everybody thinks they're good at crisis management but nobody knows what they're actually going to be like until they're in one.And while we can't prevent crises from happening, we can predict and mitigate them.Join me as I speak to top Public Relations Executive, Adele Gambardella, and former FBI Hostage Negotiator, Chip Massey about:- How stressful situations are relative- The hardest crisis to handle- How to "enjoy" crisis (as much as possible, given the circumstances)- The one thing you need to avoid in a crisis- Tips for dealing with difficult people (from those who know--see former job titles above!)Adele and Chip also graciously shared a couple of free resources with our listeners, you can grab them and/or check out their book, Convince Me: High-Stakes Negotiation Tactics to Get Results in Any Business Situation, here: convincingcompany.com/crisis/—Adele Gambardella, honored as “a woman who means business,” has over 20 years of experience owning and managing her own private Top PR firm in Washington DC. She has run PR campaigns for US President Joe Biden, the CEO of Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson, and many more.Adele has spearheaded major crisis PR campaigns for brands such as SAP, Verizon and Johnson & Johnson. She has also been invited to speak at the United Nations twice, where she gave 2 speeches on crisis communications.Adele is a co-author of Convince Me: High-Stakes Negotiation Tactics to Get Results in Any Business Situation and maintains her writing chops as a contributor to the Wall Street Journal, Inc., and Entrepreneur magazines. She has taught crisis communications and business at Princeton, Cornell, George Mason, and Georgetown Universities.An Ex-FBI hostage negotiator and special agent for 22 years, Chip Massey investigated 9/11 terrorist attacks and led the New York FBI Office's Crisis Negotiations Team—inall five boroughs. As the Co-Owner of the Convincing Company, he teaches executives and their teams how to apply the FBI's techniques to every workplace scenario. Clients include C-suite executives at Fortune 500 companies, including Facebook, Samsung, and Goldman Sachs. Chip is the co-author of Convince Me: High-Stakes Negotiation Tactics to Get Resultsin Any Business Situation. A natural communicator and teacher, Chip has trained FBI agents, police officers, and various federal officials in hostage negotiation techniques, de-escalation, and other law enforcement issues. Additionally, he has taught thousands of military personnel and civilians at West Point, Princeton, Cornell, Columbia, and other high-profile colleges.You can learn more about them and their book at convincingcompany.com/crisis/. Or, connect with them on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/convincingcompany/.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Jim Sellner about navigating (or as he says, surfing) personal crisis, as well as the phases of crisis (and what comes after).We also get into empathetic communication, healthy confrontation, and some incredibly useful phrases to initiate it.Coming from a behavioral psychologist and scientist who has navigated two kidney transplants, the wisdom he shares from what he's learned will help us all "use our heartbeats" wisely – if you want to know what that means, you've gotta listen in!—Dr. Jim's core purpose is to bring out the genius in you. With over 40 years of experience working with and training countless business leaders and entrepreneurs, his no-nonsense approach and ability to keep things simple inspire changes in behaviors that yield significantly better results. As EVP, People Analytics & Talent Activation at Vivo Team, Dr. Jim's team holds multiple gold awards from the internationally renowned Brandon Hall Group. A respected leader, author, and speaker known for his innovation in people analytics in L&D, he has published many articles and eBooks including “Leadership for Einsteins: How Smart Leaders Bring Out the Genius in People” and “Account-Ability: The Science of Human Performance.” Having first trained and worked as a city planner, Jim later joined the faculty at the University of British Columbia where he went on to obtain an MA and Ph.D. in psychology. His unique psychological/behavioral perspective provides Vivo Team with a solid, practical philosophy.You can connect with Jim on LinkedIn (/drjimsellnerphddipc).

In this episode, we talk to brilliant return guest and organizational health and teamwork specialist Faith Clarke about celebrating difference, shifting the narrative of cultural norms, and creating a restorative work culture.All of the data says that environment trumps individual effort every day of the week (when it comes to results). So how can we remove things that harm and habituate things that actually feed people's souls? "A restorative work culture is a culture people don't have to recover from." We have to give space to the full human at work so we can have the capacity of the full human at work. What we've been doing is stripping humans down to machines – and that model is no longer working for most people, teams, or companies.Listen in for a conversation that is full, rich, necessary, and will keep you thinking about when, where, and how to change things to our benefit.—Organizational health and teamwork specialist, Faith Clarke is committed to helping business leaders cultivate a values infused, inclusive culture where people feel like they belong so that they can deliver on their business and social impact promises. Faith is particularly passionate about inclusion for BIPOC and neurodistinct individuals, grounded in her experience as a Caribbean immigrant and as a mother of neurodistinct humans. Faith's background in computer engineering, doctoral research in teamwork and numerous experiences with organizations who care about their social impact helps her curate a high-touch, systematic approach to building strong teams. This approach has helped her clients improve operations, maximize productivity and increase their revenue. Faith is a published researcher and author. She has contributed widely to publications and online shows in the US and UK, and delivers workshops and lectures in a variety of academic and professional settings.To learn more about Faith and her work, visit faithclarke.com or connect with her on social. If this conversation resonated, you may be interested in her Restorative Culture Assessment and Design Session (focused on restorative culture topics and based on current organizational needs).For more info/to see if it's a fit for your organization, schedule a quick coffee chat at https://calendly.com/faithclarke/connect.

In this episode, I chat with licensed clinical psychologist, pioneering researcher, and author, Dr. Yosi Amram about spiritual intelligence.We dive into what it is and how to activate and develop it, as well as:- Finding your North Star- Our interconnectedness and interdependence- Shifting priorities- Leaning into evolution and growth- Why all of this matters at work and in leadership"When we understand our interconnectedness and interdependence, we start caring for the totality that we're in... Leaders with SQ have teams with more commitment, higher morale, lower turnover, and who produce better financial results... It transforms our lives (if we let it)."—Yosi Amram, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, and an executive coach catering to CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other influential leaders. He has coached over 100 CEOs many of whom have built companies with thousands of employees and revenues in the billions. Previously a founder and CEO of two companies that he has led through successful IPOs. Holding an MBA from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from Sofia University in Clinical Transpersonal Psychology, Yosi is a pioneering researcher in the field of spiritual intelligence whose research received over 1000 academic citations. He is the author of Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: How to Inspire by Being Inspired. Yosi is committed to enabling individuals to unlock their potential through spiritual intelligence, which grows out of a profound connection to the core of one's existence – their spirit, where inspiration and their deepest interconnectedness reside – that enriches their overall functioning, improves their effectiveness as leaders, and enhances their wellbeing as humans.You can learn more about his work at yosiamram.net and/or connect with him on social (LinkedIn or Facebook, he also has a YouTube channel: Awakening Spiritual Intelligence).

"78% of people end the day feeling like they didn't have enough time."Our guest today is author, speaker, and corporate performance expert, Peggy Sullivan who talks to us about time poverty (aka being too busy) and what we can do about it.We discuss:- The dangers of multitasking- Being busy vs productive- The importance of values- How to get off the hamster wheel- Peggy's 3-Step Busy-Busting Process for taking micro action to change your habitsWant less stress, more spaciousness, and "more good stuff in your life"?! Join us for a conversation about our most important asset: time.—Peggy Sullivan is an author, keynote speaker, and corporate performance expert dedicated to eradicating Time Poverty (not having time for what is most important). Her research, as presented in her proprietary 2023 Busy Report, reveals that 78% of people are over the top busy and that over-packed schedules lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and unhappiness. As a busyness addict in recovery, Peggy has found that there is a huge price tag that comes with busyness. Her book, "Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More by Doing Less," provides actionable strategies and introduces her 3-Step Busy-Busting Method. This process helps people achieve peak performance, self-care, and happiness without compromising one for the other. Recognized by Forbes, FOX, CBS, and NBC, Peggy's data-driven strategies have helped individuals from global organizations like Bank of America, Google, Merrill Lynch, and BlueCross BlueShield break the cycle of busyness. Peggy, also the founder of the nonprofit organization "SheCAN!", delivers her powerful message through speaking engagements and corporate consultations. She covers various topics, from breaking through the busyness trap to personal happiness as your superpower. Her mission is to help you take back control of your life and find the sweet spot between productivity and happiness.To learn more about Peggy and her work visit peggysullivanspeaker.com or connect with her on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/peggyasullivan/), Facebook, or Instagram (@peggysullivanspeaker).

Have you ever noticed that sometimes the lessons we learn don't come from where we think they're going to? Or that it is often the things we'd least like to repeat that shape and mold us the most?In this episode, I talk to CEO, author and bass player, Gerald Leonard about performance in business, what he learned from a personal health crisis, and how music (jazz in particular) can inform our leadership.We get into:- The effects of physical constraints on work/life- Managing stress and what HeartMath is- 3 basics from learning to play music that apply to life/business- How small/agile teams are like a jazz quartetThis is a fascinating conversation that meanders all over the place and will leave you with more than a few takeaways. Listen in.—Gerald J. Leonard PMP, PfMP, and C-IQ Coach is the Publishing Editor, CEO, and Founder of the Leonard Productivity Intelligence Institute (which offers a unique approach to accomplishing more every day), as well as the CEO of Turnberry Premiere, a strategic project portfolio management and IT governance firm based in Washington, DC. Gerald is also an Author, TEDx Speaker, management guru, and, importantly, a Bass player. He brings all these traits and skills into his work, presentations, and interviews.To learn more about Gerald and his work, and to grab some freebies, head to https://geraldjleonard.com/crisis/Or connect with him on LinkedIn or Facebook (@geraldjleonard).

Have you ever noticed that what you say can make all the difference in the type of information you receive, how people respond to you/what you share, and the overall trajectory of a situation?In this episode, I talk to the CEO and President of Let's Grow Leaders, Karin Hurt and David Dye about dealing with workplace conflict, communication in conflict, and the greatest-of-all-time power phrases you can rely on to achieve your desired outcomes.You'll also learn about The 4 Dimensions of Healthy Conflict – since not all conflict is destructive. When handled correctly, it can be an incredible catalyst for engagement, creativity, and innovation.Let's dive in!-----Karin Hurt and David Dye help human-centered leaders find clarity in uncertainty, drive innovation, and achieve breakthrough results. As CEO and President of Let's Grow Leaders, they are known for practical tools and leadership development programs that stick. Karin and David's many books include Courageous Cultures: How to Build Teams of Micro-Innovators, Problem Solvers, and Customer Advocates, and a new book coming out in May 2024, Powerful Phrases for Dealing With Workplace Conflict: What to Say Next to Destress the Workday, Build Collaboration and Calm Difficult Customers. A former Verizon Wireless executive, Karin was named to Inc. Magazine's list of great leadership speakers. David Dye is a former executive and elected official. Karin and David are committed to their philanthropic initiative, Winning Wells – building clean water wells for the people of Cambodia.Learn more about their work and pre-order the book at letsgrowleaders.com.

Welcome to a 2023 Year in Review! In this episode, we flip the script and Céline is the featured guest (interviewed by her podcast manager, Erin).Get a behind-the-scenes look at:- Céline's biggest takeaways from the year- Our favorite guests and conversations- What's changed (or hasn't) in the leadership space- Some topics and themes that are top of mind going into 2024- Céline's secret BFF and dream guest listAs Leading Through Crisis heads into its fourth year and approaches its 100th episode, the thing we most want to convey is a big, juicy THANK YOU. Thank you for listening and engaging this last year. It is so cool to hear about what matters to different people in different ways and to highlight the folks that we do. We are so appreciative of your support!*After this episode, we'll take a short break but will be back with more good stuff soon! Don't forget to subscribe to the show (wherever you consume your podcast content), sign up for the newsletter (at leadingthroughcrisis.ca, scroll to the bottom), and keep suggesting guests, listening, and sharing with your friends. Here's to another year of GREAT conversations!

In this week's episode, we're talking to Entrepreneur, Investor & CEO Andrew Swiler about his experience taking over a Ukranian company 3 months after the war started. We get into the types of things they were dealing with and how they led through it, as well as what they learned.The company, Lanteria, is a Human Resources Management System (HRMS) software so we also discuss what that is, what it can do, the opportunities that exist in that space right now, and why it matters.“One of the unique things about HR software is that it's one of the only pieces of software (besides email) that everyone in the company will touch at some point… HRMS is a tool. But, if it's set up well, it could be a step towards making your company the most high-performing.”This is a conversation about compassionate, growth-focused leadership, human resources/management, and retention. And, it really highlights leading through a crisis, like war, that affects everyone. I hope you'll join us for this one.—Andrew Swiler has been an entrepreneur for 10 years. Working across several software verticals. Andrew is a strategic entrepreneur and investor. He is currently the CEO of Lanteria, a leading HR software for Microsoft users headquartered in Seattle, WA.To learn more about Lanteria visit https://www.lanteria.com/. To connect with Andrew, seek him out on Twitter (https://twitter.com/swilera) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/swiler/).

In this week's episode, we're talking to coach, consultant, and founder of Grow Better Together, Gen Retzlaff about the need for more balanced leadership in the world – and how the traits often missing are those perceived as more feminine.This is, in some ways, a conversation about binaries and the spectrum that exists between two extremes, but it's also about being more aware of what you don't have or aren't operating in that could make you a better leader (or your team a better team, your organization a better organization, etc.). Finally, it's about what folks can do to explore how they can step more fully into leadership if they've been shying away from it and what those currently in power can do to help cultivate diversity and be more collaborative. It would be wonderful if some of these more slow-burn issues and crises would solve themselves. But, since they won't, it's on us to take action and be part of the solution.I hope you'll listen and that this conversation ignites or inspires something in you. —Geneviève Retzlaff, or Gen as she's widely known, stands as the driving force behind Grow Better Together. With a mission centered on organizational transformation and the reduction of employee turnover, Gen leverages her 15 years of HR experience and holds certification as a transformational and team performance coach (PCC & CTPC).Gen's sole passion is to introduce people to the profound impact of coaching, helping them enhance their influence on the world. She's particularly drawn to empowering women to overcome the prevalent underrepresentation in corporate boardrooms and the imposter syndrome struggles they face.Having witnessed these challenges firsthand, Gen excels at identifying and eliminating limiting beliefs. She specializes in guiding women to step into leadership roles, serving as inspiring role models for emerging professionals. At Grow Better Together, Gen is at the forefront of creating organizational change while addressing the issue of employee turnover, fostering a future where women in leadership roles are more commonplace.To learn more about Gen and her work, visit grow-better-together.com, connect with her on Pick My Brain (https://www.pickmybrain.world/profiles/genevieve-retzlaff), or LinkedIn.

In this episode, we're talking about (and to) front-line managers with leadership development expert, Summer Davies. Middle management is essential to our organizations because they know our clients, customers, products, and brands better than anyone. They see crisis, change, or potential risks first – and are often the ones who have the most important and creative solutions.In this conversation, we discuss a couple of their biggest hindrances (the ability to prioritize well, while communicating upward and downward, as well as micromanaging).We explore how to check in and know whether you're doing either, as well as some practical solutions to address both, change the environment, and get the best results from your team.I hope you'll join us! And, if you know a front-line manager, give them some work-appropriate love – they need it.*If you are one, thank you for ALL that you do. We see and appreciate you!-----Summer Davies is an award-winning leadership development expert with over 15 years of experience. She helps burgeoning leaders develop the mindset and tactical skills to lead with impact, confidence, empowerment, and a genuine love for what they do. As a lifelong equestrian, beekeeper, and sub-par snowboarder, Summer brings a unique perspective and sense of urgency to Leadership Development conversations. Based in Parker, Colorado, she lives with her husband and two beautiful daughters, and together they love to travel, explore local breweries, and indulge in their passion for food trucks. Tune in to hear her inspiring journey from unexpected leadership to a passion-driven career in coaching and empowering others to become the leaders they aspire to be.Check Summer out at www.leader-shop.com or follow her on LinkedIn for more!FREE Micromanager Assessmenthttps://www.leader-shop.com/home#micromanagerassessment

Dr. Bev Kaye is recognized, internationally, as one of the most knowledgeable and practical professionals in the areas of career development and employee engagement/retention. She has won five lifetime achievement awards for her work and, today, we have the pleasure of talking to her about:- Talent mobility- The importance of unpacking and anchoring experiences- Acknowledging and learning from mistakes- How to facilitate safety and growth, as a leader- Why external validation can be lackingAs Bev shares and T.S. Eliot said, "The sad thing is to have the experience and miss the meaning." Slow down and listen to this episode. You won't be sorry!---Dr. Beverly Kaye is recognized internationally as one of the most knowledgeable and practical professionals in the areas of career development and employee engagement/retention. Her contribution to the field of engagement and retention includes the Wall Street Journal bestseller, Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em: Getting Good People to Stay, which is now in its 6th edition. Her recent books in the career development field include Up is Not the Only Way and Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go, which provided overwhelmed managers with a way to blend career conversations into their everyday routines. In 2018, ATD honored Beverly Kaye with their Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing "her advanced knowledge and extensive practice across the talent development field." In 2018, ISA awarded Dr. Kaye their Thought Leadership Award for her body of work in the support of work-related learning and performance. In 2019, IMS awarded Dr. Beverly Kaye its Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the field of career development and employee engagement. In 2019, the Best Practice Institute awarded Beverly Kaye with the Lifetime Achievement Award based on her significant contributions as a founder of the field of career development. In 2022, i4CP awarded Beverly Kaye their 2022 Industry Legend Award in appreciation of her outstanding contributions and commitment to the field of human resources and leadership.To learn more about Bev and her work visit bevkaye.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.

In this episode, licensed clinical psychologist, emotional intelligence skills training expert, and bestselling author of The Holy Shit Series, Dr. J.J. Kelly (aka The Punk Rock Doc), talks to us about how to process anger, release emotions, and cut the bullshit to increase our emotional intelligence. Join us as we get into:- The misunderstanding and avoidance of anger in our society- Why anger is necessary and how to manage it well- Dismantling systems that don't serve us- The best time to go into conflict- A simple formula for assertivenessand so much moreConversations with J.J. tend to leave a lasting impression and this one certainly does that -- it's the butt-kicking we didn't know we all needed!Here's why it's particularly important for leaders:"To be exposed to someone who doesn't crumble in the face of rage or anger is such a comforting redirect for people. They learn not everybody's gonna die if you're mad at them." Then, you can model for them how to act right and build their own emotional intelligence. Listen in and see what this episode triggers for you. ---Dr. J.J. Kelly, The Punk Rock Doc, is a licensed clinical psychologist, emotional intelligence skills training expert, and bestselling author of The Holy Shit Series. J.J. is also the CEO & Founder of UnorthoDocs, Inc., a punk alternative to traditional psychotherapy. Dr. Kelly and the unortho “docs” live their lives with the belief that global healing is achieved by teaching people the skills to like themselves. “Happy People Act Right!” - Dr. J.J. Kelly, The Punk Rock DocYou can learn more about or connect with J.J. on her website at https://www.drjjkelly.com/ or on Instagram @drjjkelly.

In this episode, we are joined by Chief Navigation Officer™, Laurel Rutledge who talks to us about two of the biggest challenges in business today – figuring out what to do with AI and creating a healthy, sustainable workplace culture (HR folks and managers, this one's for you… what she says might surprise you, it's likely not what you think).Join us as we get into:- What you really need to know and be mindful of when it comes to AI- How we regulate the bad and exploit the good (embracing the tool as opposed to being fearful of it)- The current problem with HR/management and how we swing the pendulum back- How to have hard conversations and why it's not unkind to be clear- Plus, so much moreThis conversation, as my favorite ones do, will leave you with lots to think about and, hopefully, implement (to your benefit).—Laurel K. Rutledge, your Chief Navigation Officer™, guides 7-figure female business owners in their move from Founder to CEO. Her corporate experience in accounting, consulting, enterprise risk management, and HR enable her to support these incredible, successful business owners as they continue to lead with their heart but learn to act with their head. Laurel helps her clients navigate rejecting “big C” corporate bureaucracy while harnessing the power of “little c” corporate processes through clear business strategies supported by aligned people strategies. When not working with clients, Laurel hosts a radio show and two podcasts focusing on heart-led, mind-driven, aligned leadership. You can learn more about her and her work at https://laurelrutledge.com/ and connect with her on the following social networks:LinkedIn (@laurel-k-rutledge/)Instagram (@laurel.k.rutledge)Facebook and YouTube (@therutledgeperspective)

"We can't give to [or lead] others when we don't even have our own self taken care of."In this episode of Leading Through Crisis, we're talking about self-aware leadership with certified life coach, the creator of AuthenticMe® and CEO of Live Joy Your Way, Kamini Wood.We've talked about this on the show before... the strongest leaders are the ones with high emotional intelligence who, as a result, propel their teams at a much greater rate than the ones who have a more old-school, top-down mentality and approach.But, Kamini brings a really big piece of that self-awareness/emotional intelligence puzzle into the conversation today – three of them actually: core values, core beliefs, and core needs.Listen in for a fantastic description and examples of each, how we can shift old stories or limiting beliefs, and what self-compassion and self-care (the real kind) can do for us. —Kamini Wood, a certified life coach, helps high-achievers heal their relationships with themselves. She helps people take courageous steps in identifying limiting beliefs, reasons for stagnation and overcoming self-doubt in order to live a full professional and personal life.She is the creator of AuthenticMe® and CEO of Live Joy Your Way - a coaching company helping high performers and overachievers who have seen success through old-rooted, traditional metrics, reestablish their relational self-awareness. Trained in internal family systems and cognitive behavioral-based coaching, she can help her clients navigate past traumas and toxic relationships and truly live in self-acceptance, self-confidence, and self-leadership. Kamini is a best-selling author; holding certifications in various modalities including life, wellness, high-performance coaching, teen life, conscious uncoupling, calling in the one, new money story, breath work, meditation and diversity, equity inclusion, and belonging. She is also trained in conscious parenting and coaching for children.You can learn more about Kamini and grab her free 8-step guide to overcoming limiting beliefs at https://www.kaminiwood.com. You can also find her on LinkedIn (@KaminiWood), Instagram and Facebook (@itsauthenticme).

“Conflicts are based on values, history, culture... We all bring our little suitcases of baggage wherever we go. And, often, we can't entirely resolve a conflict but we can manage to the win-win.”In this episode of the podcast, we are talking to bestselling author and leadership consultant, Diana Peterson-More about effectively managing conflict in the workplace and communicating with your team (in a way they'll receive and understand).These are two of the most important skills a leader can have and, coincidentally, can be the hardest to retain and implement.Join us for some great examples, a discussion about how social media has changed things, the difference between managing conflict and resolving it, what most adults' greatest fear actually is – and so much more!“The golden rule of communication is “I will communicate with you the way I want to be communicated with. Whereas, it should be the other way around… I will communicate with you the way you want to be communicated with. As a leader, this is critical.”—Bestselling author, Diana Peterson-More, a former practicing employment lawyer & HR head, left a Fortune 50 to launch The Organizational Effectiveness Group. Her company focuses on people strategies & organizational systems to support strategic workplace goals. Services and products include custom-designed training, team and individual coaching and strategic planning. She also conducts investigations and serves as an expert witness. Peterson-More is a blogger, guest columnist, and a conference presenter. She has been featured in CEO Magazine, ATD, TICE and HR.com online and print editions, and on leadership podcasts. Her first book, Consequential Communication in Turbulent Times: a Practical Guide to Leadership, will soon be joined by her second book: Courageous Communication – A Return to Civility: “Can't We All Just Get Along?” Peterson-More received a BA, from UCLA & JD, from Loyola Law School. Learn more at www.dianapetersonmore.com. You can also find her on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.

“In leadership situations and, especially, in crisis, you can either be a Chicken Little or a MacGyver.” Will you run around yelling, “The sky is falling!”? Or, will you stop and ask yourself, “What do we have around us that we can make work?”This is what sets a great leader apart and what is possible with a basic system in place – one that works, again and again, to turn a potential crisis into a non-crisis.In this episode of the podcast, we're talking to business leadership coach, strategist, and bestselling author, Sarah Olivieri about recognizing emotions, leadership systems, and leveraging change.She shares some great practical examples, as well as some helpful resources and tools.We talk about:- The importance of reading the room and checking in with emotions- How the brain works and what we need to understand to make good/effective decisions- The basic types of leadership systems (and what each is best used for)- How to look for (or create) and leverage change moments- The one thing that can bring so much peace and joy to your life as a leader/human—Sarah Olivieri is a business leadership coach and strategist with a passion for helping organizations thrive, and a #1 international bestselling author.  Sarah has a fundamentally different way of looking at things; an ability to see a kernel of opportunity, to flip a problem on its head, to understand which levers to pull for success – and she's poured her strategic brilliance into the heart of The Impact Method™️, a leadership and operating system, that helps businesses get out of the weeds, rapidly pivot away from the ineffective, and create a coordinated, systemized way to develop and execute strategy effectively.To learn more about Sarah and her work, visit pivotground.com. You can also find her on all the socials (by searching Sarah Olivieri or PivotGround).

“We have to learn how to be patient in the unknown right now.” In this episode, we are talking to the founder and CEO of Vivo Team, Renée Safrata about change resilience, as well as how to be patient and enjoy the unknown. “Right now, every day, change is a constant.” And, as leaders, we need to be aware that our employees and team members are going through the same thing. So, how can we steady the internal and external ship with the unknown being huge? That's what leading through crisis is about.Some takeaways and specific learnings from this episode:- Why saying “yes” is important- The difference between big yeses and small yeses- Why having built-in time for reflection and learning is key- Balancing short and long-term planning/goals- Why you don't have to (and shouldn't) do it alone- The benefits of implementing a decision treeI love Renée's brain and how she thinks about things. To understand why, and to build your competency for change resilience, you've got to listen!—Over the past 30+ years, Renée has worked with thousands of companies and executives throughout North America and Europe, helping them to connect, adopt new behaviors, and become confident members of highly functioning teams. Human connection and talent development are at the core of everything Renée touches. From one-on-one and team training to speaking engagements, she clearly demonstrates how this philosophy of connection is what ultimately drives productivity and directly contributes to company results. After a successful career in interior design, Renée shifted to consulting where she helped CEOs, executive management, and entrepreneurs build focused and results-oriented teams. Recognizing the ongoing shift and future demand for digital workplace learning, she began researching and analyzing the market to develop the business plan for building out Vivo Team's analytics and methodology. She now has over 10 years of experience leading a remote team and creating and delivering educating, entertaining, and unique virtual learning experiences.To learn more or to connect with Renée visit vivoteam.com or search Vivo Team Development on all social platforms.

“Our silence isn't just about us. It's about the environmental and cultural norms that we collectively build… What are we missing out on that we don't even realize?”Elaine Lin Hering is Managing Partner of Triad Consulting Group, a Lecturer at Harvard Law School, and author of the forthcoming book, Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully.In today's episode, we discuss:- Pushing the bounds of what good leadership looks like- The false dichotomy of a zero-sum mindset- Subversive patterns and how we've all learned to stay silent- Leadership impact - How (and why) to break free/actually use our voices“If we have one life to live, let's live it well – as determined by our own internal metric of what that means.”—Elaine Lin Hering is Managing Partner of Triad Consulting Group and a Lecturer at Harvard Law School. She works with leaders to diagnose challenges and build capacity in negotiation, influence, and conflict management skills. She has worked on six continents and facilitated executive education at Harvard, Dartmouth, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. She coaches women and minoritized individuals navigating executive leadership in majority white spaces. She is the author of the forthcoming book, Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully  (available for pre-order now).To learn more or to connect with Elaine visit elainelinhering.com. You can also find her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

"I think most people in business would say, 'Yes, culture matters and I don't know what to do about that.' It's this big, amorphous thing, that we have no idea how to practically influence."Today's guest, entrepreneur and founder of skillsetter.com, Stephan Wiedner talks to us about creating psychological safety at work, as well as making the intangible tangible so companies can measure the impact of their L&D training and spending.In this episode, we cover:- How folks in helper professions and leaders/execs are similar- What psychological safety is and how to create more of it- Why "soft skills" is a misnomer- The one thing most leaders really struggle with (and a 3-step strategy to help)Plus, so much more. We covered a lot of ground in this one! Join us for an interesting discussion and some tangible advice on how you can get better at _____. This conversation is fully customizable to you and your needs in this area.---Stephan Wiedner is an entrepreneur whose mission is to abolish apathy in the workplace. He firmly believes that for great work to take place, everyone needs to have the courage to speak up and the confidence to know they'll be heard. His passion for unleashing the collective potential of people has led him to cofound Noomii.com, the web's largest network of independent life coaches and Skillsetter.com, a platform similar to a flight simulator for interpersonal skills. As someone who is immersed in the world of amorphous concepts such as culture, human performance, and soft skills, he is obsessed with making the intangible tangible so companies can measure the impact of their L&D spending. Stephan has been a guest speaker for Truth, Lies, and Workplace Culture Podcast, Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast, Building Psychological Strength Podcast, and many other audiences interested in psychology, business, and technology. His writing has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and other popular publications. In addition to his professional career work, Stephan serves as a volunteer firefighter in his local community. Stephan is married with two children and enjoys spending quality time in the outdoors, hiking, biking, camping, and reading.Learn more at skillsetter.com and/or connect with Stephan on LinkedIn (@swiedner).

“You need to be able to say, ‘Okay, I acknowledge that we all have biases. 'We' includes me. I have bias.'” Then, you can start to identify and address them.What are we uncomfortable doing?How do we improve our knowledge and behavior in those situations (to get ourselves more comfortable)? This is what we dive into, in today's episode, with workplace culture consultant, keynote speaker, author, facilitator of learning and Executive Advisor on Diversity Strategies, Stacey Gordon.Stacey says, “The crisis we need to be able to lead through is our own – because there is a crisis of leadership right now. If we don't know what it's going to take to remain a great leader in our organization, we have a problem.” We are currently at a tipping point, where more people in the workplace think we should be doing something than not. But, we're struggling to do it because: - We're so socialized not to- We don't have the education, support, or resources- We're not sure how to bridge the gap between learning/knowing and doing- We're scared of making mistakesWe explore them all, as well as how to overcome them, in this conversation. Join us. It's important.—Stacey Gordon is a workplace culture consultant, keynote speaker, author, facilitator of learning and Executive Advisor on Diversity Strategies. As the founder of Rework Work, it is her goal to change the way employers interact with employees. She expects leaders to lead and works to help employees belong. She has worked with people managers and executive leaders from companies such as American Express, ADP, Kia Motors, Hewlett Packard, GE, The Obama Foundation and many others to deliver education, coaching and consulting that supports organizational change and leadership development in furtherance of creating inclusive workplace cultures. As a globally recognized keynote speaker, leadership consultant and DEI strategist, Stacey has provided subject matter expertise to Harvard Business Review, SHRM, Fast Company, Skillsoft, Forbes, NPR and BBC Radio. Stacey's book, UNBIAS: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work debuted at #1 on Amazon's Hot New Release list while her unconscious bias course on the LinkedIn learning platform was the #1 most watched course of 2021 and has been translated into several languages. Her audience includes more than 2 million unique learners and Stacey has been recognized as a passionate supporter of DEI by Forbes, Pepperdine University and LinkedIn. She earned her MBA from Pepperdine University Business School and her SHRM-SCP certification, as well as the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture Credential. To learn more visit learn.reworkwork.com. You can also find her on LinkedIn (Stacey A. Gordon), Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (ReworkWork).

For leaders, it's easy to become wholly self-reliant and go into take-charge/problem-solving mode right off the bat.But, today's guest, Leadership Development Coach & Corporate Trainer, Steffan Surdek likes to pose the question, “How much easier would your life be if people around you took more ownership?”In this episode, we discuss:* Co-creative leadership (and what that means)* The 5 skills a co-creative leader has* How to make tiny tweaks (for BIG impact)* Why “allowing mistakes and failures” can be problematic (and what to do instead)The end goal of co-creative leadership is to create a workplace where people can be more engaged and take more ownership – and that's a win for everyone! —Steffan Surdek has always been driven to expand the notion of leadership to include each member of the team. He is a much-in-demand Leadership Development Coach and Corporate Trainer based in Montreal.Steffan is often asked to speak at global conferences about the power of co-creative leadership and leveraging the power of teams. His passionate and dynamic storytelling style engages audiences and makes the learning stick.Steffan is the co-author of “A Practical Guide to Distributed Scrum,” as well as “Experts and Influencers: Leadership Edition”. His upcoming book called, “The Way of the Co-Creative Leader” will be available in the summer of 2023.Steffan has published content on many major websites such as forbes.com, cutter.com, and wellness.com, among others, as well as on his leadership blog at surdek.com.You can learn more about his work and connect with him there (at surdek.com), on LinkedIn, and/or Twitter.

“Modern-day leaders are facing a challenge we didn't see in decades past, which is that we no longer have C-suites who spend 5+ years at a particular company.” Because tenure is short, they are under immense pressure to make an impact, make a name for themselves, and leave the company in as good (if not better condition) as when they started. It's the perfect storm that can – and often does – lead to being reactive and projecting a message/creating a culture that doesn't align with their intention or feelings.In this episode, we explore:A leader's dutyWhy sustainability can be hard to execute onWhat we can learn from hospitals and the militaryWhich aspects of purpose change the gameA powerful challenge, that applies to everyone I had a great time speaking with Claire and she will definitely return to the show. But, in the meantime, I hope you'll listen to this episode and grab a few tips that will help you create purpose and sustainable growth, for yourself and/or your company.—President and Founder of Talent Boost, Claire Chandler specializes in aligning HR and business leaders so they can deliver strategic outcomes... both today and in the future. She taps into 25+ years of experience in people leadership, human resources, and business ownership to help leadership teams work together more effectively in less time, with less cultural resistance, so they can accelerate their business growth.She has broad-based expertise in management team due diligence, organizational design, acquisition integration and onboarding strategic planning, executive coaching, and performance acceleration. Claire gets results because she's insanely easy to work with, cuts through the corporate clutter, and has a simple, proven approach for assessing and accelerating organizations' growth readiness. Claire holds a certificate in strategic HR leadership from Cornell's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, a master's degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and a bachelor's degree from Fairfield University. She has appeared as a guest on over 100 podcasts and is the author of several books on leadership and business strategy. You can learn more about her work at https://www.clairechandler.net/, on LinkedIn @clairechandlersphr, on Twitter @claire_talent, and on Facebook @talentboostllc. 

Eva Jannotta and the Medusa Media Group are on a mission to achieve gender parity in cultural, economic and social authority by amplifying the voices of women and other historically underestimated identities.Eva maintains that "there's a lot of opportunity to do good things and to be a really effective and loving leader, even when something 'bad' is happening that you have to address."In this conversation, we talk about the idea of permacrisis (Collins' 2022 Word of the Year), some examples of resonant leadership, magnetic thought leadership, and a powerful mindset tip.I hope you find this one as fun and thoughtful as I did. And, that it leaves you with more to consider and explore.-----Resources mentioned...Permacrisishttps://theconversation.com/permacrisis-what-it-means-and-why-its-word-of-the-year-for-2022-194306Charlene Li's thought leadership on transformation being constant: Are You Prepared for What's After Digital Transformation?https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-prepared-whats-after-digital-transformation-charlene-li/Eva's thought leadership on vulnerability: Is “vulnerability” your permission slip? https://mailchi.mp/16ffd825c4d3/medusa-media-11820380Can you be TOO Authentic in your Marketing and Thought Leadership?https://medusamediagroup.com/marketing/can-you-be-too-authentic-in-your-marketing-and-thought-leadership/CEO Patrick Collison's email to Stripe employeeshttps://stripe.com/newsroom/news/ceo-patrick-collisons-email-to-stripe-employees-----Eva Jannotta (she/her) is on a mission to see women leaders and culture shapers take more than half of the seats as bestselling authors, top-rated podcast hosts, and highest-paid speakers. Eva and the Medusa Media Group team train and advise authors, speakers, coaches and consultants to build authority and influence by publishing their best thought leadership. Eva lives on O'odham Jeweḍ, Akimel O'odham, and Hohokam ancestral land in Phoenix, AZ.

In this episode, I look back on some of our stand-out guests, talk about who will be returning, and get into some of my episode highlights.I also share (for the first time publicly) that I was named one of the Top 20 Executive Coaches of 2022 by Coach Foundation.And, we get into some behind-the-scenes -- including why this episode has no video. #RealLife 64 episodes in, heading into year 3... I am grateful for this outlet and hope you still find it interesting and entertaining. There are so many people doing brilliant work in the world and it is such a privilege to spend time with some of them, as guests on the show.Finally, THANK YOU for being here!If there are topics you would love to hear about or guests who would be a perfect fit, please don't hesitate to let us know over at leadingthroughcrisis.ca.Here's to 2023! *After a short break, we will see and chat with you again soon. Until then, take care.

Today's guests are Executive Coaches, Dale Allen & Trevor Stevenson, whose passion lies in helping others understand and practice conscious leadership.Dale says, “People will experience crisis, multiple times in a day, and sometimes it's because of me, unintentionally... Our hope is that, by having conversations like these, more people would value doing this particular work, understanding that it's not just, 'I have this title and I'm an expert in X.' But, also, 'I have a social contract with everyone that I meet and lead. AND, I honor that contract, intentionally.'"In this episode, we also talk about: - Practicing awareness- Shifting or reframing the narrative- The definition of neuroplasticity- What responsible leadership looks like- Empathy at work- Preventing or reducing harmand more!I hope you'll join us for a truly fascinating and very important conversation on what it means to be a conscious leader and to care for yourself and your people well.-----Dale Allen and Trevor Stevenson are the Founders of and Executive Coaches at Conscious Lead Life (www.consciouslead.life).Dale is most passionate about working with inspiring and seriously committed leaders who want to prevent toxic conversations, relationships, workplaces, communities, and homes. She has a Master's Degree in Human Kinetics with specializations in Gerontology and Adapted Kinesiology from Lakehead University. She is certified as an Executive Coach, Process Facilitator, and in the Bar-On Method of Emotional Intelligence Testing. She is also a Yoga Instructor/Fitness and Health Coach who loves nourishing food, reggae music and sweet ocean vibes -- there's, honestly, nothing that brings her more joy than a spontaneous dance party, so don't even try to fight it! With a sense of adventure as his guide, Trevor brings 100% of his energy to being in the moment. His unconventional background in long-term world travel, live music, sports, and even farming adds up to his deep respect for people's experiences. In his coaching, Trevor makes deep and transformational change fun. His clients might do hard emotional and mental work, but there will never be a session without a laugh. His unique campfire-coach approach to leadership helps his clients reflect in a safe environment and encourages solutions. Trevor shares, from great depth, everything he's learned and is practicing.You can find them on all social platforms by searching, Conscious Lead Life.

In this episode of the podcast, Workforce Wellness and Culture Alignment Specialist, John Robertson, talks to us about facing crisis or change head-on. He provides a lot of great visuals around leading through crisis or change and makes some interesting observations about today's workplace and workforce.We get into:- The Hot Water/Tea Bag Effect- Having a Values-Anchored Culture- The Difference Between Like and Trust- Why Passion is Important- What “Run Toward the Roar” Means- Why the Covid Crisis Isn't Over (and What to Do About It)“We're not ‘going back to normal,'” John says. “We have to define it.”Leaders are in a golden position to help themselves and their people thrive right now. This conversation is a great reframe/place to start. I hope you'll join us in ‘running toward the roar'.-----Inspired and driven by his values, John acts as a facilitator for his clients as they test, discover, and expand what they can do. He uses concrete, verifiable processes to help them achieve demonstrable, solution-focused results. Remaining faithful to his passions and values, John invests himself in his vocation without reservation and provides spirit-filled, insightful guidance that his clients use to amplify their lives and businesses. John truly provides “leadership that people can follow through storms.”As a workforce wellness and culture alignment specialist, John works with progressive [forward-thinking] leadership to transform their traditional crisis response to:- Creating a culture where people want to work- Developing the leadership people trust, and want to follow- Preparing people to know how to thrive, not just be resilientThis is done through his values-anchored Run Toward the Roar ethos – because business works when people thrive!John's education and certifications include Certified Coach, MHCC's The Working Mind, Advisor in National Standard for Psychological H&S in the Workplace, Grief Resolution Specialist, Trauma Treatment Specialist, numerous psychometric tools & assessments, and a Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Queen's University.You can learn more at https://runtowardtheroar.online/ and http://fortlog.co/revisionary/.

Teresa Vozza is a certified Executive Coach and Leadership Expert, as well as a passionate advocate for eradicating burnout in the executive ranks. Her goal is to help people (especially women) achieve greatness without the grind.According to statistics, 60% of women are burnt out. And, they are burning out at a much faster pace than men.In this conversation, we talk about:- Social conditioning and how that plays into how women show up at work- Recognizing patterns that are harming us- Warning signs to catch early on/before it's too late- Replacing behaviors (or what to do instead)- How to understand and protect yourself“I confused my high sense of urgency, hustle, and responsiveness as almost my superpowers. I thought that those things were going to get me ahead and I had proof they did – because I continued to receive promotions. That was the way I was going to lead and continue to enjoy success… But, it led to me experiencing major anxiety and ending up on a stretcher, headed to the ER, with a diagnosis of severe burnout. At the time, I had no idea what I was going through. I didn't know what to look for. I just knew how to push and to work.”Whether you identify as a woman or work with women, this conversation is an important one. I hope you'll join us!-----Teresa Vozza is a leadership expert, certified executive coach, and former Human Resources Executive with over 20 years of corporate experience, most recently at Allianz Partners as CHRO. She is highly skilled in leading change, building executive teams, communication strategy, and increasing employee engagement and wellbeing through facilitating heart-centred leadership conversations.She is a passionate advocate for eradicating burnout in the executive ranks. As a consultant and coach, she has worked both one-on-one and in group format withsenior teams and professionals from Manager to CEO. She is a seasoned facilitator, strategist, and speaker.In addition to her work with established leaders, Teresa trains seasoned professionals in the advanced skills of negotiation, crucial conversations, and becoming promotion-ready. In her corporate career, she has led hundreds of participants through leadership courses and workshops. She is a regular contributor on Breakfast Television and several podcasts, such as Power Presence Position, Wickedly Smart Women, and Entrepreneurs On Fire.Teresa is described as bold yet heart centred. Pragmatic yet visionary. Direct yet approachable. Challenging yet responsive. Reflective yet results oriented.Teresa is a graduate of McMaster University, the Canada Coach Academy, and accredited with the International Coaching Federation as well as The Accredited Board of Neurolinguistic Programming (ABNLP).She is a wife to Greg, and mother to two fabulous kids, Connor, and Isabel.LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-vozza-chrl-cca/Website: https://teresavozza.ca/Email: teresa@teresavozza.ca

Dr. Kelly, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Emotional Intelligence Trainer, and Bestselling Author of The Holy Shit Series, asserts that when we can say, “Hey, I like myself – flaws and all” that is true, authentic leadership. And, we don't have a lot of examples of that in the world.In this episode, we also discuss:- Affection outside of romantic and familial relationships- What to do with thoughts and feelings that "aren't allowed"- What defensiveness is and how it hurts us- Why it's important to be challenged and rethink our beliefs- How shame and fear (often) rule our lives+ more!“We respect people who rethink because it's growth in action and yet, as individuals, we struggle to do it.” J.J. is awesome and so entertaining. I hope you'll join us for this episode!-----Dr. J.J. Kelly, The Punk Rock Doc, is a licensed clinical psychologist, emotional intelligence skills training expert, and bestselling author of The Holy Shit Series. J.J. is also the CEO & Founder of UnorthoDocs, Inc., a punk alternative to traditional psychotherapy. Dr. Kelly and the unortho “docs” live their lives with the belief that global healing is achieved by teaching people the skills to like themselves. To learn more about J.J. and her work, visit drjjkelly.com or follow her on Instagram (@drjjkelly).

Over the past 30+ years, Renée Safrata has worked with thousands of companies and executives throughout North America and Europe, helping them to connect, adopt new behaviors, and become confident members of highly functioning teams. This episode is chock-full of pertinent questions, tools, and strategies. Listen in for:- clarity-giving and confidence- building questions- 6 Power Tools to add to your belt- 3 F Words you should be implementing- access to a SWAG Bag (free resources galore)- and some great quotesRenée reminds us that, even (and maybe especially) when leading through crisis, we might as well "enjoy it... learn from it... build our confidence. Why not? We all have just this one life to live."-----As Founder and CEO, Renée Safrata oversees Vivo Team's full-spectrum learning experience and develops leaders and teams through live, online training, coaching, and people analytics. For more about Renée, Vivo Team, and/or to grab your SWAG Bag, visit vivoteam.com.You can also connect with Renée and the Team on all social networks by searching Vivo Team Development.

Founder, CEO, and Author, Robert Jordan has had a ringside seat to leadership success, in real-time, for years. Today, we get into:- Common characteristics of successful leaders- The 4 Winning Leadership Styles- How 90% of leaders are in the wrong role- Discovering your “highest and best use”- Diversity of leadership styles and teamworkI find Robert endlessly fun and hope you'll join us for this conversation! We would love for you to let us know what YOU walk away with.“90% of leaders don't have the ultimate experience they could have in their careers. 90% are in the wrong role, according to Gallup.”“The longer you do something, it should hopefully lead to more security, satisfaction, and happiness.” —Robert Jordan is a Founder and CEO of Interim Execs, as well as Co-Author of the book, Right Leader, Right Time. To learn more about Interim Execs, visit interimexecs.com. To purchase the book or to take the FABS Leadership Assessment, visit rightleader.com. You can also connect with Robert on LinkedIn (@robertjjordan) or Twitter (@Interim_Execs).

Deepa Purushothaman is a former Senior Executive and a Corporate Inclusion Visionary, as well as the author of the best-selling new book, The First, The Few, The Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America.We, of course, talk about leading through crisis but we also get into some common myths surrounding women of color at work; how to be seen, heard, and find your community as a minority; and what co-conspirators can do to help.Deepa says, "this will take years, if not decades to get it right. We are just beginning the conversation. But, finding places to start is the most important." I hope you'll listen and share your takeaways!-----Deepa is a former senior executive and a corporate inclusion visionary. She challenges and redefines the status quo of leadership, success, and power by centering the needs and experiences of Women of Color.Deepa's book, “The First, The Few, The Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America”, was published in March 2022 to international acclaim and can be purchased at all major booksellers.To find out more about Deepa and her work, visit https://www.deepapuru.com/. You can also find her on social by searching, Deepa Puru.

“Don't react because the market is down or we're going into a recession... Figure out what that means FOR YOU.” In today's episode of Leading Through Crisis, I am speaking to award-winning Financial Planner, Jackie Porter about managing finances in a recession.We talk about:- The benefit of logic over emotion- What the words, “recession” and “bear market” actually mean- How to determine what they mean for you, personally- Practical tips on what to do now- Smart investing and doing the “un-sexy” thing with your moneyIf you have been at all concerned about the state of the market – or your finances – lately, this conversation is for you! Jackie is an expert in this area and will calmly talk you off that ledge (with the key steps to take right now).-----An award-winning financial planner, bestselling author, and speaker, Jackie Porter has helped thousands of clients grow their net worth, build a fortress around their finances, and keep more of their cash in their pocket.For an abundance of resources, to connect with Jackie and/or to learn more about her work, visit askjackie.ca. 

Leaders who have done the work of values alignment know who they are and how they show up in the world. It also keeps things clear for the people around them (employees, families, friends, etc.). "Your values leave clues all over your life. Just look backwards. They're on your credit card statement, your calendar... and they don't lie." Doing the work of knowing and living in alignment with your values gives you a foundation that makes hard decisions easier -- even though it doesn't make them easy. It gives you a framework of questions you can run things through that provides confidence and clarity. We talk more about this in the episode.And ultimately, "if you are in a position of leadership," Caryn says, "we want you to be able to sleep at night. We want you to be well-rested. We want you to lead. We don't want you to hold back. You are there for a reason. And, we want the version of you who is in that role to do what you're here to do -- to define what that is and commit to doing it, your way. We need people to take the lead." And, to know what that looks like for them.-----To learn more about Caryn and her work, visit caryngillen.com. You can also find her on all the social channels by searching her name (@caryngillen). LinkedIn is her platform of choice for all things leadership and business-related.

The pace of change is accelerating – things we thought would never happen, we've seen happen in these last few years. It can seem as if we are dealing with one crisis after another, on both the macro and micro levels. And, it is incumbent on us, as leaders, to be prepared for whatever's next.In this episode, Senior Strategist, Consultant, and Author, Lance Mortlock shares with us the questions we should be asking, and how we can be more prepared and more resilient in times of crisis."You have to ask," he says, "what is going on in our world right now? What are the key risks and opportunities that could arise? And, what's our plan?"This episode will, in the best way possible, leave you wondering: How prepared am I/are we for the next crisis event?-----To learn more about Lance and his work, visit lancemortlock.com. You can also find him on LinkedIn by searching his name. His latest book, Disaster Proof: Scenario Planning for a Post-Pandemic Future is available at all major booksellers.

In this conversation, we discuss the complexities that can arise when managing a hybrid environment, as well as some incredibly helpful strategies.Karin shares tips from her new book, Suddenly Hybrid: Managing the Modern Meeting, on how to make hybrid work more effective. She talks about the hardware, software, and skillware that is necessary; some things you should (and should not) do as a leader; the key to success and gaining that competitive advantage in today's modern landscape.“Remember, it's not going to happen on its own,” she says. “You have to be really purposeful in preparing for a hybrid meeting that's going to work.”We have a real opportunity right now to be proactive and develop plans that are good for employers and employees.I hope you'll join us for this important conversation on hybrid work, schooling, and meetings!-----To learn more about Karin and her work, visit speakerdynamics.com. You can also find her on all the social platforms by searching "Speaker Dynamics".

What's been turning up the corners of your mouth these days? And, why?In this conversation, we discuss how gratitude creates a culture of kindness and health.We talk about:- Getting honest with yourself- Where to start, when it comes to a gratitude practice- Why gratitude is a changemaker- How to get to the story behind the feeling- What gratitude is really all about"Gratitude is a universal connector." - Lorraine Widmer-Carson-----To learn more about Lorraine and her work, visit grassrootsgratitude.ca. You can also find her on Instagram @Lorraine_Widmer_Carson.