PWE & ME Podcast

In this final episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I reflect on my journey of producing the show and share my decision to take a pause from podcasting to focus more deeply on trauma-informed leadership. After 90 episodes filled with meaningful conversations with incredible guests, I've come to appreciate the transformative power of trauma-informed leadership in creating resilient, purpose-driven organizations. Throughout this process, I've continually emphasized the importance of self-awareness, self-regulation, and co-regulation—three key elements that I believe every leader should explore to build workplaces that truly tap into human potential while breaking free from outdated patterns. This episode feels bittersweet as I share how my work has impacted others, from leadership circles to academic communities. I've had the privilege of completing a year-long training in trauma-informed coaching and consulting, under the guidance of Thomas Hübl and Amy Elizabeth Fox, which has only deepened my commitment to this vital area of leadership. I'm incredibly grateful to all of the guests who joined me on this journey and to each one of you for tuning in. Though I've decided to take a break from Evolve, this is not goodbye—it's a chance for me to dig deeper into this work and return with even more insight and focus.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Shelly Starks, CEO of Inline Consulting Services and a seasoned business advisor with over 20 years of coaching experience. Together, they explore the profound impact of communication on leadership and dive into the powerful Identity Role Theory that Shelly uses to help her clients unlock new levels of personal and professional growth. Shelly emphasizes the critical importance of effective communication in leadership, highlighting how mindful and intentional communication can break down defensive barriers and raise emotional intelligence. She explains how many leaders operate on autopilot, particularly in communication, and how this can harm both their effectiveness and relationships. Shelly also introduces Identity Role Theory, a framework that helps individuals understand how their core identity is intertwined with the various roles they play in life.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Heather Plett, author of the award-winning book The Art of Holding Space: A Practice of Love, Liberation, and Leadership. Heather shares her deep insights on the powerful practice of holding space, its transformative impact on leadership, and the evolving needs of leaders in today's world. Heather discusses how holding space is a key leadership competency that fosters personal and organizational transformation. From her extensive experience as a facilitator and co-founder of the Centre for Holding Space, Heather explains how leaders can integrate this practice into their work to foster healing, growth, and more authentic leadership approaches.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Tevi Lawson, author of The Proxy Diet: A Practical Guide to Self-Analysis and Healing. Tevi delves into his journey from West Africa to the U.S., his personal challenges, and how these experiences inspired the development of the Proxy Method, a framework designed to bridge the gap between mind, energy, and self. Tevi's powerful insights highlight the importance of emotional and mental health in leadership and offer a unique perspective on how leaders can better align with their authentic selves. Tevi's Proxy Method focuses on energy-level self-analysis, helping individuals trace trauma back to its roots, allowing for deep healing and personal growth. He also shares the story of working with his wife through her traumatic experiences and cancer diagnosis, using the Proxy Method to bring emotional clarity and healing.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Sam Smith, founder and former CEO of financial services group FinCap, now Cavendish Financial. Sam shares her incredible journey as the first female chief executive of a city stockbroking firm and provides deep insights into empathetic leadership, culture, and growth.   Sam's leadership journey is marked by her focus on treating people fairly, which she considers a cornerstone of her business success. She has worked on over 200 transactions, including IPOs and secondary fundraisings, and is now a champion of entrepreneurship and inclusion in the UK, serving as a non-executive director on several boards.  

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by DeDe Halfhill, a distinguished retired Air Force colonel, leadership consultant, and coach. DeDe shares her remarkable journey through 25 years of military service, including her pivotal moments in leadership that shaped her career and personal growth. As a former senior advisor to the Department of Defense and a commander of Air Force bases, DeDe offers profound insights on authentic leadership, vulnerability, and personal transformation. DeDe's extensive military experience has been widely recognized, with Brené Brown describing her as one of her leadership heroes. Throughout the episode, DeDe talks candidly about her struggles and triumphs as a leader, including a transformational moment in Iraq when she realized the power of embracing her authentic self in leadership. This episode is filled with invaluable lessons on leadership, personal growth, and how to navigate the emotional complexities of leading in high-pressure environments.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, we welcome Ginny Baillie, founder of Drum, a leadership development company in the UK. Ginny shares her journey in leadership coaching and development, explaining how her approach has evolved since 2017. Together, we explore the concept of "holding space" and why traditional leadership development programs often fail to deliver long-term results. Ginny provides insight into how leaders can foster deeper connection and trust within their teams by stepping away from prescriptive methods and embracing a more organic, space-holding approach to leadership. Ginny Baillie is a seasoned leadership development coach who founded Drum, a company dedicated to helping leaders and teams build deeper, more authentic connections. Since 2017, Drum has focused on creating open spaces for leaders to collaborate and engage in meaningful, supportive conversations without rigid frameworks. Ginny has worked with organizations worldwide, helping leaders shift from traditional, results-driven models to approaches that prioritize trust, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Merritt Minnemeyer, Founder and CEO of Master of One Coaching.  Merritt shares her unique journey from her background in acting to becoming an international speaker and leadership coach. Together, we explore the critical role of consciousness in leadership, discussing how leaders can elevate their awareness and intentionality to make better choices and lead with purpose. Merritt is on a mission to eradicate executive mediocrity. As is the Founder & CEO of Master of One Coaching she employs extensive leadership experience and her entrepreneurial DNA to help Founders, Leaders, and Creatives exceed expectations, including their own. Having rebuilt her life after widowhood at 35, Merritt believes that conscious leaders are THE #1 solution in creating and sustaining a successful future, and that anything is possible when powerful people do right by themselves, those whom they serve, the planet, and one another.  Merritt's deep understanding of human behavior, drawn from her early life experiences and professional training in theater, informs her approach to leadership. This conversation dives into how leaders can embody conscious leadership, manage their energy, and make intentional choices that align with their values.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Pam Buchanan, the founder of Quantum Sense, to explore the concept of “soul health” and its relevance in the corporate world. Pam has had a remarkable 40-year career in corporate America, working in the financial and tech sectors, including serving as a director at NASDAQ. She was deeply involved in taking major companies like Tesla and Facebook public and had a front-row seat to some of the world's most innovative minds. Now, Pam is applying the lessons she learned in corporate leadership to a new focus: soul health. Pam has developed programs tailored for companies that are proven to enhance employee well-being, reduce anxiety, and boost creativity, ultimately fostering a more satisfying work-life balance. Pam explores how intentionally engaging your senses to make decisions about your environment can be used to benefit the soul from the outside in. Pam introduces us to Quantum Sense, where she is bridging corporate experience with soulful innovation. She talks about how our society has focused heavily on the physical and mental aspects of health, often neglecting the soul. Pam believes that understanding and nurturing our soul is the next frontier in both personal and organizational development.  

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Ajay Malik, a prominent leader in the field of artificial intelligence. Ajay, who has previously held leadership roles at Google, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, and Motorola, now leads Studio X, an enterprise AI platform designed to help businesses integrate AI into their operations. Throughout the conversation, Ajay provides valuable insights into the impact of AI on leadership and organizational performance, emphasizing the importance of embracing AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. Ajay shares his experiences and thoughts on how AI has evolved to become an integral part of our daily lives and work environments. He explains the significance of AI in automating repetitive tasks, improving decision-making processes, and ultimately, transforming the way businesses operate. Ajay also addresses the challenges leaders face in this new AI-driven landscape, including the need to safeguard data privacy and the ethical considerations surrounding AI use.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Lori Seitz. Lori shares her journey and profound insights on integrating meditation and gratitude into workplace wellness strategies. Lori Saitz is the founder and CEO of Zen Rabbit and host of the podcast “Fine is a 4-Letter Word.” As the CEO of a forward-thinking health and wellness company, she is dedicated to guiding corporations toward nurturing healthier, more productive work environments. With a comprehensive background in wellness strategies and employee engagement, her mission is to help businesses implement programs that not only improve the well-being of their teams but also contribute to their bottom line through increased performance and reduced absenteeism. At the time of this writing - Lori is currently living a nomad life while cat-sitting in states across the southeast U.S. You can often find her in her sanctuary, aka the weight room at the gym. She also loves cupcakes, Thai food, and classic rock music.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Bree Fram and Liz Cavallaro, co-authors of the recently published book "Forging Queer Leaders: How the LGBTQIA+ Community Creates Impact from Adversity." Bree and Liz share their profound insights on the unique leadership qualities fostered within the LGBTQIA+ community. Bree Fram is an author, podcaster, keynote speaker, and active duty colonel and astronautical engineer in the United States Space Force. She co-leads the Department of the Air Force LGBTQ+ Initiatives Team, dedicated to eliminating barriers to LGBTQ+ military service in the Air and Space Force.  Liz Cavallaro is an Executive Coach, Adult Development Scholar, Educator, and Leader Development Practitioner. She is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Leader Development at the U.S. Naval War College (USNWC), where she conducts research, builds curriculum, and teaches courses in the College of Leadership & Ethics. Together, Bree and Liz explore the intersection of personal adversity and leadership growth in their book, providing a comprehensive look at how the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community can lead to exceptional leadership qualities.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Joel Onyshuk, host of the Frontline Leadership Podcast. Joel shares his profound insights on the human-centered approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in building strong connections within teams. With extensive experience in leadership roles, particularly in the manufacturing tech sector, Joel has witnessed firsthand the critical role of leaders at every organizational level. His podcast aims to connect leaders from diverse industries to share their challenges and successes, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. Joel has a 19-year career in sales and sales leadership and is passionate about creating high-performance teams. Currently, he is the SVP of Sales at Atana, Inc., where he helps companies radically improve their culture with transformative e-learning and bleeding-edge data analytics. Prior to Atana, Joel helped scale QAD Redzone, the #1 connected workforce solution in manufacturing, from $7M ARR to a globally recognized SaaS unicorn, and co-founded a SaaS startup in the service industry with three former C-suite executives from Aramark Corporation. Joel's leadership philosophy centers on transitioning from traditional management to facilitation, as he believes that leaders should focus on empowering their teams to solve problems collectively. This approach, according to Joel, not only fosters innovation but also enhances team morale and engagement. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces where team members feel comfortable sharing their authentic selves, which in turn drives performance and satisfaction. Joel's extensive experience and passion for human-centered leadership offer listeners valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of modern leadership.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I am joined by Vicky Smith, a senior consultant at Working Well in the UK. We delve into the vital topics of wellness and psychological safety in the workplace, exploring what leaders can do to create environments where employees can truly thrive. Vicky Smith, Senior Consultant at WorkingWell, is passionate about sharing her knowledge and has more than 20 years of consulting, coaching, facilitation and training experience in locations across the globe. She holds an MSc in Organisation Development and Consultancy, an MSc in Psychology and an MSc in Applied Health and Exercise. She is working through a PhD, researching psychological safety in organizations, and is also a qualified NLP trainer, psychotherapist, and executive coach.

How can leaders effectively support their employees through the profound and often challenging experiences of grief? In this episode, Sarah Hines joins me in exploring how organizations can better handle grief in the workplace and the transformative impact it can have on both employees and leaders. Sarah Hines has spent over two decades serving those at the end of life and supporting many in their journey with grief. Her compassionate approach is built upon three fundamental beliefs: grief is how we honour what we love, that death belongs in the hands of love, and that community care is imperative for humanity to thrive. She has integrated her life experience with multiple facets of learnings, certifications and training including Grief Coaching, Deathcaring, Trauma & Mental Health Certifications, IFS Therapy and Somatic Practitioner Training, and over 20 years as a corporate consultant.  In 2019, she founded Grief Advocacy. A National grief care organization that supports leaders and their teams through grief and loss. Sarah comes to us with one mission to help us cultivate a relationship with our grief so that we can live inside our passion, purpose and legacy as compassionate leaders.

As leaders, are we truly the CEO of our own boardroom, or are we letting external and internal forces dictate our behavior? This profound question formed the crux of a recent conversation with Dana Skaggs who has worked with many leaders in her practice, Dana Skaggs is a licensed psychotherapist known as "The Queen of Boundaries" with 16 years of experience in private practice, specializing in anxiety and trauma work. She serves as a board member for the Intermountain Psychological Association and frequently appears as a guest on ABC-affiliate WJHL Daytime Tri-Cities, where she discusses the emotional aspects of everyday problems. Dana has contributed to the article “Second Opinions: How You Can Leverage Mindset to Change Behaviour” in the journal “A Plus” from the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is a regular contributor to “The Maverick Paradox Magazine.” She also hosts the podcast "Phoenix and Flame," which is globally ranked in the top 5%, and provides online Boundary courses and coaching.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Michael Allison, an educational partner with the Polyvagal Instituteory. Michael shares his profound insights on the application of polyvagal theory to enhance leadership and performance, iMichael's unique approach helps leaders and individuals achieve peak performance by consciously controlling their physiology. With extensive experience working with athletes and business leaders, Michael's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their performance and leadership effectiveness. As mentioned, Michael is an educational partner with Polyvagal Institute and Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. (originator of Polyvagal Theory) leading the development and delivery of a Polyvagal-informed Certificate for Health, Wellness & Performance Coaches accredited by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaches.  His unique application of Polyvagal Theory to performance endorsed by Dr. Porges – The Play Zone – provides a paradigm shifting methodology to optimize control of our performance through skillful and conscious control of our physiology.  Michael consults with professional, collegiate and high performing coaches, teams, organizations, athletes and performers in a variety of disciplines, as well as schools, executive coaches, business leaders and corporate teams. He is a Health & Performance Coach, Personal Trainer, Medical Exercise Specialist, Post Rehab Specialist and Certified Oxygen Advantage Breathwork Instructor, and the author of SMARTER Coaching, a certificated behavior change course accredited by the American Council on Exercise. In addition, Michael is a certificated ILS Safe & Sound Provider / Remote Provider and Focus System Training Provider.  

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Elena Armijo, a former opera singer turned executive coach. Elena shares her profound insights on performance, leadership, and the importance of somatic awareness in high-stakes environments. Elena's journey from traveling the world as an opera singer to becoming a leadership coach is inspiring. She discusses how her background in music has given her a unique foundation for her current work, emphasizing the discipline, rigor, and deep connection with the body that singing required. These skills have seamlessly transitioned into her coaching practice, where she helps high performers and leaders navigate their professional journeys with authenticity and awareness. Elena is not only an accomplished singer but also a passionate advocate for bringing somatic awareness into leadership. Through her coaching, she guides leaders to reconnect with their bodies, fostering intuition and presence in high-pressure situations. Her work emphasizes the importance of preparation, not just for performances but for leadership roles as well. Elena Armijo, Master Certified Coach (MCC), Founder and CEO of The C-Suite Collective, and Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator has a strong track record of supporting clients and organizations in creating impact, culture shifts and leadership development. Her unique ability to identify common patterns while generating new awareness and re-invention leaves clients with the ability to make stronger choices, clearer decisions and powerful steps toward their desired outcomes. Elena offers in-depth and customized executive programs for high performers who are at the top of their respective fields – from CEOs of leading businesses to professional athletes, policy-focused individuals, entertainers, and artists, and more. Partnering with Elena, these clients have created and achieved the professional and personal impact in the world they once perceived unattainable. As a former leader and trainer with Accomplishment Coaching© and CHIEF Core Guide Facilitator, Elena continues to expand her work with teams across the world.  Elena also hosts the podcast The Collective Corner. She was inspired to become an Executive and Leadership Coach through her work as a professional opera singer. Drawn to work with ambitious top performers like herself, she realized she could bring unique insight to the coaching business after spending many years “on the other side of the table.” Elena's ten-year career in opera spanned across the globe and included work with many prestigious opera companies as well as performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Elena holds a B.M. of Music Education from New Mexico State University and an M.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Blaire Palmer, author of "Punks in Suits." Blaire shares her profound insights on bringing authenticity and disruption to leadership. Blaire's book, "Punks in Suits," challenges traditional leadership models and calls for a revolution in how we utilize human talent, akin to the industrial revolution's impact. She advocates for abandoning the industrial-age mindset that treats humans as second-rate machines and encourages leaders to trust and unleash the full potential of their teams. Blaire Palmer is a former BBC journalist turned leadership consultant and keynote speaker, who has worked on flagship Radio 4 programmes like Today and Woman's Hour. For the past 24 years, Blaire has worked with organizations helping to drive real change in their businesses and create places where people can come and do their best work. Currently, Blaire speaks internationally at conferences and events, calling on audiences of senior leaders to rethink what leadership means in the modern era. 

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Sharath Jeevan, a globally recognized authority on leadership and the author of "Intrinsic" and "Inflection." Sharath shares his profound insights on purpose-driven leadership and the power of disruption in fostering meaningful change. Sharath Jeevan OBE is the globally recognised authority on Leadership at Inflection Moments. He is an acclaimed advisor, facilitator and author supporting a wide range of organizations to safely navigate their Inflection Moments and futureproof success.  Sharath was awarded an OBE in the Queen's 2022 New Year's Honours, and an Honorary Doctorate, for his contributions to the field.  He holds degrees from Cambridge University (First-Class Honours), Oxford University and INSEAD (MBA with Distinction). He is an alumnus of Strategy& and eBay. He founded and led two education organizations – STiR Education & Teaching Leaders – which collectively impacted over 10 million children across 40,000 schools in the UK, US, India, East Africa, Indonesia and Brazil. Sharath's work has been featured in a wide range of global media, including The Economist, CNN, Forbes, Inc, CNBC, Financial Times & The Telegraph. He writes regularly on LinkedIn for a wide audience and is also the author of the ground-breaking books "Intrinsic: A Manifesto to Reignite Our Inner Drive" and “Inflection: A Roadmap for Leaders at a Crossroads”.

In this episode I'm joined by Aneace Haddad, a seasoned executive coach and leadership expert. Aneace shares his profound insights on the transformative power of midlife and how it can unlock new levels of leadership potential. With a wealth of experience working with C-suite executives and top teams across diverse industries globally, Aneace brings a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges that arise during the midlife phase. Drawing from his own journey and coaching expertise, he explores the physiological, neurological, and parental shifts that can catalyze personal growth and the development of essential leadership qualities like humility, empathy, and resilience. With over 1,800 hours of certified coaching, impacting over 300 individual senior leaders and aiding 100 top teams across 15 diverse industries globally, Aneace has become a trusted guide in steering executive teams to new heights. Now, in his 60s, Aneace harnesses the opportunities and challenges presented in midlife to help executives unlock new energy and potential within themselves and their teams. His coaching style is shaped by a global perspective, combining proven leadership models with real-world insights from cross-cultural experiences and various life stages. Aneace's impact is vividly illustrated by testimonials from industry leaders. Terence Lyons, CEO of TSC, acknowledges Aneace for re-creating their company, shifting the focus to people, team, and culture. Philipp Kandal, Chief Product Officer at Grab, highlights Aneace's ability to draw from rich personal experience, making coaching sessions enjoyable and effective. Khairul Mohamad, GM at Petronas, emphasizes Aneace's role in reshaping his leadership approach and achieving goals.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Mark Bateman, author of "Disruptive Leadership." Mark shares his profound insights on purpose-driven leadership and the power of disruption in fostering meaningful change. Mark Bateman, CEO of WeQual, is a visionary disruptor, corporate adviser and executive coach with a keen focus on leadership development. He partners with global leaders to spark impactful, enduring change and offers unique, real-world insights and actionable strategies to foster authentic, influential leadership. He has decades of business experience, first making his mark as a successful entrepreneur. Now he is committed to the development of leaders worldwide and has amassed over 3,000 hours of executive coaching experience. By boldly questioning the status quo, he helps leaders shape purposeful legacies and drive positive transformations within their organizations. He is the author of 'Disruptive Leadership'.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Lindsay Harle-Kadatz, a speaker and business consultant who specializes in team behavior via culture and brand alignment.  Lindsay focuses on the impact of personal and corporate values on team behavior. A Neuro-Change Method™️ Master Practitioner, behaviour specialist, and listening facilitator, she uses a different lens for connecting leaders and teams to their values, their values to their behaviour, and their behaviour to actions that matter for optimal business performance and results. Our conversation explores the power of values in guiding leadership decisions, enhancing team dynamics, and ultimately, contributing to personal and corporate growth. We delve into personal experiences and practical strategies for identifying and living by one's values, emphasizing the profound impact of self-awareness and empathy in leadership roles. Lindsay Harle-Kadatz is a Values Vixen, speaker and business consultant who specializes in team behaviour via culture and brand alignment. She supports leaders who want to have an immediate and lasting impact on their people - and it starts with values, that tasty mental prune juice that gives leaders better brain flow for guiding, connecting, and leading their teams to greatness.  

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Karin Hurt, a distinguished leadership expert and the co-author of "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict." Karin shares her profound insights on navigating conflicts in the workplace and fostering human-centered leadership. Karin Hurt helps leaders find clarity in uncertainty, drive innovation, and achieve breakthrough results. She's the founder and CEO of Let's Grow Leaders, a global leadership development and training firm known for practical tools and programs that make a lasting impact. She's an award-winning author of multiple books, including her latest work with David Dye, "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict." A former Verizon Wireless executive, Karin was named to Inc. Magazine's list of great leadership speakers. Together with her husband and business partner, David Dye, they run their philanthropic initiative, Winning Wells – building clean water wells for the people of Cambodia.

In this episode, I'm joined by Pete Steinberg, a leadership and innovation expert with a notable background in sports coaching and corporate leadership development. Pete shares his unique perspective on the symbiotic relationship between coaching world cup rugby and the dynamic realm of corporate management. Drawing on his extensive experience, including coaching the USA women's rugby team in two World Cups and the Rio Olympics, Pete illustrates the critical lessons that rugby can teach us about leadership in the business world. Our conversation delves into his book, "Leadership Shock," where Pete outlines his innovative approach to leadership that challenges conventional norms and offers new strategies to adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape. Pete Steinberg is a leadership and innovation expert with extensive experience consulting with top Fortune 500 professionals. He also has more than 20 years of experience as an elite rugby coach, coaching the USA Women's Rugby Team at two World Cups and the Rio Olympics. As a former U.S., international, and Olympic sports coach and commentator for major outlets such as CBS, ESPN, and Fox Sports, Pete has a track record of bringing teams to victory. He has won 11 National Championships with the Penn State Women, MARFU Men, and Temple Women rugby teams. He has also worked with the Men's Eagles and other age-grade programs within the U.S. National team pathway. Pete was the Head of Coach Development for USA Rugby, leading the program as it became integrated into the World Rugby programs. Pete is also the President of Innovative Thought, a business consultancy focused on leadership and organizational development. He supports clients in the areas of innovation, leadership, strategic planning, marketing, recruiting and organizational development. Pete works regularly as an executive coach for senior executives of global companies. Pete holds affiliated faculty positions with the Tepper Business School at Carnegie Mellon University and the Smeal College of Business at Penn State.

In this episode, I'm joined by Kelly L. Campbell, a pioneer in trauma-informed leadership and the author of the revolutionary book, "Heal to Lead." We discuss how addressing trauma can fundamentally transform leadership styles, promoting environments of trust, psychological safety, and true connectivity within organizations. Kelly shares their journey from founding a cause marketing agency to writing her book, driven by their desire to revolutionize leadership through trauma healing.   The episode delves into the concept of trauma-informed leadership, the significance of understanding one's trauma, the negative impact of neglecting this aspect, and how leaders can foster psychologically safe environments that encourage vulnerability, resilience, and collective growth. Kelly details her experiences and the influences that shaped her views on leadership and organizational culture.   Kelly L. Campbell (they/she) inspires revelation and responsibility in leaders across the globe. As a trauma-informed leadership coach, speaker, facilitator, writer, and author, they empower self-aware visionaries to correlate their past wounds to their leadership style, transforming the way they lead, live, and love. Her debut book, Heal to Lead: Revolutionizing Leadership through Trauma Healing (Wiley) will be released in April 2024.   They write for Entrepreneur, have written for Forbes, and offer exclusive content to their Substack community, “The New TLC: Trauma, Leadership, and Consciousness.” Early in their career, Kelly was the founder and CEO of a cause marketing agency and sold it in 2016, which led her to advise Fortune 50 corporations, nonprofits, government organizations, and marketing and advertising agencies. They have hosted two top-rated podcasts since 2006—one on holistic health and wellness and the other on conscious leadership for marketing and advertising agency leaders.   A longtime conservationist, Kelly was trained by Al Gore as a Climate Reality Leader in 2017. Most recently, they became certified as a Reiki Level III Practitioner. Kelly's vision is to empower more than half of humanity to heal its childhood trauma so that we may reimagine and rebuild the world together.  

In this episode, I'm joined by Lee Cordell, a pioneer in trauma-informed leadership and the founder of the Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety. We discuss how recognizing and addressing trauma can fundamentally transform leadership styles, promoting environments of trust, psychological safety, and true connectivity within organizations. Lee shares her personal journey from a nursing career to establishing her institute, driven by the desire to create safer spaces and healthier relationships in professional settings.    The episode delves into the concept of trauma-informed leadership, the significance of understanding one's needs, the negative impact of neglecting personal trauma, and how leaders can foster psychologically safe environments that encourage vulnerability, resilience, and collective growth. Lee also details an upcoming experiential event by the Institute, aimed at expanding individual capacities and reconceptualizing the approach to leadership and organizational culture.   Dr. Lee started the Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety after retiring from her decade-long career as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and graduate-level professor.   She is devoted to helping humans understand their past so they can create happier, healthier futures. She integrates her personal stories of childhood abuse, depression and anxiety with her 20 years of professional experience in order to bring accessible, practical trauma education to all who desire to learn more.  

In this solo episode, I share insights from my journey as a leader, a host of this podcast, an author, and leadership consultant. With over 60 guests interviewed and a wealth of knowledge gained from my second book and certification programs, we dive into what I've learned about the  nervous system's influence on leadership, the essence of being trauma-informed, and the key learnings from my personal leadership journey.

In this episode, we explore the transformative concept of body wisdom and its critical role in enhancing personal and professional growth. I'm joined by Erica Hornthal, a board-certified dance movement therapist, who sheds light on how accessing our body's inherent wisdom can lead to profound insights and healing. Through the lens of dance movement therapy, Erica provides a fascinating perspective on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and emotion. Erica Hornthal, is a licensed clinical professional counselor, board-certified dance/movement therapist, and the CEO and founder of Chicago Dance Therapy. Since graduating with her MA in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago, Erica has worked with thousands of patients aged 3-107. Known as “The Therapist Who Moves You,” Hornthal is changing the way people see movement with regard to mental health.

In this episode, we explore the transformative concept of conscious leadership and its vital role in today's evolving business landscape. I'm joined by Jennifer Mulholland and Jeff Shuck, co-owners of Plenty Consulting and co-authors of “Leading with Light: Choosing Conscious Leadership When You're Ready for More.” They provide profound insights into how embracing conscious leadership can significantly impact personal growth and organizational success.   Jennifer Mulholland is an author, strategist, alchemist, executive coach, and co-owner of Plenty Consulting. From a very young age, she's been dedicated to raising the consciousness of people on the planet. For the last decade, she and her business partner, Jeff Shuck, have helped thousands of conscious leaders and businesses grow in revenue, impact, and fulfillment.    Before becoming co-owner of Plenty, Jennifer was Chief Innovation Officer at SunGard, a Fortune 500 technology company. She founded several businesses focused on bridging the gap between information and impact in healthcare, technology, and holistic wellbeing. She is a certified Reiki and Theta healer trained in shamanic and energy medicine. She has a B.S. degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Psychology, and Coaching from the University of Utah.    Jeff Shuck is an accomplished leader and entrepreneur with deep experience in leadership development, consulting, and social impact. Jeff is co-owner of Plenty Consulting with his business partner Jennifer Mulholland. Together, they have helped thousands of for-profit and non-profit leaders and organizations create their strategies, grow their fundraising, innovate new programs, and develop conscious cultures.    Before founding Plenty, Jeff was co-founder and CEO of fundraising firm Event 360, raising nearly a billion dollars for charity over 12 years. Jeff graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Rochester and earned an MBA from Kellogg School of Management and an MS in Predictive Analytics from Northwestern. His work in positive change and social impact has been featured in a variety of outlets such as Marketplace, the Wall Street Journal, Fatherly, and the Stanford Social Innovation Review. 

In this episode, we delve into the prevalent issue of change fatigue within the corporate landscape, a phenomenon amplified by constant shifts and adaptations in today's work environment.    Jenny Magic joins me to unravel the complexities behind change fatigue and its significant impact on employees and organizational dynamics. She offers a deep dive into how leaders can recognize, address, and navigate this growing concern to foster a more adaptive and resilient workplace culture.   Jenny Magic has spent the past two decades as a communications strategist, serving a wide range of clients – from Sesame Street to AARP, Prudential to Purdue, and a whole slew of tech companies. She's now focused on helping teams combat burnout and eliminate "Unworkable Work." She's co-author of CHANGE FATIGUE: Flip Teams From Burnout to Buy-In, and she lives in Austin with her architect husband and two young sons.

In this episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between language, perception, and survival instincts in personal and professional contexts. Our insightful guest, Adrian Koehler, shares his profound understanding and experiences in helping individuals navigate chaos with clarity and mindfulness. He emphasizes the power of conscious decision-making and the brain's inherent wiring for survival and energy conservation. Adrian is a seasoned coach who specializes in guiding founders of fast-growing companies through various crises. By fostering a mindset of growth and progress, he helps his clients transcend chaos and crisis, even in the face of success, and encourages personal responsibility and ownership for transformative outcomes. Adrian Koehler is a leadership engagement expert and senior partner at the executive coaching firm, Take New Ground. He coaches executives and entrepreneurs in the art and science of leadership for themselves, their teams, and clients to create new, unprecedented results and experience fulfillment in their work.  He is the Founder and Senior Partner at Take New Ground, a leadership coaching, training and consulting firm based in Los Angeles. TNG partners with select executives and organizations to get the results they want by creating the culture they need. He is the co-host of an engaging podcast The Naked Leadership Podcast with TNG Sr Partner Dan Tocchini. Drawing on his background in philanthropy, ministry, activism, and medicine, Adrian thrives in the extreme environments and finds comfort in difficult conversations—in fact, his passion for human performance has taken him around the globe, serving people in times of crisis, transformation, and stalemates. Over the last decade, Adrian has trained and developed leaders at NIKE, Virgin Hyperloop One, Jeni's Ice Cream, Herschel Supply Co., Oprah Winfrey Network, Gavin DeBecker & Associates, Siegel & Gale, UCLA and elsewhere.  

In this episode, we dive into the power of consciousness and emotional intelligence in leadership. Our inspiring guest, Marika Messager, shares her journey from the high-paced financial sector to pioneering the conscious leadership movement. She unpacks the art of truth-telling, the importance of emotional agility, and how breaking the cycle of the old leadership paradigms can lead to more fulfilling, productive work environments.

In this transformative episode, we delve into the profound realization that workplaces can be arenas for emotional growth and healing. Nathan and I discuss the critical work of the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI), highlighting how understanding and addressing our own life difficulties can significantly improve workplace culture and leadership.  Nathan, the Managing Director of CTRI, specializes in trauma-informed practices to improve the lives of individuals, organizations, and communities. His expertise includes service coordination and rehabilitation for those with complex trauma and co-occurring disorders, particularly in the context of legal conflict. Holding a Master of Social Work degree and a Registered Social Worker status, Nathan co-authored "A Little Book About Trauma-Informed Workplaces" and edited numerous training materials for CTRI, focusing on creating impactful connections through training.   

In this transformative episode, we dive into the profound concept that the workplace can serve as a unique laboratory for emotional healing. Our guest, Susan Winchester, shares her personal journey of self-discovery, revealing how understanding the deep-seated impacts of childhood experiences can revolutionize our approach to conflicts and relationships in the corporate world.  Susan Schmitt Winchester, former Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for Applied Materials, has made significant contributions to the HR community over her 35-year career, including executive roles at Rockwell Automation and Kellogg Company. She is recognized for her innovative HR strategies that foster inclusive cultures and exceptional company performance. Winchester co-authored "Healing at Work: A Guide to Using Career Conflicts to Overcome Your Past and Build the Future You Deserve" with Martha I. Finney, addressing mental wellness in the workplace. 

How can organizations reconcile the drive for high productivity with the imperative of maintaining employee well-being and work-life balance?    Matt Smead, a business psychologist recognized as a leading thinker by HR Magazine in 2023, shares his insights on wellbeing, engagement, and resilience in a corporate setting.   

Rosie Tomkins, an executive and leadership coach, joins me to talk about harnessing natural intelligence to drive transformation and enable individual growth for leaders.   

Dive into a thought-provoking episode with Angie Dairou, a seasoned psychotherapist and leadership coach, as we uncover the powerful role of the nervous system in leadership and team dynamics. Angie brings over 25 years of experience in guiding Fortune 100 organizations towards innovative and human-centric workplace cultures.  

In our latest episode of "Evolve: A New Era of Leadership," we had the incredible opportunity to dive deep with Wendy Ryan, a seasoned HR and organizational development expert, CEO, and author of "Learn, Lead, Lift."  

In this episode, previously released in August of 2023, we explore the complex interplay between the nervous system and leadership, revealing the profound impact of past experiences on a leader's style and adaptability with Dr. Steve Hotz. The patterns ingrained in our nervous system are key to how we respond in various situations, significantly influencing decision-making and behavior in leadership roles. This understanding is crucial for leaders seeking to harness their full potential. We also delve into the nuanced way our nervous systems perceive challenges versus threats. This ability to recognize and fine-tune responses to different stimuli is essential in leadership, helping in guiding teams through complex scenarios and making informed decisions. Maintaining a balanced nervous system is another critical aspect discussed, highlighting its importance in accessing higher-level skills and expertise for effective leadership. We touch upon the impact of trauma on this balance, which can significantly affect a leader's ability to handle stress and lead effectively. The conversation then shifts to vulnerability in leadership, emphasizing how understanding and accepting our vulnerabilities can reduce their control over our actions. We explore common reactions to vulnerability, such as defensiveness and emotional numbing, and how they influence our leadership style. We also cover the power of co-regulation and the role of psychological safety and consistency in the workplace. A leader's ability to exhibit a calm and regulated demeanor can significantly influence the team's overall environment and effectiveness. This is complemented by a discussion on the importance of senior leadership understanding and facilitating nervous system regulation. Such awareness is crucial for adapting and responding to various situations, shaped by personal experiences and nervous system reactivity. Drawing insights from 'The Compassionate Mind' by Paul Gilbert, the podcast reflects on his model of three emotional regulation systems – energizing, threat, and contentment – and their influence on leadership styles. Understanding these systems is invaluable for effective leadership and emotional regulation. We also discuss the importance of fostering a culture that supports mutual regulation and secure connections among team members, essential for a productive work environment and beneficial for organizational dynamics. Finally, the episode concludes with practical advice for leaders. This includes techniques for becoming more aware of bodily experiences and staying present in the moment. Such practices are essential for effective leadership and decision-making, helping leaders to be more grounded, responsive, and empathetic. These insights enhance a leader's ability to lead effectively and inspire their teams, embodying the core message of our podcast – the intricate and influential relationship between our nervous system and leadership. Dr. Steve Hotz is a clinical and health psychologist with deep roots in community medicine and population health. In addition to his academic career and clinical practice, he has worked and consulted in continuing professional development for health care providers from many disciplines on such topics as motivation, health behaviour change, and treatment adherence. His clinical work incorporates interpersonal neurobiology, neuroplasticity, attachment, and approaches to change and growth that utilize the potential of knowledge in these areas. We talk about: [4:10] Our history working together [8:25] The impact of our life circumstances based on endured trauma [11:20] Our nervous system and its impact on our safety and emotional state [18:35] The research behind 'vulnerability' [21:40] The acceptance of trauma and vulnerability [22:40] Cognitive exercises of creating safety [25:10] Co-regulating as leaders [30:25] Being open to our own vulnerability and experiences [38:45] Going into...

In an era where employment-related stress and burnout are increasingly prevalent, it's essential to understand and address these highly damaging issues at the corporate level. In the first episode of the year, Dr. Jacqueline Kerr, a globally recognized behavior change scientist, community advocate, and TEDx speaker joins me for a conversation about burnout, public health, and the role of organizations in mitigating burnout. Dr. Kerr deeply resonates with the intersection of public health and personal behaviour change, particularly with respect to the effects of workplace burnout. Burnout can affect every facet of a person's life and might be induced by pressures from multiple areas of life in its myriad versions. Dr. Kerr emphasized the value of intervention, noting the vital role that organizations can play in learning from and adopting community-based approaches to prevent burnout. Driving home the importance of collective efforts in combating burnout, Dr. Kerr highlighted the pivotal role of leaders. Leaders are encouraged to forge a healthier atmosphere in the workplace, thus decreasing the possibility of burnout. Flexible work hours, limiting non-essential meetings, and fostering a culture of appreciation can all contribute to a more engaged and less stressed workforce.  Furthermore, a thriving culture of inclusiveness is essential along with recognizing the link between bias and burnout. The approach must be comprehensive, considering individual, family, organizational, and societal level factors.  Workplace culture is often linked to changes in behavior patterns. As with managing any change, understanding where people stand in relation to the concept of change is crucial in bringing about effective behavioral adjustments. The key is to create a safe environment where employees feel comfortable discussing changes they'd like to see in the workplace.  Dr. Kerr highlighted the importance of reducing unnecessary meetings and encouraging more focused work time to boost productivity and reduce burnout. She recommended considering the reduction of meeting hours and introduced the concept of a "meeting-free week” as a productive approach to address the perceived need for continuous meetings within teams. Moreover, job crafting, cases of biased promotion systems, and other nuanced aspects of workplace practices can significantly impact burnout levels. Encouraging transparency, promoting flexibility, and valuing employee contributions can significantly ameliorate these effects. As much as organizational changes are vital, individual mental habit changes also play a critical role in mitigating burnout. Acknowledging that behavior change is tough and requires support, Dr. Kerr emphasized the importance of setting realistic daily behavior plans.  It is our aim to provide practical inputs and insights on mitigating workplace burnout, emphasizing collective responsibility and action. Through strategic implementation of behavioral sciences, workplaces can become more vibrant, engaging, and less stressful environments, where every individual can truly thrive. Job burnout is recognized by the World Health Organization, but there is also caregiver burnout, emotional burnout, and parental burnout that leads to . While self-care helps you manage your stress it does not solve the structural inequalities that create the conditions that cause burnout. We need to use behavior change science to create individual, organizational and cultural change to prevent burnout.   Dr Jacqueline Kerr is a mom, behavior scientist and burnout survivor. She is in the Top 1% of Most Cited Scientists worldwide and her work has informed the US Center for Disease Control Community Prevention Guide. Dr. Kerr left her position as a public health professor in 2018. She now hosts the Podcast 'Overcoming Working Mom Burnout' where she interviews researchers, diversity experts, and leadership coaches, focusing on . She is on a mission...

This holiday note is an annual tradition that has become a part of our shared journey in the Evolve Community. This isn't just any message, though—it's a beacon of celebration and reflection, a moment to pause and appreciate the whirlwind of the year we've navigated together. Amidst the flurry of wrapping paper, the scent of spiced cider, and the echoes of carols, I am reminded of the incredible connections we've made, the stories we've told, and the growth we've witnessed within our vibrant community. This year, inspired by the wisdom of Britt Frank, a remarkable guest on my podcast and author of The Science of Stuck, I find myself contemplating the notion of being 'stuck'—a feeling all too familiar to many of us. Whether it's in our careers, our relationships, or the inner workings of our minds and souls, it seems to be a recurring theme. But here's the holiday twist: staying 'stuck' isn't where our story ends this year. As we raise our glasses to the year that's been, my holiday wish for you is to embrace the journey of self-awareness and hope. With each small, purposeful step—finding small moments of gratitude, igniting curiosity to understand new perspectives, and striving to move through life with grace and intention—we can all venture towards a future not limited by the past. Let's carry this spirit of transformation into the New Year, fostering health, happiness, and a sense of renewal for ourselves and our communities. Here's to a 2024 filled with moments that move us, experiences that elevate us, and the collective hope that we will emerge, together, joyously unstuck. Wishing you a wonderful and restful holiday season, and I look forward to the continuing our journey together in 2024!  Carolyn

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Yegge, the Wealth Architect, to discuss the importance of being open and flexible, thinking about your thought process, and letting events unfold as they should.  Mark shares his journey from a monetary wealth focus to a more holistic understanding of prosperity. He emphasizes that wealth encompasses health, relationships, spirituality, freedom, among other aspects. We also get into the importance of being connected to something bigger than oneself, and how that impacts leadership.  Mark Yegge embarked on his wealth exploration journey from a young age, initiating his foray into investing that led to him purchasing his first car at the age of 16. Displaying a growth mindset, he went on to establish a Wall Street software company that played a pivotal role in introducing after-hours trading, ultimately growing into a $30-million enterprise. Mark's entrepreneurial prowess earned him accolades such as Small Business of the Year, Florida 100, and recognition as an Inc Magazine Fast 500 recipient. Deloitte also acknowledged his achievements, naming him a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year twice. Beyond his business success, Mark is a multifaceted author, having written books like "Hacking Money," "The Cash Flow Machine," “The 20 Keys To Pure Relationships,” and "Negotiate To Win-Win." These works extend beyond financial topics, addressing the broader aspects of building relationships, self-connection, and purposeful living. Presently, overseeing multiple investment funds and educating high-net-worth investors in the 7- and 8-figure range, Mark emphasizes the importance of balanced abundance in all facets of life through his community success and learning platform, Light Circle. Join Mark on his transformative journey as he intertwines the realms of abundant living and profound spirituality, aligning with the core principles of Light Circle. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [2:13] How expansive the word ‘Wealth' can be [3:33] How his path unfolded in this work [6:03] How he stayed grounded once he reached material success [12:16] A peak into his mastermind [15:56] The importance of self connection [18:56] How long it takes to find out who you really are [21:35] Creating magical self connection [24:18] The light circle [29:22] His journey to profound spirituality  [37:36] Connecting spirituality and leadership [40:40] Rapid fire questions   Join Mark and I for this conversation, as we talk about the power in connecting to self, and how it shapes you as a leader. You can find the full transcript of our conversation on my website, along with more information about Mark and his work. Thank you for being a part of my podcast community, and remember to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes to come! #PodcastEpisode #TraumaInformedLeadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalGrowth Connect with Mark Your Greatest Year event (Jan13-14, 2024) LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok: YouTube:   Connect with me Instagram: YouTube: LinkedIn: Website: Contact:    

In this episode with leadership coach Mary Beth Highland, we dive deep into the concept of values and their connection to burnout.  Mary Beth shares her personal journey of work addiction and how reevaluating her values helped her find peace and regain balance. She also outlines a practical approach to uncovering your core values, distinguishing them from aspirational or descriptive ones.  We touch on strategies to align personal values with organizational ones and turn them into effective guidance for decision-making and behavior.  MaryBeth Hyland is a bestselling author, coach and consultant on how to create a thriving life and business. She's successfully led culture change efforts across nearly every industry. As a certified mediator, mindfulness instructor, and values expert she engages audiences and teams all over the world with her authentic style of facilitation, keynote speaking, and empowerment.  She's a published thought leader in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and New York Times to name a few. You can catch her interviews on how to reduce stress at work on ABC, CBS, and NBC. Her recent awards include: “Circle of Excellence“, “Innovator of the Year“, “Top 100 Women“, “Civic Engagement Leader“, and “Leading Women“. Her personal life's mission is to remind people of the truth by giving full permission to be human. When she's not on podcasts, she can be found on horseback in the mountains of Idaho wrangling cattle on her quest to become a cowgirl! This is a valuable conversation if you're feeling overwhelmed or out of alignment, offering insights into the restorative power of understanding and acting on your values. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [3:35] Being the Chief Visionary of Spark Vision [6:35] Why she centered her book around values [9:00] Her definition of values and how we can find the right words to identify ours [9:50] The observation of organizations sometimes choosing non-heart driven ideas as their values [13:20] Connecting company values to teams [17:30] Building the muscle of talking about our values [19:35] MaryBeth's process for identifying individual core values [25:25] My own experience examining my core values [29:00] Using our values work after doing that initial deep dive [31:35] Burnout and alignment to our values [35:30] How we bridge the gap between personal values and organizational values [41:20] How leaders can support organizational values while honoring their own [46:20] The difference between guiding principles, code of conduct, values, and leadership competencies [51:00] Rapid fire questions   Join MaryBeth and I for this conversation, as we get into the impact that understanding our values has on our overall success in life and within the workplace. You can find the full transcript of our conversation on my website, along with more information about MaryBeth and her work. Thank you for being a part of my podcast community, and remember to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes to come! #PodcastEpisode #TraumaInformedLeadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalGrowth Connect with MaryBeth LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Connect with me Instagram: YouTube: LinkedIn: Website: Contact:    

In this episode, Tricia Steege joins me for a discussion that focuses on dealing with and navigating organizational change, as well as the emotional side of leadership.  The conversation centers around the notion of change as an emotional journey, with Trisha explaining the William Bridges model of endings, neutral zone, and beginnings as stages individuals go through during change.  Trisha highlights the importance for leaders to build trusting relationships with their teams, to understand their concerns and fears. Emphasizing the significance of leaders being conscious of their reactions and the impact these have on their team dynamics, Trisha also explains the importance of managing emotions for effective leadership.  We also talk about the validity and value of emotional intelligence in leadership and change management, along with the role of trauma as an often silent stakeholder in the process of change. Tricia Steege is the founder and principal coach of Transformation Strategies, specializing in coaching and organizational change consulting. With over 40 years of experience as a trusted advisor, Tricia is dedicated to helping leaders explore the root causes of behaviors hindering their effectiveness. Her coaching methodology aims at identifying and transforming negative behavior patterns, resulting in improved leadership, collaboration, communication, and overall productivity. Tricia's expertise extends to high-stakes change initiatives, including cultural change, talent development, and succession planning, where her support has facilitated faster global business results and quicker adoption rates. Recognized as an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation, Tricia's superpower lies in asking penetrating questions that delve into the heart of matters. She emphasizes that true change, whether in organizations or personal lives, occurs at the heart level. Tricia holds certifications in various coaching and development tools, contributing to her success as a coach, speaker, and published author. Her extensive client list includes notable organizations such as Vanguard, TD Bank, Lockheed Martin, and AstraZeneca. Tricia's impactful experiences include facilitating the planning of the World Trade Center's rebuilding after 9/11. Currently residing in Chester County, Pennsylvania, she remains committed to organizational growth and change, serving on the board of ACES Matter and enjoying golf, family time, and travel.  We talk about: [0:00] Intro [5:50] Getting into the world of change management [8:10] What is missing in ADKAR (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement) [9:37] What is the William Bridges model [13:28] Where people get stuck, or try to skip over  [18:47] Fear of not being relevant and losing logic when fear kicks in [21:11] Do people move through the stages quickly as an overachiever? And what are the consequences from that [27:41] Building relationships with direct reports to help them through the change journey [32:09] Building trust and emotional connections between leaders and their direct reports [34:11] Honing in on our reactivity [35:46] Choosing to live in this conscious place and the business costs associated [38:03] Suggestions to leaders to help elevate consciousness [44:48] The importance of self awareness and the ability to manage emotions [46:29] Rapid fire questions I invite you to immerse yourself in this conversation with Tricia, as we tap into navigating organizational change, as well as the importance of the emotional side of leadership. You can find the full transcript of our conversation on my website, along with more information about Tricia and her work. Thank you for being a part of my podcast community, and remember to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes to come! #PodcastEpisode #TraumaInformedLeadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalGrowth Connect with Tricia ...

In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Britt Frank, the author of 'The Science of Stuck', where we delved into the intricacies of navigating stress, anxiety, and trauma. It's crucial as leaders to understand exactly how and why members on our teams feel stuck, which most often relates back to trauma in some way, shape or form.  Britt shares the profound circumstances that prompted her to write her book, and the ways in which we as people leaders can understand anxiety better. Getting into the nitty gritty and understanding the root cause is a powerful key in unlocking the potential of those around us.  Britt sheds light on the significance of comprehending trauma, emotional regulation, and neuroscience for enhancing both leadership abilities and personal well-being. We explored various aspects of mental health, including anxiety, stress management, self-leadership, and the intriguing concept of 'micro yeses'. Drawing parallels with car analogies, we discussed the gas pedal (sympathetic nervous system), brake pedal (parasympathetic system), and emergency brake (overactive fight-flight response) as tools for understanding and regulating our nervous system. Britt's insights into developing shadow intelligence alongside emotional intelligence and intelligence quotient offer valuable strategies for managing unresolved trauma or what she aptly terms 'brain indigestion'. Dive into this episode to gain profound knowledge on enhancing leadership and personal well-being through the lens of neuroscience and emotional regulation. Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP is a licensed neuropsychotherapist and author of The Science of Stuck (Penguin Random House), named by SHRM, Esquire, New York Magazine, and The Next Big Idea Club as a must-read.  Britt received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her master's degree from the University of Kansas, where she later became an award-winning adjunct instructor. Britt is a contributing writer to Psychology Today and her work has been featured in Forbes, NPR, Fast Company, Psych Central, SELF, and Thrive Global. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [3:05] Why she wrote this book and how she came up with the title [8:35] How we need to understand anxiety better [13:30] The impact of procrastination [15:30] What does a survival response mean and where do we want to shift [19:20] Regulation and the ‘emergency brake' [24:30] As a leader our goal is reduction of threat, create safety and consistency [27:05] Gas pedal and the brake [31:10] What can we do to make sure we're caring for ourselves with a bit more intention [38:05] How to become more present and grounded before team meetings  [40:40] Neuroscience tips for leaders and the ‘micro yeses' [44:35] Self leadership and shadow intelligence [48:50] What inspires people to take on shadow intelligence [50:00] Why do we need to know about trauma as leaders [53:50] Rapid fire questions I invite you to immerse yourself in this conversation with Britt, as we tap into the power of knowing how our brain works, and the ways in which it will make us more resilient and impactful leaders. You can find the full transcript of our conversation on my website, along with more information about Britt and her work. Thank you for being a part of my podcast community, and remember to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes to come! #PodcastEpisode #TraumaInformedLeadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalGrowth Connect with Britt Instagram: LinkedIn: Book: Connect with me Instagram: YouTube: LinkedIn: Website: Contact:    

In this insightful conversation, Samreen McGregor, an executive coach, Founder of Turmeric Group, and author of 'Leader Awakened', talks about her journey through her son's battle with cancer, its profound impact on her life and professional work and how it led her to write 'Leader Awakened'.    She discusses the importance of self-connection and grounding in our reality for leadership, and the power of embodying conscious leadership. She shares her experience of finding solace and regulation through embodied practices like yoga and breathwork, and the lessons learned from a Medicine Festival about indigenous wisdom and spiritual self-awareness.    The conversation also explores the systemic perspectives in leadership, the need for slowing down, being with things we may not like, and moving from a state of 'sleepwalking' through life to 'awakening'. Samreen emphasizes the need to accept the 'not so good side' as a means of making progress in life. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [3:00] What inspired her to write Leader Awakened [8:10] The power of ‘awakening' [12:10] The shadow side of ambition and acknowledging our trauma side [17:40] The dilemma around using the word ‘trauma' in her book [19:20] Working with clients to help them through to the awakening stage [27:25] Yoga and embodied practices [24:30] Strategies to become more grounded and calm in our bodies  [44:40] ‘Seeing' the system [52:55] Rapid fire questions    I invite you to tune in to this insightful episode and gain further wisdom from Samreen's expertise. You can find the full transcript on my website, along with more information about Samreen and her work. Thank you for being a part of my podcast community, and remember to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes to come! #PodcastEpisode #TraumaInformedLeadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalGrowth Connect with Samreen Connect with me Instagram: YouTube: LinkedIn: Website: Contact:    

In this episode, Nicole Lewis Keeber delves into the intricacies of our nervous system, explaining its primary function - to keep us alive. She explores the concept of the nervous system constantly interpreting our environment, deciding what is safe and what's not.  Touching upon how it anticipatively breaks down a room full of people, Nicole elaborates on its unseen yet profound role in our daily existence.  Nicole is the business therapist. She's also the author of How to Love your Business and creator of the Do No Harm program for trauma conscious entrepreneurs. She's passionate about the impact of small T trauma on businesses and combines therapeutic processes with business coaching to really help entrepreneurs build emotionally sustainable, financially stable, businesses. She's trained and certified with Brene Brown's Dare to Lead methodology and has been featured on media outlets like Fast Company and NPR. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [4:05] Shifting from social work to her work in the business community [6:30] Why she wrote her book [8:10] How your business can reflect your relationships with others [13:55] Helping leaders understand emotional patterns behind trauma [16:05] Adapting to trauma [17:20] Nervous system 101 and why leaders need to understand it [20:55] The impact of dysregulated leaders  [23:55] Advice for those who may feel like their inner child plays no role in what they do in their business [26:30] Navigating a group of people through something they don't fully buy into  [30:30] Recognizing you are not only your work [34:45] Putting money at the center of our worth  [36:15] Finding safety from within  [42:10] Rapid fire questions  I invite you to tune in to this insightful episode and gain further wisdom from Nicole's expertise. You can find the full transcript on my website, along with more information about Nicole and her work. Thank you for being a part of my podcast community, and remember to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes to come! #PodcastEpisode #TraumaInformedLeadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalGrowth Connect with Nicole Instagram: Connect with me Instagram: YouTube: Twitter: ​​  Facebook: Website: Contact:    

In this episode, Dr. Karen Tilstra joins me to discuss ‘The Death Lines' and how it impacts the ways in which we show up as leaders of ourselves, our teams, and our businesses.  Karen Tilstra, co-founder and director of Florida Hospital's Innovation Lab, (FHIL), is passionate about helping people discover their own innate creativity.  She is an Educational Psychologist who holds a doctoral degree in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership. She has worked in both secondary and higher education in Asia and the United States. She believes she has learned more from students than they have learned from her.  Karen enjoys writing, spending time with family and friends, and watching a great movie.  She is also known for her idiosyncratic pets, including the pet donkey who taught her that nothing is impossible and her stray dog who resembles a cross between an opossum, raccoon and weasel.  She currently lives in Florida with her artist husband and three sons. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [3:10] How her work start in the realm of creativity [8:35] Creating Design Thinking Innovation Lab [11:50] What does The Death Line mean and why she choose that as the title of her book [16:25] How the pandemic changed the death lines [25:00] Comfort zones vs. panic zones [26:20] ACES to manage your death line [29:20] Space & The Tollbooth Technique [32:30] Leading with Grace [34:15] Operating on more than one pace [39:55] How to pull these concepts together [49:00] Where to find her book [50:40] Rapid fire questions Connect with Dr. Karen LinkedIn: TED Talks: / Book: Connect with me Instagram: YouTube: Twitter: ​​  Facebook: Website: Contact:    

In this insightful podcast episode, we explore the intersection of leadership,gender fluidity,   and embodiment, with Dr. Lorri Sulpizio.  Our conversation begins by discussing how the Enneagram fosters connections, followed by an in-depth exploration of the wisdom of the body. We uncover surprising connections between athletic and cognitive performance and the influence of centers of intelligence in the corporate world.  Dr. Sulpizio shares her valuable insights into helping leaders incorporate embodiment into their professional lives. We delve into her personal realization of how her body communicates through subtle cues and discuss the lifelong impact of our early relationship with our bodies. Learn about the power of breath in regulating the nervous system, how her PhD work informs her daily practice, and the importance of understanding language around gender.  We explore the fluidity of gender, dissect the concept of women's and men's bodies as ornaments versus instruments, and discuss how bodies as instruments intersect with gender and leadership.  The conversation also touches on co-regulation for leaders and provides real-life examples of co-regulated leaders, concluding with a rapid-fire question round. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation on the intricate dynamics of leadership, gender, and embodiment with Dr. Lorri Sulpizio. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [1:40] Coming together through the Enneagram  [2:35] Your body has all the wisdom  [4:10] The similarities between athletic and cognitive performance [5:40] How centers of intelligence are emphasized in the meeting room [8:20] How has Lorri helped leaders bring embodiment into their work [14:20] When she realized her body was having a conversation through cues [16:40] Carolyn's experience growing up feeling disconnected from her body [20:35] How the way in which we do or don't connect with our bodies as younger individuals affects us as adults [22:30] Breathing to regulate the nervous system [23:50] How Lorri's PHD work influences her day to day work [24:30] Understanding our language around female/male/man/woman [28:30] The fluidity of gender [30:00] Women's bodies as an ornament vs. instrument [34:05] Men's bodies as an ornament vs. instrument [36:20] Bodies as instruments as it relates to gender and leadership [38:30] Co-regulation for leaders [41:15] Examples of a co-regulated leader [47:15] Rapid fire questions   Connect with Lorri Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Connect with me Instagram: YouTube: Twitter: ​​  Facebook: Website: Contact: