The Audacity to Fail: Misstepping Into Success!

We're back for the Season Five kick-off with a remarkable guest and friend to the show Dr. Chad “Chai” Kessler! On this season opener, Dr. Shari Dade sits down with Dr. Kessler and explores what it means to keep steady when the path forward is unclear, how to embrace mistakes as stepping-stones to growth, and ways to cultivate resilience. Whether you're dealing with rapid change or simply wondering how to prepare for the unexpected, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice that couldn't be more timely or essential!   Dr. Kessler is the National Director of Emergency Medicine for the Veteran's Health Administration, and he is currently consulting and acting as a liaison for the Veteran's Experience Office. He has also made an incredible contribution to our organization with his weekly vlog C20 and much anticipated blogs and emails on life and leadership.  Closed Caption Transcript is available at:  https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S5E1.pdf  ===============================   Key Lessons:        There are moments when you overcome uncertainty because there are big things that need to get done and you may be the best person, in that moment, to get it done.    Getting started is the hardest part, but it can often lead to a sense of accomplishment that helps you keep moving during periods of change and uncertainty.       Be sure to find your support team during moments of uncertainty and lean on them when you feel overwhelmed or like a failure.     Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here:  VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

We've all had those moments – when life, opportunity, or circumstance presents us with a choice—to step up, lead, and embrace a new direction. How do you recognize that call, and more importantly, how do you find the courage to answer it?  On this episode Dr. Shari Dade is delighted to sit down with the Honorable Tanya Bradsher to discuss how to answer life's most important call – your purpose! Ms. Bradsher is VA's first woman deputy secretary, first woman of color to serve in the position, and the highest-ranking woman in VA's more than 90-year history. A fourth-generation Veteran, Ms. Bradsher—a combat Veteran of the Iraq War—served in the United States Army for 20 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Since retiring, she served as the VA's Chief of Staff and in senior positions with the Department of Homeland Security and on the White House National Security Council.    Whether you're on the brink of a new opportunity, feeling stuck in indecision, or just curious about how leaders handle those pivotal moments, this episode will give you the insight and inspiration you need.   Closed Caption Transcript is available at:  https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E10.pdf  ===============================  Key Lessons: Your journey does not have to be planned to be purposeful. There are times, you are taken down the unconventional path to get to where you are supposed to be. Your experiences, identities, and values can leave you with just the right mix of life that will help you be successful at what you do. Allow those experiences to give you the learning you need to be prepared when the call comes. When the door closes, it's best to accept that the opportunity may not be for you and another opportunity may be your calling.    Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

A supportive culture is the cornerstone of a workplace where people can fully engage and contribute – it's central to any thriving team. It takes a delicate balance of both leaders and team members working together to create a culture where everyone feels supported and empowered. On this episode Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Dr. Alyshia Smith to discuss the idea of trust and authenticity—not just as a one-way street but as a dynamic relationship between leaders and their teams. Dr. Smith is the Executive Director of the Durham VA Health Care System and is responsible for setting the strategic and operational direction for the entire health care system.  Through her role, Dr. Smith engages with employees, Veterans, Veteran service organizations, Veteran service officers, academicians, and the broader community to accomplish the VA's overall mission.   This episode isn't just about leadership from the top down; it's about the collaboration of building a workplace where authenticity, trust, and a shared commitment to well-being creates something truly special. Get ready to join us as we explore the journey to a supportive work culture. Whether you're leading a team, a part of one, or just curious about what makes a great workplace, stick around.   Key Lessons:  Communication is essential to developing a supportive work environment and, both, leaders and employees play a significant part in this.     Leaders can use storytelling as a beneficial tool to help build connection and trust with employees.   Making space for work-life integration is imperative. Ask employees what they need and encourage them to share their needs by active listening. Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

As leaders, we often face tough choices, and not every decision will turn out the way we hoped. What do you do when you find yourself in a sticky situation? How can you manage missteps, failure, regret and turn things around? On this episode Dr. Shari Dade sits down with Dr. Thuy Boardman to discuss how to navigate the role of leadership when decisions are tough. Dr. Boardman is the Organization Development Psychologist for VISN 8. In this role she provides executive and leadership coaching, team development, and leadership development services to VISN 8 facilities.  Get ready to join us as we explore the journey through sticky leadership. Whether you're currently facing a sticky situation or simply want to be better prepared for the future, this episode is packed with valuable information you won't want to miss.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E8.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: Sharing your experiences with regrets or missteps in leadership helps increase authenticity and innovation. When done with intention, others can then feel free to express themselves more authentically.    Don't shy away from sticky decisions due to fear of failure or uncertainty. Instead, enter them with a team of support and an open mind.       When on the lookout for a coach or mentor, avoid the echo chamber by taking the time to diversity your team and include those who may carry a different perspective, outlook, or experience than you.Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

What does it truly mean for a team to feel a sense of ownership? How can leaders cultivate an environment where every team member is invested, engaged, and feels responsible for the success of the team? On this episode Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Kirsten Aghen as they dive deep into the nuances of these questions and more. Kirsten Aghen is the Director of the VHA National Improvement Office (NIO), within the Office of Quality Management, in the VHA Office of Quality and Patient Safety (QPS).   Get ready to join us as we explore an incredibly important topic to discuss; how leaders can inspire ownership within their teams. Whether you're leading a team or working on your own leadership development, this episode is packed with actionable insights that you can start implementing right away!   Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E7.pdf ===============================Key Lessons:     By instilling ownership on a team, you move team members from simply doing what's in front of them and drive them to lead themselves and each other's for the good of the organization.When inspiring ownership, it's important to communicate the vision in ways the team can align with. When there's resistance, take a pause and ask what can be done to close the gap of understanding.   Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

Leading others often takes an incredible amount of courage and on this episode Dr. Shari Dade is joined by fellow consultant Dr. Courtney Barrett Smith to explore what qualities enable some to push through while others might falter. Dr. Barrett Smith is a Supervisory Senior Organization Development Psychology and leads the Systems and Analytics team in the Consulting Service at the National Center for Organization Development.   Get ready to join us as we explore the journey of MisStepping into success as we uncover strategies that can help any leader rise to the occasion, even when it seems like the easier path is to yield.   Key Lessons:  There are times when being courageous is knowing when to use your voice or use your privilege in spaces to create room for others.   Courageous leaders understand that going full throttle into every situation and challenge can carry risks both personal and professional. They take time to do a risk analysis and allow that to inform their decisions. When figuring out how much to lean into a challenge, consider whether the risk is worth it to you and aligns with your value and purpose. Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

As we continue to explore what it takes to effectively lead others; Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Luke Steinbach. Mr. Steinbach is an Associate Director for the High Reliability Support Team.  He provides leadership for the High Reliability Consultation and High Reliability Academy workstreams who are responsible for supporting and developing HRO Implementers across facilities and VISNs.   This episode will motivate those who are searching for tips on how to find success by discovering the key principles, strategies, and insights that leaders can employ to cultivate a culture of high reliability within their teams and organizations. Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E5.pdf ===============================Key Lessons:        Everyone is responsible to engage in actions that will create an atmosphere and culture for the Five HRO Principles to take hold in the organization and on their teams.      We can all engage in HRO behaviors that fit our needs and the needs of our teams. There are “no cookie cutter” ways to implement the principles.    The HRO principles are a blend of the process and the person.  The improvement and growth in our organization can only go as far as we our own self-improvement and awareness.  Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

As we shift our focus from Leading the Self into Leading Others, on this episode Dr. Shari Dade sits down with Dr. Maurice Endsley. Dr. Endsley is currently serving as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Manager for VA Northern California. He also serves in several roles to support the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, including Co-Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources Coordination Committee, as a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion consultant. He is also a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee member.   This episode is sure to inspire those who may be answering the call of leadership by crafting innovative needs-based programming or initiatives. Listen in as we embark on the journey of MisStepping into success and celebrate the leaders who plant the seeds of change and nurture them with resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication.   Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E4.pdf ===============================Key Lessons:        Listening for the needs, the feedback, and the is the pathway to success when developing a grassroots initiative.      When leading others in grassroot initiatives be sure you are prioritizing your own self-care, especially when faced with significant challenges or opposition.     Talk about your project with passion to create allies, building relationships, and sustain connections. Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Dr. Christopher Watson. Dr. Watson is a psychologist who began his VA career in 1993, is the VISN 19 Chief Mental Health Officer and has been serving as the Acting Executive Director of the Veterans Crisis Line since late August 2023. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Division 18 (Public Practice section) of the American Psychological Association, and the VA Psychology Leaders group. He also regularly provides coaching and mentoring to mental health leaders across the organization, and he has an absolute passion for issues pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has particularly demonstrated leadership in addressing systemic racism on the local and national level in VHA, providing numerous presentations and trainings related to diversity and inclusion. Listen in as Dr. Christopher Watson shares the impact insight has on effective leadership, both for the leader and their team.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E3.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: Being an insightful leader takes work and courage, but it fosters trust, empathy, and authenticity within teams.Leaders who are reflective can operate and communicate with clarity to others.It's important for leaders to use their influence to sponsor the growth and opportunities for others. Having enough insight to realize this does not take from your opportunities is integral.Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari will be joined by Dr. Jacqueline Paykel. Dr. Paykel holds the position of the Women's Health Medical Director for the Tomah VA Medical Center. She also serves on the new VHA Physician Advocacy Council and is one of the developers of the THRIVE (Transforming Health and Resiliency through Integration of Values-based Experiences) whole health clinical program. Listen in as Dr. Jaqueline Paykel discusses how leaders can move beyond defining success through numbers and metrics, but instead lean into thriving by leading themselves first! Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E2.pdf =============================== Key Lessons: The first step to burnout can be untamed passion. Be sure to take note of how your passion fills you and depletes you.Take time to slow down and reflect on where you may be in the S Shape of your career and life. Journal to see where your values are and how you are integrating them into your work life.Meaningful relationships at work impact your satisfaction, engagement, and susceptibility to burnout.Enough is a word that's available in our vocabulary!Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

Hello and welcome to the 4th season of the Audacity to Fail Podcast, where we embrace the audacity of leading within our organization, when met with failure! On this Season Opener, Dr. Shari Dade will sit down with the podcast's producer, Jan Johnson to invite you behind the mic for an intimate look into the creation, sustainment, and success of the show.  Listen in to a discussion focused on how to make positive waves in our organization through the creation and sustainment of innovative ideas, projects, and products! Key Lessons: Creation: When in the creation stage, take time to secure your team. Ask who may be a viable co-creator in your process.Sustainment: Understand that it takes audacity to sustain long term impact and change within our organization. Be bold with your choices, however, keep your core in mind.Success: Take time to express gratitude to those who have given life to your endeavors. Ask them for feedback and listen with an open ear and hands ready for action.Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On the Season 3 close out episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Dr. Maureen Marks! Dr. Marks began her VA career in 1992 as a psychology intern at the Cincinnati VAMC and was hired on as a permanent staff member in March 1996. Dr. Marks has served as Executive Director of the VHA National Center for Organization Development since January 2020. NCOD's mission is to support leaders in creating highly engaged work environments, and it provides services across all of VA. She has been with NCOD since 2010 in various roles including Director of Organizational Health and Deputy Director. She served as Acting VHA Chief of Staff from May 2022 through June 2023. In this episode, Dr. Marks shares wisdom and insight into ways stretch assignments can take leaders out of their comfort zones, challenging them to reach beyond their current capabilities and acquire new skills. Whether you're a seasoned executive looking for your next big challenge or an emerging leader eager to climb to the next step on the career ladder you're in for a treat because this episode will explore the powerful role that stretch assignments play in the growth and development of leaders.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E10.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: If you are seeking a stretch assignment, be sure to have conversations that give you an understanding of what the role really is, what the vision for the role is, and if it is a vision that you care about.If you find yourself terrified, then that's typically a good sign that you're about to step into something that's about to be an exciting adventure that you will really grow from.For seasoned leaders who are questioning whether stretch assignments are what they need at this phase of their career, think about ways that you can be of service that you may have never considered before.Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade takes a moment to chat with Paul Harman. Paul is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been the Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health at the Montana VA for 7 years, during this time he has held several details including the Eastern Colorado Healthcare System as their Acting Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health and currently on detail to the Roseburg Healthcare System as their Acting Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health. Listen in to a discussion on how leaders can become trauma informed and build workplaces that allow employees to thrive and provide the best care to our veterans. Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E9.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: Start building a healthy workplace by creating a workplace community based on people and their needs and experiences.Trauma-informed leaders seek to look for factors within the system, structure, processes, and policies that may compound stress reactions for employees.Check out VA Voices!Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode of the Consultant Corner, you get a front row seat as podcast host, Dr. Shari N. Dade opens the VA Psychology Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Tx and shares how to begin becoming the audacious leader many of us hope to be! Listen in to the talk focused on helping leaders harness the Audacity to BE Uncertain, Relentless, and Authentic while on their leadership journey. Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E8.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: Lessons of Uncertainty: It's important to remember: The beauty of uncertainty is INFINITE possibility.Audacious living can transform panic into purpose. Relentlessness Actions: Understand your Mission!Understand your Hand!Authentic Reflections: Know your value. Understand your worth.Lean on each other – tell your peers how priceless they are!Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Dr. Maia Carter. Dr. Carter is the Director of Virtual Care Integration in the Office of Primary Care. In this role, she works to help implement and expand virtual tools throughout primary care services through the nation. As a TelePrimary Care Physician, Dr. Carter sees patients virtually throughout VISN 21. She is also the thought leader and host of the dynamic VA VLOG entitled “Let's Talk Virtual Care” produced by the office primary care virtual care integration team. Listen in for a discussion on how leaders can experience some of the best professional development by looking into the face of fear and choosing to embrace it.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E7.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: Sometimes you must remind yourself of your accomplishments to remind yourself that you are where you need to be. Check your resume!Be sure to give yourself grace when leaping into situations that lead to fear. Work to establish your support team and your success circle to help you navigate the fear.Focus on your get up and not your fall!Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Jessica Bonjorni. Ms. Bonjorni was appointed to the position of Chief, Human Capital Management, for the Office of Human Capital Management for the Veterans Health Administration in April 2020. In this capacity, Ms. Bonjorni leads the strategic integration of Workforce Management and Consulting; Institute for Leadership, Education, and Development; and the National Center for Organization Development to support the human capital systems for nearly 380,000 VHA employees and over 120,000 health professions trainees. In her role, Ms. Bonjorni provides guidance, information, and consultation to VHA Central Office components, VHA health care facilities, Veterans Integrated Service Networks, and external entities such as health professional organizations, Congress, and other Federal agencies. Listen in for a discussion on the importance of showing up authentically and candidly and how this can often inspire and engage your workforce in significant ways. Closed Caption Transcript is available at:https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E6.pdf===============================Key Lessons: Take time to ask yourself the question, “What type of leader do I want to be?”. Actively work to become that leader. Challenge yourself and have to courage to act against any behaviors that conflict with the answer to that question. Candid leaders have the confidence to be authentic in their spaces. Psychological safety is needed to create pathways for candidness. Confidence is often what we want but courage/audacity is the first step we need to get there. We all have a responsibility to create candidness in the workplace! Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Dr. Adam Sumner a staff psychologist with the VISN 23 Clinical Resource Hub focusing on outpatient mental health in a rural setting. Dr. Sumner's path to becoming a psychologist led through a variety of settings including community mental health, higher education, and now the VA for almost 7 years. He enjoys working in rural communities, health psychology, and the opportunity to serve Veterans. He also loves getting up way too early to go running, trying to stay upright on a gravel bike, watching the never-ending soap opera of English soccer, and coaching youth sports. Listen in for a discussion on the importance of juggling how to give, receive, and seek feedback to improve workplace relations and engagement.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E5.pdf =============================== Key Lessons: Don't expect to be an expert when it comes to giving, receiving, and seeking feedback – but do it anyway!Lean into embracing the surprise-mind and allow yourself to be open, curious, and authentic in your reactions to feedback.Use the 5:1 ratio – remember positive feedback and feedback focused on continuing behaviors is essential to behavior change and alignment.Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade takes a moment to chat with Dr. Napoleon Wells. Dr. Wells is a Clinical Psychologist and Readjustment Counselor. He performs a full range of assessment, therapy, and care management services for the Columbia Vet Center. Dr. Wells serves Veterans and their families and advocates for the interests of Black families. He carries the identities of polymath, chess player, and Black speculative fiction author. Listen in for a discussion on how to take practical steps toward integrating DEI practices into the fabric of teams and leadership. Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E4.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: Assess for gaps in diversity on teams and ask people representative of those gaps to gain further information about why the gaps are present and how to fill them.Approach DEI like you would approach learning a new language. Immerse yourself in the practice of DEI and allow yourself to feel the discomfort.Encourage your teams to create the action plans for how to integrate DEI practices into their fabric. Use these action plans to drive forward.Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode of Consultant Connection, Dr. Shari Dade takes time to slow down and dive into the world of coaching with Dr. Scott Muhs. Dr. Muhs is a versatile leader and organizational development psychologist whose purpose and drive is to assist leaders and organizations in achieving greatness. With over 20 years in leveraging psychological and human behavior principles in personal growth, leadership development, and organization change, he is currently the head of Leadership Coaching Services with the Veterans Health Administration National Center for Organization Development. He leads the collective efforts in delivering and coordinating impactful coaching to thousands of leaders across the enterprise. He has designed and directed accredited coach development programming, helping individuals learn to be coaches, applying coaching skills to day-to-day as well as supporting a wide range of coaching engagements. Listen in for a discussion of how coaching can be a powerful resource in any leadership journey! Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E3.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: 1) Coaching is different than mentoring and teaching. It's truly focused on exploring and expanding rather than telling. “Mentoring is about who you choose. Coaching is about YOU!” 2) Coaching is more than just a conversation. It's a discovery journey of self-exploration and curiosity! 3) Organizations that developing a culture of coaching allows space for employees to gain clarity and growth by approaching situations with curiosity and exploration.Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade sits down with Dr. Gayle Iwamasa, the National Director of Inpatient Mental Health Services in the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the VHA Central Office. Along with this role, Dr. Iwamasa is currently detailed to lead the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee for the Department of Defense. In this conversation, Gayle shares the missteps leaders may confront when unintentionally finding themselves in a leadership role. This conversation explores the complicated task of accidental leadership. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader's missteps. Key Lessons:1) If you are feeling like an imposter in your role – check to see if you have been thrust into a role you have not been developed for. You may be an accidental leader. 2) Accidental leadership is difficult for people because they are often given the responsibility with no support or given the title with no training. Accidental leaders can overcome this by requesting training or asking for support from others. 3) Mentorship is vital when moving through your leadership journey. Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

Welcome to Season 3! We've got so much fun instore for you! On this season's opener, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Moira Shaughnessy. Moira is a program manager and trainer in the Veteran's Benefits Administration's Leadership Development Directorate of Human Capital Services. She also manages a national-level leadership development program called LEAD to prepare GS 10 through 12 employees for first-line leadership. Moira is also considered to be a thought curator and podcaster in her own right as she has been the host of the VA Distinguished Speaker Series from its inception. Listen in for tips on how to answer the question, “Is leadership for me?” Key Lessons: 1) Limiting beliefs about our own abilities or unconscious beliefs about who deserves or “should” be leaders can often prevent great leaders from taking the leap into leadership! 2) Although leadership may seem like the “logical next step”, ask yourself if now is the time to step into a formal leadership role. 3) Everyone is a leader in their own right, but formal leadership roles and positions call for someone who is people minded and open to being vulnerable enough to learn new things! Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this season's closer, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Dr. Charlotte McCloskey. Dr. McCloskey is the Local Recovery Coordinator and staff Psychologist of the Kansas City VA Medical Center. In her role she serves as the VISN Point of Contact for both fellow Local Recovery Coordinators and the Supervisors of Veteran Peer Support Specialists. Dr. McCloskey is also the EPIC Coordinator, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention's Tele-mental Health Champion and serves on many of Kansas City VA's hospital wide committees. For example, she is the Co-Chair for the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion SharePoint where she acts as a Subject Matter Expert. Also serving as a SME for JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Consultation Program. She is formerly a Postdoctoral Training Director and most recently, Dr. McCloskey is very proud of helping set up the Kansas City VA's Second Victim Program-RISE, where she is a core trainer. Listen in for a discussion of how to increase and sustain employee engagement. Key Lessons: 1) Evaluate the last 3 months of the activities you have been engaged in at work and ask yourself, “what has brought me a spark?” Make a list of these things and chat with your supervisor about how you might engage in more of these activities. 2) Engaging in activities that bring you purpose will help you sustain employee engagement. 3) “The single most important thing that can keep workers deeply and happily engaged on the job is moving forward on work they care about – even if the progress is an ‘incremental' small win.' “– Dr. Teresa Amabile Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade talks workplace relationships with Erik Sletten, the Workforce Excellence Coordinator for VA North Texas Health Care System. In his role, Mr. Sletten focuses on the development of leaders, teams, and employees throughout the North Texas System. Listen in for a discussion of how mindset and emotional intelligence play a role in moving beyond transactional workplace connections. Key Lessons: 1) Work to shift your mindset from inward thinking to outward thinking! Think about what factors can be influenced to move the organization or team closer to goals. 2) Cultivate workplace relationships create a culture where everyone can show up in ways that are authentic. 3) Couple your passions with your actions! Strive to connect what drives and motivates you to the work you do every day! Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this inaugural episode of Consultant Connection, Dr. Shari Dade sits down with Dr. Mira Brancu a Senior Organization Development Psychologist for VA's National Center for Organization Development (NCOD). Prior to working at NCOD, she also served in several leadership roles supporting the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention's Mental Health Centers of Excellence, including the one in VISN 6 where she served as Deputy Director for 10 years. Mira is also an Associate Professor at Duke University. She specializes in team development, women's leadership, and navigating workplace politics. Listen in for a moment to connect with a leadership consultant around, The Power in Managing Up! Key Lessons: 1) Think about managing up as a way of “joining upward” and partnering with your leadership. 2) Take a step back and listen closely to how leaders talk about their pain points – what are their struggles, what might they be stressed about, what are they watching or tracking, and what are their drivers. Once you do this ask yourself, “what is my role in providing solutions and helping my leader overcome this?” 3) Ensure your approach is focused on listening, learning, empathy, and understanding. Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Mr. Seginald Bryant, the Information Technology Area Manager for Durham, North Carolina. Mr. Bryant has a team of 27 IT Specialists that support Veterans from Central NC out to Eastern Coastal NC. This support includes VISN 6 HQ in Durham, two NCAs – one in Raleigh & New Bern, four Raleigh CBOCs, a Wake County Health Care Center, two Vet Centers – One in Greenville & one in Raleigh, a Health Care Center in Greenville, a VBA office in Raleigh, the Durham VAMC, a National Program Office, National Research Office, an Admin office in RTP and numerous remote customers scattered across the AOR. On this episode, he talks about how he has been able to charge past failures of his past and remain encouraged to push himself to success. Listen in for a discussion on how to turn the adversity of today into the success of tomorrow by playing the long game!

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade takes a moment to connect with Dr. Erica Scavella, a member of Senior Executive Service (SES), who serves as the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services and the Chief Medical Officer at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Scavella and her team define VA's clinical strategy and policy in order to assure the provision of an enterprise-wide, patient-driven, evidence-based standard of care, the reduction of unintended variability in outcomes, and the delivery of world class healthcare for Veterans. Listen in for a discussion on how to begin thinking about missteps or failures as breadcrumbs leading to your success! Key Lessons: 1) As a leader it is important to be a model and share failures or areas of growth with your team to encourage their own growth and understanding of how to rebound. 2) Look at each misstep as a canary in a coalmine and take inventory of what you learned from failures. Think about ways your can expand your toolbox from these learnings. 3) When rebounding from failure, gather a support team to help along the way. You will likely find the answers are already in the room! Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

Are you living a life based on the memories of your missteps or are you living a life with a vision of your future in mind? On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade spends time with Mr. James Douglas the Associate Director for the VA West Texas Health Care System. In his role, Mr. Douglas is responsible for the administrative operations of the Health Care System to include Fiscal and Engineering oversight. Listen in for a discussion on how to still achieve success when you feel limited by their failures, situations, and circumstances. Key Lessons: 1) Do the work with the love of people in the forefront. When you see the people in the work, the titles won't matter but what will matter is the lives we impact. 2) When we're put in uncomfortable situations it may allow us to see things differently and in ways that will help us grow. 3) When you enter the VA Enterprise, don't leave if you feel you have limits. Instead, chart your path and look for the people who will support you as you gain more resources to push past those limits. Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade takes a moment to connect with Dr. Shabnam “Shabi” Showell, an Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) of primary care West at the North Florida South Georgia Health Care System, and a leadership coach. Dr. Showell is an internist who completed medical school and residency at the University of Colorado.  She is passionate about primary care, women's health, musculoskeletal medicine, medical education, leadership coaching, and in improving health disparities. She is an avid baker, dancer, skier, and the mother of four beautiful children. Listen in for a discussion on how the fear of missteps and not trusting yourself as a leader can lead to failing before you even begin the journey. Key Lessons: 1) Working to accept that failing at something does not make you a failure will relieve the weight of having to be successful every time you put in effort. 2) When you are not engaging and taking the steps to lead, even in the risk of possible failure, you are manufacturing smallness for yourself and preventing yourself from getting to your goals in leadership. Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade sits down with Dr. Kristina Seymour, a Clinical psychologist at the Columbia VA Health Care System. Dr. Seymour also serves on the Trauma Recovery Team (TRP) as a Rotation Supervisor. She is also a published author and creator of the Optimal Response Initiative (ORI) with Military, Civilian, and Primary Care Version Workbooks. Dr. Seymour is also the Founder of Share & Co. A Publishing company focused on empowering People to Share their Testimony, Time, Talent, Treasure! In this episode they discuss moments of redirection and reroutes throughout her career and the risk of failure during these times. The episode examines the importance of deciding to look inward to determine if growth is worth the risk of failure. Key Lessons: 1) Remember when you are learning something new there is a learning curve. You can figure it, but you must engage in the process of learning. 2) Take on reroutes with curiosity to move through the fear of failure. Embrace the reroutes because they could take you on a journey to your now. 3) Instead of thinking about the fear of failure, refocus on how you are contributing to the people involved. Broaden your perspective and focus on your experiences with others. Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this month's episode, Dr. Shari Dade dives into what it takes to grow beyond what is safe and how to reconcile when you fail to do so. This episode welcomes back to the show, Dr. Kevin “Kipp” Corbus an Organization Consultant and supervisor for NCOD's Consulting Services which focuses on providing consultative support to leaders as they identify actions and behaviors to help them lead their teams as effectively as possible.In this dialogue, Kipp and Shari revisit the Audacity to Fail Episode 3: The Journey to Diversity and Inclusion. They discuss the process of critical reflection and how this leads to success after a misstep or failure.Key Lessons:1) Ask yourself what type of person you need to be in a situation. Be honest with yourself about what you are willing to risk for boldness. Give yourself grace for whatever choice you decide. 2) Be aware if you are letting the pressure of “getting it right” stop you from standing or speaking up.3) Approach your choices and actions with critical reflection. This is integral in moving from missteps to success. Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

In Season Two's opening episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Amjed Baghdadi, the Assistant Director for Operations at Austin for the Central Texas Veteran's Healthcare System. Amjed provides administrative oversite for the Austin Outpatient Clinic as well as Prosthetics, Voluntary, Chaplain, and MyVA Experience Services. For this conversation, Amjed shares a story of failure and the audacity it took for him to continue making steps toward success and learning. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader's missteps. Key Lessons: 1) Acknowledging mistakes and struggles will allow you to seek proper support. Having the courage to ask for and accept help or assistance will lead you down the pathway from failure to success. 2) Instead of running or hiding during difficult situations, practice engaging with failure and conflict from a place of compassion and curiosity for learning. 3) Look at failure as a crossroad with the opportunity to build a path forward with learning and growth. Consciously choose to consistently look forward and become a better leader. The act of rebounding after failure can seem impossible. Pause. Listen to Amjed's recommendation of Sia's “Alive” to feel revived and ready to keep moving forward!

For Season One's special close out episode, Dr. Shari Dade has the pleasure of being joined by Dr. Richard Stone, an Independent Contractor and Healthcare Strategist. Dr. Stone is the former acting Under Secretary for Health at the Veterans Health Administration. In this conversation, Dr. Stone discusses the missteps leaders can make throughout their leaderships careers and when they are embarking on the journey of new beginnings. This episode moves the focus from leadership in it's current state, the here and now, and draws attention to the way audacious leaders leave a legacy for those who will lead in the future. Key Lessons: 1) Listen! And when you think you know the answer, shut up and listen some more! 2) It's important to let the contrarians in the room to hear what they have to say. This is the 1st step in ensuring there is diversity of thought in decision making. 3) Your leadership legacy lies in who you have around you and what you leave to leaders that will come after you. Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this month's episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Onika Coke-Munoz, the Director of Learning and Development (L&D) in the Office of Human Capital Services (HCS) at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). In this role she leads organizational change and infrastructure improvements within a multi-faceted training enterprise providing instruction, program design & development, professional development consultation, diversity & inclusion, and employee engagement initiatives in service to 26,000 employees nation-wide.In this dialogue, Onika discusses the missteps leaders can make as they foster a culture of servant leadership and build supportive relationships with their team. This episode explores the benefits leaders can experience when building and sustaining positive relationships within their enterprise. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader's missteps. Key Lessons: 1) Being authentic grants the foundation for leaders to begin building supportive relationships. 2) Before looking to create external networks, ensure you have an internal team of support including 4 buckets: A Mentor, A Coach, A Cheerleader, A Social. 3) Build relationships at every level throughout your enterprise. Understanding and knowing who is in the room with you will allow you to foster cultures of collaboration! Building supportive relationships can seem like a lot of work so cue up Onika's recommendation of Rihanna's “Work” to have a fun dance break! Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this month's episode, Dr. Shari Dade dialogues with Dr. Ryan Vega, the Chief Officer in the Healthcare Innovation and Learning office. Ryan provides direct guidance to the VHA Innovation Ecosystem, which includes the Innovators Network and Diffusion of Excellence, the VHA Simulation Learning Evaluation and Research Network, and the new Center for Care and Payment Innovation. In this dialogue, Dr. Vega discusses the missteps leaders can make while trying new ideas in the workplace. This episode explores how when it comes to obtaining success outcomes, innovation is the key for making any kind of progress. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader's missteps.Key Lessons: 1) Failure plays a critical role in innovation and allows for learning on how to create employee driven initiatives and change. 2) Employees are often untapped resources when it comes to generating new ideas and perspectives. 3) Innovation may seem in contradiction to the status quo, but it drives a steady pace towards progression and growth! Tune into the “Saved by the Bell” theme song, referred by Dr. Ryan Vega and start thinking of new ways and initiatives that could propel your team forward onto new terrain! Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this month's episode, Dr. Shari Dade connects with Dr. Al Montoya, the Medical Center Director of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System a 1A tertiary care with approximately 3,000 staff and care for around 58,000 veterans in the state of Connecticut! In this dialogue, Dr. Montoya discusses the missteps leaders can make when attempting to fairly and meaningfully recognize individual and team performance. This episode explores how employee recognition is a powerful driver of positive changes across any team or workgroup within an organization. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader's missteps. Key Lessons: 1) Be intentional about developing a recognition plan that includes rounding. This allows your staff to feel valued by you and know they can raise their concerns to you with you seeing it through to resolution! 2) Remember not everyone will expect or want recognition in the same way. If in doubt, just ask! 3) Don't only show recognition when tasks are complete, instead work to recognize and appreciate employees throughout all times! You've heard so many great gems from Al Montoya, so now listen in to “You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon to hear the song he is often referenced!Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this month's episode, Dr. Shari Dade chats about workload with Bobbi Jo Nye, the Training and Exercise Branch Chief of the VHA Office of Emergency Management. Bobbi Jo manages multiple program and statutory initiatives ensuring that effective and efficient critical emergency management training and exercise support is provided to key stakeholders internal and external to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). In this conversation, Bobbi Jo shares the missteps leader can make when facing the challenges that may be attached to successfully managing the load of work in their workgroup or service. This conversation explores the complicated task of trying to “get it all done”. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader's missteps. Key Lessons: 1) Get to know what your employees are experiencing by having touchpoints that allow space and time to better understand all of what they may be juggling. 2) Work on appropriately delegating tasks based on what you know about the areas of strength for each of your direct reports. Building relationship helps with this task! 3) Communication really is the key! Communicate how you are advocating for your team, including transparency about what you can and cannot control when it comes to workload! Managing workload while enduring chaos can be draining. Take moment to refill your tank by listening to Bobbi Jo's recommendation of Enigma's Return to Innocence!Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this month's episode, Dr. Shari Dade sits down for a wellness conversation with Dr. Kavitha Reddy. Dr. Reddy is the Associate Director of Employee Whole Health within VHA Office of Patient-Centered Care and Cultural Transformation. She carries a previous leadership role as Whole Health Clinical Director at St. Louis VA, one of the 18 flagship sites for whole health system deployment. In this conversation, Kavitha share the missteps leaders can make when navigating the challenge of integrating whole health into our work lives. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader's missteps. Key Lessons: 1.Knowing wellness is important is one thing, however leaders must be intentional about taking steps to intentionally implement wellness into their daily lives. 2.Focus less on achieving work/life balance and strive for integrating wellness into your work like. Integration is key! 3.Check inward and ask yourself if you are creating pressure by setting self-imposed deadlines or holding yourself to unrealistic expectations. Practice some self-care and wellness by kicking back and tuning in to Kavitha Reddy's recommendation of Bob Marley's “One Love” for some relaxation! Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment/SitePages/Home.aspx

On this month's episode, Dr. Shari Dade interviews Marcus Butler. Marcus Butler is the Director of Logistics for the Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization. He is responsible for program oversight and executive leadership in the areas of Transportation Management, Facilities Management, Equipment Management, Analytical Reporting, and Logistics Operations and the accomplishment of the overall OEHRM mission. In this conversation, Marcus shares the missteps leaders may confront when developing tomorrow's leaders, today. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader's missteps. Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this month's episode, Dr. Shari Dade interviews Dr. Kipp Corbus. Dr. Kipp Corbus is the supervisor for National Center for Organization Development's Action Focused Consultation. The AFC team provides services that support any leader who desire to identify actions and behaviors to help them lead their teams as effectively as possible. In this conversation, Kipp shares the missteps along the journey of navigating diversity and inclusion first for himself and then with his team. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader's missteps.Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

On this month's episode, Dr. Shari Dade interviews Tiffany Chavis, MSW, LCSW. Tiffany Chavis, MSW, LCSW is a Senior Social Worker and the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the Durham VAHCS. She works diligently to engage Veterans and their families, VA staff and providers, and community stakeholders in the public health approach to suicide prevention by increasing awareness about whole health and encouraging conversations about reasons to live. In her open time, you can find her reading books like ‘The Other Wes Moore' by Wes Moore. In this conversation, Tiffany shares her personal difficulties with balancing care and accountability. She opens up about areas of growth and the missteps that taught her how to engage in this delicate balance as a leader. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader's missteps.Please check out additional services here: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHANationalCenterforOrganizationDevelopment

Dr. Chad Kessler is the National Director of Emergency Medicine for the Veteran's Health Administration. During the day he works as an Emergency Medicine Physician and is the host of C-20, but on a Saturday night you could find him partaking in pizza, homemade ice cream, and watching Marvel movies with his wife and two older kids while the two littles one watch ‘little' movies upstairs. In this conversation, Chad shares his personal experiences with learning how to communicate effectively and the failures he learned from along the way. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader's missteps.