Podcasts about corporate bitch

We'd love to hear from you. Send us fan mail!Workplace dispute resolution is one of the least discussed and most costly blindspots in executive leadership. In this episode of Shedding the Corporate B!tch, executive coach Bernadette Boas sits down with Felicia Harris Hoss, of Harris Hoss Mediations & Arbitration, a nationally recognized mediator with 30 years of trial law experience, to break down early dispute resolution and why it is one of the most powerful, underutilized tools available to corporate executives and HR leaders.Felicia explains why less than five percent of filed lawsuits ever reach trial, what that means for how executives should be approaching conflict, and why the decision to mediate early is not a sign of weakness, it is a strategic move that preserves relationships, resources, and reputation. She walks through the four Cs of mediation, the questions every executive should be asking their attorney, and how to shift from a reacting posture to a responding one in any dispute.If you lead people, manage HR concerns, or sit in any seat where workplace conflict can escalate into legal action, this conversation will change how you think about resolution. What You Will Learn• What early dispute resolution (EDR) is and why it is ABA official policy• When to engage a mediator before a lawsuit is filed• Why litigation means surrendering control — and what executives can do instead• The four Cs of mediation: confidentiality, control, creativity, certainty• What questions to ask your attorney about workplace disputes and resolution options• How the respond vs. react mindset shifts negotiation outcomes• What 'winning' actually looks like in a corporate dispute Key Quote"If you go to the courthouse, you pass that baton called control to strangers. — Felicia Harris Hoss" Episode Chapters00:00:00 — The Legal Dispute Already Living in Your Organization 00:02:00 — Why Staying in the Room Changes Everything 00:03:00 — Meet Felicia Harris-Hoss: From Trial Partner to Neutral 00:06:00 — What Mediation Actually Is (And Isn't) 00:09:00 — Workplace Scenarios That Call for a Mediator 00:12:00 — Why Early Mediation — Before Positions Harden 00:13:00 — The Human Cost Behind Every Corporate Lawsuit 00:15:00 — Why Early Mediation Wasn't Working — And What Changed 00:17:00 — Ego, Fear, and the Real Reason Leaders Avoid Resolution 00:18:00 — The Courtroom Hands Control to Strangers 00:21:00 — The Four C's of Mediation: Confidentiality, Control, Creativity, Certainty 00:26:00 — Key Questions Every Leader Should Ask Their Attorney 00:27:00 — What to Know Before You Bring a Dispute to HR 00:31:00 — Why Even Lawyers Get Confirmation Bias 00:32:00 — Respond, Don't React: The Mindset That Changes Outcomes 00:34:00 — Bernadette's Takeaways for Every Leader and HR Professional About the GuestFelicia Harris Hoss, of Harris Hoss Mediations & Arbitration, is a 30-year trial attorney and nationally credentialed mediator who specializes in early dispute resolution for executives, corporations, and complex business conflicts. She co-authored Resolution 500 for the American Bar Association, which was unanimously adopted in 2024, making early dispute resolution official ABA policy. She also helped establish the American Arbitration Association's EDR Mediation Panel.Learn more at HarrisHossPLLC| Connect on LinkedIn HERE Related Episodes Employee Engagement Strategies That Actually Move the Needle with Ian Watts— HEREYour Calendar is Lying - The Timer Leadership Framework— HERESlow Down To Go Fast with Loretta Stagnitto — HERE Subscribe CTAIf this conversation gave you a new way to think about conflict, leadership, and control, subscribe to Shedding the Corporate Bitch on YouTube at @ShedtheCorpBitchTV for new episodes every week. You can also DOWNLOAD our free Leadership Gap Diagnostic and identify where your leadership needs the most attention right now. Support the show

We'd love to hear from you. Send us fan mail!The 5-Step Transformation Framework That Turns Your Biggest Leadership Gap Into Your Greatest StrengthAbout This Episode:After 25 years in corporate America as VP, Chief Knowledge Officer, global team leader, Bernadette Boas was fired and labeled a tyrant. What she built out of that experience is a proven, five-step leadership transformation framework she has since used with 400+ executives across SMB - Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations.This episode is for the manager who is still in the seat, not facing termination, but feeling the gap between the leader they are today and the leader they know they are capable of being. That gap is showing up in your team, your results, and the exhaustion of performing a version of leadership that doesn't actually feel like you.Bernadette walks you through every step of her Shift to Riches Formula — Discover, Confront, Shed, Create, and Accelerate, and gives you three specific actions to begin your own transformation today. What You'll Learn•       Why the gap between the manager you are and the leader you want to be starts on the inside, not in your title or your org chart•       How to identify the fears, insecurities, and ego-driven behaviors quietly costing you trust and results•       The 5-Step Shift to Riches Formula — Discover, Confront, Shed, Create, Accelerateand how to apply each step immediately•       Why building new goals without confronting old patterns is performance, not transformation•       The three requirements for sustaining leadership change when organizational chaos pulls you back•       Three actions to take today, not next week, to begin your own leadership shift Key Quote"The leader you are today was shaped by the fear you chose not to confront. The leader you're meant to be is waiting on the other side of that work." — Bernadette Boas The 5-Step Shift to Riches Formula•       Step 1 — Discover: Who you are, who you want to be, and what internal fears and insecurities are getting in the way•       Step 2 — Confront: Looking directly and honestly at what you discovered — without rationalization, blame, or shame•       Step 3 — Shed: Releasing the behaviors, beliefs, and patterns that are no longer serving your leadership•       Step 4 — Create: Building new behaviors, a new leadership identity, and new goals grounded in who you are choosing to become•       Step 5 — Accelerate: Sustaining the transformation through iteration, accountability, and continued investment in your growth Your Three Actions From This Episode1. Name your dominant internal fear or insecurity — fear, ego, self-doubt, imposter syndrome. Write it down. That is your Discover work.2. Identify one behavior to shed — just one — that is showing up in your leadership and costing you trust, impact, or peace. Name it.3. Write one sentence about the leader you are choosing to create. Not the leader your organization needs. The one you want to be. That sentence is your north star.Resources & LinksFree Leadership Gap Diagnostic: balloffirecoaching.com/opt-inBook a Discovery Call with Bernadette: coachmebernadette.com/discoverycallWatch on YouTube: youtube.com/@ShedtheCorpBitchTVBernadette's Website: balloffirecoaching.comPodcast Page: balloffirecoaching.com/podcast  About Bernadette BoasBernadette Boas is an Executive Coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Ball of Fire Coaching. A former Global VP and Chief Knowledge Officer, she has coached 400+ executives across Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations over 16 years. She is the author of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, published in 2011, and is currently authoring its sequel — Shift to Riches: The Guide to Your Success.Support the show

We'd love to hear from you. Send us fan mail!Role clarity is the most underleveraged driver of leadership performance, and most organizations aren't building it. In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, executive coach Bernadette Boas sits down with Jackson Lynch, founder of Talent Sherpa, to examine why talented people consistently underperform when the architecture around them is broken. Drawing on W. Edwards Deming's research that 94% of performance problems are systemic, not personal, Jackson makes a compelling case that organizations have been investing in the wrong place.The conversation moves from theory to practice quickly. Jackson breaks down what role architecture actually means: defining five to seven outcomes for any role so that everyone in the system, the incumbent, their manager, their peers upstream and downstream, knows exactly what winning looks like. Without that, accountability becomes blame, engagement flatlines, and even your highest-potential leaders are flying blind.For HR leaders, this episode reframes the function itself. Jackson challenges the compliance-first model that most human capital teams operate within and argues that the real job is to identify talent constraints before the strategy is executed, not after things go sideways. What You Will LearnWhy 94% of performance problems are architectural, not personal, and what that means for how you develop leadersHow to define the 5–7 outcomes that tell any role what winning looks likeWhy decision rights must be directly tied to accountability and what breaks when they aren'tThe difference between accountability (backward blame) and reliability (forward ownership) — and which one actually produces resultsHow to use a talent portfolio optimization model to put the right people in the highest-impact rolesWhy HR's shift from compliance partner to business constraint solver changes organizational performanceHow auditing your calendar reveals whether you are leading strategically or managing noiseEpisode Chapters [00:00 — Welcome & Why Leadership Architecture Matters More Than Talent02:00 — The Biggest Leadership Misconception: It's the System, Not the Person03:00 — What Role Architecture Actually Means — Outcomes, Decision Rights & Boundary Conditions05:00 — Role Clarity in Practice: Defining What Winning Looks Like07:00 — Reframing Accountability as Reliability — and Why It Changes Everything08:00 — The AI Fog Problem: Why Automating Unclear Roles Scales the Problem10:00 — The Real Cost of Not Defining Outcomes: Opportunity Loss13:00 — How to Drive Accountability Without Blame16:00 — Why Leaders Stay Stuck in Tasks: Dopamine, Busyness & the Arsonist Problem18:00 — The Talent Portfolio Optimization Model vs. Traditional Succession Planning21:00 — How to Sequence Talent Decisions for Maximum Business Impact23:00 — How HR and Business Leaders Should Partner on Talent Strategy29:00 — Moving Your Team From Busy to Impactful32:00 — Nobody Gets Overwhelmed Knowing What Winning Looks Like33:00 — Audit Your Calendar: The One Move That Changes Everything35:00 — Where to Find Jackson Lynch & Talent SherpaAbout the Guest Jackson Lynch is the founder of Talent Sherpa, where he works with CEOs and executive teams to build the role clarity, decision rights, and outcome-defined accountability structures that drive business performance. With 25 years in human capital — from the factory floor to senior leadership in public companies — Jackson brings an operator's perspective to the systemic gaps that most leadership development programs never address. He also publishes a weekly Substack followed by more than 6,000 human capital practitioners. Learn more at mytalentsherpa.com and connect with Jackson on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/jxnlynch.Related EpisodesYour Calendar is Lying: HERE  — how you need to become an attention manager vs. time managerYour Company is Not a Machine with Norman Wolfe PART 1 HERE — how leaders need to shift from managing tasks to leading the heart of the company; your people.How to Stop Managing the Machine with Norman Wolfe PART 2 HERE — the four concrete leadership skills that make the framework operational, and more importantly, why most leaders are missing all of themSubscribe If this conversation gave you something you can use, subscribe to Shedding the Corporate B!tch on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Access all of the full episode on Ball of Fire Coaching. Each episode is built for executives, HR leaders, and corporate professionals who want direct, no-nonsense insight on what it actually takes to lead at the highest levels. New episodes every week at ballofirecoaching.com/podcast.Support the show

We'd love to hear from you. Send us fan mail!Your calendar isn't a time problem. It's a leadership leverage problem.In this solo episode, executive leadership coach Bernadette Boas introduces the TIMER Leadership Framework — a five-phase operating system designed for leaders who re ready to stop surviving their schedule and start leading with intention. What you'll learn: Why 63% of professionals are burning out from lack of protected thinking time How to shift from time manager to attention manager The 3-day audit that exposes your biggest time leaks How to design your ideal week around your golden hours Why only 19% of managers delegate well  and the 4-step map to fix it How AI is creating "atrophied reasoning" in leadership teams The re-energizing habits that sustain high performance If you've ever said "I just don't have enough time" — this episode will change how you think about that. Key Timestamps[00:00] — Opening: Is your calendar reflecting your priorities or someone else's?[00:02] — Introducing the TIMER Leadership Framework[00:04] — The 4 leadership observations shaping time in 2026[00:08] — The delegation gap: only 19% of managers delegate effectively[00:11] — The reframe: from time manager to attention manager[00:15] — T: Track Your Time — the 3-day audit and time leaks[00:25] — I: Intentional Design — building your ideal week[00:38] — Your productivity profile and golden hours[00:45] — M: Master Your Focus — the timer method and distraction scheduling[00:50] — E: Empower Through Delegation — the leadership leverage problem[00:52] — Assigning an hourly value to your leadership work[00:55] — Building your delegation map and cross-training your team[00:57] — R: Re-energize — why this is the phase most leaders skip[01:03] — The 5 implementation steps to start this week[01:07] — Closing: Become a powerhouse TIMER leaderResources & Links MentionedLaura Vanderkam — Big Time (2026, most talked-about leadership book)Barry O'Reilly — Leadership research on "atrophied reasoning" (Fortune 1000 CEOs)DDI — Global Leadership Forecast 2026 (delegation gap statistics)2026 South by Southwest Leadership Survey (fragmented schedule research)MIT Research — Over-reliance on automated decision toolsCraig Groeschel — The principle of subtractionSubscribe & FollowIf this episode gave you a framework you can actually use, subscribe to Shedding the Corporate Bitch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, and share it with a leader on your team who needs to hear it. You don't have to figure out the leadership complexity of 2026 alone. New episodes every week.

Are you showing up for your team — or just showing up?There's a difference. And your team already knows which one you're doing.In this solo episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, executive coach Bernadette Boas gets direct about one of the most overlooked failures in leadership today: the gap between being available and being genuinely present.Bernadette has coached leaders at every level for more than 25 years, from managers with zero direct reports to executives leading hundreds. What she's observed consistently is this: most managers believe they're showing up, yet, their teams experience them as absent. This episode is the direct conversation most leaders never get from anyone in their orbit.Topics discussed:What Leadership Presence Actually MeansThe Three Dimensions of Showing UpFive Strategies to Start This WeekThe Three Excuses Bernadette Won't AcceptYour Challenge This Week About Bernadette BoasBernadette Boas is an executive coach, speaker, and author of Shedding the Corporate Bitch. With 25+ years inside corporate America, including VP-level roles, and her own transformation from “tyrant boss” to sought-after leadership coach, she helps corporate leaders and their teams close the gap between performance and potential.→  Website: balloffirecoaching.com→  Book a free 30-minute coaching call HERE Subscribe + FollowSubscribe to Shedding the Corporate Bitch so you don't miss an episode HERENew episodes every week. No filler. Just real leadership coaching. Support the show

What if the reason your strategy isn't getting executed has nothing to do with the strategy and everything to do with the model you're using to run your organization?In Part 1 of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, host Bernadette Boas sits down with Norman Wolfe, executive consultant, author, and founder of the Living Organization Framework, to challenge one of the most deeply embedded assumptions in business: that organizations are machines to be optimized. Drawing on his own early career experience at Pratt & Whitney and Hewlett Packard, Norman unpacks why 70% of companies fail to execute their strategies, what organizational maturity really means and why it's the dimension most leaders never measure, and how the leader's role must fundamentally shift from 'plan, organize, lead, and control' to something far more human.What You'll Learn in Part 1:•       Why the machine paradigm of leadership is the root cause of disengagement •       The critical difference between a machine, a living system, and a living organization, and why only one truly reflects how people work•       What the 'execution gap' is and why closing it requires changing how leaders think about their role, not adding more process•       The three dimensions of organizational maturity; dealing with complexity, navigating diverse relationships, and self-reflective growth, and why skills alone will never be enough•       Why 'commitment not compliance' is the operating principle that separates thriving organizations from stagnant ones•       Why leaders who struggle with control are often controlling at the wrong level, and what to do instead Key Timestamps[00:00] — Introduction: The Living Organization Framework and what this episode is about[02:00] — Norman's background: Pratt & Whitney, Hewlett Packard, and what corporate life really taught him[08:00] — Machine vs. living system vs. living organization: breaking down the paradigms[13:00] — Why leaders aren't bad people,they're just unconsciously operating from a limiting narrative[16:00] — Commitment vs. compliance: the paradigm shift in one sentence[23:00] — Defining the execution gap and why KPIs alone will never close it[25:00] — Organizational maturity: the three dimensions and why they matter more than skills[29:00] — Fear of the unknown: the real reason leaders resist the shift[00:32] — Preview of Part 2: The four skills of the Living Organization Framework About the GuestNorman Wolfe is the founder of Quantum Leaders and creator of the Living Organization Framework. He is the author of The Living Organization, available as a free download, and is releasing his second book, Leading a Living Organization, in September 2026. Resources & Links Mentioned•       thelivingorganization.com — Norman's primary hub for the Living Organization Framework•       thelivingorganization.com/book1— Free copy of The Living Organization (Norman's first book)•       quantumleaders.com — Norman's consulting and advisory platformDON'T MISS PART 2 - DROPPING MAY 12TH - Subscribe & Follow - https://pod.link/shedthecorporatebitchSupport the show

US companies spent nearly $100 billion on workplace training last year. Employee engagement hasn't meaningfully improved in two decades. In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, executive coach Bernadette Boas makes the case that the problem is not one of effort, talent, or even budget, it's a design problem. Most organizations have built their development infrastructure around discrete events: a workshop here, an assessment there, a coaching session when someone gets promoted. That model was never engineered to produce lasting behavioral change. It was designed to check boxes.Bernadette walks through the four structural reasons their current programs are failing, including why 81% of organizations measure completion rates instead of behavioral change, why the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve makes single-session training scientifically ineffective, and why most leaders lack the self-awareness to absorb and apply what they're being taught. More importantly, she introduces a solution: the Leadership Development Operating System: a five-pillar framework that connects training, coaching, curriculum, assessment, and measurement into a single compounding architecture. What You'll Learn•       Why the workshop model fails and how the distinction between an event and a system determines whether your investment produces resultsThe four root causes of program failure: lack of self-awareness, no structured practice, absent measurement, and no pull-through•       How to structure skill training so that 60–70% of session time is dedicated to practice and feedback, not information transfer•       The five pillars of the Leadership Development Operating System and how each one reinforces the others•       Why external coaching is essential for real-time behavioral change, and why internal L&D teams cannot fully replace it•       The four-layer measurement framework: behavioral assessment, application data, business impact metrics, and cultural integration•       A diagnostic question to immediately identify the structural gaps in your existing programs Key Timestamps:[00:00] — Why positive workshop feedback doesn't equal behavioral change[01:30] — 80% mindset, 20% skillset: the leadership success formula[03:00] — Why the current development model was built to check boxes, not produce change[13:00] — Introducing the Leadership Development Operating System[14:30] — Overview of the five pillars[31:30] — The diagnostic question for your current program[32:00] — How to book a 30-minute diagnostic call with BernadetteResources & Links:Book a 30-Minute Diagnostic Call: coachmebernadette.com/discovery-callPodcast Hub (all platforms): balloffirecoaching.com/podcastFollow on YouTube: HERESupport the show

Change is no longer an event. It's the environment and the leaders who will win in the next decade are the ones who stop waiting for it to slow down and start building the capacity to perform inside it. In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, host Bernadette Boas sits down with executive coach and leadership strategist Loretta Stagnitto to explore what it actually takes to maintain high performance, build resilient culture, and sustain team effectiveness when everything around you is shifting at speed.Her signature philosophy, slow down to go fast is the counterintuitive but data-backed approach that separates leaders who execute their way to exhaustion from leaders who build organizations capable of performing through any change.What You'll LearnWhy even experienced CEOs are experiencing imposter syndrome and why it has nothing to do with their capabilityHow to assess your team's readiness for change before you ask them to executeThe four leadership pillars that create culture, performance, and bench strength through any disruptionWhy internal self-awareness and external self-awareness often don't match and how to close the gapHow to use structured, framework-based feedback to get actionable data you can actually measure over timeThe difference between top-down and bottom-up goal execution, and why only one of them drives real resultsLoretta's step-by-step process for assessing yourself, querying your team, and building an action plan for changeKey Timestamps0:00 — Introduction: Leading through uncertainty and constant change2:00 — Why the pace of change is different now  and what it's doing to leaders5:00 — AI, tariffs, and the anxiety driving leadership burnout7:00 — Ambiguity as a leadership skill: how to build structure around chaos11:00 — What's in your control and how to take pressure off by letting go of what isn't13:00 — Assessing your team's emotional readiness before you lead them through change15:00 — Loretta's four-pillar leadership framework introduced17:00 — Why leaders become "hamsters on the treadmill" and how to get off19:00 — Slow down to go fast: top-down vs. bottom-up execution22:00 — How cascading goals connect every team member to the strategic plan24:00 — Sustaining high performance through uncertainty, the sustainable leadership model27:00 — What feedback leaders should actually be gathering and how to structure it30:00 — Loretta's Self-Aware Leader Quiz31:00 — The one thing leaders should do first when navigating changeLoretta Stagnitto is the founder of Loretta Stato Leadership Associates and an executive coach with extensive experience in corporate leadership development, organizational change, and team performance. 

Is your successor ready, today?Succession planning is one of the most universally acknowledged priorities in corporate America — and one of the most consistently neglected. In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, host and executive coach Bernadette Boas draws on 16 years of direct work with executives, HR leaders, and management teams to expose the real reasons succession planning keeps failing and what leaders can do about it starting this week.Bernadette opens with a challenge that hits close to home for many leaders: Who in your organization is ready to step into a critical role tomorrow, not after six months of development or a 90-day executive search, but tomorrow? If the answer doesn't come quickly, or comes with a knot in the stomach, this episode was made for you.Drawing from Deloitte research, DDI's Leadership Forecast 2025 (which surveyed over 10,000 leaders across 50 countries), and real-world coaching case studies, Bernadette makes a case that is both data-driven and deeply human: succession planning is not a talent shortage problem. It is a leadership preparation problem. And the cost of getting it wrong to the people, culture, and the bottom line is far greater than most organizations calculate until it's too late.What You'll LearnWhy 86% of leaders call succession planning urgent, yet fewer than 14% believe they do it wellThe three most common myths that keep leadership pipelines empty, including the one no one says in the boardroom but everyone feelsWhy "names on a list" is not the same as having a successor, and what a genuinely prepared successor actually requiresWhy the leaders who develop their successors most effectively are the ones who get promoted fastestHow to assess your succession plan for equity and diversity and why it matters strategically, not just ethicallySeven concrete, actionable strategies to build a leadership pipeline that is genuinely ready, starting this weekKey Timestamps[00:00] — Opening challenge: Who is ready to step up tomorrow?[01:00] — The data: What Deloitte and DDI tell us about succession planning[02:30] — Myth #1: Succession planning is an HR project[03:30] — Myth #2: We have successors, we have names on a list[04:00] — Myth #3: Succession is about the future; we have fires right now[05:30] — Challenge #1: Leaders don't want to develop their own replacement[08:30] — Challenge #2: High potentials are identified but not sponsored[10:00] — Challenge #3: The human and business cost of succession gaps[13:00] — Seven concrete strategies for proactive succession planning[21:00] — The case for proactive executive coaching (12–18 months before transition)[23:00] — Auditing your succession plan for equity[24:30] — Creating and reviewing a critical role map[25:30] — This week's challenge: One role, one name, one 90-day plan[28:00] — Episode recap and closing[29:00] — Leadership diagnostic calls: coachmebernadette.com/discoverycallResources & Links Mentioned

Are you a leader coach or a manager to your people?In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, host Bernadette Boas, tackles one of the most consequential and most misunderstood leadership skills: coaching. Not coaching in the abstract, motivational sense, but the practical, disciplined capability that separates leaders who develop and grow people from leaders who simply focus on task output.If your team keeps coming to you with problems they could solve themselves, if your one-on-ones consistently feel like status reports, or if your highest-potential employees seem less engaged than they should be, you'll walk away with a framework that will change all of that.Bernadette opens by drawing sharp, actionable distinctions between managing, mentoring, and coaching. She then introduces a six-step coaching framework that works in real workplace conversations to genuinely empower your people: one-on-ones, performance check-ins, corrective discussions, and in-the-moment development opportunities.  The episode closes with dedicated strategies for HR leaders who want to move beyond individual manager development and embed a coaching culture into the fabric of the organization — from how managers are evaluated to how coaching language is normalized at every level. What You'll Learn•       The critical difference between managing, mentoring, and coaching, and why using the wrong approach at the wrong moment stunts team growth•       Why psychological safety is the non-negotiable prerequisite to effective coaching•       How to make the mindset shift from problem solver to powerhouse coach, and why this transition is harder than it sounds for high-performing managers•       The types of questions that unlock real insight that allow you to guide and lead versus tell and directKey Timestamps[00:00] — The scene that plays out in every office: why managing when you should coach never works[02:30] — Managing vs. mentoring vs. coaching: breaking down the distinctions[04:00] — Why coaching builds self-sufficiency, not just engagement[06:00] — The mindset shift every leader must make to coach effectively[12:00] — The three pillars of powerhouse coaching: curiosity, listening, and trust[16:30] — Step 1 of the framework: How to prepare before any coaching conversation[19:30] — Step 2: Asking powerful questions — the engine of coaching[27:00] — Steps 3 & 4: Active listening and helping employees find their own answers[29:00] — Step 5: Creating action plans that belong to the employee, not the manager[31:00] — Step 6: Follow-up and accountability as a coaching discipline[32:00] — HR-specific strategies for embedding coaching into organizational culture[36:00] — The patience imperative: why sustainable development takes time and how to protect it[38:00] — The challenge: try one real coaching conversation this week Resources & Links•       Subscribe to the podcast: balloffirecoaching.com/podcast•       Previous episode referenced: 'Hiring a Leadership Coach — Ask These 15 Questions'•       Share your story with Bernadette directly: bernadettebows@balloffireinc.comIf today's episode gave you something useful, subscribe to Shedding the Corporate Bitch so you never miss an episode. And if a leader in your world needs to hear this — share it. The best coaching cultures are built one leader at a time.Support the show

The executive coaching industry is worth $20 billion — and yet most leaders and HR teams either skip the vetting process entirely or choose coaches for the wrong reasons. In this episode, Bernadette Boas lays out a powerful, practical framework including 15 must-ask questions so you can confidently identify, evaluate, and hire the executive or leadership coach who will drive real transformation in your organization.Who This Episode Is For•       Individual leaders seeking a sounding board, honest feedback, or career acceleration•       Team leaders & hiring managers developing high-potentials or addressing toxic behavior•       HR and L&D leaders building or expanding a coaching program for their organizationCore Topic:How to properly vet, select, and structure an executive or leadership coaching engagement — and why getting it wrong wastes money, damages morale, and gives coaching a bad reputation.The Biggest Challenges Leaders Face•       Choosing coaches by referral alone — without asking a single vetting question•       Selecting coaches based on comfort rather than fit (coaching is meant to be uncomfortable)•       Misunderstanding credentials and certifications — or ignoring them entirely•       Expecting coaching to be a quick fix rather than a sustained investment in transformation•       Failing to define developmental vs. remedial coaching needs before the search begins•       Not involving the employee in understanding why they're receiving coachingKey Takeaways•       Define Your Need First•       The Higher You Climb, the Lonelier It Gets•       ROI Is Real and Measurable•       Chemistry ≠ ComfortBernadette's 3-Step Framework for Finding the Right Coach•       Step 1 — Do the internal work•       Step 2 — Ask hard questions: Use the 15 questions (10 universal + 5 for HR/organizational sponsors) to rigorously vet every candidate.•       Step 3 — Evaluate Chemistry, Credentials, and ClarityYour Weekly ChallengeIdentify one leadership challenge for yourself or someone on your team that executive or leadership coaching could address. Start the conversation about coaching ROI, and take one concrete next step.Connect with Bernadette•       Book a Discovery Call: coachmebernadette.com/discovery-call•       Website: balloffirecoaching.com•       Podcast: Shedding the Corporate Bitch on Apple Podcasts & other platforms•       YouTube: Shedding the Corporate Bitch channelSupport the show

Your job is not your identity—and believing it is may be costing you your energy, joy, and leadership longevity. In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, burnout coach and author Elisha Meek breaks down how high achievers unknowingly trap themselves in burnout through perfectionism, people-pleasing, and control. She shares practical tools to reclaim purpose without quitting your career, including her Brains-Body-Soul 5-5-5 reset and the power of identity diversification.Timestamps: 00:00 – Why your title is not your identity 02:00 – Elisha's burnout “lightning bolt” moment 05:30 – Hidden signs of burnout leaders ignore 10:00 – Identity diversification explained 14:30 – Control, perfectionism, and people-pleasing 21:30 – When strengths become career-limiting 27:00 – The Brains-Body-Soul 5-5-5 reset 33:00 – Why breakthroughs rarely happen alone 38:00 – One micro-step to reclaim purpose 42:00 – How to break up with burnout before it breaks youConnect with Elisha Meek: Website: elishameek.com Instagram: @elisha.meek LinkedIn: @ElishaMeek Facebook: @Elisha Meek CoachingJoin the Book Launch Team of her upcoming book, Breakup with Burnout breakupwithburnout.elishameek.com/launchCall to Action: Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a leader who needs permission to stop burning out in silence.  PODCAST      VIDEOCASTSupport the show

What if one of the most overlooked leadership behaviors was also one of the most powerful drivers of engagement, performance, and retention?In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, we reframe gratitude from being “nice” to being strategic. Backed by research from Harvard, Gallup, and the University of Pennsylvania, this conversation breaks down why leaders who fail to recognize effort quietly erode culture — and how intentional gratitude can transform results, morale, and loyalty.Time Stamps & Key Talking Points00:00 – Why Gratitude Shapes Leadership Legacy People may forget what you say or do, but they never forget how you make them feel, Gratitude as an emotional leadership lever04:00 – The #1 Thing Employees Ask For Why employees just want to be seen, The underestimated power of “thank you”09:00 – A 50% Productivity Increase University of Pennsylvania research, Adam Grant's findings on gratitude13:00 – The Three Unspoken Employee Questions Do I matter?, Does my work matter?, Do you even notice?18:00 – Fuel the Climb, Not Just the Win Recognizing effort and progress, not just outcomes19:00 – Modeling Gratitude as a Leader Why leaders set the emotional standard, Behavior gets mirrored24:30 – The Real Question Leaders Must Ask Can you afford the absence of gratitude?26:00 – Leadership Reflection Challenge What went unnoticed?, What culture are you quietly building?28:00 – Final Takeaway Gratitude isn't changing who you are, It's changing what you noticeCall to Actions

Corporate teams are burned out, managers are overwhelmed, and everyone claims they “don't have time.” In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, executive coach Bernadette Boas breaks down the truth: great leaders make time—because developing people is their number one responsibility.Using real leadership examples and actionable coaching strategies, Bernadette reveals how managers can transform into powerhouse leaders by shifting how they think about time. This episode is packed with practical, usable tools—no fluff, no theory without action. Expect to walk away with a new perspective and real steps you can start using today.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN– The difference between managers and true leaders – Why time is a leadership tool—and how to invest it wisely – How to use goals as alignment, accountability, and clarity tools – The 4D framework (Delegate, Delay, Delete, Do) for managing overwhelm – How to master time blocking for yourself and your team – Techniques for setting boundaries without damaging relationships – How to coach team members who are drowning in priorities – Why reflection is essential for leadership growth – How to model time-management behaviors that elevate team cultureWHO THIS EPISODE IS FORCorporate leaders, new managers, HR professionals, executive teams, emerging leaders, and anyone committed to leading people—not just managing tasks.CTAIf this conversation helps you rethink how you lead, share it with your team or leadership peers. Subscribe for more weekly episodes that elevate the way you lead, coach, and show up in your corporate career.CONNECT WITH BERNADETTEWebsite: Ball of Fire Coaching LinkedIn: Bernadette Boas Podcast: Shedding the Corporate BitchTAGS (YouTube SEO)Leadership development, corporate leadership, manager training, time management tips, coaching employees, people leadership, productivity for leaders, employee engagement, workplace culture, executive coaching, career growth, professional developmentSupport the show

Are you waiting for a promotion to start leading? STOP. Leadership isn't about your position on an org chart—it's about your influence, clarity, and purpose. In this game-changing episode, executive coach Bernadette Boas reveals why everyone is already a leader and how to elevate your value starting TODAY.If you're a corporate professional, people manager, or HR leader who wants to drive real results without waiting for permission, this episode is your blueprint.

aWhat happens when your best employees become your worst managers? Across corporate America, we're facing what experts call the "Accidental Manager Crisis." A staggering 60-80% of new managers receive ZERO formal leadership training before being thrown into people management roles.The result? Burned-out managers, disengaged teams, and cultures quietly crumbling from the inside. Your top performer just got promoted—but technical excellence doesn't equal leadership ability. Without the right training, support, and mindset shift, you're setting them up to fail.This isn't just an HR problem. It's a business crisis that costs organizations millions in turnover, lost productivity, and damaged culture.

Are you constantly saying "sorry" for the smallest thing? Smoothing over tensions? Fixing everyone else's problems while your own leadership presence suffers? You're not alone - and it's costing you more than you think.In this game-changing episode, powerhouse coach Kelly Travis reveals the hidden toll of over-apologizing and people-pleasing among high-achieving professionals. Discover how internalized roles like "the fixer," "the good girl," and "the perfectionist" are unconsciously driving your leadership decisions and holding you back from your true potential.

Do you have a “good guy, but…” on your team? They're smart, hardworking, maybe even a top producer—but they gossip, interrupt, or stir up conflict. You know it. Your team knows it. And yet, you hesitate to act.In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Bernadette Boas exposes the hidden cost of excusing a good guy, but..., even when it comes from your most likable or high-performing team members.You'll learn:Why the “good guy, but…” mentality sabotages trust, culture, and resultsThe personal fears and biases that keep leaders from actingHow one person's bad behavior spreads like wildfire across a teamSix practical steps to spot, address, and resolve these issues earlyHow to redefine accountability so it feels like courage—not crueltyIf you're serious about building high-performing teams and protecting your credibility as a leader, this episode is a must-listen.Listen + Subscribe:Apple Podcasts | Spotify| DOWNLOAD our free Powerhouse Communication Assessment to begin your journey to shift away from the good-guy syndrome. Support the show

Are you resilient—or just surviving? In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, I sit down with Russell Harvey, “The Resilience Coach,” to challenge how leaders and HR managers think about resilience. Together, we unpack why resilience isn't about “bouncing back” but about springing forward with learning.If you're a leader navigating burnout, constant change, and underperforming teams, this episode will show you how to shift from coping to thriving and build a team that's unstoppable.⏱ Episode Timestamps[00:02] What a truly resilient leader looks like[00:06] The 3 things leaders are actually responsible for[00:12] Why delegating brilliantly fuels succession planning[00:16] The resilience wheel: 7 dimensions every leader must know[00:22] How social connection—not happy hours—builds stronger teams[00:27] Why your “top five” people shape your leadership style[00:31] Reflection practice: What behaviors serve you vs. hold you back[00:38] Why resilience is proactive, not reactive

Time is the one resource you can't get back — and if you don't take control of it, it will control you. In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Bernadette Boas reveals why so many leaders struggle with time management, the hidden costs of poor productivity, and actionable strategies to reclaim your focus, sanity, and performance.Packed with tools like time blocking, the Eisenhower Matrix, SMART goals, and boundary-setting, this episode gives you a proven roadmap to beat burnout, boost productivity, and lead with clarity.If you're tired of feeling overwhelmed by your calendar, buried under endless to-do lists, or stuck in the trap of “busyness,” this episode is your blueprint to take back your time — before it masters you.⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps:[00:00] The Real Cost of Poor Time Management[02:15] Stress, Burnout, and the Leadership Crisis[05:30] Self-Inflicted Time Traps Leaders Create[07:45] Why Multitasking Is a Myth[09:20] Your Calendar Is Too Full — Here's How to Fix It[11:40] Distractions and Mental Fatigue in Leadership[14:00] The Hidden Impact of Overwhelm on Teams & Business[20:00] Master Time with Proven Tools & FrameworksSMART GoalsThe Pareto PrincipleEisenhower Matrix (Do, Delegate, Delete, Delay)Time BlockingTwo-Minute Rule[27:00] Setting Boundaries That Stick[31:00] Reflection and Progress Tracking for Lasting Change[34:00] Final Leadership Takeaways & Next Steps

Connection isn't a “nice to have”—it's a business driver every leader needs to put front and center if they want to achieve their goals and succeed. When employees feel seen, heard, and included, performance skyrockets. Yet, many leaders still struggle with creating cultures of belonging. Why is that?In this powerful episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, I sit down with Greg Morley, global leader, author of Bond: Belonging and the Keys to Inclusion and Connection, and champion of inclusive leadership. With over 25 years of HR experience at companies like Disney, Hasbro, and LVMH, Greg shares hard-earned lessons and practical tools to help leaders and HR professionals turn inclusion into impact.

Your highest performers haven't quit—yet. But they're not fully present either. They're quietly cracking under the weight of stress, burnout, AI-driven changes, and poor leadership. And the cost? A staggering $438 billion in lost productivity.In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Bernadette Boas unpacks:What “Quiet Cracking” really is and how it's different from Quiet QuittingThe hidden warning signs leaders miss in their best peopleThe real business costs of burnout and disengagementA proactive action plan to stop Quiet Cracking before it destroys your cultureIf you're an HR leader, manager, or executive who wants to protect performance, retain talent, and lead with confidence—this episode is a must-listen.

Your success as a leader isn't determined by how well you talk—it's determined by how well you connect. And nowhere is that more critical than when the stakes are high and emotions are running hot.Episode Overview: In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, I sit down with Dr. Amber Johnson—leadership consultant, high-stakes communication expert, and truth-teller on why most leaders fail in conflict.We dig into the hidden reasons leaders struggle to get communication right—especially under pressure—and why avoiding tough conversations is costing you trust, performance, and top talent.Challenges We Tackle:Why “being nice” is sabotaging your leadership effectivenessHow busyness kills connection and erodes team trustThe gap between leaders' “open door” intentions and employees' real experiencesWhy avoidance turns small problems into reputation-damaging crisesWhat You'll Learn:The difference between kindness and niceness—and why it matters for resultsHow to lead without having all the answers by mastering the art of powerful questionsSimple techniques to keep conversations future-focused and defuse defensivenessHow to recognize when your “open door” is actually closedStrategies to address issues early—before they turn into patterns or cultural problemsKey Takeaways:Kindness is truth delivered with care; niceness is a performance that avoids discomfort.The conversation IS the relationship—avoid it and the relationship weakens.If no one has given you hard feedback lately, your team doesn't feel safe enough to tell you the truth.Your Next Step: Don't let communication blind spots limit your leadership impact.

What if the biggest threat to your workplace isn't external—but staring back at you in the mirror?In this powerful episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Bernadette Boas dives deep into the hidden signs of toxic leadership, team behavior, and culture. You'll learn how to identify red flags before they cost you your best people, and discover proven strategies to transform a dysfunctional team into a powerhouse culture that thrives.Whether you're a corporate leader, HR professional, or aspiring change agent, this episode will challenge your thinking, sharpen your awareness, and equip you with actionable steps to create a high-performing, healthy team environment.What you'll learn in this episode:The silent killers of team trust and performanceHow leaders unintentionally feed toxic culturesStrategies for confronting and eradicating toxic behaviorsWhy culture change starts with inner work, not policyThe essential steps to build a team that's engaged, empowered, and loyalTimestamps / Chapters:0:00 – Introduction: The hidden threat of toxic leadership 1:15 – My own wake-up call: Realizing I was the problem 2:30 – What “toxic behavior” really means in the workplace 5:00 – Key questions every leader must ask themselves 6:20 – Hidden signs of a toxic individual or team 21:00 – Identifying and addressing one key toxic behavior 33:00 – The hallmarks of a high-functioning culture 36:10 – Why real change takes time and persistence 37:00 – Call to action: Start the conversation and lead boldlyCall to Action:If you're ready to become a powerhouse change agent, share this episode with your team, colleagues, and HR partners. Start the brave conversations that will transform your workplace into one where people love to contribute, grow, and thrive.

Are you underpaid — or undervaluing yourself? In this power-packed episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, I sit down with John Gates, former Fortune 500 head of recruiting and founder of Salary Coach, to dismantle the myths, fears, and bad advice surrounding salary negotiation.

What if the most underused resource in your company isn't money or talent — but your HR team?In this powerhouse episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Bernadette Boas pulls back the curtain on a dangerous blind spot in leadership: the failure to partner with HR proactively and strategically.

What if the key to becoming a bold, breakthrough leader isn't solving problems—but creating them?In this powerhouse episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, host Bernadette Boas sits down with Ted Santos, CEO of Turnaround Investment Partners, to deliver a radical shift in how corporate professionals approach leadership.Ted shares his personal transformation—from witnessing his mother run on two broken legs to leading organizations through chaos—and reveals the Leadership Disruptor's Playbook that challenges conventional management at every level.In this episode, you'll discover:Why the best leaders create problems to fuel innovationHow to “coach up” your team—even when they're not readyThe importance of delegating strategically to free your calendarHow to lead through chaos using a breakthrough mindsetWhy most leaders operate from blind spots—and how to eliminate themHow personal disruption can unlock your professional superpowerIf you're an executive, team leader, HR partner, or high-performing professional ready to ignite real change and stop managing from the middle, this episode will give you the mindset, tools, and courage to lead differently.Don't just solve problems. Be the problem creator your company needs.Website: www.turnaroundip.comLinkedIn: Ted SantosBook: Here's Why You Can't Find Love✅ Subscribe, rate, and review the show to keep climbing with us.

Is your team checked out, avoiding accountability, or silently resisting your leadership?You're not alone—and you're not powerless.In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Bernadette Boas reveals the 5 critical functions of a high-performing team, and why trust is the foundation that everything else depends on. Whether you're a senior leader, HR executive, or rising manager, this conversation will challenge you to take an honest look at your team dynamics—and your own leadership behaviors.You'll learn:✅ Why dysfunction stems from more than just “difficult people” ✅ What healthy conflict really looks like—and why it leads to results ✅ How to create a culture where accountability isn't feared ✅ A step-by-step strategy to start transforming your team (and yourself) ✅ The real reason your employees aren't listening—and how to shift that immediatelyThis is your wake-up call: If your team isn't functioning, your results will never be sustainable. But with clarity, courage, and the right leadership habits, you can create a team that is loyal, aligned, and driven to win.

Over the last several episodes, we have outlined 1) how best to write powerful reviews and 2) how to define results oriented action plans. Now, we'll revisit how best to give and receive feedback that will align you and your team member(s) to elevate ones success. In this high-impact encore episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, executive coach  powerhouse trainer, Bernadette Boas, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to give and receive performance feedback that drives results—not resentment.Whether you're a seasoned executive, HR professional, or a corporate manager navigating your first review cycle, this episode offers a bold new approach to turning feedback into a year-round leadership advantage.

Are you doing the work… but still not getting noticed? Do promotion decisions happen without your name in the room?In this powerful episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, host Bernadette Boas sits down with executive coach and author Monique Daigneault to unlock one of the most underutilized leadership tools in corporate life: the informational interview.Whether you're navigating layoffs, aiming for a promotion, or just tired of being the best-kept secret in your organization—this episode is your wake-up call.

What's the point of a performance review if nothing changes afterward? In this power-packed episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Bernadette Boas calls out the outdated review process and empowers both employees and managers to rethink how feedback is delivered, received, and transformed into measurable results.Whether you're a mid-level professional looking to grow or a manager committed to developing high-performing teams, this episode gives you a proven, 4-part framework for turning static performance reviews into dynamic action plans that drive clarity, confidence, and career momentum.This episode is your wake-up call to stop checking boxes—and start building people.What You'll Learn:The 3 biggest pitfalls of performance reviews (and how to avoid them)How disengaged employees impact retention, morale, and ROIA 4-step framework for professionals to take control of their developmentA manager's blueprint for coaching, accountability, and follow-throughThe powerful shift from managing tasks to leading peopleKey Takeaways:Don't wait for a roadmap—create your own and advocate for itFeedback isn't the finish line—it's the launchpad for growthSpecificity in feedback is key to clarity and motivationDevelopment is leadership's #1 job—otherwise, you're just managingRetention begins with relevance: make people feel seen, valued, and future-focusedPerfect For:Corporate professionals seeking growth and directionManagers struggling to engage and retain talentHR leaders rethinking their performance review strategyExecutive coaches and leadership development professionalsNeed guidance on developing, communicating, or coaching actions plans toward growth, schedule a call and let's talk - www.coachmebernadette.com/discoverycallVisit https://balloffirecoaching.com/podcast for this and other high-impact episodes. Don't miss the companion episode: Power Plays for Writing Powerful Performance Reviews.Call to Action:➡️ Employees: Stop waiting for someone to hand you your career plan. Own it. ➡️ Managers: Shift from feedback to action. That's real leadership.Subscribe, rate, and review Shedding the Corporate Bitch wherever you listen!Support the show

Are you navigating a major life or career shift—and silently struggling to keep it all together?This powerful episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch with executive coach Bernadette Boas features Wendy Alexander, founder of Happy Career Hub, career coach, and author of Internal Uprising. Wendy shares her raw, real story of overcoming single motherhood, burnout, and the unspoken corporate impact of menopause—and how she reclaimed her power every step of the way.Together, they break down:What it means to truly reclaim your power (and how to do it)How to renegotiate your career on your terms—without apologyWhy journaling, reflection, and owning your story are game-changersHow HR leaders can better support midlife women in the workplaceThe bold career move that changed everything for WendyWhether you're a corporate executive, team leader, or HR decision-maker—this episode offers real talk, tactical takeaways, and inspiration to lead with courage, clarity, and confidence.✨ Your career doesn't end at change—it begins there.

 What if your performance review wasn't just a task… but a career-defining opportunity?In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, leadership coach Bernadette Boas flips the script on how corporate professionals — both employees and managers — should approach performance reviews.Whether you're writing your own self-assessment or giving feedback to your team, this episode is your blueprint for using performance reviews to own your impact, build trust, and elevate careers.In this episode, you'll learn:

This week on Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Bernadette sits down with powerhouse executive coach and social psychologist Dr. Benah Parker of Level 42 Consulting to unpack the real habits sabotaging today's high-achieving leaders — and how to reclaim your power through presence, resilience, and redefining success.From overworking and under-delegating to struggling with control and burnout, Dr. Parker shares how the very habits that got you promoted may now be holding you — and your team — back. Through actionable insights and bold truths, you'll learn how to lead with trust, authenticity, and alignment, while still crushing results.This conversation is for ambitious professionals and executives ready to stop surviving and start leading — with presence, purpose, and power.

Feeling stuck in the grind of a “successful” career that doesn't light you up anymore?This episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch is a no-fluff conversation every high-performing leader, HR executive, and ambitious professional needs to hear. Host Bernadette Boas sits down with Tammy Alvarez, former Wall Street executive turned CEO of Career Winners Circle, who left the corner office behind to build a life and business she actually loves—and now teaches others to do the same.Tammy pulls back the curtain on the corporate myths that keep professionals stuck, including the biggest lie we tell ourselves about career control. You'll walk away with bold, actionable strategies for taking back your power, building a personal brand that gets noticed, and even negotiating for your worth—without waiting for permission.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why loving Mondays isn't a fantasy—and how to make it your realityThe “CEO of You” mindset and how to use it to drive your careerWhat really happens behind closed doors in the C-suite (and how to play the game)How to create a Stakeholder Heat Map to build influence across your companyHow to say “yes, and…” to your boss while setting boundariesWhy it's time to stop waiting for recognition—and start leading your own narrativeWhether you're an executive leader, HR professional, or someone at a career crossroads, this episode will give you the clarity and tools to move from burnout to boldness.

Workplace stress has a way of creeping in until it feels normal, leaving leaders drained and stuck in survival mode. When exhaustion takes over, decision-making suffers, motivation fades, and even the best opportunities can slip by unnoticed. It's not always the workload itself that holds someone back, but the habits and mindset that shape how they handle it. The real challenge isn't just keeping up—it's figuring out what needs to change before burnout makes the choice for them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETB0JCgGBJY Bernadette Boas is an executive coach, trainer, and author focused on leadership and team performance. She founded Ball of Fire Coaching to help professionals improve workplace dynamics. Her book, Shedding the Corporate Bitch, explores breaking negative habits and building strong leadership skills. She also hosts a podcast of the same name. Today, she discusses self-awareness, managing workplace stress, and building high-performing teams by understanding behavior and communication. Her five-step Shift to Riches process helps leaders overcome personal barriers and create more productive work environments. Stay tuned! Resources: Book a call with Bernadette Boas Ignite The Fire Within To Become The Powerhouse You're Meant To Be! Connect with Bernadette Boas on LinkedIn

How often have you paused to ask yourself: What is my 'why,' and how can unlocking it transform the way I navigate my work and personal goals?In this empowering episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, host Bernadette Boas engages in a transformative conversation with Jannette Anderson, also known as the "Why Whisperer" as she shares her unique insights and proven strategies to help you discover and articulate your "why," enabling you to stand out and achieve both personal and professional success.Challenges Explored:The struggle of identifying personal and professional "why" and its significance in achieving career goals.Overcoming core negative beliefs and stories that hinder personal growth.Navigating and thriving in work environments that may not align with your personal values or purpose.Key Talking Points:What makes you stand out and how to convey it compellingly.The intersection of healing from the past and longing for the future as the essence of your "why."The importance of storytelling in personal branding and professional environments.Utilizing personal "why" to transform not just personal life but also to impact organizational and team dynamics.The concept of the "Genesis Story" and why it is crucial for self-presentation.Connect with Us:Learn more about Jannette Anderson and her work at Maturepreneur World and follow her on Facebook @MaturepreneurWorld.Visit Jannette's website for Genesis Story training: Bodacity.ca/GenesisStoryConnect with Bernadette Boas on LinkedIn for further insights and support - www.linkedin.com/in/bernadetteboasWhether you're looking to declutter your personal fears or rise as a powerhouse leader in your organization, this episode offers valuable perspectives to help you redefine your path with clarity and confidence. Don't forget to subscribe for more empowering conversations, and share your thoughts and experiences with us. If you're ready to make bold strides in your leadership journey, reach out to Bernadette at coachmebernadette.com/discoverycall for a complimentary session.Support the show

How often have you paused to ask yourself: What is my 'why,' and how can unlocking it transform the way I navigate my work and personal goals?In this empowering episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, host Bernadette Boas engages in a transformative conversation with Jannette Anderson, also known as the "Why Whisperer" as she shares her unique insights and proven strategies to help you discover and articulate your "why," enabling you to stand out and achieve both personal and professional success.Challenges Explored:The struggle of identifying personal and professional "why" and its significance in achieving career goals.Overcoming core negative beliefs and stories that hinder personal growth.Navigating and thriving in work environments that may not align with your personal values or purpose.Key Talking Points:What makes you stand out and how to convey it compellingly.The intersection of healing from the past and longing for the future as the essence of your "why."The importance of storytelling in personal branding and professional environments.Utilizing personal "why" to transform not just personal life but also to impact organizational and team dynamics.The concept of the "Genesis Story" and why it is crucial for self-presentation.Connect with Us:Learn more about Jannette Anderson and her work at Maturepreneur World and follow her on Facebook @MaturepreneurWorld.Visit Jannette's website for Genesis Story training: Bodacity.ca/GenesisStoryConnect with Bernadette Boas on LinkedIn for further insights and support - www.linkedin.com/in/bernadetteboasWhether you're looking to declutter your personal fears or rise as a powerhouse leader in your organization, this episode offers valuable perspectives to help you redefine your path with clarity and confidence. Don't forget to subscribe for more empowering conversations, and share your thoughts and experiences with us. If you're ready to make bold strides in your leadership journey, reach out to Bernadette at coachmebernadette.com/discoverycall for a complimentary session.Support the show

Are you truly aware of the cost your organization pays for ignoring mental health, not just in lost productivity, but in the unseen toll on your employees' lives?"Join host Bernadette Boas as she delves into the critical topic of mental health and well-being in the corporate world. This episode stresses the urgent necessity for businesses to treat mental health as a core business imperative rather than a mere afterthought. Bernadette shares personal stories and statistics to underscore the profound impact mental health has on productivity, innovation, retention, and the overall success of a business.Key Challenges Discussed:Acknowledging Underlying IssuesThe Cost of Ignoring Mental HealthInternal Triggers Overlooked:Key Talking Points:The Importance of Safe SpacesThe Role of LeadershipInvestment in Well-Being ProgramsConnect with Us:Stay engaged with future episodes and dive deeper into valuable leadership and cultural insights by visiting ballafirecoaching.com/podcast. Follow us on YouTube at Shedding the Corporate Bitch TV for more content and perspectives.Join us next time on Shedding the Corporate Bitch for more empowering conversations and leadership guidance.Support the show

Are you truly aware of the cost your organization pays for ignoring mental health, not just in lost productivity, but in the unseen toll on your employees' lives?"Join host Bernadette Boas as she delves into the critical topic of mental health and well-being in the corporate world. This episode stresses the urgent necessity for businesses to treat mental health as a core business imperative rather than a mere afterthought. Bernadette shares personal stories and statistics to underscore the profound impact mental health has on productivity, innovation, retention, and the overall success of a business.Key Challenges Discussed:Acknowledging Underlying IssuesThe Cost of Ignoring Mental HealthInternal Triggers Overlooked:Key Talking Points:The Importance of Safe SpacesThe Role of LeadershipInvestment in Well-Being ProgramsConnect with Us:Stay engaged with future episodes and dive deeper into valuable leadership and cultural insights by visiting ballafirecoaching.com/podcast. Follow us on YouTube at Shedding the Corporate Bitch TV for more content and perspectives.Join us next time on Shedding the Corporate Bitch for more empowering conversations and leadership guidance.Support the show

Are you truly being 100% honest and open with your team—or even yourself? What walls might you be building and what fake personas might you need to shed to become the powerhouse leader you're meant to be?Are you ready to transform your leadership style by embracing real connections and genuine communication? Join us on the "Shedding the Corporate Bitch" podcast as we dive into a transformative discussion with Grace Gavin, co-founder and author of Know Honesty. In our latest episode, we explore the undeniable power of open and honest communication in the workplace.Discover how honesty and openness can lead to significant financial gains, enhanced leadership collaboration, and stronger team relationships. Grace shares her expertise, offering actionable insights and six pivotal practices for transforming your team interactions.Highlights include:Understanding the three essentials of honestyIdentifying and overcoming the great divide in workplace communicationPractical steps to eliminate fake interactions and break down wallsHow empathetic leadership can turn you into a powerhouse leaderReady to ditch the corporate fasade and foster a culture of trust and transformative communication? Tune into this episode to unlock your potential and that of your team!Download Your Free Lead Magnet: "The Open & Honest Leader's Toolkit"Stay Connected: Follow Bernadette Boas and the Shedding the Corporate Bitch Podcast on social media to join the conversation and receive updates on future episodes:Streaming PlatformsYouTubeLinkedinFacebookInstagramDon't forget to revisit this episode for a refresher or share it with colleagues to foster a collective journey in becoming powerful leaders. For personalized guidance, reach out to Bernadette at coachmebernadette.com/discoverycall for a free 30-minute strategy coaching call.Support the show

Are you truly being 100% honest and open with your team—or even yourself? What walls might you be building and what fake personas might you need to shed to become the powerhouse leader you're meant to be?Are you ready to transform your leadership style by embracing real connections and genuine communication? Join us on the "Shedding the Corporate Bitch" podcast as we dive into a transformative discussion with Grace Gavin, co-founder and author of Know Honesty. In our latest episode, we explore the undeniable power of open and honest communication in the workplace.Discover how honesty and openness can lead to significant financial gains, enhanced leadership collaboration, and stronger team relationships. Grace shares her expertise, offering actionable insights and six pivotal practices for transforming your team interactions.Highlights include:Understanding the three essentials of honestyIdentifying and overcoming the great divide in workplace communicationPractical steps to eliminate fake interactions and break down wallsHow empathetic leadership can turn you into a powerhouse leaderReady to ditch the corporate fasade and foster a culture of trust and transformative communication? Tune into this episode to unlock your potential and that of your team!Download Your Free Lead Magnet: "The Open & Honest Leader's Toolkit"Stay Connected: Follow Bernadette Boas and the Shedding the Corporate Bitch Podcast on social media to join the conversation and receive updates on future episodes:Streaming PlatformsYouTubeLinkedinFacebookInstagramDon't forget to revisit this episode for a refresher or share it with colleagues to foster a collective journey in becoming powerful leaders. For personalized guidance, reach out to Bernadette at coachmebernadette.com/discoverycall for a free 30-minute strategy coaching call.Support the show

In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Bernadette Boas explores the powerful role of gratitude in leadership and its profound impact on organizational culture, team performance, and personal growth.Key InsightsServing Others Serves YouResearch-Backed BenefitsThe Role of ManagersOvercoming ChallengesPractical PracticesKey Take-AwaysGratitude leads to increased performance, engagement, trust, retention, and reduces burnout.Simple practices like reflections, team acknowledgments, and appreciative messages can build a positive work environment.Practicing gratitude can enhance leadership qualities and drive organizational success.Challenges AddressedIntegrating gratitude into busy schedules.Reframing gratitude as strong human connection.Identifying and overcoming leadership blind spots related to appreciation.Stay connected by subscribing to the "Shedding the Corporate Bitch" podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Support the show

Step into the new era of leadership with Bernadette Boas and special guest Thom Dennis from Serenity in Leadership. Together, we promise to uncover the secrets to thriving as a corporate leader amid the relentless pace of change fueled by AI advancements and societal shifts. Thom's unique perspective, grounded in his experiences as a former Royal Marine officer and global consultant, provides practical tools for embracing flexibility, resilience, and compassionate vulnerability. From navigating the challenges of hybrid work environments to understanding the implications of quantum computing and climate change, this episode offers a masterclass in adapting to the dynamic corporate landscape.Join us as we delve into the transformative power of AI across industries and the ethical dilemmas it presents, particularly the potential loss of the human touch in customer service and its psychological impacts. We also confront the resistance facing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, questioning the genuine intentions behind organizational change. Highlighting companies like Patagonia, we explore how prioritizing passion can lead to meaningful progress in a post-pandemic world. Whether you're an executive aiming to shed insecurities or an HR leader seeking effective strategies, prepare to challenge traditional models and step confidently into your role as a powerhouse leader.Call to Action:Learn more about Tom Dennis and his work:Serenity in LeadershipLinkedInTune in to learn how you can start shedding your corporate constraints and unlock your leadership potential.Stay connected by subscribing to the "Shedding the Corporate Bitch" podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Listen to this powerful episode—it's time to face the changes and challenges in leadership and become the powerhouse you already are.Support the show

What is causing your stress and overwhelm, is it your packed calendar or multiple-page to-do list?It is critical for the health and success of your team and you to find solutions to managing your time and workload. It will save your sanity. Despite the demanding nature of leadership roles, effective time management emerges as a powerful antidote to these pervasive problems.You will gain actionable insights on mastering time management to mitigate stress and burnout. By implementing the strategies discussed, leaders can enhance their performance, support their teams effectively, and prevent high-potential employees from leaving. Challenges Addressed:Workplace Stress:35% of respondents identify their supervisor as a primary source of stress.65% of leaders experience burnout.Only 27% feel adequately supported by their organization.Fear of top-performing employees leaving due to burnout, cited by 71% of managers.Leadership Pressure:Executives feeling overwhelmed, leading to 44% contemplating company switches for better growth opportunities.High stress levels contributing to sleep disturbances in 94% of leaders.Common Stress Factors:The myth of multitasking.Overfilled calendars.Technological distractions.Impact on Corporate Life:Individual Consequences:Poor time management leads to reduced productivity, performance, and career stagnation.Work-life imbalance and mental fatigue from managing people and providing feedback.Business Consequences:Decreased team and business performance.Increased employee turnover.Negative brand reputation due to stressed and dissatisfied employees.Valuable Takeaways:Personal Strategies for Time ManagementOrganizational StrategiesTeam Performance SolutionsCall to Action:Tune in to learn how you can start shedding your corporate constraints and unlock your leadership potential.For more personalized strategies, Bernadette offers a complimentary consultation via coachmebernadette.com/discoverycallStay connected by subscribing to the "Shedding the Corporate Bitch" podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Listen to this transformative episode—it's time to take the first step towards a more balanced, efficient, and fulfilling leadership journey.Support the show

Have you ever gotten into a car, drove for miles, and reached your destination unsure of exactly how you go there? It was if you put the car on autopilot. Now, have you had days, weeks, even months of this at the job and at home, wondering at the end of each day, what you accomplished, who you impacted, and what contribution did you make?Don't worry if you said YES... because at times we all have. The key is, that we become aware of it and ensure we shift to consciously and intentionally walking through our day with purpose and meaning. In this eye-opening episode of "Shedding the Corporate Bitch," we'll get into the realm of unconscious leadership and its detrimental effects on team dynamics, trust, productivity, and innovation. Drawing from both my own personal experiences and professional insights, you'll hear how the importance of self-awareness and continuous feedback in overcoming unconscious behaviors and evolving into a conscious leader is critical to your success. This episode is a must-listen for any professional, HR executive, or team leader striving to create an engaging and inclusive workplace culture.Key Talking Points:Unconscious Leadership ExplainedChallenges Faced by Unconscious LeadersImpact on BusinessHow to Transform into a Conscious LeaderKey Takeaways:Recognize and address personal blind spots and biasesMove from task-focused to people-focused leadership Getting and giving continuous feedback and self-assessment Empower your teams through inclusive and engaging leadership Develop intentional and conscious behavior for overall successResources and Call to Action:For additional resources on leadership development, visit balloffirecoaching.com.Subscribe to "Shedding the Corporate Bitch" on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, or your preferred platform for weekly episodes.Watch visual content and episode highlights on our YouTube channel, Shedding the Bitch.Connect with Bernadette Boas for coaching and support in becoming a conscious and effective leader by scheduling a call HERE.Tune in and start creating a workplace culture your team members and others want to be part of.Support the show

What if you could take control of those anxious emotions that come up when work and life become uncertain? In this episode we are working to understand the world of uncertainty in leadership and life with renowned cognitive scientist and expert in emotional intelligence, Katherine Templar Lewis. This episode unpacks the profound impact of uncertainty on leadership and how leveraging it can lead to innovation, enhanced decision-making, and stronger team dynamics.Guest Bio: Katherine Templar Lewis is the chief scientist at the Uncertainty Experts, founder of the All Women Neuroscience Studio and Labs King Studios, and leads the science on the groundbreaking interactive course, the Uncertainty Experiment. Her passion for unlocking human potential is rooted in her personal experiences with anxiety and imposter syndrome.Key Discussion Points:Evolving Leadership Models:The necessity of shifting traditional leadership frameworks to better navigate today's rapidly changing global landscape.How leaders can facilitate open-mindedness and innovative decision-making within their teams.Emotional Intelligence in Leadership:The critical role of emotional awareness and regulation in decision-making processes.Techniques for improving emotional intelligence, such as breath work and interoception.Overcoming the Fear of Uncertainty:Reframing uncertainty as an opportunity rather than something to fear.The importance of identifying and overcoming safety behaviors that limit potential.The "Tolerance of Uncertainty Scale":Understanding and measuring individuals' emotional reactions to uncertainty.Tools and exercises, such as positive affirmations and envisioning positive outcomes, to enhance tolerance of uncertainty.Psychological Safety and Empathy:Creating a psychologically safe environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas without judgment.Enhancing empathy to improve team dynamics and leadership effectiveness.Personal Reflections:Katherine shares her journey of managing anxiety and imposter syndrome, offering insights into how these experiences shaped her research and approach to leadership.The significance of admitting uncertainty and the power of collective problem-solving in fostering trust within a team.Take-Aways:Embracing uncertainty and vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a path to growth, innovation, and stronger leadership.Leaders equipped with high emotional intelligence and empathy are better positioned to navigate complex and uncertain situations.By acknowledging and managing uncertainty, leaders can foster a supportive and collaborative environment conducive to creativity and effective decision-making.Connect & Subscribe:Follow Katherine Templar Lewis on LinkedIn and Instagram: @TheUncertaintyExpertsVisit uncertaintyexperts.comFor more information and resources.Subscribe to Shedding the Corporate Bitch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Watch visual content from the podcast on the Shedding the Bitch YouTube channelEnhance your leadership skills with Bernadette Boas's coaching services at balloffirecoaching.com.Join us for this poweSupport the show

What challenges do you have confronting a difficult employee, let alone a boss?Why would you avoid confronting them?In this powerful episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Bernadette Boas dives deep into confronting toxic employees and bosses, providing listeners with actionable steps and insightful perspectives on handling negativity in the workplace. Through practical advice and personal experiences, Bernadette highlights the critical importance of addressing toxic behavior head-on for the well-being of individuals and overall business success.Challenges Discussed:Fear of retaliation or aggressive responses.Lack of conflict management training and clarity on policy and procedures.Apprehension about legal repercussions and impact on career trajectory.Managing emotions and maintaining boundaries during confrontation.Key Talking Points:Why is someone toxic?Steps to Effectively Confront a Bully:Your Leadership Role:Collaborative Solutions and Boundaries:Dealing with Uncooperative Parties:Personal Experience and Growth:Take-Aways:Address toxic behavior despite discomfort to protect personal well-being and business interests.Understanding and addressing root causes of toxic behavior can facilitate positive change.Leaders play a critical role in guiding and supporting their team to navigate and resolve conflicts.Check out our previous episode: "Toxic Bosses Killed Teams and Businesses", to learn how to identify a toxic employee.If you need support for coaching and practical tools to manage workplace toxicity, explore Ball of Fire Coaching.Join the conversation and start addressing toxic behaviors in your workplace today. Tune in and become part of the transformation with Shedding the Corporate Bitch!   FOLLOW on your podcast streaming service or on our YOUTUBE channel.Support the show

Are you feeling stuck and unmotivated in your corporate career, and longing for a way to take back control and reignite your passion?In this transformative episode of "Shedding the Corporate Bitch," host Bernadette Boas dives deep with executive coach, Randi Roberts, to discuss how professionals can regain control over their careers and life decisions. Randi shares her journey from feeling unmotivated in a corporate role to thriving as an entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of strategic planning, self-awareness, and effective communication. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to align their career with their personal values and take their professional life to the next level.Key Talking Points:Navigating Career Dissatisfaction:Steps to take control of your career rather than being driven by external factors.How to identify what feels wrong or missing and address it within your current role if possible.The importance of strategic planning in aligning career moves with long-term goals.Building Your Personal "Board of Directors":The value of forming a supportive network of mentors, advisors, friends, or supervisors.Selecting the right people based on the type of support or advice needed.Trust and selective openness within your inner circle.Preparation for Critical Conversations:Importance of preparing for difficult discussions, similar to a job interview.Tips on outlining and practicing communication to manage emotions and achieve desired outcomes.Strategic Career Planning:Creating a strategic career plan to evaluate opportunities and align them with long-term goals.Managing emotions as part of strategic planning.Future-Oriented Thinking:Thinking like a strategic leader now to pave the way for future opportunities.Demonstrating qualities that leaders value to open doors for new roles.Take-Aways:Take control of your career by determining what truly aligns with your values and long-term goals.Build a trusted network of advisors and be selective about who you include in your inner circle.Prepare thoroughly for important conversations to effectively manage emotions and outcomes.Maintain strategic thinking and planning to evaluate opportunities objectively and stay aligned with your career aspirations.Ask for help confidently and leverage the support around you to navigate career transitions or challenges.Connect with Us:Podcast Host Bernadette Boas:Website: http://www.balloffirecoaching.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/balloffirebernadetteLinkedIn:Bernadette BoasGuest Randi Roberts:LinkedIn:Randi RobertsRandi's Website: https://www.corlinroberts.net/Subscribe & Engage:Don't miss upcoming episodes—subscribe to "Shedding the Corporate Bitch" on Apple Podcasts | Spotify. Follow us on social media and be part of the conversation. Share your stories and questions using #SheddingTheBitch.Tune into this episode to start taking meaningful control over your career and make strategic, informed decisions for your future!Support the show

Bernadette Boas is a renowned ball of fire in everything she does, from her corporate executive coaching, training, and speaking, to playing pickleball and loving on tons of dogs she cares for in her free time. Within Ball of Fire Coaching, Bernadette brings her twenty-five-year corporate executive savviness with her entrepreneurial spirit to transform corporate executives, teams, and businesses around the globe into the powerhouse leaders they're meant to be. With what she calls her ‘pink slip to freedom', Bernadette authored her first book, Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Shifting from Bitch to Rich in Life and Business. Bernadette resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her four-legged best friend, Coco. Connect with Bernadette here: www.balloffirecoaching.com Don't forget to take our FREE Business Assessment here: https://www.thetimetogrow.com/business-assessment-2024