In this final episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I reflect on my journey of producing the show and share my decision to take a pause from podcasting to focus more deeply on trauma-informed leadership. After 90 episodes filled with meaningful conversations with incredible guests, I’ve come to appreciate the transformative power of trauma-informed leadership in creating resilient, purpose-driven organizations. Throughout this process, I’ve continually emphasized the importance of self-awareness, self-regulation, and co-regulation—three key elements that I believe every leader should explore to build workplaces that truly tap into human potential while breaking free from outdated patterns. This episode feels bittersweet as I share how my work has impacted others, from leadership circles to academic communities. I’ve had the privilege of completing a year-long training in trauma-informed coaching and consulting, under the guidance of Thomas Hübl and Amy Elizabeth Fox, which has only deepened my commitment to this vital area of leadership. I’m incredibly grateful to all of the guests who joined me on this journey and to each one of you for tuning in. Though I’ve decided to take a break from Evolve, this is not goodbye—it’s a chance for me to dig deeper into this work and return with even more insight and focus. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Power of Trauma-Informed Leadership: I reflect on how trauma and emotional wounds impact leadership and how addressing these factors can foster stronger, more empathetic organizations. 🧠 Creating Safe Workplaces: I talk about the importance of psychological and physiological safety in the workplace, encouraging leaders to create environments where people feel safe enough to grow, thrive, and heal. 🔒 Reevaluating Purpose: I ask you to consider how your own emotional wounds and experiences may shape your leadership style and deepen your sense of purpose. 💡 The Future of Leadership: I believe trauma-informed leadership is the future, focusing on empathy, vulnerability, and self-awareness to help us lead more effectively in today’s complex world. 🌍 Personal Reflections and Future Direction: This pause is giving me the space to continue researching and speaking about trauma-informed leadership, and to align my work even more closely with my passion. 🌱 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 00:49 The Impact of Trauma Informed Leadership 05:44 Taking a Break and Future Directions 08:31 Reflecting on Emotional Wounds in Leadership 11:28 Creating Trauma-Informed Workplaces 12:30 Finding Meaning and Purpose in Work 14:04 Gratitude and Future Directions #TraumaInformedLeadership #LeadershipJourney #ResilientOrganizations #EmpathyInLeadership #EmotionalWounds Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I’m joined by Shelly Starks, CEO of Inline Consulting Services and a seasoned business advisor with over 20 years of coaching experience. Together, they explore the profound impact of communication on leadership and dive into the powerful Identity Role Theory that Shelly uses to help her clients unlock new levels of personal and professional growth. Shelly emphasizes the critical importance of effective communication in leadership, highlighting how mindful and intentional communication can break down defensive barriers and raise emotional intelligence. She explains how many leaders operate on autopilot, particularly in communication, and how this can harm both their effectiveness and relationships. Shelly also introduces Identity Role Theory, a framework that helps individuals understand how their core identity is intertwined with the various roles they play in life. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Power of Communication: Shelly underscores the importance of moving beyond autopilot in leadership communication, tailoring messages to the behavioral styles of others to foster trust and openness. 🔄 Identity Role Theory: Shelly explains how our identity and roles influence each other. Starting with the idea that we enter the world as a “10” in terms of self-worth, the theory explores how life experiences in different roles (e.g., parent, employee) can diminish our sense of identity and impact all aspects of our life. 📖 Mindful Communication: Shelly introduces the Extended DISC tool, which helps leaders understand their behavioral style and how they may be “extending” themselves into other styles to be effective. This misalignment can cause burnout, stress, and inauthenticity, affecting both personal and professional life. 🧠 Nurturing Identity: Shelly stresses the importance of spending time with oneself to nurture and protect one’s core identity. She emphasizes that leaders must be intentional about separating their identity from the roles they play in order to show up as their best selves in every role. 🌟 The Three-Legged Stool of Leadership: Shelly introduces her coaching concept, which involves focusing on the client-facing side, the business’s bottom line, and the internal team. Neglecting any of these legs can lead to instability in the entire organization. 🪑 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 05:54 The Impact of Identity on Roles 10:36 Practical Applications of Identity Role Theory 16:23 Nurturing Your Identity 19:46 The Power of Team Coaching 20:33 Understanding Identity Beyond Roles 22:15 Impact of Burnout on Roles and Identity 24:39 Practical Applications and Client Experiences 31:37 Advice for Leaders and Final Thoughts #LeadershipCommunication #IdentityRoleTheory #MindfulLeadership #ExtendedDISC #EvolvePodcast Connect with Shelly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-starks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellystarks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyStarksICS www.shellystarks.com Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I’m joined by Heather Plett, author of the award-winning book The Art of Holding Space: A Practice of Love, Liberation, and Leadership. Heather shares her deep insights on the powerful practice of holding space, its transformative impact on leadership, and the evolving needs of leaders in today’s world. Heather discusses how holding space is a key leadership competency that fosters personal and organizational transformation. From her extensive experience as a facilitator and co-founder of the Centre for Holding Space, Heather explains how leaders can integrate this practice into their work to foster healing, growth, and more authentic leadership approaches. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Practice of Holding Space: Heather defines holding space as walking alongside someone without judgment, fixing, or directing them. She emphasizes that it’s primarily an internal practice of managing one's emotions and reactions to support others effectively. 🧘‍♀️ Liminal Space: The conversation delves into liminal space, which is the space between one story and the next. Heather compares this to a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly, encouraging leaders to honor transitions and allow space for personal and organizational evolution. 🦋 Brave Space vs Safe Space: Heather challenges the notion of creating entirely “safe spaces” in leadership and instead advocates for “brave spaces” that invite discomfort and growth while still providing support and security. 🌱 Emotional Maturity in Leadership: Heather discusses the importance of emotional maturity, vulnerability, and trauma-informed leadership as critical competencies for leaders today. She stresses that leaders must evolve from patriarchal, hierarchical models to those that foster collaboration, compassion, and transformation. 💡 Co-Regulation and Support Systems: Heather highlights the importance of leaders having support systems and co-regulation strategies in place to manage the stress and emotional challenges that come with leadership roles. 🌳 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 05:08 The Intersection of Leadership and Healing 07:41 Challenges in Modern Leadership 10:15 The Importance of Emotional Maturity 20:09 The Concept of Holding Space 28:43 The Role of Leaders as Shock Absorbers 32:21 Introducing the Concept of Liminal Space 35:03 Liminal Space in the Workplace 37:34 Practical Steps for Leaders 49:59 Conclusion and Call to Action #HoldingSpace #LiminalSpace #BraveLeadership #EmotionalMaturity #LeadershipTransformation Connect with Heather https://heatherplett.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I’m joined by Tevi Lawson, author of The Proxy Diet: A Practical Guide to Self-Analysis and Healing. Tevi delves into his journey from West Africa to the U.S., his personal challenges, and how these experiences inspired the development of the Proxy Method, a framework designed to bridge the gap between mind, energy, and self. Tevi’s powerful insights highlight the importance of emotional and mental health in leadership and offer a unique perspective on how leaders can better align with their authentic selves. Tevi’s Proxy Method focuses on energy-level self-analysis, helping individuals trace trauma back to its roots, allowing for deep healing and personal growth. He also shares the story of working with his wife through her traumatic experiences and cancer diagnosis, using the Proxy Method to bring emotional clarity and healing. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Importance of Emotional and Mental Health: Tevi discusses how leaders can only be effective when they are mentally and emotionally healthy, emphasizing that taking care of oneself is essential to success. 🧠 Energy and Leadership: Leaders need to understand their energy transactions and ensure they’re replenishing themselves to avoid burnout. The Proxy Method helps identify energy deficits and find ways to restore balance. ⚡ The Power of Authenticity: Tevi highlights the importance of reconnecting with one's original design to achieve personal and professional fulfillment. By living in alignment with their true selves, leaders can find the energy and purpose to thrive. 🔄 Seven Days to Happiness Blueprint: Tevi introduces his step-by-step approach to managing energy and maintaining happiness in both personal and professional life, which involves living life in seasons and celebrating accomplishments. 🌱 Leadership and Vulnerability: Leaders often carry the burden of responsibility without showing vulnerability. Tevi encourages leaders to take “pit stops” to reflect on their well-being and authenticity. 🛑 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 06:03 The Birth of The Proxy Method 11:00 Understanding the Proxy Method 19:03 Applying the Proxy Method in Leadership 24:05 Seven Days to Happiness 32:01 Challenges Leaders Face 44:18 Conclusion and Reflections #ProxyMethod #AuthenticLeadership #EnergyManagement #MentalHealthInLeadership #SevenDaysToHappiness #SelfAwareness #LeadershipWellness Connect with Tevi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tevi-d-lawson-32a594234 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tevidlawson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/QX7HQDTpSDe361Q7/?mibextid=qi2Omg YouTube: https://youtube.com/@proxymethod Membership: https://tevilawson.com/membership/ https://tevilawson.com/proxy-method-education/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I’m joined by Sam Smith, founder and former CEO of financial services group FinCap, now Cavendish Financial. Sam shares her incredible journey as the first female chief executive of a city stockbroking firm and provides deep insights into empathetic leadership, culture, and growth. Sam's leadership journey is marked by her focus on treating people fairly, which she considers a cornerstone of her business success. She has worked on over 200 transactions, including IPOs and secondary fundraisings, and is now a champion of entrepreneurship and inclusion in the UK, serving as a non-executive director on several boards. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Empathetic Leadership and Culture: Sam emphasizes the importance of creating a positive, inclusive culture and how it has been a key driver for her company’s growth. She explores how treating both clients and employees with empathy fosters long-term success. 🤝 Entrepreneurial Journey: From age 23, Sam started out with no initial intention of being an entrepreneur but soon found herself leading a team, building a successful business, and scaling it with a focus on fairness and equity. 🌱 Authenticity in Leadership: Sam discusses the importance of being your authentic self in leadership, sharing how she has developed her leadership style over the years to align with her values. She also highlights the power of trusting your gut and fighting for your beliefs. 🧠 Scaling with Empathy: Sam provides insights into scaling a business by embedding a growth mindset into company culture, emphasizing that growth doesn’t have to be chaotic but can thrive in an environment of support and fairness. 📈 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Sam talks about the challenges of imposter syndrome and how trusting her instincts helped her stay on course despite external pressures. 💪 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 05:02 Building a Unique Corporate Culture 10:29 The Importance of Self-Belief 19:26 Finding Clarity and Balance 24:11 Embedding Growth in Company Culture 25:37 Creating an Open Culture for Ideas 29:42 Personal Leadership Growth 32:12 The Importance of Self-Awareness 36:34 Final Thoughts and Advice for Leaders #EmpatheticLeadership #CultureMatters #AuthenticityInBusiness #ScalingWithPurpose #InclusionInBusiness Connect with Sam Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SamsmithTF LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ samsmith Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I’m joined by DeDe Halfhill, a distinguished retired Air Force colonel, leadership consultant, and coach. DeDe shares her remarkable journey through 25 years of military service, including her pivotal moments in leadership that shaped her career and personal growth. As a former senior advisor to the Department of Defense and a commander of Air Force bases, DeDe offers profound insights on authentic leadership, vulnerability, and personal transformation. DeDe’s extensive military experience has been widely recognized, with Brené Brown describing her as one of her leadership heroes. Throughout the episode, DeDe talks candidly about her struggles and triumphs as a leader, including a transformational moment in Iraq when she realized the power of embracing her authentic self in leadership. This episode is filled with invaluable lessons on leadership, personal growth, and how to navigate the emotional complexities of leading in high-pressure environments. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Embracing Authenticity in Leadership: DeDe emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself as a leader and the impact it has on effectiveness and team morale. She shares her personal journey from trying to meet external expectations to fully embracing who she is as a leader. 🔥 The Emotional Component of Leadership: Drawing from her military experience, DeDe highlights how essential it is to address the emotional side of leadership. She reflects on the challenges of managing large teams in high-stress environments and how vulnerability and self-compassion play a critical role. 🌟 The Power of Curiosity: A major turning point in DeDe’s leadership approach was learning the value of curiosity—asking questions and empowering others to find their own solutions. This shift, she explains, is key to unlocking the full potential of a team and fostering creativity and collaboration. 💡 Leading Through Complexity: DeDe discusses her time commanding Air Force bases and how leading in complex, high-stakes situations required her to develop new strategies and trust her team. She shares how she navigated these situations by creating a safe space for creativity and innovation. 🏆 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 01:21 DeDe's Military Background and Leadership Experience 06:21 The Turning Point in Iraq 20:40 Leadership at Barksdale Air Force Base 27:23 Leaving the Military: A Tough Decision 30:06 Leadership and Emotional Intelligence 31:39 The Hard Skills of Leadership 38:10 Combining Head, Heart, and Body in Leadership 45:44 Practical Tips for Emotional Management #AuthenticLeadership #MilitaryLeadership #CuriosityInLeadership #SelfCompassion #LeadershipDevelopment Connect with DeDe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dedehalfhill/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dedehalfhill/ https://www.dedehalfhill.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, we welcome Ginny Baillie, founder of Drum, a leadership development company in the UK. Ginny shares her journey in leadership coaching and development, explaining how her approach has evolved since 2017. Together, we explore the concept of "holding space" and why traditional leadership development programs often fail to deliver long-term results. Ginny provides insight into how leaders can foster deeper connection and trust within their teams by stepping away from prescriptive methods and embracing a more organic, space-holding approach to leadership. Ginny Baillie is a seasoned leadership development coach who founded Drum, a company dedicated to helping leaders and teams build deeper, more authentic connections. Since 2017, Drum has focused on creating open spaces for leaders to collaborate and engage in meaningful, supportive conversations without rigid frameworks. Ginny has worked with organizations worldwide, helping leaders shift from traditional, results-driven models to approaches that prioritize trust, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Shortcomings of Traditional Leadership Development: Ginny discusses why many traditional leadership programs, despite significant investments, fail to create lasting change. She emphasizes the importance of fostering environments where leaders can genuinely learn from one another, rather than relying on structured, step-by-step approaches. The Power of Holding Space: The episode introduces the concept of "holding space," which Ginny describes as a crucial leadership skill. Rather than focusing on controlling conversations or delivering top-down solutions, effective leaders learn to create environments where teams can share openly, collaborate, and co-create solutions. Moving Away from Prescriptive Models: Ginny highlights her shift away from prescriptive leadership models—such as three-step frameworks or ten-point plans—that often fail to address the deeper, systemic challenges within organizations. Instead, she advocates for creating spaces where leaders and their teams can connect authentically, without the pressure of fitting into predetermined models. Collapsing Hierarchies: We discuss the importance of flattening organizational hierarchies to foster more open and honest communication. Leaders who are able to become learners alongside their teams are better positioned to create meaningful, lasting change. Creating Sustainable Leadership Practices: One of Ginny's core beliefs is that leadership development should be sustainable and replicable. She shares her experience with Drum, explaining how leaders who participate in her programs are equipped to continue the work independently, fostering a culture of self-sustainability within their organizations. We talk about: 00:00 Intro 02:38 Challenges in Traditional Leadership Programs 08:33 The Importance of Holding Space 09:27 Transitioning to New Leadership Models 13:44 Skills and Mindset for Modern Leaders 28:29 Challenges in Modern Leadership 38:43 Self-Regulation Techniques 43:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections #LeadershipDevelopment #HoldingSpace #CollaborationOverControl #AuthenticLeadership Connect with Ginny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-baillie-mcc-92658a11/ www.leaderdrums.com Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Merritt Minnemeyer, Founder and CEO of Master of One Coaching. Merritt shares her unique journey from her background in acting to becoming an international speaker and leadership coach. Together, we explore the critical role of consciousness in leadership, discussing how leaders can elevate their awareness and intentionality to make better choices and lead with purpose. Merritt is on a mission to eradicate executive mediocrity. As is the Founder & CEO of Master of One Coaching she employs extensive leadership experience and her entrepreneurial DNA to help Founders, Leaders, and Creatives exceed expectations, including their own. Having rebuilt her life after widowhood at 35, Merritt believes that conscious leaders are THE #1 solution in creating and sustaining a successful future, and that anything is possible when powerful people do right by themselves, those whom they serve, the planet, and one another. Merritt's deep understanding of human behavior, drawn from her early life experiences and professional training in theater, informs her approach to leadership. This conversation dives into how leaders can embody conscious leadership, manage their energy, and make intentional choices that align with their values. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Power of Conscious Leadership: Merritt explains the importance of consciousness in leadership, emphasizing that awareness of choice is foundational to leading with intention and purpose. Transformative Life Experiences: Merritt shares a pivotal moment in her life—the loss of her husband to brain cancer—and how his final words, "choose well, choose wisely, choose love," became a guiding principle in her life and work. Integrating Acting into Leadership: Merritt discusses how her background in acting and theater provided her with valuable tools for understanding human behavior, which she now applies to leadership coaching. Energy Stewardship: Merritt highlights the importance of being stewards of our energy and intention, advocating for leaders to consciously manage their energy to prevent burnout and enhance their well-being. Coaching as a Path to Growth: The conversation explores how coaching can help leaders identify and overcome unconscious patterns, allowing them to lead more effectively and with greater self-awareness. We talk about: 00:00 Intro 04:18 Theater as a Training Ground for Leadership 10:51 Choosing Love and Conscious Leadership 17:30 The Importance of Coaching for Leaders 20:09 Energy and Intention in Leadership 28:21 The Stress of Productivity and Survival 29:26 The Impact of Stress on Our Bodies 32:39 Conscious Capitalism and Client Stories 35:03 The Power of Intention in Leadership #ConsciousLeadership #EvolveLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #IntentionalLiving #LeadershipCoaching Episode Resources: Book Recommendation: Conscious Capitalism by John Mackey and Raj Sisodia Connect with Merritt Instagram: www.instagram.com/masterofonecoaching LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merritt-minnemeyer/ www.masterofonecoaching.com Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Pam Buchanan, the founder of Quantum Sense, to explore the concept of “soul health” and its relevance in the corporate world. Pam has had a remarkable 40-year career in corporate America, working in the financial and tech sectors, including serving as a director at NASDAQ. She was deeply involved in taking major companies like Tesla and Facebook public and had a front-row seat to some of the world’s most innovative minds. Now, Pam is applying the lessons she learned in corporate leadership to a new focus: soul health. Pam has developed programs tailored for companies that are proven to enhance employee well-being, reduce anxiety, and boost creativity, ultimately fostering a more satisfying work-life balance. Pam explores how intentionally engaging your senses to make decisions about your environment can be used to benefit the soul from the outside in. Pam introduces us to Quantum Sense, where she is bridging corporate experience with soulful innovation. She talks about how our society has focused heavily on the physical and mental aspects of health, often neglecting the soul. Pam believes that understanding and nurturing our soul is the next frontier in both personal and organizational development. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Corporate Leadership & Soul Health: Pam reflects on her experiences in Silicon Valley and corporate America and how it shaped her understanding of leadership that integrates the soul. 🧠 Transitioning from 3D to 5D Living: The discussion dives into moving beyond a purely physical and mental understanding of life to embrace a more energetic, soul-centered approach. 🌟 The Intersection of Ego and Essence: We discuss how ego and soul often compete for dominance and how developing awareness of both is essential for evolving as a leader. 🧘‍♀️ Trusting Intuition Over Logic: Pam emphasizes the importance of tuning into your “knowing” rather than solely relying on the mind’s logical processes in decision-making. 🌿 Implementing Soul Health in Organizations: Pam candidly shares the challenges and opportunities she faces in bringing the concept of soul health to the corporate world, where skepticism still exists. 🌍 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 07:24 Transition to Soul Health 10:37 Founding QuantumSense 16:15 Understanding Soul Health 21:01 Living in a 5D World 27:50 Polyvagal Theory and Cellular Intelligence 30:42 Anticipating a Soul-Driven Future 33:14 Challenges of Introducing Soul Health in Corporations 40:19 Personal Routines for Grounding and Connection 42:22 Final Thoughts #SoulHealth #Leadership #CorporateWellness #QuantumSense #5DLiving Connect with Pam Quantum Sense LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thequantumsense/ Pam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pam-buchanan/ https://thequantumsense.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Ajay Malik, a prominent leader in the field of artificial intelligence. Ajay, who has previously held leadership roles at Google, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, and Motorola, now leads Studio X, an enterprise AI platform designed to help businesses integrate AI into their operations. Throughout the conversation, Ajay provides valuable insights into the impact of AI on leadership and organizational performance, emphasizing the importance of embracing AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. Ajay shares his experiences and thoughts on how AI has evolved to become an integral part of our daily lives and work environments. He explains the significance of AI in automating repetitive tasks, improving decision-making processes, and ultimately, transforming the way businesses operate. Ajay also addresses the challenges leaders face in this new AI-driven landscape, including the need to safeguard data privacy and the ethical considerations surrounding AI use. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: AI's Integration into Everyday Business: Ajay explains how AI is already embedded in many aspects of business operations and is set to become even more pervasive. From inventory control to customer service, AI is making processes more efficient and effective. The Democratization of Knowledge: AI has leveled the playing field by making knowledge and information more accessible. This has profound implications for leadership, as it challenges the traditional notion that knowledge alone is power. Challenges for Leaders in the AI Era: Ajay highlights three primary challenges for leaders: the erosion of skill as a differentiator, the risk of data leaks, and increased competition as AI tools become widely available. The Human Element: Despite AI's capabilities, Ajay emphasizes that the human touch—problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence—remains crucial. Leaders must focus on what AI cannot do, such as understanding the nuanced needs of customers and employees. AI as an Assistant, Not a Replacement: Ajay advocates for using AI to enhance, not replace, human work. He discusses how AI can take over mundane tasks, allowing employees to focus on more strategic and creative work. Preparing for the Future: Ajay offers practical advice for leaders on how to start incorporating AI into their organizations, stressing the importance of starting small and ensuring data privacy and ethical use. We talk about: 00:00 Intro 01:30 The Impact of AI on Business and Leadership 04:43 AI's Role in Everyday Life 07:50 Challenges Leaders Face with AI 14:38 Implementing AI in the Workplace 18:52 AI as a Tool for Efficiency 25:56 AI's Impact on Social and Economic Gaps 27:08 Leaders' Emotional and Psychological Adaptation to AI 28:25 Human Value in an AI-Driven World 32:44 Future of Remote Work and AI Assistants 39:08 Ethical Considerations and Privacy in AI 42:35 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice for Leaders #AILeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #AIRevolution #BusinessInnovation #TechnologyInBusiness #EvolvePodcast #AjayMalik #StudioX Connect with Ajay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artofai/ https://studiox.secomind.ai/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Lori Saitz. Lori shares her journey and profound insights on integrating meditation and gratitude into workplace wellness strategies. Lori Saitz is the founder and CEO of Zen Rabbit and host of the podcast “Fine is a 4-Letter Word.” As the CEO of a forward-thinking health and wellness company, she is dedicated to guiding corporations toward nurturing healthier, more productive work environments. With a comprehensive background in wellness strategies and employee engagement, her mission is to help businesses implement programs that not only improve the well-being of their teams but also contribute to their bottom line through increased performance and reduced absenteeism. At the time of this writing - Lori is currently living a nomad life while cat-sitting in states across the southeast U.S. You can often find her in her sanctuary, aka the weight room at the gym. She also loves cupcakes, Thai food, and classic rock music. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Power of Meditation: Lori emphasizes the importance of meditation in maintaining focus, creativity, and overall mental health. She shares her personal journey with meditation and how it has been a cornerstone of her wellbeing. Gratitude in the Workplace: Exploring the scientific benefits of gratitude, Lori provides practical techniques for incorporating gratitude practices into daily routines, boosting productivity and fostering a positive work environment. Customized Meditations: Lori offers insights into how personalized meditations can be a powerful tool for individuals, enhancing their focus and emotional well-being. Wellbeing and Productivity: The discussion highlights the direct correlation between personal wellbeing and professional productivity, stressing the need for leaders to adopt and promote wellness practices. We talk about: 00:00 Intro 02:32 Lori's Journey to Zen Rabbit 06:38 Wellbeing and Productivity in the Workplace 10:11 The Power of Gratitude 17:27 Integrating Meditation and Gratitude 22:30 Debunking Meditation Myths 26:04 The Power of Gratitude in Meditation 36:46 Personal Growth Through Nomadic Living 38:55 Daily Meditation Practices #ZenRabbit #WorkplaceWellness #Meditation #Gratitude #Leadership Connect with Lori Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zen_rabbit/ Twitter: https://x.com/zenrabbit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoriSaitz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/workplace-zen-6903503194832658432/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/ https://zenrabbit.com/ Free 6-minute gratitude meditation: https://zenrabbit.com/gratitude-meditation/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Bree Fram and Liz Cavallaro, co-authors of the recently published book "Forging Queer Leaders: How the LGBTQIA+ Community Creates Impact from Adversity." Bree and Liz share their profound insights on the unique leadership qualities fostered within the LGBTQIA+ community. Bree Fram is an author, podcaster, keynote speaker, and active duty colonel and astronautical engineer in the United States Space Force. She co-leads the Department of the Air Force LGBTQ+ Initiatives Team, dedicated to eliminating barriers to LGBTQ+ military service in the Air and Space Force. Liz Cavallaro is an Executive Coach, Adult Development Scholar, Educator, and Leader Development Practitioner. She is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Leader Development at the U.S. Naval War College (USNWC), where she conducts research, builds curriculum, and teaches courses in the College of Leadership & Ethics. Together, Bree and Liz explore the intersection of personal adversity and leadership growth in their book, providing a comprehensive look at how the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community can lead to exceptional leadership qualities. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Power of Adversity: Bree and Liz discuss how the experiences of adversity within the LGBTQIA+ community forge stronger, more resilient leaders. They emphasize the transformative power of facing and overcoming discrimination and stigma. 💪🌈 Vertical Development: Liz explains the concept of vertical development, where individuals expand their cognitive and emotional capacities through challenging experiences, leading to more sophisticated and resilient leadership. 📈🧠 Authenticity in Leadership: Bree shares her personal journey of embracing her authentic self, highlighting how authenticity leads to deeper connections and more effective leadership. 🌟💬 Inclusive Leadership: The conversation delves into practical strategies for creating inclusive environments in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of allyship and structural support for marginalized communities. 🤝🏳️‍🌈 Joy in Authenticity: Bree and Liz highlight the joy that comes from living authentically and the importance of fostering environments where everyone can bring their true selves to work. 😊🌼 Allyship and Support: The episode includes powerful stories of allyship and the positive impact of having supportive friends and colleagues during challenging times. 🤗👫 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 03:57 The Birth of 'Forging Queer Leaders' 07:28 Exploring the Unique Challenges and Strengths of LGBTQ Leaders 14:18 The Concept of Vertical Development 25:25 The Role of Allyship and Inclusivity 33:37 Inspiration and Contribution 35:54 Moments That Matter: Creating Inclusive Environments 38:49 Practical Tips for Inclusivity 41:35 The Joy of Authenticity 44:15 Final Thoughts and Reflections #ForgingQueerLeaders #AuthenticLeadership #VerticalDevelopment #InclusiveWorkplaces #LGBTQLeadership Connect with Liz and Bree Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizcav LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizcavallaro/ https://www.breefram.com/ Website: www.forgedinfire.org https://www.forgedinfire.org/podcast.html https://www.forgedinfire.org/book.html Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Joel Onyshuk, host of the Frontline Leadership Podcast. Joel shares his profound insights on the human-centered approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in building strong connections within teams. With extensive experience in leadership roles, particularly in the manufacturing tech sector, Joel has witnessed firsthand the critical role of leaders at every organizational level. His podcast aims to connect leaders from diverse industries to share their challenges and successes, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. Joel has a 19-year career in sales and sales leadership and is passionate about creating high-performance teams. Currently, he is the SVP of Sales at Atana, Inc., where he helps companies radically improve their culture with transformative e-learning and bleeding-edge data analytics. Prior to Atana, Joel helped scale QAD Redzone, the #1 connected workforce solution in manufacturing, from $7M ARR to a globally recognized SaaS unicorn, and co-founded a SaaS startup in the service industry with three former C-suite executives from Aramark Corporation. Joel's leadership philosophy centers on transitioning from traditional management to facilitation, as he believes that leaders should focus on empowering their teams to solve problems collectively. This approach, according to Joel, not only fosters innovation but also enhances team morale and engagement. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces where team members feel comfortable sharing their authentic selves, which in turn drives performance and satisfaction. Joel's extensive experience and passion for human-centered leadership offer listeners valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of modern leadership. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Value of Human-Centered Leadership: Joel discusses the significance of recognizing and embracing the humanity of leaders and team members alike, highlighting the importance of seeing beyond titles and roles to connect on a deeper level. 🤝 Embracing Vulnerability: Exploring Joel's journey toward understanding the power of vulnerability in leadership, including the pivotal moments that led him to value transparency and emotional openness. 💬 Facilitation as a Critical Skill: Joel emphasizes the evolving importance of facilitation over traditional leadership and management roles. He discusses how leaders must move people from one existing place to a new reality, empowering and encouraging them along the way. 🗝️ Navigating Uncertainty with AI: Joel shares his thoughts on leading through uncertainty and ambiguity, particularly in the context of the burgeoning capabilities of AI. He explores how AI can take on transactional tasks, allowing leaders to focus on creating transformational experiences. 🌫️🤖 Creating Safe Spaces: Insights into Joel's techniques for fostering environments where team members feel comfortable sharing their true selves, which in turn drives engagement and performance. 🛡️ The Future of Work: Joel and Carolyn discuss the future of work in the context of AI's impact, including reimagining roles and leveraging AI for training and problem-solving. 🔮 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 02:47 The Purpose Behind the Frontline Leadership Podcast 10:15 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership 21:47 Navigating Discomfort and Uncertainty 26:13 The Importance of Facilitation in Leadership 28:50 AI's Role in Leadership and Work 35:27 The Future of Self-Awareness in Leadership 38:55 The Power of Mentorship #HumanCenteredLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #Vulnerability #LeadershipInUncertainty #AIInLeadership #TransformationalExperiences Connect with Joel LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joelonyshuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontlineindustrypodcast/ Website: www.wewantimpact.com / www.frontlineindustrypodcast.com Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I am joined by Vicky Smith, a senior consultant at Working Well in the UK. We delve into the vital topics of wellness and psychological safety in the workplace, exploring what leaders can do to create environments where employees can truly thrive. Vicky Smith, Senior Consultant at WorkingWell, is passionate about sharing her knowledge and has more than 20 years of consulting, coaching, facilitation and training experience in locations across the globe. She holds an MSc in Organisation Development and Consultancy, an MSc in Psychology and an MSc in Applied Health and Exercise. She is working through a PhD, researching psychological safety in organizations, and is also a qualified NLP trainer, psychotherapist, and executive coach. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Importance of Psychological Safety: Vicky discusses the concept of psychological safety, emphasizing the need for trust within teams and the challenges faced when extending this trust outside the immediate team environment. Building Trust and Authenticity: Insights into practical strategies for fostering trust and authenticity among team members, and the role leaders play in setting the tone for open, honest communication. Overcoming Workplace Pressure: The conversation highlights the intense pressure in modern workplaces, exacerbated by the pandemic, and how this impacts employee well-being and organizational culture. Creating Supportive Systems: Vicky explains the necessity of systemic changes within organizations to support psychological safety, rather than placing the burden solely on individuals to become more resilient. Practical Steps for Leaders: Vicky shares practical models and steps from her book, "Brave New Leader," to help leaders create psychologically safe environments and enhance team performance. We talk about: 00:00 Intro 04:17 Understanding Psychological Safety 07:43 Building Trust and Team Dynamics 11:57 The Impact of Workplace Pressure 23:12 Navigating Power Dynamics in Teams 34:43 The Five C's of Psychological Safety 36:33 Practical Examples and Final Thoughts 38:00 Vicki's Book and Final Questions #PsychologicalSafety #Leadership #Wellbeing #TrustInTheWorkplace #BraveNewLeader Connect with Vicky LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickysmith121/ Website: https://www.workingwell.co.uk/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

How can leaders effectively support their employees through the profound and often challenging experiences of grief? In this episode, Sarah Hines joins me in exploring how organizations can better handle grief in the workplace and the transformative impact it can have on both employees and leaders. Sarah Hines has spent over two decades serving those at the end of life and supporting many in their journey with grief. Her compassionate approach is built upon three fundamental beliefs: grief is how we honour what we love, that death belongs in the hands of love, and that community care is imperative for humanity to thrive. She has integrated her life experience with multiple facets of learnings, certifications and training including Grief Coaching, Deathcaring, Trauma & Mental Health Certifications, IFS Therapy and Somatic Practitioner Training, and over 20 years as a corporate consultant. In 2019, she founded Grief Advocacy. A National grief care organization that supports leaders and their teams through grief and loss. Sarah comes to us with one mission to help us cultivate a relationship with our grief so that we can live inside our passion, purpose and legacy as compassionate leaders. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Intersection of Sales and Grief Work: Sarah discusses her journey from a corporate sales career to founding griefadvocacy.com, merging her professional skills with her passion for grief support. Grief Literacy and Inclusivity: The importance of developing grief literacy in leadership and creating inclusive environments where employees feel supported during their grief experiences. Empathy vs. Compassion in Leadership: Sarah emphasizes the distinction between empathy and compassion, advocating for leaders to hold space for their team's emotions without absorbing the energy, thus fostering a supportive yet sustainable leadership approach. Actionable Leadership Strategies: Practical advice for leaders on how to manage their own grief while leading, including setting boundaries, redistributing tasks, and creating a culture of trust and belonging. Creating Safe Spaces: Techniques for leaders to create safe spaces for employees to express their grief, including recording meetings and sending supportive messages to those on bereavement leave. Ambiguous and Anticipatory Grief: Discussion on the nuanced forms of grief, such as ambiguous loss and anticipatory grief, and how they manifest in both personal and professional settings. Compassionate Leadership Practices: The importance of leaders practicing self-care, leaning back to witness rather than fix problems, and fostering an environment where emotions are acknowledged and respected. We talk about: 00:00 Intro 02:53 The Birth of Grief Advocacy 05:58 Impact of COVID-19 on Grief Advocacy 10:50 Defining and Understanding Grief 23:18 The Impact of Societal Stress on Mental Health 38:13 Leadership and Self-Awareness 39:47 Daily Routines and Emotional Regulation 44:12 Final Thoughts and Reflections #GriefInTheWorkplace #CompassionateLeadership #GriefLiteracy #SupportiveLeadership #EmbracingVulnerability Connect with Sarah LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahahines TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahahines Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefadvocacy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefadvocacy Website: www.griefadvocacy.com Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

As leaders, are we truly the CEO of our own boardroom, or are we letting external and internal forces dictate our behavior? This profound question formed the crux of a recent conversation with Dana Skaggs who has worked with many leaders in her practice, Dana Skaggs is a licensed psychotherapist known as "The Queen of Boundaries" with 16 years of experience in private practice, specializing in anxiety and trauma work. She serves as a board member for the Intermountain Psychological Association and frequently appears as a guest on ABC-affiliate WJHL Daytime Tri-Cities, where she discusses the emotional aspects of everyday problems. Dana has contributed to the article “Second Opinions: How You Can Leverage Mindset to Change Behaviour” in the journal “A Plus” from the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is a regular contributor to “The Maverick Paradox Magazine.” She also hosts the podcast "Phoenix and Flame," which is globally ranked in the top 5%, and provides online Boundary courses and coaching. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Understanding Boundaries: Dana emphasizes that boundaries are crucial for self-management and effective leadership. They help individuals take responsibility for their own thoughts, feelings, and actions while allowing others to do the same. 📏 People-Pleasing: Dana discusses the common issue of people-pleasing and how it often leads to unnecessary stress and emotional turmoil. She highlights the importance of recognizing and stepping away from this behavior. 🚫 The Boardroom Analogy: Dana introduces the concept of the internal boardroom, where different parts of oneself are acknowledged and managed by the 'CEO' part, helping maintain control during challenging interactions. 🏢 The Hook Visualization: She provides a visualization technique to avoid getting 'hooked' by provocative comments or situations, maintaining emotional composure and focus. 🎣 Handling Hard Conversations: Dana shares strategies for approaching difficult conversations with calm and clarity, ensuring they are productive and respectful. 🗣️ The Boomerang Effect: She explains the 'boomerang' effect of unresolved issues that return as intrusive thoughts and how addressing them directly can prevent emotional outbursts and build trust. 🪃 Trust and Boundaries: The conversation ties into Brene Brown's BRAVING trust framework, emphasizing how boundaries are fundamental to building trust in leadership and teamwork. 🤝 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 02:42 Understanding Boundaries at Work 04:05 The Concept of People Pleasing 07:52 Managing Emotional Responses 10:25 The Boardroom Technique 18:53 Practical Steps for Setting Boundaries 21:38 Understanding Emotional Triggers 25:13 The Boomerang Effect 27:35 Building Trust Through Boundaries #Boundaries #Leadership #Trust #EmotionalIntelligence Connect with Dana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabskaggs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dana.b.skaggs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.b.skaggs Website: https://danaskaggs.com Enter "100off" in the coupon section of her 8-week group course to get $100 off the price! Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve, we dive deep into the unconventional yet profoundly impactful realm of polyvagal theory and felt sense with renowned psychotherapist Jan Winhall. Leaders might wonder what insights a seasoned trauma and addiction therapist could offer to the leadership arena, but Jan bridges the gap between mental health and effective leadership. By exploring how our physiological states influence decision-making and interpersonal relationships, Jan provides leaders with innovative tools to foster a more resilient, empathetic, and productive work environment. Tune in to discover how understanding and applying the principles of polyvagal theory and felt sense can revolutionize your leadership approach and elevate your team's performance. Jan Winhall, based in Toronto, is an educational partner and course developer with the Polyvagal Institute and an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto. She offers a training program based on her book, "Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model." Jan's work integrates polyvagal theory and felt sense, providing a practical approach to understanding and enhancing our physiological and psychological safety. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Polyvagal Theory Explained: Jan provides insight about polyvagal theory, describing it as the science of safety, and explains how understanding this can help leaders create safer, more supportive environments. 🌱 Felt Sense Model: Jan introduces the felt sense model, a way to access and understand the information our bodies provide, which is crucial for effective decision-making and leadership. 🌟 Leadership and Safety: The conversation highlights the importance of physiological safety in leadership, emphasizing that true safety encompasses both psychological and physiological aspects. 🛡️ Practical Applications: Jan shares practical steps for leaders to incorporate these concepts into their daily practices, enhancing both their well-being and the well-being of their teams. 🧘‍♂️ We talk about: 00:00 Intro 02:07 Meet Jan Winhall: Author and Psychotherapist 03:09 Understanding Felt Sense and Leadership 06:38 The Role of the Vagus Nerve 14:21 Polyvagal Theory in the Workplace 20:33 Creating Safe and Supportive Environments 28:00 Focusing Techniques for Leaders 29:28 Identifying and Addressing Internal Issues 30:06 Exploring Physical Sensations and Emotions 30:40 The Power of Co-Regulation 31:16 Resonating with Felt Sense 40:13 Understanding the Intervening Variable 41:22 Practical Applications and Final Thoughts 44:37 Closing Remarks and Reflections 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This episode with Jan Winhall offers an exploration of polyvagal theory and felt sense, providing valuable insights for leaders seeking to create safer and more effective work environments. Jan’s expertise and practical advice encourages leaders to embrace the wisdom of their bodies and foster a culture of safety and support within their organizations. #PolyvagalTheory #FeltSense #Leadership #PhysiologicalSafety #TraumaInformedLeadership #EvolveLeadership Connect with Jan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-winhall-6a0a2314/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janwinhall/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janwinhallcommunity Website: https://janwinhall.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JanWinhall Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Michael Allison, an educational partner with the Polyvagal Instituteory. Michael shares his profound insights on the application of polyvagal theory to enhance leadership and performance, iMichael's unique approach helps leaders and individuals achieve peak performance by consciously controlling their physiology. With extensive experience working with athletes and business leaders, Michael's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their performance and leadership effectiveness. As mentioned, Michael is an educational partner with Polyvagal Institute and Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. (originator of Polyvagal Theory) leading the development and delivery of a Polyvagal-informed Certificate for Health, Wellness & Performance Coaches accredited by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaches. His unique application of Polyvagal Theory to performance endorsed by Dr. Porges – The Play Zone – provides a paradigm shifting methodology to optimize control of our performance through skillful and conscious control of our physiology. Michael consults with professional, collegiate and high performing coaches, teams, organizations, athletes and performers in a variety of disciplines, as well as schools, executive coaches, business leaders and corporate teams. He is a Health & Performance Coach, Personal Trainer, Medical Exercise Specialist, Post Rehab Specialist and Certified Oxygen Advantage Breathwork Instructor, and the author of SMARTER Coaching, a certificated behavior change course accredited by the American Council on Exercise. In addition, Michael is a certificated ILS Safe & Sound Provider / Remote Provider and Focus System Training Provider. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Understanding Physiology: Michael explains the crucial role of physiology in influencing behavior and performance. He emphasizes how our internal state impacts our interactions and effectiveness as leaders. 🧠💪 The Play Zone: Introducing the concept of the "play zone," Michael describes how achieving a state of play can enhance creativity, collaboration, and overall performance. 🎮🌟 Polyvagal Theory in Practice: Insights into how polyvagal theory can be applied in both athletic and corporate settings to improve performance through better regulation of the nervous system. 🏃‍♂️🏢 Importance of Safety: Michael discusses the significance of creating an environment of physiological and psychological safety to foster trust, belonging, and optimal performance. 🛡️🤝 Navigating Different States: An exploration of the performance hierarchy, detailing the predictable physiological states we go through and how to manage them effectively. 🔄🧘‍♂️ We talk about: 00:00 Intro 02:04 Understanding Physiology and Performance 06:15 The Role of Physiology in Leadership and Business 15:43 Navigating Physiological States in High-Stress Situations 24:25 Recognizing and Managing Physiological Responses 29:32 Introduction to Neuroception 30:03 Understanding Neuroception 33:12 The Role of Neuroception in Leadership 33:54 Building Awareness and Skills 37:12 Practical Applications for Leaders 39:06 The Importance of Psychological and Physiological Safety 43:06 Strategies for Team Resilience 55:25 Closing Thoughts and Resources 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This episode with Michael Allison provides a deep dive into the transformative power of polyvagal theory and its application in leadership and performance. Michael's insights offer a fresh perspective on how to harness our physiology to become more effective leaders and individuals. #PolyvagalTheory #Leadership #Performance #Physiology #PlayZone Connect with Michael LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-allison-smarter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playzonepro/ Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pressure-paradox www.theplayzone.com Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Elena Armijo, a former opera singer turned executive coach. Elena shares her profound insights on performance, leadership, and the importance of somatic awareness in high-stakes environments. Elena's journey from traveling the world as an opera singer to becoming a leadership coach is inspiring. She discusses how her background in music has given her a unique foundation for her current work, emphasizing the discipline, rigor, and deep connection with the body that singing required. These skills have seamlessly transitioned into her coaching practice, where she helps high performers and leaders navigate their professional journeys with authenticity and awareness. Elena is not only an accomplished singer but also a passionate advocate for bringing somatic awareness into leadership. Through her coaching, she guides leaders to reconnect with their bodies, fostering intuition and presence in high-pressure situations. Her work emphasizes the importance of preparation, not just for performances but for leadership roles as well. Elena Armijo, Master Certified Coach (MCC), Founder and CEO of The C-Suite Collective, and Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator has a strong track record of supporting clients and organizations in creating impact, culture shifts and leadership development. Her unique ability to identify common patterns while generating new awareness and re-invention leaves clients with the ability to make stronger choices, clearer decisions and powerful steps toward their desired outcomes. Elena offers in-depth and customized executive programs for high performers who are at the top of their respective fields – from CEOs of leading businesses to professional athletes, policy-focused individuals, entertainers, and artists, and more. Partnering with Elena, these clients have created and achieved the professional and personal impact in the world they once perceived unattainable. As a former leader and trainer with Accomplishment Coaching© and CHIEF Core Guide Facilitator, Elena continues to expand her work with teams across the world. Elena also hosts the podcast The Collective Corner. She was inspired to become an Executive and Leadership Coach through her work as a professional opera singer. Drawn to work with ambitious top performers like herself, she realized she could bring unique insight to the coaching business after spending many years “on the other side of the table.” Elena’s ten-year career in opera spanned across the globe and included work with many prestigious opera companies as well as performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Elena holds a B.M. of Music Education from New Mexico State University and an M.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Role of Performance in Leadership: Elena explores the parallels between performing on stage and leading in the boardroom, highlighting the common traits of discipline, preparation, and presence. 🎭 Somatic Awareness in Leadership: Elena delves into the concept of somatic awareness, explaining how being in tune with one's body can enhance leadership effectiveness and decision-making. 🧠 Navigating Fear: Insights into how Elena has made friends with fear, using it as an alert system rather than letting it drive her actions, both in her singing career and in her coaching practice. 🔥 Building and Repairing Containers: The importance of creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive space for dialogue and growth, and having a process for repairing when agreements are broken. 🛠️ Belonging vs. Fitting In: Elena discusses the difference between these concepts and the impact of creating a culture of true belonging in organizations. 🌍 Challenges of Modern Leadership: The conversation touches on the evolving nature of leadership and the heightened need for connection and community in today's world. 📚 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 03:11 Elena's Musical Journey and Early Influences 04:29 Transitioning from Opera to Coaching 06:16 The Importance of Somatic Awareness in Leadership 10:12 Challenges and Realizations in Elena's Career 14:48 Creating a Culture of Belonging 18:45 The Coaching Process and Organizational Impact 25:23 Building Effective Containers for Leadership 27:32 Exploring the Repair Process 28:49 Real-Life Examples of Repair 32:40 Challenges in Repair Conversations 36:12 Supporting Leaders Through Turbulent Times 40:24 Embracing Fear in Performance 42:16 Final Thoughts and Reflections 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This episode with Elena Armijo provides a thought-provoking exploration of the intersections between performance, leadership, and somatic awareness. Elena's insights challenge conventional leadership practices and offer a fresh perspective on cultivating a leadership style that is both authentic and deeply connected to one's body. Her journey from opera singer to executive coach is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's full potential. We encourage listeners to reflect on their own leadership journeys, embrace vulnerability, and consider how somatic awareness can enhance their effectiveness and well-being. #SomaticLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #Performance #Leadership #Belonging #Trust #Fear Connect with Elena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-armijo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elenaarmijo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elena.armijo/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachingwithelena/ www.ElenaArmijo.com www.TheC-SuiteCollective.com https://www.elenaarmijopodcast.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Blaire Palmer, author of "Punks in Suits." Blaire shares her profound insights on bringing authenticity and disruption to leadership. Blaire's book, "Punks in Suits," challenges traditional leadership models and calls for a revolution in how we utilize human talent, akin to the industrial revolution's impact. She advocates for abandoning the industrial-age mindset that treats humans as second-rate machines and encourages leaders to trust and unleash the full potential of their teams. Blaire Palmer is a former BBC journalist turned leadership consultant and keynote speaker, who has worked on flagship Radio 4 programmes like Today and Woman’s Hour. For the past 24 years, Blaire has worked with organizations helping to drive real change in their businesses and create places where people can come and do their best work. Currently, Blaire speaks internationally at conferences and events, calling on audiences of senior leaders to rethink what leadership means in the modern era. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Need for Disruption: Blaire discusses the necessity of challenging the status quo and embracing disruption to drive meaningful change in leadership and organizational cultures. 🔄 Reconnecting with Authenticity: Exploring Blaire's philosophy on the crucial role of authenticity and vulnerability in effective leadership, guiding leaders to reconnect with their inner "punk." 🧠 Trusting Human Potential: Insights into Blaire's advocacy for trusting and empowering individuals, drawing inspiration from her experience with home-educating her daughter. 🔥 Redefining Leadership: The conversation dives into the distinction between management and leadership, emphasizing the need for leaders to address systemic root causes rather than merely managing symptoms. 📚 Business as a Force for Good: Blaire introduces the concept of businesses being a positive force in the world, standing for ethical principles and earning trust through competence and integrity. 🌍 Finding Work-Life Balance: Blaire shares a powerful moment of self-awareness, realizing that true balance lies in a balanced mind rather than external circumstances. 💼 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 03:28 The Concept of 'Punks in Suits' 07:41 Impact of the Pandemic on Leadership 08:20 Revolutionizing Human Talent Utilization 10:39 Challenges in Modern Leadership 18:28 Trust and Authority in Leadership 25:30 Reconnecting Through Music and Memories 26:16 Challenges of Maintaining Connection 28:06 The Importance of Trust in Leadership 29:59 Trusting Others and Reducing Limits 31:55 Home Education and Trusting Children 36:19 Impact of Education on the Workforce 37:55 Business as a Force for Good 40:55 Personal Reflections and Practices 45:02 The Power of Music and Final Thoughts 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This episode with Blaire Palmer provides a thought-provoking exploration of authentic, purpose-driven leadership and the transformative power of disruption. Blaire's insights challenge conventional thinking and offer a fresh perspective on cultivating leadership that unleashes human potential and creates positive global impact. We encourage listeners to reflect on their own leadership journeys, embrace vulnerability, and consider how embracing disruption can ignite positive change within their organizations and communities. #PunksInSuits #AuthenticLeadership #TrustingHumanPotential #Disruption #BusinessImpact Connect with Blaire LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/blairepalmer That People Thing - https://www.thatpeoplething.com/ A Brilliant Gamble - https://www.abrilliantgamble.com New book: Punks in Suits: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Punks-Suits-lead-workplace-reformation/dp/1781338469 Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Sharath Jeevan, a globally recognized authority on leadership and the author of "Intrinsic" and "Inflection." Sharath shares his profound insights on purpose-driven leadership and the power of disruption in fostering meaningful change. Sharath Jeevan OBE is the globally recognised authority on Leadership at Inflection Moments. He is an acclaimed advisor, facilitator and author supporting a wide range of organizations to safely navigate their Inflection Moments and futureproof success. Sharath was awarded an OBE in the Queen's 2022 New Year's Honours, and an Honorary Doctorate, for his contributions to the field. He holds degrees from Cambridge University (First-Class Honours), Oxford University and INSEAD (MBA with Distinction). He is an alumnus of Strategy& and eBay. He founded and led two education organizations – STiR Education & Teaching Leaders – which collectively impacted over 10 million children across 40,000 schools in the UK, US, India, East Africa, Indonesia and Brazil. Sharath's work has been featured in a wide range of global media, including The Economist, CNN, Forbes, Inc, CNBC, Financial Times & The Telegraph. He writes regularly on LinkedIn for a wide audience and is also the author of the ground-breaking books "Intrinsic: A Manifesto to Reignite Our Inner Drive" and “Inflection: A Roadmap for Leaders at a Crossroads”. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Cultivating a Feedback Culture: Sharath emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where informal, rapid feedback is valued, fostering continuous improvement and mastery. 🌟 The Essence of Purpose: Exploring Sharath's philosophy on the crucial role of purpose in authentic and influential leadership, guiding leaders toward leaving a lasting legacy. 🧭 Intrinsic Motivation: Insights into Sharath's work on nurturing intrinsic motivation, particularly in the education sector, and its transformative impact on teachers and students alike. 🔥 Big P and Small P Purpose: The conversation delves into the concept of "Big P" and "Small P" purposes, emphasizing the need to weave both into an organization for maximum impact and alignment. 📚 Inflection Moments: Sharath introduces the concept of "inflection moments," exploring the triggers and importance of recognizing and navigating these pivotal points in an organization's journey. 🌍 The Path Less Traveled: Sharath shares a powerful moment of self-awareness and validation, emphasizing the significance of embracing the unknown and taking the more adventurous path. 🗺️ We talk about: 00:00 Intro 02:48 Sharath’s Background and Influences 04:36 Early Leadership Experiences 05:45 Journey to Social Entrepreneurship 06:51 Impact on Education Systems 11:10 Intrinsic Motivation in Education 12:56 Writing the Book 'Intrinsic' 14:49 Implementing Intrinsic Motivation in Organizations 25:46 Navigating Different Timeframes 26:11 The Guided Journey Framework 26:48 Challenges in Leadership Focus 27:03 The Role of Senior Leadership 28:58 Applying the Dial Framework in Healthcare 29:57 Identifying Inflection Points 31:50 Future of Leadership 34:48 Generational Perspectives in Leadership 42:17 Exploring Diverse Interests 44:39 The Importance of Cross-Cultural Music 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This episode with Sharath Jeevan provides a captivating exploration of purpose-driven leadership and the transformative power of embracing disruption and inflection moments. Sharath's insights challenge conventional thinking and offer a fresh perspective on cultivating authentic, impactful leadership that leaves a lasting legacy. We encourage listeners to reflect on their own sense of purpose and consider how embracing disruption and recognizing inflection moments can ignite positive change within their organizations and communities. #PurposeDrivenLeadership #IntrinsicMotivation #InflectionMoments #SelfAwareness #Transformation #MeaningfulChange Connect with Sharath LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharathjeevan X: www.twitter.com/sharathjeevan_ https://www.intrinsic-labs.com/ https://www.intrinsic-labs.com/resources His book: Inflection: A Roadmap for Leaders at a Crossroads: https://amzn.eu/d/3UR7sOv Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode I'm joined by Aneace Haddad, a seasoned executive coach and leadership expert. Aneace shares his profound insights on the transformative power of midlife and how it can unlock new levels of leadership potential. With a wealth of experience working with C-suite executives and top teams across diverse industries globally, Aneace brings a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges that arise during the midlife phase. Drawing from his own journey and coaching expertise, he explores the physiological, neurological, and parental shifts that can catalyze personal growth and the development of essential leadership qualities like humility, empathy, and resilience. With over 1,800 hours of certified coaching, impacting over 300 individual senior leaders and aiding 100 top teams across 15 diverse industries globally, Aneace has become a trusted guide in steering executive teams to new heights. Now, in his 60s, Aneace harnesses the opportunities and challenges presented in midlife to help executives unlock new energy and potential within themselves and their teams. His coaching style is shaped by a global perspective, combining proven leadership models with real-world insights from cross-cultural experiences and various life stages. Aneace's impact is vividly illustrated by testimonials from industry leaders. Terence Lyons, CEO of TSC, acknowledges Aneace for re-creating their company, shifting the focus to people, team, and culture. Philipp Kandal, Chief Product Officer at Grab, highlights Aneace's ability to draw from rich personal experience, making coaching sessions enjoyable and effective. Khairul Mohamad, GM at Petronas, emphasizes Aneace's role in reshaping his leadership approach and achieving goals. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Midlife Crucible: Aneace explores the transformative power of midlife, a period marked by physiological, neurological, and parental changes, which can nurture leadership superpowers like humility and iron will. 🔄 Letting Go of Identities: Aneace discusses the importance of loosening the grip on labels and identities that may hold leaders back, allowing for growth and self-discovery. 🧠 Embracing Uncertainty: Insights into how leaders can navigate uncertainty by acknowledging "I don't know" and fostering trust and empowerment within their teams. 🔥 Organizational Grief: Aneace sheds light on the concept of organizational grief, stemming from events like mergers, acquisitions, and project failures, and the need for courageous conversations to heal. 📚 Empathy and Connection: Aneace shares a powerful story illustrating the profound impact of empathy and human connection on organizational commitment and safety. 🌍 Self-Awareness and Courage: Aneace reflects on a transformative experience that deepened his understanding of empowerment and the importance of allowing others to find their own courage. 💼 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 05:05 The Midlife Crucible: Transformation and Leadership 05:28 Niche Coaching for Midlife Leaders 06:59 Exploring Grief and Leadership Through Fiction 16:01 Organizational Grief and the Impact of the Pandemic 27:17 Exploring CEO Qualities and Midlife Potential 27:49 The Impact of Conscious Leadership on Team Trust 30:31 Real-World Stories of Leadership Transformation 37:26 A Deep Dive into Midlife Leadership Superpowers 38:55 Navigating the Challenges of Aging with Grace 41:50 Rapid Fire Questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This engaging conversation with Aneace Haddad offers a refreshing perspective on navigating the challenges and opportunities of midlife to unlock untapped potential in leadership. Aneace's insights encourage listeners to embrace self-discovery, foster empathy, and cultivate the courage to lead with authenticity and purpose. #MidlifeLeadership #SelfDiscovery #Empathy #OrganizationalGrief #Empowerment #SelfAwareness Connect with Aneace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneace/ https://www.aneace.com/ https://www.podfol.io/aneace-haddad Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Mark Bateman, author of "Disruptive Leadership." Mark shares his profound insights on purpose-driven leadership and the power of disruption in fostering meaningful change. Mark Bateman, CEO of WeQual, is a visionary disruptor, corporate adviser and executive coach with a keen focus on leadership development. He partners with global leaders to spark impactful, enduring change and offers unique, real-world insights and actionable strategies to foster authentic, influential leadership. He has decades of business experience, first making his mark as a successful entrepreneur. Now he is committed to the development of leaders worldwide and has amassed over 3,000 hours of executive coaching experience. By boldly questioning the status quo, he helps leaders shape purposeful legacies and drive positive transformations within their organizations. He is the author of 'Disruptive Leadership'. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Disruption as a Catalyst for Change: Mark discusses the concept of disruptive leadership, emphasizing the need to challenge and change the status quo to drive meaningful impact. 🔄 The Essence of Purpose: Exploring Mark's philosophy on the crucial role of purpose in authentic and influential leadership, guiding leaders toward leaving a lasting legacy. 🧠 Igniting the Fire Within: Insights into Mark's personal journey of self-discovery and reconnecting with his purpose, likened to starting and nurturing a transformative fire. 🔥 Components of Purposeful Leadership: The conversation dives into the three key elements of purpose-driven leadership: Heat (purpose in action), Fuel (people and resources), and Oxygen (market influence). 📚 Levels of Thinking: Mark introduces a framework for organizational thinking, highlighting the importance of operating at the highest level of questioning: "How do we decide what's right?" 🌍 The Power of Validation: Mark shares a powerful moment of self-awareness and validation, emphasizing the significance of understanding one's strengths and uniqueness. 💼 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 06:47 The Birth of 'Disruptive Leadership': From Concept to Book 13:06 Exploring the Core of Rekindling Leadership Fire 16:39 The Mission of WeQual: Gender Equality in Leadership 19:40 The Power of Energy and Frequency in Leadership 25:32 Igniting Change: The Components of Starting a Fire 29:00 The Power of Quality Leadership 30:46 The Journey of Writing 'Disruptive Leadership' 31:20 Challenging and Changing the Status Quo 33:52 Learning from Failure: Kodak and Blockbuster 35:01 Maintaining the Fire of Purpose 35:10 Evolving Leadership Thinking 43:25 The Personal Journey Behind the Book 44:46 Connecting to Purpose Through Self-Awareness 47:24 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This episode with Mark Bateman provides a captivating exploration of purpose-driven leadership and the transformative power of disruption. Mark's insights challenge conventional thinking and offer a fresh perspective on cultivating authentic, impactful leadership that leaves a lasting legacy. We encourage listeners to reflect on their own sense of purpose and consider how embracing disruption can ignite positive change within their organizations and communities. #DisruptiveLeadership #PurposeDrivenLeadership #SelfAwareness #Transformation #MeaningfulChange Connect with Mark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/batemanmark/ https://mark-bateman.com/ https://wequal.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Lindsay Harle-Kadatz, a speaker and business consultant who specializes in team behavior via culture and brand alignment. Lindsay focuses on the impact of personal and corporate values on team behavior. A Neuro-Change Method™️ Master Practitioner, behaviour specialist, and listening facilitator, she uses a different lens for connecting leaders and teams to their values, their values to their behaviour, and their behaviour to actions that matter for optimal business performance and results. Our conversation explores the power of values in guiding leadership decisions, enhancing team dynamics, and ultimately, contributing to personal and corporate growth. We delve into personal experiences and practical strategies for identifying and living by one's values, emphasizing the profound impact of self-awareness and empathy in leadership roles. Lindsay Harle-Kadatz is a Values Vixen, speaker and business consultant who specializes in team behaviour via culture and brand alignment. She supports leaders who want to have an immediate and lasting impact on their people - and it starts with values, that tasty mental prune juice that gives leaders better brain flow for guiding, connecting, and leading their teams to greatness. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Power of Values: Lindsay emphasizes the importance of understanding not just an organization's stated values, but the underlying personal values that drive individuals' behaviors and decision-making processes. 💫 Fostering Curiosity and Connection: By encouraging leaders to explore and share their personal values with their teams, Lindsay's approach promotes curiosity, empathy, and deeper connections within the workplace. 🔗 Aligning Values and Culture: Through exercises and open dialogues, Lindsay guides teams in aligning their personal values with the organization's defined values, creating a cohesive and authentic workplace culture. 🌿 The Neuroscience of Team Dynamics: Lindsay introduces the concept of viewing teams as neural circuits, where each individual's behaviors and beliefs contribute to the overall team dynamic, providing a unique perspective on understanding and optimizing team performance. 🧠 Self-Awareness and Autonomy: Lindsay highlights the importance of self-awareness and autonomy as key factors in empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to their teams while staying true to their personal values and motivations. 🪞 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 03:38 What inspired Karin to get into leadership development 05:45 What has changed for her regarding dealing with conflict in the workplace 08:34 About her writing partner 11:47 Why leaders need to buy this book right now 16:28 What if we can't get one of the four C's 21:51 Advice people would give their former self if faced with the same conflict they have faced before 22:33 The feedback she is getting from early readers or people who have gone through her workshop and been exposed to these tools 28:31 How this book works with my book and navigating conflict while also navigating trauma informed leadership 33:33 Generational differences in perspectives on workplace conflict and how to deal with it 35:58 How long it takes to move through the discomfort and recognize when that discomfort or awkwardness is ok 37:36 Are there differences in how to handle smaller conflicts versus ones that have inflated 42:22 How to preorder the book 44:23 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This values-based episode with Lindsay Harle-Kadatz offers a fresh and insightful approach to understanding team dynamics, conflict resolution, and leadership development. By emphasizing the intersection of personal values, organizational culture, and neuroscience, Lindsay provides a helpful framework for leaders to create more authentic, connected, and high-performing teams. We encourage you to reflect on your own personal values and how they align with your workplace culture #ValuesDrivenLeadership #TeamDynamics #CultureAlignment #PersonalGrowth #OrganizationalDevelopment Connect with Lindsay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quirkylindsayharle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayharle/ https://brpconsulting.ca/ Mental Prune Juice: https://brpconsulting.ca/mentalprunejuice - When signing up for this, you receive a free focus tool. Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Karin Hurt, a distinguished leadership expert and the co-author of "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict." Karin shares her profound insights on navigating conflicts in the workplace and fostering human-centered leadership. Karin Hurt helps leaders find clarity in uncertainty, drive innovation, and achieve breakthrough results. She’s the founder and CEO of Let’s Grow Leaders, a global leadership development and training firm known for practical tools and programs that make a lasting impact. She’s an award-winning author of multiple books, including her latest work with David Dye, "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict." A former Verizon Wireless executive, Karin was named to Inc. Magazine’s list of great leadership speakers. Together with her husband and business partner, David Dye, they run their philanthropic initiative, Winning Wells – building clean water wells for the people of Cambodia. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Conflict as Opportunity: Karin discusses how workplace conflicts, if managed well, can lead to greater understanding and innovation. She emphasizes the potential within conflicts to propel organizations forward. 🔄 Human-Centered Leadership: Exploring Karin’s approach in nurturing leaders who prioritize empathy and understanding in their leadership style, aligning closely with modern organizational needs. 🧠 Practical Leadership Tools: The conversation dives into specific strategies and phrases from Karin's new book, designed to equip leaders with the skills to handle conflict effectively. 📚 Leadership Across Borders: Insights into how Karin’s global perspective on leadership training shapes more inclusive and effective leadership practices, catering to diverse workplace environments. 🌍 The Synergy of Personal and Professional Growth: Karin shares her personal story of growth alongside her partner, highlighting how personal relationships can influence and enhance professional endeavors. 💼 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 03:38 What inspired Karin to get into leadership development 05:45 What has changed for her regarding dealing with conflict in the workplace 08:34 About her writing partner 11:47 Why leaders need to buy this book right now 16:28 What if we can't get one of the four C's 21:51 Advice people would give their former self if faced with the same conflict they have faced before 22:33 The feedback she is getting from early readers or people who have gone through her workshop and been exposed to these tools 28:31 How this book works with my book and navigating conflict while also navigating trauma informed leadership 33:33 Generational differences in perspectives on workplace conflict and how to deal with it 35:58 How long it takes to move through the discomfort and recognize when that discomfort or awkwardness is ok 37:36 Are there differences in how to handle smaller conflicts versus ones that have inflated 42:22 How to preorder the book 44:23 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This episode with Karin Hurt deepens our understanding of leadership in the context of conflict and change, providing a comprehensive framework for leaders to create environments that value empathy, resilience, and adaptability. Karin’s experience and insights offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills in increasingly complex workplace environments. We encourage listeners to think about how the principles discussed can be applied in their own leadership situations, promoting growth and innovation within their teams. #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanCenteredLeadership #ConflictResolution #TeamDynamics #StrategicThinking Connect with Karin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karinbhurt/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/letsgrowleaders Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsgrowleaders/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-hurt-7ab25910/ https://letsgrowleaders.com/ Download free sample chapters of Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict AND a free Collaborative Conversations Companion Guide (a Leaders/Trainers Guide to Putting Powerful Phrases into Action with Their Teams): https://letsgrowleaders.com/conflict-phrases-book/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode, I’m joined by Pete Steinberg, a leadership and innovation expert with a notable background in sports coaching and corporate leadership development. Pete shares his unique perspective on the symbiotic relationship between coaching world cup rugby and the dynamic realm of corporate management. Drawing on his extensive experience, including coaching the USA women’s rugby team in two World Cups and the Rio Olympics, Pete illustrates the critical lessons that rugby can teach us about leadership in the business world. Our conversation delves into his book, "Leadership Shock," where Pete outlines his innovative approach to leadership that challenges conventional norms and offers new strategies to adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape. Pete Steinberg is a leadership and innovation expert with extensive experience consulting with top Fortune 500 professionals. He also has more than 20 years of experience as an elite rugby coach, coaching the USA Women’s Rugby Team at two World Cups and the Rio Olympics. As a former U.S., international, and Olympic sports coach and commentator for major outlets such as CBS, ESPN, and Fox Sports, Pete has a track record of bringing teams to victory. He has won 11 National Championships with the Penn State Women, MARFU Men, and Temple Women rugby teams. He has also worked with the Men’s Eagles and other age-grade programs within the U.S. National team pathway. Pete was the Head of Coach Development for USA Rugby, leading the program as it became integrated into the World Rugby programs. Pete is also the President of Innovative Thought, a business consultancy focused on leadership and organizational development. He supports clients in the areas of innovation, leadership, strategic planning, marketing, recruiting and organizational development. Pete works regularly as an executive coach for senior executives of global companies. Pete holds affiliated faculty positions with the Tepper Business School at Carnegie Mellon University and the Smeal College of Business at Penn State. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Leadership and Sports: Pete explores how coaching rugby offers invaluable lessons for corporate leadership, emphasizing a player-centered approach and the necessity of empowering team members to make decisions. 🏉 Leadership Shock: Pete details his methodology in his book, explaining how traditional leadership approaches are often jolted by the demands of modern business environments, and how adapting these strategies is crucial for success. 📈 Corporate Athletes: The discussion highlights how business professionals are like athletes, where performance, resilience, and strategic thinking play critical roles. 🚴 From Sports to Corporate: Insights into how skills honed on the rugby field translate into effective corporate strategies, focusing on teamwork, tactical decision-making, and the importance of a psychologically safe environment. 🧠 The Role of Reflection and Adaptation in Leadership: Pete emphasizes the importance of reflecting on and adapting leadership styles to suit evolving challenges and opportunities in both sports and business. 🔄 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 03:02 How is rugby like business 06:45 Two things he brought from coaching elite athletes 13:07 Coaching at the International level and the stress 19:36 Spending time with the team psychologist and how it links to being a CEO 21:42 Diving into Carolyn's choice to not pursue coaching and if she could go back, would she make the same choices 25:52 Peter's history playing rugby 28:17 What is the concept of leadership shock 31:10 What do leaders need to make explicit - being intentional 41:50 Knowing who you are 44:47 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This episode with Pete Steinberg offers deepens our understanding of leadership, providing a framework for leaders to foster environments that value strategic thinking, resilience, and adaptability. Pete's transition from a rugby coach to a leadership expert demonstrates the profound impact that a well-rounded leadership philosophy can have on personal and organizational success. We encourage listeners to think about how the principles discussed can be applied in their own leadership contexts, enhancing both personal and team performance. #LeadershipDevelopment #SportsLeadership #CorporateLeadership #TeamDynamics #StrategicThinking Connect with Pete Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070364743951 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-steinberg/ https://www.petesteinberg.com/ https://www.innovative-thought.com/ https://www.petesteinberg.com/book https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Steinberg Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode, I’m joined by Kelly L. Campbell, a pioneer in trauma-informed leadership and the author of the revolutionary book, "Heal to Lead." We discuss how addressing trauma can fundamentally transform leadership styles, promoting environments of trust, psychological safety, and true connectivity within organizations. Kelly shares their journey from founding a cause marketing agency to writing her book, driven by their desire to revolutionize leadership through trauma healing. The episode delves into the concept of trauma-informed leadership, the significance of understanding one's trauma, the negative impact of neglecting this aspect, and how leaders can foster psychologically safe environments that encourage vulnerability, resilience, and collective growth. Kelly details her experiences and the influences that shaped her views on leadership and organizational culture. Kelly L. Campbell (they/she) inspires revelation and responsibility in leaders across the globe. As a trauma-informed leadership coach, speaker, facilitator, writer, and author, they empower self-aware visionaries to correlate their past wounds to their leadership style, transforming the way they lead, live, and love. Her debut book, Heal to Lead: Revolutionizing Leadership through Trauma Healing (Wiley) will be released in April 2024. They write for Entrepreneur, have written for Forbes, and offer exclusive content to their Substack community, “The New TLC: Trauma, Leadership, and Consciousness.” Early in their career, Kelly was the founder and CEO of a cause marketing agency and sold it in 2016, which led her to advise Fortune 50 corporations, nonprofits, government organizations, and marketing and advertising agencies. They have hosted two top-rated podcasts since 2006—one on holistic health and wellness and the other on conscious leadership for marketing and advertising agency leaders. A longtime conservationist, Kelly was trained by Al Gore as a Climate Reality Leader in 2017. Most recently, they became certified as a Reiki Level III Practitioner. Kelly’s vision is to empower more than half of humanity to heal its childhood trauma so that we may reimagine and rebuild the world together. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Trauma-Informed Leadership: An exploration of how understanding and integrating trauma can fundamentally enhance leadership effectiveness, as demonstrated through Kelly’s insights and her book, "Heal to Lead." 🌍 Healing and Leading: Discussion on why leaders must start with healing themselves to effectively lead others, highlighting the impact of personal trauma work on leadership styles and organizational health. 🏢 Personal Stories and Professional Insights: Kelly shares her transition from a cause marketing CEO to a trauma-informed leadership coach, illustrating the deep interconnections between personal healing and professional leadership. 🛤️ Impact of Neglecting Trauma: Kelly and I discuss the detrimental effects of ignoring personal trauma and how leaders can overcome these challenges to foster a healthier work environment. 🌱 Creating Psychological Safety: Strategies for leaders to create environments that encourage vulnerability, support personal growth, and ensure psychological safety in the workplace. 🔋 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 04:09 Why people need to read Heal to Lead, even if you’re ‘doing the work’ 06:13 What makes healing more inviting or necessary 09:29 Ego showing up in different ways, including being a people pleaser 13:07 Personality assessments that can help tell us what style leadership we have 14:50 Where do we direct people who want to learn more about themselves and their patterns, if not these tools 19:43 Not looking to fix people but inviting them to find out who they are, the benefits of coaching versus therapy 21:26 Four fundamentals of high conscious leadership 25:04 Embodiment and holding space 34:26 How do we prepare our bodies, minds, etc. to lead with compassion 40:16 Boundaries to avoid burnout 41:26 Lighting the way 44:54 Do you need to be in a place of self-actualization in order to come back to the collective wisdom? 49:12 TLC community 50:59 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This episode with Kelly Campbell delves deeply into the necessity of trauma-informed practices in leadership. By integrating personal healing and understanding into daily leadership roles, leaders can cultivate environments that promote trust, safety, and resilience. We encourage you to reflect on how these practices can be integrated into your leadership to enhance both personal well-being and organizational success. Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences about adopting trauma-informed leadership practices on our social media channels. #TraumaInformedLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #OrganizationalHealth Connect with Kelly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.l.campbell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellylcampbell/ Book Pre-Order: https://klcampbell.com/heal-to-lead-book/ Website: https://klcampbell.com/ Substack: https://kellylcampbell.substack.com/ Leadership Quiz: https://klcampbell.com/leadership/ Healing Resources: https://myhealingmenu.com Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode, I’m joined by Lee Cordell, a pioneer in trauma-informed leadership and the founder of the Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety. We discuss how recognizing and addressing trauma can fundamentally transform leadership styles, promoting environments of trust, psychological safety, and true connectivity within organizations. Lee shares her personal journey from a nursing career to establishing her institute, driven by the desire to create safer spaces and healthier relationships in professional settings. The episode delves into the concept of trauma-informed leadership, the significance of understanding one's needs, the negative impact of neglecting personal trauma, and how leaders can foster psychologically safe environments that encourage vulnerability, resilience, and collective growth. Lee also details an upcoming experiential event by the Institute, aimed at expanding individual capacities and reconceptualizing the approach to leadership and organizational culture. Dr. Lee started the Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety after retiring from her decade-long career as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and graduate-level professor. She is devoted to helping humans understand their past so they can create happier, healthier futures. She integrates her personal stories of childhood abuse, depression and anxiety with her 20 years of professional experience in order to bring accessible, practical trauma education to all who desire to learn more. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Trauma-Informed Approaches: We discuss what trauma-informed leadership looks like and how it can transform organizational practices and leadership styles. 🌍 Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety: Lee talks about the founding of her institute, its mission, and the programs it offers that cater to developing safer organizational spaces. 🏢 Personal Journey: Lee shares her transition from a healthcare professional to an educator and coach, focusing on the needs and well-being of leaders in various sectors. 🛤️ Impact on Personal Development: Explore how addressing trauma not only improves professional capabilities but also personal growth and self-awareness. 🌱 Sustainable Leadership Practices: Discussing strategies for maintaining balance and preventing burnout in high-demand leadership roles. 🔋 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 01:46 The Institute for Trauma and why she founded it 04:29 Starting a side business coaching other women 07:30 Leaving the bedside 12:17 Why do leaders need this work 17:56 New event November 2024 - "Full Capacity" 21:03 Why do we not do enough to help with psychological safety without attaching the word trauma to it? 26:18 The feeling of resentment under the frustration, and unpacking dysregulation 35:11 One of the riskiest things to do in corporate - ask for help from the wrong people 40:18 Intimacy and vulnerability in the workspace 47:56 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: Our deep dive with Lee Cordell offers invaluable perspectives on integrating trauma-informed practices into leadership. This episode not only highlights the importance of understanding the role of trauma in professional settings but also provides practical advice for leaders to implement these insights into their daily lives. Join us as we explore how transforming leadership through a trauma-informed lens can lead to more compassionate and effective management practices. Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions about integrating trauma-informed practices in your leadership on our social media channels. #TraumaInformedLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipDevelopment #HealthcareLeadership #PersonalGrowth Connect with Lee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomingtraumainformed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becometraumainformed LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeccordell/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@that1traumacoach Website: https://institutefortrauma.com Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1522051/share The 10-Second Protocol: https://institutefortrauma.com/10sp Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this solo episode, I share insights from my journey as a leader, a host of this podcast, an author, and leadership consultant. With over 60 guests interviewed and a wealth of knowledge gained from my second book and certification programs, we dive into what I’ve learned about the nervous system's influence on leadership, the essence of being trauma-informed, and the key learnings from my personal leadership journey. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: 🧠 Three-Brained Beings: Discover the significance of integrating our three centers of intelligence—head, heart, and body—for effective leadership. 💡 Learning 1 - Discovering Body Wisdom: Uncover the power of acknowledging and harmonizing the wisdom of our body with our intellectual and emotional intelligence. 🕰 Learning 2 - The Influence of Our Past: Explore how past experiences shape our leadership styles and the importance of addressing emotional duress. 🔒 Learning 3 - The Stories Our Bodies Hold: Learn about the physical and physiological storage of memories and its impact on our reactions and decision-making. 🌱 Being Trauma-Informed: Understand the benefits of a trauma-informed approach to leadership, emphasizing compassion, safety, and co-regulation. 🛠 The Importance of Being a Trauma-Informed Practitioner: Insights into personal growth and professional efficacy through understanding and applying trauma-informed principles. We talk about: 00:00 Intro 02:22 Three brained beings 03:56 Learning 1 - Discovering how your three centers of intelligence work together 06:34 Learning 2 - Our past influences us more than we realize 09:34 Learning 3 - Our body store stories, memories that we don't have access to 10:43 What does it mean to lead by being trauma informed 13:25 Key learnings about being a trauma informed leader 17:50 What happens when we aren't trauma informed 20:33 The transformation that this leadership style can spark 24:17 What can we do? 🌈 Closing Thoughts: I invite you to reflect on your own leadership journey, to explore trauma-informed practices, and consider the continuous pursuit of personal and professional growth. Let me know what you think about my first solo episode! Would you like to see more? #LeadershipDevelopment #TraumaInformedLeadership #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode, we explore the transformative concept of body wisdom and its critical role in enhancing personal and professional growth. I’m joined by Erica Hornthal, a board-certified dance movement therapist, who sheds light on how accessing our body's inherent wisdom can lead to profound insights and healing. Through the lens of dance movement therapy, Erica provides a fascinating perspective on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and emotion. Erica Hornthal, is a licensed clinical professional counselor, board-certified dance/movement therapist, and the CEO and founder of Chicago Dance Therapy. Since graduating with her MA in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago, Erica has worked with thousands of patients aged 3-107. Known as “The Therapist Who Moves You,” Hornthal is changing the way people see movement with regard to mental health. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Essence of Body Wisdom: Dive into understanding what body wisdom is and how we can tap into the knowledge our bodies hold about our experiences, emotions, and the stories of our lives. 🧘‍♀️ Sensations as Language: Learn about the significance of tuning into our body's sensations, the neurological underpinnings, and how they can guide our decisions and enhance our understanding of ourselves. 🌟 Embodied Knowledge and Leadership: Explore how embodied knowledge can influence leadership styles, decision-making processes, and the cultivation of conscious work environments. 🏢 Practical Exercises for Accessing Body Wisdom: Erica shares simple, accessible ways to begin incorporating body awareness into daily life, emphasizing the role of movement in processing emotions and fostering personal growth. 🌈 We talk about: 00:00 Intro 05:34 What is body wisdom 07:59 What are sensations and what are some examples of them 10:49 Why should we pay attention to these sensations 15:35 The impact our bodies have on each other for communication and connections 19:48 How do you lean into sensations and use them? 22:28 How to use this practically in the work space 28:22 The term mental health keeping us stuck in our head, so how to build literacy around wellness 35:48 What happens when you let your body give you wisdom 39:50 Why she created her product and what she hopes people use it for 45:52 Is there a purpose to the color delineation with her cards 50:02 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: Our conversation with Erica Hornthal offers profound insights into the value of reconnecting with our body's wisdom. The episode invites listeners to consider the ways in which embodied knowledge can enhance not only personal well-being but also professional efficacy and leadership. We delve into practical strategies for integrating body awareness into our lives, inviting a holistic approach to health and leadership. Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions about embracing body wisdom, and join us in redefining wellness and leadership. #BodyWisdom #LeadershipDevelopment #MindfulnessInBusiness #OrganizationalCulture #PersonalGrowth Connect with Erica Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.therapist.who.moves.you www.ericahornthal.com Purchase the The Movement Therapy Deck Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode, we explore the transformative concept of conscious leadership and its vital role in today’s evolving business landscape. I’m joined by Jennifer Mulholland and Jeff Shuck, co-owners of Plenty Consulting and co-authors of “Leading with Light: Choosing Conscious Leadership When You’re Ready for More.” They provide profound insights into how embracing conscious leadership can significantly impact personal growth and organizational success. Jennifer Mulholland is an author, strategist, alchemist, executive coach, and co-owner of Plenty Consulting. From a very young age, she's been dedicated to raising the consciousness of people on the planet. For the last decade, she and her business partner, Jeff Shuck, have helped thousands of conscious leaders and businesses grow in revenue, impact, and fulfillment. Before becoming co-owner of Plenty, Jennifer was Chief Innovation Officer at SunGard, a Fortune 500 technology company. She founded several businesses focused on bridging the gap between information and impact in healthcare, technology, and holistic wellbeing. She is a certified Reiki and Theta healer trained in shamanic and energy medicine. She has a B.S. degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Psychology, and Coaching from the University of Utah. Jeff Shuck is an accomplished leader and entrepreneur with deep experience in leadership development, consulting, and social impact. Jeff is co-owner of Plenty Consulting with his business partner Jennifer Mulholland. Together, they have helped thousands of for-profit and non-profit leaders and organizations create their strategies, grow their fundraising, innovate new programs, and develop conscious cultures. Before founding Plenty, Jeff was co-founder and CEO of fundraising firm Event 360, raising nearly a billion dollars for charity over 12 years. Jeff graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Rochester and earned an MBA from Kellogg School of Management and an MS in Predictive Analytics from Northwestern. His work in positive change and social impact has been featured in a variety of outlets such as Marketplace, the Wall Street Journal, Fatherly, and the Stanford Social Innovation Review. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Understanding Conscious Leadership: Dive into the essence of conscious leadership, focusing on self-awareness, interconnectedness, and the power of presence. 🧘‍♂️ Impact of Conscious Leadership on Organizations: Discover how conscious leadership can transform business strategies, employee engagement, and organizational culture. 🌱 Personal Journeys to Conscious Leadership: Hear Jennifer and Jeff share their personal paths and experiences that led them to embrace and advocate for conscious leadership. 🛤️ The Four Lights of Conscious Leadership: A deep dive into the Four Lights framework proposed by Jennifer and Jeff in their book, exploring practical ways to implement these principles in daily life and work. 💡 Strategies for Navigating Change and Challenges: Learn how conscious leaders can effectively navigate through challenges and changes within their organizations and personal lives. 🚣‍♀️ Building Resilient and Fulfilling Work Environments: Discussion on how conscious leadership can create more resilient, fulfilling, and productive work environments for everyone involved. 🏢 We talk about: 4:06 Why is conscious leadership so important 8:15 What is elevating conscious leadership to be more acceptable 15:40 The roots of why they wrote their book and the ‘being’ vs. ‘doing’ of conscious leadership 20:02 The juxtaposition of conscious leadership 24:02 Mack Truck moments 29:53 Intentionality in leadership by showing up as our best selves to help others achieve their full potential 32:31 First Light 34:32 Second Light 36:53 Being trained as leaders by being rewarded for finding problems and fixing them 40:37 Third Light 45:31 Fourth Light 48:46 Their hope for this book 52:45 Best places to get their book, contact, and retreat info 56:16 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: The conversation with Jennifer and Jeff underscores the transformative power of conscious leadership in today’s dynamic business environment. We delve into practical strategies and insights for adopting a more mindful, intentional, and holistic approach to leadership and personal development. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how they can incorporate the principles of conscious leadership into their own lives and workplaces. Share your reflections, experiences, or questions, and join us in redefining leadership for the new era. #ConsciousLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessTransformation #MindfulnessInBusiness #OrganizationalCulture #PersonalGrowth Connect with Jeff and Jennifer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plentyco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plentyconsulting Twitter: www.twitter.com/PlentyCo Website: https://www.plentyconsulting.com Podcast: https://www.plentyconsulting.com/podcast Blog: https://www.plentyconsulting.com/news Leading with Light Book: https://www.leadingwithlightthebook.com Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode, we delve into the prevalent issue of change fatigue within the corporate landscape, a phenomenon amplified by constant shifts and adaptations in today's work environment. Jenny Magic joins me to unravel the complexities behind change fatigue and its significant impact on employees and organizational dynamics. She offers a deep dive into how leaders can recognize, address, and navigate this growing concern to foster a more adaptive and resilient workplace culture. Jenny Magic has spent the past two decades as a communications strategist, serving a wide range of clients – from Sesame Street to AARP, Prudential to Purdue, and a whole slew of tech companies. She's now focused on helping teams combat burnout and eliminate "Unworkable Work." She’s co-author of CHANGE FATIGUE: Flip Teams From Burnout to Buy-In, and she lives in Austin with her architect husband and two young sons. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Reality of Change Fatigue: Unpack the concept of 'change tokens' and understand how the pandemic and technological advancements have escalated the demand for adaptability in the workplace. 🔄 Signs of Change Fatigue: Learn how to identify the subtle and overt signs of change fatigue among employees, from silence and resistance to the more insidious forms like stalling and deprioritizing. 🚩 Strategic Leadership and Change Management: Explore strategies for leaders to manage their own and their team's capacity for change, ensuring that change initiatives are thoughtful, well-prioritized, and genuinely necessary. 🛠️ Overcoming Overwhelm: Discuss the balance between operational efficiency and innovative capacity, and how to create space within organizations for necessary changes without overwhelming employees. ⚖️ Authentic Engagement and Support: Delve into the importance of genuine leadership involvement in change initiatives and the role of psychological safety in facilitating open dialogue and feedback. 👥 Prioritizing and Stacking Successes: Discover the benefits of prioritizing change initiatives to enhance effectiveness and reduce burnout, using strategic selection to build momentum and achieve better outcomes. 🏆 We talk about: 2:55 What is change fatigue and why is it important that leaders understand the reality of it 5:21 Signs of change fatigue 6:45 What is our capacity or limit for change 9:11 How Jenny helps leaders 10:22 Overview of the steps of change outlined in her book 12:41 What people can do to make sure they're solving the right problem 18:21 What can sponsors be asking 21:17 What happens if we don't do this 23:55 Where does a change office or transformation office sit in this plan 26:29 Journey mapping 29:42 How stakeholder and journey maps help with communication 34:17 Team dynamics in change 39:40 The impact of COVID and change depending on privilege of workers 43:57 Unworkable work 47:57 Her templates 48:57 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: By acknowledging and addressing the challenges of change fatigue, leaders and employees can work together towards a more engaged, efficient, and adaptable work environment. We encourage listeners to reflect on their own experiences with change fatigue and consider the strategies discussed in this episode to enhance resilience and drive meaningful change in their organizations. Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions, and join us in embracing adaptive challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. #ChangeFatigue #AdaptiveLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #StrategicChange #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment Connect with Jenny Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HintofMagic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennymagic Twitter: www.twitter.com/JennyLMagic Book and Course: www.ChangeFatigue.com Consulting: www.BuildBetterChange.com Apply for a feedback session to share your take on “Unworkable Work here: www.BuildBetterChange.com Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between language, perception, and survival instincts in personal and professional contexts. Our insightful guest, Adrian Koehler, shares his profound understanding and experiences in helping individuals navigate chaos with clarity and mindfulness. He emphasizes the power of conscious decision-making and the brain's inherent wiring for survival and energy conservation. Adrian is a seasoned coach who specializes in guiding founders of fast-growing companies through various crises. By fostering a mindset of growth and progress, he helps his clients transcend chaos and crisis, even in the face of success, and encourages personal responsibility and ownership for transformative outcomes. Adrian Koehler is a leadership engagement expert and senior partner at the executive coaching firm, Take New Ground. He coaches executives and entrepreneurs in the art and science of leadership for themselves, their teams, and clients to create new, unprecedented results and experience fulfillment in their work. He is the Founder and Senior Partner at Take New Ground, a leadership coaching, training and consulting firm based in Los Angeles. TNG partners with select executives and organizations to get the results they want by creating the culture they need. He is the co-host of an engaging podcast The Naked Leadership Podcast with TNG Sr Partner Dan Tocchini. Drawing on his background in philanthropy, ministry, activism, and medicine, Adrian thrives in the extreme environments and finds comfort in difficult conversations—in fact, his passion for human performance has taken him around the globe, serving people in times of crisis, transformation, and stalemates. Over the last decade, Adrian has trained and developed leaders at NIKE, Virgin Hyperloop One, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Herschel Supply Co., Oprah Winfrey Network, Gavin DeBecker & Associates, Siegel & Gale, UCLA and elsewhere. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Power of Perception: Understand how our brain's survival mode influences our perceptions and decisions, and learn how to guide it towards more constructive outcomes. 🧠 Conscious Intervention: Discover the impact of conscious language and intervention in shifting from a state of fight or flight to one of logical thinking and planning. 🗣️ Navigating Chaos: Gain insights into Adrian's approach to helping individuals and corporate leaders navigate chaos and crisis, fostering a new perspective and actionable solutions. 🌀 Integration and Authenticity: Explore the importance of integrating various aspects of oneself to lead a more authentic and fulfilling life, beyond the facade of survival needs. ✨ Embracing Growth and Challenges: Uncover the balance between challenging oneself and providing comfort, and how this balance can lead to growth and improved leadership. ⚖️ Phenomenology and Self-Discovery: Delve into the concepts of phenomenology, shadow work, and the importance of confronting and befriending one's darker aspects for personal growth. 🔍 Courageous Living: Learn about the concept of living a courageous life by facing past traumas and embracing true self-discovery and personal growth. 🦁 Cultural and Leadership Transformation: Discover how Adrian and his firm 'Take New Ground' contribute to systemic changes in workplace culture and leadership for better work environments and team well-being. 🌱 We talk about: 2:36 His diverse experience and background 7:52 How our brains fire as if we are in life and death situations, and how corporate settings help us 9:40 What he has learned about leadership 11:13 How to get leaders to confront hidden aspects of themselves 21:25 Big transformations he's seen within his work 26:50 Hugging the cactus 35:46 The importance of having different approaches or views and still working together 40:42 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: By understanding and applying the principles discussed in this episode, individuals and leaders alike can foster environments of clarity, authenticity, and effective communication. We invite you to reflect on the themes of perception, authenticity, and emotional resilience in your life and leadership. Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions, and join us in transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and development. #ConsciousDecisionMaking #LeadershipGrowth #AuthenticLiving #EmotionalResilience #TransformativeLeadership Connect with Adrian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrian.k/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3c7kMcC7nah-QdxffV2NXA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriankoehler https://takenewground.com/ https://wearerevenant.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-naked-leadership-podcast/id1495058489 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73ZuLDaxdfhCNYXlmIQy01?si=9a5b25f227f64ae1 The Change Imperative (FREE e-book) https://change.takenewground.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode, we dive into the power of consciousness and emotional intelligence in leadership. Our inspiring guest, Marika Messager, shares her journey from the high-paced financial sector to pioneering the conscious leadership movement. She unpacks the art of truth-telling, the importance of emotional agility, and how breaking the cycle of the old leadership paradigms can lead to more fulfilling, productive work environments. 🌱 Marika Messager is a Conscious Leader, visionary, teacher, researcher in consciousness, elevating individuals, businesses, and the global community into a new paradigm of positive and purposeful impact. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Breaking the Cycle: Discover how moving away from traditional leadership paradigms can foster a more authentic, rewarding workplace. Learn from Marika’s transition from financial broker to conscious leader. 💡 The Art of Conscious Leadership: Explore the transformative power of mirroring truth and fostering self-awareness among team members. Understand the importance of aligning values for a harmonious workplace. 🎭 Emotional Intelligence: Dive into the crucial role of emotional intelligence in leadership. Learn about the cost of emotional numbness and the benefits of being emotionally present and aware. 🧠💖 Embracing Vulnerability: Uncover the strength in vulnerability and how personal crises can lead to significant personal growth and higher levels of consciousness. 🛡️ Generational Wisdom and Resilience: Discuss the dynamics between different generations in the workplace and how each can contribute to a more resilient and conscious organization. 🔄 Practical Emotional Agility: Gain insights into practical tools and exercises to enhance emotional intelligence and resilience, both individually and within teams. 🧘 Systemic Change for Better Work Environments: Learn how systemic changes, like adjusting meeting structures and implementing collective self-care practices, can lead to less burnout and higher efficiency. 🌍 We talk about: 2:04 What is conscious leadership and how can it transform a business 4:36 How do you help leaders break the cycle of the status quo 6:40 An example of data or information that leaders can receive in an objective way 18:06 Do you feel like we we have to go through extremely hard moments in order to grow and find this consciousness 21:25 Is the new pattern of people not staying at jobs as long a result from a new level of consciousness? 27:50 How do you help leaders get in touch with their EQ 32:01 How to practice EQ with the collective 40:27 Does Marika use the word ‘conscious’ in her work 42:40 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: By embracing the principles of conscious leadership, we can transform our workplaces into environments where every individual is recognized, valued, and empowered to bring their whole self to work. Join us in exploring how integrating emotional intelligence and conscious leadership can transform your approach and boost your team's well-being. We encourage you to share your insights, experiences, or questions. #LeadershipHealing #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceWellness #Resilience #ConsciousLeadership Connect with Marika Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marikamessager Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marikamessager LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conscious-leadership-coaching-consulting/ Empowered Creator Worksheet: https://consciousleadership.org/the-2023-empowered-creator-worksheet/ https://consciousleadership.org/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this transformative episode, we delve into the profound realization that workplaces can be arenas for emotional growth and healing. Nathan and I discuss the critical work of the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI), highlighting how understanding and addressing our own life difficulties can significantly improve workplace culture and leadership. Nathan, the Managing Director of CTRI, specializes in trauma-informed practices to improve the lives of individuals, organizations, and communities. His expertise includes service coordination and rehabilitation for those with complex trauma and co-occurring disorders, particularly in the context of legal conflict. Holding a Master of Social Work degree and a Registered Social Worker status, Nathan co-authored "A Little Book About Trauma-Informed Workplaces" and edited numerous training materials for CTRI, focusing on creating impactful connections through training. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Importance of Trauma-Informed Workplaces: Learn how acknowledging and addressing our own trauma not only supports individual healing but also fosters a more compassionate and productive organizational culture. Discover the transformative power of trauma-informed principles in creating safer, more supportive environments for all employees. 💡 Leadership and Helping Professions: Explore the concept that leadership inherently involves helping others. Nathan emphasizes that leading effectively means being attuned to the needs of others, whether or not one is in a traditionally defined helping profession, thereby expanding the definition of what it means to be a helper. 🧠💖 The Five Principles of Trauma-Informed Workplaces: Dive into CTRI's five foundational principles for creating trauma-informed environments: promoting awareness, shifting attitudes, fostering safety, highlighting and providing choice, and focusing on strengths. These principles guide organizations in nurturing resilience and empowerment among employees. 🛡️ The Role of Self-Awareness and Connection: Discover the importance of self-awareness and connecting with oneself and others. Nathan shares insights into his personal journey of self-discovery, emphasizing how understanding one’s backstory and triggers can lead to profound personal and professional growth. 🔄 Practical Tools and Strategies for Leaders: Gain actionable insights into creating a trauma-informed workplace, including initiating open conversations about mental well-being, investing in emotional intelligence and resilience-building programs, and implementing support structures that recognize the complexity of mental health. 🧘 We talk about: 3:54 What is CTRI 5:14 Definition of a helping professional 7:13 The evolution of trauma informed leadership 14:31 Difference between trauma aware and trauma informed 18:14 The importance of safety 22:18 Impact of COVID in workspaces 25:12 How does a hybrid work environment impact choice and safety 26:50 How do you help leaders who have a very compartmentalize thoughts on safety 31:56 Taking time for ourselves as leaders to become aware of ourselves 33:32 Wheel of power 46:31 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This episode calls upon leaders to recognize and embrace their role in the emotional healing journey, not only for their personal growth but as a catalyst for change within their organizations. By fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and resilience, we pave the way for workplaces where everyone is empowered to thrive, contributing to greater creativity, productivity, and unity. 💬 We invite your reflections and insights on creating more trauma-informed, empathetic workplaces. Share your experiences and questions with us, and together, let's shape a future of conscious leadership and emotional intelligence. #TraumaInformedLeadership #EmotionalGrowth #WorkplaceCulture #Resilience #EmpatheticLeadership Connect with Nathan Blogs: https://ctrinstitute.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctrinstitute/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crisis-&-trauma-resource-institute-inc-/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHTbhdDiaQAOZCBPimqRoCw/videos Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Little-Book-About-Trauma-Informed-Workplaces-ebook https://ctrinstitute.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this transformative episode, we dive into the profound concept that the workplace can serve as a unique laboratory for emotional healing. Our guest, Susan Winchester, shares her personal journey of self-discovery, revealing how understanding the deep-seated impacts of childhood experiences can revolutionize our approach to conflicts and relationships in the corporate world. Susan Schmitt Winchester, former Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for Applied Materials, has made significant contributions to the HR community over her 35-year career, including executive roles at Rockwell Automation and Kellogg Company. She is recognized for her innovative HR strategies that foster inclusive cultures and exceptional company performance. Winchester co-authored "Healing at Work: A Guide to Using Career Conflicts to Overcome Your Past and Build the Future You Deserve" with Martha I. Finney, addressing mental wellness in the workplace. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: The Power of Awareness: Discover how recognizing and confronting our past traumas and dysfunctions opens the door to personal and professional growth. Learn to navigate workplace conflicts with a conscious lens, transforming "bumper car moments" into opportunities for healing and understanding. 💡 Embracing Mental Well-being: With nearly two-thirds of people experiencing significant adverse childhood experiences, this episode underscores the critical need to prioritize mental health in the workplace. Join us in exploring strategies to foster a culture of mental wellness and empathy within organizations. 🧠💖 Healing as a Strength: Unpack the acronym ASDP (Adult Survivor of a Damaged Past) and how it symbolizes resilience, acknowledging that while we carry scars from our past, they do not define our future. Celebrate the survivor within and leverage your experiences as a foundation for empowerment. 🛡️ Redefining Self-Regulation: Move beyond traditional coping mechanisms like avoidance or substance use. Discover healthier ways to manage emotional triggers, including the groundbreaking "Rapid Power Reclaim" method, and how to step off the unconscious wound career path towards a more fulfilling life. 🔄 The Role of Forgiveness and Self-Compassion: Learn the importance of forgiving ourselves and quieting the inner critic. Embrace your inner coach and step into a space where self-compassion paves the way for authentic leadership and a healthier workplace environment. 🕊️ Practical Tools for Emotional Processing: Explore innovative exercises like the "Three Circle Exercise," designed to process and release pent-up emotions, facilitating a deeper connection with your inner child, adapted child, and highest functioning adult self. 🧘 We talk about: 3:58 Why we need to heal at work 6:58 Why is this specific work important now 10:10 HR's position in bearing witness to these behaviors 12:41 ASDP 17:27 Not resonating with the word ‘trauma’ 19:17 Conscious healing career path 29:42 Practice of forgiving yourself 31:15 Extending compassion to your colleagues 38:54 Bumper Car moments 45:49 Circle Exercise 52:46 You are wanted in the workplace 54:29 Rapid fire questions 🌈 Closing Thoughts: This episode is an invitation for leaders to embrace the journey of emotional healing. It will lead to personal growth that can be a transformative force within your organization. 💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts! Share your reflections, insights, or questions with us. Together, let's pave the way for a more empathetic and emotionally intelligent leadership paradigm. #LeadershipHealing #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceWellness #Resilience #ConsciousLeadership Connect with Susan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingatwork/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healing-at-work/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealingAtWork https://healingatwork.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

How can organizations reconcile the drive for high productivity with the imperative of maintaining employee well-being and work-life balance? Matt Smead, a business psychologist recognized as a leading thinker by HR Magazine in 2023, shares his insights on wellbeing, engagement, and resilience in a corporate setting. 🌟 We get into the significance of promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace, focusing on the balance between productivity and work-life balance. He emphasizes the importance of addressing psychosocial risks, promoting psychological health and safety, and adopting a risk-based approach in addressing potential hazards. The discussion also touches on the need for flexibility and innovation in the workplace environment, in line with addressing the growing concern for employee burnout. Lastly, Smead shares the advantage of co-creating solutions with the workforce to effectively address these concerns. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Optimizing Well-Being for Sustainable Success: 🌟 Matt Smeed introduces a paradigm shift, emphasizing that true, long-term excellence in the workplace hinges on optimizing well-being. This approach views both well-being and productivity as outcomes of effectively managing workplace pressures. The Causal Link between Well-Being and Business Metrics: 📈 Matt discusses the correlation, and potentially causal relationship, between employee well-being and key business outcomes, such as retention, reduced sickness absence, and a stronger employer brand. He suggests that organizations can foster well-being by granting autonomy, ensuring positive leadership, and preventing overload. Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace: 🧠 Highlighting the importance of psychological health and safety, Matt advocates for a workplace that avoids causing harm by managing psychosocial risks such as workload, autonomy, and relationships. This preventative approach aims to ensure a psychologically safe environment conducive to well-being. Beyond Tick-Box Benefits to Address Psychosocial Hazards: ✅ While acknowledging the value of benefits like yoga sessions and cycle-to-work schemes, Matt stresses that these cannot substitute for addressing fundamental psychosocial hazards within the organization. True improvement in well-being requires tackling underlying issues first. Empowering Teams to Navigate Workplace Demands: 🚫 Matt speaks to the necessity of empowering individuals and teams to manage expectations and workload effectively, suggesting that the willingness to set boundaries and communicate limits is essential for preventing stress and burnout. The Business Case for Well-Being: 💡 Citing research, Matt presents a strong business case for prioritizing employee well-being, linking it to superior organizational performance. He also touches on generational shifts in workplace expectations, indicating a growing preference for well-being over traditional rewards. Innovative Approaches to Work Design: 🔄 Discussing a European consultancy firm's approach of encouraging employees to pursue side hustles on a four-day workweek, Matt highlights innovative work designs that can enhance purpose and autonomy, contributing to both individual and organizational success. Co-Creating Solutions with the Workforce: 🤝 Matt advocates for a participatory approach to solving complex workplace challenges, emphasizing the importance of co-creating solutions with employees. This involves listening, adapting, and iterating on strategies to enhance well-being and productivity. We talk about: 3:09 How can organizations strike a balance between high performance and wellbeing 06:09 Thinking of wellbeing being an outcome 08:26 Metrics to measure wellbeing 10:49 What's getting in the way of pleasure and purpose for people 15:06 Difference between psychosocial risk and psychological health and safety 27:57 What could individuals, leaders, or organizations do to bring this notion of health, safety, and wellbeing to their organization 34:17 Thinking about generational differences of purpose and pleasure and the drive each one has at work 37:01 Innovation around work 41:00 Return to work/hybrid work in the UK 47:35 Advice around health, safety, and wellbeing for their teams and organizations 50:41 Rapid fire questions Connect with Matt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workingwellcommunity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-well-community/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-smeed-b6033922/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/matt_smeed https://www.workingwell.community/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

Rosie Tomkins, an executive and leadership coach, joins me to talk about harnessing natural intelligence to drive transformation and enable individual growth for leaders. 🌟 She explains how the fear of judgment can suppress innovation and creativity, stunting growth, and how she uses a mix of self-awareness, understanding energy levels, and connecting with nature, specifically through equine leadership, to initiate change. She shares examples from her experiences, demonstrating the resilience, adaptability, and inherent instincts present in nature that can guide and inspire better leadership. The conversation also covers her book, 'Let Nature Be Your Compass', which explores these concepts further. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Harnessing Natural Intelligence for Leadership: 🌿 Rosie Tomkins and I discuss the untapped power of natural intelligence in leadership. Through the story of Sully Sullenberger and the use of equine therapy, we highlight the importance of trusting one’s instincts and perceptions to make swift, decisive actions. Adaptive Leadership Lessons from Horses: 🐴 The innovative approach of using horses for leadership training underscores the significance of non-verbal communication and adaptability. Horses mirror human behavior, offering profound insights into effective leadership and teamwork dynamics. Nature as a Leadership Guide: 🌳 Rosie emphasizes that observing how animals like horses and lions lead and communicate can offer valuable lessons for human leaders. The statement “We are not in nature, we are nature” encourages leaders to see nature as a reflection of themselves and a source of inspiration. Experiential Learning for Personal Transformation: 🔄 Experiential learning with horses allows leaders to become aware of their energy and its impact on others. Rosie’s work showcases how changing one’s energy can positively influence team dynamics and lead to personal and professional growth. Innovative Problem-Solving and Team Dynamics: 💡 Through practical exercises with horses, leaders learn the importance of creativity in problem-solving and the dynamics of team roles under pressure. This approach leads to insights on organizational behavior and the need for adaptive leadership. The Importance of Environment in Leadership: 🏞️ Rosie illustrates how altering the environment can lead to breakthroughs in how challenges are approached. This metaphorically applies to business, showing that changing perspectives or the context can unlock new solutions. Internal Validation and Authentic Leadership: 🔍 The conversation touches on the concept of internal versus external validation. Rosie advocates for a leadership style that values personal fulfillment and purpose over societal approval, highlighting the strength found in authenticity. We talk about: 3:03 How can leaders embrace the instinctive wisdom found in nature 9:13 Specific ideas of Natural Intelligence and the impact of it 11:20 How can this become suppressed 12:55 Equine leadership 17:22 Horses' learning 22:03 How horses can bring insights to a team 28:17 Becoming more conscious of your energy as a leader 33:19 How often is she using horses with these teams 36:01 'Let Nature Be Your Compass' – her new book 44:12 Rapid fire questions Connect with Rosie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nstinctiveintelligence/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosietomkins/?originalSubdomain=uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/n_stinctive YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgCuRgTFuoWKk4BaHSlQirg https://n-stinctive.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

Dive into a thought-provoking episode with Angie Dairou, a seasoned psychotherapist and leadership coach, as we uncover the powerful role of the nervous system in leadership and team dynamics. Angie brings over 25 years of experience in guiding Fortune 100 organizations towards innovative and human-centric workplace cultures. 🌟 This episode blends leadership, psychotherapy, and organizational development, offering practical insights for leaders. Angie shares her extensive experience, focusing on the practical application of psychotherapy principles in leadership to create more empathetic, innovative workplaces. The result is valuable insights into how leaders can use an understanding of the nervous system to enhance their leadership style and team effectiveness. Angie's practical advice is grounded in her extensive experience, providing listeners with actionable strategies for better workplace dynamics and personal growth. 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Human-Centered Leadership: 🌐 Angie Dairou leverages her global experience to transform corporate cultures, advocating for a shift from traditional hierarchical structures to more innovative, human-centric approaches. 🔄 This transformation focuses on creating workplaces that prioritize human values and creativity, fostering a more dynamic and empathetic environment. Task vs. Process: 📋 The distinction between task execution and the experience of completing tasks is explored, highlighting the importance of how tasks are approached and managed. 💡 Angie proposes methods to create a work environment that is not only task-efficient but also fulfilling and nurturing for individuals. Understanding Trauma in the Workplace: 🧠 Angie provides a nuanced understanding of trauma, extending its definition beyond traditional boundaries to include a range of impactful experiences. 🗣️ She emphasizes the critical role of communication in recognizing and addressing trauma, thus improving workplace dynamics and employee well-being. Listening as a Leadership Skill: 👂 Effective listening is showcased as a pivotal skill for leaders, directly influencing team performance and employee satisfaction. 🚧 Angie highlights the importance of identifying and overcoming barriers to active listening, enhancing leaders' ability to connect with and understand their teams. Innovating Through Uncertainty: 🌪️ Angie encourages embracing uncertainty as a catalyst for innovation, suggesting that navigating through unknowns can lead to significant breakthroughs. 🤔 She reflects on her own experiences with burnout and the need for strategies that move beyond predictability to foster creative solutions. Body Awareness and Stress Management: 🧘 Focusing on the importance of physical and emotional self-awareness, Angie offers methods to manage stress and overload effectively. 🌊 She advocates for techniques that lead to a state of flow and balance, essential for maintaining health and productivity in demanding environments. We talk about: [2:50] How she began the core of her work in China [8:45] Why it can be beneficial to keep work and family separate [11:55] Ensuring team members’ emotional needs are met [13:55] The Satir Model [17:25] What is trauma [20:45] Why it’s relevant for leaders in the corporate world to understand trauma [25:30] The lingering stress effects of 2020 [32:05] Strategies leaders can learn from silent retreats [36:50] Learning how to listen more [38:30] Why it’s hard to take stock of where you are right now [41:55] The cognitive load to be learning and also innovating [48:20] What 2030 will look like in the workplace [53:45] An experience she had that gave her heightened awareness about herself [56:00] A ritual or practice she relies on to help her return to a state of calm [57:45] A song or genre of music that makes her feel connected to something bigger than herself Connect with Angie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angiedairou/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In our latest episode of "Evolve: A New Era of Leadership," we had the incredible opportunity to dive deep with Wendy Ryan, a seasoned HR and organizational development expert, CEO, and author of "Learn, Lead, Lift." 📘 Wendy shared her journey of writing the book she wished she had at 22. "Learn, Lead, Lift" is not just a guide for fresh graduates but a lifelong companion for anyone on a leadership path. It's about mindset, leadership, and making impactful changes at every career stage. 💡 The conversation was illuminating, especially around how our mindsets shape our reality. Wendy highlighted the importance of being aware of our mental lenses and how they filter our perceptions, emphasizing that understanding our mindsets can help us choose how we think about things. 🧠 But it's not just about mindset. Wendy and Carolyn discussed the critical role of emotions in leadership. Gone are the days when leaders were told to leave their feelings at the door. Emotions are data, and understanding them is crucial for making informed decisions. 🌍 Wendy's insights into leadership in a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) world were particularly striking. She talked about the need for leaders to be constantly attentive, both to their own actions and the needs of those around them. 🏆 The "3T model" - Tolerate, Transform, Transcend - Wendy discussed is a powerful tool for decision-making. This framework helps leaders assess situations and decide whether to maintain the status quo, make changes, or completely overhaul their approach. 🙌 But perhaps most importantly, Wendy's work in recognizing and addressing systemic oppression and power dynamics in leadership is pivotal. She encourages leaders to be more intentional and aware of their privilege and how it impacts others. This episode is a goldmine for leaders seeking to evolve and adapt in an ever-changing world. Wendy Ryan's insights provide practical tools and profound wisdom for anyone looking to lead with more awareness, empathy, and effectiveness. Wendy Ryan (she/her/hers) is a Best Selling, 3x Award Winning Author, CEO of Kadabra, Mentor and Strategic Advisor. Wendy believes that all of our actions are consequential, especially in leadership. This is why it has been her life’s work to help leaders expand what’s possible through The Learn Lead Lift Framework®. Wendy is a fearless advocate for increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the business and investor ecosystems. She engages awareness and connection to inspire leaders to take their next step towards greatness. Wendy is available for in-person or virtual keynote speaking engagements, panel discussions, podcast interviews, and small group learning sessions. 🔗 Don't miss this episode of "Evolve: A New Era of Leadership." Tune in, absorb, and transform your leadership journey! #LeadershipEvolution #LearnLeadLift #MindfulLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #EvolvePodcast We talk about: [0:00] Intro [2:33] The inspiration behind writing her book [5:01] What her 20 year old self could have taken away from this book [6:44] How to overcome a workplace mindset that is no longer serving us [8:53] Mindset shifts within leaders [12:11] Tools to become more emotionally literate [14:55] Doing her work without stepping into the boundaries of being a therapist [18:24] Bringing safety, consistency and choice into your work with senior leaders [20:11] VUCA [24:18] Indicators that your team or organization might be ready for this work [27:20] How the 3T model fits in with her work with teams and individuals [33:23] Where does systemic oppression, power and privilege come into her work [38:01] What would you suggest for listeners to help them get curious and evolve their mindset around these topics [48:15] Rapid fire questions Join Wendy and I for this conversation, as we talk about self-awareness and emotional literacy and the impact it has in the workplace. You can find the full transcript of our conversation on my website, along with more information about them and their work. Thank you for being a part of my podcast community, and remember to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes to come! #PodcastEpisode #TraumaInformedLeadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalGrowth Connect with Wendy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_kadabra/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryankadabra/ Website: https://www.wearekadabra.com/ Show her the money: https://showherthemoneymovie.com/ and movie trailer Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In this episode, previously released in August of 2023, we explore the complex interplay between the nervous system and leadership, revealing the profound impact of past experiences on a leader's style and adaptability with Dr. Steve Hotz. The patterns ingrained in our nervous system are key to how we respond in various situations, significantly influencing decision-making and behavior in leadership roles. This understanding is crucial for leaders seeking to harness their full potential. We also delve into the nuanced way our nervous systems perceive challenges versus threats. This ability to recognize and fine-tune responses to different stimuli is essential in leadership, helping in guiding teams through complex scenarios and making informed decisions. Maintaining a balanced nervous system is another critical aspect discussed, highlighting its importance in accessing higher-level skills and expertise for effective leadership. We touch upon the impact of trauma on this balance, which can significantly affect a leader's ability to handle stress and lead effectively. The conversation then shifts to vulnerability in leadership, emphasizing how understanding and accepting our vulnerabilities can reduce their control over our actions. We explore common reactions to vulnerability, such as defensiveness and emotional numbing, and how they influence our leadership style. We also cover the power of co-regulation and the role of psychological safety and consistency in the workplace. A leader's ability to exhibit a calm and regulated demeanor can significantly influence the team's overall environment and effectiveness. This is complemented by a discussion on the importance of senior leadership understanding and facilitating nervous system regulation. Such awareness is crucial for adapting and responding to various situations, shaped by personal experiences and nervous system reactivity. Drawing insights from 'The Compassionate Mind' by Paul Gilbert, the podcast reflects on his model of three emotional regulation systems – energizing, threat, and contentment – and their influence on leadership styles. Understanding these systems is invaluable for effective leadership and emotional regulation. We also discuss the importance of fostering a culture that supports mutual regulation and secure connections among team members, essential for a productive work environment and beneficial for organizational dynamics. Finally, the episode concludes with practical advice for leaders. This includes techniques for becoming more aware of bodily experiences and staying present in the moment. Such practices are essential for effective leadership and decision-making, helping leaders to be more grounded, responsive, and empathetic. These insights enhance a leader's ability to lead effectively and inspire their teams, embodying the core message of our podcast – the intricate and influential relationship between our nervous system and leadership. Dr. Steve Hotz is a clinical and health psychologist with deep roots in community medicine and population health. In addition to his academic career and clinical practice, he has worked and consulted in continuing professional development for health care providers from many disciplines on such topics as motivation, health behaviour change, and treatment adherence. His clinical work incorporates interpersonal neurobiology, neuroplasticity, attachment, and approaches to change and growth that utilize the potential of knowledge in these areas. We talk about: [4:10] Our history working together [8:25] The impact of our life circumstances based on endured trauma [11:20] Our nervous system and its impact on our safety and emotional state [18:35] The research behind 'vulnerability' [21:40] The acceptance of trauma and vulnerability [22:40] Cognitive exercises of creating safety [25:10] Co-regulating as leaders [30:25] Being open to our own vulnerability and experiences [38:45] Going into sympathetic overdrive [43:00] Rewiring our desire for balance [45:30] Getting in touch with your inner experience [52:30] A moment that was very uncomfortable, yet full of tremendous insight about himself [55:45] A practice or ritual that keeps him in a calm or regulated state [58:20] A song or genre of music that makes him feel connected to others or part of something bigger than himself Resources mentioned in this episode: Brene Brown’s Power of Vulnerability: https://www.ted.com/talks/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Twitter: ​​ https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

🌟 Embark on a transformative journey of self-care with Vicki Enns and Marwa Fadol in our latest soul-stirring podcast episode! 🌟 Step off the relentless treadmill of personal and professional growth that often leads us perilously close to burnout. Dive deep into a riveting conversation that redefines self-care from a solitary endeavor into a shared, vibrant pursuit of well-being. In their groundbreaking book, "Self Care Transformed," Vicki and Marwa debunk the tired clichés of bubble baths and scented candles, steering us towards a more inclusive and holistic approach. Imagine a world where self-care is not an isolated act but a communal symphony of actions, nurturing our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health in unison. Discover through their compelling research and heartfelt narratives how interconnected our well-being truly is. Learn to view wellness not as segmented parts but as a harmonious whole, where neglecting one aspect can ripple through our entire being. Vicki and Marwa urge us to adopt proactive, preventative strategies, weaving self-care seamlessly into the fabric of our daily lives. Delve into the power of vulnerability and the transformative effect it has on how we perceive and practice self-care. As Marwa poignantly reminds us, acknowledging when we're struggling opens doors to conversations and connections, fostering an atmosphere of collective support and wellness. Vicki connects the dots to the crucial role of safe, supportive workspaces that encourage openness and vulnerability. Imagine an organization where discussing mental health is not taboo but a welcomed dialogue, creating a thriving environment for everyone's well-being. In this compelling episode, Vicki and Marwa invite you to join a movement of collective self-care. Their call to action is clear: weave self-care into your daily life, embrace it as a community endeavor, and elevate your well-being and resilience. 🎧 Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to self-care and embrace it as a collective journey? Tune in to be inspired, share your insights after listening, and let's foster a world where self-care is everyone's business! #SelfCareRevolution #CollectiveWellness #TransformativeSelfCare #HolisticHealth Marwa is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta with over 15 years of counseling experience. Marwa has also been a trainer with the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI) for 7 years, and is a contributing author to their 2021 book Counselling in Relationships. Marwa is passionate about helping people from diverse backgrounds engage in the counseling process in a safe and inclusive manner. Vicki is an individual, couple and family therapist. She has a private practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Vicki has worked for many years as a trainer and mentor for other counsellors and helping professionals and is the former Clinical Director of CTRI. . She is the author of Gratitude and Grit: A Journal for Growing Resilience, the editor and a contributing author of Counselling Insights and Counselling in Relationships books, and co-author of A Little Book About Trauma-Informed Workplaces. Most recently Vicki - together with Marwa Fadol - has co-authored Self-Care Transformed: A Place for Meaning, Joy, and Community in the Helping Professions. Vicki is also the host of the CTRI’s Counselling Insights Podcast. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [5:18] Why they wanted to write this book together [9:58] Is burnout inevitable when it comes to work? [12:57] Why they focused on self care vs. wellness [24:10] Is there one part of the wellness wheel that is more depleting? [28:29] Explaining their Collectivist approach to things [33:39] Suggestions for how people can create a community of wellness and self care [39:32] How can we sit in discomfort even if we're not trained professionals [43:31] Where people can find their book [44:25] Ending each chapter with an invitation to take a break and settle the nervous system [48:34] Rapid fire questions Join Vicki, Marwa and I for this conversation, as we talk about the essential role self care plays in our overall health and nervous system regulation. You can find the full transcript of our conversation on my website, along with more information about them and their work. Thank you for being a part of my podcast community, and remember to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes to come! #PodcastEpisode #TraumaInformedLeadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalGrowth Connect with Marwa Instagram: www.instagram.com/marwafadol www.lanternpsychology.ca Connect with Vicki The book: www.ctrinstitute.com/product/self-care-transformed/ Podcast: www.ctrinstitute.com/podcast/ Free Handouts: www.ctrinstitute.com/resources/self-care-transformed-handouts/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

In an era where employment-related stress and burnout are increasingly prevalent, it’s essential to understand and address these highly damaging issues at the corporate level. In the first episode of the year, Dr. Jacqueline Kerr, a globally recognized behavior change scientist, community advocate, and TEDx speaker joins me for a conversation about burnout, public health, and the role of organizations in mitigating burnout. Dr. Kerr deeply resonates with the intersection of public health and personal behaviour change, particularly with respect to the effects of workplace burnout. Burnout can affect every facet of a person's life and might be induced by pressures from multiple areas of life in its myriad versions. Dr. Kerr emphasized the value of intervention, noting the vital role that organizations can play in learning from and adopting community-based approaches to prevent burnout. Driving home the importance of collective efforts in combating burnout, Dr. Kerr highlighted the pivotal role of leaders. Leaders are encouraged to forge a healthier atmosphere in the workplace, thus decreasing the possibility of burnout. Flexible work hours, limiting non-essential meetings, and fostering a culture of appreciation can all contribute to a more engaged and less stressed workforce. Furthermore, a thriving culture of inclusiveness is essential along with recognizing the link between bias and burnout. The approach must be comprehensive, considering individual, family, organizational, and societal level factors. Workplace culture is often linked to changes in behavior patterns. As with managing any change, understanding where people stand in relation to the concept of change is crucial in bringing about effective behavioral adjustments. The key is to create a safe environment where employees feel comfortable discussing changes they'd like to see in the workplace. Dr. Kerr highlighted the importance of reducing unnecessary meetings and encouraging more focused work time to boost productivity and reduce burnout. She recommended considering the reduction of meeting hours and introduced the concept of a "meeting-free week” as a productive approach to address the perceived need for continuous meetings within teams. Moreover, job crafting, cases of biased promotion systems, and other nuanced aspects of workplace practices can significantly impact burnout levels. Encouraging transparency, promoting flexibility, and valuing employee contributions can significantly ameliorate these effects. As much as organizational changes are vital, individual mental habit changes also play a critical role in mitigating burnout. Acknowledging that behavior change is tough and requires support, Dr. Kerr emphasized the importance of setting realistic daily behavior plans. It is our aim to provide practical inputs and insights on mitigating workplace burnout, emphasizing collective responsibility and action. Through strategic implementation of behavioral sciences, workplaces can become more vibrant, engaging, and less stressful environments, where every individual can truly thrive. Job burnout is recognized by the World Health Organization, but there is also caregiver burnout, emotional burnout, and parental burnout that leads to #nervoussystemexhaustion . While self-care helps you manage your stress it does not solve the structural inequalities that create the conditions that cause burnout. We need to use behavior change science to create individual, organizational and cultural change to prevent burnout. Dr Jacqueline Kerr is a mom, behavior scientist and burnout survivor. She is in the Top 1% of Most Cited Scientists worldwide and her work has informed the US Center for Disease Control Community Prevention Guide. Dr. Kerr left her position as a public health professor in 2018. She now hosts the Podcast 'Overcoming Working Mom Burnout' where she interviews researchers, diversity experts, and leadership coaches, focusing on #mentalillness . She is on a mission to dismantle the causes of working mom burnout and #genderbias with individual, organizational and cultural change through behavior change science. Connect with Jacqueline Kerr on LinkedIn and YouTube @Dr Jacqueline Kerr. Filming and video editing credits go to NSHAPS Productions and Kamal Ismail. Food photography credits go to Tom Adams. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [3:13] What got Dr. Kerr into the burnout and behavior change space [6:19] What does it mean to be in a state of burnout [12:47] How can leaders help mitigate burnout for their team [18:33] Making burnout a collective responsibility [23:44] What do we commonly get wrong about behavior change [35:29] Mindset of "this is never going to work" can also be a sign of burnout [42:16] The importance for leaders to be self aware, and have an emotional connection with emotional intelligence [46:15] Rapid fire questions Join Dr. Kerr and I for this conversation, as we talk about understanding and mitigating burnout in the corporate and leadership spaces You can find the full transcript of our conversation on my website, along with more information about Jacqueline and her work. Thank you for being a part of my podcast community, and remember to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes to come! #PodcastEpisode #TraumaInformedLeadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalGrowth Connect with Dr. Jacqueline LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqueline-kerr-a62581173/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/me2wemoms Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/drjacquelinekerr/ TedX Talk: https://youtu.be/9YY0gVnVPoQ?si=OMv0XbcX7_BW4kBG https://www.thehuumangroup.com/ https://www.drjacquelinekerr.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…

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

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Yegge, the Wealth Architect, to discuss the importance of being open and flexible, thinking about your thought process, and letting events unfold as they should. Mark shares his journey from a monetary wealth focus to a more holistic understanding of prosperity. He emphasizes that wealth encompasses health, relationships, spirituality, freedom, among other aspects. We also get into the importance of being connected to something bigger than oneself, and how that impacts leadership. Mark Yegge embarked on his wealth exploration journey from a young age, initiating his foray into investing that led to him purchasing his first car at the age of 16. Displaying a growth mindset, he went on to establish a Wall Street software company that played a pivotal role in introducing after-hours trading, ultimately growing into a $30-million enterprise. Mark's entrepreneurial prowess earned him accolades such as Small Business of the Year, Florida 100, and recognition as an Inc Magazine Fast 500 recipient. Deloitte also acknowledged his achievements, naming him a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year twice. Beyond his business success, Mark is a multifaceted author, having written books like "Hacking Money," "The Cash Flow Machine," “The 20 Keys To Pure Relationships,” and "Negotiate To Win-Win." These works extend beyond financial topics, addressing the broader aspects of building relationships, self-connection, and purposeful living. Presently, overseeing multiple investment funds and educating high-net-worth investors in the 7- and 8-figure range, Mark emphasizes the importance of balanced abundance in all facets of life through his community success and learning platform, Light Circle. Join Mark on his transformative journey as he intertwines the realms of abundant living and profound spirituality, aligning with the core principles of Light Circle. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [2:13] How expansive the word ‘Wealth’ can be [3:33] How his path unfolded in this work [6:03] How he stayed grounded once he reached material success [12:16] A peak into his mastermind [15:56] The importance of self connection [18:56] How long it takes to find out who you really are [21:35] Creating magical self connection [24:18] The light circle [29:22] His journey to profound spirituality [37:36] Connecting spirituality and leadership [40:40] Rapid fire questions Join Mark and I for this conversation, as we talk about the power in connecting to self, and how it shapes you as a leader. You can find the full transcript of our conversation on my website, along with more information about Mark and his work. Thank you for being a part of my podcast community, and remember to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes to come! #PodcastEpisode #TraumaInformedLeadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalGrowth Connect with Mark Your Greatest Year event (Jan13-14, 2024) https://www.lightcircle.org/yourgreatestyear LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-circle-org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightcircle_org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551260894505 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lightcircleorg YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaHStw-gq4tgEkqTqjA96EQ https://www.lightcircle.org/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/ Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/ Contact: media@carolynswora.com…